Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Florida - Southern

Top Gun! The Musical
South Florida Welcomes A New Theatre Company

A new theatre company, Anagram Entertainment, comes to South Florida with Top Gun! The Musical presented in association with Empire Stage. This new musical, featuring music by Scott White, and book and lyrics by Denis McGrath, is schedule to appear February 3 - March 4, 2012, at the Empire Stage.

The concept for Anagram Entertainment began in 2005 with a cabaret act called "One Night Only." In 2006 Jack Gardner, Karen Cole and Nathan Sykes formed what was then called Anagram Productions, and after several successful shows in Dallas, moved the company to Florida renaming it Anagram Entertainment. Their goal is to provide South Florida with quality theatrical productions that enlighten, entertain and amuse. They endeavor to showcase local talent and foster the growth of young actors and singers. Their goal is to bring theatre into the loves of the residents of Wilton Manors and Central Broward County for many years to come. For information on this theatre you may visit them on line at www.anagramentertainment.com.

Top Gun! The Musical is a satirical musical comedy about the trials of mounting a mega-musical. The story centers around writer Billy Palmer, whose recent flop Apocalypse Wow! has left him badly in need of a hit. His latest work, which is a musical adaptation of the movie Top Gun, is saddled with bad luck, a quarrelling cast, and a shady producer who is an ex-Navy Seal.

Top Gun! The Musical was well received at the Toronto Fringe Festival, playing to sell out crowds. The South Florida premiere production features new musical arrangements, and a cast that includes local actors Gisbert Heuer, James Lott, Lindsey Johr, Blake Barbosa, Todd Storey, Christie Oliver, James Dryburgh and Kelley Kopf. For more information on this show you may go to www.topgunftl.com

Top Gun! The Musical is scheduled to appear February 3 - March 4, 2012 at the Empire Stage. The Empire Stage is located at 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It is an artist-driven collective that produces new and existing works tailored to the diverse audiences of Ft. Lauderdale, including the LGBT and Senior communities. It is their goal to offer theatre artists a supportive environment where they can collaborate, take risks, and develop as writers, actors, designers and producers. For tickets and information on Empire Stage, visit www.Empirestage.com or email Empirestage@gmail.com.


See the current theatre season schedule for southern Florida.

-- John Lariviere