March Brings Music, Meaningful Drama and High-Energy Tribute Shows to Manatee Performing Arts Center
The Manatee Performing Arts Center is welcoming spring with a diverse March lineup that blends heartfelt storytelling, bluegrass-infused musical theatre, Celtic celebration and a high-energy tribute concert experience. The downtown Bradenton venue continues its season with productions featuring local volunteer performers alongside touring acts that promise to fill the theater with music and momentum.
The Cemetery Club
Performances continue through March 8
The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell takes audiences into the lives of three lifelong friends navigating love, loss and the possibility of new beginnings. Centered on Ida, Lucille and Doris, the play follows the women as they maintain a monthly ritual of visiting their late husbands’ graves. When one of them begins dating again, long-standing routines shift, leading to moments of humor, tension and heartfelt reflection.
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc., the production showcases an ensemble of local volunteer actors. The story balances laughter with emotional depth, offering audiences a thoughtful look at friendship, resilience and the courage it takes to embrace change.
The show is also part of Florida Cultural Group’s Action Through Acting initiative, which connects live theatre to meaningful community dialogue and social impact.
Bright Star
March 5–15
March continues with Bright Star, a sweeping musical by Grammy Award winners Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Set in the American South and infused with bluegrass melodies, the story follows literary editor Alice Murphy as she confronts a long-buried secret from her past after meeting a young soldier returning from World War II.
Featuring a rich score of upbeat ensemble numbers and poignant ballads, Bright Star explores themes of redemption, reconciliation and enduring hope. The production highlights the dedication of local volunteer performers who bring the emotional journey to life on stage.
Paddy O’Furniture: An Irish Music Celebration
March 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For those seeking a festive mid-month celebration, Paddy O’Furniture brings a lively Irish music showcase to the stage. The Tampa Bay-based band blends traditional Irish folk tunes with pub-style singalongs and spirited reels and jigs. The family-friendly concert invites audiences to clap along and enjoy classics rooted in Celtic tradition, offering an evening of high-energy entertainment just ahead of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
ABBA Euphoria
March 28 at 7 p.m.
Closing out the month, ABBA Euphoria delivers a full-scale tribute concert honoring the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA. Touring nationally from Las Vegas, the show features live vocals, choreographed performances and a full-length on-screen media production designed to recreate the excitement of ABBA’s biggest hits.
Audience members can expect an interactive concert experience featuring fan favorites such as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo and The Winner Takes It All. Designed for all ages, the production combines nostalgia, disco flair and theatrical spectacle.
Tickets for all March performances are available through the Manatee Performing Arts Center box office and website. With limited seating for several shows, patrons are encouraged to reserve seats in advance as the community theater continues its season of music, storytelling and shared cultural experiences in downtown Bradenton.
