Florida Repertory Theatre's 2018 - 2019 Season!
FORT MYERS, FL – Florida Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce its 2018-2019 Season, which begins the company’s third decade of producing nationally-recognized, professional theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Set to open Sept. 21 and run to May 5 in the Historic Arcade Theatre and ArtStage Studio Theatre, the nine-show season includes two musicals, multiple comedies, a modern American classic, a southeastern United States premiere, and a world-premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
Florida Repertory Theatre: Educational Programming
Take an in-depth look at just some of the programming Florida Repertory Theatre's Education Department offers to the youth of Southwest Florida. Join Education Director, Rachael Endrizzi, and her Associate, Claire K. Simpson, on a closer look at Camp Florida Rep, the Children's Touring Theatre, the ACT UP! Program for children on the Autism Spectrum, and the NEW Theatre Conservatory Program. For more information visit us online at FloridaRepEducation.org.
Newsies Coming to FloridaRep!
Florida Rep Education 2019 Conservatory show Newsies
Tickets NOW ON SALE!
Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, Newsies showcases a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Featuring the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.
Cabaret at Florida Rep
BY JOE MASTEROFF • BASED ON THE PLAY BY JOHN VAN DRUTEN AND STORIES BY CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD • MUSIC BY JOHN KANDER • LYRICS BY FRED EBB
The 1920s are drawing to a close, and in a seedy Berlin nightclub, the master of ceremonies tells the audience to leave their troubles outside. With the Kit Kat Klub as the backdrop, Cabaret explores the dark and tumultuous lives of Berlin’s natives and expats as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Electrifying and harrowing, Cabaret follows an American writer in Berlin, his love affair with an English singer, Sally Bowles, and his journey of self-discovery and awakening in a dangerous time.
Cabaret celebrated its 50th Anniversary last year with a third Broadway revival and subsequent national tour and has won Tony Awards for Best, Musical, Best Revival, Best Score. The 1971 film adaptation starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey won a record 8 Academy Awards and was nominated for Best Picture.
12-Time Tony-Winning BEST MUSICAL! Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Cabaret,“ “Willkommen“ and “Maybe This Time.”
Generously Sponsored by Chippendale Audiology
Driving from North Fort Myers to Fort Myers, Florida US 41 & I75
On May 10, 1904, access to the Fort Myers area was greatly improved with the opening of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, connecting Punta Gorda to Fort Myers. This route provided Lee County both passenger and freight railroad service.[21]
In 1908, the Arcade Theater was constructed in downtown Fort Myers. It served originally as a vaudeville house, and was an auditorium that Fort Myers resident Thomas Edison sat in to view his first films, with his friends Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone.[22] The Arcade Theatre was eventually converted into a full movie house, with a wall dividing the stage to form two screening rooms. It is now host to the Florida Repertory Theatre, a performing arts hall.
During the period of 1914-1918 (World War I), Edison became concerned with America's reliance on foreign supplies of rubber. He partnered with tire producer Harvey Firestone, of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, and his good friend Henry Ford, of the Ford Motor Company, to try to find a rubber tree or plant that could grow quickly in the United States and, above all, contain enough latex to support his research endeavor. In 1927, the three men contributed $25,000 each, and created the Edison Botanic Research Corporation in an attempt to find a solution to this problem.[23]
In 1928, the Edison Botanic Research Corporation laboratory was constructed. It was in Fort Myers, Florida that Edison would do the majority of his research and planting of his exotic plants and trees, sending any results or sample rubber residues up to West Orange, New Jersey, to his large Thomas A. Edison Invention Factory (now preserved in the Thomas Edison National Historical Park). Through Edison's efforts, the royal palms lining Riverside Avenue (now McGregor Boulevard) were imported and planted, and would become the reason for Fort Myers's City of Palms nickname.[24]
After testing 17,000 plant samples, Edison eventually discovered a source in the plant Goldenrod (Solidago leavenworthii). Thomas Edison died in 1931, and the rubber project was transferred to the United States Department of Agriculture five years later.[25]
In 1916, automobile magnate Henry Ford purchased the home next door to Edison's from a Robert Smith of New York, which Ford called the Mangoes. Ford's craftsman style bungalow was built in 1911 by Smith. Ford, along with Harvey Firestone and Thomas Edison, were generally considered the three leaders in American industry at the time, and often worked and vacationed together. All three were part of a very exclusive group titled the Millionaires' Club. The three men are now memorialized in statues in downtown Fort Myers' Centennial Park
In 1924, with the construction of the Edison Bridge, which was named after the city's most famous winter resident, the city's population steadily grew. In the decade following the bridge's construction, the city experienced its first real estate boom. Several new residential subdivisions were built beyond Downtown, including Dean Park, Edison Park, and Seminole Park [26] Edison Park, located across McGregor Boulevard from the Edison and Ford properties, includes a number of Fort Myers' most stately homes. The historic development showcases a variety of architectural styles, and is known for its community activities and strong neighborhood ties.[27]
On February 11, 1931, the 84th birthday of its namesake, the Edison Bridge was opened. Edison dedicated the bridge, and was also the first to drive across it.
