For the first time ever, AMP is offering season tickets. With three different ticket packages, you can bring a large group to one show, or ensure your seat to every show this season.
Amelia Musical Playhouse is holding auditions for Neil Simon’s “The Sunshine Boys.”
The Sunshine Boys is written by Neil Simon and will be directed by Bill Ivins with assistant director Diana Herman. The two lead men will be played by Frank O’Donnell as Willie Clark and Ted Haller as Al Lewis.
Auditions: August 23 – 2 p.m. at AMP
Performances: Oct. 24–26, 2025
Synopsis: The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon is a heartwarming and humorous play about two aging vaudeville performers, Willie Clark and Al Lewis, who were once a famous comedy duo but haven’t spoken in over a decade due to personal and professional disagreements. When a television network wants to reunite them for a special tribute to the history of comedy, their long-standing feud resurfaces, leading to a series of bickering, misunderstandings, and reluctant rehearsals. Through sharp wit and poignant moments, the play explores themes of aging, friendship, legacy, and the enduring (and sometimes maddening) bonds between longtime collaborators.
Character Descriptions:
Ben Silverman (Willie’s Nephew) – A practical, patient, and slightly exasperated talent agent in his 30s to early 50s, trying to manage both his career and his difficult uncle.
Sketch Nurse – A cheerful, flirtatious young woman (20s–30s) hired to play a nurse in the vaudeville sketch, more showbiz than medical.
TV Studio Patient – A non-speaking or minimally speaking character (50s–70s), often played for comic effect as an elderly man caught in the chaos of the vaudeville routine.
Eddie (TV Production Assistant) – A harried, no-nonsense young professional (20s–40s) juggling logistics and egos on the day of the television taping.
No preparation or monologues needed. We will be asking actors to read a few sections of scenes with Frank and Ted.
To love this show, one does not have to be Jewish, or old, or from New York. The humor could be from any ethnic group that uses humor to cope. The jokes are timeless.
(Please note – some of the language and content is adult in nature!).
Most audiences want to see a show and leave the theatre with a smile on their faces—they want to escape the everyday world, and their own problems. This show delivers—some of the humor is relatable, some jokes are just silly, others are hysterical. Several of the characters speak about their lives, (funny and poignant), and there is even a bit of singing.
Come enjoy a southern rock review at Amelia Musical Playhouse! Audiences loved this revue so much in 2024, we brought it back for another summer of fun. Local musicians and AMP regulars will perform a revue of great southern rock classics interspersed with true stories directly from the news about “Florida Man.” Written and directed by Bill Ivins, featuring hilarious TRUE news stories and southern rock music we all know and love.
Come enjoy the songs of Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and other big rock artists you love! Their music underscores a tale of big dreams in Hollywood. Soon after hopping off a bus from the Midwest, aspiring singer Sherrie Christian immediately finds herself in trouble. Coming to her rescue is Drew, a bar-back at the legendary club the Bourbon Room. With stars in their eyes, the young lovers chase their dreams, but a misunderstanding involving rock god Stacee Jaxx threatens to tear them apart.
Up next at Amelia Musical Playhouse – a 1961 musical that won seven Tony Awards and the 1962 Pulitzer Prize for Drama! The leading man, window washer J. Pierrepot Finch, has been played by Matthew Broderick in the 1995 Broadway Revival, Ralph Macchio in the 1996 U.S. National Tour, and Daniel Radcliffe in the 2011 revival. Come enjoy AMP’s lively production April 24 – May 4, directed by Bill Ivins.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a satirical comedy that takes aim at the corporate world, following the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch from window washer to high-powered executive using a trusty handbook. Along the way, he navigates the pitfalls of office politics, backstabbing coworkers, and the quest for true love. With a score by Frank Loesser, including hits like “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man” and “The Company Way,” this Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical delivers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and sharp social commentary, making it a perfect showcase for both lead and ensemble performers.
The musical is written by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, based upon the book by Shepherd Mead, and will be directed by Bill Ivins, with musical direction by Mary Williams, and choreography by Kristin Bean.
In the “Mean Girls High School Version,” Cady Heron, a naive girl who grew up in Africa, transfers to a suburban Illinois high school and unwittingly becomes entangled with the popular clique known as “The Plastics,” led by the manipulative Regina George; as Cady attempts to climb the social ladder, she learns the harsh realities of high school popularity and the consequences of betraying her true self, ultimately realizing the importance of authenticity and kindness.
