Charlotte Players offer wide variety in March

Emily Dickinson called March “the month of expectation,” and expectations are high as Charlotte Players fills the month with some powerful, exciting entertainment.
The shows begin on March 5, when the brilliant jazz vocalist Kitt Moran presents “Johnny Mercer: An Intimate Portrait,” with husband Mike Moran’s quintet, at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda. The one-night-only show starts at 7:30 p.m.
To anyone familiar with popular music over the past 70 years, Johnny Mercer needs no introduction. A lyricist and composer, he wrote and performed many of the most popular hits of his time, including “Moon River,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Autumn Leaves,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Satin Doll” and more. He wrote the lyrics to more than 1,500 songs, including compositions for movies and Broadway shows. He received 19 Oscar nominations and won four Best Original Song Oscars. The Charlotte Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of Charlotte High School at 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda.
Next up in March is a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the iconic pop band that enjoyed international success in the 1960s and 1970s and reclaimed the spotlight with the 2006 Tony Award-winning play Jersey Boys. The Players show, “Let’s Hang On!” honors both the group and the play with 10 seasoned entertainers who take audiences on a musical journey through the career of one of the most successful bands of all time. The show is set for 7:30 p.m. on March 10 at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center.
Add Neil Simon to the list of big names represented in Charlotte Players productions in March. Neil Simon’s Proposals opens on March 12 for 15 performances at the Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. Proposals, a comedy-drama, is Simon’s 30th play, following the likes of Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple, The Sunshine Boys and many more.
This classic delightfully recalls the last time the Hines family gathered in the summer of 1953 in the Poconos. Burt Hines is convalescing from a second heart attack and eagerly awaits the arrival of the ex-wife he still loves. Daughter Josie has just broken her engagement. Clemma, the black housekeeper at the center of the action, casts an astute eye on the complications while faced with her own unresolved past.
Bill Olson is the executive producer, with Jesse Reter-Choate directing.
The Charlotte Players’ March calendar concludes with a return engagement by Denise Fennell as “Sister” in Sister’s Easter Catechism on March 19 at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. Celebrate the Easter season with Sister as she answers timeworn questions like “Why isn’t Easter the same day every year?” and “Will my bunny go to heaven?”
Part pageant and wHOLY hysterical, this latest Late Nite Catechism show unearths the origins of Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter bonnets, Easter baskets, and of course those yummy Easter Peeps. Sister answers questions about pet heaven and those adorable baby chicks. Classroom participation is a must, so don’t forget to wear your Easter bonnet and join Sister for this seasonal treat.
Tickets for all of these shows are available at www.charlotteplayers.org or by calling 941-255-1022.