Island City Stage, an LGBT-centric regional theater company based in Wilton Manors, celebrated its 10th-anniversary last season, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“Two years ago, the cast and crew were in the middle of rehearsal for ‘Suddenly, Last Summer’ when we were given the news that we had to shut down. It’s been a long road for all of us, and we are grateful to still be here, working with a thriving organization producing thought-provoking theatre for full houses again,” said Managing Director Martin Childers in an email to patrons.

He added, “Because of you, we have been able to produce with mandated smaller audiences, find creative ways to keep people engaged and implemented physical upgrades to our facility to keep you safe and comfortable. All of this came at great cost, and we are grateful for those that helped us find the funds to manage these challenges.”  

Audiences flocked to critically acclaimed performances of gay playwright Tennessee Williams’ “Suddenly, Last Summer,” and thought-provoking productions that explored race and gender in the LGBT community.

Looking ahead to the company’s next decade, Artistic Director Andy Rogow has planned an equally challenging – and entertaining – season beginning in October with the outrageous gender-bending musical “Pageant,” Oct. 20 – Nov. 20, and Jon Brittain’s “Rotterdam,” Jan. 19 – Feb. 19, a bittersweet comedy that explores the relationship between two women while one transitions.

The season continues with “I Wanna F*#%ing Tear You Apart,” March 2 – April 2, an ode to the complications of friendship in its many fucked-up forms, and a National New Play Network world premiere of “Tracy Jones,” May 18 – June 18, a comedy about a young lesbian attempting to connect with others.  

The season concludes with “Springfield Pride,” Aug. 3 – Sept. 3, a new commission imagined from today’s headlines after a liberal cisgender politician makes off-the-record comments about Black Lives Matter that become public and don’t quite match his social justice persona. Can he still be the grand marshal of the annual Pride parade?  

For tickets and more information, go to IslandCityStage.org.