Getting ready for Season by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant

As we slowly exit the quieter part of our year in Naples – at least in terms of the entertainment options we have – it’s time to start thinking about what we want to do once “season” gears up again. But the months of August, September and October provide us with some time to ease into the very busy months that begin in November and carry us through April.

Lucky for us that the Naples Players continue programs all year round – if you saw the adult, full version of “Something Rotten” which ran from June 22 through July 24, 2022 – you will not want to miss the teen version which will be performed on August 5-7, 2022. Whether the full play or the teen version – it is hilarious – brothers Nick and Nigel desperately want to write a hit play – but they are stuck in the shadow of the Bard (Shakespeare). But when a fortune teller says that the future of the theatre will involve singing, dancing and acting all done at the same time – they decide that they will write the world’s first musical. The chaos of opening night makes them realize that reaching the top means being true to one’s self, etc. etc. Enjoy this version of the play – it’s pure entertainment.

If you like to be a part of the action when you go out – it’s time for you to explore Comedy Nights at the Sugden Theatre. Stage 2 Improv introduces you to an original group in Southwest Florida that uses suggestions from the audience to fuel their unscripted shows. August 13 – “Class Reunion” – if you loved your high school years – come and share your memories of your younger years – remember bell bottoms and blue tuxedos. September 10 – “Tournament of Champions” – an evening of games and songs fueled by the input of the audience. October 1 – “Pumpkin Spice Improv” – even though it doesn’t feel like a northern fall – it is fall in Southwest Florida – so enjoy remembering holidays past and getting ready to celebrate the holidays yet to come.

This may be the time to find some venues for entertainment –like a show while you are eating. A relatively new restaurant might be a spot to explore – Bodega Olé located at 965 4th Ave. N. They have live entertainment four nights a week – so dine and enjoy. Tuesday nights – Carlos Nunez performs with his lute guitar or German guitar. This guitar has been common since 1850, has 6 strings on a lute bowl – but at times it can be strung with up to 11 strings. Wednesday nights – features Flamenco Guitar – with John Housley. Friday nights – Havy Rodriguez a versatile Latin singer-guitarist who performs in four languages. Saturday nights – features the Acoustic Bros, so enjoy your favorite Spanish cuisine while being entertained. (It’s time to try some paella with music.)

As always there are places to explore and enjoy that are not as busy now as they will be later in the year – so explore the Naples Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the Historical Society, beaches, museum and art galleries. Take the time to explore our city as if you were a visitor – remember all of the places you take your family and friends when they come to visit and see them anew. Support your local businesses and let them know that you appreciate them. See you again in November and until then stay safe and love your community.