FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: Pigs Do Fly Productions will present Better Late,Larry Gelbart’s (M.A.S.H.) ‘breezy entertainment on serious themes’ (Variety) at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale from November 7 – 30.
A bitingly funny December-December-December romantic triangle, Better Late focuses on former actress Nora, her not-always-faithful husband of 25 years, Lee, and her ex-husband Julian, who needs a place to stay while recovering from a recent illness. Once Julian moves in, the question becomes: how long will Julian have to remain with them? Gelbart’s clever script is filled with one-liners and sharp repartee, yet “explores love, divorce, aging and death with a mature sensibility and in a decidedly comedic tone.” (Variety)
“We are now into our ninth year of operations,” says Pigs Do Fly Productions’ Founder and Executive Producer Ellen Wacher. “When we started, we weren’t sure how our concept of focusing on characters (and employing actors!) over a ‘certain age’ who are living real and interesting lives would resonate with audiences. But we have found that people want good theatre, no matter what their age or demographic – our full houses reflect that.
“It has sometimes been a challenge to find plays that fit our mission,” she continues, “But with both Better Late, and our upcoming March 2026 production, Bonnie and Claire, we know we have chosen pieces that will provide great theatre and fit that mission perfectly!”
“Two husbands. One wife. Under one roof. What could possibly go wrong?” says Better Late director Deborah Kondelik. Gelbart has given us a story that’s funny, sharp, and surprisingly tender. It reminds us that love is never simple. We can love more than one person in different ways, and the past doesn’t always stay neatly in the past.
“Love is rarely tidy,” she continues. “It’s layered with jealousy, guilt, old affections, and unexpected loyalties. But in the end, forgiveness – sometimes grudging, sometimes hard-won- emerges as the saving grace.”
Kondelik has cast Carbonell Award-winner (and current 2024 nominee) Patti Gardner as Nora, Geoff Freitag as Lee, Peter W. Galman as Julian, and Chad Raven as Lee’s son Billy.
The Stage Manager for Better Late is Patrick Vida. Dean Landhuis is the show’s Scenic Designer, David Hart will do the Sound Design, and Preston Bircher will create the Lighting Design and serve as Technical Director. Director Kondelik will serve as both production’s the Costume Coordinator and Property Designer, and MNM Theatre Company will build the sets. Jessica Kaschube is the Company Manager, and Luis Roberto Herrera will handle the Box Office.
Tickets for Better Late are $45 and are available online at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com or by calling 954-678-1496. Performances are on Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 5 pm. All performances will take place at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive,Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
For more information about Pigs Do Fly Productions, please visit www.pigsdoflyproductions.com. To arrange for interviews, or for photos, or for requests to see a performance, please contact Carol Kassie at carol@carolkassie.com / 561-445-9244. For more information about Ellen Wacher, please visit www.ellenwacher.com.
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Better Late By Larry Gelbart November 7 – 30 Directed by Deborah Kondelik Tickets: $45 Tickets: www.pigsdoflyproductions.com Or call 954-678-1496 Performances: Friday at 8 pm Saturday & Sunday at 5 pm All performances will take place at Empire Stage1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(Click on each image to enlarge it, then right click on the enlarged image and ‘save image as’ or ‘copy image’)
Photo credit: Deborah Kondelik
Geoff Freitag, Patti GardnerPatti Garnder, Chad RavenPatti Gardner, Chad RavenPatti Gardner, Geoff FreitagPatti GardnerPatti Gardner, Geoff FreitagGeoff Freitag, Patti Gardner, Chad RavenPeter W. Galman, Patti GardnerPatti Gardner, Peter W. GalmanPeter W. Galman Patti GardnerPeter W. Galman
Better Late – Cast, etc.
Peter W. GalmanPatti GardnerGeoff FreitagChad RavenEllen WacherDeborah KondelikLarry Gelbart
Below is a list of the theatre productions currently scheduled for the 2025-2026 season.
Tickets are on sale now for all these productions.
Please note that this list and these productions are subject to change, and that there will possibly be additions and rescheduling as time goes by! Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you need more information about any of these theatre companies and/or shows.
