Winter Park, August 26, 2025
News Summary
The Winter Park Playhouse is set to temporarily relocate its 2025-2026 season to the Mandell Theatre at the Orlando Shakes complex due to a 12-month renovation of its original facility. The change will see a reduction from six productions to five musicals during this time, starting from July 2025. The anticipated renovations, funded by the Orange County Tourist Development Tax, aim to enhance the theatre with additional seating and a larger stage, allowing the Playhouse to return to an upgraded venue after the renovation period.
Winter Park — The Winter Park Playhouse will temporarily relocate its 2025-2026 season to the Mandell Theatre within the Orlando Shakes complex while its current facility undergoes an estimated 12‑month renovation from July 2025 through June 2026. The season, marking the Playhouse’s 23rd year, will present five musicals at the Mandell Theatre, which can accommodate the same number of guests as the Playhouse’s current location.
What is happening and when
The Playhouse will suspend performances at its current venue beginning July 2025 for an estimated yearlong renovation. The 2025-2026 performance season will run at the Mandell Theatre. The decision reduces the season from the usual six productions to five musicals for 2025-2026. Renovation work is scheduled to conclude in June 2026, after which the Playhouse is expected to return to its upgraded home.
Season overview and schedule
The five productions scheduled for the 2025-2026 season, with run dates, are:
- Jerry’s Girls — August 8–31, 2025: a revue celebrating the music of composer Jerry Herman.
- Forever Plaid — September 26–October 19, 2025: an Off-Broadway musical about 1950s male vocal groups returning for a final shot at fame.
- Honky Tonk Angels Holiday Hoedown — November 14–December 20, 2025: a holiday-themed musical featuring classic and comedic tunes.
- From My Hometown: A Celebration of the American Dream in Classic R&B — January 23–February 21, 2026: a story of three young men from different cities performing R&B at the Apollo Theatre.
- The Pin-Up Girls — March 20–April 25, 2026: a musical inspired by soldiers’ letters spanning 100 years.
Tickets, pricing and sales dates
Single tickets for the season will range from $20 to $47. Preview performances at a reduced ticket price of $23 will be offered before each show’s official opening. A $10@10 student rush program will make tickets available for $10 based on availability on performance days. Annual subscribers will receive discounts off single ticket prices.
Sales schedule:
- Tickets for the 5-Show Annual Series will be made available to current subscribers first, with public sales beginning on February 11, 2025.
- The “You Pick 3” mini-series subscriptions will go on sale on March 18, 2025.
- Single tickets will be available for general purchase starting on April 1, 2025.
Venue and capacity
Performances during the renovation period will be held at the Mandell Theatre, located within the Orlando Shakes complex. The Mandell Theatre is reported to offer the same audience capacity as the Playhouse’s current venue, allowing the Playhouse to maintain attendance levels while the renovation is underway.
Renovation funding and planned upgrades
The renovation project carries an estimated cost of $8 million and is funded by Orange County Tourist Development Tax dollars. Planned improvements include the addition of more theatre seats, a larger stage, and an expanded lobby area to enhance patron flow and backstage operations.
Context and implications
The alteration to a five-show season represents a temporary adjustment from the Playhouse’s typical six-production schedule. The relocation to a same-capacity theatre aims to preserve audience access and subscription benefits during construction. The timeline places the Playhouse out of its current building for approximately one year, with the intent of returning to a remodeled facility that increases seating and enlarges performance and public spaces.
Patrons planning to attend in 2025-2026 are advised to note the alternate venue and the sales schedule for subscriptions and single tickets, as well as options for reduced-price previews and student rush tickets.
FAQ
When will the Playhouse be closed for renovations?
The Playhouse will close for renovations from July 2025 through June 2026.
Where will performances take place during renovations?
All 2025-2026 performances will be held at the Mandell Theatre within the Orlando Shakes complex.
How many shows are in the 2025-2026 season?
The season will include five musicals, reduced from the usual six for this year.
What are the ticket prices?
Single tickets will range from $20 to $47. Preview tickets are $23. A student rush program will offer $10 tickets based on availability.
When do tickets go on sale?
5-Show Annual Series tickets will be available first to current subscribers, with public sales starting on February 11, 2025. “You Pick 3” subscriptions go on sale March 18, 2025. Single tickets go on sale April 1, 2025.
How is the renovation funded and what will be upgraded?
The $8 million renovation is funded by Orange County Tourist Development Tax dollars and will add seats, expand the stage, and enlarge the lobby area.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Renovation period | July 2025 – June 2026 |
| Temporary venue | Mandell Theatre (Orlando Shakes complex) |
| Season | 5 musicals (23rd season) |
| Ticket range | $20 – $47 (Preview $23, Student rush $10) |
| Renovation funding | $8 million (Orange County Tourist Development Tax) |
| Planned upgrades | More seats, larger stage, expanded lobby |
| Public ticket sale start | February 11, 2025 (public for annual series); April 1, 2025 (single tickets) |
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Magazine: Winter Park Playhouse Announces Exciting 2025-2026 Season Lineup
- Broadway World: Winter Park Playhouse Announces Their New 2025-2026 Series of Professional Musicals
- The32789: Playhouse Makes Short-Term Shift to Shakespeare Center
- Bungalower: Winter Park Playhouse’s Festival is the Best $10 You’ll Spend This Weekend
- Orlando Weekly: Keep Busy All Year Round: Annual Orlando Events
- Wikipedia: Theatre in the United States
- Google Search: Winter Park Playhouse
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
