Visual and performing artists in the news in December, 2023

This is who and what’s creating news in Southwest Florida’s visual and performing arts community this week:

1     ACTORS

Kimberly Abrams is Emily Hobbs in ‘Elf the Musical’

Kimberly Abrams shines the role of Buddy’s stepmother, Emily Hobbs, in Elf the Musical. Broadway Palm audiences last saw Kimberly in Murder on the Orient Express. She was also in the national tour of Cirque Dreams Holidaze and Off Broadway in Pinkalicious. Some of her favorite regional credits include Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof, Mame Alt. in Mame and Marion Keisker in Elvis: A Musical Revolution.

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Haley Adkins in ‘Snowbird Follies’ at the MACC through December 23

Haley Adkins is making her debut with Gulf Coast Symphony in Snowbird Follies. Her previous stage credits include Heather Chandler in Heathers the Musical for Theatrezone/FGCU, Nicola in Kinky Boots at Weathervane Playhouse, Lady Lucile in Once Upon a Mattress for Weathervane Playhouse and Billing in An Enemy of the People at Florida Gulf Coast University). Haley is a senior theater major with a minor in religious studies at Florida Gulf Coast University.

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TJ Albertson returns to SWFL stage as Jeff in ‘Which Way to the Stage’

TJ Albertson returns the stage in the role of Jeff in Which Way to the Stage for Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts. Prior to his intervening 3-year absence, TJ had turned in outstanding performances in Sarah Ruhl’s How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, the priest in The Crucible, Anorexia Nervosa in The Legend of Georgia McBride, The Soldier in Andorra, Tyler Johnes in And the Winner Is … and Timmy in Hand to God. View the rest of Albertson’s theatrical credits here.

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Brittany Ambler plays Bonnie Parker in ‘Bonnie and Clyde The Musical’

Brittany Ambler plays Bonnie Parker in TheatreZone’s production of Bonnie & Clyde the Musical. Ambler was last seen at TheatreZone rocking out as Sherrie in Rock of Ages during TheatreZone’s 2023 season. A proud Illinois Wesleyan University BFA Musical Theatre graduate, Brittany’s favorite regional credits include the Narrator in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Natalie in All Shook Up, Doralee in 9 to 5, Louise in Patsy Cline, Inga in Young Frankenstein, Ado Annie in Oklahoma!, Miss Scarlet in Clue On Stage, Kellie in Hands on a Hardbody, Rita in Lucky Stiff, Lin in Great American Trailer Park, Sarah in The Toxic Avenger, and Suzy in Marvelous Wonderettes. Go here for more on Brittany.

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Nicole Anderson plays Emily Hobbs for Fort Myers Theatre in Elf the Musical

Nicole Anderson plays the part of Emily Hobbs in Elf the Musical for Fort Myers Theatre. Nicole’s prior credits include 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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Olivia Anderson plays multi roles in ‘Elf the Musical’

Olivia Anderson plays multiple roles in the ensemble of Elf the Musical for Fort Myers Theatre. Previous stage credits include Janis in Mean Girls Jr. for Gypsy Playhouse, Dory in Finding Nemo Jr. for Florida Repertory Theatre, Audrey in Disney’s Descendants: The Musical at Fort Myers Theatre, Bird Girl in Alliance for the Arts’ production of Suessical, and Sarafina in The Lion King Jr., Babkak in Aladdin Jr. and Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka Jr., all at Fort Myers Theater.

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Gerrie Benzing is Caprice Crumpler in ‘A Doublewide, Texas Christmas’

Local stage and film actor, director, musical theatre instructor and founder/creative director of Monologues4kids.com, Gerrie Benzing, plays Caprice Crumpler in A Doublewide, Texas Christmas, on stage in the Off Broadway Palm now through Christmas Day. Gerrie was last seen as Mother Superior in Drinking Habits for The Belle Theatre. Gerrie’s other recent credits include 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 and Florence Ungar The Odd Couple: Female Version (Belle Theatre, 2022). Read Gerrie’s extensive theatrical credits here.

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James Major Burns plays Mr. Greenway in ‘Elf the Musical’

James Major Burns plays grumpy, short-tempered and condescending Greenway Press CEO Fulton Greenway in Elf the Musical. No joke! He hasn’t spent Christmas with his family in many years. Burns’ stage credits include the roles of Jimmy Thunder Early in Dreamgirls, the Scarecrow/Uncle Henry (and the Gatekeeper and Lord High Underling) in The Wiz, The Leading Player in Pippin, the Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid (and King Triton U/S) and Harpo/Mister in The Color Purple. You can follow James at www.jamesmajoreburns.com.

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James Major Burns plays Rev. Brewster in ‘Elvis: A Musical Revolution’

James Major Burns plays Rev. Brewster/Jackie Brenston for Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Elvis: A Musical Revolution. Previous roles include Mr. Greenway in Elf the Musical (2023), Jamal in Escape To Margaritaville, Jimmy Thunder Early in Dreamgirls, Scarecrow in The Wiz, The Leading Player in Pippin, Boy/Waitress in The Colored Museum, Donkey in Shrek The Musical and Sebastian in The Little Mermaid.

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Joey Bostic is Sheldrake in ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’

Joey Bostic plays the part of Sheldrake in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Bostic’s previous credits include 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. Go here for the rest of Joey’s credits.

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Lucas Campero is Buddy in ‘Elf the Musical’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Lucas Campero plays the part of Buddy for Fort Myers Theatre in Elf the Musical.  He was last seen at Fort Myers Theatre as Zach in A Chorus Line, which marked Campero’s mainstage theatrical debut. Prior to that, he understudied the roles of Danny Zuko and Chuck in Grease and Ren McCormack in Footloose, both for Fort Myers Theatre.

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Katie Cook in ensemble of ‘Elf the Musical’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Katie Cook appears in the ensemble of Elf the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre, where she previously played James in Willy Wonka and the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods Jr. When she’s not on stage, Katie is still creating albeit as an art student at Cypress Lake Middle School.

