Lady Day: Guest Artist Packet

GUEST ARTIST PACKET LINK TO PLAYBILL LINK TO PRODUCTION PHOTOS LINK TO PR & PRESS PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS LINKS TO eBlast PROMOTIONS • • • • • • •

8/11/2022 Lady Day cast members announced! (mailchi.mp) 8/24/2022 Ansley Valentine to Direct Lady Day (mailchi.mp) 8/31/2022 The elegant, cool, & courageous Lady Day (mailchi.mp) 9/14/2022 VIDEO: Greg Longenhagen introduces Lady Day (mailchi.mp) 9/21/2022 LADY DAY opens this week! (mailchi.mp) 10/11/2022 Temporary Venue Found for Lady Day! (mailchi.mp) 10/26/2022 VIDEO interview with the Director of Lady Day (mailchi.mp)

PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS……………………………………….……..Page 2 IN THE NEWS………………..…………………….………………………Page 3 PATRON COMMENTS…………………………………….…………...Page 35 PRINT ADVERTISING SAMPLES..…………………….….….….…Page 37 FLORIDA REP PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL SAMPLE…...….Page 39 Thank you for your beautiful contributions to this production, and for weathering the storm alongside us!

Deborah Jonsson, Marketing Director djonsson@floridarep.org

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill

PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS LINK to Florida Repertory Theatre YouTube Channel

LINK TO WGCU RADIO INTERVIEW

Florida Rep Kicks off 25th Season With LADY DAY AT EMERSON'S BAR AND GRILL The musical runs in the intimate venue from Sept. 23 – Oct. 30.

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by Stephi Wild

Aug. 17, 2022

Florida Repertory Theatre's 25th Anniversary Season opens in the ArtStage Studio Theatre with "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" by Lanie Robertson, a biographical look at the life and music of jazz legend, Billie Holiday. The ArtStage Studio Theatre transforms into a seedy Philadelphia club where Holiday gave her last public performance to pay tribute to one of the great artists of the twentieth century.

The musical runs in the intimate venue from Sept. 23 - Oct. 30, with discounted previews Sept. 20 - 22. Tickets start at $63 for regular performances and $39 for previews and are available online at www.floridarep.org and through the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053.

Subscriptions are on sale now for 6, 7, 8, or nine shows and start as low as $216 for six shows.

Discounted previews are selling out fast in the ArtStage Studio, and popular Flex Passes allow patrons to lock into $56 tickets before prices go up with demand.

"We are thrilled to celebrate twenty-five years with you this year," said Artistic Director, Greg Longenhagen. "This love letter to one of the great jazz artists of the twentieth century is a wonderful way to welcome you back to the ArtStage. 'Lady Day' takes an honest and hard-hitting look at Billie's life and music, and you'll hear all of her greatest hits and witness how she overcame tremendous obstacles to bring her beautiful music to life for audiences. Our 2022-2023 line-up has something for everyone, and we hope you'll join us for this exciting season opener!"

"Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" stars Philadelphia-based actors Ebony Pullum as Billie Holiday and Garrick Vaughan as Jimmy Powers, her friend and piano player. Ms. Pullum is a veteran of the Philadelphia stage and makes her Florida Rep debut after a recent appearance as Billie Holiday with the Curio Theatre. Mr. Vaughan is an accomplished actor-musician who returns to Florida Rep after appearing in "Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story" last spring.

The production features a live band onstage again in the ArtStage. Mr. Vaughan plays piano and is joined by Matt Koller on drums and Perry Orfanella on bass. Both return to the ArtStage after playing in last season's opener, "Let's Fall in Love."

The production is directed by Ansley Valentine, a veteran of the regional stage, making his Florida Rep Debut. Mr. Valentine's credits include Cleveland Play House, Indiana Rep, Studio Arena, and others. He is a company member at Fonseca Theatre in Indianapolis and Actors' Reading Collective in the San Francisco Bay Area. He now heads the graduate directing program at Indiana UniversityBloomington.

Valentine is joined by an expert creative team, including musical director Matt Koller, ensemble scenic designer Dennis Maulden ("Let's

Fall in Love"), costume designer Tony Toney ("Let's Fall in Love"), lighting designer Joel Zishuk ("Let's Fall in Love"), sound designer Katie Lowe ("Maytag Virgin"), and ensemble stage manager Janine Wochna ("Maytag Virgin").

"Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" is generously sponsored by Northern Trust and Sam Galloway Ford-Lincoln.

"Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill" by Lanie Robertson plays in the ArtStage Studio Theatre Sept. 23 - Oct. 30 with discounted previews Sept. 20-22. Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 7 PM, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 PM, and 8 PM for the opening night performance on Friday, Sept. 23. Florida Rep's parking lot opens 2 hours before each performance and offers guests FREE PARKING across the street from the Arcade Theatre.

