PERFORMING ARTS
50
SEASON OF THE ARTS
The Barn Theatre in Stuart has featured lighthearted comedies, such as Let’s
Murder Marsha, since it began as an adult education class 52 years ago.
River State College is 43 and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre is 20,
although going back to its very beginning with a different
name it was constructed 43 years ago.
THE BARN THEATRE
The Barn carries on the little engine that could tradition of
community theaters on the Treasure Coast with its determination
to become a high-quality theater performing quality
shows. The determination that led it to move from its roots
as an adult education class to purchasing a rose-packing barn
in 1970 was accomplished when residents came forth with
donations, loans, and grueling labor to convert a barn into a
theater. The latest upgrade saw the installation of new Broadway
lighting and sound equipment.
Among the shows in 2023 are musicals Grease, La Cage Aux
Follies, Songs For a New World, and The Wedding Singer, all
with live music.
THE LYRIC THEATRE
The historical Lyric in Stuart went through many changes
following its birth in 1925 as a silent movie house. Strong support
from the community allowed its eventual purchase by
Friends of the the Lyric and turned it into The Lyric of today.
In 2014, work on the interior upgraded the appearance to one
that matched the high quality of the shows there.
This year the Lyric offers loads of sparkling shows. A play,
Always Patsy Cline, offers a look into the singer’s life. The
Chipper Experience with Chipper Lowell is a family-friendly
show where magic and comedy collide. Swingtime with the
Jive Aces from the UK has toured throughout Europe including
the famous Montreux Switzerland Jazz Festival and
Cannes Film Festival. Its music video on YouTube has nearly
2 million views.
MALTZ JUPITER THEATRE
Maltz Jupiter Theatre is either 43 or 20 this year, depending
on how you look at it. It began life in 1978 as Burt Reynolds
Dinner Theatre. It was renamed the Maltz in 2003. And after
a $36 million expansion and upgrade project while COVID
ran rampant and the theater was closed, it reopened in March
and is back to a full season of exceptional shows.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Stephen
Sondheim is a comedic musical romp. Sweet Charity is a highenergy
dance-filled musical. Good People is a dramatic comedy.
The hit Oliver, winner of Tony and Olivier awards, brings to
life the story of an orphan searching for a true family.
See you at the theater.
/www.wqcs.org
