This week, one show opens, one show closes, four continue their runs and there is one limited engagement at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.
OPENING
“Annie” [Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre]: As part of a publicity campaign for Oliver Warbucks, Annie and her dog Sandy are placed in the lap of luxury. However, Annie’s stay turns out to be much more than anyone bargained for as she works her way into everyone’s hearts. The only thing standing in her way is the cruel and bitter Miss Hannigan. The popular score includes “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “Little Girls” and “Tomorrow.” Opens July 3. Runs through Aug. 9. This week’s performances are Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 5 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 6 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 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/annie/.
LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS
“Annie JR.” [Florida Repertory Theatre Education]: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. One show only on Thursday, July 3 at 6 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239-332-4488 or visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/36930/production/1236300?performanceId=11623203.
CLOSING
‘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. Closes July 3. This week’s performances are Wednesday, July 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Thursday, July 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239-332-4488 or visit https://ci.ovationtix.com/36930/production/1234682.
CONTINUING
“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 theatre gets demolished. Featuring songs like “Good Times Are Here to Stay” and “Broadway Baby,” this tap-filled romance celebrates the sparkle of 1930s Broadway. Extended through July 13. This week’s performances are Tuesday, July 1 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, July 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday, July 3 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 5 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, July 6 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.
“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 Aug. 3. This week’s performances are Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 4 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, July 5 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, July 6 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.
“Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” [In the Kizzie Theater of The Naples Players]: This is a thrilling, fast-paced musical adventure that serves up a blend of razor-sharp wit, unforgettable melodies, and a dash of delightful mischief. This Tony-award-winning tale from Stephen Sondheim bursts with humor, heart, and soaring songs accompanied by an 18-piece live orchestra. Runs through July 27. This week’s performances are Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 6 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239-263-7990 or visit https://my.naplesplayers.org/overview/4242.
“Too Darn Hot” [Florida Studio Theatre in the Court Cabaret]: “Too Darn Hot” breathes fresh life into classics by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, and more. With songs like “Blame It on the Summer Night,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Steppin’ Out with My Baby,” this steamy, refreshing night of music and storytelling will leave you longing for an endless summer. Features Carole J. Bufford, Isaac Mingus, Angela Steiner and Aaron Nix. Runs through Sept. 14. This week’s performances are Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 4 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, July 5 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, July 6 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit https://www.floridastudiotheatre.org/events-and-tickets/2025-summer-cabaret-series/too-darn-hot-songs-for-a-summer-night or telephone 941-366-9000.
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.