Norris Center

This week, two shows open, four close, 16 continue their runs and there is one limited engagement at Southwest Florida equity, community and high school theaters.

This week, eight shows open, two close, 12 continue their runs and there are two limited engagements at Southwest Florida equity, community and high school theaters, including 'The Apiary' at Urbanite Theatre in Sarasota.

Composer George Gershwin is best known for “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American in Paris.” But he also partnered with his brother, Ira, to write the greatest of all American operas, “Porgy & Bess.” Gulfshore Opera is bringing a condensed version of the witty, gritty story of unshakable love to the stage to celebrate America250.

Actor, playwright, director and educator Frank Blocker is performing a run of his one-man show “STABILIZED NOT CONTROLLED” this month in the Norris Center Auditorium in Naples. We talk with Blocker about this tour-de-force performance in which he plays all 17 characters.

Miami sculptor Jillian Mayer's Slumpies in Baker Museum Norris Garden a sardonic commentary on ubiquity of technology in today's world.

Naples Norris Center is taking a deep dive into Florida’s sea of surreal with Compton & Bennett’s latest comedy hit, “Straight Outta Florida: Throwin’ Shade on the Sunshine State.” The comedic duo has been performing original stage works for more than 25-years. They are best known for “Assisted Living: The Musical” and “A Cracker at the Ritz.”

From Sarasota to Marco Island and Venice and Sanibel to Arcadia and LaBelle, Southwest Florida is home to more than a dozen art centers. Most host visual art exhibitions showcasing member, regional and nationally renowned artists that change every month. In August, there are 29 shows at these venues, underscoring the importance of the arts in our part of the country.

From Sarasota to Marco Island and Venice and Sanibel to Arcadia and LaBelle, Southwest Florida is home to more than a dozen art centers. Most host visual art exhibitions showcasing member, regional and nationally renowned artists that change every month. In July, there are 24 shows at these venues, underscoring the importance of the arts in our part of the country.

This week, nine shows close, 12 continue their runs and there are two limited-run young actors' productions at equity and community theaters from Sarasota to Marco Island. As an added bonus, there are three performances of Frank Blocker’s “Good Jew” at the Norris Center in Naples.

This week, nine shows open, there’s a preview of another, two shows close and 12 others continue their runs at equity and community theaters from Marco Island to Sarasota.