Located off Highway 100, attached to Flagler-Palm Coast High School, sits the newly renamed Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center at Flagler Auditorium. It’s primary mission is to educate, enlighten, enrich, and expose the thrill of quality live performances to all who would come through their doors.
For the last sixteen years it has been run by Director Amelia Fulmer, a lifelong supporter of the arts and musical educator with a 30-plus year career here. With direct support of Flagler County Schools as a non-profit, the auditorium continues its mission to inspire education and cultural experiences.
This 2023-2024 season of acts will begin on October 29 and continue until next April. Tickets can be purchased for individual shows and yearly subscriptions are available that include many perks (see page 24). The following is a rundown of the shows with a description of the acts. Most show times are 7 PM but check each show to be sure.
Menopause 2: The Musical October 29
The internationally acclaimed Menopause the Musical sequel, “Cruising Through The Change,” is a ground-breaking celebration of women who are about to go through, are going through, or have already endured “The Change” Menopause the Musical 2 is empowering women struggling with life changes by embracing one another and the journey ahead, in its first year on tour.
Originally premiering in Orlando, Florida, it ran Off-Broadway for four years, and has been played in the Harrah’s Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip every night, making it the longest-running musical in the city’s history. Menopause the Musical has been seen by more than 17 million people. It has performed in every state in North America, more than 500 locations worldwide, and has been performed in nine different languages.
US Navy Band Commodores Jazz Ensemble
November 3
Founded in 1969, this group, comprised of 18 US Navy sailors, has been perpetuating the big band jazz tradition for fifty years. Members cyle in and out of the group every few years, keeping the music fresh but familiar.
The Commodores are highly regarded both by music reviewers and concertgoers alike across the country. Traditional big band music, thrilling jazz vocal arrangements and brand-new instrumental music are composed for the current generation in their shows.
This vivacious, energetic musical group is always pursuing musical excellence as well as novel and intriguing methods to engage their fans. Serving their country through musical entertainment, witnessing their performance will be a rare treat.
Almost Abba
November 18
ALMOST ABBA is a completely costumed and choreographed ABBA tribute band formed in 1997 Canada. They moved to the US and have performed on cruise ships, in clubs, stadiums, resorts, and casinos while on tour in eleven different countries. They cater to the nostalgia of ABBA fans in an interactive performance and a welcome performance for the whole family.
Legend 2 Legend Show: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John – November 24
A unique experience one might have to go to the House of Blues to see can be found here in Palm Coast. A combination act between Turnstiles, a Billy Joel Tribute Band, and Greggie and the Jets, an Elton John Tribute band, brings together a musical experience brought to the world by the two top piano men. Embrace your nostalgia and sing along to all the timeless hits ranging from the 70s till now.
One Christmas Night in
Memphis – December 7
The critically acclaimed and most popular tribute to the legendary artists Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley is called One Night in Memphis. It was created and directed by John Mueller and features former members of the Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet.” Genuine rockabilly, country, gospel, and 1950s rock and roll. The show has an expanding record
of sold-out appearances, rave reviews, a strong social media following, and sold-out performances. Experience rock and roll royalty while listening to music and seeing performers whose skills have endured the test of time.
The Silhouettes: the Light of Christmas – December 15
The Silhouettes, America’s top shadow-dance company, was founded and is led by Lynne Waggoner-Patton. They were Golden Buzzer winners on America’s Got Talent in 2020 and have appeared in TV commercials and designed corporate events for many Fortune 500 Companies. Get into the spirit of the season with the whole family for “The Light of Christmas” show.
Navy Band Southeast
Holiday Show – December 17
Not to be confused with the Commodores, this group specifically performs along the Southeastern United States. Formed in 1995 by the US Navy and stationed in NAS Jacksonville, this 45-person band is made up of professional musicians committed to high performance. These sailors put on more than 300 shows every year. At least one will be at Flagler Auditorium, so do not miss out.
The Texas Tenors
January 10, 2024
First appearing on America’s Got Talent: The Champions, The Texas Tenors have made a name for themselves following this performance. They have amassed a fan base of over half a million social media followers and more than 20 million combined views on YouTube. Ranked in Billboard Magazine as the number 10 Classical Artist in the World, they are regarded as the most successful touring act in America’s Got Talent history according to their tremendous live ticket sales, which Pollstar tracks with over 1400 live performances.
The Greatest Love of All
Staring Belinda Davids:
A Tribute to Whitney Houston January 20
This two-hour production will fill audiences with joy, nostalgia, and wonder as it takes them on a heartfelt journey through Houston’s greatest hits. The Greatest Love of All has wowed audiences across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand and continues to gather glowing reviews worldwide. Be stunned by the breathtaking vocals of Belinda Davids with a live band, backing vocalists, and choreographed dancers, plus state-of-the-art sound, lighting, vision, and theatrical effects. This special once-in-a-lifetime event will leave audiences wanting more and talking about it for years.
