Theater Calendar
OPENING
Nov. 28
•Nutcracker The holiday classic about a young girl who is given a beautiful nutcracker that she dreams comes to life and battles against the Mouse King and his army. Show dates: Nov. 28-Dec. 23. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1:15 p.m. matinee on select days; 7 p.m. twilight Sundays. $12-$18. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
Dec. 2
•Murder At The Howard Johnson All is fair in love...even MURDER! Love, marriage, betrayal, mayhem and breakfast is included! Laughs come thick and fast in this delightfully funny suspense comedy about an ill-fated love triangle and three botched murder plots. Chaos ensues as a woman, her lover, and her husband plot and scheme to murder one another in a Howard Johnson Motor Inn. Show dates: Dec. 2-21. Show times: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. $45-$49, previews $25-$29. Florida Rep, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers, 332-4488. floridarep.org/index.php
Dec. 4
•Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol Marley was dead to begin with. In a magical departure from the Dickens classic, Jacob Marley finds himself in Hell and the adventure begins. It is a marvel to behold, as this production leaves everything and nothing to the imagination. Look with new eyes at a story that you think you know as you follow Marley through the streets of London, Christmases past, present and future, Heaven, Hell, and the dimensions beyond. Preview: 8 p.m. Dec. 4. Show dates: Dec. 6-21. Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday. Preview performance $30, regular admission $40. Gulfshore Playhouse, The Norris Center, Naples, 261-7529. gulfshoreplayhouse.org/2014season/ChristmasCarol.asp
Dec. 5
•”The Fantasticks” This timeless musical fable of love and discovery tells the tale of teens, Luisa and Matt, next-door neighbors who fall in love. When they discover that their fathers have manipulated the courtship, rebellion and worldly temptation threaten to pull them apart. The musical score includes such unforgettable classics as “Try to Remember” and “Soon It’s Gonna Rain”. Show dates: Dec. 5-14. Performances 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $10-$19. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, 772-5862. .culturalparktheater.com
Dec. 17
•The Santaland Diaries Crumpet the Elf is back for a sixth smash season of yuletide mischief. This thorny comedy from acclaimed satirist, David Sedaris, proves that naughty is more fun. The Santaland Diaries exposes the underside of Santa’s workshop when David, a down and out-of-work cynical writer, desperately takes a job as Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. For mature elves only. Show times: 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 17, 20, 21 and 27; 8 p.m. Dec. 18, 19, 23 and 26. and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 28. No shows Dec. 24-25. $25. Florida Rep, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers, 332-4488. floridarep.org/index.php
Dec. 30
•Crazy for You The story of Bobby Child, a well-to-do 1930s playboy, whose dream in life is to dance. Despite the serious efforts of his mother and soon-to-be-ex-fiancee, Bobby achieves his dream! This high-energy comedy of mistaken identities, plot twists, fabulous costumes and magnificent dancing make it a musical theatre classic. Memorable Gershwin tunes include I Can’t Be Bothered Now, I Got Rhythm, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Embraceable You, and Someone to Watch over Me. Show dates: Dec. 30-Feb. 14. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1:15 p.m. matinee on select days; 7 p.m. twilight Sundays. $37-$60. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
Jan. 3
•The Bible: The Complete Word of God (Abridged) by Adam Long, Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor Whether you are Catholic or Atheist, Muslim or Jew, Protestant or Purple People Eater, you will be tickled by this romp through old time religion. An affectionate, irreverent roller coaster ride from fig leaves to Final Judgment. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 3-24; 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18. $22, $11 students. Theatre Conspiracy, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 936-3239. theatreconspiracy.org
Jan. 6
•One Slight Hitch An urbane, witty, and deliriously funny Florida premiere. All hell breaks loose in this romantically hilarious new farce. It is the day of the wedding, and everything is perfect... until the doorbell rings. Settle in for a riotous and strangely romantic ride through the deconstruction of one family’s equilibrium, from one of the most prolific and popular stand-up comedian/actor/authors working today, The Daily Show’s Lewis Black. Show dates: Jan. 6-28. Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sunday and select Saturdays. Preview: $25-$29. Tickets $45-$49. Florida Rep, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers, 332-4488. floridarep.org/index.php
Jan. 7