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Ryan Porter Craig plays Scottish assassin Todd in ‘Unnecessary Farce’

Ryan Porter Craig appears as Scottish assassin Todd in Unnecessary Farce. Previous credits include Father Chenille in Drinking Habits at Belle Theatre, the Wolf and Prince Charming Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods (at new Phoenix Theatre), the voice of Audrey II for Belle Theatre in Little Shop of Horrors, multiple roles for Gulf Coast Symphony in their holiday revue, Snowbird Follies, the dual roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde in New Phoenix Theatre’s production of Jekyll & Hyde the Musical and King Basilius for New Phoenix in Head Over Heels. Find out more about Ryan here.

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Kevin Crumpler is Bob Wallace in Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’

Kevin Crumpler is Bob Wallace in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at Gulf Theatre, Fort Myers Theatre and the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island. Kevin’s His prior credits include Willy Wonka in Fort Myers Theatre’s production of Willy Wonka the Musical, Judas and John the Baptist in Godspell, Professor Bhaer in Little Women (his Florida debut), Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Beast in Beauty & The Beast, Lancelot in Camelot, Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, Warren Sheffield in Meet Me in St. Louis and Sonny Malone in Xanadu. Kevin appeared at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre as Dan in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat and IQ in Hairspray. 

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Hannah Cruz in ensemble of ‘Elf the Musical’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Hannah Cruz appears in the ensemble of Elf the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre, which marks the milestone of being her 55th stage show. She last played Amy in Little Women at Bishop Verot High School, where she will soon play the titular role in Mary Poppins. At Bishop Verot, she also appeared in the role of Miss Jones in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Read about Hannah’s other stage credits here.

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Sami Doherty is Matthews/Sales Lady in ‘Elf the Musical’ at Broadway Palm

Sami Doherty is a local actor, singer, dancer, dance instructor and choreographer. She plays Matthews and the Sales Lady in Elf the Musical for Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Sami’s recent acting credits include Judy Haynes in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (2022 & 2016), Happy Days, the Lady in Green in Singin’ in the Rain (as well as multiple ensemble roles), Judy in A Chorus Line, Lila Dixon in Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Marty in Grease, Mamma Mia, Charlie’s materialistic girlfriend, Nicola, in Kinky Boots and Sounds of Christmas (where she rocked “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”). Go here to review the rest of Sami’s extensive theatrical credits.

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William Draper reprises the role of The King in ‘Elvis: A Musical Revolution’

William Draper portrays The King, Elvis Pressley, in Elvis: A Musical Revolution at Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, a role he played for Prather Entertainment at its Dutch Apple venue in Pennsylvania. Memphis born and raised, William was immersed in the music of Elvis Pressley compliments of his grandparents, who played Elvis’ albums on a giant record player all the time. Draper debuted at Broadway Palm earlier in 2023 as Palm after his debut this summer as Prince Eric in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. His recent stage credits include Emmett in Legally Blonde, Billy Cane in Bright Star, and Rocky in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and aside from Elvis, his favorite role to date has been Cinderella’s Prince and The Wolf in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. For more, read here.

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Justin Dresner returns to Gulf Coast Symphony for ‘Snowbird Follies’

Robert Justin Dresner returns to the MACC for Southwest Florida Theatre’s production of Snowbird Follies. After portraying the Beast in Disney Cruise Lines’s IAPPA award-winning production of Beauty and the Beast in 2019, Robert has gone on to portray such other notable roles as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, King Arthur in Lerner and Lowe’s Camelot and Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He will also return to the MACC in January for A Grand Night for Singing.

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Carolyn England is Mary Meekly in ‘Unnecessary Farce’

Carolyn England plays the part of Mary Meekly in Unnecessary Farce. Carolyn’s previous stage credits include Imogene Fletcher in Four Old Broads (Belle Theatre), Frieda in Charles Busch’s The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (New Phoenix Theatre), Dorothy Tree Hapgood in Daniel Sullivan’s Inspecting Carol (also for New Phoenix Theatre), Rose in Engagement Rules and Lucy Stickler (the long-suffering wife of a septuagenarian with a roving eye) in Murderers (both for Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts).

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Jency Emo plays Willis in ‘Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas’

A theater vet, Jency Emo has been acting and singing since the age of 5. Some of her favorite roles as an adult include Shelby in Steel Magnolias, the novice nun in Nunsense and the jester in Once Upon a Mattress (at Ohio State University). Life has sidetracked her from a career in theater, but she is thrilled to be making her debut at the Laboratory Theater of Florida where she sizzles in her gospel rendition of “Cocaine.”

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Kate Glennon is Priscilla Pressley in ‘Elvis: A Musical Revolution’

Kate Glennon plays the part of Priscilla Pressley for Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Elvis: A Musical Revolution. Glennon’s previous credits include Frozen (The Palace Theatre), Carrie (Theresa Lang Theatre), Case Closed (New York Theatre Festival) and Social Studies (The Park Theater). Follow her at IG: @kateeglennon.

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Zach Greer is Buddy in ‘Elf the Musical’ at Broadway Palm

NYC-based actor Zach Greer doesn’t just play Buddy in Elf the Musical. He inhabits the role like a second skin. Zach was last seen at Broadway Palm this past summer as Willard Hewitt in Footloose. Other credits include Something Rotten! (Shakespeare), Head Over Heels (Musidorus) and The 39 Steps (Clown). Zach has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Missouri State University. Discover more about Zach at https://www.actorzachgreer.com/.

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Ruth Johnson is Big Ethel Satterwhite in ‘Doublewide Texas Christmas’

Ruth Johnson plays the part of Big Ethel Satterwhite in Off Broadway Palm’s production of A Doublewide, Texas Christmas. Johnson’s recent local credits include Mathilde in Murder in Paradise (Off Broadway Palm, 2023), Marlafaye Mosely in Tthe Naples Players’ production of The Savannah Sipping Society and Rosie in The Wedding Singer, which marked Ruth’s TNP debut. Ruth’s career has spanned nearly 50 years, over which she has performed on dozens of stages in seven states. Go here for to find out which were Ruth’s favorite roles.

