Ready for an insider's tour of Jacksonville's hottest summer events? We've got exclusive conversations with the legends and leaders making it all happen!

Rick Springfield joins us to chat about his return to St. Augustine Amphitheater on May 29th for the "I Want My 80s" tour. The rock legend shares stories about his friendship with fellow performers John Waite, Paul Young, and Wang Chung - all delivering full sets of their greatest hits. Springfield promises a "pedal-to-the-metal" performance that will thrill longtime fans and newcomers alike. He even reveals the fascinating connection between his album "Tao" and Paul Young's bassist who now performs with The Who and David Gilmour.

The Florida Theater's president Numa Saisselin takes us behind the scenes of their spectacular annual fundraiser happening May 17th. This isn't your typical charity event - they're building a floor over the entire seating area to create an immersive 90s party featuring Jacksonville's own Quad City DJs (of "Space Jam" fame) performing live! Numa reveals how the theater has invested $17 million in renovations with another $15 million planned, while providing over $100,000 in free tickets to veterans and arts education for 25,000+ schoolchildren annually.

Looking for an incredible opportunity for your athletic kids? Former Roar of the Jaguars Director Robin Valetutto shares details about the NFL Alumni Youth Football and Cheer Clinic happening June 14th. Children can learn from 14 former NFL players (including Big John Henderson and Quinn Gray) and 16+ former Jaguars cheerleaders. This clinic welcomes boys and girls of all skill levels, whether they're interested in traditional football, flag football, or cheerleading/dance.

Want to know what's happening in Jacksonville's entertainment scene this summer? We've packed this episode with announcements about upcoming shows at Daily's Place, Florida Theater, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, and the Alhambra Dinner Theater. Join us for this celebration of Jacksonville's vibrant cultural landscape!

The Jacksonville entertainment scene is absolutely buzzing this May with an incredible lineup of must-see performances across our premier venues. From legendary rock stars to cutting-edge comedians, this episode delivers your comprehensive guide to everything happening live in The River City.

We kick things off with a complete rundown of the jam-packed calendar at St. Augustine Amphitheater. Meanwhile, the Florida Theater hosts an equally impressive slate including Kenny G, Brit Floyd, and the legendary Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

The heart of this episode features two fascinating, candid conversations with performers heading to Jacksonville. First, comedy powerhouse Marlon Wayans opens up about his creative process, revealing how personal tragedy transformed his approach to comedy. "I write from a place of pain and then I bring the humor," he shares. "That's when my humor got more relatable." Wayans also teases his upcoming role in a Jordan Peele production and confirms a new Scary Movie installment filming this summer.

Then, Gary Mullen takes us behind the scenes of his acclaimed tribute show "One Night of Queen," discussing his unwavering commitment to honoring Freddie Mercury's legacy. "You've got to do it with full commitment and be true to the music and true to the energy of the band," Mullen explains, offering fascinating insights into Queen's musical diversity and multi-generational appeal.

Whether you're a rock enthusiast, comedy fan, or theater lover, Jacksonville's May calendar has something special waiting for you. Subscribe to our podcast for regular updates on all the amazing live entertainment coming to our city, and never miss another unforgettable performance!

The Broadway in Jacksonville 2025-26 season is about to transform our city's cultural landscape with five spectacular premieres that will dazzle theater lovers and newcomers alike. From slapstick comedy to lavish spectacle, this lineup delivers unforgettable nights of entertainment that bring Broadway's finest directly to our doorstep.

We kick off the episode chatting with Cecilia Petrush from MJ: the Musical. This is a conversation I accidently forgot to include when this episode first published, so I'm calling it the Producers Cut.

Then we're joined by Amanda Scott from the FSCJ Artist Series who walks us through this extraordinary new season sponsored by VyStar Credit Union. The journey begins in November with "Clue," the nostalgic whodunit that brings the Hasbro board game and beloved 1985 film to life in a fast-paced, 90-minute theatrical experience at Boddy Manor.

The season continues with "Mrs. Doubtfire" in February 2026, featuring what might be Broadway's most impressive theatrical magic. Steve Edlund, Associate Director, reveals the incredible behind-the-scenes choreography that allows the lead actor to transform between Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire more than 30 times throughout the show – sometimes with costume changes taking less than 30 seconds. These lightning-fast transformations require a dedicated team (affectionately called "Team Effie") who execute every step like a precisely choreographed dance number.

March brings the lavish world of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," immersing audiences in crimson velvet draping, the iconic elephant statue, and windmill, while delivering a spectacular musical experience that spans over 160 years of popular music. April showcases "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical," presenting the untold story of an American icon whose emotional songwriting has touched multiple generations.

Closing the season in May, choreographer Connor Gallagher shares insights into "Beetlejuice," where Tim Burton's bizarre world comes alive with theatrical flair. The show features interactive elements where Beetlejuice breaks the fourth wall, making each performance unique. One showstopping number features nine Beetlejuices simultaneously dancing across couches, flipping off tables, and hanging from chandeliers.

Now entering its 60th season, the FSCJ Artist Series continues making professional Broadway accessible to Jacksonville audiences. Season subscriptions start at just $232 for all five shows, offering priority seating, flexible exchanges, and exclusive discounts while supporting both the arts and Jacksonville's downtown economy.

Don't miss "MJ: the Musical" coming April 22-27, 2024, for those who can't wait until 2025 to experience Broadway in Jacksonville. Visit fscjartistseries.org to secure your seats for what promises to be an unforgettable theatrical season.