As part of our evolving Miracle or 2 Spotlight series, we’re shining a light not only on the writers and titles in our catalogue, but also the theatres and artistic leaders bringing these shows to life on stages across the country. This spotlight features Winter Park Playhouse and its Artistic Director, Roy Alan. Celebrating 24 years as Central Florida’s professional musical theatre, Winter Park Playhouse has built a reputation for uplifting, music-driven productions that entertain both local audiences and visitors alike.
Over the years, the theatre has staged an incredible range of Miracle or 2 titles, including Pete ‘N’ Keely, Are We There Yet?, I Love a Piano, Wreck the Halls, The Bikinis, Route 66, The Rat Pack Lounge, and All Hands on Deck. Their upcoming 2026/27 season will also feature Now Comes The Fun Part! and A Christmas Survival Guide.
We spoke with Roy about the community Winter Park Playhouse serves, the kinds of shows their audiences respond to most strongly, and why Miracle or 2 titles continue to be such a strong fit for their theatre.
Tell us a little about your theatre and the community you serve.
“The Winter Park Playhouse is celebrating 24 years as Central Florida’s Professional Musical Theatre, where we ONLY produce musicals that inspire, uplift and entertain local patrons and visitors to the area. We’re currently undergoing a major renovation of our theatre and are on track for the Grand Opening in July and the opening of our new season in August!”
What kind of programming does your audience respond to most strongly?
“Known as the ‘Forget Your Troubles Theatre,’ our audiences prefer light, fun shows, some filled with music they know and love, where they can escape the world outside for a few hours.”
You’ve produced several titles from the Miracle or 2 catalogue — what drew you to these shows?
“Our first Miracle Or 2 production was PETE “N” KEELY, 23 years ago and we brought it back in 2012! We’ve staged ARE WE THERE YET?, I LOVE A PIANO, WRECK THE HALLS, THE BIKINIS, ROUTE 66, THE RAT PACK LOUNGE and ALL HANDS ON DECK. In our 2026/2027 Season, we’re bringing back ALL HANDS ON DECK and THE RAT PACK LOUNGE and we’re producing NOW COMES THE FUN PART! and A CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE. We’re drawn to these shows because they’re well-written, and they have smaller casts that work in our intimate theatre.”
How did the shows connect with your audiences or performers?
“Our audiences connect with the music and respond to the stories, giving standing ovations after virtually every performance. The actors have a blast singing the music and playing the fun characters created for the shows.”
What advice would you give to other theatres considering producing one of these titles?
“Any theatre looking for an intimate, affordable and totally entertaining show should seriously consider choosing any of Miracle Or 2’s musicals! You can’t go wrong!!!”
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association
All Photos : Courtesy of The Winter Park Playhouse