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Steven Michael Kennedy plays Mark in ‘Which Way to the Stage’

Cape Coral actor, director and theater instructor Steven Michael Kennedy plays Mark in Which Way to the Stage. Steven’s acting credits include Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Lab Theater), Melanie Daniels in Lab Theater’s parody of The Birds, Princeton in Avenue Q,  Leonardo da Vinci in Botticelli in the Fire and the role of Dan Anderson in the first U.S. licensed production of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. Read the rest of Steven’s credits here.

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Mark King plays lead, Bruce McClane, in ‘Die Hard Musical Parody’ at Lab Theater

Mark King appears as Bruce McClane in Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas! A Die Hard Musical Parody, on stage at the Laboratory Theater of Florida through December 23. He regularly performs for the Lab.

You will find Mark’s stage credits here.

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Robert Koutras is Clyde Barrow in ‘Bonnie & Clyde The Musical’

Robert Koutras stars as Clyde Barrow in TheatreZones’ production of Bonnie & Clyde the Musical. He was previously seen at TheatreZone in Home for the Holidays, as Lonny in Rock of Ages, King Arthur in Camelot, and Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star. Koutras’ other credits include the Off-Broadway production of Sessions (Original Cast), Doody in the Asian tour of Grease, and Marty in the national tour of The Full Monty. Go here to see what else Robert has been in.

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Matthew Krob is Buddy’s dad, Walter Hobbs, in ‘Elf the Musical’

Matthew Krob appears in the role of Buddy’s dad, Walter Hobbs, in Elf the Musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Among Matt’s many credits is the role of Officer Krupke in West Side Story in Tokyo, Japan, which he also played for Sioux City Symphony Orchestra. Other credits include Creed/Toby in The Office: A Musical Parody and Elliot Garfield in The Goodbye Girl (for TheatreZone). Go here for the rest of Matt’s credits.

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Terry Lavy is Sana in ‘Elf’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Terry Lavy plays the part of Santa for Fort Myers Theatre in Elf the Musical. Terry’s previous credits include the Narrator in Fort Myers Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show (which he also played in 2022), Mayor Shinn in The Music Man for Fort Myers Theatre (2023), the Ghost and Hamlet’s father in Save Hamlet at Lab Theater (2023), Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast for Fort Myers Theatre (2023), and the detective, Hunyak’s defense attorney and the prosecutor in Chicago for Gypsy Playhouse (2023). Go here to see the rest of Terry’s theatrical credits.

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Jayson Levy reprises role of Walter Hobb in ‘Elf the Musical’

Jayson Levy reprises the role of Walter Hobbs for Fort Myers Theatre in Elf the Musical, which he previously played in Elf Jr. for Creative Theater Workshop. Previous credits include the ghost of Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol and Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, both at Fort Myers Theatre.

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Rachael Lord is Larken Barken in ‘Doublewide, Texas Christmas’

Rachael Lord is a professional EMC actor, singer, dancer, poet and fantasy writer. She plays Larken Barken in Off Broadway Palm’s A Doublewide, Texas Christmas. She last appeared in the role of Greta Ohlsson for Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Ken Ludwig’s Murder on the Orient Express. Some of Rachael’s other recent stage credits include Andrina/ensemble in Disney’s Little Mermaid for Broadway Palm, Kari in Always a Bridesmaid (Off Broadway Palm 2023), work in the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz (and Margaretta U/S), a Postulant in The Sound of Music, work in the ensemble of The Wizard of Oz, and a featured singer in Ha! Ha! Ho! The Holiday Show (Off Broadway Palm). The rest of Rachael’s profile is here.

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Rachael Lord is Blanche Barrow in ‘Bonnie & Clyde the Musical’

A professional EMC actor, singer, dancer, poet and fantasy writer, Rachael Lord plays the part of Blanche Barrow in TheatreZone’s production of Bonnie & Clyde The Musical in January, 2024. Rachael’s other stage credits include Larken Barken in A Doublewide, Texas Christmas (Off Broadway Palm, 2023), Greta Ohlsson in Ken Ludwig’s Murder on the Orient Express (Off Broadway Palm, 2023), Andrina/ensemble in Disney’s Little Mermaid for Broadway Palm (2023) and Kari in Always a Bridesmaid (Off Broadway Palm 2023). View Rachael’s other stage and theatrical credits here.

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Emma Luke-Said is Mrs. Claus and Matthews in ‘Elf’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Emma Luke-Said appears in the roles of Mrs. Claus and Matthews in Elf the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre. Emma’s prior stage credits include Magenta in Rocky Horror at Fort Myers Theatre, Princess Badroulbadour for The Belle Theatre in Disenchanted the Musical, Mrs. Beauregarde for Fort Myers Theatre in Willy Wonka, work in the ensemble of Beauty and the Beast for Fort Myers Theatre, Go-to-Hell Kitty and work in the ensemble of Chicago for Gypsy Playhouse, and work in the ensemble of both Rent and Rocky Horror at Fort Myers Theatre, where she also played the part of Sister Berta in The Sound of Music.

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Maliyah Mattis makes Broadway Palm debut in ‘Elvis’ ensemble

Maliyah Mattis makes her Broadway Palm Dinner Theater debut in the ensemble (and as swing) of Elvis: A Musical Revolution. Previous stage credits include 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), Yellow Heather (Heather McNamara) in Heathers the Musical Teen Edition for The Belle Theatre (2023) and Anything Goes for North Fort Myers High School (for which she was runner-up for Outstanding Performance in a Female-Identifying Role at the 2023 High School Musical Theatre Awards).

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Peyton McCarthy is Billie Dwyer in ‘Unnecessary Farce’

Peyton McCarthy plays Billie Dwyer in Unnecessary Farce. Previous credits include Ruby Sue Bennett in Four Old Broads at Belle Theatre in the Cape, Daisy Buchanan for Fort Myers Theatre in The Great Gatsby, Annelle in Steel Magnolias (which was her Fort Myers Theatre debut), Dr. Harriman in Mind Games, Mother in Yellow Boat, and Siobhan in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. 

