Actors’ Playhouse in Coral Gables will stage Greetings from Paradise, a captivating one-act play that breathes life into the early history of Miami and Coral Gables, opening on Tuesday, April 29. Written by playwright June Thomson Morris, this 80-minute performance marks a special occasion—the 100th anniversary of the City of Coral Gables. The play immerses audiences in the Great Florida Land Boom of 1925, the subsequent Land Bust, and the devastating Hurricane of 1926, weaving a tale of love, ambition, and the pitfalls of an unrelenting pursuit of paradise.

A Spirited Journey to the Tropics

The play centers on Lucy Mae Barnes, a spirited 19-year-old from Indiana, who embarks on an unaccompanied journey aboard the Florida East Coast Railroad to meet Robert Thomson in an unfamiliar land. Set against the backdrop of 1920s Florida, Lucy’s adventure begins with the thrilling promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities in a land that promised fortune and opportunity to all who arrived.

During her travels, she encounters Frank Harris, a journalist from New York whose quest is to uncover the truth about the Florida land craze that has captivated the nation’s imagination. Together, these three characters form the backbone of the story, guiding the audience through a tumultuous period in the state’s history. The explosive boom of real estate and its sudden collapse gives way to an emotional love story that transcends time, resonating with themes of lust, greed, and the perilous pursuit of paradise.

Historical Figures Come to Life

Greetings from Paradise brings to life not only the characters of Lucy, Robert, and Frank but also the real historical figures who played significant roles in shaping the development of Coral Gables and Miami. Carl Fisher, the renowned real estate developer, and George Merrick, the visionary founder of Coral Gables, make pivotal appearances in the narrative, offering insight into the dreams and missteps that led to both the boom and bust of the Florida land market. Additionally, the enigmatic Edward “Doc” Dammers, another key player in the city’s development, finds his way into the plot, anchoring the play in the real-world figures who helped shape the early history of the region.

The play’s exploration of the intersection between ambition, greed, and the human desire for utopia presents a timeless reflection on the moral lessons of the past. The tension between hope and destruction in the land boom is mirrored in the characters’ lives, making the story all the more relevant to contemporary audiences.

An 80-Minute Ride Through History

The fast-paced, engaging nature of Greetings from Paradise ensures a captivating theater experience. The play’s compact 80-minute run time doesn’t detract from its ability to capture the complex emotions and historical context of early Miami and Coral Gables. The passion, the ambition, and the failures of the characters all serve as a backdrop to the rapid development of a city that would go on to become one of the most iconic in the United States.

A Story of Love, Loss, and Reflection

Greetings from Paradise is more than just a historical narrative—it is a poignant love story. The interplay between personal dreams and the larger narrative of the city’s growth provides a deep emotional core that lingers long after the curtains fall. With its stark warnings about the dangers of unchecked desire for paradise, the play ultimately challenges the audience to reflect on the pursuit of their own desires and the consequences of their actions, much as the people of Miami and Coral Gables faced a century ago.

Celebrate Coral Gables’ Centennial at the Theater

As Coral Gables celebrates its centennial, Greetings from Paradise offers an enriching and entertaining way to look back at the city’s vibrant past. With its historical roots, emotional depth, and engaging storytelling, this play is an unmissable event for both theatergoers and history buffs alike.

For tickets and more information, visit the Actors’ Playhouse website.