Visual and performing artists and events in the news in August, 2024

This is who and what’s creating news in Southwest Florida’s visual and performing arts community during the month of August, 2024:

1     ACTORS

Robert Armstrong is James Wicker in ‘It’s Only a Play’

Robert Armstrong plays former actor James Wicker in The Studio Players’ production of It’s Only a Play. Prior stage credits include absurdly neurotic waiter, Stephen, in Wendy MacLeod’s comedy Slow Food, George in the Tim Sniffen parody Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, Leo (and Maxine) in Leading Ladies and Freddy in Noises Off.

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Nicole Anderson in ensemble of ‘Rent’ at Belle Theatre

Nicole Anderson appears in the ensemble of Rent at The Belle Theatre. Nicole’s prior credits include Emily Hobbs in Elf the Musical for Fort Myers Theatre, Alma Hix in The Music Man, Grimhilde, the Evil Queen, in Disney’s Descendants: The Musical and one of the Ancestors in Addams Family, a role that followed a 25 year hiatus in on-stage appearances. Nicole studied performing arts and musical theater at Columbia College Chicago.

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Gerrie Benzing is Producer Julia Budder in ‘It’s Only a Play’

A local stage and film actor, director and musical theatre instructor, Gerrie Benzing plays producer Julia Budder in It’s Only a Play. Gerrie’s credits include Caprice in A Doublewide, Texas Christmas, Mother Superior in Drinking Habits (Belle Theatre), Gertrude in Save Hamlet (for Lab Theater), Raven in Trouble (at the Vista View Mobile Home Estates) for Florida Rep, Brooke in Other Desert Cities for The Studio Players, Florence Ungar The Odd Couple: Female Version (Belle Theatre, 2022), Madame de Volanges in Dangerous Liaisons (Lab Theater, 2022), and Lee in Charles Busch’s The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife for New Phoenix Theatre (2022). View the rest of Gerrie’s theatrical credits here.

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Lemec Bernard is Zen chef Montrellous in Lynn Nottage dark comedy ‘Clyde’s’

Lemec Bernard plays the part of enigmatic Zen-like chef Montrellous in Lynn Nottage’s dark comedy, Clyde’s, at Lab Theater. Bernard has previously appeared in the roles of Sterling Johnson in August Wilson’s Radio Golf, attorney Henry Brown in David Mamet’s Race at Lab Theater, Hedley’s bestie Mister in August Wilson’s King Hedley II, Tom in Engagement Rules (where Lemec revealed a softer, sentimental side that demonstrates his ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles) and Walter Younger’s friend, Bobo, in Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun. View the remainder of Lemec’s stage credits here.

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Frank Blocker performs Best-in-Venue fringe show to benefit Alliance for the Arts

To help the Alliance replace the funding lost when Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed all arts and cultural grants, local playwright and actor Frank Blocker is bringing his Fringe Fort Myers 2024 Best-in-Venue performance back to the Alliance for one night only benefit on August 30. Hear/read the full story on WGCU.

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Joey Bostic plays the part of Tom Collins in ‘Rent’

Joey Bostic plays the part of Tom Collins for The Belle Theatre in Rent. Bostic’s previous credits include Carlos in Legally Blonde the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre, Sheldrake in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Frank-N-Furter in Rocky Horror (twice for Fort Myers Theatre and once for New Phoenix Theatre), Mary Sunshine in Chicago for Gypsy Playhouse, work in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street for Lab Theater and Benny in Rent at Fort Myers Theatre. For more of Joey’s stage credits, read here.

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Shannon Connolly plays officious Mrs. Boyle for Broadway Palm in ‘Mousetrap’

Shannon Connolly plays the officious Mrs. Boyle in Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Broadway Palm patrons are still talking about her portrayal as Ursula, Ariel’s evil Auntie in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Connolly was last seen on stage in the ensemble and the roles of Lulu Warnicker and Betty in Broadway Palm Dinner Theater’s production of Footloose. Go here to see the rest of Shannon’s credits.

