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 Join Messrs. Gilbert, Sullivan and D’Oyly Carte themselves on a fantastic voyage to a land where the matchless libretto, beautiful music, and all of your favorite characters await! Enjoy the abounding absurdity and astounding wit that are as fresh and full of laughter now as when Gilbert & Sullivan first brought the story to life.

The production starkly contrasts historical treatments of The Mikado in several ways. The character representation onstage-from the principals to the chorus-are of a decidedly Victorian English company, with fantastical highlights and juxtapositions between an imagined Japan and anachronistic elements from 1880’s London; fueled only by Gilbert’s own imagination. This production actively seeks diversity in its casting, welcoming performers of all backgrounds to share the magic of Gilbert & Sullivan with audiences from all backgrounds as well.

For tickets and additional information, visit CPAC

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Al Jardine, is a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter best known for being one of the founding members of the California-based group, The Beach Boys. In 2010, Al released his first studio album, “A Postcard from California,” which featured guest appearances from Neil Young, Stephen Stills, David Crosby, Steve Miller, Glen Campbell, Gerry Beckley & Dewey Bunnell (America) and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), plus all the remaining Beach Boys.

Carnie Wilson (from Wilson Phillips) and his son Matt Jardine, who performs regularly on Brian Wilson’s current tour, join Al as they sing the legendary hits of The Beach Boys, including, “Help Me, Rhonda,” “California Girls,” “I Get Around,” “God Only Knows,” “Good Vibrations,” “Fun Fun Fun” and many more!

For an unforgettable night of pure California fun,  

Buy tickets

*****

December 17 at 7 pm

Home for the Holidays – Get in the holiday spirit with the exquisite sounds of the Florida Philharmonia. This outstanding orchestra, made up of 50 professional musicians from around the state and guest musicians of international renown, in addition to guest soloists, is led by acclaimed conductor Pasquale Valerio.

Home for the Holidays will feature some of the most beloved holiday classics including “It’s the Most Wonderful Time (of the Year),” “Silent Night,” “The Prayer” and “Blue Christmas.”

The combined talents of the maestro, orchestra and the outstanding repertoire, make this a must-attend event and a night that’s sure to have you singing along.

For an unforgettable night of Holiday Spirit 

Buy tickets

*****

Clermont Performing Arts Center, located at 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont, has been home to legendary acts from Broadway to bluegrass, opera to comedy and legendary stars from the worlds of rock and roll, theater, movies and television. The 1000-seat theater is the largest in Lake County, yet offers an intimate setting that you just can’t find anywhere else. 

Clermont Performing Art Center’s Black Box Theater has been home to some of the greatest comedy acts in the country. This 192-seat theater offers the perks of a downtown comedy club without leaving your backyard.

To learn more, visit the Clermont Performing Arts Center at 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont, call 352-394-4800, or their Website at ClermontPerformingArts.

Some performances sell out quickly so select and purchase your tickets as soon as possible.

Buy tickets

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The Black Box Theater, a 192-seat intimate space in the Clermont Performing Arts Center, will sport new carpet, fresh paint and brand-new, upgraded seats.

“The new seats are fully upholstered with comfortable bottoms and backs and there is plenty of room for our guests,” Theater Manager Jon Sousan said. “The seating has also improved the acoustics for the entire theater. The audio will be much more detailed and easier to understand by reducing the harshness.”

The re-opening began with Charlie Grinker’s “Veterans Day Salute” on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Next on the schedule is the “The Munsterz” with four dates beginning Nov. 17.

The Black Box Theater is also home to the Friday Night Comedy series that begins November 26 and runs through May 2023.

Meanwhile, the plush, velvety copper-colored curtain that shrouds anticipation for the Main Stage at Lake County’s largest performing arts center, has also been spruced up for the season.

“We’ve worked hard to build a solid lineup for Clermont,” Sousan said. “We are excited to welcome back our established patrons and invite many new ones as we embark on this entertainment adventure!”

The shows range from concerts to plays to stand-up comedy. Simply put, there is something for every theatrical taste.

The Mainstage lineup includes: 

• Al Jardine featuring Carnie Wilson and Matt Jardine
• Florida Philharmonia: Home for the Holidays
• The Golden Sounds of the Platters
• Evil Woman: The American ELO
• Mikado
• The Righteous Brothers
• Mike Super, Illionist
• Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute
• Florida Philharmonia: Spring Pops Concert
• Moonlight Players: Seussical the Musical
• Kashmir: the Live Led Zeppelin Show

The Black Box will also host:

•  SAK Improv Comedy Lab
• James Yon
• Gid Pool
•  Cam Bertrand
• The Funniest Teachers in Florida: Devin Siebold & Mike Rivera

Dale JonesFor more details on all the shows and ticket information, visit www.clermontperformingarts.com or call 352-394-4800.