Florida Repertory Theatre is committed to the safety of its patrons, volunteers, staff, and artists. Until further notice, Florida Rep is operating with enhanced health and safety measures, and current protocols are outlined on the theatre's website by clicking this link: https://cloud.broadwayworld.com/rec/ticketclick.cfm? fromlink=2191768®id=298&articlelink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.floridarep.org? utm_source=BWW2022&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=article&utm_content=bottombuybutton1/buytickets/protocols-for-safety

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2022

www.FloridaWeekly.com

FORT MYERS FLORIDA WEEKLY

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO — Submit calendar listings and high-resolution photos to events@ floridaweekly.com. Email text, jpegs or Word documents are accepted. No pdfs or photos of fliers. The deadline for calendar submissions is noon Saturday.

Readers are advised to double-check with venues to ensure that events have not been canceled or rescheduled.

FRIDAY9.16 Music Event - Fort Myers Music Walk runs from 6-10 p.m. in the historic downtown Fort Myers River District. On the third Friday of each month, local and regional musicians line the streets to play everything from jazz and blues to rock and roll. 239-313-5129, events@rdafortmyers.com or

THEATER

Songwriter Event - The annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest runs today through Sept. 25 at various locations in Lee County. IslandHopperFest.com.

Driving Miss Daisy - In Connie Brown Hall at the Tribby Arts Center at Shell Point at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. $55. 17281 On Par Blvd., Fort Myers.

239-225-2916 or TribbyArtsCenter.com

The Play That Goes Wrong - By The Laboratory Theater of Florida Sept.

16-Oct. 9, with half-price preview nights at 8 p.m. Sept. 14-15. On Sept. 17, teens get free tickets and a meet and greet with the cast (reservations needed). There is a Sept. 25 Community Talkback following the show. $30 adults; $15 students. 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers. 239-218-0481 or http:// www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

Rooftop Tunes - DJ Selecta AJ spins tunes from 8-11 p.m. at Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. 2301 First St. 239-333-1933 or www.sbdac.com.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & School of Rock - At Cultural Park Grill - By Florida Repertory Theatre Sept.

Theater Sept. 22-Oct. 2. Show times vary. $22 seniors; $26 adults; $16 students; $12 children. 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-772-5862 or http://culturalparktheater.com.

At the Zig Zag - Streetlight performs from 8 p.m.-midnight tonight and Saturday at the Zig Zag Lounge at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. 506 South 1st St., Immokalee. 800-218-0007, moreinparadise. com or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHoSAGYM, and Lily Jano, lifestyle blogger tel/. and content creator. They share insights and tips about the role of influencers in At The Stage - The Stage presents social media, marketing and business. $10 a Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks tribmembers; $20 non-members; $5 students. ute show band at 7:30 p.m. 9144 Bonita 4501 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. //aafswfl. Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-405-8566 or www.stagebonita.com. com/upcoming-events/.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Two- and three-dimensional work by members of The Dedicated Artists of Southwest Florida Inc. is on display at the Cape Coral Library through Oct. 27. The exhibit is sponsored by the Friends of the Cape Coral Library. 921 SW 39th Ter., Cape Coral. www.DASFartists.com, gallery@capefriends.org or www.capefriends.org.

23-Oct. 30, with previews Sept. 20-22, in the ArtStage Studio Theatre. $39 previews; $63 regular. 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239-3324488 or https://www.floridarep.org.

Broadway Palm Thru The Live Music - JP Soars and the Red Hots Into the Woods - By The Belle Theatre Decades - At Broadway Palm Theatre Mighty Mussels - The Fort Myers performs from 8 p.m.-midnight at The Barthrough Oct. 1. Show times and ticket pric- Mighty Mussels play League Champion-

Sept. 16-25. Matinee and evening performances are offered. $10-$27.50. 2708 Santa Barbara Blvd., Unit 135. Cape Coral. 239-3235533, ContactUs@TheBelleTheatre.com or www.TheBelleTheatre.com.

Worth the TRIP

es vary. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. ship Series Game 2 against TBA at 7 p.m.

239-278-4422 or https://broadwaypalm. Tickets start at $11. 14100 Six Mile Cypress com.

Pkwy., Fort Myers. https://www.milb.com/ fort-myers/schedule.

Not Now, Darling - At Off Broadway Palm Theatre Sept. 22-Nov. 5. Show times Concert Series - The Gulf Coast and ticket prices vary. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Town Center Concert Series runs from 7-9 Fort Myers. 239-278-4422 or https://broad- p.m. on Thursdays in the courtyard near the playground. Tonight The Troublemakwaypalm.com. ers perform hits through the decades. Bring chairs for seating; no coolers allowed. 10021 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers. www.GulfCoastTownCenter.com.

Belly Dancing - A new Adult Beginners’ Belly Dance series with instructor At The Stage - The Stage presents a Sherry Coffey starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight Neil Diamond Tribute Show at 7:30 p.m. and runs through Oct. 12 on Wednesdays 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. at the Alliance of the Arts. $72 for five 239-405-8566 or www.stagebonita.com. classes; space is limited and pre-registraSpecial Tours - The Edison and Ford tion is required. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Winter Estates offer Inside-the-Homes Myers. 239-939-2787 or artinlee.org Tours at 10 a.m. on Thursdays and Tuesdays. The 90-minute tours give a sneak peek inside normally-closed off areas of Thomas Edison’s Seminole Lodge and Henry Ford’s Book Talk - The North Fort Myers The Mangoes. Free for members; $20-$50 Public Library hosts a Book Discussion of for non-members. 2350 McGregor Blvd., “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Fort Myers. www.edisonford.org or 239Van Pelt at 2 p.m. The story delves into the 334-7419. friendship of a giant Pacific octopus named Live Music - Yard Dog Charlie performs Marcellus and a widowed cleaning lady from 5-9 p.m. at Mudbugs. 1473 Periwinkle who works at the aquarium where he lives.

