GUEST ARTIST PACKET LINK TO PLAYBILL LINK TO PRODUCTION PHOTOS … CREDIT NICK ADAMS LINK TO PR & PRESS PROMOTIONAL PHOTOS LINK TO TELEVISION SEGMENT NOTE: SHORT ONLINE SHELF LIFE LINK TO RADIO SEGMENT PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS……………………………………….……..Page 2 REVIEWS……………………………………………………….……….…..Page 3 IN THE NEWS………………..…………………….………………………Page 18 PATRON COMMENTS…………………………………….…………...Page 32 PRINT ADVERTISING SAMPLES..…………………….….….….…Page 34 FLORIDA REP PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL SAMPLE…...….Page 36
Thank you for bringing this heartwarming story to life in the ArtStage Theatre! Deborah Jonsson, Marketing Manager djonsson@floridarep.org
MAYTAG VIRGIN
PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS LINK to Florida Repertory Theatre YouTube Channel
Introducing “Maytag Virgin”
Meet the actors in “Maytag Virgin”
Hear from the director of “Maytag Virgin”
Theater Review: Maytag Virgin at the Florida Rep | Opening Night Also found on: Maytag Virgin – The Florida Rep | The Front Row Center
FORT MYERS FLORIDA WEEKLY
www.FloridaWeekly.com
WEEK OF APRIL 13-19, 2022
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
B7
WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO Jazz Tunes - The Dan Miller-Lew Del Gatto Quintet performs the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium. $29. 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-4958989 or www.artcenterbonita.org.
#SEE IT
■ “In the Heights” plays at Broadway Palm Theatre through May 14. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. — broadwaypalm.com
Americana Music - The Americana Community Music Association hosts George Worthmore & the Dive-bombers in concert at 7 p.m. at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation. ACMA members Pete Bensen and Glen Satatka open. $12 members; $18 non-members. 2765 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-6914069 or www.americanacma.org.
#SWFL
TOP PICKS
Bonsai Auction - The Bonsai Society
Cape Business Easter Egg Hunt is set for noon-4 p.m. in South Cape Coral. The free family-friendly event invites kids to have their Easter baskets filled with goodies at South Cape businesses. Stop at the South Cape Hub, 909 SE 47th Ter., #105, to visit the official photo booth and get photos with the Easter Bunny for free. southcapeentertainment.com.
Tall Tales - Four local storytellers present Stories of April Fools and Tall Tales from 7-9 p.m. at the Alliance for the Arts. $18 members; $20 non-members. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787 or www. artinlee.org.
■ Florida Repertory tory Theatre presentss “Maytag Virgin” n” April 15-May 22 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre, with half-price previews April 13-14. $59. 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. — floridarep.org.
Live Music - Electronic percussionist Ken Mazur performs from 4-7 p.m. between Ford’s Garage and Naples Flatbread at Miromar Outlets. The Southwest Florida Big Band performs from 2-4 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. Guitarist Mark Aulick performs from 4-7 p.m. in the Restaurant Piazza. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. www.miromaroutlets.com.
4.15
Music Night - Gulf Coast Town Center hosts Music Night from 7-9 p.m. in the courtyard. Free admission; bring chairs for seating. 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers. www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com. Live Music - Thistle & Lace performs from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturdays at the Twisted Vine Bistro. 2214 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239-226-1687 or www.TwistedVineBistro.com. Music Show - Brother Love’s Musical Extravaganza performs from 4-7 p.m. at Goldy’s Chicken Shack. 3015 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. 239-579-0510.
One-Man Show - Yard Dog Charlie performs at 6 p.m. at Gatorbites. 20351 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers. 239-2671317 or www.gatorbitesfortmyers.com.
■ The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center presents the A Vickie Vaughn Band at V 77:30 p.m. April 15. $45 in advance; $50 at the door. 2301 First St., Fort Myers. — sbdac.com
4.22-5.8
Beach Yoga - Becky Lang teaches yoga from 8:30-9:30 a.m. every Saturday on Fort Myers Beach. The Level One Flow practice is suitable for most levels and is held on the sand just north of the pier. Bring a yoga mat, sunscreen and water. $15, cash only. Register at www.facebook.com/beckylangfitness or www.beckylang.com. 239-791-6538 or beckylang@comcast.net.
