Kenneth

Lonergan

By Staff | Mar 21, 2023

Florida Repertory Theatre closes out its 25th anniversary season with Lobby Heroby Kenneth Lonergan. The production runs in the ArtStage Studio Theatre April 21 – May 21, with discounted previews April 18 – 20. Tickets may be purchased online at floridarep.org or by calling the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053.

In LobbyHero, the foyer of a Manhattan apartment building becomes more than a waiting area for four New Yorkers entangled in a murder investigation. As a young security guard with big ambitions clashes with his stern boss, an intense rookie cop and her unpredictable partner, the setting becomes a testing ground for what happens when personal and professional personas find themselves at odds.

“Playwright Kenneth Lonergan’s emotionally-nuanced play applies heart and wit to address polarizing topics of race, gender, class, and corruption,” said producing artistic director Greg Longenhagen. “It’s a well-balanced piece of theater that examines the grey areas and multiple perspectives of moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, while providing a healthy dose of comic relief along the way. ”

The ensemble cast features New Yorkbased actors Dante Alexander, Matt Monaco, Michael Saguto, and Dana Stern, each making their Florida Rep debuts.

Director Ron Lagomarsino

(Broadway: Alfred Uhry’s TheLastNight ofBallyhoo; Off-Broadway: original DrivingMissDaisy) will be joined by an expert creative team including ensemble set designer Ray Recht (MaytagVirgin), costume designer Stephanie Hawks, lighting designer Joel Zishuk (Freud’sLastSession), sound designer Katie Lowe (RingofFire:The MusicofJohnnyCash), and ensemble stage manager Janine Wochna (The ImportanceofBeingEarnest).

LobbyHerois sponsored by Mary Ann & Martin McLaughlin.

Single ticket prices for “Lobby Hero” are $63 for regular performances on April 21 – May 21. Discounted preview tickets ($39) are available April 18 –20. Curtain times are Tuesday –Saturday at 7 p.m., Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2 p.m., and 8 p.m. for the opening night performance on Friday, April 21. Florida Rep’s parking lot opens two hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.

More About Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre celebrates 25 years of producing professional, live theater in the Fort Myers River District. Performances are held in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the

ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry.

Subscriptions are now on sale for the 2023-2024 season and offer the best pricing and flexibility. Packages for nine, eight, seven, and six shows start at $234 for six shows. Tickets and information are available through the box office at 239-332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053. Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org to view the full season line-up of comedies, dramas, musicals, and new works.

Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates, behind-the-scenes insight, special offers, and more.

Source:FloridaRepertoryTheatre

Florida Repertory Theatre presents ‘Lobby Hero’ by Kenneth Lonergan

Florida Repertory Theatre closes out its 25th anniversary season with “Lobby Hero” by Kenneth Lonergan. The production runs in the ArtStage Studio Theatre April 21 – May 21, with discounted previews April 18-20.

In “Lobby Hero,” the foyer of a Manhattan apartment building becomes more than a waiting area for four New Yorkers entangled in a murder investigation. As a young security guard with big ambitions clashes with his stern boss, an intense rookie cop and her unpredictable partner, the setting becomes a testing ground for what happens when personal and professional personas find themselves at odds.

“Playwright Kenneth Lonergan’s emotionally nuanced play applies heart and wit to address polarizing topics of race, gender, class, and corruption,” said producing artistic director Greg Longenhagen. “It’s a well-balanced piece of theater that examines the gray areas and multiple perspectives of moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters, while providing a healthy dose of comic relief along the way.”

The ensemble cast features New Yorkbased actors Dante Alexander, Matt Monaco, Michael Saguto and Dana Stern, each making their Florida Rep debuts.

Director Ron Lagomarsino (Broadway: Alfred Uhry’s “The Last Night of Ballyhoo”; Off-Broadway: original “Driving Miss Daisy”) will be joined by an expert creative team including ensemble set designer Ray Recht (“Maytag Virgin”), costume designer Stephanie Hawks, lighting designer Joel Zishuk (“Freud’s Last Session”), sound designer Katie Lowe (“Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash”), and ensemble stage manager Janine Wochna (“The Importance of Being Earnest”).

“Lobby Hero” is sponsored by Mary Ann and Martin McLaughlin.

Single ticket prices for “Lobby Hero” are $63 for regular performances on April 21 – May 21. Discounted preview tickets ($39) are available April 18 - 20. Curtain times are Tuesday – Saturday at 7 p.m., Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at

2 p.m., and 8 p.m. for the opening night performance on Friday, April 21. Florida Rep’s parking lot opens two hours before each performance and offers guests free parking across the street from the Arcade Theatre.

More About Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Repertory Theatre celebrates 25 years of producing professional, live theater in the Fort Myers River District. Performances are held in the Historic Arcade Theatre and the ArtStage Studio Theatre on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry.

