Visual and Performing Artists and Events for week of February 15-21, 2023
This is who and what’s creating news in Southwest Florida’s visual and performing arts community this week:
1 ACTORS
Emilie Baartman in the role of Kia in ‘The Last Schwartz’ at New Phoenix
Emilie Baartman is a Naples, Florida actor, singer, dancer and costume and set designer. She appears in the role of Kia for New Phoenix Theatre in Deborah Laufer’s The Last Schwartz. Emilie’s stage credits include work in the ensemble of Head Over Heels for New Phoenix Theatre, flight attendant Gloria in Boeing Boeing for The Naples Players, Macbeth: The Murder Mystery for the CFABS Players and Pam Lukowski in The Full Monty (New Phoenix Theatre, 2020). The rest of Emilie’s theatrical credits are here.
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Emilie Baartman plays Kia with dizzying mix of ditz and empathic savant
Emilie Baartman plays the part of Kia in New Phoenix Theatre’s production of Deborah Laufer’s dark comedy The Last Schwartz. In her capable hands, the character is a dizzying mix of ditz and empathic savant cloaked in a dichotomy of innocence and raw sexual magnetism that would make Norma Jean Mortensen sit up and take notice.
The rest of this story is here.
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Joey Bostic in ‘Sweeney Todd’ ensemble at Lab Theater
Joey Bostic is a Fort Myers based actor and aspiring director. He currently appears in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Laboratory Theater of Florida. Bostic’s previous credits include the role of Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show at both Fort Myers Theater and New Phoenix Theatre, Benny in Rent at Fort Myers Theatre, virgin-turned-vampire Madeleine Astarte in Charles Busch’s Vampire Lesbians of Sodom for the Alliance for the Arts and the butler Jacob in La Cage Aux Folles. Go here to see the rest of Bostic’s theatrical credits.
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Nalalie Brouwer in ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’
Natalie Bouwer performs professionally as an actor and singer up and down the East Coast, but hopes to make Florida her home base. She appears currently for Players Circle Theatre in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Brouwer’s Southwest Florida stage credits include Miracle on 34th Street (Beach Street Repertory Theatre), Linda in Night and Day, Jingle Bell Jubilee, Lady in the Street in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show for Players Circle Theatre. Go here for the rest of Natalie’s theatrical credits.
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Scott Carpenter is Simon in ‘The Last Schwartz’ at New Phoenix Theatre
Scott Carpenter is an actor and director who lives in Cape Coral, Florida. He currently appears in the role of Simon in New Phoenix Theatre’s production of Deborah Laufer’s The Last Schwartz. Scott was last on stage in New Phoenix Theatre’s production of The Full Monty. Scott has directed numerous productions, including Jekyll & Hyde the Musical and Head over Heels for New Phoenix Theatre, the Florida premiere of the spoof Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody, Rumors for Lab Theater and Same Time, Next Year, Jekyll & Hyde the Musical, South Pacific, Mame, and Steel Magnolias. You can view all of Scott’s theatrical credits here.
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Shane Dinan is Man #1 for Players Circle in ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’
Shane Dinan plays multiple parts as Man #1 in Players Circle Theatre’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Shane is a musician, actor and occupational therapist from Asheville, North Carolina. Shane previously appeared at Players Circle in Laughter on the 23rd Floor and prior to that in the role of George Bailey in Miracle in Bedford Falls.
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Jason Drew returns to the stage as Gene in ‘The Last Schwartz’ at New Phoenix
Actor Jason Drew returns to the stage after a bit of an absence in the role of Gene Schwartz in The Last Schwartz at New Phoenix Theatre. Jason last performed in a theatrical production as Cal Porter in Lab Theater’s 2016 production of Terrence McNally’s Mothers and Sons.
Go here for all of Jason’s credits.
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Jason Drew appreciates subtlety of Laufer’s characters and storyline
Jason Drew hasn’t been on stage in a play in seven long years. You’d never know it. He picks up in The Last Schwartz right where he left off with Lab Theater’s 2016 production of Terrance McNally’s Mothers and Sons. In spite of the gap, he didn’t hesitate to answer the call when New Phoenix Artistic Director Brenda Kensler asked him to come in to read through a play written by Deborah Laufer that hadn’t been produced yet in Southwest Florida. You can read the balance of this story here.