4.15-5.22
■ Jazz pianist and composer Aaron Diehl performs a special evening of music with his trio at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. $45 in advance; $50 at the door. 2301 First St., Fort Myers. — sbdac.com
■ The 2022 Stars on Ice Tour, featuring Olympic gold medalist Nathan Chen (pictured) and a star-studded cast, comes to Hertz Arena at 7 p.m. April 14. 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero. — starson ice.com or ticketmaster. com
■ The Fair at Fenway South runs from April 22-May 8 at JetBlue Park. The event features thrill and amusement rides, a Kiddieland, entertainment, fair food, vendors, games of skill and more. $10, with family packs and online deals available. 11500 Fenway South Dr., Fort Myers. — fairatfenway.com.
4.21
4.22
■ The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs presents a Kenny Rogers tribute, “The Gambler Returns,” at 7:30 p.m. April 21 at the Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium. 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. — artcenterbonita.org.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Egg Hunt - The second annual South
4.14
Music Show - Brother Love’s Musical Extravaganza performs from 6-9 p.m. at Olde Fish House Marina. 4530 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. 239-282-9577.
COURTESY PHOTO / DANIELLE EARL / SKATE TE E CANADA C ADA CA CAN ADA
of Southwest Florida hosts its annual plant and accessory auction from 10 a.m.-noon at the Berne Davis Botanical Garden Center. In addition to specimen bonsai trees, biddable items include handmade pots, hand-carved stands, books, starter supplies and other hardto-find goods. Th public is welcome. 2166 Virginia Ave., Fort Myers, with parking on Larchmont Street. www. bonsaiswfl.org or 239-332-3850.
FORT MYERS FLORIDA WEEKLY
www.FloridaWeekly.com
WEEK OF APRIL 20-26, 2022
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
B7
WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO GO Earth Day - Lovers Key State Park celebrates Earth Day at 10:30 a.m. Festivities include a ranger-led wading trip at 10:30 a.m.; a Read with a Ranger program at noon; an upcycled craft session at 1:30 p.m.; and a cleanup at South Beach at 3 p.m. Free with paid park entry. Reservations are required for all formal activities, and space is limited. To register: www.LoversKey. Eventbrite.com. 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach.
#SWFL
4.22
with the RESET Board, music by the Evan Carville Jazz Trio Maya, a performance by the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra and more. 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. www.swflreset.org/events-1.
TOP PICKS
Assessment Event - The Estero
Earth Day - The Seminole Tribe of Florida hosts Earth Day festivities from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Reservation. The event features live Seminole Native musical performances by Rez Jamz and flute music by Gordon Wareham, plus exhibits, a poetry workshop by the Florida Indigenous Writers Group, yoga, environment presentations, Seminole Tribal craft and food vendors, and activity tables. 34725 W. Boundary Road, Clewiston. www.ahtahthiki.com.
Jazzy Nights - Jazz pianist and composer Aaron Diehl performs a special evening of music with his trio at 7:30 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. $45 in advance; $50 at the door. 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239-333-1933 or www.sbdac.com.
■ A Fort Myers Film Festival preview party kicks off at 7:30 p.m. April 22 with an evening of films under the stars at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Viewers can see the Edison Kinetophone Sound Film: “Nursery Favorites” (1913” and “The Koreshans: Legends and Legacies of Estero’s Urban Pioneers” by Ilene Safron and Main Sail Video Productions. Food and beverages are available for purchase. $10 members; $15 non-members. 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. — www.edisonfordwinterestates.org ■ Lovers Key State Park celebrates Earth Day at 10:30 a.m. Festivities include a ranger-led wading trip at 10:30 a.m.; a Read with a Ranger program at noon; an upcycled craft session at 1:30 p.m.; and a cleanup at South Beach at 3 p.m. Free with paid park entry. Reservations are required for all formal activities, and space is limited. — www.LoversKey. Eventbrite.com
#SEE IT
■ The Eli Young Band performs at 9 p.m. April 23 at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $31.42. 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. — www.theranchfortmyers.com.