The songs of Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and other artists underscore a tale of big dreams in Hollywood. Soon after hopping off a bus from the Midwest, aspiring singer Sherrie Christian immediately finds herself in trouble. Coming to her rescue is Drew, a bar-back at the legendary club the Bourbon Room. With stars in their eyes, the young lovers chase their dreams, but a misunderstanding involving rock god Stacee Jaxx threatens to tear them apart.
AUDITION INFO:
Please come prepared with one minute of a song from the 80s/90s rock genre and a short monologue of your choice. There will be a small choreo piece at the beginning of our auditions. Come ready to rock with us! This is sure to be an awesome show!!
Character Breakdown:
All characters must be 18+
DREW:
An appealing, good-guy rocker with great, easy comedic timing, a boyish charm, vulnerability, and a very strong rock tenor voice. Drew works at the legendary Bourbon Room hoping and waiting for his dreams to come true. He finds an instant attraction to Sherrie, the beautiful new arrival from the Midwest, who encourages him to go after his dreams.
SHERRIE:
Caucasian female, an in-shape, pretty, fresh faced, innocent Midwestern girl stepping right off the bus into a new world to pursue her dreams of stardom. Strong comedic timing, strong rock belt, good movement ability. Should be comfortable in revealing/skimpy clothing.
LONNY:
The narrator of the piece, charming, mischievous, welcoming, vibrant personality, a guy who would be fun to spend one drunken night with. Strong, honest comedic timing and improv skills, and strong rock vocals.
DENNIS DUPREE:
Classic stoner type guy who runs the famous Bourbon Room club. Torn about whether he should sell the club to Hertz, a German businessman. Very strong comedic timing. A laid back, easy going dude. Bari-tenor rock vocals.
STACEE JAXX/FATHER:
A sexy rock star. Decided to leave his successful hair/metal-rock band to try it solo. Self important, confident intriguing in all the wrong ways, the ultimate bad boy; he is all about sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Great comedic timing and strong rock tenor voice.
JUSTICE/MOTHER:
A female, strong presence, an easy sensuality about her. Once a performer, she now operates a strip club where Sherrie winds up working. Takes on the maternal role for the girls that work for her. Strong, soulful vocals and belt needed.
HERTZ KLINEMANN:
An attractive older German male. Uptight, cold, intimidating businessman trying to buy up the Strip to develop it. The bad guy of the piece. Strong comedic timing and baritone vocals.
FRANZ KLINEMANN:
Hertz’s son, young German male. Works for his father, but not by choice. Pressured and intimidated by his father. Shy, gentle with a big heart. Strong vocals and comedic timing.
REGINA:
A fun, hippie type, in shape, earthy girl who fights against the attempted take over of The Strip. Strong comedic timing, belt vocals, and comfortable in revealing/skimpy clothing.
MAYOR/JA’KEITH/ENSEMBLE:
A strong character actor with good comedic timing to play numerous roles, strong rock tenor, and strong dance/movement ability.
JOEY PRIMO/ENSEMBLE:
A young male with the rocker sensibility, strong rock tenor and strong/ dance/movement ability.
FEMALE ENSEMBLE:
Three of the sexiest female singer/dancers around. Sassy, in shape, beautiful. Must be comfortable in very skimpy/sexy clothing. Strong dancers proficient in jazz and modern, comedic ability, and strong rock vocals.
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a rompin’ stompin’ musical that is sure to get your toes tapping. Based on the true story of how a thriving small business in La Grange, Texas (population 3,100) became the talk of the state in 1973. The musical transports us back to the days of porch sitting and tea sipping and turning a blind eye to what everyone knew was going on (nothing dirty!) The Chicken Ranch (a/k/a) Miss Mona’s had peacefully coexisted with politicians, locals and city folk alike for over 50 years until the TV “consumer affairs” reporter made it his mission to shut it down.
Rated PG-13 for language and inuendo.