In 1947, Mina Edison deeded Seminole Lodge to the City of Fort Myers in memory of her late husband for the enjoyment of the public. By 1988, the adjacent Henry Ford winter estate was purchased and opened for public tours in 1990. The combined properties today are now known as the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
Sunset Royale & Sunset Vista - Fort Myers Riverfront Condos
Sunset Vista and Sunset Royale offer the comfort and security of a neighborhood community but the convenience & excitement of life in the city. They provide each resident the one thing everyone in the city craves, a spectacular view of the waterfront! Both condos are 14-story high units situated on the Caloosahatchee River in the Historic Fort Myers River District.
Sunset Condos are the perfect complement to an active downtown lifestyle with a nearby Publix grocery store, coffee shops, delis, fine dining, and lots of entertainment on the weekend from Art Walk to plays at the Florida Rep Theatre. The Edison Ford Winter Estates is just down the street!
Sunset Royale amenities include a tennis court, fishing pier, swimming pool, covered parking, meeting rooms, and 24 hour video security throughout the common areas.
Enjoy the virtual tour of the Sunset Condos, then give us a call & let us show you in person! (239) 313-5544 Tara Molloy, Broker
NOW PLAYING! The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Florida Rep!
Six spellers enter the Spelling Bee, but only one will walk away a winner in this Tony Award & Drama Desk-winning musical that has charmed audiences nationwide with its effortless wit and edgy humor! Hilarious and warm-hearted, this riotous musical comedy follows six adolescent misfits vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. As these tweens – and even the audience – spell their way through a series of outrageous words, they learn winning isn’t everything – but the loser gets a juice box!
A Tony-Award Winning Musical that Took Broadway by Storm!
“An entirely adorable new musical! Quirky, satirical, riotously funny!” –NY Times
Generously Sponsored By SAM GALLOWAY FORD • Media Sponsor: FLORIDA WEEKLY
Starring
Anne Chamberlain* • Deon’te Goodman • Cassandra Hlong • Laura Hodos* • Katrina Michaels • Brendan Powers*† • T.J. Wagner* • Bruce Warren* • Evan Zimmerman*
Directed by
Jason Parrish†
Set Designer: Mike Winkelman***
Costume Designer: Dina Perez***
Lighting Designer: Tyler M. Perry***
Sound Designer: John Kiselica
Sound Engineer: Josh Schacht
Production Stage Manager: Amy L. Massari*†
Asst. Costume Designer: Kim Griffin
Asst. Sound Designer: Rhian Franchebois
Asst. Stage Manager: Rachael Bechtel
Damasus at Florida Rep!
DAMASCUS
BY BENNETT FISHER
The Southeast United States premiere of Damascus is an electrifying psychological thriller that challenges conventional stereotypes and investigates the fine line between caution and paranoia. Late one night at the Minneapolis airport, a stranded teenager pleads with a Somali-American shuttle driver to rush him to Chicago. As they cross the Midwest, news of a terror attack changes everything.
An electrifying NEW PLAY chose from Florida Rep’s PlayLab!
Sponsored by Bruce & Janet Bunch • Media Sponsor Florida Weekly
Cast: JEREMIAH CLAPP*, DARIAN DAUCHAN* &LAURA SHATKUS*
Heathers: The Musical takes the stage in Fort Myers
Heathers: the Musical makes its debut at the Florida Repertory Theater on Wednesday, May 23rd, at 7 p.m. and tells the story of Westberg High based on the 1988 film.
Troupe 5341 arriving at Downtown Tampa!
Florida State Thespian festival
March 15-18, 2017
Cypress Lake Center for the Arts
The House of Blue Leaves Now Playing at Florida Rep!
This smart and outrageous black comedy follows the strangest day in the life of a New York zookeeper with big dreams! Artie Shaughnessy has aspirations of being a famous songwriter, but what his downstairs mistress, Bunny, won’t tell him, and his wife, Bananas (who is), tries to impart is that Artie’s songs stink. But today, Oct. 4th 1964, is different because the Pope is coming to town and miracles are in the air and anything is possible – or so they all think.
A Tony-Nominated BEST PLAY about Dreaming Big!