2025-2026 THEATRE PRODUCTION SCHEDULES for Entr’Acte Theatrix Upstage Productions Pigs Do Fly Productions Hy Juter Presents Off Glades Theater Company Thinking Cap Theatre My Son the Waiter
ENTR’ACTE THEATRIX The Rocky Horror Show By Richard O’Brien October 10 – 26 The Rocky Horror Show is an outrageous assemblage of – and humorous tribute to – the most stereotypical science fiction and horror movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings and rock ‘n’ roll of every vintage. The play (upon which the classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show is based) has grown from an experimental production originally produced in a small London theatre in June 1973, to a cult phenomenon with fans world-wide. The quintessential audience participation show, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple who, when caught in a storm, find refuge in the home of a decidedly unusual scientist who is madly working towards unveiling his latest and greatest creation. Tickets: $50 Premium seating $35 Standard seating $25 Value seating For tickets: https://linktr.ee/entractetheatrix Phone: 561-386-0045 Performances: Fridays & Saturdays at 7 pm Saturdays at 11 pm Sundays at 7 pm All performances will take place at The Cast Theatre (formerly Standing Ovations) 7429 Military Trail Lake Worth, Florida, 33463
UPSTAGE PRODUCTIONS Deathtrap By Ira Levin October 10 – November 2 In Ira Levin’s Deathtrap, Sidney Bruhl, a writer of thrillers whose recent offerings have been flops, is prepared to go to any length and use any devious machinations to improve his fortunes. Deathtrap is an ingeniously constructed play that offers a rare and skillful blend of gasp-producing thrills and raucous laughter. It provides twists and turns and sudden shocks in such abundance that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment. Directed by Deborah Kondelik Tickets: $40 For tickets: https://upstageproductions.net Phone: 954-264-1461 Performances: Friday & Saturday at 8 pm Sunday at 5 pm All performances will take place at Empire Stage1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
THINKING CAP THEATRE Lizzie, The Musical Music and Lyrics by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer Lyrics, Book, and Additional Music by Tim Maner Music and Additional Lyrics by Alan Stevens Hewitt October 18 – November 1 In October 2025, just in time for Halloween season, TCT will present Lizzie, The Musical, a provocative and pulsating musical exploration of the legendary 1892 trial of Lizzie Borden, who was accused (and ultimately acquitted) of brutally murdering her parents with an axe. Lizzie, The Musical offers up a delicious blend of history and anachronism in its exploration of Lizzie’s oppressive upbringing, troubled relationship with her father, and unapologetic defiance of Victorian norms and courtroom accusations. Fueled by a searing rock score, raw emotion, and dark humor, Lizzie, The Musical is a blistering portrait of one of America’s most infamous figures. Directed by Nicole Stodard Tickets: $45 (plus service charges) For Tickets: https://thinkingcaptheatre.org or Phone: 310-500-6448 Performances: Saturday, October 18 at 8 pm Sunday, October 19 at 6 pm Wednesday, October 22 at 7 pm Saturday, October 25 at 3 pm Sunday, October 26 at 6 pm Wednesday, October 29 at 7 pm Friday, October 31 at 8 pm Saturday, November 1 at 8 pm All performances will take place at The Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center 1770 Monroe Street, Hollywood, FL 33020
Cymbeline By William Shakespeare December 5 – 14 In December 2025, TCT will present Cymbeline, which scholars affectionately refer to as Shakespeare’s “kitchen sink” play because of its wildly diverse stylistic elements, from history and romance to tragedy and comedy. Peter Wayne Galman, a veteran actor of TV, film, and the stage as well as the Founding Artistic Director South Florida Shakespeare Troupe, will play the title role. Never liked Shakespeare? Never seen Shakespeare performed live? This anarchic and presciently modern work by the Bard is a great place to start (again). There will be a ‘Talk Back’ after the 6 pm (closing) performance on Sunday, December 14th. Directed by Nicole Stodard Tickets: $45 (plus service charges) For Tickets: https://thinkingcaptheatre.org or Phone: 310-500-6448 Performances: Friday, December 5 at 7 pm Saturday, December 6 at 7 pm Sunday, December 7 at 6 pm Wednesday, December 10 at 7 pm Saturday, December 13 at 7 pm Sunday, December 14 at 7 pm All performances will take place at The Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center 1770 Monroe Street, Hollywood, FL 33020
