Live, drive-in theater performance coming to Bradenton this weekend

You could say that the drive-in is having a moment.

Movies, stunt shows and even fireworks displays have been converted to an automobile-friendly format in recent months to keep thrill seekers safe and healthy in the era of COVID-19. The format will be put to yet another creative use this weekend in Bradenton: showcasing community theater.

As the Manatee Players perform live inside of the Manatee Performing Arts Center on Saturday night, the show will be transmitted to a giant screen in the parking lot.

Attendees will be able to enjoy from the comfort of their cars or spread out on blankets and chairs.

Organizers have selected the musical “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” for the performance. The show was among those canceled earlier this year due to COVID-19.

Manatee Players, the community theater troupe founded in 1947, consistently puts on a diverse line-up of plays and musicals each year at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. But several productions were wiped out by COVID-19, and the future of the 2020-2021 season remains uncertain.

Local organizations Realize Bradenton and the Florida Cultural Group, along with Independent Jones, are teaming up to bring community theater back to the stage for the special event.

The concept got a first test run on July 18 with a short musical performance from the theater’s stage and an airing of the movie, “The Blues Brothers.”

“This is really an innovative way to support the cultural assets of downtown Bradenton,” said Johnette Isham, executive director of the non-profit Realize Bradenton. “This collaboration, borne out of the necessity of a global pandemic, inspired us to think innovatively for the community’s benefit.”

Isham says that the message of the musical— finding happiness in everyday situations — is very relevant to current challenges.

The free event is a trial run and will be limited to 50 cars, according to Isham. Personal coolers for beverages and snacks will be allowed, and there will be portable toilets on site. Guests will be asked to keep a safe distance from one another and use a mask when leaving their cars. They will also be asked to fill out a short e-survey to help refine future shows.

Another drive-in performance is planned for Sept. 5 and will feature the Manatee Players’ production of “Doubt, A Parable,” which was also canceled last spring. The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama examines the nature of morals and truth.

And Isham says to look out for more of the drive-in arts events in the future if the first rounds prove to be popular.

Details: Entry from 8-8:25 p.m. Saturday. Show begins around 8:40 p.m. (Approximately 90 minutes.) Parking lot of the Manatee Performing Arts Center, 401 Seventh St. W., Bradenton. Free.

Info: Tickets can be reserved at manateeperformingartscenter.com. One ticket is required per vehicle; only 50 available.

This story was originally published July 28, 2020 at 9:17 AM.