This week, six shows open, one closes and seven continue their runs at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.
OPENING
“Beetlejuice Jr.” [The Sarasota Players]: This is the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium. Runs through June 22. Preview on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. Opens Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-365-2494 or visit https://purchase.theplayers.org/EventAvailability?EventId=2201&ref=bookNow&scroll=timeAndDates.
“Fiddler on the Roof JR.” [Arts Bonita Center for Performing Arts in the Hinman Auditorium]: Fiddler on the Roof JR. follows Tevye the milkman as he tries to protect his daughters and his way of life from a changing world. Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor dairyman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to marry off his daughters and instill in them a sense of tradition in the face of growing anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia. Runs through June 21. This week’s performances are Friday, June 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit https://artsbonita.org/single-event/fiddler-on-the-roof/ or telephone 239-495-8989.
“In Pieces: A New Musical” [The Belle Theatre]: Structured as a series of interconnected vignettes, the show follows a diverse group of characters as they navigate pivotal moments in their relationships and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the musical weaves together these stories through a pop-driven score, capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and the bittersweet nature of love. With themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the courage to embrace change, "In Pieces" resonates as a heartfelt exploration of the human experience. Runs through June 22. This week’s performances are Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239-323-5533 or visit https://thebelletheatreinc.thundertix.com/events/247604.
“The SpongeBob Musical Youth Edition” [Off Broadway Palm]: When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob, Patrick and the rest of the quirky island residents must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up demonstrating that the power of optimism really can save the world. With songs, vibrant dances and plenty of hilarity, this show is a perfect treat for kids and families alike. Runs through June 27. This week’s shows are Thursday, June 12 at 1 p.m. and Friday, June 13 at 1 p.m. [Lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m.] For tickets, telephone 239-278-4422 or visit https://broadwaypalm.com/shows/spongebob-square-pants/.
“The 39 Steps” [Theatre Conspiracy at the Off Broadway Palm]: “The 39 Steps” is a stage play adapted by Patrick Barlow from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name. The play follows the story of Richard Hannay, a man who finds himself caught up in a dangerous and exciting adventure. Set in 1930s England, the play begins with Hannay attending a dull evening at the theater. His evening takes an unexpected turn when he meets a mysterious woman who asks to accompany him back to his flat. Later that night, she reveals that she is a spy and has uncovered a plot to steal important military secrets. However, when she is murdered in Hannay's flat, he becomes the prime suspect and must go on the run to clear his name. As Hannay tries to unravel the conspiracy, he encounters a series of eccentric characters, including a crofter's wife, a saleswoman, and a Scottish police officer. Along the way, he is pursued by both the police and the spies and must use all his cunning and wit to evade capture. The play is famous for its fast-paced action and slapstick humor, with the actors switching between multiple characters at a rapid pace. The show's inventive staging includes shadow puppets and clever use of sound effects to create the illusion of car chases, airplane crashes, and other action-packed moments. Stars Lauren Drexler, Scott Thompson, Alex Dagg and Lucy Sundby. Runs through June 22. Opens Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/theatreconspiracy/7728 or telephone 239-208-1003.
‘Til Death Do Us Part: Late Night Catechism 3” [Florida Repertory Theatre in the ArtStage Studio Theatre]: After teaching countless students about the saints, venial sins, limbo and more, Sister is now offering up hilarious lessons on the sacraments of marriage and the last rites, including her own wacky version of "The Newlywed Game." Classroom participation is a must, so bring along your sweetie and your sense of humor for a session with the country’s feistiest couples’ counselor! Stars Denise (Marie Christina) Fennell as Sister. Opens Thursday, June 12 at 2 p.m. Performances continue Thursday, June 12 at 7 p.m.; Friday, June 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239- 332-4488 or visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/36930/production/1234682.
CLOSING
“Ghost: The Musical” [TheatreZone]: An adaptation of the 1990 Academy Award-winning hit film, “Ghost: The Musical” tells the story of Sam and Molly, whose connection takes a shocking turn when Sam is killed in a mugging that turns out to be a planned murder by a close associate of the couple. Unwilling and unable to leave Molly, Sam hovers between two worlds and learns the truth of his murder. For a preview, hear/read “TheatreZone brings ‘Ghost the Musical’ to Southwest Florida in June.” Go here for “To portray Oda Mae Brown, actor Jasmine Vizena has to pretend she can’t see cast mates onstage.” Performances are Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a talk back; Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 888-966-3352 X1 or visit https://theatre.zone/shows/#ghost.