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Cindi Heimberg plays Bonnie in ‘The Last Schwartz’ at New Phoenix
Cindi Heimberg is a local actor with numerous performances to her credit. She plays Bonnie Schwartz in New Phoenix Theatre’s production of Deborah Laufer’s The Last Schwartz. Heimberg’s credits include the roles of Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein, Ruby in Nancy Stetson’s Rest Stops of America and Artistic Director Zorah Bloch in New Phoenix Theatre’s production of Daniel Sullivan’s Inspecting Carol. Go here for the rest of Cindi’s theatrical credits.
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Steven Michael Kennedy is Adolfo Perilli in ‘Sweeney Todd’
Steven Michael Kennedy is a Cape Coral actor and director. He currently plays the part of Adolfo Pirelli for Lab Theater in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Steven’s acting credits include Melanie Daniels in Lab Theater’s parody of The Birds, Princeton in Avenue Q, Leonardo da Vinci in Botticelli in the Fire and Grumpy Old Men for Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. You will find the rest of Steven Michael’s credits here.
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Mark King in ‘Sweeney Todd’ ensemble
Mark King continues to expand his thespian resume. He appears in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street for the Laboratory Theater of Florida through March 11, 2023. Go here to find out what else Mark has been in.
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Gabrielle Lansden is Johanna in ‘Sweeney Todd’ at Lab Theater
Gabrielle Lansden is a multitalented creative. In addition to being a gifted actor, she is a self-employed voice actor, Scenic Designer for Laboratory Theater of Florida and promotional model and brand ambassador at Rockstar Harley-Davidson. She currently appears for Lab Theater in the role of Johanna in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Lansden’s acting credits include the part of Lucy in Avenue Q and Janet Weiss in New Phoenix Theatre’s production of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show. Go here for more on Gabrielle’s theatrical credits.
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John McKerrow is Jonas Fogg and ensemble member in ‘Sweeney Todd’
John McKerrow is a Naples-based stage, film and television actor, director and acting coach. He appears in the role of Jonas Fogg and the ensemble of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street for Lab Theater. Included in John’s local stage credits are Ed/Father for Players Circle Theatre in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Prospero in The Tempest (Lab Theater), Bill in Mamma Mia!, Barrymore in I Hate Hamlet, Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew and Macbeth in Macbeth and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing. Go here to see John’s full profile.
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MaryAnne McKerrow makes Lab Theater debut as Mrs. Lovett in ‘Sweeney’
MaryAnne McKerrow makes her Lab Theater debut in the role of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Naples audiences last saw MaryAnne on stage at The Naples Players as Donna in Mamma Mia! Other musical theater performing credits include Momma Rose in Gypsy, Madame Thernardier in Les Miserables, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, the title role in Mame and Agnes in I Do! I Do! You can read more about MaryAnne here.
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Trace Meier plays corrupt Judge Turpin in ‘Sweeney Todd’ for Lab Theater
Trace Meier portrays corrupt Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. It is Judge Turpin who foments Sweeney’s murder spree by sentencing him to a penal colony in Australia on false charges so that he’ll have unimpeded access to Sweeney’s beautiful young wife, Lucy, who commits suicide by poison after being raped and tormented by the judge. Back in London fifteen years later, Sweeney swears to avenge his wife 
and daughter. Trace’s stage credits include Sir Danvers Carew for New Phoenix Theatre in Jekyll & Hyde the Musical, multiple roles in Quartet and Young Frankenstein, and Dr. Scott in Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show.
You will find the rest of Trace’s theatrical credits here.
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Lauren Miller is Beggar Woman in ‘Sweeney Todd’ at Lab Theater
Lauren Miller plays the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street for Lab Theater. Among Lauren’s prior stage credits are Joanne Jefferson for Fort Myers Theatre in the rock opera Rent, Ann Putnam in Lab Theater’s production of The Crucible, Mazeppa in Gypsy, Sister Mary Hubert in Nunsense, Henrietta in All Shook Up and Kit Kat Girl Texas in Brenda Kensler’s blockbuster production of Cabaret in 2015.
