By Michael Eng | Managing Editor
The first time Plant City Entertainment Director Domin Pazo put together a Broadway revue in 2001, it topped out at three hours long.
A year later, he tried it again, promising himself he wouldn’t make it a long show. But it, too, nearly crested the three-hour mark.
But, Pazo has learned a thing or two in the last decade.
“This time, I timed it,” Pazo says, smiling. “Act One is one hour, and Act Two is two hours.”
Beginning Friday, Pazo, along with 36 cast members and nearly as many behind the scenes, will present a greatest hits of musical theater with “The Best of Broadway,” at Plant City Entertainment in Historic Downtown Plant City. The show will feature a plethora of popular selections from musicals such as “Cats,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Grease,” “Hair,” “Les Miserables,” “Oklahoma,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Sound of Music” and many more.
“This show has two purposes,” Pazo said. “For those who follow musical theater, hopefully they will hear some of their favorites.
“And for those two aren’t familiar, hopefully we can open their eyes to some of these songs,” he said. “Many of these are famous songs, and we hope to remind you that they come from Broadway.”
Unlike most musicals, “The Best of Broadway” features little acting. Rather, the production will move quickly from song to song. The playbill from each production will be displayed during each number to help audience members make the connection between the song and its origin.
Work began on “The Best of Broadway” about eight weeks ago. During one of the last rehearsals before opening night, Pazo praised his cast and crew.
“You should be very proud of yourselves,” he said. “We could open tonight — you’re that good. And just think: We have four nights to get better.”
Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
“The Best of Broadway”
WHEN: 8 p.m. July 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, and 2 p.m. July 22,
WHERE: Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St.
TICKETS: $10 for members of advanced group sales; $12 for seniors; $14 for non-members and K-12 students.
INFORMATION: pce-inc.com