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Will Connors is Gus P. Head in ‘It’s Only a Play’

Will Connors plays Gus P. Head in It’s Only a Play. Will was last seen in The Studio Players’ production of Superior Donuts. He also played Dave in The Foreigner for The Marco Players.

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Ryan Porter Craig stars as Roger Davis in ‘Rent’ at Belle Theatre

Ryan Porter Craig stars as Roger Davis in Rent at The Belle Theatre. Previous credits include the Wolf and Prince Charming in Into the Woods for Cultural Park Theatre Company, the Tinman and Hick in The Wizard of Oz at Belle Theatre, Scottish assassin Todd in Unnecessary Farce (Belle Theatre), Father Chenille in Drinking Habits (Belle Theatre), the Wolf and Prince Charming in Into the Woods at New Phoenix Theatre), the voice of Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors (Belle Theatre), and multiple roles for Gulf Coast Symphony in their holiday revue, Snowbird Follies. You can view the rest of Ryan’s stage credits here.

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Waner Del Rosario is truck stop cook Rafael in Lynn Nottage’s dark comedy ‘Clyde’s’

Waner Del Rosario plays the part of ex-con truck stop cook Rafael in Lynn Nottage’s dark comedy Clyde’s at Lab Theater. Previous credits include Mr. Green in Clue on Stage for Fort Myers Theatre. Del Rosario made his theater debut in the roles of Garry/Roger in Noises Off at Lab Theater in 2023. No stranger to performing, he holds awards in extemporaneous speech, and teaches Public Speaking for Camp HSR!, a homeschool day camp. As a graduate of the CHANGE Program in Fort Myers, an acting class that is focused on increasing equity and diversity in the performing arts, where he benefitted from the wisdom, coaching and encouragement of Sonya McCarter.

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Nathan Eichhorn is playwright Peter Austin in ‘It’s Only a Play’

Nathan Eichhorn plays the part of playwright Peter Austin in It’s Only a Play. Nathan’s stage credits include Mark in Need to Know (which was his second production with The Studio Players) and Yvan in Art (his Studio Players premiere). Debuting in The Great Gatsby, Nathan has also worked with The Naples Players in Mary Poppins, By the Way and Meet Vera Stark.

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Danielle Enderby returns to the stage in the ensemble of ‘Rent’ at Belle Theatre

Danielle Enderby enthralled as Marie in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Ella’s exquisitely elegant fairy godmother in disguise. The role represents her Southwest Florida theater debut and is her first time on stage since 2007. Now she returns to the stage in the ensemble of Rent at The Belle Theatre. Prior to moving to Southwest Florida from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Danielle spent several years directing competitive show choirs for a local high school. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, and has also done considerable coursework in Music Therapy.

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Justin Larsche is Jason in Lynn Nottage’s ‘Clyde’s’ at Lab Theater

Justin Larsche plays the part of Jason in Lynn Nottage’s dark comedy Clyde’s at Lab Theater. His acting credits include the monster, Caliban, in Shakespeare’s The Tempest for Lab Theater (a 17th century character that presaged JRR Tolkien’s Smeagol (Gollum)), Mark in The Shadow Box for New Phoenix Theatre, Sheriff of Nottingham in Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance’s production of Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood, and lovestruck lawyer Burnette Lloyd in Beth Henley’s Southern Gothic tragi-comedy Crimes of the Heart. Read here to see the rest of Justin’s credits.

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Maliyah Mattis in ensemble of ‘Rent’ at The Belle Theatre

Maliyah Mattis appears in the ensemble of Rent at The Belle Theatre. Maliyah’s previous stage credits include the Baker’s wife in the Stephen Sondheim classic Into the Woods at Cultural Park Theatre, Shirelle in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, the ensemble (and as swing) in Elvis: A Musical Revolution (which represented her Broadway Palm debut), Miss Esther Sherman in Fame for Cultural Park Theatre (2023), the Princess Who Kissed a Frog in Disenchanted the Musical for The Belle Theatre (2023), and Yellow Heather (Heather McNamara) in Heathers the Musical Teen Edition for The Belle Theatre (2023).