Sponsored by:
Cathy and Bob Randall
Karen Newman in memory of her aunt, Char Bachman
Carol Crisci in dedication of the fAMPily
Our season sponsor The Spice & Tea Exchange of Fernandina Beach
Dates and Times:
Thursday, January 30, 2025: 7:30pm
Friday, January 31, 2025: 7:30pm
Saturday, February 1, 2025: 7:30pm
Sunday, February 2, 2025: 2:30pm
Thursday, February 6, 2025: 7:30pm
Friday, February 7, 2025: 7:30pm
Saturday, February 8, 2025: 7:30pm
Sunday, February 9, 2025: 2:30pm
Cast:
Courtney Laine Russell as Miss Mona
Chad Miller as Sheriff Ed Earl
Frank O’Donnell as “The Watchdog”
Courtney Costrino as Jewel
John Drew as the Governor
Crew:
Directors – Ann Walsh & Donna Lewis
Assistant Director – Jimmy Kalista
Music Direction – Lynn Arizzi & Pam Cooper
Costumes – Tammy Lynch & Melinda Varnadoe
Choreographers – Jennifer McCarthy & Kristin Bean
Art – Bill Ivins
Creators
Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Music & Lyrics by Carol Hall
Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Tuesdays with Morrie, a staged reading, featuring Ron Kurtz and Sam Cobean, will be on the AMP stage January 10-12.
Tuesdays with Morrie is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie’s appearance on a television news program and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.
Directed by Ron Kurtz Ty Reuter – Voice of Janine Diana Herman – Stage Manager Karen Cook and Lisa McKenna – Crew
January 10-12, 2025
Sponsored by Catherine Willford, in honor of her father, Milt Willford.
Thanks to our season sponsor The Spice and Tea Exchange.
The comedy, the movement, the music. Elvis as seen through the eyes of 17 women!
From Tupelo, Mississippi to Graceland, meet some of the women who never dreamed they’d be in Elvis‘s life story. Some are enthralled, some appalled, and ALL OBSESSED.
Sweet, funny, life changing, this story is told in a series of significant Elvis years vignettes and monologues. Written by the creative Luigi Jannuzzi, All the King’s Women is a touching comedy with a heart that captures what fame, generosity, and simple kindness can do to others.
Dates and Times:
+ Friday, April 10, 2026 at 7:30pm
+ Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 7:30pm
+ Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 2:30pm
+ Friday, April 17, 2026 at 7:30pm
+ Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:30pm
+ Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:30pm
Cast: Colleen Perry Carolyn Haller Vicki Wyttenbach Kara Brooker Jess Mainor-Thiel Debra Parsons Michele Blubaugh Ty Reuter Victoria Moore Carol Crisci Doris Davis Martha McDowell Jeff Goldberg Ted Haller
Director: Ann Walsh Music director/creative assistant: Colleen Perry Musicians: Solomon Johnson-piano, Jeff Pullen-drums
We are casting for several lead roles and a large ensemble for our upcoming production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! The show will run in April and May 2025. We are looking for actors 18 years and older, with a particular need for men in the ensemble.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a satirical comedy that takes aim at the corporate world, following the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch from window washer to high-powered executive using a trusty handbook. Along the way, he navigates the pitfalls of office politics, backstabbing coworkers, and the quest for true love. With a score by Frank Loesser, including hits like “I Believe in You,” “Brotherhood of Man” and “The Company Way,” this Tony Award-winning and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical delivers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and sharp social commentary, making it a perfect showcase for both lead and ensemble performers.
The musical is written by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, based upon the book by Shepherd Mead, and will be directed by Bill Ivins, with musical direction by Mary Williams, and choreography by Kristin Bean.
Audition Requirements:
• Prepare 16–18 bars (about one minute) of a song of your choice.
• If you need accompaniment, please bring an MP3 player or use your phone.
• Be ready to dance for the choreographer.
Principal Roles Available:
• J. Pierrepont Finch – Male, 18–25, the ambitious hero with a charming, irrepressible personality. (Vocal range: C3–G4)
• Gatch – Male, 40–60, a sleazy executive.
• Smitty – Female, 30–40, a dry-witted secretary.
• Mr. Twimble – Male, 60–75, a loyal, old-fashioned company employee. (Vocal range: C#3–E4)
• J.B. Biggley – Male, 50–65, the philandering company president. (Vocal range: C3–A4)
December 22, 2024 at 2:30pm, come enjoy a festive holiday revue by the Senior Theatre Project! Songs, comedy skits and holiday favorites will be a sweet kickoff to your Christmas / Hanukkah week!
Tickets are $10. Call 904.227.3455 for reservations.
