The “quieter” months begin in Naples. by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant

Claudia Polzin
Independent Consultant

A very busy “season” has come to a close – the roads are a little less congested, it’s easier to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant – but that also means that there are less artistic events to attend. But that also means that you can get creative and visit some places that we rarely go to and explore this city that you love.

Gulfshore Opera is offering two different events in May: May 15 at 2 p.m. at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church – Art Song plus French Mélodie. Come see some talented regional artists perform art songs, opera arias and a comic scene from a French operetta (Translations will be provided). May 22 – the Gulfshore Opera Divas – talented regional classically trained vocalists will bring you a Spring Celebration at the Club Pelican Bay – begins at 1 p.m. with a luscious served buffet and then you are entertained with a beautiful concert presented by four incredible young women.

The Naples Players and KidzAct will provide a lot to keep you occupied. On June 22 Something Rotten will open in the main hall.
This is a Renaissance romp with brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom; who are desperate to write a hit play but they are laboring in the shadow of a star “The Bard”. They are inspired to write something with music but they desperately need to get it finished. Enjoy the romp from June 22 through July 24. The theatre program for young people – KidzAct will open on July 1 with Dear Edwina Jr. – Edwina Spoonapple offers neighborhood advice via lively production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly “Advice-a-Palooza.”

In July KidzAct will also present Seussical Jr. July 29 through July 31 in the Tobye Studio Theatre. This production features your favorite Seuss characters – Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant all on location in the Jungle of Nool and the Circus McGurkus. The young people’s theatre programs will conclude for the summer with the teen version of Something Rotten August 5 – 7 in Blackburn Hall. Very fun to see the adult version first and then conclude the summer with the teen version of the same production.

During these challenging times we all need something to make us feel good – on July 3 at Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church – join James Cochran, Brice Gerlach and Michele Byrd for a patriotic concert celebrating our country and the troops that keep us safe. This patriotic concert will begin at 2 p.m. and guarantees to get your feet tapping and remind you of all that makes this country great.

It is time to explore Naples – and what better way to do that then on a tour presented by the Naples Historical Society – their
home – historic Palm Cottage houses archival history of this community we love. They offer not only tours of the Cottage but
walking tours of historic Naples. In May you can enjoy a buy one/get one special on house tours – May 7 – which is not only
Mother’s Day but the day that we celebrate Preservation Month; Memorial Day – May 22 and Father’s Day June 18. You can also enjoy this special for the walking tours of Historic Naples on June 15, July 20 and August 17.

Enjoy these quieter months in our beautiful city and explore – find time to watch our beautiful sunsets, find the history that makes us a special part of Florida, find a new art gallery, enjoy a new restaurant and reconnect with friends you have lost contact with.