Elizabeth James - Page 5

Florida Repertory Theatre Education's Conservatory production of INTO THE WOODS, directed by Education Director Kody C Jones, puts a twist on a variety of classic fairytales. 

Broadway Palm's production of A BRONX TALE, directed by Victor Legarreta and choreographed by Amy Marie McCleary, tells the story of a boy from the Bronx named Calogero.

MAYTAG VIRGIN by Audrey Cefaly is now playing at Gulfshore Playhouse. Directed by Jeffrey Binder and starring Ian Merrill Peakes and Karen Peakes, this show tells the story of neighbors Jack and Lizzy and the relationship they develop. 

Currently running as part of Florida Repertory Theatre's Outdoor Series is BROADWAY'S BEST: A CONCERT ON THE CALOOSAHATCHEE, directed by Florida Rep's Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen, starring Carolann Sanita, Gerritt VanderMeer, and the Bay Street Band.

The Laboratory Theater of Florida's production of BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE, directed by Annette Trossbach, is, as Botticelli says at the beginning of the play, an extravaganza. Written by Jordan Tannahill, this show re-imagines the process of creating Botticelli's infamous painting, The Birth of Venus. 

Florida Repertory Theatre's production of Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, directed by Bill Kincaid, tells the classic comedic tale of a moonlit night filled with love, confusion, and fairies. 

ON YOUR FEET! at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, directed by Eliseo Roman, is a jukebox musical that tells the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan and their struggles and triumphs as they rose to fame.

Florida Repertory Theatre's Education Program not only brought GODSPELL to the stage this season, but also GODSPELL JR. This production, directed by Director Christina DeCarlo, along with Music Director Zeke Bocklage and Choreographer Sarah Drummer, was a lot of fun to watch. 

Gulfshore Playhouse is bringing a fun, talent-filled Broadway Cabaret Series to Southwest Florida during the month of February. This series features John McDaniel as the Master of Ceremonies, plus performances by Klea Blackhurst, Natalie Douglas, and Lora Lee Gayer. I had the opportunity to ask John McDaniel and Natalie Douglas some questions about their work and the series; see their answers below!

Florida Repertory Theatre's Education program's Conservatory production of GODSPELL, directed by Kody C Jones, brings to life this classic musical parable in a fresh, modern way. 

Florida Repertory Theatre's outdoor production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY brings a holiday classic to life in a very fun way. 

Florida Repertory Theatre's first in-person production since March (though it is outdoors and socially distanced), GOLDEN: A TRIBUTE TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICAN MUSICAL THEATRE, brings joyful magic to Downtown Fort Myers that even a little rain can't stop.

Although gathering at Florida Repertory Theatre to see a play in person is still some time away, they have found a new, creative way to bring theatre to their audiences: a virtual performance of CLUE, recorded via Zoom. 

Florida Repertory Theatre's Education program is performing a staged virtual reading of THE LARAMIE PROJECT this Friday, October 23 at 6 PM. It will be broadcast live from their Historic Arcade Theatre Stage. Florida Rep is suggesting donations of $10 for students and $15 for adults to support their Education program. 

Being in a global pandemic is not fun for anyone, but the theatre industry is especially struggling right now. However, several local SWFL theatres have begun to reopen with safety precautions, and others are turning to online options for theatre entertainment this season.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre's production of MAMMA MIA! brings the classic, fun-filled, musical story of Donna Sheridan, her daughter, Sophie, and Sophie's dream to find out who her father is before her wedding to life on stage once again. It is Broadway Palm's number one show of all time, and it was a delight to see it back again at their theatre. 

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre recently opened their first Main Theatre production since the COVID-19 pandemic began, DEAN MARTIN VARIETY HOUR, which was created, written, directed, and choreographed by Victor Legarreta.

In an effort to celebrate all of the amazing local theatre Southwest Florida did get to see prior to COVID-19 shutdowns, I reached out to local directors, actors, students, artists, etc., asking if they would answer a couple questions about their experiences with theatre from this past season and what they're most looking forward to next season.

In an effort to celebrate all of the amazing local theatre Southwest Florida did get to see prior to COVID-19 shutdowns, I reached out to local directors, actors, students, artists, etc., asking if they would answer a couple questions about their experiences with theatre from this past season and what they're most looking forward to next season. 

Florida Rep's Education program is offering students ages 15-23 a huge opportunity: the chance to audition for a Florida Rep mainstage production next season, WEST SIDE STORY, which will be playing in the Historic Arcade Theatre in November and December.