Greetings from Paradise

Historical romance intertwines with the dramatic story of South Florida's 1920s land boom in this original theatrical production. Greetings From Paradise, written by June Thomson Morris in celebration of Coral Gables' centennial, premieres at the Balcony Theatre in the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, with performances on April 29, 30 and May 1 and 3.

This 80-minute one-act play follows Lucy Mae Barnes, a determined 19-year-old who travels alone from Indiana to Florida via the East Coast Railroad to meet her potential suitor, Robert Thomson. Her journey intersects with Frank Harris, a New York journalist investigating the Florida land boom that captured national attention. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the Great Florida Land Boom of 1925, its subsequent bust and the devastating Hurricane of 1926.

The narrative features portrayals of influential figures from Florida's history, including developers Carl Fisher and George Merrick, along with Edward "Doc" Dammers. Through these characters, the play examines themes of ambition, development and the human cost of rapid expansion in early 20th-century Florida.

This production serves as a centerpiece of the City of Coral Gables' 100th-anniversary celebrations, offering audiences insight into the region's transformative period while exploring timeless themes of love, ambition and the pursuit of paradise.