PALM COAST, Fla. – The ’80s were back in a big way as the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center kicked off its 2026–27 season with a totally fabulous opening night filled with music, laughter, colorful costumes and plenty of nostalgic fun. More than 650 guests turned out for an unforgettable evening that celebrated the arts, community spirit and the excitement of a new season in Palm Coast.
From teased hair and neon colors to leg warmers, rock-star outfits and creative group costumes, guests embraced the theme and transformed opening night into an ’80s-inspired celebration. Even the Fitzgerald’s ushers joined in the fun, dressed in their best retro attire.
The festivities began with a pre-show tailgate party featuring food trucks, an outdoor DJ and specialty mocktails provided by Fun Coast Bartending. The excitement continued inside with a costume contest, inviting guests to take the stage and show off their creativity. One lucky gentleman walked away with free season tickets as the evening’s winning costume.
For Deborah Aldinger, who has attended performances at the Fitzgerald before, opening night was everything she had hoped for. She was particularly looking forward to the show and seeing The American Sirens, adding that the opportunity to dress up and bring back the ’80s made the evening even more enjoyable.
Linda Corrigan, who came dressed for the occasion, couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. Calling the show “one of the best shows ever,” she praised the energy and participation throughout the audience.
“They got everybody into it. Everybody’s dressed up. Phenomenal. Just so fun,” she said. For Linda, seeing guests step outside their comfort zones and embrace the theme was one of the best parts of the night.
The celebration also carried a meaningful purpose. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefited the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation’s Pink Army, and efforts to raise awareness and funds for local breast cancer patients.
AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Development Officer Pam Bolter was thrilled by the community’s support.
“Everybody looks amazing. They’re all so supportive, and partnering with The Fitz is so wonderful,” she said.
Reflecting on the colorful costumes and enthusiastic turnout, she added, “Events like this, combined with our Foundation, we’re raising money and saving lives. It’s amazing.”
For Craig Uppercue, the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center’s new director, the opening night celebration represented much more than a successful party. It marked an exciting beginning to the center’s 35th season of celebrating the arts in Palm Coast.
Uppercue, decked out in full on 80’s attire, shared that attendance and season-ticket interest were already showing significant growth compared with the same time the previous year. He credited the Fitzgerald’s dedicated team, community partners and local media for helping create renewed excitement around the performing arts center.
“There’s a lot of buzz that’s been created,” Uppercue said, noting how pleased he was to see the community responding so enthusiastically.
With more than 650 guests filling the venue, the excitement was unmistakable. But for Uppercue, one of the most rewarding aspects of his new role since taking the helm, has been meeting the people who have made The Fitz such an important part of the community.
“One consistent thing that everyone says about The Fitz is how much they love being here and how much this place means to them and to this community,” he said with appreciation.
That connection extends beyond the stage. The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center’s mission of supporting arts and education was also on full display as local students worked behind the scenes throughout the evening. From operating spotlights and soundboards to assisting with lighting, students gained valuable hands-on experience while helping bring the production to life.
As the sounds of the 80’s played and patrons sang along with Heart Throb to the likes of Duran Duran, David Bowie, and Chicago, opening night offered a reminder of what makes live entertainment so special – bringing people together through shared experiences, creativity and a little fun.