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Laura McKenna in ‘Snowbird Follies’ at the MACC through December 23

Sarasota native Laura McKenna returns to the Music & Arst Community Center for Southwest Florida Theatre’s production of Snowbird Follies. She was most recently seen at the MACC as Woman 1 in The Thing About Men. Laura’s regional credits include Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime with American Stage in the Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense at Mountain Playhouse, Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense for Amici Theatre Company, work in the ensemble of The Music Man for St. Petersburg Opera Company and Mercy Lewis in The Crucible for Two Chairs Theatre. Go here for more on Laura.

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AJ Mendini in ‘Snowbird Follies’ at the MACC through December 23

AJ Mendini makes his debut with Southwest Florida Theatre in Snowbird Follies. A recent Southwest Florida transplant, the New Jersey native is an accomplished performer and arts educator who has worked professionally throughout the Northeast. Recent credits include Eddie in Dogfight, Claude in Hair, Jesus in Godspell at Fort Myers Theatre, Princeton in Avenue Q and Enjolras in Les Miserables. Go here to see what else AJ is into.

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Louis Monaco plays FBI Agent Frank in ‘Unnecessary Farce’

Louis Monaco plays FBI Agent Frank for The Belle Theatre in Unnecessary Farce. Prior credits include Uncle Billy and others in It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show (Cultural Park Theater, 2021) and Keaton in Small Planet (Cultural Park Theater, 2021).

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Jim Moyer plays part of Colonel Parker in ‘Elvis A Musical Revolution’

After playing Santa in Elf The Musical, Jim Moyer returns to Broadway Palm in the role of Colonel Parker in Elvis A Musical Revolution. A regular at Dutch Apple Dinner Theater, Jim has been part of Buddy Holly, White Christmas, Will Rogers Follies, Holiday Inn, Happy Days and Elf the Musical.

Jim is retired from a long career in the business world and is enjoying his time now doing what he loves.

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Lauren Plank in ensemble of ‘Elf the Musical’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Lauren Plank appears in the ensemble of Elf the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre. She recently played the museum guard in Descendants the Musical and will play the part of Chutney in Legally Blonde Jr. at Fort Myers Theatre. Lauren will also be travelling to Atlanta and England as a member of Fort Myers Theatre’s Junior Theatre Festival team.

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Lilikoi Porter plays vivacious Judy Haynes in Irving Berlin’s ‘White Christmas’

Lilikoi Porter plays the part of vivacious Judy Haynes in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Lilikoi was last seen in the role of shy, demure and virginal Janet Weiss for Fort Myers Theatre in The Rocky Horror Show and, just prior to that, as the rabbit in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, a show in which she also functioned as both swing and Stage Manager. Lilikoi’s prior stage credits include Sister Margaretta in Sound of Music at Fort Myers Theatre along with Meg in Little Women and the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot back home in North Carolina.

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Valerie Prottsman is Jovie in Fort Myers Theatre’s ‘Elf the Musical’

Valerie Prottsman stars in the role of Jovie in Fort Myers Theatre’s production of Elf the Musical. She was previously seen at Fort Myers Theatre in the ensemble of Beauty and the Beast. Both represent Valerie’s first foray into community theater. However, she’s no stranger to performing in front of crowds, having been in both show choir and marching band. For more on Valerie, read here.

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Samantha Pudlin is Martha Watson in ‘White Christmas’

Samantha Pudlin  appears as Martha Watson in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Pudlin’s recent stage credits include Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown for Fort Myers Theatre, Gabrielle in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at The Belle Theatre, one of the disciples in Godspell at Fort Myers Theatre, the role of Meg in Little Women for Fort Myers Theatre, ensemble work in Head Over Heels for New Phoenix Theatre, the Lady of the Lake in Spamalot, Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors and Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, all for Cultural Park Theatre. Go here to see Samantha’s full profile.

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Jake Raterman is Chadwick and the manager at Macy’s in Fort Myers Theatre’s ‘Elf’

Jake Raterman plays the part of Chadwick and the manager at Macy’s in Fort Myers Theatre’s production of Elf the Musical. Prior stage credits include Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls High School Edition for Melody Lane Theatre, the title role in Fort Myers Theatre’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Mr. Holgate in Bulletproof Backpack at the Center for Performing Arts Bonita. View the remainder of Jake’s stage credits here.

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Steven Reyes is Phil Davis in ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’

Steven Reyes plays the role of the fun-loving and adventurous (and sometimes mischievous) Phil Davis in Irving Berlins White Christmas at Fort Myers Theatre. This is Steven’s second show with Fort Myers Theatre, his first being John Brooke in Little Women: The Musical. Other selected stage credits include Freddy in Carrie: The Musical (Academy Players Of Rhode Island), Melchior in Spring Awakening (University Of Rhode Island Theatre), Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby (University Of Rhode Island Theatre) and The Jock in Columbinus (University of Rhode Island Theatre).

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Elizabeth Robb is in the ensemble of ‘Elf the Musical’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Elizabeth Robb is in the ensemble of Elf the Musical at Fort Myers Theatre. Previous stage credits include Snoopy for Fort Myers Theatre in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (2023), Evie in Disney’s Descendants: The Musical (2023), Babette in Beauty and the Beast (2023), a member of the ensemble in Les Miserables for Melody Lane Theatre (2021), one of the Venus A-Go-Go Girls in Rock of Ages High School Edition for Melody Lane Theatre (2021) and Bird Girl 1 in Seussical the Musical for Creative Theatre Workshop (2021).

