Guest artist pack - The Gin Game

GUEST ARTIST PACKET

LINK TO DIGITAL PLAYBILL HERE

LINKS TO PHOTOS

• PRODUCTION PHOTOS (credit Nick Adams) HERE

• COMPANY RUN PHOTOS (credit Florida Rep/Joe Dafeldecker) HERE

• PR & PRESS PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS (credit Florida Rep) HERE and also HERE

PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS

• Production introduction by Greg Longenhagen HERE

• Promotional video – interview with the actors HERE

REVIEWS

• REVIEW: Playing the cards you’re dealt: ‘The Gin Game’ at Florida Rep - Fort Myers Florida Weekly

IN THE NEWS

• WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO - Fort Myers Florida Weekly

• WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO - Fort Myers Florida Weekly

• FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE - Fort Myers Florida Weekly

• Florida Rep to stage ‘The Gin Game,’ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic by D.L. Coburn | News, Sports, Jobs - North Fort Myers Neighbor

PATRON COMMENTS…………………………………….………………..………...Page 2

PRINT ADVERTISING SAMPLES..…………………………………..….…..….…Page 4

Thank you for bringing this bittersweet drama to life in the ArtStage Studio! Best Wishes!

Deborah Jonsson, Marketing Director djonsson@floridarep.org

THE GIN GAME

PATRON COMMENTS

Comments pulled from post-show surveys…

Two of my favorite performers at the rep

The actors were great!

Great acting

Both actors are excellent.

Best acting. Scenery is excellent. Clever performance all around.

Extremely well done

Cute story

Very well staged and acted.

The actors did a terrific job. great actor/actress. great sets and scenery

Fantastically professionally done

Good production.

Excellent performance with wonderful actors.

The acting very good.

The play selection and actors were both the best of this season. Very excellent experience that I have come to expect at Florida Rep.

Acting very good as usual

Intimate staging

Two outstanding actors

The actor & actress were excellent.

The two actors were real pros. Set was excellent.

The performers were excellent.

Great acting.

Not a flaw in their presentation.

Entertaining

The actors are exceptional.

Well acted and topical play. High intensity.

Great acting! Very emotional!

Actors performed well

Fabulous set, flawless actors just feet from our seats!

The acting was of a very high caliber. We are very fortunate to have such talent available to us in Fort Myers.

Loved the writing, set and excellent actors

Fabulous acting, stage set, lighting, sound, costumes and of course, direction. Very well done overall!!

Truly love these 2 actors, enjoyed both of their performances in Driving Ms. Daisy.

Get performances

As usual, the quality of the production-the acting, the scenery, the costumes-was superb.

Great actors with a good script.

Excellent performances.

Fantastic acting!

excellent production.

Well done! The staging was excellent, and the performances were wonderful.

The message was so good, and the actors were terrific.

It was excellent, well acted and thought provoking.

Great acting, and wonderful insights into aging

The actors were talented beyond expectations.

Two actors are amazing and interact with each so well. GREAT!

Everything was wonderful.

Superb performance.

Actors excellent, theme of play thought provoking but sad.

FAST-PACED; WONDERFUL 'HUMAN' EXPERIENCE BETWEEN THE CAST OF 2

The set upon entering was so realistic. The garden detail was so lifelike and real. The cast was beyond phenomena, meshed with each other the comedic timing was outstanding. I enjoyed every second.

The performers' acting was excellent.

Great show, fabulous actors

The actors were sensational

The acting was excellent.

The actors were superb, their timing excellent. It was a thrill to watch two seasoned veterans play off each other.

Well done. Acting and direction spot on. Perfect for that venue.

The actors are a joy.

So cleverly done with just the 2 actors. A very poignant story.

Great acting!!!

Acting was superb. Content stimulating and provoked discussion.

Although sad, the actors were just wonderful and made watching a meaning experience.

Acting was great

Two of my favorite actors

Actress did fantastic job!

Show was funny

Fantastic script. Amazing performers, beautiful scenery

Acting performances exceeded expectations

Thought the acting was great.

I love seeing the acting team from Driving, Miss Daisy, together again in this two person show. Thanks for another great performance.

I thought the acting was very good.

That is a difficult act to have only 2 people talking without any other props. They both did a fabulous job.

I thought the actors were exceptional!

actors good

I love the theater and the different shows that you put together.

