Players Circle kicks off new season
When you see all that has happened to the Players Circle Theater since it opened three years ago, it’s a marvel that it is still around.
From fire marshals delaying their opening, to the COVID pandemic and now Hurricane Ian, the theater has had an awful lot to deal with.
But it has survived the multiple storms, and Tuesday the theater located at the Shell factory started its new season with the first of four previews of “Murder at the Howard Johnson.”
The play officially opens on Saturday and runs until Nov. 20, and will be the first of six productions to be put on for the 2022-23 season.
Robert Cacioppo, artistic director, said the theater has a lot of new things planned for the season, such as offering discounts for the previews, which are $30 and not $50 for a regular show. There will also be four previews instead of three like in the past.
“This gives us a chance to grow and improve the show. The new openings are on Saturday night with champagne and music.
“We know the economy has been hard on people and we want to give more opportunities for people to see theater at a lower price,” Cacioppo said.
While they didn’t overcome the hurricane personally, as Cacioppo and hjs wife had two feet of water in their house, the theater actually fared well, all things considered.
It proved cathartic for them as they were able to use the theater for healing and distraction. Cacioppo hopes it will do the same to those who attend the shows.
“This is the kind of play that will give people laughs and I think everyone in Southwest Florida needs a good couple hundred laughs,” Cacioppo said.
Of course, Mondays bring the return of Danny Sinoff the resident musician, who will bring the songbooks of many of the all-time musical greats and a special holiday show on Dec. 19.
But this season will bring a heavy amount of theater as opposed to the comedy and revues they had in previous COVID years when the capacity was limited.
“We’ve had a lot of obstacles, but thanks to our supporters we continue to be here and we look forward to an uninterrupted season of great theater.” Cacioppo said. “God doesn’t give you things you can’t handle. We’re still here after all of that.”
Performances are Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 and Sunday at 2. Preview tickets are $30, general admission seats are $35 and VIP is $50. There are also numerous subscriptions and group sales options to choose from.
For more information, call 239-800-3292 or go to PlayersCircleTheater.com.
To reach CHUCK BALLARO, please email news@breezenewspapers.com