Jazz pianist and composer Aaron Diehl performs a special evening of music with his trio at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. $45 in advance; $50 at the door. 2301 First St., Fort Myers. 239333-1933 or www.sbdac.com.
Spring Fair - The Fair at Fenway South runs today through May 8 at JetBlue Park. The event features thrill and amusement rides, a Kiddieland, entertainment, fair food, vendors, games of skill and more. Hours are 5-10 p.m. on Thursdays; 5-11 p.m. on Fridays; 3-11 p.m. on Saturdays; and 3-10 p.m. on Sundays. $10, with family packs and online deals available. 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers. www.fairatfenway.com.
4.22 ■ Florida Repertory Theatre presents “Maytag Virgin” through May 22 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre. $59. 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. — floridarep.org.
THROUGH 5.22
rock the outdoor Peace Plaza at Neenie’s House from 6-9 p.m., performing soulful Cajun roots dance music. The event includes raffles and games, with proceeds going to the local homeless community. 481 Marsh Ave., Fort Myers. www.neenieshouse.com/ or 224-6784901.
4.23
Zydeco Tunes - The Zydegatorz
■ “In the Heights” plays at Broadway Palm Theatre through May 14. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. — broadway palm.com
#VIEW IT ■ The Summer Show runs through Oct. 14 at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery. Free admission during gallery hours Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon in Studio 1 and 2. 3030 Shell Mound Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. — fortmyersbeachart.com/ shows/main-gallery/.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Historical Society hosts an Assessment Fair from 2-7 p.m. today and 4:30-7 p.m. Sunday at the museum buildings. Professional appraiser Richard Gannon, president of Gannon’s Antiques & Art, provides evaluation and opinions about items. $15 donation for each item; maximum of three per person). 9285 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. To register: esterohistoricalsociety.com.
B6
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WEEK OF APRIL 27-MAY 3, 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.
6-10 p.m. at the Zig Zag Lounge at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee. 506 South 1st St., Immokalee. 800-218-0007, moreinparadise.com or facebook.com/ SeminoleCasinoHotel/.
Concert Series - The Gulf Coast Town Center Concert Series presents the Marty Stokes Band from 7-9 p.m. in the courtyard. Free admission; bring chairs for seating. 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Fort Myers. www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com.
SYMPHONY
At Miromar - Claire Liparulo per-
String Quartet - The Sarasota Music
forms acoustic variety from 4-7 p.m. near Oakley at Miromar Outlets. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. 239-948-3766 or www.miromaroutlets.com.
Conservatory Faculty String Quartet performs at 7 p.m. May 1 at the Music and Arts Community Center. 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. 239-277-1700 or www. gulfcoastsymphony.org.
FRIDAY4.29
Classic Opera - Gulf Coast Symphony performs Verdi’s opera “Rigoletto” at 7:30 p.m. May 7 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. 239-481-4849 or www.gulfcoastsymphony.org.
Pops 2 - The Southwest Florida Symphony presents “Pops 2: Serpentine Fire - Music of Earth Wind & Fire” at 7:30 p.m. April 30 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. Along with singer Tyriq Johnson, the orchestra performs the music of the popular group with Maestro Andrew Lipke. $15-$109. 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. www.swflso. org or 239-418-1500.
THEATER The Addams Family - By Fort Myers Theatre on select dates May 6-15. Show times vary. $35. 16120 San Carlos Blvd., #5, Fort Myers. 239-323-6570 or ftmyerstheatre.com.
Another Revolution - By Gulfshore Playhouse on select dates April 30-May 15at The Norris Center, with previews April 28-29. $38-$85. 755 8th Ave. S.,
Worth the TRIP
COURTESY PHOTO
Florida Repertory Theatre presents “Maytag Virgin” through May 29 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre. $59. 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239-332-4488 or www.floridarep.org. Naples. 239-261-7529 or www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org/.
