Island City Stage recently held a celebratory reception in honor of its ongoing 10th anniversary 2021-22 season.
In recognition of the milestone, loyal donors were recognized for their support which allows the arts organization to produce a variety of thought-provoking and entertaining experiences in an intimate setting.
Island City Stage’s Martin Childers, left, and Andy Rogow, at Island City Stage’s 10th Anniversary donor reception. (Photo by Matthew Tippins)
“We are delighted to be celebrating our 10th anniversary season which is an amazing tribute to all those who believed in us then, and now,” said Martin Childers, managing director of Island City Stage. The organization “is dedicated to bringing quality live theater to South Florida audiences and this season won’t disappoint our loyal fans or newcomers.”
During the reception at Union Kitchen & Bar, special presentations were made to congratulate the organization’s current board of directors, Artistic Director Andy Rogow and select donors for their significant contributions.
From left, Ed Hashek, David Umbach and David Munro at Island City Stage’s 10th Anniversary donor reception. (Photo by Matthew Tippins)
Founded in 2012, Island City Stage, located at 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, creates professional theatrical productions and specializes in developing new work in addition to featuring the efforts of playwrights who expose audiences to different voices and diverse experiences.
From left, Mabel Weiner, Karl Van Horne and Dr. Deborah Floyd at Island City Stage’s 10th Anniversary donor reception. (Photo by Matthew Tippins)
The shows are brought to life through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television.
Island City offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seats to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation in each theatrical event.
From left, Mark Tews, Martin Childers and Raymond Griffis at Island City Stage’s 10th Anniversary donor reception. (Photo by Matthew Tippins)
The 10th anniversary season, which has already presented The Twentieth Century Way by Tom Jacobson, will also feature:
Armature by Andrew Kramer
Jan. 27 – Feb. 27.
Racism, homophobia and self-hatred seethe through this world premiere play. It is the story of the Armature Bar that connects two sexy, troubled gay men and a black family whose matriarch is running for political office.
Suddenly, Last Summer by Tennessee Williams
March 17 – April 17
Williams was one of the true titans of live theater over the past century and Suddenly Last Summer is one of his most memorable works. Evoking themes of aging and beauty, hypocrisy, greed, sexual repression and cannibalism, the play was considered by the author as his most poetic. On a hot, steamy afternoon, Violet Venable and her niece, Catherine, become involved in an argument that will cement the legacy of Violet’s son, Sebastian. Was he a brilliant artist, devoted son or sexual predator?
The Mystery of Irma Vep by Charles Ludlam
June 9 – July 10
Vampire attacks, werewolf sightings and the resurrection of an Egyptian princess all make an appearance in this hilarious send-up of gothic romance and horror films in which two actors and rapid costume changes are the stars of the show. Charles Ludlam and The Ridiculous Theatrical Company were pioneers, now legends in LGBT+ theater, elevating camp to an art form and paving the way for companies like Island City Stage.
One In Two by Donja R. Love
Aug. 4 – Sept. 4, 2022
Three actors sit in an ethereal waiting room. At each performance, the audience chooses which actor must portray the lead character in this unforgiving story of a black man diagnosed with HIV. Through humor and pathos, Love has written a deeply personal call to action and created an unflinching portrait of being black and a gay person in America today.
The Jade String Quartet set a festive tone for Island City Stage’s 10th Anniversary donor reception held at Union Kitchen & Bar in Wilton Manors. (Photo by Matthew Tippins)