•Becky’s New Car by Marco Players A thoroughly original comedy with delicious deadpan humor and U-turn plot twists. But it turns out there’s more under the hood of Becky’s New Car than just the comedy. The story has depth. It has themes of conflict and confronting the unexpected. Show dates: Jan. 7-25. Performances: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; Matinee 3 p.m. Sunday. $23-$25. Marco Players Theater, 1055 N. Collier Blvd, Marco Island, 239-642-7270. themarcoplayers.com
Jan. 9
•“Monty Python’s Spamalot” The story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Winner of three 2005 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this hysterically irreverent musical features a chorus line of dancing divas and knee-slapping knights, flatulent Frenchmen, flying cows, killer rabbits, a legless knight, and show-stopping numbers including “Always Look On The Bright Side of Life” and “The Song That Goes Like This”. Show dates: Jan. 9-25. Performances: 8 p.m Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets: $19 Adults, $17 Seniors, $13 Students with ID, $10 Children under 12. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, 772-5862. culturalparktheater.com
Jan. 15
•First Date A blind date first-timer is set up with a serial-dater and a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into a hilarious high-stakes dinner. This hysterical new Broadway musical unfolds in real time and the new couple discovers they are not alone on this unpredictable evening. Show dates: Jan. 15-March 7. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1:15 matinee on select days; twilight 7 p.m. Sundays. $31-$51. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
•Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike In this uproarious Tony-Award winning play by Christopher Durang, Vanya and Sonia are joined by their overbearing sister Masha, her hot new young lover Spike, their next door neighbor Nina, and a soothsaying house keeper named Cassandra. Borrowing liberally and hilariously from Anton Chekov, Durang creates a play that explores family, rivalry, jealousy, and just how funny misery can be. Show dates: Jan. 17- Feb. 8. Performances: 8 p.m. Jan. 15-17, 20-25, 27, 31, Feb. 4-7; 3 p.m. Jan. 18, 24, 25, 31, Feb. 1, 7 and 8. Preview $30. Gulfshore Playhouse, The Norris Center, Naples, 261-7529. gulfshoreplayhouse.org/2014season/VanyaSonya.asp
Jan. 28
•Fascinatin’ Gershwin A dazzling revue of the Gershwin Songbook. “Impressive!” -New York Times. The music of George and Ira Gershwin will come to magical life in this original musical revue written and conceived by Florida Rep Founder and Artistic Director, Robert Cacioppo. This upbeat and glamorous evening at the theatre will have you singing “I’ve Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” “The Man I Love,” “Summertime,” and so many more! Show dates: Jan. 28-Feb. 25. Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; Matinee 2 p.m. select Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Preview $29, tickets $45. Florida Rep, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers, 332-4488. floridarep.org/index.php
Feb. 6
•Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire Winner of the New York Drama Critics’ Best Play Award and nominated for a 2011 Tony Award for Best Play. Good People is a funny, tough and tender story about the insurmountable class divide. Show dates: Feb. 6-21. Showtimes: 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15. $22, $11 students. Theatre Conspiracy, 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, 936-3239. theatreconspiracy.org
Feb. 10
•Around The World in 80 Days Jules Verne meets The 39 Steps and last season’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. It is London, 1872, and Phileas Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk-he believes he can travel the globe in just 80 days. Around the World in 80 Days is a whirlwind journey filled with exotic locales, daring adventures, narrow escapes and great fun as five actors take on countless roles. Show dates: Feb. 10-March 4. Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sunday and select Saturdays. Preview $25-$29. Tickets $45-$49. Florida Rep, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers, 332-4488. floridarep.org/index.php
Feb. 11
•The Interview by Marco Players Abraham Moscowitz is visited by an insurance investigator who believes the old man is hiding his financial resources. Determined to learn the tailor’s secret, the investigator presses Moscowitz until he unleashes truths which have haunted him for a lifetime. Show dates: Feb. 11-March 1. Performances: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; Matinee 3 p.m. Sunday. $23-$25. Marco Players Theater, 1055 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, 239-642-7270. themarcoplayers.com
Feb. 13
•“The Dixie Swim Club” Free from husbands, kids and jobs, the five members of the Dixie Swim Club reunite each August to catch up, laugh, commiserate, and meddle in each others’ business. But as fate throws a wrench into each of their lives, the ladies rally around with the strength and love that takes this comedy in a poignant and surprising direction. Show dates: Feb. 13-22. Performances 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets: $19 adults, $17 seniors, $13 students with ID, $10 children under 12. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, 772-5862.
