Center Stage: Florida Rep presents ‘Broadway’s Best’ in outdoor series
Now hear this! The Florida Repertory Theatre has the perfect cure for chasing the blahs away! How you ask? Well, with its safely-distanced “Broadway’s Best: a Concert on the Caloosahatchee.”
The show is part of its continuing Outdoor Series, playing in the historic Fort Myers River District. “Broadway’s Best” will be performed outdoors on the lawn behind the theater’s parking lot — easy to get to and parking is free.
The show’s title says it all and stars professional actors and local favorites Carolann Sanita and Gerrett Vandermeer. This particular offering is a terrific blend of “goldie oldies” like “Show Boat” and “Kiss Me, Kate,” then moves on to current favorites like “Phantom,” “Frozen,” “Rent” and more. And for the first time, the outdoor show features a live band to accompany the two fine performing artists.
Performances are limited for the show, which opens today, March 17 — Saint Patrick’s Day and the wearin’ of the green — and ends with the final performance on March 20. All the performances start at 7:30 p.m., but the gates open to the lawn spaces at 6 p.m.
The ticket prices are for four people in a square that measures 12-by-12 feet. Prices are based on distance to the stage and range from $60-$120. (Really, there is not a bad seat anywhere.)
The Florida Rep says it is OK to bring snacks, drinks and nibbles. So, my suggestion is: bring your own beach or camp chair, pillow and footstool, along with a blanket — if it gets cool — plus a picnic basket filled with drinks, sandwiches, nibbles, paper plates and cups, napkins and bug spray, just in case those little critters are out and about.
There are outdoor restrooms, but you can also use the indoor facilities in the Arcade Theater lobby. Face masks are required in the building, so just be sure to wear yours. Also, your temperature will be taken on entering the lobby.
My suggestion is since outdoor spaces are limited and safely distanced, purchase your tickets early by hopping online at www.FloridaRep.org or phoning 239-332-4488. Like I said, parking is free and located across from the theater on Bay Street; the parking lot is located between Jackson and Hendry.
So “be gosh and begorrah!” — said in my finest Irish brogue — get yourself over to the phone or online and make those reservations for your outdoor space for fun and theater with the Florida Rep. Remind ’em when you contact them that Marsha sent you!