LYNYRD SKYNYRD

From page 1

Lynyrd Skynyrd. It’s captured in the new film, titled “The 50th Anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd.” The last remaining original member of the band, the guitarist passed away in March, after having for years soldiered through a myriad of health problems, including heart conditions that had required major surgeries, a pacemaker and multiple stents to maximize his blood flow.

In 2018, Lynyrd Skynyrd announced a farewell tour. Rossington and his bandmates wanted to end Skynyrd on their terms, while the band could still perform at a high level. But that final extended outing got interrupted in 2020. When the pandemic eased, Lynyrd Skynyrd returned to the road, but with the tour rebranded as the “Big Wheels Keep on Turning” tour, not a farewell outing. Rossington’s health issues, though, prevented him from participating in nearly all the tour.

Still, Lynyrd Skynyrd moved forward, announcing a co-headlining tour with ZZ Top that began this past summer and continues this winter and spring, only to see Rossington pass away shortly afterward.

The guitarist’s death is still a raw subject for Medlocke, who was in the early lineup of Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1971 to 1972 — as the drummer — before departing to start his own band, Blackfoot. He had grown close to Rossington since

rejoining Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1996.

“I mean, you don’t spend that long of a time with a guy that all of a sudden something happens that you’re not really, you’re hit square in the face with it,” Medlocke said.

But for now, the guys in Lynyrd Skynyrd are looking ahead, having been told by Rossington’s wife Dale (herself a longtime member of the Honkettes, the backing female vocal trio that remains part of Skynyrd’s touring lineup) that Rossington wanted the band to continue bringing their music to the band’s loyal fans.

this point to ever call it, to call it a day,” Medlocke said. “As long as the fans keep coming out and they keep wanting to hear the music and they’re asking for it, we’ll continue to go out.”

The story of Lynyrd Skynyrd, one of the most tragic and eventually triumphant sagas in rock music history, continues, as today’s band — Van Zant, Medlocke, Michael Cartellone (drums), Mark Matejka (guitar), Damon Johnson (guitarist/singer in Brother Cane, who has taken over for Rossington), Peter Keys (keyboards) and Keith Christopher (bass) — hit the road with ZZ Top.

The original band is widely credited with pioneering the Southern rock genre, with early hits like the signature epic “Free Bird” and radio favorite “Sweet Home Alabama” helping the group gain an early foothold.

“Right now, there’s really no plan at this point to ever call it, to call it a day. As long as the fans keep coming out and they keep wanting to hear the music and they’re asking for it, we’ll continue to go out.”

— Rickey Medlock, guitarist

“Right now, there’s really no plan at

Lynyrd Skynyrd appeared to be hitting a musical peak with their fifth album, the 1977 release “Street Survivors.” But the album had been out only three days when an October plane crash claimed the lives of singer/songwriter and band leader Ronnie Van Zant, as well as guitarist Steve Gaines and backing singer Cassie Gaines (Steve’s sister), among others.

It looked like Lynyrd Skynyrd had come to a sudden, premature and trag-

ic end. But in 1987, surviving members Rossington, guitarist Allen Collins, bassist Leon Wilkeson, keyboardist Billy Powell and drummer Artimus Pyle decided to revive Skynyrd, bringing in guitarist Ed King (who was in Skynyrd from 1972 to 1975) to replace Gaines and singer Johnny Van Zant to replace his late brother, Ronnie, in the new edition of the group.

Lynyrd Skynyrd have been together ever since, releasing eight studio albums and several live releases. What’s more, a box set called “Fyfty” was released in October. It features 25 songs from the original band and 25 from the post-’87 unit and there’s talk of doing a new album.

For now Medlocke is excited to be on the road with long-time friends ZZ Top. Fans can expect many of their favorite songs and a few surprises from Lynyrd Skynyrd on the tour.

“You always like to try to do some standards, but also dig down into the catalog and try to pull out things that normally you wouldn’t do, just to let the fans hear it,” Medlocke said. ■

In the KNOW

Lynyrd Skynyrd with ZZ Top

· When: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9

· Where: Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero

· Cost: $54.50 and up

· Information: 239-948-7825 or hertzarena.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Celebrate

Continued from Page 4C

Metro Diner: Pink is in the air with limited time Strawberry Shortcake Griddles, including pink-drizzled bread pudding, waffles and pancakes. There’s Pretty in Pink Mimosas too. 1625 Cape Coral Parkway E, Cape Coral; (239) 2880057; metrodiner.com or follow on Facebook

Nice Guys: This crafty Cape Coral pizzajointhasseveralsweetspecialsincluding four corn dogs and a botle of Dom Perignon for $355; a bottle of wine, an appetizer and a14-inch pizza for $60; two splits, two draft beers, an appetizer and 14-inch pizza for $60; or four cocktails,anappetizeranda14-inchpizzafor $60. All come with peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie dough truffles for dessert. 1404 Cape Coral Parkway E, Cape Coral; (239) 549-7542; niceguyspizza.com or follow on Instagram

Norman Love Confections: It’s not Valentine’s Day without this annual limited-edition collection of 10 heartshapeddark,whiteandmilkchocolates.

