Elizabeth James - Page 5

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. 

Florida Repertory Theatre's production of A DOLL'S HOUSE, PART 2, directed by Chris Clavelli, unfortunately never got to open. However, they did film the show and have the video stream of it available to purchase online for your entertainment during this quarantine! 

With all theatres in SWFL going dark due to COVID-19, many artists and theatres are finding ways to help out and bring joy to the community, whether that's donating food to people who lost their jobs, having live stream readings of plays on Facebook, sewing medical masks to donate to hospitals, or a number of other things. I wanted to highlight some of the special ways the SWFL arts community has come together to help each other out and bring light to the darkness of this time, so in no particular order, here they are! I will update this post with any additional positive happenings as they appear! 

With the cancellations of so many shows and events happening at theatres around Southwest Florida, these theatres now need your help more than ever. 

As COVID-19 is spreading in the US and people are urged to stay home and practice social distancing to stop the spread, many theatres in Southwest Florida are closing in an effort to keep their patrons and employees healthy and safe. 

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID in Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre's Off Broadway Palm Theatre is the story about four friends who made a commitment to be in each other's weddings, no matter how many they have or how old they are.

EVERY BRILLIANT THING at Florida Repertory Theatre, directed by Eleanor Holdridge, is a beautiful show about mental health, love, loss, and what makes life brilliant. 

THE LADY DEMANDS SATISFACTION at Gulfshore Playhouse, directed by Jeffrey Binder, is a fun tale about dueling and deception. 

KINKY BOOTS at Broadway Palm, directed by Amy Marie McCleary and choreographed by Chris Kane, tells the story of Charlie Price, his new friend, Lola, and 'The Most Beautiful Thing' in the world, AKA shoes. 

Florida Repertory Theatre's production of A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, directed by Jason Parrish, tells the story of Monty Navarro, a young man who learns he is part of the D'Ysquith family and is in line to become the Earl of Highhurst; the only problem is, there are 8 other D'Ysquiths in line ahead of him. Things get a bit tricky as Monty decides to, as you can guess from the title of the show, try and murder his way into becoming the Earl.