This week, five shows close, nine continue their runs at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters and there is a limited engagement of a student directed and staged musical at Fort Myers Theatre.
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
“Masquerade” [Fort Myers Theatre]: This award-winning teen show is a dynamic, contemporary musical addressing the important subject of bullying. After starting at a new school, siblings Jamie and Corri have hilarious and sometimes powerful encounters with the typical school cliques: the popular "Diva Girls," the "Intellectually Supreme," and the "School Bully." During the course of the day, tough guy Erik challenges Jamie to an afterschool fight. Jamie tries to avoid the fight, and Erik even has second thoughts and wants to pull out, but doesn't know how to do that without looking like a wimp. Despite their reservations, Erik and Jamie meet for the fight. The show is written with a surprise double-ending that explores the tragedy of school violence and offers positive alternatives to conflict. "Masquerade" is a highly entertaining show with a valuable, important message. Advocating non-violent conflict resolution with humor and vitality, the play is a powerful catalyst for in-depth discussions in schools. Performances are Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit https://ftmyerstheatre.com/#smtx-click or telephone 239-323-6570.
CLOSING
“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. Closes June 22. This week’s performances are Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-365-2494 or visit https://purchase.theplayers.org/EventAvailability?EventId=2201&ref=bookNow&scroll=timeAndDates.
“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. Closes June 22. This week’s performances are on Tuesday, June 17 at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. [SOLD OUT] and 6 p.m. [SOLD OUT]; and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-366-9000 or visit https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/.../winter.../divas.
“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. Closes June 21. This week’s performances are Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, June 21 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. Closes June 22. This week’s performances are Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (There is no show on Saturday, June 21.) For tickets, telephone 239-323-5533 or visit https://thebelletheatreinc.thundertix.com/events/247604.
“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. Closes June 22. This week’s performances are Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/theatreconspiracy/7728 or telephone 239-208-1003.
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 June 28. This week’s performance is Saturday, June 21 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.
“Dames at Sea” [Florida Studio Theatre in Gompertz Theatre]: Ruby, a hopeful chorus girl from Utah, arrives in New York with dreams of making it on Broadway. With help from Dick, a sailor and aspiring songwriter, she lands a role in a struggling show. When the star suddenly drops out, Ruby gets her big break—until the theater gets demolished. Featuring songs like “Good Times Are Here to Stay” and “Broadway Baby,” this tap-filled romance celebrates the sparkle of 1930s Broadway. Runs through June 29. This week’s performances are Tuesday, June 17 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, June 18 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-366-9000 or visit https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/events-and-tickets/2025-summer-mainstage-series/dames-at-sea.
“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. Read this preview: "'From 145th to 98th Street' at Urbanite Theatre presents a slice of Black life." Runs to June 29. This week’s performances are Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. [SOLD OUT]. 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 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 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 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, June 18 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 at 1:30 p.m. 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 18 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 22 at 1 p.m. and 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 21 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. For tickets, email capecafetheatre@gmail.com or telephone 239-363-0848.
“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 families. Runs through June 27. This week’s shows are Tuesday, June 17 at 1 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 1 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 1 p.m.; and Saturday, June 21 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/.
‘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. Runs through July 3. This week’s performances are Wednesday, June 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday, June 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Friday, June 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239- 332-4488 or visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/36930/production/1234682.
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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