Human Nature: Back to the Sound of Motown as Presented by Smokey Robinson
January 26
Starting as a high school boy band in Australia, Human Nature was signed to Sony after performing an acapella version of “People Get Ready,” to the label’s CEO. This four-man band has gained a reputation as one of the world’s finest pop-vocal groups today.
Playing for the last two decades, with 13 studio albums under their belt, they have accumulated 27 platinum awards and at least 2.5 million sales.
The Bronx Wanderers
January 31
The Bronx Wanderers have been performing for over 16 years. They have toured the entire country headlining festivals, PACs, and casinos. They are the first and only act to have opened for Tony Orlando and Danny Aiello, supporting Dean Martin’s daughter, Deana, for multiple performances, and singing the national anthem for the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. They support St. Jude’s Hospital and several veteran and armed forces charities. Contribute to charity by enjoying a popular live performance.
Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson
February
A show held in memory of the legendary performer Michael Jackson, the production aspires to pay honor to Michael Jackson’s influential career and reproduce the passion, talent, and magic of his concerts. Comprised of a group of performers who accurately mimic Michael Jackson’s dance routines, vocal style, and stage presence are featured in this tribute band. They frequently sing his most well-known hits while donning costumes that are similar to Jackson’s well-known ensembles.
Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees – February 14
Stayin’ Alive, a Bee Gees tribute band, presents the sounds and images of a complete Bee Gees play list, singing all the hits as well as softer literary ballads. The biggest and most comprehensive production, Stayin’ Alive offers stunning images and big-screen video snippets. Stayin’ Alive has performed in large venues with a 62-piece orchestra as well as small clubs with a six-member band. Both formats offer a unique and one-of-a-kind experience for the audience.
An Evening with Anthony Smith and Darryl Worley: Nashville Songwriters
February 16
American country music performer and composer Darryl Worley released his debut album, “Hard Rain Don’t Last,” in the early 2000s. Singer and songwriter Anthony Smith specializes in country music. Smith first pursued a career as a songwriter in the early 2000s before switching to recording artist, receiving acclaim of his own. With their combined talents, the audience is in for a wonderful and heartfelt experience.
Fourever Fab and
Sixtiesmania: A Journey Through the ‘60s
February 22
The music of the 1960s is truly celebrated in Sixtiesmania. Founded in Australia by Andrew Hill, Sixtiesmania has traveled the world honoring the music of the 1960s.
Andrew started off as a left-handed Paul McCartney “sound-alike,” and has since entertained tens of thousands of people each year in more than 15 nations for the past 20 years. With English-made tailored suits, a full multimedia backdrop, vintage instruments, a song library of over 250 songs, amazing musicianship, and vocals. Every song is performed to sound as authentic to the time era as possible. Whether embracing nostalgia or introducing music to the younger generation, there is something for everyone here.
B2wins Music: Reimagined February 27, 2024
Twin brothers Walter and Wagner Caldas make up the musical duet known as The B2wins (short for “Brazilian Twins”). They are renowned for their upbeat live performances and distinctive fusion of musical styles that includes parts of rock, pop, funk, and classical music.
They frequently use their multi-instrumental abilities, which include the violin, guitar, and drums, among other instruments.
The Doo Wop Project
March 23
The Doo Wop Project started on a street corner with five males singing harmony and now perform the most popular songs on the radio. The Doo Wop Project’s spectacular performances take audiences on a musical journey that starts with classic songs by the Crests, Belmonts, and Flamingos and continues with the vocal prowess of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and The Four Seasons before ending with “DooWopified” renditions of contemporary hits by Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, Maroon 5, and Sam Smith.
Daybreak: The Music and Passion of Barry Manilow
April 13, 2024
DAYBREAK performs timeless favorites like “Mandy, “Can’t Smile Without You,” and the foot-tapping beat of “Copacabana,” among others, under the direction of seasoned musician and skilled pianist Joe Hite. As this 8-piece band flawlessly showcases the music and passion of Barry Manilow while preserving the music for future generations to enjoy, you won’t believe your eyes or ears.
Seating a thousand people, the auditorium offers the chance to enjoy nationally touring Broadway acts, cultural programs, big band music, family theater, symphonic, and celebrity entertainment. Generally supported through ticket sales, grants, fundraisers, and generous donors, are all the shows mentioned in this article able to come to your local theater. All of this is not just for our benefit as audience members, either.
The auditorium continues to give back in the form of scholarships for students every year, as far back as 1997. Through Director Fulmer’s influence as a leader and educator, more than 200 hundred local students have had the opportunity to perform at the Auditorium.
With the hard work of the rest of the Auditorium staff, and donors such as local businesses Highjackers, Flagler Radio, and the Palm Coast Observer, a community is built around the arts. Add your support for artists and performers, as well as the next generation of students through ticket purchases, volunteering, or subscription options, all found on the Auditorium website. New acts are hosted here every year for you to enjoy.