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The Clermont Performing Arts Center is located at 3700 S. Highway 27, Clermont.  To learn more or purchase tickets, visit ClermontPerformingArt 

2022-23 CPAC Season

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The Clermont Performing Arts Center’s Black Box Theater hosted its final performance of the popular matinee series, ‘You Are Still There’ created by Clermont’s own Emmy and Peabody Award winner, Charlie Grinker.

Grinker, armed with awesome old films, stories and memories, quickly helped the audience travel back in time to remember many celebrities, famous movie stars, presidents, significant news broadcasts, TV Shows and movies. Grinker noted, “I started to professionally work in television in 1952 after college.” After 30 years he earned his first Emmy Award for creatively producing a 17-part cable series with legendary American journalist and political commentator, Bill Moyer.

Grinker told stories about all of the celebrities who taught him how to share creativity and elebrate imagination. One of his favorite celebrities to work with was Bob Hope, who he would often join along with Sophia Loren and others as regular TV guests on the popular Mike Douglas Show in the ‘70s. He shared clips of Bob Hope performing on various TV shows as well as for our GIs fighting overseas alongside his friends Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and Lana Turner to name a few. He noted, “Bob Hope was amazing! Hope started as a boxer, before he went into radio, vaudeville and television.” Hope was also the host of the annual Oscars for 19 years and taught us all the gifts of laughter while sharing his songs, dancing and comedy.

Grinker also shared an entertaining Michael Douglas clip of Tiger Woods and his father Earl from 44 years ago, when Woods was already playing golf as a mere child. He presented terrific insights from his work with Norman Lear, the TV producer who really changed TV by introducing All in The Family with Archie Bunker and a tight-knit cast. Some of the most memorable performances included an appearance by Sammy Davis, Jr. and when Bunker gave mouth to mouth resuscitation to save the life of a female impersonator. Working with Lear, he showed how they crossed all of the sensitive racial, ethnic and sexual barriers of the late ‘60s. Grinker added, “Norman Lear really taught me how to very carefully listen and to learn from what I see and hear.” He closed the show with more famous video clips and hilarious stories from Sid Caesar, Mickey Rooney, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Jonathan Winters, Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Jack Benny.

Born in 1933, Grinker grew up in Passaic, New Jersey. He has multiple degrees in Communication Arts and Psychology from New York University and a very rich history to share. He has worked with NBC, CBS, Disney, A&E Network, Hollywood stars and plenty of historically famous celebrities. As a self-described “film nut,”, Grinker started his career as a movie usher in 1961. He jumped at the chance to work for NBC Radio in New York City in film research, knowing it would quickly lead to much bigger and better career opportunities. He thereafter became an Associate Producer where he got to work with Richard Dreyfuss, Norman Lear, Billy Graham, Bob Hope, Arthur Godfrey, Bill Moyers, Charles Osgood and many more.

After many years of hard work, he became the President of the Corporation for Entertainment & Learning from 1963 to 1991. His successful career led him to become President and Creative Director of his own Charles Grinker Productions Company for many years. This is where he conceptualized, produced and wrote his Emmy and Peabody award-winning programs and series since the 1980’s. As a nationally respected producer, writer and director of more than 200 award-winning television programs over 60 years in New York City, Grinker is very happy to live here in Clermont while offering his access to endless important old film clips while sharing his own memories, interviews, anecdotes and interesting stories.

The final show began with the audience singing Happy Birthday to Charlie, who was joined on stage by his wife and daughter. His daughter Lori Grinker is now working on a documentary to chronicle her father’s life, stories, memories and videos. She shared, “I am very proud of my father’s repertoire sharing his life experiences since the 1980s with intelligence, entertainment and great memories. He absolutely loves to tell stories!” This entertaining Charlie Grinker series is now available for private groups and organizations.

The Clermont Performing Arts Center has a most entertaining season planned with classics from the world of theater, music and pop culture presented on their Mainstage as well as in the Black Box Theater. Upcoming 2022-23 Season Shows: Some of the upcoming performances include The Sounds of Soul on October 22, Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute show on April 1, 2023 and Kashmir – The Live Led Zeppelin Tribute planned for May 6, 2023. Tickets for all shows are now on sale and can be purchased at https://clermontperformingarts.com/ or by calling 352-394-4800. CPAC is located at 3700 South U.S. Highway 27.