Feb. 19
•West Side Story West Side Story re-imagines Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York City. A bitter rivalry between two teenage street gangs, the American-born Jets and the Puerto Rican immigrant Sharks, is forever altered by a forbidden love affair between the young couple Tony and Maria. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics Tonight, I Want To Be In America, I Feel Pretty, and Maria. Show dates: Feb. 19-April 5. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1:15 p.m. matinee on select days; 7 p.m. twilight Sundays. $24-$60. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
Feb. 25
•The Butcher The Butcher tells the tale of two strangers: Jane, an Evangelical Christian struggling with her faith, and Massoud, an Iranian Halal Butcher steeped in tradition, who together witness a peculiar and shocking event. As they and their families try to make sense of these bewildering circumstances, they question their faith, their firmly-held beliefs, and the choices that their cultures have forced them to make. Don’t miss this brand new play, fresh from our 2013 New Works Festival. Show dates: Feb. 25-March 22. Performances: 8 p.m. Feb. 25-28., March 4-8, 11-15, 17-21; 3 p.m. March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. Preview $30, Opening night $60. Gulfshore Playhouse, The Norris Center, Naples, 261-7529. gulfshoreplayhouse.org/2014season/Butcher.asp
LIMITED VIEWING
Nov. 21
•On The Verge Florida SouthWestern State College presents award-winning writer Eric Overmyer’s pithy comedy ON THE VERGE or The Geography of Yearning, opening Thursday, Nov. 13 at the FSW State College Black Box Theatre. A witty blend of Tom Stoppard’s and S.J. Perelman’s lithe linguistics crossed with Caryl Churchill’s feministic vision, ON THE VERGE is certain to machete its way into your heart! Show times: 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13-22. $5 students, $10 general admission. Florida SouthWestern State College, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, 433-8007. brownpapertickets.com/event/908029
•Guys and Dolls a zingy musical that follows the misadventures of two gamblers and their “dolls”. This show features songs such as “Luck be a Lady”, “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat”, and “Adelaide’s Lament”. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20-22, 7 p.m. Nov. 23. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 adults, $20 premium seating. Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts Blackbox, 6750 Panther Lane, Fort Myers, 481-2233.
•The True Story of The Three Little Pigs There are two sides to every story - even The Three Little Pigs. Based on the beloved children’s book, this dynamite rock musical goes inside the trial of the century as Alexander T. Wolf answers for his crimes against HAM-anity. Audiences of all ages will huff and puff with laughter as they help to decide the fate of the alleged Big Bad Wolf. Show times: 11 a.m. Nov. 21, Feb. 28, March 24 and May 8. $12. Florida Rep, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers, 332-4665 ext. 36. floridarepeducation.org
Nov. 22
•Journey To OZ Transported on the wings of a cyclone to the magical Land of Oz, Dorothy and Toto, must find the Wizard before it’s too late. This new adaptation puts the audience in the middle of the action as Dorothy and her friends travel down the Yellow Brick Road, battle the Wicked Witch to find the brains, the heart, and the courage they never knew they had. Performances: 11 a.m. Nov. 22, Jan. 15, Feb. 27 and May 9. $12. Florida Rep, 2267 First St, downtown Fort Myers, 332-4665 ext. 36. floridarepeducation.org
Dec. 12
•The Gospel According To Scrooge Doors open 45 minutes prior to performance times. This is a full-stage two hour musical drama which tells the story of Christmas through the classic tale by Dickens. Show times: 7 p.m. Dec. 12-15; Matinee 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Faith Assembly of God, 7101 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, 543-2700. scrooge.info/
Dec. 17
•Christmas Spectacular Take your favorite Holiday songs, add some great pop music of the season, sprinkle in a cast of children, adults and Santa Claus. Present it in a picture postcard setting for the holidays and you’ll leave saying “Wow! That was spectacular indeed! Performances 8 p.m. Dec. 17-20, 3 p.m. Dec. 21. $10-$19. Cultural Park Theater, 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, 772-5862. culturalparktheater.com
Dec. 21
•Hansel and Gretel: A Family Musical This special family holiday show is performed in English with colorful sets and costumes, accompanied by chamber orchestra. Leading roles are sung by professional opera singers. The children’s chorus and ballet are members of the Bonita Center for the Arts Performing Arts program. Visit gulfshoreopera.org/events/hansel-gretel-december-7-2014 to purchase tickets now. 4-5:30 p.m. Alliance for The Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, 939-2787.