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Daniel Sabiston is Hans Olo in ‘Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas at the Lab

Daniel Sabiston appears in the role of Hans Olo in Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas A Die Hard Musical Parody on stage at Lab Theater through December 23. Some of Daniel’s recent stage credits include Rosencrantz in Lab Theater’s summer spoof, Save Hamlet, Jonathan and Charles Haversham in The Play That Goes Wrong, various roles for Lab Theater in its summer spoof, The Birds: A Parody, Azalon in Dangerous Liaisons, Trinculo in The Tempest and Alan in Torch Song for The Studio Players. See the rest of Daniel’s stage credits here.

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Cassie Sampson plays superfan Judy in ‘Which Way to the Stage’

Cassie Sampson plays Judy for Theatre Conspiracy in Which Way to the Stage. She previously appeared as Sleeping Beauty in Disenchanted the Musical (The Belle Theatre, 2023), the Witch in Into the Woods for New Phoenix Theatre, 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. Read the rest of Cassie’s stage credits here.

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Sue Schaffel is Patsy Price in ‘A Doublewide, Texas Christmas’

Sue Schaffel plays Patsy Price in A Doublewide Texas Christmas at the Off Broadway Palm. Her stage credits include Victoria in Murder in Paradise, Betty in The Foreigner, Lydia Brenner in Lab Theater’s spoof of The Birds, The Complete Story of America (Abridged), White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, Norma Desmond in the Lab’s parody Sunset Schmoulevard, Blanche DuBois in Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody and Velma in Hush Up Sweet Charlotte for Lab Theater. Go here for the rest of Sue’s impressive theatrical credits.

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Jonathan Serrat is Michael Hobbs in ‘Elf the Musical’

Jonathan Serrat plays the part of Michael Hobbs for Fort Myers Theatre in Elf the Musical. He was last seen at Fort Myers Theatre as Prince Ben in Descendants. He also played Lucas in Addams Family Jr. at the Alliance for the Arts.

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Jenny Smith is Jovetta Crumpler in ‘Doublewide, Texas Christmas’

Jenny Smith plays Jovetta Crumpler, the beleaguered and often flummoxed mayor of Doublewide, Texas in A Doublewide Texas Christmas. She’s trying to incorporate her little mobile home community to prevent it from being annexed by a neighboring town, but her efforts are being thwarted. No worries. She’s bound and determined to find some Christmas magic. Jenny last appeared in the Off Broadway Palm in Popcorn Falls. Other Off Broadway credits include Caught in the Net, Farce of Nature, Doublewide Texas and Always a Bridesmaid.

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Lexi Rae Smith is Jovie in ‘Elf the Musical’

Lexi Rae Smith is a Chicago-based actor who appears through December 25 in the role of Jovie in Elf the Musical at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. She was seen previously by Off Broadway Palm audiences as Sue Larson in Not Now, Darling  and as a principal in 2022’s Ha! Ha! Ho! The Holiday Show.

View all of Lexi’s stage and film credits here.

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Lexi Rae Smith plays Ann Margaret in ‘Elvis A Musical Revolution’ at Broadway Palm

Lexi Rae Smith is a Chicago-based actor who appears through February 17 as Ann Margaret (and Dixie) in Elvis A Musical Revolution at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. She was seen previously by Off Broadway Palm audiences as Jovie in Elf the Musical (2023), Sue Larson in Not Now, Darling and as a principal in 2022’s Ha! Ha! Ho! The Holiday Show. Lexi’s regional credits include Anna King in Dear Soldier Boy, Little Red in Into the Woods, Rusty in Footloose and Emma in Just Desserts: A Musical Bake-Off (Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse). You will find the rest of Lexi’s stage credits here.

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Jesse Stauffer plays Major Meekly in ‘Unnecessary Farce’

Jesse Stauffer plays Mayor Meekly for The Belle Theatre in Unnecessary Farce. Previous roles include Inspector Kemp in Young Frankenstein (New Phoenix Theatre), Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank (Fort Myers Theatre) and Charlie in Toast on 10, Douglas Winings’ short film in the Laboratory Theater of Florida’s 2021 24-H0ur Screenwriting Challenge.

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Marie Tally goes from Maleficent to Betty Haynes in ‘White Christmas’

Marie Talley plays the part of Betty Haynes in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Marie was last seen in the role of Maleficent in Disney’s Descendants: The Musical. Other credits include work in the ensemble of Rent, Marie in Sound of Music, both at Fort Myers Theatre, West Side Story and Most Happy Fella.

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Winter Talley in ensemble of ‘White Christmas’

Winter Talley appears in the ensemble of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, which plays one weekend at Gulf Theatre in Punta Gorda, one weekend at Fort Myers Theatre and wraps December 13-17 in the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island. Prior stage credits include Mal in Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, Cinderella in Into the Woods, Belle in Beauty and the Beast Jr., Katherine in Newsies Jr., Elsa in Frozen Jr. and Wednesday in Addams Family Jr.

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Chris Treece goes undercover as Eric Sheldon in ‘Unnecessary Farce’

Chris Treece plays the part of police detective Eric Sheldon for The Belle Theatre in Unnecessary Farce. Among Chris’ previous stage credits are Paul in Drinking Habits, multiple roles (Big Bud Dean, Coach Ripper, Veronica’s Dad and Kurt’s Dad) in Heathers the Musical and Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors.

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Jessica Turner is Deb in ‘Elf the Musical’ at Fort Myers Theatre

Jessica Turner appears in the role of Deb in Fort Myers Theatre’s production of Elf the Musical. Jessica last played Eulalie Shinn for Fort Myers Theatre in The Music Man. She was also seen in the ensemble of Beauty and the Beast. Jessica has been tap dancing since she was 5, so watch out for her in upcoming shows.

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Paul Vander Vennet is General Waverly in ‘White Christmas’

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Paul Vander Vennet portrays General Waverly for Fort Myers Theatre in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Previous roles at Fort Myers Theatre include Sound of Music, Belle’s father in Beauty and the Beast and Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka. Paul’s theatrical career spans more than 42 years, and some of his favorite stage credits include Fagin in Oliver (Starlite Theater in Rockford Illinois and Byron Civic Theater, Byron Illinois), Scrooge (in three different theaters), Juan Peron in Evita, Mr. Bodie in Clue the Musical, Gary/Roger in Noises Off and Little Shop of Horrors (five times).