Way, Sanibel. 239-472-2221 or www.mud2001 N. Tamiami Trail NE, N. Fort Myers. bugssanibel.com.

239-479-INFO (4636) or www.leelibrary. net.

Funny Guys - Comedians Eric Grady and Carmen Vallone perform tonight Art & Poetry - Gulf Coast Leisure hosts through Saturday at the Laugh In Comedy an Art & Poetry Networking Event at 8 p.m.

Café. Show times vary. $11 general admisat the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. sion; $16 VIP. 8595 College Pkwy., Fort Mixed media artists, music, spoken word Myers. 239-479-LAFF or www.laughincomand vendors are highlighted each month. edycafe.com.

Cocktails start at 7:30 p.m. $10. 2301 First St. 239-333-1933 or www.sbdac.com.

Downtown Market - The River District Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m.-1 At The Ranch - Muscadine Bloodline, p.m. on Thursdays year round under the the country duo of Alabama natives Charlie bridge at Centennial Park in downtown Muncaster and Gary Stanton, performs at 8 Fort Myers. The market offers fresh prop.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon. duce, food trucks, honey, flowers, cheese Doors open at 7 p.m. $22-$55. 2158 Colonial and more. 2000 W. First St. www.buylocalBlvd., Fort Myers. 239-985-9839 or www. lee.com. theranchfortmyers.com.

Comedy Show - Comedian Jon Reep Insights on Influencing - The performs tonight through Sunday at the American Advertising Federation-SouthOff The Hook Comedy Club. $25 general west Florida Chapter presents “Being an admission; $35 VIP. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Influencer” from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at HodgRoad. 239-389-6901 or www.offthehookes University, Building H. The luncheon comedy.com. meeting features Carlos Garcia and Kate Ter Haar, CEO and co-founder of VER-

WEDNESDAY9.14

RINGO STARR

Hot tickets across the state » An Evening With Judy Collins — Sept. 15, Plaza Live, Orlando. www. plazaliveorlando.org. » The Fixx — Sept. 16, Bilheimer Capitol Theatre at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. www.rutheckerdhall.com. » Ringo Starr & All-Starr Band — Sept. 16, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. www.rutheckerdhall.com. » Judy Collins — Sept. 16, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville. www.floridatheatre. com. » “The Alicia + Keys World Tour — Sept. 16, Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood. www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com. » Collective Soul and Switchfoot — Sept. 17, Pompano Beach Amphitheatre, Pompano Beach. www.theamppompano.org. » Ringo Starr — Sept. 17, Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood. www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com. » Kevin Hart — Sept. 17-18, FTX Arena, Miami. www.ftxarena.com. » Alicia Keys — Sept. 18, Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, Tampa. www.seminolehardrocktampa.com. » Nas & Wu-Tang Clan — Sept. 20, iThink Financial Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach. www.livenation.com. » Wu-Tang Clan & Nas — Sept. 21, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre, Tampa. www.midflorida.com.

THURSDAY9.15

rel Room. $10 cover. 2214 Bay St. 239-3332225 or www.barrelroomfortmyers.com.

At Miromar - Tommie D & Dee perform oldies 4-7 p.m. near Saks OFF 5th at Miromar Outlets. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. 239-948-3766 or www.miromaroutlets.com.

SATURDAY9.17 Colombian Singer - The Camillo North American Tour comes to Hertz Arena at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $61.75; parking is $25. 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. https://hertzarena.com.

Writing Group - The Gulf Coast Writers Association meets from 10 a.m.-noon at Word of Life Church. The guest speaker, Lucy Tobias, shares exercises for attention-grabbing hooks, and gives a behind the scenes look at undiscovered Florida. All are welcome. 6111 South Pointe Blvd., Fort Myers. 770-906-7885 or gulfwriters.org.

Garage Sale - The Cultural Park Theatre Company holds a blowout garage sale from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All sales are as is and final; no returns. Credit cards are accepted for purchases over $10. 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-772-5862 www.culturalparktheater.com.

Coastal Clean-Up - The city of Bonita Springs partners with Keep Lee County Beautiful to host Coastal Clean-up Day from 9 a.m.-noon at Lovers Key State Park.

Volunteers should meet at the event lot across from the park to park, register/ check in and collect needed equipment.

Gloves and bags are provided by the city.

8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. To pre-register: https://www.signupgenius. com/go/805094aaaaa2ca4f49-20224. For details: www.cityofbonitasprings.org or 239-949-6262.

Dance Event - USA Dance Chapters 6123 (Cape Coral) and 6049 (Fort Myers) hosts a semi-formal dance with a buffet for National Ballroom Week from 6:309:30 p.m. at Rhythm in Motion Dance Studio. $20 members; $25 guests. 912 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral. southwestfloridausadance.org, dancingtala@gmail.com or 239-565-7947.