Les Liaisons Dangereuses - By The Laboratory Theater of Florida on select dates through May 7. Show times vary. $30 adults; $10 students. 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers. 239-2180481 or www.laboratorytheaterflorida. com. Barefoot in the Park - By the Firehouse Theatre April 29-May 1. 241 N. Bridge St., LaBelle. 863-675-3066 or www.firehousecommunitytheatre.com.
13 the Musical - By Alliance Youth Theatre April 29-May 1 at the Alliance for the Arts. $12-$20. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787 or www. artinlee.org.
Stories of Spoon River - By FGCU TheatreLab on select dates through May 1 at the TheatreLab, Arts Complex. $10 public; $7 students. 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. fgcu.edu/theatrelab or 239-745-4268.
Miracle on South Division Street - By Players Circle Theater on select dates through May 1. Show times vary. $50. 16554 North Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 239-800-3292 or PlayersCircleTheater.com. BETH HART
Hot tickets across the state » Beth Hart The Thankful Tour — April 30, Plaza Live, Orlando. www. plazaliveorlando.org. » Steven Wright — May 1, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Florida Southwestern State College, Fort Myers. www.bbmannpah.com. » Theatreworks: Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends — May 2, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville. www.floridatheatre.com. » AJR: The OK ORCHESTRA Tour – May 3, AdditionArena, formerly CFE Arena, Orlando. www.additionfiarena. com. » L.O.L. Surprise! Live — May 3, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville. www. floridatheatre.com. » All That Remains - The Fall of Ideals 15th Anniversary — May 3, Jannus Live, St. Petersburg. www. jannuslive.com. » Jessie James Decker — May 5, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville. www. floridatheatre.com. » Pink Martini featuring China Forbes — May 6, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami. www. arshtcenter.org.
The Bridges of Madison County - By TheatreZone on select dates through May 1 at the Community School of Naples. Show times vary. $50-$85. 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. 888-9663352, ext. 1, or theatre.zone/shows/.
Maytag Virgin - By Florida Repertory Theatre through May 22 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre. $59. 2268 Bay St., Fort Myers. 239-332-4488 or www. floridarep.org.
Greater Tuna - At Off Broadway Palm Theatre through April 30. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-2784422 or broadwaypalm.com.
In the Heights - At Broadway Palm Theatre through May 14. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.
Head Over Heels - By New Phoenix Theatre on select dates through May 1. $25. 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-284-5214 or www.newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org.
Season Finale - Gulfshore Opera presents “Tosca,” featuring the Fort Myers Mastersingers and the Naples Philharmonic, at 7 p.m. at Hayes Hall at Artis–Naples. $59-$99. artisnaples.org/ events/gulfshore-opera-tosca.
Piano Tunes - The Piano Guys perform at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $63.24$95.19. 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. 239-481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com.
Collier Rodeo - The Collier County Farm Bureau and Double K Rodeo Productions host a rodeo and AG Festival at the Collier County Fairgrounds. The rodeo includes barrel racing, bull riding and bucking horses, and the festival features produce, live music, a children’s fun zone and a mechanical bull. The rodeo starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday; the AG Festival runs from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Ticket prices vary. 239-572-3342; 205-790-3452 or collierfair. com/event/swfl-ag-festival-rodeo/.
At The Ranch - The Movement per-
Art Reception - BIG Arts hosts a
School of Music & the Arts Chamber Choir performs at 4 p.m. at Bower Chapel. Free and open to the public. 130 Moorings Park Dr., Naples. www.fgcu. edu/concerts/studentensemblesandrecitals.
forms with special guests Pacific Dub & Seranation5.4 at 9 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $20. 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-985-9839 or www. theranchfortmyers.com.