Dec. 29
•Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Moscow Ballet’s spectacular Great Russian Nutcracker is the must-see event this holiday season! Celebrate the beloved Christmas tradition with the whole family as forty world-class Russian artists bring this charming classic to life. The New York Times raves “Knock Out!” Experience Tchaikovsky’s master score this Christmas with the magic of larger than-life-puppets, growing Christmas tree and life-sized Matrushka Dolls. Two shows: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 29. $31.68-$74.08, VIP $110.12-$187.50. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway, south Fort Myers, 481-4849. bbmannpah.com
Jan. 2
•Salute to Vienna Strauss Symphony of American. Matthias Fletzberger, conductor (Vienna), Lara Ciekiewicz, soprano (Winnipeg), Brian Cheney, tenor (New York), Dancers from the Europa Ballett St. Polten (Austria) and International Champion Ballroom Dancer. Party like it’s 1899 in Vienna, the city of dreams. Celebrate the start of the New Year with an all-star cast of European singers, dancers and full orchestra. $51-82-$73.02. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway, south Fort Myers, 481-4849. bbmannpah.com/performance.php?id=644
Jan. 6
•The Book of Mormon The New York Times calls it “The best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals,” and Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: The funniest musical of all time.” The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award winning best musical from the creators of South Park. Contains explicit language. Show dates: Jan. 6-11. Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $56.18-$156.88. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 Edison Parkway, south Fort Myers, 481-4849. bbmannpah.com/performance.php?id=631
Jan. 17
•Rebel Woman at Marco Players Theater An original one-woman show about Margaret Sanger, the founder of Planned Parenthood and her struggles to bring birth control to women. 11:30 a.m. Jan. 17. $25 includes show and box lunch. Marco Players Theater, 1055 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, 239-642-7270. themarcoplayers.com
Feb. 22
•My Name is Daniel: Theater for the Thirsty at Shell Point Retirement Community Theater for the Thirsty is a ministry that specializes in music-infused, funny, thought-provoking, soul-stirring, and imaginative theater. You will be entertained and completely challenged in your faith as you watch this popular Bible story come to life. 6:15-7:30 p.m. $10. Shell Point, 15100 Shell Point Blvd., south Fort Myers. 454-2147.
PLAYING
•A Christmas Carol Based on Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol is a musical version of the classic Christmas tale. Fabulous sets and rich costumes bring to life the story of grumby old Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas past, Present and Future as they help him discover the true spirit of Christmas. Show dates: today-Dec. 27. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1:15 p.m. matinee on select days; 7 p.m. twilight Sundays. $24-$60. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 278-4422. broadwaypalm.com
•The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical Jingle all the way with the eclectic residents of Armadillo Acres who are back with an all-new holiday musical! When amnesia strikes the trailer park Scrooge; Betty, Lin, Pickles and some new neighbors are put to the test. Show dates: today-Dec. 27. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 1:15 p.m. matinee on select days; 7 p.m. twilight Sundays. $31-$51. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, 278-4422.
•The Naples Players present “The Spitfire Grill” This heartfelt musical tells the story of newly released parolee, Percy, who is ready to leave her past behind and look towards a future in the small town of Gilead, Wisconsin, a town where everyone knows your business. Blackburn Hall, Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South in Naples. Show dates: today-Dec. 6. Performances: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $40 adults; $10 students 21 and under. Call 239-263-7990 or purchase on-line, naplesplayers.org
•Tribes Billy was born deaf into a hearing family and was raised inside their fiercely idiosyncratic and politically incorrect cocoon. He’s had to adapt to his family’s unconventional ways-and though deaf, is the only one of them who truly listens. Tribes is a sharp, witty story about finding the place where you can be heard and a family that feels like home. Show dates: today-Nov. 30. Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. $45. Florida Rep, 2267 First St., downtown Fort Myers, 332-4488. floridarep.org/index.php
CLOSING
•Ghostbird Theatre Company Presents Wooden Mouth by Barry Cavin Wooden Mouth (what the French call a hangover) is a new hybrid theatre performance written and directed by Barry Cavin. It’s the story of a couple leaning into the abyss of their relationship. The real story takes place on film and the guilt-induced nightmares are played out live on the stage. Just like real life. The play contains content for mature audiences. Performances: 8 p.m. today and Sunday; 2 p.m. Saturday. $10. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 333-1933. ghostbirdtheatrecompany.org
•My Brilliant Divorce In this delightful comedy, Angela shares her humor, loneliness, and insight into the absurdities of life after divorce. This charming piece resonates with humor, sarcasm, poignancy and kindness. Performances: 8 p.m. today-Saturday. $12-$22. The Laboratory Theater of Florida, 1634 Woodford, Fort Myers, 218.0481.
•Sunset Park by Marco Players A deeply moving, often comical excursion into the life of an aging Brooklyn widow who must overcome the ghosts of her past before she can deal with the self-serving agendas of her two children. Performances: 8 p.m. today-Saturday; Matinee 3 p.m. Sunday. $23-$25. Marco Players Theater, 1055 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, 642-7270. themarcoplayers.com