Ghost Stories - The Fort Myers

FORT MYERS FLORIDA WEEKLY

www.FloridaWeekly.com

WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21-27, 2022

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

B7

WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO crafts, jewelry and more. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. www.41markets.com.

Cape Event - The Cape Coral Downtown Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m.1 p.m. every Saturday at Club Square, Southeast 47th Terrace and Southeast 10th Place, Cape Coral. The market features fresh local produce, baked goods and more. www.capecoralfarmersmarket.com.

■ Earth, Wind and Fire performs live in concert at 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $85.54$202.69. 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers.

— bbmannpah.com

#SWFL

TOP PICKS

McGregor Market - The McGregor

COURTESY PHOTO / JABARI JACOBS

9.22

Farmer’s Market, formerly the GreenMarket at the Alliance for the Arts, has moved to St. Hilary’s Church on the corner of Colonial and McGregor boulevards. Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. The market includes local seafood and honey, organic vegetables, bromeliads and garden decor. 239-450-6060, The McGregor Local Farmers Market @facebook or Tigertoesherbsandteas@ gmail.com.

More Music - Dave Byron performs

jazz fusion from noon-3 p.m. on Saturdays at Yucatan Waterfront Bar & Grill.

4875 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. 239283-0113.

Yoga - The Cape Coral Animal Shelter and ReChargeMe Zone host Yoga for the Shelter from 9-10 a.m. every Saturday at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Classes are taught by Robin Anne Griffiths, RYT. $10 per person and $8 for shelter volunteers, with the shelter receiving 50% of proceeds from each class. Bring a yoga mat, towel, water and props if desired. 5951 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral. www.capecoralanimalshelter.com.

■ Jim Gaffigan brings The Fun Tour to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 7 p.m. Sept. 23-24. $13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers.

— bbmannpah.com

Live Music - MYKÄL performs songs that span the decades from 4-7 p.m. near Ford’s Garage at Miromar Outlets. Jimmy K. performs soft rock from 4-7 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. www.miromaroutlets.com.

9.23-24

Live Auditions - The second annual

Peace Day - The 15th annual SW Florida Peace Day in the Park, in honor of International Day of Peace, runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Wa-Ke-Hatchee Park.

The event includes live music, vendors, food, kids activities, dancers, demos and more. Free admission. 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers. 239-560-5224 or www.peaceday-in-thepark.com/.

Jazz Tunes - The FGCU Jazz Ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m. at the U. Tobe Recital Hall in the Music Building. Free and open to the public. 10501 FGCU Blvd.

S., Fort Myers. www.fgcu.edu/bsma, 239745-4268 or jhoch@fgcu.edu.

Jazz Brunch - The Barrel Room hosts a Sunday Jazz Brunch with Roy Gerson and Don Mopsick from 10:301:30 p.m. 2210-2214 Bay St., Fort Myers.

239-226-1687 or www.TwistedVineBistro. com.

One-Man Show - Yard Dog Charlie performs from 3-6 p.m. at Three Fishermen. 13021 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 239-599-8568 or www.threefishermenseafood.com.

# SEE IT

■ Florida Repertory Theatre presents “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” Sept. 23-Oct. 30, with previews Sept. 21-22, in the ArtStage Studio Theatre. $39 previews; $63 regular. 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers.

— floridarep.org

■ The Americana Community Music Association hosts American folk musician Jon Shain in concert, with Mike McMillan opening, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation.

— americanacma.org

9.24 ■ Trey Lewis performs at 9 p.m.

Sept. 24 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20.77. 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.

— theranch fortmyers.com

9.23 ■ The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts Dueling Pianos, featuring Sarah Hadeka and David Rode, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 23. Cocktails start at 6:30 p.m. $10. 2301 First St., Fort Myers.

— sbdac.com

COURTESY PHOTOS

Rock the Stage music competition hosts auditions from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sunday through Oct. 30 at School of Rock.

Divisions are under 18 and 18 and over.

The music competition welcomes auditions by singers, groups, bands, instrumentalists, choirs and more performing covers or original music. 6900 Daniels Pkwy., C15, Fort Myers. To schedule an audition: rockthestageswfl.com or 239932-7625. Video submissions accepted at rockthestage2021@gmail.com.

9.24

SUNDAY9.25

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 12-18, 2022

FLORIDA WEEKLY

WHAT TO DO Come Celebrate Our Anniversary C Starting October 3rd WITH $19.97 SPECIALS! Baked Boston Haddock “Parker House Style” with crushed Ritz and lemon beurre blanc.

Mama’s Chicken sautéed with spinach, goat cheese, and lemon butter sauce.

Pork Chop

Wasabi Salmon topped with Panko crumbs and Teriyaki glaze.

brined, seasoned and seared, served with apple plum sauce.

For Celebrating 25 Years the Following Dishes are $25.00 8oz Sirloin Steak

Godfather Style Seafood

Stuffed Shrimp

Grilled and topped with garlic butter.

