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How are you going to spend

your extra day?

by Claudia Polzin, Independent Consultant
024 is a leap year – which means The City of Naples continues with a robust schedule of concerts
that in February you have an in Cambier Park – beginning on February 4 with the Naples
2extra day. This adjustment of Concert Band at 2 p.m.; February 5 the Stardust Memories Big
an additional day is done to align our Band at 7 p.m.; February 11 the Dixieland Jazz Band at 2p.m.;
calendar with the earth’s orbit around the February 12 – Naples Big Band at 7 p.m.; February 18 the Gulf
sun. This was established in the year 45 Coast Big Band at 2 p.m. and on February 19 the Stardust
BCE by Julius Caesar. These rules say that Memories Band at 7 p.m. On February 9 – there is a different event
a leap year is any year divisible by 4 but if at 7 p.m. in Cambier Park – there will be a concert featuring the
it is a century year, like 1900 and 2000, it Girls of Motown.
th
must also be divisible by 400 to qualify as a leap year. Gulfshore Opera’s 10 Anniversary season will feature a special
So how are you going to spend your extra day in 2024? concert by tenor Michael Fabiano. This concert will be held on
During the month of February, The Naples Players will be February 9 at Moorings Presbyterian Church. During its inaugural
presenting the classic “The Fantasticks” through February 11 – the year Fabiano presented a concert to help launch this exciting opera
play was extended due to its popularity. Opening on company and he returns to assist in celebrating a successful ten years.
February 14, The Naples Players will feature Laugh, Cry, He is known for his power and passion and is a featured artist at
Pee, Repeat! written by local playwrights Patti Caroli, Carole the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Covent Garden, and
Fenstermacher and Natalie King. This comedy delves into the Wiener Staatsoper.
essence of womanhood, aging, and the experiences in between. Gulfshore Opera continues with its touring chamber opera
It portrays the truth as it is, as it was, and as it should be. on February 25 – presenting Elixir of Love at the Jewish Cultural
Remember that The Naples Players productions are all being Center in Naples. As the only touring opera company in the state of
presented at the Naples United Church of Christ during the Florida – this opera will be presented in Charlotte, Lee and Collier
construction at the Sugden Playhouse. Counties. Donizetti's delightful comedy follows the story of a wide-
The premiere musical theatre in Naples, TheatreZone, will eyed young man from the countryside who falls for the mayor's
be presenting Million Dollar Quartet opening on February 8 and daughter. Transported to a small farming town in the Old West,
playing through February 18. This production tells the story of this adaptation portrays the naïve Nemorino, convinced that a love
a night in December 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis when potion will secure Adina's affection. Witness his transformation from
Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley a timid cowboy to a determined entrepreneur as he not only wins his
found themselves together for one of the greatest jam sessions true love’s heart but also embraces the American dream throughout
ever – occurring at the studio that launched their careers. This this charming opera buffa.
musical brings to life the tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayals Enjoy the month of February and think carefully about
and celebrations. You will hear the following hits: Blue Suede Shoes, how you want to spend your extra day this year.
Fever, Walk the Line, Great Balls of Fire, Folsom Prison and many
more.
38 Life in Naples | February 2024