NEW YEAR NEW ENTERTAINMENT by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant

The start of a new year – time to explore the world of entertainment in Naples. As you probably already know, there is great variety in what is available and something for everyone’s preferences.

Opening on January 9 at TheatreZone –Naples’ Actor’s Equity Theatre – is Once – this 2012 Tony Award winning musical, is based on the movie by the same name. This musical tells a story of heartbreak, a passion for music, intimacy, and wonder. The story is set in Ireland and features a cast who are also the show’s musicians. The main plot follows a relationship between Guy, who is a street performer, and Girl who encourages Guy when he wants to give up on music. This production runs through January 19 at the home of TheatreZone on the campus of Community School.

The Sugden will open The Play that Goes Wrong on January 15 and will close on February 16. This play is part Monty Python, part Sherlock Holmes. This award winning comedy is a global phenomenon guaranteed to leave you laughing. In the play, you are invited to opening night of Cornley University Drama Society’s newest production The Murder at Haversham Manor. From an unconscious leading lady to a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines) things quickly go from bad to utterly disastrous, but, somehow, they manage to make it through to the final curtain call.

Remember that Naples has something for everyone – including Bluegrass. On January 3 at 7 p.m. at the Norris Center Clay Hess’ Bluegrass Allstars will present an evening featuring incredible “pickers”. Hess is considered one of the elite flat pick guitarists. The group also includes Jon Garon – finger picking specialist and Dr. John Wheat, a 16 time Indiana and Kentucky State Banjo Champion.

On January 9 an array of music featuring the legendary ladies of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Who was your favorite from those years? January 10 direct from Caesar’s Palace, MGM and the Golden Nugget – this show features Jimmy Mazz with his fantastic impressions and comedy. January 14 and the 28 is a satirical roasting of all things Florida in song and sketch comedy A Cracker at the Ritz has become a yearly favorite. January 18 is Around the World in 90 Minutes with the Carl Granieri Trio.

But let us not forget all of the band shows in Cambier Park and River Park:

January 6 at 7 p.m. – Naples Big Band
January 11 at 2 p.m. – River Park Naples Jazz Society
January 19 at 2 p.m. – Gulf Coast Big Band
January 26 at 2 p.m. – Naples Concert Band
January 27 at 7 p.m. – Stardust Memories Big Band

On January 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. you won’t want to miss a unique opportunity – Nash to Naples songwriters Night. This marks the fourth year that songwriters from Nashville come to Naples to tell stories and play hit songs all for a very worthy cause. The program raises funds to support a children’s home and school in Ecuador and Habitat for Humanity in Collier.

Enjoy the beginning of a New Year and celebrate all that we are privileged to enjoy in this beautiful part of America that we live in.