CONTINUING
“Comedy Lottery” [Florida Studio Theatre at Bowne’s Lab]: Twelve lucky audience members determine the fate of FST’s improv team by selecting the night’s lineup of games. FST’s cast of funny people is off to the races spinning scenes, sketches, and songs to win your laughter. What will they come up with next? We have absolutely no idea. But one thing is for sure: every Saturday night, their destiny is in your hands. Runs through Aug. 3. This week’s performance is Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/events-and-tickets/2025-summer-improv/25-comedy-lottery or telephone 941-366-9000.
“Divas: Time After Time” [Florida Studio Theatre at John C. Court Cabaret]: Celebrate the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals. Starting in the 1960s, female artists such as Cher, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion have been pushing boundaries and shattering records with hits such as, “Turn Back Time,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “My Heart Will Go On.” Directed by Catherine Randazzo, “Divas” stars Jannie Jones, Dakota Mackey-McGee and Aja Goes. Runs through June 22. This week’s performances are on Tuesday, June 10 at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. [SOLD OUT]; Friday, June 13 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. [SOLD OUT] and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-366-9000 or visit https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/.../winter.../divas.
“From 145th to 98th Street” [Urbanite Theatre]: When Jackie and Cedric moved their family from the heart of Harlem to 98th Street, they did so to create better economic opportunities for their children. But when their son, Jamal, is wrongfully accused of a crime and their daughter, Fatima, doubts her college plans, the Curtly family must either come together in adversity or watch as their clashing quests for success pull them apart. A riveting drama that captures the Curtly family’s struggles and triumphs, “From 145th to 98th Street” chronicles a family’s challenge to reconcile what they each want and what they think is best for each other. Runs to June 29. This week’s performances are Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m. [SOLD OUT]; Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-321-1397 or visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/34772/production/1204853.
“How Sweet It Is” [Florida Studio Theatre at Goldstein Cabaret]: When Motown Records burst onto the scene, it changed popular music forever. This show celebrates the iconic songs, stories, and surprising connections between Motown stars and music legends. With fresh takes on classics like “How Sweet It Is,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “Stop in the Name of Love,” “How Sweet It Is” explores Motown’s legacy—enriched by personal accounts of collaborations with The Beatles, Eric Clapton, and James Taylor. Runs through August 3. This week’s performances are Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 13 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/events-and-tickets/2025-summer-cabaret-series/how-sweet-it-is or telephone 941-366-9000.
“Jesus Christ Superstar” [Asolo Repertory Theatre]: Love. Betrayal. And Redemption. Under the hot Judean sun, tempers fray and a rogue apostle questions his Messiah, who in turns questions his God. The choices they make will change the course of the world — forever. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice revolutionized theater when their epic rock opera debuted 50 years ago, introducing the world to such songs as “I Don’t Know How to Love Him" and “Heaven on Their Minds.” Following his celebrated interpretations of “Cabaret,” “The Sound of Music” and “Evita,” Josh Rhodes returns to Asolo Rep with a fiery and revelatory new production. Runs through June 28. This week’s performances are Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m. followed by a talk back; Wednesday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m. followed by talk back and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15 at 1:30 p.m. followed by a talk back. For tickets, visit https://www.asolorep.org/events/detail/jesus-christ-superstar or telephone 941-351-8000 or 800-361-8388.
“Legally Blonde” [Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre]: Based on the iconic movie, this ultimate tribute to girl power follows the journey of sorority girl Elle Woods to the Harvard halls of justice. Watch as she tackles stereotypes, chauvinism, elitism, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. With the help of new friends, Elle realizes her potential and proves that self-discovery never goes out of style! Packed with memorable songs, this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! Runs through June 28. This week’s performances are Wednesday, June 11 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 14 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 15 at 7 p.m. [Lunch service begins at 11:30 a.m. for matinees, with dinner service beginning at 5:30 p.m. for evening performances.] For tickets, telephone 239-278-4422 or visit https://broadwaypalm.com/shows/legally-blonde/.
“Men Are Dogs” [Cape Café Dessert Theatre]: Cecelia runs a support group for single and divorced women. Along with her cadre of crazed patients she must deal with her overbearing mother, who offers her daughter her own relationship advice! Add to the mix the substitute package delivery man she meets and it soon becomes uncertain whether Cecelia will be able to practice what she preaches. Listen on WGCU’s Gulf Coast Life Arts Edition to “A conversation with Southwest Florida-based playwright Joe Simonelli.” Performances are Saturday, June 14 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets, email capecafetheatre@gmail.com or telephone 239-363-0848.
Support for WGCU’s arts & culture reporting comes from the Estate of Myra Janco Daniels, the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, and Naomi Bloom in loving memory of her husband, Ron Wallace.
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