A Grand New Stage for South Florida: The Sunrise Lakes Theater Reopens Its Doors to the Public

A new chapter is unfolding for South Florida’s vibrant music scene as The Sunrise Lakes Theater prepares for its grand reopening this September. With a stunning 1,000-seat capacity and a renewed focus on supporting both national acts and homegrown talent, this venue is quickly shaping up to be a game-changer for the local entertainment landscape. Spearheaded by Randy Kusiak, the driving force behind Viper Productions, this theater aims to blend top-tier sound, comfort, and accessibility in a way few venues can.

While the venue has long existed, it’s now receiving the attention it deserves thanks to Kusiak’s vision. A longtime concert producer and sound expert, Randy is turning this space into a musician-first venue—something that’s been sorely lacking in today’s industry. “This is not just another rental hall,” Randy emphasizes. “This is a professional-grade concert venue, and we’re doing it right—from acoustics to artist experience, to making tickets affordable for the audience.”

One of the most important clarifications Randy wants to make is that The Sunrise Lakes Theater is open to everyone. “There’s this big misconception that it’s only for community residents, but that’s absolutely not true,” he says. “It’s open to the public and always has been. Anyone can go online, pick their seat, and enjoy a professional concert experience—without breaking the bank.”

In a refreshing departure from industry norms, the theater will not rely on ticketing giants like Ticketmaster. “We’re avoiding those crazy fees,” says Randy. “Ticketmaster can mark up prices by 40%. That’s money taken away from both the fans and the musicians. Here, we’re keeping tickets affordable and making sure the artists actually get paid.” That ethos—putting musicians first—is at the core of Randy’s mission.

From a technical perspective, the venue is undergoing serious upgrades. A new 40,000–50,000-watt sound system is being installed, specifically tailored to the venue’s already excellent acoustics. “The room was built with sound in mind. You’ve got acoustic panels integrated into the structure, giving it a warm, controlled sound unlike your average club or warehouse venue,” Randy explains. And with a fully upgraded lighting rig now in progress, the ambiance is set to match the sonic quality.

Backstage, artists can expect professional treatment as well. Two dressing rooms, a green room, direct stage access, and private restrooms ensure that performers are not only comfortable but respected. “We modeled the artist experience after what you’d get at the Hard Rock,” says Randy. “This isn’t just a venue—it’s a professional experience, start to finish.”

The official grand reopening is scheduled for September 27th, and it promises to be a spectacular evening. Headlining the night will be Almighty Queen, a renowned national Queen tribute band, guaranteed to deliver all the theatrics and sonic power of Freddie Mercury’s legacy. Opening the show is local talent Xavier Alston Experience, a charismatic performer with two UK Billboard Top 20 hits under his belt, ready to mesmerize the crowd with a blend of R&B and pop covers.

And that’s just the beginning. As of now, 20 shows are already booked, covering everything from classic rock to pop, tribute acts, and possibly original showcases. The schedule includes national acts and carefully selected tributes, all designed to deliver variety while maintaining a high standard of performance and production. The next show after the grand opening? A national ELO tribute band, set to bring their electric symphony to life.

What makes this venue especially exciting for South Florida musicians is how easy it is to connect. “If you’ve got a great act and you want to play here, reach out directly to me,” Randy says. Booking is handled in-house through Viper Productions, with Randy personally reviewing each opportunity. No red tape, no agents needed—just a focus on good music and a strong show.

With a beautiful venue, a growing calendar of shows, and a philosophy that puts artists and audiences first, The Sunrise Lakes Theater is poised to become South Florida’s newest cultural landmark. Whether you’re a die-hard concertgoer or an up-and-coming act looking for a serious stage, this is the place to be. Stay tuned for more updates—and maybe even a new name. But one thing is certain: live music in South Florida just found its new home.

Photo: Julisa Marquez