Awards Event - The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association hosts its Local Image Awards from 6-9 p.m. at Mercola Market. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m. $30 students; $45 members; $60 non-members. 125 SW 3rd Place, Cape Coral. www.fpraswfl.org/events/2022local-image-awards/. Live Concert - Marbin performs in concert from 8-11 p.m. on the inside stage at the Buckingham Blues Bar. $10 admission; no smoking inside. 5641 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers. 239-6937111 or www.buckinghambar.com.
History Tours - True Tours offers River District tours at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays in downtown Fort Myers. Tours leave from the Franklin Shops at 2200 First St. $18 plus tax. Private tours are also available. 239-945-0405 or Truetours.net.
reception for “Art by the DisABLEd” from 5-7 p.m. in the Dunham Family Gallery. The exhibit runs through June 4. Free and open to the public. 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. 239-395-0900 or bigarts.org/.
Shadow Performer - Mesmerizing shadow performer Miwa Matreyek performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs’ Performing Arts Center, Hinman Auditorium. Her interdisciplinary shadow performances have been seen worldwide. $45-$55. 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239495-8989 or www.artcenterbonita.org. Pops Concerts - The Naples Community Orchestra concludes its season series with pops concerts at 7 p.m. tonight and 3 p.m. Saturday at Moorings Presbyterian Church. The concerts feature acclaimed Naples pianist Jodie DeSalvo performing and conducting, and Broadway tenor soloist Jonathan Zeng. 791 Harbour Dr., Naples. naplescommunityorchestra.org.
Jazzy Nights - The Sidney and Berne
Live Music - Yard Dog Charlie performs at 5 p.m. at Mudbugs. 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-2221 or www.mudbugssanibel.com.
Davis Art Center presents 14-time “Trombonist of the Year” Wycliffe Gordon at 7:30 p.m. as the final concert of the Jazzy Nights Concert Series. $45 in advance; $50 at the door. 2301 First St., Fort Myers. www.sbdac.com/ wycliffe-gordon/ or 239-333-1933.
Funny Guy - Comedian Dale Jones
Student Art - The Edison and Ford
performs tonight through Saturday at the Laugh In Comedy Café. Show times vary. $10 general admission; $15 VIP. 8595 College Pkwy., Fort Myers. 239479-LAFF or www.laughincomedycafe. com.
THURSDAY4.28
Comedy Show - Comedian David Nihill performs at 7 p.m. at the Off the Hook Comedy Club. $25 general admission; $35 VIP. 2500 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. 239-389-6901 or www. offthehookcomedy.com.
Chamber Choir - The FGCU Bower
Live Music - Vintage performs from
Winter Estates presents the student exhibit “Art in the Gardens” today through May 29. The show features stars painted or decorated by local school students. 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. www.edisonford.org or 239334-7419.
More Music - Phase 1 Live 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/SeminoleCasinoHotel/.
04-18-2022
05-05-2022
THEATRE
Award-winning musical coming to Broadway Palm
Broadway Palm is thrilled to present In The Heights on stage April 8 through May 14. In The Heights won Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations. The show was conceived and written by the creator of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Tony-award winning story of a vibrant Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican community in New York City’s Washington Heights where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries
16 - APRIL 2022
the rhythm of three generations of music. When a winning lottery ticket, a
power outage, and romantic tension all hit the neighborhood, the long-time friends and neighbors make discoveries about each other, themselves, and the place they all call home. In The Heights will be playing at Broadway Palm April 8 through May 14. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday evenings with select matinees. Tickets are $50 to $75 with children and group prices available. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling 239-278-4422, visiting online at www.BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Happenings Magazine
Staged readings, play festival in Bonita THEATRE
The Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs will have more theatrical offerings in April.
