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| Weekly Edition | | Vol. 1 · No. 2 |
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| THE RITZ REVIEW |
| “All the Stage That's Fit to Print” |
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| Sanford, Florida | | Tuesday, JuLY 14th, 2026 |
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Meet Lucy Knappenberger: The Ritz’s Newest Comedy Queen
By Brittany Diemer
SANFORD, FL —
An upcoming sophomore at Winter Park High School, Lucy is already making a name for herself in the local theater community—which feels a little unfair, considering most performers spend years developing the kind of comedic timing and stage presence she seems to possess naturally.
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| | “the newest addition to our growing family of talented performers.” |
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| THIS WEEK's FEATURE ARTICLE |
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As Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress, Lucy brought the house down. Her facial expressions, physical comedy, and perfectly timed delivery made the character completely unforgettable. She brings an old-Hollywood energy to the stage, with a performance style reminiscent of a young Carol Burnett. Lucy does not simply deliver a joke—she somehow finds two or three more hiding inside it.
Having spent a lot of time backstage capturing content during the production, I was also lucky enough to see the Lucy audiences do not always get to see.
During her song about growing up in a swamp, Lucy was choreographed to turn away from the audience and face the ensemble while performing a spin-stop-spin combination. In the middle of a live performance, she used the approximately half-second when the audience could not see her face to make an absolutely ridiculous expression at her castmates. She then spun back around, immediately returned to Princess Winnifred, and carried on as though she had not just attempted to make the entire ensemble break character.... That is Lucy.
Offstage, Lucy is just as special. She is kind, helpful, hardworking, and refreshingly humble. She genuinely does not seem to realize just how talented she is—which is particularly impressive because everyone else in the room certainly does. We would tell her, but we do not want it going to her head.
Lucy hopes to become a professional actor when she grows up, and based on the talent, work ethic, and natural comedic instincts she is already displaying, we do not think she will have any trouble achieving that goal.
Luckily, Ritz audiences will not have to wait long to see Lucy return to the stage. She will play Grandmama Addams in the upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical at the Ritz Theater on July 24 at 7:00 p.m. Based on what we already know about Lucy’s comedic abilities, Grandmama may have finally met her match.
Come see Lucy here at the Ritz while you still can—before she is famous and we all have to brag about knowing her when! |
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ARTS AROUND TOWN | | Great culinary experiences that also support the arts! | | | When we speak about Sanford’s arts community, our first thoughts may turn to actors stepping into the spotlight, musicians finding the right harmony or artists transforming an empty canvas.
Creativity also takes place over a flame, behind a bar and within the carefully composed space of a dining room. Around the Ritz Theater, chefs, bakers, brewers and restaurateurs practice an art form that is both highly personal and wonderfully communal. Their ingredients are flavor, texture, color, heritage and hospitality—and their finished work invites the audience to become part of the experience.
Together, these artist show why dining belongs within any conversation about the local arts. A memorable meal, like a memorable performance, requires preparation, technique, interpretation and a genuine connection with its audience.
The next time you attend a performance at the Ritz, consider making the meal before or after the show part of the cultural experience. The curtain may rise inside the theater—but throughout Sanford, another kind of artistry is already being served. What's more, several of the local restaurants joined our dining partners program that helps support the Ritz Theater.
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SHOWING SOON | | Upcoming Events | 
| What's coming up at the theater. | 7PM Jul 15 | Free Willy This heartfelt family adventure drama tells the story of a troubled boy who forms an unlikely bond with a captive orca. Inspiring and emotional, Free Willy is a moving story about friendship, freedom, and finding where you belong. | | 7PM JUL 22 | Flight of the Navigator This imaginative family sci-fi adventure follows a young boy who suddenly finds himself connected to a mysterious alien spacecraft. Filled with wonder, humor, and '80s charm, Flight of the Navigator is a fun and memorable journey for the whole family. | | 7PM JUL 24 | The Addams Family Musical Jr. A comical, creepy, and heartwarming musical, The Addams Family Jr. follows Wednesday Addams as she falls for a sweet, “normal” boy and asks her father to keep it a secret from Morticia. When both families meet for dinner, chaos, comedy, and surprises unfold in true Addams fashion. |
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RYE the MOVIE GUY |
The Blood, the Screams, and the Secret: Inside Cinema’s Most Terrifying Prank | | |  |
The "Chestburster" scene in Alien (1979) is legendary for its raw, visceral horror. But there is a reason the actors' reactions look so incredibly real: they weren't acting.