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Sonya McCarter plays title role in ‘Clyde’s’ and is voice of Buck’s Backyard Mural on Otocast

Actor, director, instructor and voiceover artist Sonya McCarter’s been busy. She presently appears in the title role of Lynn Nottage’s dark comedy, Clyde’s, at Lab Theater and is now the voice of the Buck’s Backyard Mural on Otocast. Buck’s tells the story of historic McCollum Hall, which was part of the Chitlin Circuit beginning in 1938. Sonya’s is also the voice you’ll hear on the audios for The Knife Sharpener and Female Fruit Vendor, which are located at the Urban Community Farm on Flint Drive. Go here to view all of Sonya’s acting and directing credits.

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Loyse Michel is ex-con cook Letitia in Lynn Nottage’s ‘Clyde’s’ at Lab Theater

Loyse Michel plays ex-con truck stop cook Letitia in Lynn Nottage’s dark comedy Clyde’s at Lab Theater. Prior credits include Chris, an ambitious female White House correspondent, in POTUS: Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. You may have also previously seen Loyse at Lehigh Senior High School in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Aladdin, or Moana JR.

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Todd Miller is Director Frank Finger in ‘It’s Only a Play’

Todd Miller plays Director Frank Finger for The Studio Players in It’s Only a Play. He was last seen at The Studio Players in the roles of Officer James in Tracy Letts’ dramedy Superior Donuts and before that as Mitchell in Murder at the Howard Johnson’s. See more of Todd’s credits here.

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Bradyn Parmelly plays Mark Cohen for Belle Theatre in ‘Rent’

Bradyn Parmelly plays Mark Cohen for The Belle Theatre in Rent. Bradyn’s recent stage credits include the Baker in Into the Woods at Cultural Park Theatre (2024), Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie (2024), Ren McCormack in Footloose (2024), Pippin in Pippin (2023) and Danny Zuko in Grease (2023) at Cultural Park Theatre, as well as Grantaire in Les Miserables (2023) and Greg in A Chorus Line (2023) with Melody Lane Theatre. Other credits include Leon Czolgosz in Assassins (2021).

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Cassie Sampson is Joanne Jefferson for Belle Theatre in ‘Rent’

Cassie Sampson plays Joanne Jefferson in Rent for The Belle Theatre. She previously appeared as the Witch in Into the Woods at Cultural Park Theatre (a role she previously played for New Phoenix Theatre), Judy for Theatre Conspiracy in Which Way to the Stage, Sleeping Beauty in Disenchanted the Musical at The Belle Theatre (2023), Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors, Cinderella’s stepmother in Into the Woods for Belle Theatre, and was a member of the ensemble of Jekyll & Hyde the Musical and Queen Gynecia in Heed over Heels the Musical for New Phoenix Theatre. View the remainder of Cassie’s credits here.

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Mark Sanders co-stars in ‘Broadway Hits with a Twist’

Mark Sanders co-stars for Gulf Coast Symphony in Broadway Hits with a Twist. Sanders currently presents his new concert series, “Celebrating Broadway,” at Arts Bonita in Bonita Springs, with an exciting new show premiering each month. He has become a favorite soloist with Gulf Coast Symphony, as well as the Naples and Bonita Springs Concert Bands. Mark can also be seen on tour with his solo show, “One Voice: The Music of Barry Manilow,” which he wrote and conceived. His brand-new CD of Manilow’s music is now available. Find out more at MarkSandersNYC.com and @MarkSandersOneVoice. Read here for the rest of Mark’s credits.

