Ocala Civic Theatre Celebrates Diamond Anniversary with Exciting 2025-26 Season

Ocala Civic Theatre, affectionately known as The Civic, is commemorating its 75th anniversary with a dynamic 2025-26 season that honors its rich history while embracing the future.

 

The mainstage season kicks off with "Into the Woods" (Sept. 11-28), Stephen Sondheim's classic that intertwines familiar fairy tales in darker, more reflective ways.

 

Following is Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" (Oct. 30-Nov. 16), a powerful drama about paranoia, accusation, and social hysteria during the Salem witch trials.

 

By popular demand, "A Tuna Christmas" (Dec. 3-14) returns for the holiday season in 2025, adding Wednesday evening performances.

 

After the winter break, "Little Shop of Horrors" (Jan. 29-Feb. 15) – a campy, darkly comic musical about a nerdy florist and his carnivorous plant – kicks off the new year.

 

In spring, "Steel Magnolias" (Mar. 12-29) brings the warmth and wit of Southern friendship and community.

 

The season concludes with "Children of Eden" (April 30-May 17), a sweeping musical inspired by the Book of Genesis, exploring themes of family, faith, and forgiveness.

 

Special events and community-oriented programming round out the season. Among them are "Breakneck Twelfth Night" on Oct. 17, a one-man Shakespeare whirlwind that condenses the entire comedy into a high-energy, fast-paced performance, and Trivia Night on Oct. 19, held in the theatre's Studio A, which supports scholarships and offers entertainment for general audiences.

 

Also featured is the ballet "The Nutcracker", presented by the Sheila Ruotolo Dance Company on Dec. 20, a seasonal tradition that appeals to both dance aficionados and families.

 

The Candlelight Concert series, offering tribute and thematic string-ensemble performances, will also make stops at the theatre. Shows include "Coldplay & Imagine Dragons" (Oct. 4, Jan. 4, Feb. 21) and "Tribute to Queen and The Beatles" (Oct. 4 and Jan. 4), "Vivaldi's Four Seasons and More" and "Rock Favorites on Strings" on Nov. 22, "Christmas Carols on Strings" on Dec. 21, and a "Tribute to Adele" on Feb. 21. Ticket prices for these events range from approximately $28.50 to $34, depending on the show and seating.

 

Ticket pricing for mainstage shows reflects a tiered approach by seating section, with adult tickets generally in the $35-$40 range and discounted tickets for those 18 and under.

 

As The Civic celebrates 75 years of performance, education, and community engagement, its 2025-26 offerings aim to honor tradition while expanding its reach. With five major mainstage shows and special events throughout the year, theatre-goers have much to anticipate.