“An enchantingly zany and original farce!” –NY Times
Generously Sponsored By RAYMOND JAMES®
Playing in the Historic Arcade Theatre January 3 - 25, 2017
Starring
Sam Bostic • Viki Boyle*† • Rachel Burttram*† • Michelle Damato*† • Lee Fitzpatrick* • Carrie Lund*† • Greg Longenhagen*† • Tom McVey* • Jason Parrish*† • Brendan Powers*† • Nate Ritsema
Directed by
Chris Clavelli**†
Set Designer: Ray Recht***†
Costume Designer: Alexandria Vazquez
Lighting Designer: Todd O. Wren***†
Sound Designer: John Kiselica
Production Stage Manager: Janine Wochna*†
Asst. Stage Manager: Rachael Bechtel
Asst. Sound Designer: Rhian Franchebois
Asst. Costume Designer: Alisha Lawrence
Thief targets 3 businesses in same strip mall
Lee County deputies are searching for the thief who broke into three different businesses in the same strip mall early Tuesday morning.
Hurricane Irma (school)
idk man, its for school
Grab a Seat and Enjoy Florida Rep's 18th Season!
Florida Rep is pleased to announce its 18th Season! Join us in the Historic Arcade Theatre & ArtStage Studio Theatre for nine great plays! Comedies, Dramas, Thrillers, Tony-Winners, a Regional Theatre Premiere, and a Dazzling Musical Revue!
Oasis Downtown Condo 3000 Oasis Grand Blvd, Fort Myers
Oasis condos are located on Oasis Grand Blvd. between Palm Beach Blvd. and Riverside Dr. on the east side of Historic Downtown Fort Myers, FL. This luxury riverfront condominium community features two 32-story high-rises on 17 acres. The Oasis offers 1, 2, and 3 bedroom residences with breathtaking panoramic views of the Caloosahatchee River. Units range in size from 779 to 1,674 square feet.
• Adjacent to Riverside Park, a beautiful four-acre riverfront recreational facility with tot lot and playground.
• Private outdoor tennis courts.
• A gated sanctuary with controlled access.
• One and a half acre resort-style pool deck with natural stone pavers and heated lap pools.
• Poolside cabanas and lounges.
• Inviting a state-of-the-art fitness center with water views and direct access to the pool deck and sauna.
• Social lounge with wet bar, TV, and wi-fi throughout.
• Library for relaxing and quiet reading.
• Spacious, luxuriously appointed, men’s and women’s spa facilities with saunas and showers.
• Private lounge with bar, kitchen, and catering capabilities.
• Billiards and card rooms. All that downtown has to offer including dining, theater, shopping is within walking distance or there is also a free trolley that goes directly downtown. This truly is an incredible place to live, please make your appointment today.
Trump rallies for DeSantis, Scott in Fort Myers
President Donald Trump stumped for Florida's top Republican candidates -- Ron DeSantis and Gov. Rick Scott -- Wednesday at a crowded campaign rally outside of Fort Myers.
Only a Few Chances Left to Catch DIVIDING THE ESTATE at Florida Rep!
Dividing the Estate is playing in the Historic Arcade Theatre thru April 8th!
Matriarch Stella Gordon is determined not to divide her 100-year-old Texas estate despite her family's declining wealth. But her three children have another plan. Old resentments and sibling rivalries surface as the members of this delisiously dysfunctional family go head to head to see who might claim the biggest piece of the pie!
Directed by Robert Cacioppo**
Starring: Brittany Albury, John Archie*, Rachel Burttram*, Chris Clavelli*, Cindy De La Cruz, Courtney Feiman, Patricia Idlette*, Carrie Lund*, Elise Lorraine Miller, Sara Morsey*, Jason Parrish*, Brendan Powers*, Graham Smith*, and Kayla Tomas
Set Designer: Dennis C. Maulden***
Lighting Designer: Jim Hunter***
Costume Designer: Roberta Malcolm
Sound Designer: John Kiselica
Production Stage Managers: James Danford*, Linda Harris*
Asst. Stage Manager: Lilly Baxley
*Member AEA
**Member SDC
***Member USA
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Florida Rep!
Six spellers enter the Spelling Bee, but only one will walk away a winner in this Tony Award & Drama Desk-winning musical that has charmed audiences nationwide with its effortless wit and edgy humor! Hilarious and warm-hearted, this riotous musical comedy follows six adolescent misfits vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. As these tweens – and even the audience – spell their way through a series of outrageous words, they learn winning isn’t everything – but the loser gets a juice box!
A Tony-Award Winning Musical that Took Broadway by Storm!