Go here to view the rest of Lauren’s theatrical credits.
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Michael Murphy is Herb Schwartz in ‘The Last Schwartz’ at New Phoenix
Michael Murphy appears in the role of Herb Schwartz for New Phoenix Theatre in its production of Deborah Laufer’s production of The Last Schwartz. This is Michael’s second show at New Phoenix, where he previously appeared as the hermit and in the ensemble in Young Frankenstein the Musical. Go here for the rest of Michael’s credits.
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River Reed is young Tobias in ‘Sweeney Todd’
River Reed plays the part of Tobias for Lab Theater in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He was last seen in the role of Les in Newsies and on the Lab Theater stage in Mothers and Sons. River has been acting since the age of six, appearing in productions at numerous Southwest Florida venues, including the Alliance for the Arts, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Cultural Park Theater, Florida Repertory Theatre, Fort Myers Theatre, Lab Theater and Melody Lane Performing Arts Center. Go here for more.
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Donna Richman is the inflexible eldest in ‘The Last Schwartz’
After acting for many years in New York, Donna Richman makes her Florida debut at New Phoenix Theatre in the role of Norma in Deborah Laufer’s The Last Schwartz. Norma is the eldest of four, domineering, self-righteous and uncompromising. Divorced and estranged from her only child after turning him in to the police after finding his stash in his room, she nonetheless opines that respecting one’s history, from the old faith to the old furniture, is “what separates us from the animals.” Go here for Donna’s credits.
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Dave Rode plays bucket list role of Sweeney Todd at Lab Theater
Dave Rode plays a bucket list part when he assumes the title role of Sweeney Todd for Lab Theater. “For me this is the culmination of a long journey that started when I first heard Michael Cerveris perform the title part,” divulges Dave, who “finds ways” to connect with his character, a serial killer who helps dice up his victims so that his partner, Mrs. Lovett, can include them as the key ingredient in the meat pies she sells to the good people of London. You will find the rest of Dave’s stage credits here.
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Cameron Rogers is the sailor, Anthony, in ‘Sweeney Todd’
Local actor Cameron Rogers is amassing an impressive resume. He currently plays the part of Anthony for Lab Theater in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Cameron’s stage credits to date include the CFABS Youth Theatre’s production of Thorton Wilder’s Our Town, Chevalier Raphael Danceny in Laboratory Theater’s production of Dangerous Liaisons, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods at Florida Rep, the groom in The Wedding Story, and Brad in Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show for New Phoenix Theatre. Go here for all of Cameron’s theatrical credits.
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Amanda Ross is Woman #2 in ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’
Amanda Ross is a New York City-based actor, director and intimacy specialist, and member of New Circle Theatre Company. She is Woman #2 in Players Circle Theatre’s production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Amanda recently starred in the one-woman show The Azure Sky in Oz by Bill Leavengood at the United Solo Festival in New York City after a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Go here to view the rest of Amanda’s theatrical credits.
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Jack Weld plays Beadle Bamford with ruthless detachment in ‘Sweeney Todd’
Jack Weld plays the part of Beadle Bamford in Lab Theater’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. As corrupt Judge Turpin’s greasy lackey, it is Beadle who orders the police to arrest Benjamin Barker on false charges so that with him out of the way, the judge can drug and rape his pretty young wife. Weld portrays the Beadle with a ruthless detachment reminiscent of Travolta’s Vincent Vega, possibly a reflection of his Shakespearean heritage. The rest of Jack’s theatrical credits are here.
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Ted Wioncek III plays multiple roles in ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’
Ted Wioncek III is an award-winning artist, actor and performer. The Philly Review has labeled him “a master in storytelling” in recognition of his vibrant work, and his efforts as an arts business builder coupled with the use of immersive mediums to advance technology in aid of experiential storytelling has attracted features in a number of other publications. Ted currently appears in various roles for Players Circle Theatre in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. The rest of Ted’s credits are here.