Mussels, grouper, scallops, shrimp with sun-dried tomatoes, basil in a spicy cream sauce served over linguine.

Crab meat, red pepper, celery, and onion with a garlic butter sauce.

As Southwest Florida recovers from Hurricane Ian, many events have been canceled or rescheduled. We have reached out to as many venues as possible to confirm scheduling, but encourage readers to check before attending any event listed below.

help victims of the devastation on Fort Myers Beach. For tickets: niceguysproduction.com/nice-guys-production/upcoming-events/. For info: eddie@niceguysproduction.com or 954-336-9391.

Submit calendar listings and high-resolution photos to events@floridaweekly. com. Email text, jpegs or Word documents are accepted. No pdfs or photos of fliers, please. The deadline for calendar submissions is noon Friday for the following week’s publication.

THURSDAY10.13

SYMPHONY Benefit Concerts - The Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents free MiniMasterworks concerts to benefit those impacted by Hurricane Ian. The concerts feature the Mendelssohn Octet and Mozart String Quartet No. 19. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the following venues: Oct. 13: Eight-Foot Brewing, 4417 SE 16th PL, Unit 11, Cape Coral. Monetary donations benefit the Cape Coral Community Foundation. Nonperishable food items go to the Cape Caring Center food pantry.

Oct. 14: This concert is presented in partnership with The Gulf Theater at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Monetary donations go to the Charlotte Community Foundation. Nonperishable food items benefit the Jewish Federation of Lee and Charlotte Counties’ nondenominational food pantry.

8oz Boneless Prime Rib Au Jus Choice aged beef, dry-rubbed, slow roasted rib eye.

While it lasts!

Open Daily at 3pm • Happy Hour 3-6:30pm

Oct. 15: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Monetary donations go to the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades and nonperishable food items benefit The Heights Center. www.swflso.org or 239-418-1500.

7790 Cypress Lake Drive • Fort Myers, FL Reservations 239.437.4377 theugrill.net Not valid with any other promotion. Subject to change.

THEATER Blithe Spirit - By The Naples Players through Oct. 23 in Blackburn Hall. Show times vary. $47. 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples.

239-263-7990 or naplesplayers.org.

By The Way, Meet Vera Stark - By The Naples Players Oct. 19-Nov. 6 in the Tobye Studio Theatre. A Red Carpet event open to the public is slated for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and features local vendors, food, drinks and live music from the band Chariot. $47 for general admission $37 for season ticket holders. 701 Fifth Ave. S., Naples. 239-263-7990 or naplesplayers.org.

ARTS PREVIEW SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S GUIDE TO THE ARTS

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A Lovely Day To Kill Your Spouse - At the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs

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Southwest Florida’s Guide to the Arts Arts Preview is the insider’s guide to the highlights of the season’s best performing and fine arts events.

DEADLINES/DATES

Publication Date: Fort Myers: NOV 16, 2022 Space/Creative: NOV 2, 2022 by 12pm Camera Ready Ads: NOV 10, 2022 by 12pm

Contact your Account Executive today!

Fort Myers • 2891 Center Pointe Drive, Suite 300 • Fort Myers, FL 33916 • 239.333.2135 or visit online at www.FloridaWeekly.com

Performing Arts Center, Moe Auditorium & Film Center Oct. 20-23 and 28-30. $30.

10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs.

239-495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org.

A Chorus Line - At Broadway Palm Theatre Oct. 13-Nov. 12 on the Main Stage.

Show times and ticket prices vary. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

Not Now, Darling - At Off Broadway Palm Theatre Oct. 13-Nov. 5. Show times and ticket prices vary. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill - By Florida Repertory Theatre Oct. 14-29 at the Foulds Theatre at the Alliance for the Arts. $63. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers.www.floridarep.org, 239-3324488 or 877-787-8053.

WEDNESDAY10.12 Benefit Event - Nice Guys Production presents a benefit concert for Hurricane Ian victims featuring FLAW with special guest, SWFL’s own Vallion, at 7 p.m. at Buddha LIVE. $20, with half of all ticket proceeds going to #WEAREFMB to

Benefit Event - Nice Guys Production presents a benefit concert for Hurricane Ian victims featuring Slam Glam Metal Jam with Enuff Z Nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd and The Midnight Devils at 7 p.m. at Buddha LIVE. $20, with half of all ticket proceeds going to #WEAREFMB to help the victims of the devastation on Fort Myers Beach.

For tickets: niceguysproduction.com/ nice-guys-production/upcoming-events/.

For info: eddie@niceguysproduction.com or 954-336-9391.

Concert Series - The Nisita Concert Series presents Paul Votapek, clarinet, and Ralph Votapek, piano, at 7:30 p.m. at the U. Tobe Recital Hall in the Music Building. $10 for the public; $7 for students. 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. fgcu.edu/concerts or 239-745-4268.

Comedy Show - Comedian Freddy Rubino performs at 7 p.m. at the Off The Hook Comedy Club. $25 general admission; $35 VIP. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road. 239-389-6901 or www.offthehookcomedy.com.

At Miromar - Instrumental guitarist Jim Gabelbauer perform from 4-7 p.m. near Sax OFF 5th at Miromar Outlets. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. 239-948-3766 or www.miromaroutlets.com.

