The Villages, Florida, a renowned retirement community, is not just about leisure and recreation; it boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene that caters to a wide array of tastes. Among its key cultural hubs are The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol, the Savannah Center, and a modern movie theater, each offering unique experiences that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.
The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center: A Grand Stage for World-Class Entertainment
The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, often simply called "The Sharon," stands as a testament to The Villages' commitment to bringing high-caliber performances to its community. This impressive, Spanish-inspired venue, with seating for just over 1,000 guests across multiple levels, has become a jewel in the crown of Central Florida's cultural landscape.
From the moment one steps into the grand lobby, it's clear that The Sharon is designed for a special experience. The architecture evokes a sense of elegance and occasion, setting the stage for the world-class artists and entertainers who grace its stage. The venue boasts state-of-the-art audio, visual, and theatrical rigging systems, ensuring that every performance is delivered with exceptional quality.
The programming at The Sharon is remarkably diverse, encompassing a wide range of artistic disciplines. Broadway musicals, such as "Beauty and the Beast," "Rent," and "Mamma Mia," have thrilled audiences with their spectacular productions. Music lovers can enjoy concerts spanning genres from classical philharmonic orchestras to performances by iconic artists like Willie Nelson, Johnny Mathis, and Frankie Avalon. Comedy shows featuring renowned comedians like Jay Leno and Paula Poundstone provide evenings of laughter. Dance troupes, illusionists, and even operas further contribute to the rich tapestry of entertainment offered.

The Sharon's significance extends beyond just providing entertainment; it serves as a central gathering place for the community. Residents and their friends from surrounding areas come together to share in these cultural experiences, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared appreciation for the arts. The venue's location at 1051 Main Street in Spanish Springs Town Square also makes it easily accessible and a focal point of one of The Villages' vibrant town centers.
The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol: An Intimate Space for Thought-Provoking Performances
In contrast to the grand scale of The Sharon, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol offers a more intimate and immersive theatrical experience. As an extension of The Sharon, this "Black Box" theatre, located at 806 San Marino Drive, provides a flexible performance space with seating for around 120 guests. Its transformable stage allows for various seating configurations, including thrust, round, and proscenium styles, ensuring that each production offers a unique perspective and draws the audience closer to the action.
The mission of The Studio Theatre is to inspire the residents of Central Florida to engage with relevant issues through innovative and intimate storytelling. Significant Productions, the driving force behind The Studio, curates a season of thought-provoking and dynamic plays and musicals featuring both well-renowned and local talent.
Stepping into The Studio feels like entering a space where the focus is solely on the performance and the connection between the actors and the audience. The intimacy of the venue allows for nuanced performances and a deeper emotional resonance with the material. Recent and upcoming productions, such as "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" and "Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future," showcase the diverse range of stories and themes explored on this stage.
With multiple productions and over 130 performances annually, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol provides year-round opportunities to experience compelling and engaging theatre in a unique setting. It serves as a vital platform for both established and emerging artists, contributing to the cultural richness of The Villages and the surrounding communities.
Savannah Center: Elegance and Versatility for Diverse Entertainment
The Savannah Center, located at 1575 Buena Vista Boulevard, offers another significant venue for entertainment and events within The Villages. With seating for just over 800 guests, this striking, southern-themed facility strikes a balance between the grand scale of The Sharon and the intimacy of The Studio Theatre. Its elegant ambiance and versatile layout make it a popular choice for a wide range of performances and gatherings.
The entertainment lineup at the Savannah Center is as diverse as the community it serves. Music enthusiasts can enjoy concerts spanning various genres, from tributes to iconic bands like ABBA and Creedence Clearwater Revival to performances by groups like the Atlantic City Boys. The venue also hosts theatrical productions, such as the upcoming performance of "Godspell," and comedy shows, ensuring there's something to appeal to every taste.
Beyond performances, the Savannah Center also functions as a banquet facility, making it a popular venue for special events, dances, and community gatherings. Its warm and friendly environment, coupled with its impressive facilities, makes it a favorite among Villagers for both entertainment and social occasions.
The Savannah Center embodies the spirit of Southern charm and hospitality, providing a welcoming space where residents can come together to enjoy a wide spectrum of entertainment and create lasting memories. Its central location and diverse programming schedule make it a cornerstone of The Villages' vibrant social and cultural life.
Epic Theatres Old Mill Playhouse: Bringing the Magic of the Silver Screen
For those who enjoy the cinematic experience, The Villages offers the modern and comfortable Epic Theatres Old Mill Playhouse. Located at 1000 Old Mill Run in Lake Sumter Landing, this multi-screen movie theater provides residents with the opportunity to catch the latest blockbuster releases, as well as special screenings and events.
Epic Theatres Old Mill Playhouse boasts multiple screens with comfortable seating and state-of-the-art sound and projection systems, ensuring an enjoyable movie-watching experience. The theater typically shows a wide variety of films, catering to different genres and age groups. Current showtimes feature popular releases like "Thunderbolts*," "Sinners," and "A Minecraft Movie," as well as special screenings like the 50th-anniversary presentation of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail."
The movie theater is not just a place to see films; it's also a social hub where friends and families can gather for entertainment. The convenience of its location within Lake Sumter Landing makes it easily accessible for residents looking for a casual outing. With matinee and evening showtimes, as well as senior and resident discounts, it offers an affordable and enjoyable entertainment option.
While the Barnstorm Theater at Brownwood Paddock Square and the Rialto Theater at Spanish Springs Town Square are currently closed for renovations, Epic Theatres Old Mill Playhouse continues to serve the community's movie-going needs, ensuring that the magic of the silver screen remains an integral part of The Villages' entertainment offerings.
The Tracy Performing Arts Center, located on The Villages High School campus, serves as a vibrant hub for both student productions and professional entertainment in The Villages, Florida. This state-of-the-art facility offers a diverse range of performances, from student plays, musicals, and concerts to touring acts, ensuring there's something to captivate every audience member. With a seating capacity of over 800 in the main theater and the more intimate Encore at The Tracy Theater for smaller events, The Tracy enriches the cultural landscape of The Villages and provides invaluable stage experience for young artists.
Conclusion: A Rich Tapestry of Arts and Entertainment
The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol, the Savannah Center, and the movie theater in The Villages collectively create a rich and diverse tapestry of arts and entertainment. From grand Broadway productions and world-renowned musical artists to intimate theatrical experiences, versatile event spaces, and the latest cinematic releases, these venues offer something for everyone in this vibrant community. They serve not only as places of entertainment but also as vital social and cultural hubs, enriching the lives of residents and contributing to the unique appeal of The Villages as a premier retirement destination. The commitment to providing such a wide range of high-quality entertainment underscores the community's dedication to fostering an engaging and fulfilling lifestyle for its residents.