For more information about the Senior Theater Project, contact Jeff: JeffG5757@comcast.net
Charles Dickens first published his novel, “A Christmas Carol,” in 1843. Since that time, numerous renditions of the story have been used to teach some wonderful life lessons. “Scrooge: the musical” recounts the story of an elderly miser, who is visited in the middle of the night by the ghost of his former business partner. He is assisted by three additional spirits who warn Scrooge that he must change from his miserable ways or suffer in an eternity of despair. After their visits, Scrooge chooses to make the needed alterations to his way of life.
“Scrooge: the musical” by Leslie Bricusse is a 1992 adaptation of the 1970 musical film “Scrooge”, which starred Albert Finney. Bricusse was nominated for an Academy Award for the song score. Most of these songs have been carried over to the musical.
This is the fourth year that our Nassau County Tax Collector John M. Drew is directing the show at Amelia Musical Playhouse (AMP) and the 7th year that AMP is sharing this performance with the community. More than 50 people are sharing their talents this year to make this production an outstanding success.
We have added an additional show night because of the sellout crowds in previous years!
Showtimes are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. December 5th-8th and 12th-15th
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students when you call the theater box office at (904) 277-3455. For the convenience of purchasing your tickets online at www.904tix.com there will be a small processing fee.
Cast:
Scrooge – Frank O’Donnell
Spirit of Christmas Past – Kara Brooker
Spirit of Christmas Present – John M Drew
Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come – Gregg Dillingham
Due to the great response from last year’s show, the members of Amelia Musical Playhouse are paying tribute once again to the late musician by sharing some back stories and performing some of Buffett’s best known hits.
You don’t have to live in Key West to know that Jimmy Buffett was a beloved songwriter and gifted performer who not only wrote great songs, but created an entire culture. His most famous venture, Margaritaville, expanded from a single song to a global brand encompassing restaurants, hotels, and merchandise, turning the laid-back island vibe into a multi-million dollar empire. “Parrotheads” are encouraged to wear their tropical best and join us as we celebrate Buffett’s legacy.
The show features several of AMP’s regulars, including Jill Dillingham, Bill Ivins, Zain Beverly, and others. In addition, the band also features Monty Smith on guitar and vocals, Dale Cooper on bass, and Mark Gulledge on drums, plus special guest Jeffrey Weathers on harmonica. There are many additional singers and a trio of ladies as the “Reeferettes.” The show is co-directed by Dillingham and Ivins.
Amelia Musical Playhouse is a non-profit community theater group, presenting a wide variety of shows —including musicals, comedies, farces, and much more. We are always looking for new members to the company, and hope that you will support local theater with your performance, backstage work, or attendance!
Amelia Musical Playhouse is located at 1955 Island Walkway, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.
Dates and Times:
November 22, 2024: 7:30pm
November 23, 2024: 7:30pm
Band:
Monty Smith: Guitar and Vocals
Dale Cooper: Bass
Mark Gulledge: Drums
Jeffrey Weathers: Harmonica
Directors:
Jill Dillingham andBill Ivins
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students (18 and under) and are available online at: 904TIX or you can call the box office at: 904-277-3455.
Charles Dickens first published his novel, “A Christmas Carol,” in 1843. Since that time, numerous renditions of the story have been used to teach some wonderful life lessons. “Scrooge: the musical” recounts the story of an elderly miser, who is visited in the middle of the night by the ghost of his former business partner. He is assisted by three additional spirits who warn Scrooge that he must change from his miserable ways or suffer in an eternity of despair. After their visits, Scrooge chooses to make the needed alterations to his way of life.
“Scrooge: the musical” by Leslie Bricusse is a 1992 adaptation of the 1970 musical film “Scrooge”, which starred Albert Finney. Bricusse was nominated for an Academy Award for the song score. Most of these songs have been carried over to the musical.
This is the fourth year that our Nassau County Tax Collector John M. Drew is directing the show at Amelia Musical Playhouse (AMP) and the 7th year that AMP is sharing this performance with the community. More than 50 people are sharing their talents this year to make this production an outstanding success.
We have added an additional show night because of the sellout crowds in previous years!
Showtimes are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30pm. December 5th-8th and 12th-15th
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15for students when you call the theater box office at (904) 277-3455. For the convenience of purchasing your tickets online at www.904tix.com there will be a small processing fee.