Staged Reading Series Staged readings come from short stories, essays, plays, speeches, the inside of fortune cookies, or anywhere else we feel the written word can be made more impactful as read by local thespians. Each staged reading will be unique, powerful, funny and thought provoking as actors take on different roles. In celebration of our upcoming short play festival, this event will feature excerpts from three short comedy plays. The next in the staged reading series will be on Friday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. It will take place at the
Maytag Virgin on stage at Florida Rep Florida Repertory Theatre presents Maytag Virgin by Audrey Cefaly April 15 through May 22 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre in downtown Fort Myers. This heartwarming new comedy is an oldDuke Lafoon
Tyler Layton
fashioned romance about two people who thought they’d never find love again. Maytag Virgin follows Lizzy Nash, an Alabama teacher, and her new neighbor, Jack Key, as they cope with personal tragedy and embrace the healing power of connection, forgiveness, and renewal. Directed by Greg Longenhagen, the cast includes Duke Lafoon and Tyler Layton. For tickets and information, call 239332-4488 or visit www.floridarep.org. 18 - APRIL 2022
Performing Arts Center, Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road.
STAGE IT! Ten-Minute Play Festival The international short play competition is now in its sixth year.Don’t miss another fantastic lineup of short plays from around the world and the multitalented actors that bring each role to life. The festival takes place Friday - Sunday, April 22 – 24 at the Performing Arts Center, Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita
Beach Road. Tickets are $30. For tickets and more information, call 239-495-8989 or visit online at www.artcenterbonita.org.
Stories of Spoon River at the FGCU TheatreLab Stories of Spoon River will be presented on select dates April 22 through May 1 at the TheatreLab, Arts Complex at FGCU This production is adapted and co-directed by FGCU students and facilitated by Kristin Mellian. Every town has its secrets, but what happens when the souls of departed residents return to reveal them? In 1915, Edgar Lee Masters published a collection of free-verse first-person autobiographical epitaph poems expressing the lives, the grievances, and the manner of death of over 200 fictional residents of an imaginary town called Spoon River. Join FGCU's Creating New Theatre class for their devised work Stories of Spoon River based on and including poems from Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. Performances are April 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and April 24, 30 and May 1 at 2 p.m. There will be a discussion with the cast and crew following the April 30 performance. Tickets are $10 for the general public and $7 for students and can be purchased at fgcu.edu/theatrelab. Call 239-745-4268 for more information.
Happenings Magazine
May 2, 2022
Backstage Pass: Florida Rep extends "Maytag Virgin" in the ArtStage Studio Theatre - ABC7 Southwest Florida (abc-7.com)
MAYTAG VIRGIN
PATRON COMMENTS This play is so good! It is so funny! They are great. I can’t believe the set-I adore those porches and how authentic everything is! The chemistry between those two is sooo real. What talent between those two! This was one of my favorite shows this season! What a great play! So funny! Every show we’ve seen here has been incredible. In humor, timing is everything, and her timing on the lines was impeccable. This show is a DELIGHT! Wonderful! It was so good! The actors were great! I love it! It’s so good! I lost my husband 2 years ago, and I so get it! I so relate to this! Fantastic play. They played off each other so well. She was a hoot. I have never, ever seen two actors play off each other so well! We loved it! Such a great story! They are SO talented! Excellent show!!!! Very good, we really enjoyed it!! This play was exceptional. They click so well. Phenomenal. I loved it. Fabulous. I heard Tyler interview on NPR. Cannot believe she’s done, like 700 plays! It was awesome!
They are amazing! How do they carry on such a deep interpersonal story, so focused, with us all sitting so close? Such pros they are! I cannot believe all that dialogue they had to learn! Loved how it ended with such a bang! I am sooo glad they got together in the end! I was rooting for them! It’s amazing. They are incredible with their dialogue. We loved this show! It’s really good. This show is refreshing. Their chemistry is unbelievable. I laughed and I cried. We are loving this show so much! So many layers to the dialogue! Very deep, universal and relatable, and so hopeful in the end. I’m always a sucker for a sweet romance. What a delight. This show was SUPERB. Lizzie was extraordinary. It was a great show. I like the intimacy of the small theater and this show was perfect being shown there. Great, upbeat show. Super actors. Wonderful show enjoyed every minute. Acting was outstanding. IT IS THE BEST PLAY I HAVE SEEN THIS SEASON Loved the play five stars!! Great show! Loved it! Looking forward to next season. A lovely theatre and excellent play. We thoroughly enjoy productions in the small theatre. We never have a problem with hearing and feel such a part of the productions by being so close to the stage. I enjoy the Rep each time I come. Have been there for 25 years and love it each time. Morning after Grace, Buddy and Maytag Virgin were excellent. A Doll's House Part Two didn't thrill us, but gave us a lot to talk about on our drive home. Never expected this level of professional theater when we moved here in 2016, have been subscribers ever since. I really appreciate the mix of popular, musical, and thought-provoking selections that you put into each season. I appreciate the thought-provoking plays the most, and yet enjoy all of them!