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Carolann Sanita co-stars in ‘Broadway Hits with a Twist’

Carolann M. Sanita co-stars for Gulf Coast Symphony in Broadway Hits with a Twist. Sanita has toured as Marian in the first national tour of The Music Man and internationally as Maria in the European and Asian tours of West Side Story. Among her favorite credits are singing with Linda Eder in concert at the Palace Theatre on Broadway, Encore’s No, No Nanette at New York City Center, Les Miserables at Flat Rock Playhouse, West Side Story at Sacramento Music Circus, The Boy from Oz at TheatreZone, Spamalot at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Beauty and the Beast at Artpark and Urinetown at the Geva Theatre. For more, read here.

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Cindy Sepich plays fading star Virginia Noyes in ‘It’s Only a Play’

Cindy Sepich is fading star Virginia Noyes in The Sudio Players production of It’s Only a Play. . Cindy previously appeared as Dixie in Hollywood Arms at the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island, Rose in the reading of Paradise and Mr. Prince at Arts Center Theater and Lila in Silver Alert at the former Marco Players.  She also performed in 37 Postcards and Singin’ Broadway at the Island Theater Company. She also appeared in many community theater productions in suburban Chicago.

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Leah Spurlock plays lead for Broadway Palm in ‘Mary Poppins’

Playing the part of Mary Poppins is Leah Spurlock, who recently graduated from Belmont University with a BFA in musical theatre.  Her favorite credits include Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast and Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly!

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Jack Weld is theater critic Ira Drew in ‘It’s Only a Play’

Jack Weld is theater critic Ira Drew in It’s Only a Play. Jack made his Studio Players debut earlier this year in the role of Virgil in William Inge’s Bus Stop. Jack has performed in plays and musicals in Fort Myers and Naples since 2003. Weld was last seen playing multiple roles in The Naples Players’ production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Jack also appeared at TNP in Something Rotten, Les Miserables, The Producers, Guys and Dolls, She Loves Me, The Music Man, Footloose, Young Frankenstein and The Producers. Go here for the rest of Jack’s theatrical credits.

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Kate Whitworth is Mollie Ralston in ‘Mousetrap’ at Broadway Palm

Kate Stenzel-Whitworth plays Mollie Ralston in Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre’s production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. She last appeared at Broadway Palm in the role of Glinda in The Wizard of Oz. Some of Kate’s favorite roles include Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (Dutch Apple), Cinderella in Into the Woods, Mary Debenham in Murder on the Orient Express and Sally Talley in Lanford Wilson’s Pulitizer Prize-winning play Talley’s Folly. Kate holds a Masters in Classical Music and teaches an online voice studio.

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2     DIRECTORS

Tijuanna Clemons directs Lynn Nottage dark comedy, ‘Clyde’s,’ for Lab Theater

Tijuanna Clemons directs Lynn Nottage’s dark comedy Clyde’s. She previously served as Assistant Director for both Pass Over and SISTAS: the Musical. As an actor, Tijuanna has extensive stage credits. Go here to see what she’s been in.

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3     ART NEWS AND EXHIBITIONS

Online art library to document role arts played in Collier County’s development

Collier County has built a reputation as an arts mecca. International travelers flock to Naples not just for its companionable mix of museums, acclaimed Fifth Avenue and Third Street galleries and eye-popping outdoor art fairs and festivals. They also enjoy opera, symphony concerts, ballet and regional cuisine. Recently, United Arts Collier has launched a project to document the role the arts play in Collier’s development and global reputation. Listen to or read the full story on WGCU.

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‘Artful 8’ probes mystery and meaning of the number 8

Artful 8 is a group show on view at the Davis Art Center through August 27. It features paintings and sculpture by eight artists who’ve delved over the past year into the meaning of the number eight in the realms of psychology, numerology and psychic phenomenon. A large part of the show’s allure lies in the artists participating in it — Mully, Maria Collier, Mariapia Malerba, Juliana Versari, Anthony Gartner, Bradford Hermann, Brian Weaver and Aguilera himself. Listen to or read the full story on WGCU.

