Live Active Cultures

While absent, I did note some local theater news. I was saddened to learn of Rollins professor Kevin Gray's sudden passing. I didn't know the Broadway veteran personally, but was once lucky enough to sit with him during a performance of Phantom of the Opera (a show he starred in more than 1,500 times) at the Bob Carr. My condolences to his colleagues and family.

Speaking of the Bob Carr, hot on the heels of Florida Theatrical Association and the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center settling their skirmish over touring productions for downtown's under-construction auditorium, FTA has announced their 2013-2014 Broadway Across America slate. FTA's Ron Legler bills their 25th annual series as "celebrating our final season at the Bob Carr," which may disappoint anyone who hoped to see headlining hit Book of Mormon on DPAC's new stage. Still, after a year of memorizing the soundtrack, I'm thrilled to finally experience Trey Parker and Matt Stone's Tony-winning scatological satire in October without paying premium New York prices.

Even more exciting is December's arrival of War Horse. The human story in this World War I tale is somewhat trite, but the majestic puppet horses in the Lincoln Center production brought me to tears. I'm eager to see how the innovative circular staging is adapted to the Carr's proscenium.

Also anticipated are Once, a charmingly intimate Irish romance, and a revival of Evita, arguably Andrew Lloyd Webber's strongest work. As for musicalizations of the movies Flashdance and Ghost … well, four out of six ain't bad. Now, if only we didn't have to drive to Tampa to see American Idiot in May.

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