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2 ARTISTS
Spotlight on River Basin muralist Rod Acosta
Local artist Rodney Acosta has painted two panels for the Fort Myers River Basin Mural Project. The first is the actual fort’s guardhouse and a survey map that was drawn to scale by a major who came in 1856 to find out why so much money was being spent to build the fort. The second is a rendering of Fort Myers’ colorful sheriff, Frank Tippins, in a boat on the Caloosahatchee River with three other men.
The rest of Rodney’s bio is here.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Lorrie Bennett
Lorrie Bennett is one of 39 artists who have painted murals for the River Basin Mural Project being conducted by the City’s Public Art Committee, Community Redevelopment Agency and Fort Myers Mural Society. Lorrie has painted two River Basin murals – one of Seminole Chief and feared warrior Billy Bowlegs and the other of Uncle Marion Hendry’s Grocery Store at the northeast corner of Hendry and Front Streets. Lorrie describes herself as a self-taught intuitive, contemporary, and expressive mixed media artist and illustrator who, from an early age, had an affinity for drawing and painting. For Lorrie, creating has always been a journey of experimentation and exploration. The rest of Lorrie’s credits can be read here.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Sherry Lynn Diaz
Sherry Lynn Diaz is one of 39 artists who have painted murals for the River Basin Mural Project being conducted by the City’s Public Art Committee, Community Redevelopment Agency and Fort Myers Mural Society. Sherry has contributed two murals to the project, the first being this one of the great Seminole chief and warrior Billy Bowlegs. Sherry has exhibited her art in juried local, state and national shows, earning awards on all three levels. She has enjoyed two well-received one-woman shows. Her art can be found in private and corporate collections in the Dominican Republic as well as many places throughout the United States. Please go here to see Sherry Lynn’s full profile.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Ruben Dimas
On the Hendry Street side of the detention basin next to Luminary Hotel three stanchions south of Edwards Drive is a mural of Henry Ford sitting in a Model T. It’s the car that Ford had the local dealer deliver to his friend and neighbor Thomas Edison on the occasion of the latter’s birthday in 1916. The mural was rendered by Fort Myers Mural Society member Ruben Dimas, an automotive artist born and raised in Fort Myers, Florida. He specializes in automotive illustrations, graphic design, and product design for the auto industry. Go here to see the rest of Ruben’s credits.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Michelle J. McDonald
As you walk around the basin next to Luminary Hotel, you’ll come across a mural depicting the arrival of colorfully attired guests on the pier at Thomas Edison’s home downriver on McGregor Boulevard. It was rendered by Michelle J. McDonald, who currently works primarily in acrylics and pastels. She is also known for her “Beautiful Bookmarks,” which are comprised of scraps of paper that create a collage. Michelle’s story is like that of many other later-in-life Florida artists. Go here to find out how.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Lesley Morrow
Lesley Morrow is one of 39 artists who have painted murals for the River Basin Mural Project being conducted by the City’s Public Art Committee, Community Redevelopment Agency and Fort Myers Mural Society. Lesley painted the portrait of John Alexander Weatherford that appears on one of the stanchions across from Ella Mae’s Diner at the Luminary Hotel. Morrow is locally known for expressive oil, acrylic, airbrush and mixed media paintings that express the feminine experience and mystique. Featuring vibrant brushstrokes and a distinctive palette, Morrow’s paintings are bold, raw and eye-appealing. You can read Lesley’s full biography here.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Eric Riemenschneider
Eric Riemenschneider is one of 39 artists who have painted murals for the River Basin Mural Project being conducted by the City’s Public Art Committee, Community Redevelopment Agency and Fort Myers Mural Society. Eric’s contribution to the project is a portrait of a Miccosukee warrior named Billy Fuel who fought alongside Seminole Chief Billy Bowlegs and Miccosukee Chief Sam Jones during the Seminole wars.Eric is a portrait artist who also reimagines commercial spaces to match the theme of the business through murals and collections of paintings. Go here to read Eric’s full bio.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Roland Ruocco
Muralist Roland Ruocco has contributed four compositions to the Fort Myers River Basin Mural Project, a homage to iconic Fort Myers banker, businessman and real estate developer Harvie Heitman that will be installed on one of the four obelisks on Edwards Drive and panels to be installed on the stanchions surrounding the basin that depict the shuffleboard courts that were located at one time next to the Hall of 50 States, the fire that claimed the Lee County Packing House on Memorial Day in 1953, and drovers unloading cattle from a barge, on which he collaborated with his artist wife, Wendy White. Go here to view Roland’s education, training and more on his body of work.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Samantha Taylor
Samantha Taylor is one of 39 artists who have painted murals for the River Basin Mural Project being conducted by the City’s Public Art Committee, Community Redevelopment Agency and Fort Myers Mural Society. She has painted two of the murals included in the project, the first being the Father of Fort Myers, Captain Francis Asbury Hendry and the second being The King, Elvis Pressley, who performed twice during the 1950s at our City Auditorium.