FRIDAY10.14 Country Star - Multi-Platinum country music star Trace Adkins and His “The Way I Wanna Go Tour” come to Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee at 8 p.m. $99. 506 South 1st St., Immokalee. 1-800-653-8000 or www.moreinparadise.com.

Pet Party - Gulf Coast Town Center hosts the annual Barktober Fest & Pet Costume Contest from 6-8 p.m. in the courtyard. There are prizes for best pet costumes with judging by canine Lt. Hope from the LCSO, a stilt walker/balloon artist, a pet Kissing Booth and more. Donations for Love is Fur Ever Dog Rescue are welcome. To see the donation list: www. gulfcoasttowncenter.com or go to www. lifedogrescue.org to donate directly. 10021 Gulf Center Dr., Fort Myers.

At the Zig Zag - Phase 1 Live performs from 8 p.m.-midnight at the Zig Zag Lounge at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. 506 South 1st St., Immokalee.

800-218-0007, moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.

Comedy Show - Comedian Desi Banks performs tonight through Sunday at the Off The Hook Comedy Club. Show times vary. $35 general admission; $50 VIP. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road. 239-389-6901 or www.offthehookcomedy.com.

At Miromar - Saxophonist Vic Guittard performs from 4-7 p.m. near Oakley Vault at Miromar Outlets. Thunder Beach Band performs classic dance rock from 6-8 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. 239-948-3766 or www.miromaroutlets.com.

SATURDAY10.15 Pit Bull - The Pit Bull: Can’t Stop Us Now Tour with special guest Iggy Azalea takes the stage at 8 p.m. at Hertz Arena. Tickets start at $29.95; parking is $30. 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. hertzarena.com.

One-Act Operas - Opera Naples partners with Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music & The

Florida Rep's Arcade Theatre Suffers Damage From Hurricane Ian; How to Help!

The theatre's production of “Lady Day” will resume on Friday, October 14 in a neighboring theatre space.

by Stephi Wild

Oct. 13, 2022

Florida Repertory Theatre has suffered flooding due to Hurricane Ian, which caused damage to its equipment, furniture, carpet, and more. A cleanup effort is currently underway but the "cost to repair is daunting", according to Tweets.

The theatre released a statement: "The water was waist-high in the hallways outside the lobby of Florida Rep's Historic Arcade Theatre, share and inside the 398-seat space, water was gushing into the orchestra pit. When the storm moved north, the water receded. What it left behind, however, was a thick layer of mud along with water-logged carpets, furniture, and equipment throughout the company's first floor facilities."

Five days prior to the storm, on September 23rd, Florida Rep had kicked off its 25th anniversary season with the opening of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill," by Lanie Robertson. On September 27th, in an abundance of caution, Florida Rep canceled the week's performances in anticipation of the storm. "Lady Day" will resume on Friday, October 14 in a neighboring theatre space.

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To donate to the cleanup and repair efforts, visit www.floridarep.org/donate/.

The theatre revealed photos and video footage of the damage on Twitter, see below: Florida Rep Theatre @FloridaRep · Follow

Flooded Regional Theatre needs help after waist-high Hurricane Ian surge waters filled its first-floor facilities.

Recovery is underway; cost to repair is daunting. Local supporters were also impacted, so we need help from outside SWFL and welcome media interviews. See comments.

Watch on Twitter

3:05 PM · Oct 12, 2022 Read the full conversation on Twitter 4

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Florida Rep Theatre @FloridaRep · Follow Replying to @FloridaRep

When the storm waters receded, a thick layer of mud along with water-logged carpets, furniture, and equipment throughout the company’s first floor facilities was left behind.

"Lady Day" production paused, then moved to temporary venue while clean-up continues at Historic Theatre.

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Florida Rep Theatre @FloridaRep · Follow Replying to @FloridaRep

Artistic Director is ready and willing to be interviewed. Hope to get message out to 100s of guest artists, theatre designers/craftsmen, and interns who have worked with us over the past 25 years, plus any theatre lovers & supporters who may be able to help.

3:05 PM · Oct 12, 2022 Reply

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Florida Rep Theatre @FloridaRep · Follow Replying to @FloridaRep

Our office and rehearsal spaces, plus two theatre spaces were flooded. A hurricane recovery campaign has been established, visit: floridarep.org/donate/ Florida Rep is a professional, non-profit LOA/LORT theatre company on contract with Actors' Equity Association. share

3:05 PM · Oct 12, 2022 Reply

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10/24/22, 4:28 PM

Hurricane Ian gives the performing arts community another blow after COVID | WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida

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Hurricane Ian gives the performing arts community another blow after COVID WGCU | By Gwendolyn Salata, John Davis Published October 24, 2022 at 2:09 PM EDT

Florida Repertory Theatre Via Facebook /

Florida Repertory Theatre's historic Arcade Theatre suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Ian, but the company plans to reopen by the end of October

As theaters in Southwest Florida enter a new season in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the performing arts community has more attendance challenges ahead after two years of struggling through the pandemic, local theaters say.

