The Southwest Florida Theatre Company proudly announces the world premiere of Once Upon a Christmastime, an original holiday musical that brings heartfelt cheer and fairy-tale magic to the Music & Arts Community Center (13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912). Performances run from Wednesday, Nov. 19, through Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Showtimes and tickets available at GulfCoastSymphony.org. Once Upon a Christmastime is a brand-new production conceived by Gulf Coast Symphony Founder and CEO, Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, and created by Julie Carver, Music Director of the Southwest Florida Theatre Company. Blending timeless holiday songs with imaginative storytelling, this heartwarming musical invites audiences into a land far, far away, where beloved fairy-tale characters discover the true meaning of Christmas. A magical mix of laughter, holiday tunes and a touch of “happily ever after,” the production captures the wonder, joy and spirit of the Christmas season, making it perfect for audiences of all ages — and a new holiday tradition for Southwest Florida families! "With Once Upon a Christmastime, I wanted to create an enchanting holiday experience that’s magically musical and full of heart,” says creator Julie Carver. “Combining cherished Christmas songs with a fresh story featuring fairy-tale characters, and inspired by The Gift of the Magi, this production is a joyful blend of music and storytelling that reminds us what makes this season so special.” Once Upon a Christmastime will be directed by Broadway veteran, actor, director and frequent Southwest Florida Theatre Company collaborator, Raymond McLeod, and will feature Reba Hartman, Natalie Brouwer and Matt Michael. Performances will take place at the Music & Arts Community Center (located off Daniels Parkway at 13411 Shire Lane in Fort Myers). To purchase tickets for Once Upon a Christmastime, call (239) 277-1700 or visit GulfCoastSymphony.org.
Cast and Creative team for Once Upon a Christmastime at Music & Arts Community Center
Cast
Natalie Brouwer
Gretel
Natalie is a versatile actor and singer based in Southwest Florida, whose emotional authenticity, strong vocal presence, and theatrical spirit bridges concert and storytelling genres. Originally from the mountains of Western North Carolina, Natalie built her performance foundation with a B.A. in Theatre from Lee University. Her stage credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (as Carole King), Jersey Boys, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Beauty and the Beast, Miracle on 34th Street, and Bright Star. In addition to theatrical roles, she works as an audiobook narrator and regularly participates in concert engagements with Brian Gurl Productions.
Matt Michael
Hansel
Matt brings vocal versatility and stage presence to every performance, making him a dynamic addition to any ensemble. An accomplished actor and singer active in Southwest Florida’s theatre community, he has appeared in productions at Players Circle Theatre – including Night and Day, The Dining Room, and Laughter on the 23rd Floor – as well as multiple roles in Broadway Palm’s “Thru the Decades” concert series. His broader credits include roles such as Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia, J.P. Morgan in Ragtime, Chuck Cranston in Footloose, Orin in Little Shop of Horrors, Kenickie in Grease, the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, and The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera.
Reba Hartman
Rapunzel
Reba Hartman (She/They) is a Brooklyn-based performer and social media manager, and the founder of Reba Media, a social media company for creatives. Their recent theater credits include Tootsie — Arizona Broadway Theatre (Julie), Sister Act – South Korea/Japan Tours (Tina, Asst. Dance Captain), Anastasia – 2nd National Tour (Swing, U/S Anya), Mary Poppins – Variety Theatre (U/S Mary Poppins), The Sound of Music – Grandstreet Theatre (Maria, Choreographer), and Matilda – COCA (Acrobat, Asst. Choreographer).
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Music & Arts Community Center is at 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL.
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