As part of our Guide to the Arts in PRIME Magazine, theater writer Oline H. Cogdill offered her Critic’s Picks for the best shows coming up in South Florida.
‘The Mountaintop’
Oct. 24-Nov. 9 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach. 561-514-4042 or palmbeachdramaworks.org.
On a stormy night, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. returns to his motel room, exhausted and elated, having just delivered what would be his final speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” All he wants is a cigarette, a meal from room service and rest — none of which will happen. Instead, he’s joined by Camae, a maid, who, during the next two acts, guides the civil rights leader on an examination of his life, mission and the legacy he might leave. Playwright Katori Hall’s riveting drama takes place entirely in Room 306 at Memphis’ Lorraine Motel on the night of April 3, 1968. “The Mountaintop,” which won Britain’s 2010 Olivier Award for Best New Play, delves deep to show the complicated man King was, as Hall has said, with “warts and all.” Rita Cole and Christopher M. Lindsay will play the leads.
‘The City in the City in the City’
Nov. 8-23 at Florida Atlantic University’s Theatre Lab, Boca Raton. 561-297-6124 or fau.edu/artsandletters/theatrelab.
Founded in 2015, Theatre Lab continues its solid reputation for producing insightful new work as Florida Atlantic University’s professional resident company. Theatre Lab also gives students the opportunity to learn by doing the details of stagecraft and performance. Its commitment to new plays culminates with its annual Owl New Play Festival, set for April 11 to 26, 2026. Making its world premiere, Matthew Capodicasa’s “The City in the City in the City” follows a woman who finds a stranger willing to go with her on an “adventure of a lifetime” to an ancient city, following the death of her mother. Typical of Theatre Lab, the play explores the complications of relationships. Niki Fridh and Vaishnavi Sharma lead the cast.
‘Water for Elephants’
Nov. 11-23 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale. 954-462-0222 or browardcenter.org.
The Tony-nominated “Water for Elephants” is part musical, part circus and all spectacle melding a young man’s coming-of-age tale with his memories as an elderly man. Jacob Jankowski was close to graduating from veterinary school when tragedy struck, forcing him to drop out. It’s the middle of the Great Depression, so Jacob jumps on a moving train, with no destination in mind. He ends up working for a down-at-the-heels traveling circus where he finds a purpose, the love of his life and friends among the quirky workers. “Water for Elephants” is based on Sara Gruen’s 2006 novel turned into a 2011 movie. The musical stays true to its circus roots with a Big Top on stage. Expect acrobats, some of whom will float over the audience, as well as rope climbers, wire walkers, hammer throwers and life-sized puppets. On Broadway, the elephant was amazing.
‘The Little Foxes’
Jan. 8-Feb. 1, 2026, at Island City Stage, Wilton Manors. 954-928-9800 or islandcitystage.org.
Island City Stage has proven it can successfully mount productions on its postage-stamp-sized stage that were designed for full-scale platforms. Last season, Island City presented a mesmerizing version of Edward Albee’s “A Delicate Balance.” Now in its 14th season, it ventures into the deep South with “The Little Foxes,” Lillian Hellman’s classic tale of greed, family rivalry and unbridled ambition. Hellman’s 1939 drama takes place in 1900, but its timeless look at a ruthless family makes it a candidate for frequent revivals; it was last seen on Broadway in 2017. Set in small-town Alabama, “The Little Foxes” follows the wealthy but immoral Hubbard family who care only for money. At the center is Regina, whose cruel brothers and ill husband are no match for her cunningness and lust for a larger fortune. Island City’s casting of local actress Mia Matthews should again prove that Regina is one of the showiest roles for women.
‘The Notebook: The Musical’
April 28-May 3, 2026, at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach. 561-832-7469 or kravis.org.
May 5-10, 2026, at Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami. 305-949-6722, arshtcenter.org.
“The Notebook” was first a best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks — a love story that wrung all the emotions — happiness, sorrow, grief and everything in between, with a lot of sappiness thrown in. Then came the movie, with that iconic scene of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams kissing in the rain. Enter the next incarnation: a musical version that had about a nine-month Broadway run. Bring plenty of tissues because even the most cynical may weep uncontrollably during this retelling. Allie and Noah, the deeply in love couple from different backgrounds, are played by three diverse couples at different stages of their lives and relationship. “The Notebook” is no rom-com, but rather a look at the power of lasting love. (Again, don’t forget the tissues. Lots of them.)