PLAYS OF WILTON (POW!) IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS, FLORIDA ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF “POW! IN THE PARK”, A NEW VENTURE TO BRING FREE THEATER TO SOUTH FLORIDA RESIDENTS “POW! IN THE PARK” IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SUPPORT OF THE WARTEN FOUNDATION

As its first production, “POW! in the Park” will present the zany, classic musical comedy, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” on the first two weekends in March 7-9 and 14-16, at Mickel Park in Wilton Manors, Florida. Performances will be at 7 p.m. each night, and are free to the public, although registration will be required.

 “POW! in the Park” is inspired by theater icon Joe Papp’s Public Theater in New York City, which for over 60 years has operated on the principles that theater is an essential cultural force and that art and culture belong to everyone. Under the leadership of POW!’s founder and artistic director, Ronnie Larsen, “POW! in the Park” plans to offer a variety of theatrical productions in various venues throughout the City of Wilton Manors.

“Wilton Manors is like no other city on Earth, with amazing public parks and venues just waiting for live theatrical productions. This partnership with the City of Wilton Manors and The Warten Foundation is a dream team and we can’t wait to get started,” said Ronnie Larsen, artistic director of Plays of Wilton, a non-profit theater company based in Wilton Manors.

 “As mayor, I am proud to support live theater in our beautiful park. The arts are a vital part of our community, bringing people together, enriching our culture, and providing a space for creativity to thrive,” said Mayor Scott Newton.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” is among the funniest musical comedies ever written. Originally produced in 1962 by theater legends Hal Prince, and with a score by Stephen Sondheim, this family-oriented musical has been delighting audiences young and old for many decades. The production will star 4-time Carbonell Award winning South Florida actress, Lourelene Snedeker in the role of Pseudolus.  Making their debuts with Plays of Wilton are Mark Erson, Michael Gillespie, Irma Gloria, Sharyn Peoples, Rick Prada, Michael H. Small, Krystal Bly, Nicole Hulett, Lisa Lowe and  Lin Joy Luber.  Returning cast members include Ana Marie Calise, Brian Piedra, Gianni Palermo and Scott Jordan.

Further information including registration for free tickets can be found at www.POWinthePark.com. Tickets are limited to four per individual registrants. As parking at Mickel Park is limited, attendees are encouraged to use ride share. While some food and beverages will be available at the concession stand, attendees are also invited to picnic prior to the performances.