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Get your tickets for next season now!

Join us at 8 p.m. on Oct. 22, 2022 for The Sounds of Soul: Celebrating the Music of Motown and Beyond. The Sounds of Soul is a high-energy group that unleashes superior vocals and slick dance moves powered by pure soul. These six seasoned performers will perform the hits of The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, The Supremes, Lionel Richie, Tina Turner, Barry White and more.

Who can forget the incomparable music of the Carpenters? The popular brother/sister duo of the ‘70s and early ‘80s gave us some of the most unforgettable ballads and melodic pop songs of all time including, “Close to You,” “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “Yesterday Once More.” Join us at 7:30 p.m. on April 1, 2023, for Top of the World, the world’s premier tribute to The Carpenters.

Finally, get ready to rock at Kashmir on May 6, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. Kashmir is the nation’s number one Led Zeppelin tribute show and is the most authentic representation of the band on the national touring scene.
 
Tickets are on sale now! Purchase them on the website or by calling the Box Office at 352-394-4800.

Be sure to visit the CPAC website for future shows including Journeyman, Friday Night at the Black Box Featuring Ron Feingold and You Are Still There with Charlie Grinker.

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The Black Box Theatre in the Clermont Performing Arts Center (CPAC) is host to the ’25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’. Originally produced and directed on Broadway, the Moonlight Players brought it to CPAC to share with the community.  This musical comedy shares the story of diverse and crazy mid-pubescents who vie to win the Putnam County spelling championship.

Each of the eclectic entrants disclose humorous and heartfelt stories from their families and home lives. These energetic tweens spell their way through a series of words, hoping to hear “Correct” and not to hear the bell “ding” signaling a spelling mistake. Six spellers compete, yet only one can win.

The Moonlight Players Cast is led by Director Lavonte Rogers. Performers include Nicole Ackle as Rona Lisa Perretti, Manolo Hernandez as Doulas Branch, Nicole Szopinski as Olive Ostrovsky, Becket Wilson as William Barfeé, Tiffany Hyatt as Marcy Park, Mayra Rivera as Logainne as Schwartzandgrubenniere, Oliver Montgomery as Leaf Coneybear, Jeff Sadecky as Chip Tolentino, Kyle Stone as Mitch Mahoney and Kyle Stevens as G. Gus / Carol Dad.

Moonlight Players is a non-profit organization that was originally founded in Clermont by Jan Sheldon and Sara Ackers. Director Lavonte Rogers, notes, “The 25^th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee” has been one of my favorite shows. It captures the awkward and humorous moments of six quirky pre-teens as they navigate through the competition.

This cast is jam-packed with talented artists who bring this show to the audience with enthusiasm and dedication. It’s a very witty and humorous musical with plenty of heart!”

Performances are scheduled for April 22, 23, 29 and 30 starting at 8 PM as well as on April 24 and May 1 starting at 3 PM.

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Upcoming CPAC Shows In The Black Box: Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Charlie Grinker will present ‘Favorite Moments’ on Friday afternoon, May 13 starting at 2 PM. Ron Feingold will present a musical comedy and music show on the evening of Friday, May 13 starting at 8 PM.

At The Mainstage Theatre: ‘Journeyman’, a tribute to Eric Clapton, will be presented on Saturday, May 14.

Check out all of the additional entertainment coming to the Black Box and Mainstage Theatres.

The Clermont Performing Arts Center is located at 3700 South Highway 27 in Clermont, FL 34711.

To learn more, visit https://clermontperformingarts.com/ or call 352-394-4800.

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This riotous ride, complete with audience participation, is sure to be nothing short of a delightful comedic genius. This production marks the second time The Moonlight Players Theatre will perform at the Clermont Performing Arts Center.

“The goal of the Clermont Performing Arts Center has always been to elevate the already thriving local arts community in Lake County; and we are doing just that with this production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,’ said Chris Dudeck, Arts & Events Manager.  “After the success of Godspell in 2021, we knew we wanted another collaboration, and this show is the perfect showcase of the talent that lives right here in our backyard”.

Performances will take place at 8 pm., April 22, 23, 29 and 30 and at 3 pm., April 24 and May 1 in the Black Box Theater.

Tickets for all six performances are on sale now and can be purchased at www.ClermontPAC.com or by calling 352-394-4800. You can learn more about The Moonlight Players Theatre on their website at www.moonlightplayers.com.

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