Sunset Boulevard and Annie KIDS Comes to MPAC

Sunset Boulevard, a musical based on the legendary 1950 film by Billy Wilder, recently opened at the Manatee Performing Arts Center in downtown Bradenton. The production is one of several that MPAC will host in the coming weeks, including Annie for Kids.

Based on the Billy Wilder film, the musical version of Sunset Boulevard is a tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterwork of dreams and desire in the land called Hollywood includes the lush, swelling standards "With One Look,“ "As If We Never Said Goodbye“ and "Perfect Year.“

In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded silent-screen goddess Norma Desmond lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screenwriter Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive domain. Persuaded to work on Norma’s "masterpiece,“ a film script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, Joe is seduced by her and her luxurious lifestyle. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic existence until his love for another woman leads him to try and break free with dramatic consequences.

The rating for this show is PG. The show runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.

May 6 at 2:00 PM

Much like its protagonist, Annie KIDS is equally full of pluck and positivity. This adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical follows little orphan Annie as she searches for the parents who left her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Despite Miss Hannigan’s evil plans, Annie’s enduring optimism leads her on a heartwarming adventure through NYC.

This show is packed with well-loved songs and energetic dance numbers that will leave audiences humming and hopeful for "tomorrow.“

This is a For KIDS By KIDS Productions. Ticket fees help support this program and our ability to make it accessible for all. Anyone coming to the show must purchase a ticket (including small children).

May 14 – 17)

This performance is part of Penguin Players (adults 23 and older) and Penguin Project (ages 8-22), a musical theater production that casts Artists with disabilities in all roles. Those individuals (Artists) get assistance from on-stage peers (Mentors).

May 9 – 10

Travel back in time with DraMature to the 1940s era of Bob Hope, USO tours, and radio plays. This show is filled with songs, skits, old-fashioned commercials, and family-friendly fun.

For ticket and calendar information, visit the MPAC website.