Gulfshore Playhouse to Open 2014-15 Season with THE MOUNTAINTOP, Begin. 10/2

Gulfshore Playhouse will begin their 2014-2015 season with Olivier Award winning play, The Mountaintop by Katori Hall, playing October 4th through 19th, with $30 preview performances on October 2nd and 3rd.

On the eve of his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. returns to room 306 at the Lorraine Motel. A feisty and attractive maid arrives with coffee and turns out to be much more than she appears, prompting him to confront his life, his legacy, and the future of his country. Playwright Katori Hall invites us to take an emotional look at the man behind the myth: a flesh and blood human, who, despite his flaws and spiritual fatigue, worked tirelessly to achieve the dream of liberty and justice for all.

Gulfshore Playhouse Artistic Associate, Cody Nickell will direct the production. In past seasons, Cody directed Gulfshore Playhouse's productions of Something Intangible and God of Carnage. Cody's credits as an actor at Gulfshore Playhouse include Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot, All My Sons, The Whipping Man, Art, and Blithe Spirit. Having worked in renowned theaters all over the country, Cody has been a part of over 40 professional productions, including World and U.S premieres, classic re-stagings and multiple award winning shows, Cody also has a deep commitment to new plays, having been involved in the development of over 25 new works. Cody is a six time Helen Hayes award nominee and the winner of the Connecticut Critic's Circle Award.

"To get to be a part of bringing this magical and timely play to life for our audience here at Gulfshore Playhouse is an absolute thrill. Exploring these two complex characters with such talented actors, and working with Katori Hall's magnificent and challenging script is proving to be incredible fulfilling," states Nickell.

Playing the role of Camae, will be Felicia Curry. Gulfshore Playhouse audiences may recognize Felicia from her work in The Second Annual New Works Festival. Felicia is a 5-time Helen Hayes Award Nominee, where she was awarded as a part of the Best Ensemble for her work on Les Miserables. Felicia appeared on the National Tour of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka and Barbie Live!, and her regional credits include VA Repertory Theatre, Ford's Theatre, The Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, and Imagination Stage. Felicia is a member of the Capitol Steps and Factory 449.

Jamil A.C. Mangan will play Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Jamil received a Connecticut Critics Circle Nomination for playing Dr. King in Theaterworks Hartford's production of The Mountaintop. Jamil's regional credits include The Contemporary American Theater Festival, , Luna Stage Company, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, and Arden Theatre.

Gulfshore Playhouse will host their 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on October 20, 2014 at TwinEagles, thanks to the generosity of Tournament Sponsor: The Ronto Group. Bring your nine-irons and putters for a day out on the range with Gulfshore Playhouse. A special performance of The Mountaintop will be presented for Golfers and their guests on October 19th at 7pm. On the 20th, participants will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner following their day on the course. This is an event you will not want to miss! Cost is $300 per player.

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately devoted to creating high-quality professional theatre at affordable prices and diverse educational opportunities for our region. Producing a full season of plays ranging from venerated classics and Broadway hits to contemporary plays and world premieres, Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to surpassing the standards of every valued patron while continuing to contribute to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Naples, Florida.

Gulfshore Playhouse's production of The Mountaintop will play October 4th through October 19th, with $30 preview performances on October 2nd and 3rd. Three, four, five, and six-show subscriptions and single tickets are available now. Single tickets start at $40. Half-price tickets are available for all matinee performances one-half hour before the show. Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at 1-866-811-4111 or visiting our website at www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.