$15 for a five-piece signature box, $31for a 10-piece. Signature collection comes in 24-piece for $65 or $110 for 50-piece. Normanloveconfections.com to order or

for locations in Fort Myers and Naples.

Prime 239 Steakhouse: A reservation-only, three-course prix fixe dinner will be held from 4-10 p.m. It includes a

selection of soup, a choice of prime NY strip steak or steak with lobster and homemade dessert. $79 per person. Fifty percent off select bottles of wine. (239) 673-8816 for reservations. 1715 Cape Coral Parkway West, Cape Coral; prime239.com

Skillets: BothlocationswillhaveValentine Waffle Hearts with fresh strawberries, home whipped cream, warm homemade strawberry syrup and two thick-cut Smokehouse bacon slices for $13.95 from Feb. 14-18. Cypress Terrace, 13300SClevelandAve.,FortMyers,(239 237-2916) and University Village, 10950 Eagle Village Drive, Suite 330 C, Fort Myers, (239) 471-0553; skilletsrestaurants.com

Two Meatballs in the Kitchen: Specials for the day at the Cape location include a Cupids Arrow cocktail with coconut rum, peach schnapps, pineapple and cranberry juices and raspberry syrup, scallops, prime rib, twin lobster tails, sea bass piccata and red velvet cake. 1403 Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral; (239) 347-3013; 2meatballs.com or on Facebook

The Chicken Pizza Masala from Nice Guys pays tribute to Indian takeout with tikka-masala sauce, cilantro, garlic and chicken. ANNABELLE TOMETICH/THE NEWS-PRESS

10 great concerts to see in Fort Myers, Cape Coral this March

Charles Runnells Fort Myers News-Press

Rock ‘n’ roll icon Bob Dylan. Viral sensation Oliver Anthony. Dokken guitar wizard George Lynch. Arena-packing rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.

Thosearejustfourofthebiggestconcerts happening this March in the Fort Myers, Bonita Springs and Cape Coral area. Here are our top picks for the best shows to see:

Oliver Anthony at Hertz Arena

Virginia country singer-songwriter Oliver Anthony landed a viral hit with his fiery 2023 song “Rich Men of North Richmond,”which was embraced by Republican leaders and pundits (much to Anthony’s annoyance). The Out of the Woods Tour’s stop at Hertz Arena is nearlysoldout,buttherearealotofverified resale tickets available. 7 p.m. Sunday, March 3. $21-$41. Parking on site is $30 plus taxes and fees (no cash). Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com

Bob Dylan at Suncoast Arena

The influential folk-rock superstar returns to Southwest Florida with his Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7. $63-$144. Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the Florida SouthWestern State College Campus, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

Marc Anthony at Hertz Arena

Grammy-winning, hit-making salsa singer Marc Anthony brings his Viviendo Tour to Estero. 8 p.m. Thursday, March 7. $110-$211. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 948-7825 or hertzarena.com

The Beach Boys at B.B. Mann Hall

The groundbreaking rock legends, led by lead singer Mike Love, return to playtwoshowsinsouthFortMyers.The Beach Boys’ many hits include “Koko-

mo,” “I Get Around,” “Good Vibrations” and “Barbara Ann.” 3 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 8. $53-$116. The 7:30 p.m. show is nearly sold out except for a few scattered single seats. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, south Fort Myers. 481-4849 or bbmannpah.com

ZZ

Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd at Hertz Arena

Classic-rock superstars ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd co-headline The Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour. The tour name combines two of the bands’ biggest hits: ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man.” 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9. $100-$343. Limited seats remain. Hertz Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. 9487825 or hertzarena.com

Gaither Vocal Band in Fort Myers

Grammy Award-winning country and gospel singer Bill Gaither and his Gaither Vocal Band bring their Take The MomentstoRememberTourtoFortMyers. 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9. $32-$50. First Assembly of God, 4701 Summerlin

Mike Love of The Beach Boys TODD PARMINGTON/AP