TheatreZone revamps 2020 season productions

TheatreZone in Naples has announced its 2020-21 Showstopper Series as part of its Sweet 16 season.
“Since ending our season in mid-March due to the pandemic, we have spent each day monitoring the evolving situation, interpreting new information and adapting accordingly,” said founding artistic director Mark Danni.
“Finding a way to reopen TheatreZone during a pandemic of a respiratory virus is not easy for an industry with unique challenges, such as the reliance on social gatherings, physical proximity, and speaking loudly,” said Danni. “However, we are proud to have created innovative ways to safely and responsibly present live entertainment this season. We are so excited to welcome audiences back to the theatre in person, and we look forward to offering the great experiences we’re known for, just in a few different ways this year.”
TheatreZone’s originally scheduled Season 16 productions, which include Home for the Holidays, I Love My Wife, Bright Star, Camelot and The Bridges of Madison County will now be presented during the 2021-22 season.
In place of the Broadway series, TheatreZone will present an exciting, entertaining series of five themed concerts.
The Showstopper Series of concerts includes Merry Manilow (Dec. 11 – 13); Bravo Broadway! (Jan. 7 – 17); At The Movies (Feb. 4 – 14); Those Were the Days (March 4 – 14); and The Best of Bacharach (April 15 – 25).
In order to ensure the safety of patrons, cast members, musicians and staff in all areas, TheatreZone’s Showstopper Series will feature 75- to 90-minute, themed concerts with professional, live music and choreography.
“We are moving ahead in the spirit of collaboration and determination,” said Danni, “putting the health and safety of our patrons, performers and all team members first.”
TheatreZone’s first Showstopper Series event, Merry Manilow, will feature holiday favorites and chart-topping hit songs from legendary performer Barry Manilow. With special guest Mark Danni on drums, the concert will include songs from Manilow’s holiday albums, as well as hits from throughout his 50 plus-year career.
“Barry Manilow has been one of the biggest entertaining influences for both Karen (Danni) and I since we saw him live on Broadway in 1989,” said Danni. “Audiences who appreciate his talent will enjoy this evening of his holiday favorites, romantic ballads and heartfelt music.”
Bravo Broadway!, the second event of the Showstopper Series to be presented Jan. 7-17, will feature Broadway’s classic hits from throughout its many decades, in addition to songs from the 2000’s.
From Feb. 4 to 14, TheatreZone will present At The Movies. Audiences will take a trip through the many hit songs from their favorite movies throughout history. This concert event will include hit songs such as the Academy Award-winning “The Way We Were” from the 1973 romantic drama, “Moon River” from the romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and “Arthur’s Theme” from the comedy Arthur, as well as some disco hits from the 1977 American dance drama Saturday Night Fever.
The fourth Showstopper Series event, Those Were the Days, will be presented March 4 – 14. This fun show takes the audience on a journey through the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The talented cast will not only perform hit songs through the decades, but also an entertaining television theme show medley for an unforgettable evening of fun.
The Best of Bacharach, the fifth and final event of the Showstopper Series, will be held April 15 – 25. This show will take audiences back to this legendary composer’s most prolific time, the 1960s and ‘70s, when music was a common thread that kept everyone sane.
“One of the reasons we chose to bring Burt Bacharach’s music to our audiences with this show is because of the nostalgia we feel when we hear these songs and they put smiles on all our faces,“ said Danni.
TheatreZone’s audiences will be limited to a maximum of 108 patrons per performance, and masks will be required throughout the duration of each performance.
For individual show times, visit online at www.theatre.zone or call the box office at 888-966-3352 x1.
TheatreZone is located at 13274 Livingston Road, at the 250-seat G&L Theatre on the Community School of Naples campus.