Top College Productions To See This Year In South Florida

It's true when Shakespeare said all the world's a stage and we are merely players. But we all know true players need a break now and then. Luckily, there are a number of South Florida college theatre groups ready to take the stage this fall so they can show you how it's done.

She Loves Me

Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, Alvin Sherman Family Stage
1312 Miller Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33124
(305) 284-3355
www.as.miami.edu/theatrearts/ring

Dates: Nov. 13-23, 2013

Let the University of Miami's Theatre department take you back to the 1930s in the quaint romantic musical, "She Loves Me," by Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick and Joe Masteroff. While rivals at work, Georg and Amalia are anonymous pen pals who, of course, fall in love. Hilarity ensues. This popular production stems from the play, "Parfumerie" by Miklos Laszlo and has been continued to be translated for newer audiences for over 50 years, most recently in the 1998 romantic comedy, "You've Got Mail," starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

An Enemy Of The People

Louise O. Gerrits Theater
25 N.E. 2nd St.
Miami, FL 33132
(305) 237-3135
www.nwsa.mdc.edu

Dates: Oct. 11-20, 2013

In our time of digital whistleblowers exposing truths that leave them little friends, Henrik Ibsen's 120-year-old play about the man vs. the mob finds relevancy. Become a friend of the theatre at "Enemy of the People," Ibsen's look at principles of truth in the face of what has already been erroneously determined as the greater good. New World School of the Arts will stage its production of the Norwegian playwright's work at the Louise O. Gerrits Theater.

Sleeping Beauty

Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center, Mainstage Theatre
Florida International University, Modesto A. Maidique Campus
10910 S.W. 17th St.
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-0496
www.theatre.fiu.edu

Nov. 8 - 9, 13 - 16 at 8 p.m.. Nov. 10, 17 at 2 p.m.

FIU Theatre puts a classic fairytale on its head with Rufus Norris's "Sleeping Beauty," an irreverent look at the princess who falls asleep with the prick of a finger and the flatulent fairy who tries to save her. These students are ready to show you "This isn't Disney, Princess." An interesting bonus, on Nov. 13, this production will have a special behind-the-scenes look led by members of the cast and crew.

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The Importance Of Being Earnest

Studio One Theatre
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(800) 564-9539
www.fauevents.com

Dates: Nov. 15-24, 2013

What's in a name? Apparently a whole bunch in this tale of mistaken identities and imaginary relatives all for the sake of cutting loose and impressing the ladies. Watch college students go Wilde at Florida Atlantic University theatre program's production of "The Important of Being Earnest." Set in Victorian-era England, the many revivals prove Oscar Wilde's lasting satire about the cult of personality knows the importance of being timeless.

Romeo and Juliet

Barry University, Broad Auditorium
11300 N.E. 2nd Ave.
Miami Shores, FL 33161
(305) 899-3100
www2.barry.edu/fine-arts/calendar

Dates: Oct. 23-27, 2013

Teenage lovers, wealthy rival houses competing, fights to the death and you're not even watching cable. Join Barry University theatre students as they take on one of the most celebrated of Shakespeare's works, "Romeo and Juliet," this October. While there are no surprises with this tale, much like when you decided to watch "Titanic," remember it's the journey, not the destination.

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Alicia Bustamante is a freelance writer covering all things Miami. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.