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Artwork inspired by water is keystone of Arts Bonita ‘Progenitor’ exhibition

August is National Water Quality Month and Arts Bonita is marking the occasion with a special art exhibition titled Progenitor of Life: Artwork Inspired by Water.

“The importance of this exhibition is not just a matter of showing art that shows the beauty and grace of water, waterways and oceans, but also to highlight the importance of water quality, especially here in Florida,” Arts Bonita Curator Danielle Branchaud said.

To underscore this theme, Arts Bonita has invited Calusa Waterkeeper to attend the exhibition’s opening reception. Read or listen to the full story on WGCU.

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Punta Gorda’s Visual Arts Center pays homage to SWFL’s heritage as once-major pineapple producer

Pineapples were such an important money crop in this part of the country in the 1880s, that Fort Myers put the pineapple on its official seal when it incorporated in 1885. Picking up on that theme, the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda is hosting an art show opening in September that pays homage to this region’s long-forgotten heritage as a major pineapple producer. Listen to/read the story on WGCU.

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Repairs made to on Domino Player, but now the arm of another is missing

The City of Fort Myers continues to make repairs to the sculptures damaged by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022 — most recently to four of its Cor-Ten steel sculptures. But when Cape Welding arrived at the First Street entrance to Patio De Leon to re-attach the arm that had fallen off one of the figures in a sculpture known as the “Domino Players,” they discovered that the left arm on one of the other players was also missing. Listen to or read the full story on WGCU.

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Punta Gorda’s murals available now on mobile app ‘Otocast’

Years ago, the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society used QR Codes to enable folks to read about the murals the Society was installing around town. “It would take you to the local page on our website, but you’d have to read it in the sun, which is a little hard to do,” notes Mural Society President Kelly Gaylord. So she convinced the Charlotte County Tourist Development Council to subscribe for a mobile app called Otocast because it contains an audio feature that obviates the need to read text in the sun. But there’s another benefit that Gaylord likes just as much. Find out on WGCU what that benefit is.

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4     THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

‘Mary Poppins’ at Broadway Palm through August 10th

Mary Poppins plays at Broadway Palm through August 10, 2024. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Tickets are $60 to $85 with group and children’s prices available. There is a summer special for children 16 and under, tickets are just $30 for the buffet and the show! Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

The musical is based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film. It enjoyed a run of more than 2,500 performances on Broadway, receiving nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The story follows everyone’s favorite nanny, who uses a combination of magic and common sense to teach a family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft. Along the way, you’ll hear beloved songs such as Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar and Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

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Agatha Christie’s ‘Mousetrap’ opens at Broadway Palm on August 16

Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap opens at Broadway Palm on August 16. Mousetrap tells the story of seven strangers who are stranded during a blizzard at Monkswell Manor, a secluded countryside guesthouse. Their predicament takes a chilling turn when a police sergeant arrives on skis, worried that a murderer-at-large is among the guests. As news spreads of a murder in London, the guests discover that the killer is in their midst. As suspicion mounts, each guest unveils their murky past, adding layers of intrigue to unfolding drama until the identity and the motive are finally revealed.

The play opened in London’s West End in 1952 and ran continuously until March 16, 2020, when the stage performances had to be temporarily discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic. It then re-opened on May 17, 2021. The longest-running West End show, it also has by far the longest run of any play in the world, with its 29,500th performance having taken place as of February 2024.

The show runs through September 21. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday evenings with selected matinees. Tickets are $60 to $85 with group and children’s prices available. Tickets are now on sale and can be reserved by calling (239) 278-4422, visiting BroadwayPalm.com or in person at 1380 Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

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Broadway Palm’s ‘Mousetrap’ on WGCU

Agatha Christie’s “Mousetrap” has been captivating audiences around the world for more than 70 years. In fact, it has enjoyed the longest run of any play in the world, with its 29,500th performance having taken place in February 2024. The whodunit tells the story of seven strangers who are stranded during a blizzard at Monkswell Manor, a secluded countryside guesthouse. Their predicament takes a chilling turn when a police sergeant arrives on skis, worried that among the guests is a murderer-at-large with a rather distinctive calling card. Find out what it is on WGCU.

