Life Goes On by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant

In March 2020 we really could not imagine what was to come for 2020 and into 2021. How our lives would be altered and how we would have to find new ways to enjoy the arts that we love. Thankfully many of our organizations in Naples found new ways to bring the arts to us – drive-in movies, plays in the park and limited seating in theatres.

Cambier Park continues to be a wonderful place for live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. March 1 at 7 p.m. enjoy the music of Woody Herman performed by the Stardust Memories Big Band. This group was formed with the intent of performing the music of the Big Bands with the same energy and quality that they were originally performed.

The Naples Players will once again be performing in Baker Park – March 3-7 at 7 p.m. and will bring you Jukebox Musical Concerts each night. I dare say we all have some fond memories of the local soda shop with the jukebox in the corner – or if you were really lucky there was a smaller jukebox located in each booth. Remembering the days of yesteryear – we continue with drive-in movies – remember loading the entire family in the car – the younger children in their “jammies” so that if they fell asleep you could easily move them to their beds.

You made lots of popcorn and settled in to enjoy a movie – well you can do that again – March 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. at 300 8th Street S – enjoy the iconic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. If you are one of the people who has never seen this – this movie was released in 1961 and is based on the book by Truman Capote. The movie features the beloved Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly.

A more current movie will be the second drive-in movie feature of the month – “Beauty and the Beast” on March 23 and 24. This is the story of a selfish prince who is cursed to be a beast until someone sees beyond his exterior and falls in love with him. If live music is still what speaks to you – travel back to Cambier Park on March 14 at 2 p.m. and listen to the Gulf Coast Big Band, which has been a staple in Naples since 1991. On March 21 – at 2 p.m. The Dixieland Jazz Band will be performing. On March 22 and 29 at 7 p.m. the Stardust Memories Big Band will be performing the timeless music of Count Basie and Best of Season by Request respectively.

The option for live theatre – TheatreZone – an equity theatre company which was founded in 2005. When you see that a company is an equity company that means they have access to professional actors that bring the best of their craft to Naples. Over the years TheatreZone has brought many of the lost treasures of Broadway to their stage; along with some of Broadway’s classic shows. During these unprecedented times they have continued to bring to Naples great entertainment – and March 4-14 they will present: “Those Were the Days”. This production takes the audience on a journey through the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s with hit songs from these decades; along with television theme song
medleys – how many will you remember?

As we slowly regain many of the art venues that we were used to in our community – let’s continue to support the arts that we love in the way that we can. For many the arts define a community and help to unite; so find a way to unite and enjoy the arts.

CLAUDIA POLZIN IS AN INDEPENDENT CONSULANT AND CAN BE REACHED THROUGH LIFE IN NAPLES