A native Floridian, Samantha is known for her portrait paintings, local murals and tattoo artistry. As an avid painter specializing in oils and fluid mediums, Sam is inspired by the human form and surrealism. Go here for the rest of Samantha’s bio.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Erik Schlake
Fort Myers Mural Society muralist Erik Schlake is one of 39 artists participating in the Fort Myers River Basin Mural Project. Not only is he contributing a mural panel for the obelisks that flank either side of Edwards Drive, he is leading the team that is installing the mural panels on the stanchions and obelisks that encircle the detention basin. Schlake has been influenced over the years by traditional decorative art as 
well as contemporary street art. He combines various styles in his work, infusing classic painting with elements of trompe l’oeil, grisaille, and other traditional decorative art in an effort to engage and interact with the viewer a less formal mode of communication. It’s a style he often refers to as “modern traditionalist.” The rest of this post is here.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Dawn Webb
Dawn Webb is one of 39 artists who have painted murals for the River Basin Mural Project being conducted by the City’s Public Art Committee, Community Redevelopment Agency and Fort Myers Mural Society. Dawn painted a mural of Fort Myers first African-American settlor, Nellis Tillis, who, with his wife, Ellen, were also the town’s first interracial couple.
Dawn is a proud born-and-raised Southwest Florida native. Born in Fort Myers, she has watched the city develop and grow since the 1970s. On the fine arts side, Dawn works in the medium of acrylic painting. But she is also a gifted tattoo artist. Go here for the rest of Dawn’s bio.
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Spotlight on River Basin muralist Wendy White
Based on a vintage 1930s-era postcard, this mural depicts the many activities that visitors can enjoy during a fun-filled trip to Fort Myers. Titled Florida Fun, it was rendered Wendy White who is an accomplished artist, curator, director, playwright, screenwriter and teacher. Born in Rockaway Beach, New York, Wendy’s palette and writings are strongly influenced by her early environment of living by the sea. Her father was a painter and while she was growing up, she and her twin brother would frequently model for him as muses. Go here to view Wendy’s impressiver resume.
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4 ART SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
IMAG celebrates 100th anniversary of discovery of Tut’s tomb with ‘Return of the King’
November 4th marks the 100th anniversary of British archeologist Howard Carter’s discovery the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Because Tut’s successors tried to obliterate his name from the annals of Egyptian history, the pharaoh had been buried in an out-of-the-way place that had prevented robbers from finding and plundering the tomb. So when Carter opened it, the tomb still held the bulk of its treasures. The IMAG History and Science Center in Fort Myes is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the tomb’s discovery with an exciting exhibition containing reproductions of scores of the artifacts found in Tut’s tomb. Listen on WGCU for the details: https://news.wgcu.org/…/imag-history-science-center…
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‘Envisioning Evil: The Nazi Drawings’ at Baker Museum through February 19, 2023
On exhibit now through February 19, 2023 at the Naples Museum of Art are selected drawings of Mauricio Lasansky from his series entitled Envisioning Evil: The Nazi Drawings. Crafted from graphite and charcoal, asphaltum turpentine, and red and white wash, the series of 33 raw and haunting monumental drawings is making its first comprehensive exhibition since its inaugural tour over 50 years ago.