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One night only, ‘Broadway Hits with a Twist’ provides new perspective on popular show songs

Gulf Coast Symphony’s “Broadway Hits with a Twist” features female vocalists singing the male leads and the men singing the female songs. Co-stars Carolann Sanita and Mark Sanders say this puts a whole new perspective on what a Broadway song can be … and afford a bit of surprise and whole lot of humor. Listen/read the full story on WGCU.

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Lynn Nottage comedy, ‘Clyde’s,’ shine light on quest for second chances

Beginning July 26th, The Laboratory Theater of Florida will present the Southwest Florida premiere of Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s. In this dark comedy, the second chances and redemption are centerstage … along with the quest for the perfect sandwich.

Clyde’s is a sandwich shop and last-chance haven for those cast aside by society. The indomitable Clyde, played by Sonya McCarter, oversees her eclectic team of misfits with an iron fist as they grapple, individually and collectively, with their own demons and strive for a better future. A searingly honest portrayal of life on the margins, this story of redemption and hope is brought to life by one of the most celebrated playwrights of our time.

In ‘Clyde’s,’ Lynn Nottage captures plight of ex-inmates to re-enter society as productive members

Lynn Nottage’s contemporary play, Clyde’s, makes its Southwest Florida premiere at The Laboratory Theater of Florida now through August 11th. Director Tijuanna Clemons gives this synopsis of the play’s storyline.

“Clyde’s brings to the stage five formerly-incarcerated individuals that are out and living life and trying to find their way with all of the disruption, all of the barriers that come with being an ex-felon, an ex-con, formerly incarcerated.”

The action takes place in a truck stop sandwich shop that’s run by Clyde, a mean-spirited ex-con who takes full advantage of her employees’ limited options and opportunities in the local job market.

Read the rest of this review here.

Go here for play dates, times and full cast list.

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Listen to ‘Quest for Perfect Sandwich’ on WGCU

Lynn Nottage’s contemporary play, “Clyde’s,” is making its Southwest Florida premiere at the Laboratory Theater of Florida. The dark comedy asks one of the most important questions of our time: Can the perfect sandwich can be made? Listen to the WGCU preview here.

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‘Rent’ comes to The Belle Theatre August 2-11, 2024

Rent is coming to The Belle Theatre August 2-11, 2024. The musical follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.

Read the advance here.

Read here for play dates, times and other information.

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Ryan Craig and Cassie Sampson transfer real life passion into memorable theater performances

“Showmances” are fraught with disaster. Still, some theatrical couples make it work.

On Broadway, there were Burton and Taylor; Fosse and Verdon.

Locally, Ryan Porter Craig and Cassie Sampson are transferring their passion for one another into memorable theater performances. They’re currently starring as Roger Davis and Joanne Jefferson in “Rent” at The Belle Theatre.

Listen to the interview and several musical clips on WGCU.

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The Studio Players producing Terrence McNally’s ‘It’s Only a Play’  August 23 – September 8

The Studio Players brings Terrence McNally’s It’s Only a Play to the Joan Jenks Auditorium stage August 23-September 8. Set in the New York townhouse of a Broadway producer, the creative team behind The Golden Egg anxiously awaits the opening night reviews. There’s the producer herself, the terrified playwright, his best friend, the has-been female lead, the British director, and a theater critic (wait, why is he there?). Filled with one-liners about the entertainment world that will make you laugh and cringe, this show will remind you that there truly is no business like show business. The Joan Jenks Auditiorium is located in the Golden Gate Community Center.