“An entirely adorable new musical! Quirky, satirical, riotously funny!” –NY Times
Generously Sponsored By SAM GALLOWAY FORD • Media Sponsor: FLORIDA WEEKLY
Starring
Anne Chamberlain* • Deon’te Goodman • Cassandra Hlong • Laura Hodos* • Katrina Michaels • Brendan Powers*† • T.J. Wagner* • Bruce Warren* • Evan Zimmerman*
Directed by
Jason Parrish†
Set Designer: Mike Winkelman***
Costume Designer: Dina Perez***
Lighting Designer: Tyler M. Perry***
Sound Designer: John Kiselica
Sound Engineer: Josh Schacht
Production Stage Manager: Amy L. Massari*†
Asst. Costume Designer: Kim Griffin
Asst. Sound Designer: Rhian Franchebois
Asst. Stage Manager: Rachael Bechtel
Take a Tour of Riverside Club
Riverside Club
Welcome to Riverside Club… where every day feels like a vacation in paradise. Riverside Club is the Gulf Coast’s most affordable golf & boating 55+ community. Here, you’ll indulge in the ultimate resort lifestyle… while enjoying the fantastic Florida climate and the company of great friends and neighbors.
Centrally located between Tampa and Sarasota, Riverside Club is nestled on the waterfront in the quiet countryside of Ruskin, Florida, along the southeast shore of Tampa Bay. The arts and culture of Sarasota are just 30 miles to the south… while the exciting attractions and city life of Tampa are 25 miles to the north… and the famed white-sand Gulf Coast beaches of the St. Petersburg area are within 30 miles. Sports fans are close to all the action too since the Tampa Bay area is home to professional baseball, hockey, football and Grand Prix Racing. Riverside Club is also conveniently located within 10 miles of Interstate 75, top-quality health care, restaurants, pharmacies, shopping centers, churches, banks, and other
everyday conveniences.
At Riverside Club, there are always new adventures to explore and a variety of exciting events to attend. Outstanding amenities offered at this fantastic master-planned, gated community include a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course that will inspire and challenge your game, a 48- slip marina with kayak and boat launches, providing access to scenic waterways including the Little Manatee River, Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, two clubhouses with numerous spectacular amenities, a terrific waterfront restaurant, resort-style swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, performing arts center that features plays, dances and live music, a movie theatre, pickleball and tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, dog park, billiards, library, a computer center with Wi-Fi internet access, and much, much more. The unmatched, active 55+ lifestyle is combined with the exceptional value you can expect from modern manufactured homes designed by the nation’s top builders. Whether you are looking for a full-time or seasonal residence, Riverside Club offers a wide selection of pre-loved, new or custom-built homes designed to fit nearly every lifestyle and budget.
We offer our home buyers the opportunity to buy a high-quality home that is energy-efficient, state-of-the-art, and built with the latest technology, design and craftsmanship by the nation’s leading builders.
Our experienced sales counselors are here to assist you in finding the Florida retirement home of your dreams in the ultimate resort lifestyle community.
Riverside Club is one of over 250 Sun Communities nationwide designed for today’s baby boomers and seniors. Sun Communities Inc. is a national leader in manufactured home land-lease communities… managing over 250 all-age communities and 55+ lifestyle communities in 30 states and growing.
Florida Keys (FULL DOCUMENTARY)
Yachts, strip clubs, parties, beaches, oranges, and hot summer nights. This is what comes to mind when people think of Florida. But there is a shadow cast in the Sunshine state. Florida Keys is the follow-up to the underground hood classic, Murda Capital, in which hip-hop artist, filmmaker, and entrepreneur, K.Gates, aka The Wave, plunges into the violent underbelly of one of America’s most notorious party cities: New Orleans. Now, armed only with a van and a camera, The Wave treks through Florida’s biggest cities, showing the world the treachery, the strife that lies beyond the sandy beaches. Aided in his journey by rappers from each city, including RIck Ross, Iceberg, Gunplay, and many others who use their gift of music to cry out the anguish of the inner city. Dealers, crackheads, gang members and the children who live with them struggle to survive. The Wave begins his journey right off the Interstate-10 highway in Panama City, visiting the projects where rapper Blood Raw grew up then goes all the way down until he reaches the illustrious Florida Keys. From young Nigerians in Tampa fighting for a place in the hip-hop scene. To the Jacksonville streets, Florida’s biggest city, in size and murder count. In Ocala he gets up close and personal with the TRAP. Men weighing drugs over the stove while kids cling to their legs. In Orlando, aspiring artists despair as no one looks outside the pearly walls of Disneyworld to see that their city is crumbling. Finally, The Wave crashes down on the Sunshine State’s most infamous city: Miami, the cocaine capital of the nation, the land brought to America’s movie theaters and TV sets by Tony Montana, the ruthless drug lord of Scarface. With the help of rapper Rick Ross and MMG's artist, The Wave the bipolarity of MIami and Miami Beach, from the strip clubs to Club Liv to Little Haiti and Little Havana. No matter what city, Florida Keys offers a thrilling and chilling portrait unlike any other. Have A Million Dollar Day.
Narrator/Interviewer/Producer/Director
nstagram: @iamzqn
Twitter: @iamzqn
Facebook: Zül-Qarnaįn Nantambu