Theater-Music- Big Band and Pop by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant

March is an interesting transitional month for many. Weather is unpredictable in many parts of the country; and our
snowbirds are trying to decide if they want to brave the possibility of snow back in the north or stay here and enjoy the warmth and the sun and sand. Hmmmm – for those of us that live here year round there is no question – we are happy to enjoy the sun and sand in southwest Florida.

The theatre world in our part of Paradise is very busy –TheatreZone opens on March 5 with Buddy – The Buddy Holley Story. This production celebrates his youthful energy, creativity and legacy of a rock-n-roll icon who changed popular music and is credited with ushering in the rock-n-roll era. The production follows Holley’s meteoric rise to fame and his groundbreaking career and his final performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. This production will continue through March 15.

Our own Naples Players has a very busy schedule the month of March – the 7th is Improv March Madness where the
audience gets to enjoy all of the fun and games and comes away winning an exciting evening of improv. In addition, on March 7 and 8 in the Brallahan space – Reader’s Theatre will be presenting a play that tells the story of Sharon. She is recently divorced and lives in Iowa and invites Robyn who is relocating from New York City to be her roommate. Enjoy the process as these two get to know each other and themselves.

The full scale production in March for the Naples Players opens on March 11 and runs through April 12 – the iconic 9 to 5. Celebrate this iconic musical which celebrates friendship and resilience and proves the power of standing up for what is right – themes that run true at all times.

The city of Naples has a busy schedule of bands and productions. With the wealth of big bands we have in Naples –
they have a very busy month – every weekend you can enjoy a performance in Cambier Park.

March 1- Dixieland Jazz Band at 2;
March 2 & 16 – Stardust Memories Big Band;
March 8 & 15 – Naples Big Band and
March 29 the Gulf Coast Big Band. We recommend that you make a day of it and enjoy the music and either have dinner before or after the concert. Many of these bands support educational programs for our area students.

One of the possibly lesser-known venues in Naples is the Norris Center – adjacent to Cambier Park – and they have a very full month of productions. March 13 – the Girls of Motown return with music you know and love.

Since March is known for Irish celebrations – March 14 –“Shamrocks and Spumoni” will be presented and celebrates the Irish and Italian – so enjoy the Luck of Irish and the Romance of Italy.

March 19 & 20 – one of the iconic voices of our times is presented in a solo show – Erma Bombeck – At Wit’s End – she asks the age-old question – “If Life is a bowl of Cherries – what am I doing in the Pits?”.

If the 1960’s was one of your favorite musical eras then get to the Norris Center on March 27 and enjoy the variety of music of that time with Jimmy Mazz – remember Browned Eyed Girl, Runaround Sue, The Wanderer, You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin’ and many more.

The end of March brings a unique opportunity – the American Opera presented in concert form by Gulfshore Opera – Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess. This iconic and beloved American classic will be presented featuring three Metropolitan Opera artists in the principal roles – don’t miss this extraordinary production.

Enjoy all that Naples has to offer as we near the end of season.