XANADU's Eddie Mekka Set for TalkBack This Friday at FGCU Theatre Lab

Broadway, film and television comedy great Eddie Mekka kicks off TheatreZone's debut TalkBack, Friday, October 9, following the evening performance of the musical fantasy XANADU in the FGCU Theatre Lab. The 60-minute TalkBack is estimated to begin at 9:45 pm.

Mekka, well known as Carmine "The Big Ragoo" on television's ABC-sitcom LAVERNE & SHIRLEY, stars as Danny McGuire in TheatreZone's production of the fantasy XANADU, the 2007 Broadway musical version of the cult 1980 film about a woman who makes dreams come true.

According to TheatreZone artistic director Mark Danni, TalkBack is an unscripted give-and-take Q&A that promises to be freewheeling with fast, furious and funny dialogue with the XANADU cast and artistic team. First come, first served. The FGCU TheatreLab is located on the university's campus at 10501 FGCU Boulevard South in Ft. Myers.

"If you enjoy theatre trivia and anecdotes, and want to hear actors' motivation for their characters, then you don't want to miss this a one-of-a-kind evening of great fun, insider jokes and more," advises Danni. "Attendees may ask questions about the show or the artistic process and gain more of an insight into a play's ideas, themes, and performances," he adds.

Additional TalkBack sessions are scheduled in the G&L Theater for Friday, January 15, 2016; Friday, February 12; Friday, March 11 and Friday, May 6. Tickets are not needed to attend, but reservations are appreciated. Call the TheatreZone Box Office at (888) 966-3352.

Operating under the guidelines of the Actors' Equity Association and small professional theatres contract, TheatreZone is in residence and housed on the magnificent campus of The Community School of Naples, one block north of Pine Ridge Road at 13275 Livingston Road.

Season 11 selections on sale now for Marvin Hamlisch's Sweet Smell of Success, January 7 - 17, 2016; The Boy From Oz, February 4 - 14, 2016; Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods, March 3 - 13, 2016 and Dames at Sea, April 28 - May 8, 2016. Season 11 subscriber series (four shows) and a mini series (three shows) are available. Individual ticket sales to Season 11 selections are priced at $48 - $53 plus a $2 per ticket fee.

In addition to staging Broadway musicals, TheatreZone has added a cabaret series starring Grammy-award winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester Grammy performing two cabaret concerts on Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, 2016. Tickets cost $50 and $75.

A tribute concert -- Love Finds Judy Garland -- starring songstress Joan Ellison as Judy Garland takes place Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Tickets cost $50 each.

Legendary Broadway performer Tommy Tune will headline TheatreZone's annual fundraising gala on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the Quail West Golf & Country Club. Doors open at 5 pm. Ticket prices are $275 for a single ticket; $500 per couple. A VIP ticket, including a private reception with Mr. Tune, costs $425 per person or $800 per couple. Contact gala chairperson Marsha Jamison Stefan at (239) 200-6918.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call TheatreZone at 1-888-ZONE-FLA, 1-888-966-3352 or purchase online at www.theatrezone-florida.com.

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