By Kathy L. Collins
For 25 years, Rick and Terry D’Onofrio, the Artistic Directors of Stages Productions, have been producing live theatre for arts centers such as Brandon’s own Center Place. Stages Productions is a professional theatre ensemble that performs for young audiences and families.
“Since 1988 we have performed for over two million young people throughout the Southeast. Parents and teachers enjoy the shows as much as the kids,” said Rick D’Onofrio.
“We wish that Brandon would realize the gem that they have in Center Place,” said D’Onofrio. “The shows that Stages does there are the same exact ones that we tour throughout the state to major performing arts centers like The Mahaffey, The Straz Center and The Broward Center. The ticket prices at Center Place are so reasonable that you can’t get a better value,” added D’Onofrio.
Producing the shows is a labor of love. According to D’Onofrio, one of the best things about it is “Watching the kids laugh while they learn. The live theatre is a powerful teaching tool. Stages shows not only entertain, but they always contain strong moral messages about honesty, friendship, self-worth and much more.”
Stages will be producing several shows at Center Place during the 2013 season including Let Freedom Ring set for Friday, February 1 at 7 p.m.; Aladdin & The Magic Lamp set for Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.; and Three Little Pigs on Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m.
Dawn Galia, Executive Director for Center Place said, “When it comes to children’s theatre, Rick and Terry D’Onofrio do an amazing job. All of the productions include singing, dancing and much more. Their voices blend with a wonderful harmony, and all of the children sit in their seats full of smiles and laughter.”
Galia added, “Stages Productions have been wonderful supporters of Center Place. They perform a special production for us for Wild Dame Night. They are a pleasure to work with and you will never be disappointed in their performances.”
For more information on Stages Productions, please visit www.stagesproductions.com. To learn more about getting tickets to the performances at Center Place, please visit www.centerplacebrandon.org or call 685-8888.
