October will bring a mix of contemporary musical theater, Halloween-season drama and classic rock to the Manatee Performing Arts Center in downtown Bradenton.
The October lineup includes productions of Carrie: The Musical and Dear Evan Hansen, along with two performances of Almighty Queen, a tribute to the legendary British rock band Queen.
Carrie: The Musical runs Oct. 15 through Nov. 1 in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater. Based on Stephen King’s novel, the musical follows Carrie White, a sheltered high school student who faces bullying from her classmates and strict control at home while discovering that she possesses extraordinary powers.
The production blends drama with a contemporary musical score while exploring bullying, isolation, acceptance and the consequences of cruelty. The theater lists the production as containing mature content.
A special Halloween evening performance will be held Oct. 31. Audience members are encouraged to wear costumes, and the theater plans complimentary trick-or-treat goodie bags and themed cocktails.
Dear Evan Hansen arrives later in the month, running Oct. 23 through Nov. 1. The Tony Award-winning musical follows 17-year-old Evan Hansen, a socially isolated teenager who becomes caught in an increasingly complicated situation following the death of a fellow student.
The musical explores loneliness, identity, honesty, grief and the need for human connection. The Manatee Performing Arts Center production is being presented as an area premiere and is also listed for mature audiences.
Music takes center stage Oct. 27 when Almighty Queen presents performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The tribute show recreates the sound and style of Queen, combining the band’s influences of hard rock, glam rock, heavy metal and opera. The production features musicians with experience in national touring acts performing the music made famous by Freddie Mercury and Queen.
The Manatee Performing Arts Center is operated by Florida Cultural Group Inc. and is located at 502 Third Ave. W. in downtown Bradenton.
Tickets and additional performance information are available through the Manatee Performing Arts Center box office at 941-748-5875 or through the theater’s website.