Florida Repertory Theatre Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers suffered massive flood inundation from Hurricane Ian. The company’s historic Arcade Theatre, ArtStage Studio Theatre and all first-floor facilities flooded with nearly four feet of storm surge. Ian also left a hole WGCU in the roof. Administrative offices have been vacated due to water damage.

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Hurricane Ian gives the performing arts community another blow after COVID | WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida

Florida Rep. Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen said that the theater was already in a tough spot after the pandemic and that the organization is going to need a lot of help.

“It’s tough that this has happened now,” he said. “I feel like we’ve kind of earned our captain’s bars, at the very least, in how to get through tragedy of all kinds and weather that.”

“Sadly, our brand-new rehearsal hall, which we just opened last year, also received significant damage,” Longenhagen said. “We’ve cut out all of the drywall in virtually every storefront [and] every theater space in the Bradford block that was at street level because water got pretty much everywhere.”

Before the hurricane, Florida Rep was entering its 25th season with the play “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” but the damage the theater sustained prevented that from happening. It is now remounting the show at the Alliance for the Arts’ Foulds Theatre.

Longenhagen said the theater plans to reopen at the end of October. “We will probably see some lower numbers coming to the theater for the fact that a lot of folks are not only in shock of what’s happened, but I know we have patrons who may not have a home to go to,” he said.

The building was built in 1915 and housed a vaudeville theater and a movie theater before it became home to Florida Repertory in 1998.

“My hope is that people will find it in their hearts and see how important it is and what a gem it is that we have this wonderful arts organization right here in the center of Fort Myers…and want to help,” he said. “It would be a real shame if this went away because of this terrible storm.”

The Florida Rep. lost one of it’s own to Hurricane Ian with the death of long-time Scene Stealers volunteer and Fort Myers Beach resident Martha Ann “Marti” Campbell. “Marti was a special one and we’re really all sending our love and prayers to her family right now. It’s just a sad, sad scenario for sure,” said Longenhagen. Campbell was also known for her volunteer work with the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

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Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill

PATRON COMMENTS At ArtStage Theatre This experience was PHENOMENAL!!!!!! Bravo to Fla. Rep for the content of this show. And the language!!! Took a certain amount of courage on your part (I would think), given the current tension in this country to reference slavery and racism as prominently as Lady Day does. Speaking of Lady Day, Ebony Pullum did a FANTASTIC job of acting and singing. Anger emanated from her, as well it should. It was real and we felt it. And her voice is superb. She actually sounds like Billie Holiday. Garrick Vaughan and the trio did an excellent job and we enjoyed hearing some live blues and jazz. Ansley Valentine did a terrific job of directing this super wonderful show. Bravo to the entire cast, including Bruno as Pepi. No doubt he loves and trusts Ebony very much. Thank you, thank you for this show. Would love to see more of similar venue. And if it does get extended to Nov. 1sr or 2nd, we'll come again with our friends who will be visiting.

Florida Rep never disappoints. Always top quality in every detail. This is the next best thing to bring on Broadway, but quite frankly, I get just as much satisfaction. Keep up the good work.

Good portrayal of Billie Holiday I loved the performance. I do think she could not be as close to the microphone.

Good portrayal of Billie Holiday The best thing about FM IS Fla Rep a real gem great show---fabulous talent I ALWAYS ENJOY MY VISIT WITH YOU AND ENJOY THE SHOWS!!!

Couldn’t be any better!!

So excellent, Piano player was amazing not only musically but his acting. "Billie" was outstanding... and her voice. Wonderful and what a range... Excellent Excellent!

WOW, WOW, WOW, absolutely riviting, well done

After move to Alliance…

We loved every moment. It was a wonderful experience Loved the intimacy of the venue!

Leads voice was a tribute to Lady Day. Enjoyed the dynamic between her accompanist and her. Pianist played very well.

Everything about the play and cast was outstanding! I was really looking forward to seeing it and it didn't disappoint. BRAVO!!!!

I’m currently reading The Underground Railroad and hearing Billie’s story moved me to tears. It was an outstanding production!

Loved this Show!!

I did not particularly like the content of the play but thought the lead actress/singer was excellent. She did a very engaging performance.

The performance was really well done. And many thanks to the Alliance of the Arts for the venue. The staff at the performance was wonderful.

Everyone was very helpful at getting us in the right seats.

Alliance for the Arts is a very nice venue Staff was friendly Different venue but great performances! very enjoyable The actress was amazing. Never missing a beat and on stage the entire 1 1/2 hr. Wonderful Ebony Pullum made the audience feel the pain of Billie Holiday's life.

Three words What a Show!!!!

Enjoyed the music but was quite depressing. Billie has excellent voice.

Amazing performance by Lady Day. She is a very talented actress. Kudos!

I thought the cast did a superb job. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Loved the music. Lady Day was excellent as were the musicians.

The actress carried the show. She was an excellent singer and actress. Great performance by her and the musicians. Very professional.

While the subject was depressing, lest we forget, we need to be reminded of our history and think of our future! I enjoyed the music and the play was very well acted and overall an excellent production.

Unbelievable! Fabulous! Wonderful. So good. Amazing!

