Fort Myers boasts a lively arts community
Beaches and fiery sunsets are not the only jewels in Fort Myers’ treasure chest.
The arts and theatrical community is robust and thriving along the Caloosahatchee River.
The city of Fort Myers boasts a palette of fine arts galleries, theaters and programs to entertain, enlighten, provoke and educate people of all tastes and interests.
The Alliance for the Arts is the seat of the arts world. The officially designated center for Lee County’s arts features an array of venues, services and events.
Theater enthusiasts can get tickets to a night out at the 150-seat Claiborne and Ned Foulds Theater presenting more than 100 theatrical performances a year. Check out the upcoming film series or Theatre Conspiracy’s schedule.
Bill Taylor, producing artistic director for Theater Conspiracy — a theater company that rents space from the Alliance — said they have a great season planned. Their schedule includes three comedies this year.
“Comedy is something people want,” Taylor said.
The Alliance offers a wide variety of art classes and workshops as well. They also host numerous fine arts shows in their three art galleries. For more information, call (239) 939-2787 or go to their web site at www.artinlee.org.
They are located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.
After a long relaxing morning and afternoon at the beach, going out for an evening of dinner and theater can be a great way to cap off the day.
Theater Conspiracy, The Florida Repertory Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Fort Myers, the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall are the main venues for enjoying top performances.
The Florida Rep is housed in the historic Arcade Theater in downtown Fort Myers.
Built in 1908 it displays the charm of early Florida. This is the same theater that famous Fort Myers resident Thomas Edison saw films with friends Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone.
Florida Rep is a not-for-profit theatre group led by Producing Artistic Director Robert Cacioppo.
Engaging, sidesplitting and thought-provoking performances go on during the seasonal months. For a complete schedule call the Box Office at 239-332-4488 or go to www.floridarep.org.
The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre draws more than 170,000 guests a year. The theater includes an additional 90-seat “black-box” theater called The Off Broadway Palm Theatre, and two banquet facilities — Café Cabaret and The Art Café. The theater seats 448 guests. Call the box office at 239-278-4422 or visit online at www.broadwaypalm.com. The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is located at 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is the go-to place for top Broadway shows. Last year the theater seemed to shake as crowds applauded the Broadway performers in the timeless “Fiddler on the Roof” and the dazzling “Wicked.” For more information, call 481-4849, or go to bbmannpah.com. Performances run through season.
HOWL Gallery/Tattoo is located between Hotel Indigo and Starbucks in the Historic Downtown Fort Myers River District.
For a night of inspirational and perhaps even eyebrow raising art check out local talented works at downtown Fort Myers art galleries. Every first Friday of the month, the local galleries host an Art Walk. Gallery owners open their doors to show off new exhibits and pieces. Some such as Howl Gallery feature innovative and novel pieces.
HOWL Gallery/Tattoo on Fort Myers is a custom tattoo studio and contemporary art gallery located in downtown Fort Myers. Aside from being a custom tattoo studio the gallery also features a large selection of fine art prints, posters, art books, designer art toys, graphic novels, comics, art books and more. For more information, call (239) 332-0161.