Discovering the World of Joey Panek

At Florida Studio Theatre's cabaret, I had the pleasure of performing classics that resonated with our audiences. The Observer highlighted, "Joey Panek hits it out of the park on 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'."

Growing up, I was obsessed with the movie Xanadu and, of course, Olivia Newton-John. So when I had the chance to perform in the stage version at Venice Theatre, it was truly a dream come true—even if my roller-skating skills left a lot to be desired. 😅 Let’s just say, while some performers gracefully glided across the stage, I was more focused on staying upright. But the joy, the music, and the absolute campiness of it all made it one of the most fun and unforgettable productions I’ve ever done.

As Joe Hardy, TalkinBroadway.com wrote: "he convinces us that he is 10 years younger than his actual age with a mega-watt smile, fabulous singing, and energy."

In Gutenberg! The Musical!, I had the absolute joy (and challenge) of wearing dozens of hats—literally and figuratively—opposite my brilliantly funny friend Matthew McGee, as we brought this chaotic, high-energy two-hander to life.

The 39 Steps at American Stage was, without a doubt, the hardest work I’ve ever done onstage—but also some of the most fun. With a cast of four actors playing between 100 and 150 roles, the show is a non-stop whirlwind of quick changes, physical comedy, and split-second character swaps. In some scenes, we were literally doubling roles within the same moment, switching accents, props, and personas in real time.

I was a fan of improv long before I ever stepped onstage to do it myself. Eventually, I took the plunge, took classes, and joined two troupes, including FST Improv, where I had the thrill of performing regularly—including multiple appearances in their annual Improv Festival. Improv sharpened my comedic timing, forced me to think fast, and reinforced one of the best lessons in performing: always say yes, and.