I was not aware her life was this tragic- that MAN! Got her to do all those things, how awful- this is my second time seeing it, I can ‘’feel’’ her pain.. WOW! A little deep- Love her Intensity- Lovely voice- How can she do this again tonight? – She can sing!

Phenomenal! Loved it. So good!

Lots of concern for our Rep. Theatre. This is ‘’Broadway like’’ ‘’Very Good” Good Show. Great Entertainer. Phenomenal! Totally Great!! We enjoyed!! ###

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Southwind will play at 3 p.m. PHOTOS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS-PRESS

Alliance for Arts kicks off bluegrass series with free concert Special to Fort Myers News-Press USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA

As a small way of giving back to our community during these trying times, the Alliance for the Arts is proud to off er a free Outdoor Bluegrass concert on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 10091 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers. The concert will be held on our Green Market Stage. Gates open at 2 p.m. with Southwind playing at 3 p.m. and Bluegrass Central taking the stage at 4 p.m. Chairs and coolers are permitted.

“Things have not been easy for anyone in the area since Hurricane Ian,” says Bill Taylor, Producing Artistic Director. “This is our way of off ering everyone a free and fun way to relax for a few hours.” Reserve your free tickets by going to ArtInLee.org.

The series continues on Dec. 4 in 2022, with performances on Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5 in 2023. Tickets for the rest of the season are $15 for members, $16 for non-members and are available online

Bluegrass Central is scheduled to perform at the Alliance for the Arts’ Outdoor Bluegrass concert.

at ArtInLee.org or by calling 239-9392787.

Pre-sale seating is limited to 132 and is fi rst come, fi rst serve. In the case of bad weather, the show will be moved indoors to the Foulds Theatre. Additional tickets may be available at the door, weather permitting. More information, including a list of performers, can be found at artinlee.org/bluegrass.

NEWS-PRESS.COM | SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2022 | 7

Rescue Continued from Page 6E

a very straight-forward process. Always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from any bird with a pointy beak and long neck. Use a towel to loosely cover the bird’s body and head. Once the head is covered, the darkness will help calm the bird. Gently pick up the bird and place it in the box. Remember, it is either injured or debilitated and weak and that gives you the “upper hand” during a rescue. Having a towel and a cardboard box ensures you are prepared and able to save a life. If you have questions about how to safely rescue and contain an animal, please call the wildlife hospital for guidance.

As people are returning to our area and visiting our local beaches, show respect to wildlife that utilize the beaches as their homes. Many birds congregate in large fl ocks on the beach as they rest and gain strength after migrating hundreds of miles from various northern locales. They exhausted from migration – do not walk through fl ocks of resting birds and force them to fl y. Flying takes a lot of energy and a bird that is already in a weakened condition does not have any energy to waste. Walk around the fl ocks of resting birds and allow them to rest undisturbed. It literally can be a matter of life or death for these animals.

A homeowner hired a “nuisance” wildlife trapper because something had dug a hole under his house. The trapper set a live trap at the entrance to the hole and baited it with food. The homeowner called the Conservancy Wildlife Hospital on a Saturday, concerned over the well-being of a Virginia opossum caught in the live trap. The homeowner said the trapping company would not answer his calls. The trap was in the sun and the homeowner was concerned the opossum would overheat. Hospital staff asked the man to bring the opossum to the wildlife hospital so we could remove it from the trap and ensure it wasn’t injured.

The opossum was a female with tiny joeys in her pouch. She had abrasions on her muzzle from rubbing against the wire trap. She was slightly underweight and dehydrated, yet overall was in fair body condition. Staff removed her from the trap and settled her in a large recovery enclosure with access to food and water.

Wild animals often sustain serious

Recent Releases Two eastern cottontails, an anhinga, two royal terns, three laughing gulls, two northern mockingbirds, three Virginia opossums and two grey squirrels were released recently.

Opportunities to Help There are many ways to support the Conservancy. If you are holiday shopping online, use the AmazonSmile website operated by Amazon.com.

AmazonSmile has the same shopping features, products and prices as Amazon.com. When you choose the Conservancy of Southwest Florida as your charitable organization, 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products is donated to the Conservancy. Every donation supports the Conservancy’s work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future. To learn more about the mission of the Conservancy visit our website at conservancy.org.

injuries when people set live traps. The company that set the trap was breaking state laws by not checking the trap.

While many of these traps are labeled humane, there is no way to keep an animal safe from injury when it struggles to escape a live trap. A trapped animal can quickly become frantic and sustain signifi cant injuries when it futilely tries to escape by scratching, pushing or biting at the metal. Imagine being frantic to escape a trap with the current heat index over 100 degrees – that is the very defi nition of inhumane.

Trapping and removing an animal should be the absolute last option to a situation involving a wild animal and most likely will not resolve the problem.

When an animal is removed, the territory opens up allowing another animal to move in which often leads to the same issue.

If you have a wildlife situation you believe warrants the use of a live trap, please call the von Arx Wildlife Hospital staff for advice. There are many wildlife situations that can easily be resolved humanely if the true source of the problem is addressed, thereby eliminating the need to hire a removal service.

Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. Call 239-2622273 or see conservancy.org