How are you going to spend your extra day? by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant

2024 is a leap year – which means that in February you have an extra day. This adjustment of an additional day is done to align our calendar with the earth’s orbit around the sun. This was established in the year 45 BCE by Julius Caesar. These rules say that a leap year is any year divisible by 4 but if it is a century year, like 1900 and 2000, it must also be divisible by 400 to qualify as a leap year.

So how are you going to spend your extra day in 2024?
During the month of February, The Naples Players will be presenting the classic “The Fantasticks” through February 11 – the play was extended due to its popularity. Opening on February 14, The Naples Players will feature Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat! written by local playwrights Patti Caroli, Carole Fenstermacher and Natalie King. This comedy delves into the essence of womanhood, aging, and the experiences in between. It portrays the truth as it is, as it was, and as it should be.

Remember that The Naples Players productions are all being presented at the Naples United Church of Christ during the construction at the Sugden Playhouse.

The premiere musical theatre in Naples, TheatreZone, will be presenting Million Dollar Quartet opening on February 8 and playing through February 18. This production tells the story of a night in December 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley found themselves together for one of the greatest jam sessions ever – occurring at the studio that launched their careers. This musical brings to life the tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayals and celebrations. You will hear the following hits: Blue Suede Shoes, Fever, Walk the Line, Great Balls of Fire, Folsom Prison and many
more.

The City of Naples continues with a robust schedule of concerts in Cambier Park – beginning on February 4 with the Naples Concert Band at 2 p.m.; February 5 the Stardust Memories Big Band at 7 p.m.; February 11 the Dixieland Jazz Band at 2p.m.; February 12 – Naples Big Band at 7 p.m.; February 18 the Gulf Coast Big Band at 2 p.m. and on February 19 the Stardust Memories Band at 7 p.m. On February 9 – there is a different event at 7 p.m. in Cambier Park – there will be a concert featuring the Girls of Motown.

Gulfshore Opera’s 10th Anniversary season will feature a special concert by tenor Michael Fabiano. This concert will be held on February 9 at Moorings Presbyterian Church. During its inaugural year Fabiano presented a concert to help launch this exciting opera company and he returns to assist in celebrating a successful ten years. He is known for his power and passion and is a featured artist at the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Covent Garden, and Wiener Staatsoper.

Gulfshore Opera continues with its touring chamber opera on February 25 – presenting Elixir of Love at the Jewish Cultural Center in Naples. As the only touring opera company in the state of Florida – this opera will be presented in Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties. Donizetti’s delightful comedy follows the story of a wide eyed young man from the countryside who falls for the mayor’s daughter. Transported to a small farming town in the Old West, this adaptation portrays the naïve Nemorino, convinced that a love potion will secure Adina’s affection. Witness his transformation from a timid cowboy to a determined entrepreneur as he not only wins his true love’s heart but also embraces the American dream throughout this charming opera buffa.

Enjoy the month of February and think carefully about how you want to spend your extra day this year.