An Educational Send-Up Of Epic Laughs Awaits - Audiences Are Embracing The Needle-Sharp Satirical Look At Parenting, Privilege, And The Minefield Of Modern Communication

“You can always spot a Eureka Day kid because at soccer games, they’re the ones who cheer when the other team scores.” In this ultra-progressive private school in California, every voice matters—until a mumps outbreak turns harmony into hysteria. In this, a well-meaning board of directors prides itself on consensus and inclusion. But when public health collides with personal beliefs, even the most open-minded parents find themselves at odds. As tensions rise and Zoom meetings spiral into chaos, the community must confront the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, doing the right thing means not pleasing everyone.

Although penned prior to COVID-19 but after California’s infamous measles outbreak at Disneyland, the timely, relevant play diagnoses the rapid social decay that can occur when even like-minded people can’t agree.

“Eureka Day” has a certain straightforwardness to its tightly drawn plot that belies its sophistication. It’s satirical — and billed as such — in poking fun at Bay Area liberals, and yet it also has a kindness and sensitivity in the way it approaches its characters, including its anti-vaxxers (who are also Bay Area liberals!). Yes, Spector clearly takes sides here in the debate over vaccines, but he makes sure that, in progressive parlance, everyone is “heard.” – Chicago Sun Times.

Local theater critics and audiences are already embracing the thoughtfully staged production.

“Spector’s strong script receives strong staging from Andy Rogow, who is Island City’s Artistic Director. Rogow’s smooth hand keeps the comedy infused with the play’s serious aspects. Rogow has assembled a solid cast, molded to his vision, to close out Island City’s 14th Season. Michael McClain’s colorful scenic design sets the tone of “Eureka Day,” with its artfully arranged books, naturally color-coordinated, and a poster with diverse hands reaching toward each other and the saying ‘All stories matter.’” – Oline Cogdill, Sun-Sentinel and Florida Theater On Stage

"Saw the Tony-Award Winning Play Eureka Day at the iconic Island City Stage. Next-level acting. Brilliant rapid-fire dialogue. Funny. Poignant. Timely." - Matt Tesoriero

"I have to say that Eureka Day is an incredible final play for Season 14. I truly loved it and enjoyed it. Keep on presenting great performances for Season 15." - Richard Paul

"This is a great show. Triggering. Brilliant." - Baris Ipeker

Eureka Day premiered at Aurora Theatre Company in Berkeley, California in April 2018 then moved to New York at Walkerspace the following year. Its European premiere at The Old Vic in September 2022 featured Mark McKinney, Helen Hunt, Susan Kelechi Watson, Kirsten Foster and Ben Schnetzer. In 2024, Eureka Day premiered on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre starring Bill Irwin, Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht, Thomas Middleditch, Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz and Eboni Flowers.

Island City Stage’s production of Eureka Day is helmed by Artistic Director Andy Rogow and stars Brandon Campbell (Eli), Jen Chia (Meiko), Rita Cole (Carina), Ted DeChatelet (Don), and Maribeth Graham (Suzanne).

“When I first read Eureka Day more than five years ago, I knew we had to produce it,” said Rogow. “Through searing comedy and heartfelt storytelling, this explosive play confronts us individually and as a community to question what inclusion for all really means and what we're willing to sacrifice to be inclusive.”

Eureka Day Lights and Sound Sponsor is Scott Bennett and Costume Sponsor is Howard Kurzweil. Additional funding is provided by the following: The Our Fund Foundation, The Schubert Foundation Inc., the SHS Foundation, the Warten Foundation, and OutClique.

Individual show tickets start at $45. As part of its commitment to the community, Island City Stage is offering South Florida educators a $5 off per ticket discount with the code EDTEACH5. A Women’s Night at the Theater with a pre-show reception sponsored by PJ Hitchins will take place on September 4th. The show runs for one hour and 50 minutes with an intermission.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.islandcitystage.org. Call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: boxoffice@islandcitystage.org. Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IslandCityStage. And on Instagram at: @islandcitystage.

About Island City Stage

Founded in 2012, Island City Stage is a professional regional theater committed to sharing classic and contemporary stories, engaging audiences with entertaining, challenging, and inspiring productions and programs. These shows are brought to life on stage through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television. Island City Stage offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seating to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation at each theatrical event. Island City Stage is a 501 (c) 3 NonProfit Organization. It is located at 2304 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. For tickets and more information, please call: (954) 928-9800. Or visit: www.islandcitystage.org.