Russell Watson appears in the role of Mr. Greenway for Fort Myers Theatre in Elf the Musical. Russell recently made his Fort Myers Theatre debut as Mr. Bucket in Willy Wonka. Other credits include Huey Calhoun in Memphis at the Antheneum in Indianapolis and Dan Goodman in Next to Normal with the Carmel Community Players.

Michael Weaver plays the part of Haywood Sloggett in A Doublewide, Texas Christmas at the Off Broadway Palm. Michael has appeared previously in the Off Broadway in Popcorn Falls, Over the River and Through the Woods, Social Security, Farce of Nature, Greater Tuna, Unnecessary Force and many others. He toured over two years in the International Company of The Wizard of Oz, playing the lower 48, China, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. His film work include the cult classic horror movie Tiki.

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2     DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS

No rest for Amy Marie McCleary with ‘Elf,’ ‘Snowbird Follies’ and ‘Elvis’ in the new year

If you want to get something done, goes the old adage, ask a busy person. Especially a busy woman. Like Amy McCleary. She just directed and choreographed Elf the Musical for Broadway Palm, Snowbird Follies for Southwest Florida Theatre and Madagascar Jr. All while moving into a new house and preparing for the holidays!

McCleary is a multi-faceted musical theater artist who works as an actor, director and choreographer in local and regional theater. Most Southwest Florida theater lovers know McCleary through her work as Prather Entertainment Group’s resident director/choreographer. In that capacity, she has staged more than 50 productions, including Footloose, The Wizard of Oz (2022), Escape to Margaritaville (2022), Singin’ in the Rain (2022), Beehive the 60s Musical (Dutch Apple Theatre), Holly Jolly Christmas (which she created), The Sound of Music, Happy Days, Holiday Inn, Kinky Boots (choreography by Chris Kane), Beauty and the Beast, Momma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, Little Shop of Horrors, Memphis, Hairspray, Grease, CATS, Swing, Sister Act and Peter Pan, among others. As choreographer, Amy has staged dances for Evita, Cabaret, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, All Shook Up, The King and I, Les Miserables, Annie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and the 2009/2010 national tour of The Wedding Singer. She also did the choreography for Prather’s 2018 production of Chicago, for which she won a Broadway World Award for Best Choreography (Professional).

· Among McCleary’s favorite director/choreographer credits are Grease (Broadway Palm 2021), Beehive: The 60s Musical (Broadway Palm 2021), Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Broadway Palm), Yeston & Kopit’s Phantom (Broadway Palm), the 2015 national tour of Memphis the Musical, the international tour of The Wizard of Oz (Choreographer), Footloose, Sister Act, I Love a Piano, Hairspray, 9 to 5 (Little Theatre on the Square), CATS, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (for the Herb Strauss Theatre), Spamalot (Herb Strauss Theatre), Hairspray (UNCG), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical and Some Enchanted Evening.

Next up for Ms. McCleary is Elvis at Broadway Palm.

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Gonna be a ‘White Christmas’ in Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and Marco Island

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is visiting Gulf Theatre in Punta Gorda, Fort Myers Theatre on San Carlos Boulevard and the Arts Center Theatre on Marco Island in December. With direction by Trace Talley and choreography by Robin Dawn Ryan, the show stars Kevin Crumpler as Bob Wallace, Steven Reyes as Phil Davis and Marie Talley and Lilikoi Porter as the Haynes sisters. Go here for play dates, times and a full cast list.

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‘Elf the Musical’ comes to Fort Myers Theatre December 13-31

Elf the Musical plays at Fort Myers Theatre December 13 through the 31st. Filled with comedy, romance, music and fantasy, Elf tells the story of a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. Raised as an elf until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth, Buddy embarks with Santa’s blessing on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity and help his new family and New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Go here for play dates, times and a cast list.

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‘Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas opts for over-the-top naughty over holiday schmaltz

This season, Laboratory Theater of Florida is bound and determined to answer the age-old question – is or is not Die Hard a Christmas show? Regardless on which side of the divide you land, you can count on one thing – Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas! A Die Hard Musical Parody is a world apart from Tchaikovsky and Dickens. With non-stop action, explosions, dance numbers and jokes galore, Yippee Ki-Yay will leave you feeling nostalgic for one of the greatest action films and film stars of the ‘80s – while placing you, albeit somewhat perversely, in the holiday mood.

Read the rest of this review here.

Go here for play dates and times.

Amy McCleary creating best SWFL Christmas Party at the MACC with ‘Snowbird Follies’

Since the 1880s, nomads from the North have been flocking to Fort Myers to avoid the winter brrrr. Southwest Florida Theatre at Gulf Coast Symphony is paying tribute to our beloved winter visitors with a musical revue at the Music & Arts Community Center which they affectionately call “Snowbird Follies.”

Director/Choreographer Amy Marie McCleary couldn’t be more grateful for the annual influx of sunseekers. She finds that they provide a welcome jolt of energy and enthusiasm into the Southwest Florida arts scene. In appreciation, she and her cast of four actors and vocalists have created a celebration of the Christmas holiday – Southwest Florida style.

“My goal with the actors is to create this sense of a Christmas party, where, when you leave the show, you have four new best friends,” said McCleary. “So you get to know them. You get to know their personalities and you just attended the best Christmas party of your life.”

Who doesn’t love a good Christmas party – especially when it’s at the beach? Read the full story or listen to the review on WGCU.

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‘Unnecessary Farce’ delectably diverting

The Belle Theatre rings in the new year with a farce that’s actually funny, namely Paul Slade Smith’s Unnecessary Farce. Smith’s clever and droll script contains all the attributes of traditional farce – cringe-causing absurdly awkward situations (think Everyone Loves Raymond), small misunderstandings that cascade into full-blown confusion and chaos, overlapping dialogue, sexual innuendo, plot twists and turns and, of course, slamming doors … oh so many slamming doors. With ingredients like these, it’s no wonder the play has been produced more than 325 times across the United States, and around the world.

