Central Florida Community Arts’ America 250 Productions Celebrate Joy and Innovation
CFCArts series of shows highlights the human spirit and nation’s unique sounds and people
ORLANDO, FL. (March, 2026) – Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) joins nationwide celebrations of the U.S. semiquincentennial with four unique productions—Betsy Ross & Friends: History as It Never Happened in April, Road Trip: USAand American Maestro: The Music of John Williams in May, and American Evolution in June. Each event shines a spotlight on the connection and creativity that underscore the nation’s and CFCArts’ own community.
On April 11 and 12, more than 20 actors of Stage 55 take to the stage for Betsy Ross & Friends. The show pays wacky tribute to America’s 250th anniversary, taking a comedic look at history with lively scenes and hilarious monologues to highlight the moments and momentous figures of the past.
Creative writing, along with acting games, improv, and more, shape each Stage 55 season, and this time, the members ask, “What if?” to craft their second-ever entirely original script. Juxtaposing historical figures with individuals or details of other eras creates a wonderfully funny contrast to present historical facts through the lens of humor.
“What if Eleanor Roosevelt did standup comedy?” “What if Aretha Franklin and Sally Ride gave career advice?” “What if Paul Revere were an Amazon delivery driver?”
As brilliant as the script may be, the actors themselves are the true heart of the show. This troupe for adults ages 55+ provides older members of the Central Florida community with a creative outlet, a place to make friends, and a stage to shine on, flipping the script on the image of grandparents attending recitals where it’s the grandkids onstage.
On May 7 and 8, over 300 singers from the Community Choir carry audiences along on Road Trip: USA. The production represents a wide range of locations across the U.S., highlighting the places and homegrown musical styles inherent to the country. The performers, too, like many Florida residents, originally hail from over 40 different states and beyond.
With recognizable hits like “New York, New York,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “My Old Kentucky Home,” and “Shenandoah,” audiences can embark on a cross-country tour without the day-long drive to leave Florida.
“This unforgettable concert weaves together a vibrant tapestry of music—folk, blues, pop, rock, country, jazz, and more—capturing the spirit and history of generations,” said CFCArts Community Choir Artistic Director Brandon Fender, who will also conduct the show.
Later that month, on May 22 and 23, American Maestro: The Music of John Williams, presented by Orlando Health, features both popular and lesser-known works of the incredibly influential composer. Williams has irrevocably influenced sports, television, and film-score landscapes, creating a distinctly American sound that permeates pop culture and daily life.
"The scope and scale of John Williams' music is huge,” said CFCArts Artistic and Executive Director Justin Muchoney, who also leads the Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. “It is soaring and impactful, making the chance to perform it with the power and passion of 400 musicians a dream come true.”
Next, on June 26 and 27, American Evolution features the Big Band in a time-travel journey through the whirlwind of innovation that occurred from 1939 through 1969. The production focuses on the joy of place-making and invention with music as the ever-evolving soundtrack to it all.
Over 60 musicians will guide audiences from the roots of jazz in the Harlem Renaissance to the fusion of blues and rhythm in rock and roll to the cultural explosion of Woodstock.
Throughout history, America has endured, evolved, and emerged—and through every moment, there has been music. It lifts spirits in times of struggle and celebrates society’s greatest triumphs. Each genre reflects a pivotal moment in time. American Evolution is a powerful reminder of the presence of music through every trial and triumph.
“These four events represent CFCArts’ unique take on America 250, but the themes of the season extend to even more exciting programs,” said Muchoney.
UpBeat! Theatre Troupe’s custom script for Dreaming Through the Decades features performers with exceptional abilities exploring cultural icons from Beatlemania to Y2K. Meanwhile, the Youth Theatre’s productions of Hadestown: Teen Edition and Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition explore the power of songs, dreams, and imagination. Youth Theatre summer camps, which begin June 8, encourage the next generation of young artists to make friends and learn life-long skills as performers and people.
“We’re honoring the places, people, and ideas that have shaped us into who we are,” Muchoney shared, “and looking forward to a future where even more people can dream with us and belong to a vibrant community like the one we’re creating here at CFCArts.”
Betsy Ross & Friends: History as It Never Happened
Date: April 11 @ 3 p.m. and April 12 @ 3 p.m.
Location: Schaeffer Hall (St. John Church)
1600 S Orlando Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Tickets: Starting at $15.
More information is available at CFCArts.com/Events.
Road Trip: USA
Date: May 7 @ 7:30 p.m. and May 8 @ 7:30 p.m.
Location: Northland
522 Dog Track Road, Longwood, FL 32750
Tickets: Starting at $15.
More information is available at CFCArts.com/Events.
American Maestro: The Music of John Williams
Date: May 22 @ 7:30 p.m. and May 23 @ 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Calvary Orlando
1199 Clay St, Winter Park, FL 32789
Tickets: Starting at $15.
More information is available at CFCArts.com/Events.
American Evolution: 1939-1969
Date: June 26 @ 7:30 p.m. and June 27 @ 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Location: Trinity Preparatory School Auditorium
5700 Trinity Prep Ln, Winter Park, FL 32792
Tickets: Starting at $15.
More information is available at CFCArts.com/Events.
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ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY ARTS
Central Florida Community Arts (CFCArts) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community in Central Florida. Through its various programs, performances, and educational initiatives, CFCArts strives to make the arts accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or financial means. Visit CFCArts.com for more information
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