PIGS DO FLY PRODUCTIONS Better Late By Larry Gelbart & Craig Wright November 7 – 30 Reluctant roommates: Julian is forced to move in with his ex-wife Nora and her new husband, composer Lee Baer, in order to recuperate from a sudden illness. With each passing day, the awkward situation spirals further and further out of control. As the laughter builds, the question becomes: how long will Julian have to stay? This bitingly funny December-December-December romance is a breezy entertainment with serious themes as it “explores love, divorce, aging, and death with a mature sensibility and a decidedly comedic tone.” (Variety) Directed by Deborah Kondelik Tickets: $45 For tickets: https://pigsdoflyproductions.com Phone: 954-678-1496 Performances: Friday at 8 pm Saturday & Sunday at 5 pm All performances will take place at Empire Stage1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Bonnie and Claire By Bo Wilson March 13 – April 5, 2026 Bo Wilson’s play tells the story of two estranged sisters now living together 45 years after Claire left home as a teenager to pursue an acting career while leaving Bonnie behind to take care of their parents. With the assistance of their niece, the sisters try to reconcile their differences while dealing with their own issues. Bonnie and Claire is a gentle and humorous journey through the pitfalls of aging, agency, and admitting when we need someone. Directed by Deborah Kondelik Tickets: $45 For tickets: https://pigsdoflyproductions.com Phone: 954-678-1496 Performances: Friday at 8 pm Saturday & Sunday at 5 pm All performances will take place at Empire Stage1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
HY JUTER PRESENTS To Life 6 – Stories & Music Celebrating the Contributions of Jewish Composers, Artists, & Comedians to Broadway & Hollywood. Written, directed, and hosted by Shari Upbin. Musical direction by Aidan Quintana January 16 – February 8, 2026 The popular series returns to the Willow Theatre with more stories and music celebrating the contributions of Jewish composers and artists to Broadway and the great Hollywood musicals. Featuring amusing anecdotes, fascinating facts, and stunning performances honoring the composers and entertainers such as Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka, Stephen Sondheim, Mel Brooks, Barbra Streisand, and many more. Featuring Shelley Keelor, Shane Tanner, Kate Delaney, and Bruno Faria. Tickets: $46 ($42 Group Rate – 6 or more tickets purchased in a single transaction) For tickets & Information: https://www.myboca.us/2647/To-Life-6 Phone: 567-347-3948 Performance days and times: Friday and Saturday at 7 pm Saturday and Sunday at 1 pmAll performances will take place at The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park 300 S. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33486
OFF GLADES THEATER COMPANY [title of show] Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen Book by Hunter Bell February 13 – March 1, 2026 Jeff and Hunter, two struggling writers, hear about a new musical theatre festival. However, the deadline for submissions is a mere three weeks away. With nothing to lose, the pair decides to try to create something new with the help of their friends Susan, Heidi and Larry on the eighty-eights. With the cast in place, Jeff and Hunter begin a conversation about what to write about. Eventually, Jeff suggests they write about what to write about. They make a pact to write up until the festival’s deadline and dream about the show changing their lives. [title of show] — taken from the space on the festival’s application form which asks for the “[title of show]”. Directed by Jodie Langel Tickets: $35 Group rates available For tickets & Information: https://www.myboca.us/2648/Title-of-Show 561-347-3948 Performance days and times: Friday and Saturday at 7 pm Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm All performances will take place at The Willow Theatre in Sugar Sand Park 300 S. Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33486
MY SON THE WAITER: A Jewish Tragedy & STILL Not Famous My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy& STILL Not Famous is the continuation of the story of comedian/actor/raconteur Brad Zimmerman’s struggle to fulfill his dream and ‘make it’ as a comedic actor in New York. One-part standup, one-part theatrical, and all parts uproarious, Zimmerman celebrates his 10th year on the road (with his original show, My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy) with this brand-new production – once again detailing his search for success in show business and “the parents who suffered through it”.
My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy By Brad Zimmerman December 6 & 7 Tickets: $45-$65 Phone: 1-561-586-6410 Online: https://www.mysonthewaiter.com Group Rates (12 +): 1–888-264-1788 Showtimes: Saturday at 2 pm & 7:30 pm Sunday at 2 pm The Lake Worth Playhouse 713 Lake Avenue Lake Worth, FL 33460
Carol Kassie 