Carrollwood Players Dishing Out '80s Fun This Summer

CARROLLWOOD, FL — Carrollwood Players Theatre, Tampa’s longest operating nonprofit community theater, is dishing out a whole lot of '80s fun this summer.

The volunteer-driven theater group is presenting the Broadway musical comedy, The Wedding Singer, based on Adam Sandler’s hit movie, now through July 2.

In a time of big hair, wild clothes and great music, the lively, laugh-a-minute musical takes you to Ridgefield, New Jersey, in 1985, where the local wedding singer, Robbie Hart, is searching for love in all the wrong - and right - places.

High-energy song and dance numbers carry the story from start to finish, and opening weekend saw audiences responding with uproarious laughter and standing ovations.

In addition to featuring a cast of exceptionally talented lead and supporting performers, the ensemble is full of fun “'80s imposters” including characters like Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, Mr. T, Billy Idol and Ronald Reagan.

According to Director Zach “Hippie” Griswold, the show is not only a really good time, but it demonstrates that “love can help carry us through the toughest of times.”

The Wedding Singer is on stage at Carrollwood Players Theatre through July 2, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Advance tickets range from $25 to $29.

You can catch a rehearsal sneak peek video for a glimpse of the fun in store.

As if a rock and roll '80s musical wasn’t enough, Carrollwood Players is doubling down with more '80s fun in August.

Set in a Manhattan apartment in the mid-'80s, Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple - Female Version, revisits the famous characters of Madison and Unger - except in this revision - they are females.

This sitcom-style comedy introduces the audience to Olive Madison and Florence Unger and asks the question: “Can two divorced women share an apartment without driving each other crazy?”

Director Marc Sanders explained, "This is an absolute must-see, boasting a terrific cast of new and familiar talents. Don’t miss it."

The Odd Couple - Female Version is on stage at Carrollwood Players Theatre from Aug. 5 through 20, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Advance tickets range from $21 to $25.

The theater is also staying busy between these two fun 80s shows. The 2022 One Act Festival is on stage from July 15 through 23, with the same performance schedule of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as the other shows.

The festival, a Carrollwood tradition for nearly 25 years, features eight short original plays in one theatrical experience. A key purpose of the production is to provide emerging playwrights and directors with an opportunity to gain valuable experience.

This year’s plays include an eclectic mix of comedy and drama, and everything in between. Witness a mind-boggling pizza delivery, a bizarre adoption agency, a family of zombies, a fairy-tale detective agency, time traveling lovebirds and more.

Advance tickets for The 2022 One Act Festival are $18 for all tickets and this popular annual event usually sells out early.

All told, according to Carrollwood Players’ Managing Director Jim Russell, more than 200 volunteers will come together to present just these three productions.

“This is what makes community theater so important and special,” Russell said. “Carrollwood Players is a place where anyone, from any background, can come and get involved, learn about theater, and participate in the magic of the arts.”

Russell added that the group is hoping for a great turnout for its upcoming auditions for the iconic Broadway classic, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to The Forum.

“We welcome all at our auditions, regardless of experience,” he explained. “If you can carry a tune and can dance a little and want to have the time of your life, come audition.”