You can read the full advance for this exhibit here.
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SWFL arts organizations conducting survey to quantify economic impact of the arts
The Alliance for the Arts and dozens of local arts organizations are surveying audiences attending their events in an effort to quantify the economic impact of the arts here in Southwest Florida. In fact, it’s part of a nationwide study by Americans for the Arts of the contribution made by arts organizations to their local 
economies.
This is the sixth such study and involves 387 participating communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In Lee County, the Alliance for the Arts is spearheading the effort to collect the data needed for the study. Go here to hear why you should participate in the study if you are asked to complete a survey.
5 PUBLIC ART
River basin mural project creates walkable outdoor art and history museum
In collaboration with the CRA, the Fort Myers Mural Society and Public Art Committee have installed 57 murals on the stanchions and obelisks that encircle a 1.8 acre detention basin adjoining the new Luminary Hotel. Each mural features people and scenes from the days when Fort Myers was a port dominated by 7 long pierces jutting into the Caloosahatchee River. Augmented by Otocast, this walkable outdoor art and history museum is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the downtown Fort Myers River District and enhance the visitor experience of both residents and vacationers alike. Listen to some of the artists who worked on the project sound off about their experiences – and what you can expect when you tour the murals.
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Audio for Billy Bowlegs murals at Fort Myers River Basin now live
Two portraits of Seminole Chief Billy Bowlegs have been installed on the stanchion located on Bay Street next to the entrance to Ella Mae’s Diner at the Luminary Hotel. The audios for those River Basin murals are now live on Otocast.
The first portrait was painted by Sherry Lynn Diaz, a local artist who, operating under the motto ‘have brush, will travel,’ paints in Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, Captiva Islands and homes and businesses throughout in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties. The second mural was rendered by Fort Myers artist Lorrie Bennett … Go here for the rest of this announcement.
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Audio of Eric Riemenschneider’s ‘Billy Fuel’ mural now live on Otocast
Across from the entrance to Ella Mae’s Diner at the Luminary Hotel is a portrait of a Miccosukee by the name of Billy Fuel rendered by popular local artist and art instructor Eric Riemenschneider. Why has Billy Fuel been included in the Fort Myers River Basin Mural Project? What’s his story? Well, it’s live on Otocast. Give it a listen right now.
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Audio for Tarek Patton’s mural of Evalina Gonzalez now live on Otocast
Evalina Gonzalez hold the distinction of being Fort Myers first schoolteacher. She not only home schooled her own children, but those of her neighbors in the years following their settlement of the town following the end of the Civil War. But as importantly, she also had a hand in the decision to settle here in the months following the end of the Civil War. Fort Myers Mural Society member Tarek Patton painted her likeness based on an historic photograph and Bill Taylor, the voice of public art here in Fort Myers, has recorded an audio that explains the important role Evalina played in the town’s establishment and how she remained loyal to the city she helped pioneer until her death in 1933. Go here for more.
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Audio for Brian Weaver’s ‘Gator Hunt’ mural now live on Otocast
Pictured here is Brian Weaver’s mural of a postcard depicting an alligator hunt in 1918. Alligator postcards like the one that artist Brian Weaver referenced for this mural fueled the mystique surrounding these lethal reptiles, which date back in Florida some 8 million years. But it was New York department store magnate Hugh O’Neill who turned alligator hunting into a calling card for his new Fort Myers hotel, The Royal Palm, at the turn of the 20th Century. Now you can hear that story, and more, on Otocast.
You will find the rest of this announcement here.
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Identifying river basin murals and muralists
Work is underway at the river basin adjoining Luminary Hotel on an ambitious new outdoor art and history museum. When it is completed, the walkable gallery will feature 57 murals – four on the obelisks on Edwards Drive and 53 on the concrete stanchions which anchor the decorative fence that circumscribes the basin.
