Art, Musicals and More

Claudia Polzin
Consultant to Nonprofits

March is literally packed with opportunities to enjoy the arts in all of its many forms – so as Bette Davis said : “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night”.

The first extraordinary opportunity that I would like to highlight is on March 14 – The Scharoun Ensemble from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra will be making a stop in Naples – this is your only opportunity to hear Germany’s leading chamber music organization. This octet is comprised of members of the Berlin Philharmonic and is a traditional one with clarinet, bassoon, horn, two violins, viola, cello and double bass.

The concert is presented by the Stay in May Festival and BIG ARTS Sanibel and will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Goodlette-Frank Road at 7:30 pm. Ticketing information is found at stayinmay.com. This is definitely a rare opportunity not to be missed for all lovers of classical music. Certainly you have noted that I like to highlight all of the wonderful concert opportunities in our own Cambier Park and March is no exception – no less than 8 concerts during the month.

Take the time to explore these organization’s websites as many support scholarships for young musicians and many times feature some of these young musicians in their concerts. Time to plan your day  downtown – and enjoy a lunch and a concert or a concert and dinner or a dinner and then an evening concert – whatever your pleasure – you can make it work.  

Cambier Park in March:
March 3 – Naples Concert Band at 2pm
March 4 – Naples Big Band at 7pm
March 10 – Naples Dixieland Jazz Band at 2pm
March 11 – Stardust Memories Big Band at 7pm
March 17 – Gulf Coast Big Band at 2pm
March 18 – Stardust Memories Big Band at 7pm
March 23 – Naples Concert Band at 2pm
March 24 – Naples Big Band at 2pm

Ready for a time-honored Broadway musical – you are in luck –two of the most popular composers for Broadway will be featured in March at two different venues: Guys and Dolls, music and lyrics by
Frank Loesser will open March 6 at The Naples Players. This play opened on Broadway in 1950 and ran for 1200 performances. The film adaptation was done in 1955 and starred Marlon Brando, Jean
Simmons and Frank Sinatra. Enjoy some of the classic songs – “A Bushel and a Peck”, ” I’ve Never Been in Love Before”, “Luck be a Lady” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat”.

An interesting note for those not that familiar with The Naples Players, this is their 65th Anniversary Season. That’s quite a milestone for a community theatre, with your support they will remain an active
presence in our community. In comparison to the Naples Players; TheatreZone is a relative newcomer  – but has amassed a great reputation for quality productions – founded in 2006 – they will open March 7 with On a Clear Day You Can See Forever, book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner. This story about quirky Daisy Gamble is full of fun.  The Broadway opening was in 1965 but the show only ran for 280 performances. However, the film version was made in 1970 and starred Barbra Streisand, Yves Montand and Jack Nicholson.

Finding hidden gems in Naples is always fun and during March there are several wonderful art exhibits at local galleries – East West Fine Art in Mercato will open with the Return to Paradise on March
1 and will run through March 15. Then after a very quick turnaround on March 16 in this same gallery they will open Naples Favorite Jersey Girl exhibit.

Remember to explore the Naples Art District for Art Alive on either March 6 or 18 – over 60 galleries, working artists, multiple mediums. Just be sure to wear your walking shoes so that you don’t miss that special gallery and artist. If exploring art after dark is what you want to do – head down to
Crayton Cove on March 9 – galleries and restaurants and a beautiful setting.

Enjoy all that Naples has to offer during March from the north to the south and everything in between.