By: Gillian Birch
TheatreZone is based at the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus on Livingston Road in Naples, Florida. This Professional Equity theatre brings a selection of high-quality performances to Naples’ residents and visitors. Every performance includes live musicians for a thoroughly enjoyable and professional live theater experience.
History of Naples’ TheatreZone
TheatreZone was founded as a non-profit corporation in 2005 by New York director and musician Mark Danni and his wife, Karen Molnar who is an actress and choreographer. The theater opened with a rework of the Jerry Herman musical Mack and Mabel which was an instant success. Proving its diversity and quality, TheatreZone’s second season included the play Miracle in Rwanda, based on a true story about a woman who survived the genocide by hiding in a restroom for 91 days. It was the World Premiere of the play, which went on to New York City and then to Edinburgh, Scotland later in 2007.
Once the theater had secured a contract with the Actors’ Equity Association, it gained the reputation and respect it needed to attract top quality talent both onstage and behind the scenes. The theater also provides opportunities for students in Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music and the Arts to gain experience and be part of a professional show on that university’s campus each other year.
Photo courtesy TheatreZone
Artistic Director Mark Danni continues to use his reputation and contacts to attract several nationally-known celebrities to the theater, including Anna McArdle (the original Annie) and Georgia Engel (Georgette on the Mary Tyler Moore Show).
Photo courtesy Community School of Naples
The theater is a modern circular building with a pointed roof on the campus of the Community School of Naples. It is easy to reach from I-75, exit 107. Due to damage from Hurricane Irma, the beautiful theater building has recently had necessary repairs and upgrades including a new stage, carpet, and seats.
Diverse Entertainment at TheatreZone Naples
Over the last decade, TheatreZone has delighted thousands of theater-goers with a lively program of “Lost Treasures of Broadway”. It has showcased many popular performances since including Me and My Girl. Other popular entertainment at TheatreZone includes Jan & Dean’s Beach Party, The Secret Garden, the award-winning comedy Baby and concerts by tribute bands including The Mersey Beatles in Concert and Barry Manilow’s Copacabana.
Photo courtesy TheatreZone
Photo courtesy TheatreZone
Photo courtesy Jan and Dean’s Beach Party
One of the most popular events is the Cabaret Series which includes a presentation of Broadway show tunes and performances by TheatreZone actors along with refreshments. This informal time includes the chance to meet-and-greet some of TheatreZone’s performers and actors. These events take place once a month on Wednesday mornings and start with breakfast items and drinks from 10:30 a.m. before the show starts at 11 a.m. This off-zone series by TheatreZone takes place at the Moorings Park auditorium. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours at TheatreZone
The cozy 250-seat auditorium creates an intimacy between stage and audience and offers good views from every seat in the house. Visitors can also book a Behind-the-Scenes Tour which includes a history of TheatreZone and a walk through the dressing rooms and backstage areas of the theater. Led by Founder and Artistic Director Mark Danni and Managing Director Karen Molnar Danni, this small group tour lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets can be booked online or direct from the TheatreZone Box Office (888-966-3352).
TheatreZone continues its success with a lively program for the forthcoming season. Why not check out the program and book your tickets online here!