Limelight Theatre is experiencing momentum this holiday season as rave reviews and a nearly sold-out run of “Annie” launch the organization’s 2025 Giving Season campaign and its newest community fundraiser, “Parking with a Purpose,” during St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights. Together, these initiatives support the nonprofit theatre as it prepares to enter its 35th season in 2026 while maintaining its 50-year-old facility.
“Annie” opened Dec. 4 to an enthusiastic audience response and continues its run through Dec. 21. Set in 1930s New York City during the Great Depression, “Annie” follows the journey of a spirited young orphan determined to find her parents and her place in the world. The production features beloved songs including “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard-Knock Life.” Two young performers, Sydney Taisey and Jasmine Maurer, alternate in the title role throughout the run.
Director Maggie Cox, a graduate of the St. Johns County Center for the Arts and longtime member of the Limelight Theatre family, began her journey on the Limelight stage as a young performer and now returns as a director, educator and mentor, guiding the next generation of artists in one of Limelight’s most beloved holiday productions.
The opening of “Annie” also marks the official launch of Limelight Theatre’s 2025 Giving Season, a fundraising campaign supporting two major milestones:
The campaign centers on the theme “Be the Light. Share the Light. Limelight!” with the tagline “Help keep the lights on, the stories alive, and the community thriving.”
“This is a pivotal moment for Limelight Theatre,” said Executive Director Sherrie Provence. “We are celebrating our history while facing the realities of a 50-year-old building. From repairing aging bathrooms to improving accessibility, every gift this Giving Season helps protect our home and strengthen our mission.”
Parking with a Purpose
With thousands of visitors downtown each night, Limelight is opening its 75-space parking lot at 11 Old Mission Ave. On most Nights of Lights dates now through January, guests may park for $20 per car, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the theatre including building improvements, youth programs, scholarships and daily operations. A limited number of blackout dates will occur when Limelight has scheduled performances. Guests are encouraged to check availability at www.limelight-theatre.org.
This initiative offers a simple solution to downtown parking while allowing the community to directly support a beloved local nonprofit.
Tickets and Ways to Give
Tickets for “Annie” are $35, with senior and military tickets priced at $30. Audiences attending “Annie” or enjoying downtown during Nights of Lights are invited to participate in Giving Season through several meaningful options:
Donation and Giving Season information is available at www.limelight-theatre.org.
Limelight Theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine.
Theatre website: www.limelight-theatre.org. Direct ticket link: www.limelight.ludus.com. Box office: 904-825-1164.