Subscriptions are now on sale for the 2023-2024 season and offer the best pricing and flexibility. Packages for 9, 8, 7 and 6 shows start at $234 for 6 shows. Tickets and information are available through the box office at 239332-4488 or toll-free at 877-787-8053.

Visit Florida Rep online at FloridaRep.org to view the full season lineup of comedies, dramas, musicals and new works. Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for updates, behind-the-scenes insight, special offers and more. ■

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, please. The deadline for calendar submissions is noon Friday for the following week’s publication.

Symphony

Masterworks - The Masterworks Series continues with Masterworks 9: Mahler Symphony No. 4 at 8 p.m. April 13 and April 15. Featuring the Naples Philharmonic with Christian Reif, conductor, and special guests soprano Hera Hyesang Park and the Naples Philharmonic Chorus, the program includes Anna Clyne’s “This Midnight Hour;” Brahms “Schicksalslied” and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4. A prelude begins at 7 p.m. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. artisnaples.org/ or 239597-1900.

Season Finale - The Naples Community Orchestra host the final performance of its 30th season at 3 p.m. April 22 at Moorings Presbyterian Church. A reception follows the concert from 4:305:30 p.m. 791 The orchestra, conducted by Alvin Ho, perform Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and music from Johannes Brahms. Cellist Adam Satinsky is featured on Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme. $40; free for students with ID. Harbour Dr., Naples. www.naplescommunityorchestra.org.

Theater

Footloose: The Musical - By the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs Youth Theater April 14-16 in the Hinman Auditorium. $17 general admission; $23 reserved seating. Show times vary. 10150 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs. artcenterbonita.org or 239-495-8989.

Hamlet - By FGCU TheatreLab at 7:30 p.m. April 14, 15, 21 and 22 and 2 p.m. April 16 and 22 at the Arts Complex, FGCU Campus. A discussion follows the

Worth the TRIP

April 22 performance. $10 for the public; $7 for students. 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. fgcu.edu/theatrelab or 239745-4268.

The Piano Lesson - By Theatre Conspiracy April 20-30 at the Alliance for the Arts. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 20-22 and April 27-29 and 2 p.m. April 30. $25 members; $30 non-members. 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-939-2787 or www.artinlee.org/experience/theatre/.

Mean Girls - Direct from Broadway, Artis-Naples stages the high school dramedy April 18-23. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 7 p.m. Sunday. 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples. artisnaples.org/ or 239597-1900.

Pass Over - By The Laboratory Theater of Florida on select dates through April 16. Show times vary. Show times vary. 1634 Woodford Ave, Fort Myers. 239-218-0481 or www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com.

Nunsense - At the Music & Arts Community Center April 13-29. Show times vary. Tickets start at $39. 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers. 239-277-1700 or gulfcoastsymphony.org/.

The Foreigner - By Players Circle Theater on select dates April 18-May 7. Show times vary. $35-$50. 16554 North Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers. 239-8003292 or PlayersCircleTheater.com.

Broadway Cabaret - By the Florida Repertory Theatre’s Season 25 Acting Intern Company at 5 p.m. April 22 in the outdoor courtyard at bay and Hendry streets. The show features a mix of Broadway hits from “Hamilton,” “Spamalot,” “A Chorus Line” and more. $15. 2258 Bay St., Fort Myers. www.floridarep.org, 239-3324488 or 877-787-8053.

Hot tickets across the state

» The Price is Right Live — April 13-14, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. www. rutheckerdhall.com.

» Katt Williams 2023 and Me Tour — April 13-14, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. www.rutheckerdhall.com.

» Masego — April 14, Jannus Live, St. Petersburg. www.jannuslive.com.

» Postmodern Jukebox —April 15, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. www.rutheckerdhall.com.

» Styx 2023 Tour with Don Felder — April 17, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater. www.rutheckerdhall.com.

» Clint Black — April 17, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville. www.floridatheatre.com.

» Soul II Soul Tour — April 21, AdditionArena, formerly CFE Arena, Orlando. www.additionfiarena.com.

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash - By Florida Repertory Theatre through April 23 in the Historic Arcade Theatre. Show times vary. $63. 2258 Bay St., Fort Myers. www.floridarep.org, 239332-4488 or 877-787-8053.

Lobby Hero - By Florida Repertory Theatre April 21-May 21 in the ArtStage Studio Theatre, with discounted previews April 18-20. $63. 2258 Bay St., Fort Myers. www.floridarep.org, 239-332-4488 or 877-787-8053.

Always A Bridesmaid - By Off Broadway Palm Theatre April 18-May 20. Show times and ticket prices vary. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

Sister Act - At Broadway Palm Theatre April 14-May 20. Show times and ticket prices vary. 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-278-4422 or broadwaypalm.com.

