From candlelit Taylor Swift concerts to the debut of Gulfshore Ballet, these are the shows you won't want to miss.
The Thriller Adaptation: Misery
Oct. 20 — Nov. 12 at The Laboratory Theater of Florida
Adapted from a fan-favorite Stephen King book, the production represents the harrowing tale’s regional premiere on the stage. Director Nykkie Rizley’s background in horror and thrillers promises to keep guests on the edge of their seats.
The Classical Rendition: Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Nov. 2 & 3, Dec. 5 at Music & Arts Community Center
The Candlelight series has bewitched audiences worldwide with its symphony concerts set to thousands of flameless flickering candles. Gulf Coast Symphony brings the concert to Fort Myers several times this season, but our money’s on the shows with music from Taylor Swift, whose The Eras Tour is on track to be the highest-grossing tour of all time.
The Conversation Piece: The Mountaintop
Dec. 12 — Jan. 14 at Florida Repertory Theatre
A powerful look inside one of the most influential figures in U.S. history, the play explores a fictional conversation between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a hotel maid the night before his assassination. Director Ansley Valentine leads the show that has viewers reflecting on their personal legacies.
The Master Cellist: Yo-Yo Ma
Jan. 7 at Artis—Naples
The world-renowned musician has captivated audiences for more than 50 years. In this evening at Hayes Hall, the composer engages in conversation with moderator Jeffrey Brown about the artist’s life and the role culture plays in promoting the core values of truth, trust and service, with musical interludes throughout.
The Operatic Sound: 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert With Michael Fabiano
Feb. 9 at Moorings Presbyterian Church
Gulfshore Opera hosts the hot-in-demand tenor to commemorate the company’s decade of bringing accessible and diverse opera music to the region. Hear passionate arias sung by Michael Fabiano and other GO artists, with piano accompaniment.
The Spanish Flair: Barcelona Flamenco Ballet
Mar. 7 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Having performed in more than 40 countries worldwide, the dance company showcases the beauty of flamenco and introduces Catalan culture to the masses through classic and contemporary interpretations of the Spanish dance set to classical, jazz and traditional musical styles.
The Fairytale Sequence: Sleeping Beauty
Mar. 7 at Wang Opera Center (Tentative); Apr. 20 at Tribby Arts Center; May 11 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
Gulfshore Ballet’s first season with its professional ballet company—the first of its kind in Southwest Florida—brings magic to the stage through the timeless tale of a cursed princess as she comes of age and claims her birthright. Gulf Coast Symphony accompanies the dancers for the Barbara B. Mann performance.
The Romantic Musical: She Loves Me
Mar. 21 — Apr. 21 at Gulfshore Playhouse
This charming show transports viewers to 1930s Europe where rival coworkers fall in love as anonymous penpals. Gulfshore Playhouse director Kristen Coury says the production is the largest the theater has ever done, marking a beautiful sendoff to nearly 20 years at the Norris Center before the organization moves to the Baker Theatre and Education Center next fall.