Winter Park-based Central Florida Vocal Arts is launching its 11th season with a weekend performance of Stephen Sondheim’s romantic comedy, “A Little Night Music,” Aug. 18-20, in the Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Featuring beloved musical numbers that include “A Weekend In The Country” and “Send In The Clowns,” the production will mark the company’s sixth collaboration with Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, performing under the direction of conductor Aaron Collins.
Central Florida Vocal Arts’ 2023-24 season is presented under the banner, “Where the Voice Takes Center Stage.” According to Executive Director Theresa Smith-Levin, the tagline is meant to emphasize the nonprofit’s mission to offer “compelling vocal performances that inspire audiences.” Productions are backdropped by minimalist set designs that allow a more meaningful connection between the actors and the audience.
Company artistic director Eric Pinder will lead the cast of “A Little Night Music” with music director and Grammy award winner Dr. Jeffrey Redding, and choreographer Rebekah Lane, both making their CFVA debut. “This is one of my all-time favorite musicals,” said Pinder. “It has not been produced in Central Florida in over a decade and even then, not with a full orchestra.”
Following the Dr. Phillips Center performances, the production will move to Melbourne and Vero Beach for Space Coast Symphony Orchestra audiences.
CFVA was among six nonprofits to submit letters of interest in the reuse of Winter Park’s former library building. The company proposes the development of a training conservatory to serve all of Winter Park’s arts organizations. The facility would support performing and visual arts education, and include rehearsal spaces.
The Friday, Aug. 18, and Saturday, Aug. 19, performances of “A Little Night Music” are scheduled for 8 p.m. with the Sunday, Aug. 20, matinee taking place at 3 p.m. CFVA will also present performances of Frank Wildhorn’s “Dracula, the Musical” at City Arts Factory, Oct. 20-29. Tickets and information are available at CentralFloridaVocalArts.org.
Central Florida Vocal Arts and Opera del Sol merged in 2018 and have become part of the Winter Park Arts & Culture Alliance to further their dedication to re-imagining the future of vocal arts. They provide training to artists of all ages, and offer performance opportunities for up-and-coming professionals.