This is the seventh in a series of live performances by award-winning Broadway actors and local artists, with an interactive dance finale inspired by the classical arts, the original Shakespeare in the Park, and free public theater.
In collaboration with Fort Lauderdale’s LOOP, known as the ‘infinite experience for everyone under the sun,’ this year’s Festival of Classics promises to be an unforgettable showcase of local talent. The event offers free live theater performances on the stunning beach promenade. The event coincides with the Oceanside Park Farmer’s Marketplace, a popular weekend tradition where visitors can shop for artisan foods and unique gifts.
The Festival of Classics has a remarkable history. Its inaugural edition, scheduled to open in March 2020, will feature the participation of Joseph Papp’s daughter. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the dedicated artists involved in the production carried on with the project during the summer, following the tradition of Shakespeare in the Park. This allowed for the creation of safe, socially-distanced theater experiences in parks and open spaces, keeping the spirit of the arts alive even during difficult times.
“The 2025 Festival of Classics is proud to be sponsored by esteemed organizations, including the Broward County Cultural Division, Funding Arts Broward, and the Community Foundation of Broward. Their support ensures that this cultural event continues to thrive and enrich the lives of the Fort Lauderdale community,” said Presenter Clare Vickery, Founder of Grace Arts Center.
Sponsored by:
Broward Cultural Arts Division
Community Foundation of Broward County
Funding Arts Broward
Performance Partners
- Avi Hoffman and Peter Galman – Yiddish and Shakespeare English ‘Hamlet’
- Andre Gainey – ‘Knock me a Kiss’ monologue and ‘Purvis: Othello of Overtown’ monologue
- Carey Brianna Hart – production of ‘Crowns’
- Oscar Fuentes – Biscayne Poet – monologue
- Kevin Mozell – ‘Wade in the Water’ reinterpretation
- Louis Otemendi – Shakespeare monologue
- Marlo Rodriguez – monologue
- Shakespeare Troupe of South Florida – ‘12th Night’
- SeaChangeCollectiveTheater – Palm Beach Cultural Council and the Artist Innovation Fellowship program – Performance Interpretation of ‘The Tempest’
- The Harden Family Project – A Broward Cultural Division Artist Grant recipient and family performance collective
- Florida International University (FIU) – college performance team presents King Henry IV and Romeo and Juliet
- Miami Dade College (MDC) – college performance team presents ‘The Memorandum’
- University of Miami (UoM) – college performance team presents ‘Seussical’
- American Heritage High School theater production