Into the Woods - By New Phoenix Theatre on select dates April 13-30. $25. 13211 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239284-5214 or www.newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org.

THURSDAY4.13

Historical Group - The SW Fl Historical Society meets at 6:45 p.m. at Collaboratory. At 7 p.m., the guest speaker is cartoonist and illustrator Doug MacGregor, winner of numerous state and national awards, including multiple Best of Gannett awards. An autograph session for his children’s books follows. 2031 Jackson St., Fort Myers. 239-939-4044 or https://swflhistoricalsociety.org/

FGCU Music - The String Chamber Ensembles performs at 7:30 p.m. in the FGCU U. Tobe Recital Hall. Free and open to the public. 10501 FGCU Blvd. S., Fort Myers. www.fgcu.edu/bsma, 239745-4268 or jhoch@fgcu.edu.

Latin Night - Latin Night with DJ JC runs from 8-11 p.m. at Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. $10 general admission. 2301 First St. 239-333-1933 or www.sbdac.com.

At The Ranch - Pecos and the Rooftops performs at 8 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon. Tickets start at $23. 2158 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-985-9839 or www.theranchfortmyers.com.

One-Man Show - Cultural Park Theater presents Michael D’Amore performing tunes from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. $25. Food trucks are scheduled for every performance. 528 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral. 239-772-5862 or culturalparktheater.com.

Spontaneous Laughs - Stage2 Improv takes the stage at the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs at 7 p.m. for a not to be missed Thursday Night Comedy Show by this long-running improv group. Six performers take audience suggestions and create jokes on the spot. $25. Held in the Moe Auditorium & Film Center, 10150 Bonita Beach Road. $30. artcenterbonita. org or 239-495-8989.

Jazz Event - The FSW Jazz Fest ’23 starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The event features guest artist Vince DiMartino with Dr. Todd Hastings and jazz vocalist Michelle Amato, plus a performance by the Stardust Memories Big Band and the FSW Jazz Ensemble with festival director/conductor Dr. Tom Smith. 13350 FSW Pkwy.,

Fort Myers. Free, but tickets are required; available at the FSW Music Office or the BB Mann Box Office. koneil@fsw.edu or www.stardustmemoriesbigband.com/ shows.php.

Christian Music - Casting Crowns brings The Healer Tour with We are Messengers and Ben Fuller to Hertz Arena at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $34; parking is $30. 11000 Everblades Pkwy., Estero. hertzarena.com or 239-948-7825.

At Miromar - Dianna Fox performs Motown, jazz and blues from 4-7 p.m. near Saks OFF 5th at Miromar Outlets. 10801 Corkscrew Road, Estero. 239-9483766 or www.miromaroutlets.com.

Guided Meditation - Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve hosts Guided Meditation classes at its Interpretive Center from 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays through April 27. Participants direct their intentions inward during guided meditation and qigong. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water, a yoga mat and a blanket or pillow to sit upon. The class is for adults 18 and older. $40 for four classes; $10 for one class. 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers. Pre-registration is available at www.leeparks.org. 239-533-7555.

Live Music - The Rex Bongo Band performs live in concert from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Buckingham Blues Bar. Free admission; no smoking. 5641 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers. 239-693-7111 or www. buckinghambar.com.

Benefit Event - Comedian Andy Forrester headlines a comedy fundraiser for My Autism Connection at 7:30 p.m. at Snappers Laugh In Comedy Club. $20. 8595 College Pkwy., Fort Myers. 239-479LAFF or www.laughincomedycafe.com.

More Music - Yard Dog Charlie performs from 5-9 p.m. at Mudbugs. 1473 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. 239-472-2221 or www.mudbugssanibel.com.

At The Stage - The Stage presents an Almost ABBA Tribute Show at 7:30 p.m. 9144 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. 239-405-8566 or www.stagebonita.com.

At the Zig Zag - Vintage performs from 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/.

FRIDAY4.14

Pet Party - A Cinco de Mayo Yappy Hour runs from 6-8 p.m. in Center Court at the Bell Tower. The event, benefiting Gulf Coast Humane Society, features a Cinco De Mayo costume contest for pets sponsored by Cantina Laredo. 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myer. 239-4891221 or www.belltowerFL.

Psychic Medium - “Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience” starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. $47.46-$106.04. 13350 FSW Pkwy., Fort Myers. 239-481-4849 or www.bbmannpah.com.

FGCU Concert - The FGCU Wind Orchestra performs at 7:30 p.m. at Fort Myers High School. Free and open to the public. 2635 Cortez Blvd., Fort Myers. www.fgcu.edu/bsma, 239-745-4268 or jhoch@fgcu.edu.

At The Ranch - Easton Corbin performs in concert at 9 p.m. at The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon. Austin Meade opens. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $37.28. 2158