Read the rest of this advance here.

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

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Which Way to the Stage’ a fresh, witty ode to theater

Theatre Conspiracy at the Alliance for the Arts (AFTA) presents the playful and profound comedy Which Way to the Stage January 18 through February 3. The dramedy tells the story of Broadway superfans Jeff and Judy, who eagerly await their idol, Idina Menzel, after her performance in If/Then at the stage door every night. But when a sexy stranger enters the scene and upends their decades-long friendship, the musical theater aficionados have to go off-book to rewrite their own finale. Read the rest of this advance here.

Go here for play dates, times and cast info.

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‘Bonnie & Clyde’ recounts duo’s relationship against backdrop of extraordinary music

TheatreZone opens its 19th season with Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical. Set to a Tony Award-nominated musical score of power ballads and jazz and blues numbers by the legendary Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, Civil War, Dracula), Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical follows the arc of youthful fantasies gone horribly wrong.

Based on the book by Ivan Menchell, the musical recounts the electrifying true story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow from the unique perspective of the duo’s relationship against a background of extraordinary music.

“The music in Bonnie & Clyde is rousing and dramatic,” notes founding TheatreZone Artistic Director Mark Danni. “Power ballads and jazz and blues numbers evoke the era and capture the relationships between the couples. The beautiful orchestration by John McDaniel uses guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, flute, and many more instruments to express the emotions in the musical.”

Read the rest of this advance here.

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

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4     DANCE

Gulf Coast Symphony and Gulfshore Ballet producing ‘Nutcracker’ at Barbara Mann

Gulf Coast Symphony and Gulfshore Ballet are producing Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall once again this year. Both Gulfshore Ballet Artistic Director Iliana Lopez and Maestro Andrew Kurtz are proud of the role their organizations have played in making the Nutcracker a Southwest Florida holiday tradition.

Kurtz has seen Ballanchine performances over the years in New York and Philadelphia. He became intimately familiar with the interplay between professional ballet dancers and Tchaikovsky’s soaring score as Assistant Conductor of the Pennsylvania Ballet years ago. In his estimation, GCS and Gulfshore Ballet’s collaboration ranks among the country’s top productions.

“This is a first-class, first-rate production that you would see anywhere in the country,” says Kurtz. “So if Nutcracker means the holidays to you as it does to me, this is the performance you really want to see.”

Listen to or read the rest of this piece on WGCU here.

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5     ART SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS

Inaugural Augmented Reality mural comes to downtown Fort Myers on January 5

The Fort Myers Mural Society has partnered with Grand Illusion Creative, Lee County Visitors & Convention Bureau and BrandXR, the leading no-code augmented reality platform, to produce Fort Myers first augmented reality mural. The mural will be unveiled during ArtWalk January 5th, 2024 and be on display to the public throughout the 2024 season.

The Fort Myers Mural Society has painted nearly 200 murals throughout Southwest Florida since its inception in 2016. It has also participated in dozens of public community events.  However, adding augmented reality into murals will bring art to life in a way that is particularly appealing to a younger demographic because it integrates their Smartphones and similar devices into the art viewing experience.

“Through AR, we plan to redefine the way we experience art,” says Shari Shifrin, founder of the Lee County-based Fort Myers Mural Society. “Combining public art with new immersive technologies, we are bringing one of the oldest forms of storytelling to life in an exciting interactive and immersive way that everyone has free access to.”

In essence, augmented reality murals fuse internet-based technology into murals, street painting and graffiti to create a one-of-a-kind mixed reality experience. After downloading a free app, viewers simply point their Smartphone or tablet at the mural. When they do, the images become animated, creating an immersive and interactive viewing experience.

Because AR operates through a combination of 3D visual images, sound and motion, the stories it empowers artists to tell are universal as they are not confined by the limitations of language, race, gender, age or politics. In this way, “ARt” has the potential to turn individuals from passive observers into active participants.

The mural that will be unveiled during ArtWalk utilizes an Instagram filter, accessible through the popular social media platform. Art lovers simply download the Electrifly Augmented Reality Art app for free and visit the public mural at their leisure as often as they like.

The Mural Society’s partnership with Grand Illusion Creative, the VCB and Brand XR represents a significant milestone in the integration of Augmented Reality technology and the world of public art here in Southwest Florida. Once the mural is unveiled, Fort Myers will join cities around the country from Miami to Los Angeles that are using ARt to enliven the experience of engaging with murals. And like Miami and L.A., Fort Myers expects to see increased interest by heritage and cultural tourists since ARt will give people the impetus to discover dynamic visuals in out-of-the way places and neighborhoods they may not have previously visited.

Fort Myers Mural Society is a SWFL based artist group that strives to make a difference in the community.  Their work does not fit in one medium.  You have seen the artist members works all around town at outdoor art festivals, art galleries, creating interactive murals with non profits, social media campaigns and chalking in the streets.  These are just a few things they choose to bring to the community to interact with. With AR-activated murals, the Fort Myers Mural Society is poised to redefine how audiences engage with murals and enable patrons of all ages to dive into the rich world of mural art and connect with Fort Myers in exciting, immersive and memorable way.

For more information, please visit https://fortmyersmuralsociety.com.

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Clyde Butcher exhibition at Arts Bonita

On view at both the Center for the Arts and the Center for the Performing Arts Bonita Springs through December 29 is AMERICA’S EVERGLADES: Through the Lens of Clyde Butcher.  This remarkable collaboration underscores the commitment of Clyde Butcher, Arts Bonita and local non-profit Captain for Clean Water to environmental conservation and preserving Florida’s precious water resources.

