CF students to premier new musical Aug. 1-3

Joshua L. Mazur [Photo courtesy College of Central Florida]

The musical theatre students at the College of Central Florida will offer the world premiere of a new musical, “In Willowbark Woods,” on stage Aug. 1-3 at the Black Box Theatre.

The new production is described by its creator, Joshua L. Mazur, CF adjunct instructor of music, as “a meditation on change.” “In Willowbark Woods” is directed by Jason Longtin, CF professor of music and choral director.

Students registered for a special two-week section of the college’s Advanced Play Production class, were assigned roles and will learn and rehearse the original theatrical work from July 21-31, then perform the show live Aug. 1-3.

“‘In Willowbark Woods’ is about change in a place that seems unchanged,” Mazur said in the news release. “Through spare dialogue, vivid moments, intimate songs and an atmosphere that feels both familiar and strange, ‘In Willowbark Woods’ becomes a portrait of ordinary people who, despite the stillness around them, cannot avoid confronting their own transformation. Audiences are invited into this small, imaginary community not as spectators alone, but as fellow travelers—reflecting on how even the quietest corners of life conceal tides of change we all must eventually meet.”

Mazur will give two free talks, “Making a Show: The Writing and Composing of ‘In Willowbark Woods’ on Tuesday, July 22, at 3 p.m., and “Making a Living: Being a Composer in 2025” on July 29, at 3 p.m. Both 90-minute events will be held at the Black Box Theatre sponsored by Norman and Susan Reid, at 3001 S.W. College Road, Ocala.

“In Willowbark Woods” performance times are 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and Aug. 2, and 3 p.m. Aug. 3. Tickets are $10 for adults and can be purchased at cf.universitytickets.com or by calling (352) 873-5810. Tickets are free for CF students, faculty and staff with valid I.D.

To learn more, go to cf.edu/theatre