Naples Players to debut sensory friendly performance
Miracle on 34th Street opens Nov. 29
Just in time to spread holiday spirit, The Naples Players present the holiday musical Miracle on 34th Street Nov. 29 – Dec. 23 with a sensory friendly performance on Dec. 12. Based on the classic film, this heartwarming musical captures the true spirit of the season with the encouraging message that magic still exists if you just believe. Miracle on 34th Street is a heart-felt and powerful story adapted from the 1947 film into a musical by Meredith Willson in 1963. Willson is best known for his enduring story The Music Man and is responsible for holiday standard songs that include “It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas.” Directed by Adolpho Blaire and with musical direction and a live orchestra led by Charles Fornara, Miracle on 34th Street is certain to become a family favorite this holiday season. Miracle on 34th Street follows the no nonsense, divorced and disillusioned single mother Doris Walker (Elizabeth Marcantonio), who doesn’t want her six-year-old daughter Susan’s (Bella Antunes) head filled with romantic notions. Doris feels the safest course in life is to believe only what can be proven true. Their neighbor Fred Gailey (Bret Poulter) attempts to gain the attention and favor of Doris by taking her daughter Susan to see Santa Clause at Macys where her cynicism begins to unravel when she meets, Kris Kringle (Jim Heffernan), an old man in a retirement home who has taken a job as their holiday Santa. Kris unleashes a wave of good will with Macy's customers and the commercial world of New York City by suggesting parents shop alternate stores to find the toy their child has asked for. A Macy's junior executive tries to shut down Kris’s less than profitable behavior by having him committed to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. The unwitting and unsuspecting Kris ends up in a court competency hearing, putting young Susan’s belief in Santa in jeopardy. In a dramatic decision, the judge (Kevin Kennealy) confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy. “This is truly a holiday show for every family in our community,” said TNP’s artistic director Bryce Alexander. “The cast includes an entire family in the ensemble – from the youngest son, to his older sisters, to mom and dad - and Miracle on 34th
Street is the first show in TNP’s history to include a sensory friendly performance. Miracle on 34th Street offers every family in our community the chance to come together to enjoy a show this holiday season.” Alexander oversaw the implementation of sensory friendly performances while he worked as artistic director with the Phamaly Theatre Company in Denver and has made increasing accessibility a priority since beginning as artistic director at TNP in October 2016. Sensory friendly performances are designed for families and patrons with autism, Down syndrome and sensory processing disorders, or for individuals who prefer a low-key, all-inclusive environment. Accommodations for sensory friendly performances include: Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds; Lights remain on at a low level in the theater during the performance; A reduction of strobe lighting or lighting focused on the audience; Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance; Designated quiet areas within the theater; Space throughout the theater for standing and movement; theatre capacity capped at 50% to Limit crowds and visitors at the theatre during the day and timing of the performance; and staff and volunteers trained to be inviting and accommodating to families' needs. “The show will continue with the same artistic merit as any other show, but without the worry of disturbing other patrons,” said Alexander. “For many families, this will be the first opportunity to attend a cultural event as a complete family.” The Naples Players will partner with local disability specific non-profits to provide preparation support that will ensure proper adaptations are secured; that the correct population is being served; and distribute questionnaires after each performance to measure response, effectiveness and demographics. Performances are Wednesdays & Thursdays 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. and Sundays 2:00pm. A sensory friendly performance is Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for subscribers and $10 for students and educators. For tickets and more information, visit www.naplesplayers.org or call (239) 263-7990.
Steven Coe and Kate Dirrigl
Veronica’s Room plays through Nov. 4 in Ft. Myers
The Laboratory Theater of Florida presents Veronica’s Room, a psychological thriller by Ira Levin. This chilling story by the author of Rosemary's Baby explores the thin line between fantasy and reality, madness and murder. Students Susan and Larry find themselves guests enticed to the Brabissant mansion by its dissolute caretakers, the lonely Mackeys. Struck by Susan's strong resemblance to Veronica Brabissant, long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work, the older couple gradually induce her to briefly impersonate Veronica to solace the only living Brabissant, the addled sister who believes Veronica alive. Once dressed in Veronica's clothes, Susan finds herself locked in the role and locked in Veronica's room. Or is she Veronica, in 1935, pretending to be an imaginary Susan? Directed by Nykkie Rizley, the local cast includes Dave Rod, Aricka Shuck, Steven Coe and Kate Dirrigl. Veronica's Room plays now through Nov. 4. Tickets are available to purchase on www.Brownpapertickets.com or by calling the box office at 239-218-0481.
Americana Community Music Association Inc.
Americana Acoustic Shows David Massengill OCT. 28 Joe Virga opens
New Guys HomeGrown:
Rick Hardeman, Ross Jordan & Paul Phillips NOVEMBER 4
Harpeth Rising
FRI., NOV. 17 Millie Van Horn opens
Verlon Thompson DEC. 2 Roy Schneider opens
Advance tickets available online & suggested. INFO: 239-691-4069
Verlon Thompson $10 - $15 donation per concert. Pay at the door. The ACMA is a not for profit and is funded by tax deductible donations. Please check website for more information and visit YouTube on any of these artists.
Concerts held at All Faiths Unitarian Congregation 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Show starts 7 p.m.
www.AmericanACMA.org
HAPPENINGS Arts & Entertainment MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 2017
13