Clyde Butcher’s evocative photography captures the serene majesty of the Everglades, making it the perfect backdrop to shed light on the urgent need for water conservation efforts in Florida. Arts Bonita is proud to support this vital cause and hopes that the exhibition will not only inspire artistic appreciation, but also serve as a catalyst for environmental awareness and action. Through this collaboration, the voices of Clyde Butcher, Arts Bonita, and Captains for Clean Water unite in a harmonious call to preserve and safeguard the natural wonders that make Florida unique.

Arts Bonita and Captains for Clean Water have organized two special events on Wednesday, October 25, 2023: A VIP Champagne Reception (by invitation only) from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. and a public reception and book signing from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The VIP Champagne Reception is an exclusive invitation-only event, and it will offer a unique opportunity for select guests to engage with Clyde Butcher himself and gain insights into his artistic process. Later in the day, the public reception and book signing will allow art enthusiasts and the general public to meet the acclaimed photographer and have copies of his books personally signed.

Clyde Butcher is widely recognized for his extraordinary photography and has been aptly described as “the next Ansel Adams” by Popular Photography magazine. Not only is he an immensely talented artist, but he is also a devoted humanitarian, tirelessly working for the betterment of his community. His role as a respected conservationist has seen him use his art to bring crucial environmental issues to the forefront of public consciousness—facts that make this collaboration with Captains for Clean Water a perfect union!

Arts Bonita is committed to enriching the lives of the community by providing artistic expression, education, and appreciation opportunities. With two locations dedicated to the visual and performing arts (26100 Old 41 Road and 10150 Bonita Beach Road), visitors enjoy year-round programming including live concerts, theatre, comedy, film, lectures, and classes for artists of all ages and levels. Plus, Arts Bonita offers 3 art festivals in Downtown Bonita Springs each year in January, February, and March.

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DAAS exhibiting macrame art of Macramedelrey in November & December

During the months of November and December, DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts will exhibit the macrame art of social media star Reiniery Mariani, A.K.A. Macramedelrey.

Macrame is the art of creating handmade items through a process of decorative knots in a pattern. Macramedelrey learned the technique at a very young age from his Italian grandmother. Together, they’d make all sorts of macramé creations, from table runners to curtains.

“I instantly felt a connection with this art form, and it became a hobby that I really love and enjoy doing to this day,” says Mariani, who decided to follow his heart and turn his passion into a business that enables him to share his artwork with the world.

“I decided to call myself Macramedelrey [Macrame del Rey] for the simple fact that my nickname is Rey and I make macrame art,” the artist humorously adds. In fact, his fans affectionately refer to him as Macrame King, as his name, Rey, means king in Spanish and in recognition that he wears a macrame crown on his head in his social media posts.

During the COVID pandemic, Mariani found himself home and unemployed. It was then that he decided to spend time working on his art and posting on social media platforms. Little by little, he amassed a tremendous following and started receiving requests from customers all over the world. His popularity grew so much that he decided to open an online shop.

Some of his most popular items are plant hangers, curtains and flags. He uses a variety of knots to execute his masterpieces. The collection presented at DAAS Gallery consists of multiple styles and decorative-yet-functional pieces. Most importantly, the exhibition is another example of DAAS’ out-of-the-box approach – introducing new and exciting art forms to our Southwest Florida community.

There will be two opening receptions for this exhibition. The first will take place on Friday, November 3, and the other on Friday, December 1. Both will run from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly Fort Myers Art Walk events. The artist will be present during the events for a meet & greet.

A macrame workshop with Macramedelrey will also soon be announced by DAAS CO-OP. The information will be available at daascoop.com and the gallery’s social media pages.

The exhibition will be on display through December 31st, 2023.

DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts is located at 1815 Fowler Street in the Butterfly Estates complex in Fort Myers, FL. The gallery’s business hours are Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. More information about the venue and/or how to become a member can be found at daascoop.com or by calling 239-590-8645.

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Deadline for 38th Annual All Florida Juried Exhibition is January 15

The deadline for submitting work for inclusion in the Alliance for the Arts’ 38th Annual All Florida Juried Exhibition is January 15. This show is the Alliance’s longest running exhibition. The show features pieces created by artists, both emerging talents alongside established artists, working in a wide variety of media from all over the state of Florida.

“Every year this exhibition is a testament to the strength of Florida’s artists,” says gallery manager Emily Radomski. “We welcome submissions from artists of all backgrounds and working in all mediums to create an exhibition which displays the diverse and rich talent of artists working in Florida today.”

Categories for entry include sculpture, painting (including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor and mixed media), photography, prints and drawing. An entry may consist of 1 to 3 artworks. All entries must be submitted online no later than January 15. Artists can download the prospectus and submit their work online at www.artinlee.org/allflorida38/.

The opening reception for the All Florida Exhibition will be March 1 from 5 – 7 p.m. The juror will be on hand to present awards including $1,000 cash for Best in Show, a 2nd Place gift certificate, $100 cash for 3rd place and Juror’s Choice Award(s) of Alliance for the Arts membership(s).

AFTA members may use coupon code Member10 to receive $10 off the entry fee. Current students and teachers, with a valid .edu email address, may use coupon code Education10 for $10 off the entry fee.

For more information, call 239-939-2787 or visit ArtInLee.org/allflorida38/.

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6     ART IN THE NEWS

New study makes case for stronger support of local arts organizations

Every five years the Americans for the Arts takes the pulse of the arts and culture sector of the national and local economies. Although many Lee County arts organizations were unable to participate in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study because of staffing and funding limitations attributable to the pandemic and Hurricane Ian, the 19 that did generated $135.3 million in economic impact in 2022, proving that the heartbeat of the arts in Lee County is Olympic-level strong.

Read the full story on WGCU.org.

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A closer look at the Arts & Economic Prosperity results for Fort Myers

In October of 2023, the Americans for the Arts released its Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 survey results. AEP6 makes clear that when a county or municipality funds the arts, it is investing in an industry that stimulates the economy, supports local jobs and contributes to building a healthy and vibrant community. And in Fort Myers, arts and culture is more than food for the soul. It also puts food on the table for scores of people who live and work in the City. Go here for the specifics.