The project is a collaboration between the City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee and Community Redevelopment Agency and the Fort Myers Mural Society. The Mural Society has engaged 38 local artists to render the murals which, in turn, tell stories about Fort Myers’ early existence as a port town on the river that many once called the most picturesque waterway in all of Florida.
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artists are painting the murals on special, high-grade cloth that is being glued to the concrete in a way that converts them into scratch-resistant tiles that prevent fading and resist damage from moisture and other elements. So far, Fort Myers Mural Society artists Erik Schlake and Roland Ruocco have installed about 14 of the mural panels, and their efforts are attracting crowds. Their recurring question: What will the other murals depict? Here’s the answer.
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6 THEATER PRODUCTIONS
Cultural Park performs Pippin February 16-26
Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral will perform Pippin February 16-26. Directed by Mark Fleming, book by Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, an ensemble cast tells the story of a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure in his life. To prove his loyalty to his distracted father, King Charles, Pippin goes to war. But when The Leading Player convinces the prince to fight tyranny, Pippin kills Charles and takes over the throne. Realizing his mistake, Pippin begs The Leading Player to bring his father back to life, and she obliges. The prince falls in love with Catherine, a widow with a young son, and (much to The Leading Player’s chagrin), Pippin struggles to decide whether he should settle down and pursue a peaceful life or continue to make magic with the dazzling troupe of performers.
Pippin plays on eight dates between February 16 and the 26th. Evening performances are at 7:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Sunday matinees are at 3:00 p.m.
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Lab Theater produces cult classic Sondheim musical ‘Sweeney Todd’
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is perhaps Stephen Sondheim’s greatest work. Which is saying a lot, given that the late lyricist’s catalogue includes West Side Story, Gypsy, Company and Into the Woods. But it is not produced as frequently as the others. It’s grisly and gothic. It’s dark and depraved. The music is challenging. And
its running time approaches three hours. Undaunted, the Laboratory Theater of Florida and Director Paul Graffy bring Sweeney Todd to the stage for five weekends, beginning with the Friday night opening on February 10th. The rest of this advance is here.
And go here for play dates, times, tickets and a full cast list.
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Listen to a preview of ‘Sweeney Todd’ on WGCU
With a challenging score, lyrics second only to Shakespeare, and a grisly tale of vengeful murder, mayhem, and cannibalism, “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” requires a very special cast and crew. In this week’s WGCU’s Spotlight on the Arts, find out what makes this show so difficult but rewarding to produce, perform, and see.
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New Phoenix performs incendiary ‘Last Schwartz’ dark comedy
New Phoenix Theatre brings Deborah Laufer’s The Last Schwartz to the stage February 16-26. Striking a tenuous balance between humor and pathos, this incendiary dark comedy poignantly demonstrates that the ties that bind can also strangle. The rest of this advance is here.
Go here for play dates, times and ticket information.
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Players Circle brings ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect’ just in time for Valentine’s Day
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Players Circle brings to the stage a musical that promises everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit much less say out loud. It’s I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, the Outer Critics Circle Award nominee and the second longest running musical in Off Broadway history (with more than 5,000 performances in New York City) that’s
so popular it has been translated into 17 languages.
With book and lyrics by two-time Tony winner Joe DePietro and music by Jimmy Roberts, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change presents a series of musical vignettes revolving around the themes of love and relationships. The rest of this advance is here.
About the Author
Tom Hall is both an amateur artist and aspiring novelist who writes art quest thrillers. He is in the final stages of completing his debut novel titled "Art Detective," a story that fictionalizes the discovery of the fabled billion-dollar Impressionist collection of Parisian art dealer Josse Bernheim-Jeune, thought by many to have perished during World War II when the collection's hiding place, Castle de Rastignac in southern France, was destroyed by the Wehrmacht in reprisal for attacks made by members of the Resistance operating in the area. A former tax attorney, Tom holds a bachelor's degree as well as both a juris doctorate and masters of laws in taxation from the University of Florida. Tom lives in Estero, Florida with his fiancee, Connie, and their four cats.