NEWS-PRESS.COM | FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 | 5
Cover story
“He had the spirit of SpongeBob,” she says. “It just came to life. The joy kind of came right out of him.” Continued from Page 4W The geeky, high-pitched SpongeBob voice took longer to get right, though, “And then we really see how a com- Maas admits. Especially since his natumunity handles crisis. And we really see ral speaking voice is lower. how quick a community is to turn on Slowly, though, he managed to fi nd each other in crisis.” that voice and make it his own — without Of course, there’s more to “The Spon- outright copying the voice from the TV geBob Musical” — getting its Southwest show, movies and original Broadway Florida premiere May 19-28 at Florida musical. Repertory Theatre — than its story of im“It’s kind of like drawing out certain pending doom under the sea. vowels and emphasizing certain words There’s also colorful set, whimsical and a higher pitch,” he says. “It’s such a costumes and a cast of wacky funny voice to do.” characters from the beJust don’t expect loved Nickelodeon TV SpongeBob to be show and its movies, wearing a giant including the sea sponge costume sponge Spongeonstage. All of Bob, his squid the TV show’s “No matter what the neighbor characters Squidward and have been line, I try to always his buddies turned into Patrick (a starhumanoid keep a smile fi sh) and versions of on my face and Sandy Cheeks the originals. (a squirrel in an So instead keep it positive.” astronaut’s of a big square Landon Maas space suit). sea sponge, portraying Sponge Bob And they’re all Maas’ Spongesinging and dancing Bob wears a bright to original pop-rock yellow dress shirt tunes written by a team along with a red tie, susof famous songwriters and penders and plaid shorts. musical artists, including Sara BaThat makes it a lot easier to reilles, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of march and dance around onstage, Maas Aerosmith, Alexander Ebert of Edward admits. “It’s nice. It’s comfortable, too. Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flam- It’s nice to not be in a big square ing Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John (laughs).” Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White DeCarlo hopes audiences leave “The T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I. SpongeBob Musical” feeling inspired by Each song is written in a diff erent SpongeBob and his undying optimism. style by a diff erent songwriter. And that And maybe having some hope about our variety of genres and dancing styles own, real-life crisis. makes the show really fun to perform “Everyone has been on such a journey and watch, Maas says. these past 21⁄ 2 years,” she says. “And ev“It’s so energetic,” he says. eryone has been on this uphill battle and Speaking of fun, Maas says he’s hav- fi ght to get back to quote-unquote noring a blast playing SpongeBob, too. He mal. considers himself an optimistic person, “I think it’s kind of a universal agreeand he happily lets that spirit shine ment: We will never get back to our old through onstage. normal, but it’s now our job as a commu“No matter what the line, I try to al- nity to come together and create a new ways keep a smile on my face and keep it normal and kind of keep going forward.” positive,” he says. “And the only moConnect with this reporter: Charles ments where I’m not, the audience can Runnells is an arts and entertainment tell it’s a really serious moment. … You reporter for The News-Press and the Nareally don’t see him down or sad.” ples Daily News. Email him at crunIt’s Maas’s own joyful spirit that sold nells@gannett.com or connect on Facedirector DeCarlo on casting him as the ti- book (facebook.com/charles.runnells.7), tle character. That happiness and opti- Twitter (@charlesrunnells) and Instamism were there from his fi rst audition. gram (@crunnells1).