Director Ridley Scott wanted genuine, unvarnished panic when the baby Xenomorph made its bloody debut through Kane’s (John Hurt) chest. To get it, he kept the cast entirely in the dark. While the actors knew something would emerge, they had no idea the special effects crew had rigged the set with high-pressure air cannons packed with gallons of fake blood and real animal intestines. When the cameras rolled and the chest erupted, a jet of blood struck actress Veronica Cartwright (Lambert) directly in the face.
"I actually flipped out," Cartwright later admitted. "I fell backward over a chair."
Sigourney Weaver was convinced John Hurt was actually dying. The screaming, the backing away in disgust, the pure shock—it was all 100% authentic panic. It remains one of the greatest, most devious practical jokes in Hollywood history.
See the Terror Live at the Ritz! Think you can handle the chestburster on the big screen? Experience Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece in the theater.
- What: Alien (1979)
- Where: The Historic Ritz Theater, Sanford, FL
- When: Thursday, July 30th
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dining out For 40 years, originally from Detroit Michigan, the Cranias family has opened and operated over 20 independent restaurants between Detroit and Orlando. Most of our restaurants were called Christo’s. Named after our father and family patriarch, Chris Cranias
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The Italian Lunch Box - Sub roll stuffed with salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, ham, roasted peppers, red onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes and drizzled with Italian dressing. Served hot or cold. |
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STAFF PICK Rumble at the Ritz Brittany Diemer Of all the events coming to the Ritz this July, I am, gloves down, most excited for Rumble at the Ritz!
My husband and I spent a lot of our early relationship at boxing events, so naturally, we fell in love surrounded by the romantic aroma of sweat, blood, and questionably cheap beer. Some couples have candlelit dinners. We had ringside seats.
That is probably why Rumble at the Ritz feels like such an easy pick for me. Promoter Mike Sawyer—the man, the myth, the legend—always puts on an exciting event, and the energy in the theater is incredible from the first bell to the final round.
Live boxing is loud, unpredictable, and just a little chaotic—and let’s face it, so am I—which is exactly what makes it so much fun. Rumble at the Ritz is definitely the July event I’m most excited to see! Hop in the ring with us on July 25 for Rumble at the Ritz 3! -GET TICKETS | 
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 | TRIVIA What was the real name of the captive orca who starred as Willy in the 1993 film, Free Willy, and what country was he living in when scouts found him?
Find the answer in the classifieds section __________________________
The Ritz would like to introduce - JoAnn Rombough For five years, JoAnn has been bringing smiles and joy to The Ritz Theater—including spreading holiday cheer as our resident Mrs. Claus! Thank you, JoAnn, for everything you do to make The Ritz feel like home. |
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Classifieds | Notices, opportunities, and offers — click to answer the ad. | Check the auditions section of our website for new opportunities!
| Join the Ritz volunteer corps. Complimentary seats on nights you serve. -click to apply. | The Combo 125 Ticket brings together five outstanding venues, each with its own unique charm and selection of shows. -click to see more | You can rent the theater or the annex space for your event. See the website for more details. -click to view | Help the magic come to life! Learn more about working with the tech crew! -click for more | Support the Ritz Theater just by enjoying a meal at one of your favorite local spots! -click for details [TRIVIA answer: Keiko; Mexico]
| Whether it's 20 co-workers, 55 seniors, or your entire sorority, we'll craft a seamless night out—plus exclusive per-ticket savings. -click for info | Join our community of arts supporters and enjoy exclusive benefits while helping to preserve the historic Ritz Theater. -click to view |
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Patrons & Sponsors | With gratitude to the partners whose support helps keep the magic alive at the Ritz. | |
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| Ritz Theater Sanford |
| At the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center |
| 201 S. Magnolia Avenue · Sanford, FL 32771 |
| Box Office 407-321-8111 · ritztheatersanford.com |
| Facebook |
| Follow us on social media for regular programming updates, and visit ritztheatersanford.com for the full calendar. |
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