Curtain Rises on Upcoming Art Center Theatre Schedule

A passing of the torch on Marco’s theatrical scene is now official with the Arts Center Theatre’s announcement of its schedule of events for its 2022-2023 season, which will mark the group’s debut.

The schedule was previewed recently before a large and enthusiastic gathering at the Marco Island Center for the Arts, which has added the new program to its already extensive list of offerings for adults and children. The ACT will utilize the same Marco Town Center space formerly occupied by The Marco Players, which ceased operations in late February after more than 20 years of entertaining audiences under the leadership of Beverly Dahlstrom, the theater company’s executive-artistic director. 

“Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the newest business venture for the Marco Island Center for the Arts as we embark on our very theatrical journey,” Hyla Crane, the Art Center’s Executive Director, proclaimed to the assembled Island theater scene veterans, center board members, volunteers participants, and other Arts enthusiasts.

Major time constraints meant it took a herculean effort for that new “venture” to become a reality, she explained. Crane said the Center didn’t learn of Marco Players’ decision not to renew its Marco Town Center lease until mid-May. The Arts center officially became the new tenants on July 1, which required negotiations with Marco Town Center’s owner, Brixmor Property Group, to proceed at an accelerated pace. 

“This is something that’s happened at lightning speed,” she added, regarding the negotiations and creating a season of programming. “This is not something that we’ve had years to prepare for, or even months. But it’s just the beginning for us.”  

Crane then turned the microphone over to someone she described as being “instrumental” in making it all happen - Art Center board member and entertainment industry veteran Charlie Blum, who will chair the Art Center’s theater committee. 

During his more than 40 years as a concert promoter, talent buyer, theater executive, television producer and artist manager, the now semi-retired Blum has forged a stellar reputation as an entertainment industry executive, having worked with such luminaries as The Jacksons, Frank Sinatra, Christina Aguilera, Tom Petty, Liza Minelli, Dolly Parton, Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld. He spent the last 30 years of his career as CEO, talent buyer and president of the Star Plaza Theater, located outside Chicago.

“Thanks to the outstanding board leadership of Jim Richards and the outstanding efforts of Executive Director Hyla Crane, we’re extremely excited about not only expanding our mission to enhance the performing arts element that’s already in our organization, but also being able to attempt to ensure the survival of community theater on Marco Island,” said Blum. Not stepping in after the Marco Players’ decades of “wonderful performances,” would have been “sad news” for both theater enthusiasts and the entire community, he added. “So as they say in show business, ‘the show must go on.” 

The ACT’s inaugural season will consist of six plays: 

October 26 to November 13: “Apartment 3A,” written by noted stage and screen actor Jeff Daniels

November 30 to December 18: “The Fantasticks,” the 1960 smash Broadway musical that has continued to entertain audiences nationwide over the ensuing decades.

January 4 to January 22, 2023: Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.”

February 8 to February 26, 2023: Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite.”

March 15 to April 2, 2023: “Hollywood Arms,” by Carol Burnett and her daughter Carrie Hamilton. 

April 19 to May 7, 2023: “The Foreigner,” a 1984 comedy by Larry Shue that’s become a staple of professional and amateur theater.

Readers’ theater performances are also planned, starting August 7th with “Parade and Mr. Prince,” by Marco resident Mitch Eil. A special event is planned for August 13th - “Lyndy’s Magic Parlor,” a magical comedy show featuring Lyndy Phillips. Tickets for “Lyndy’s Magic Parlor” are on sale now at the Art Center website: www.marcoislandart.org. On August 14th, “An Evening of One Acts,” by Alex Costell, Leslie Sanderson and Maryann Clavin will take the stage. “The Swingset,” by Kristyn Estes is on August 21, 2022. 

Working cooperatively with other community institutions will be a focal point for the Act. 

Blum said community outreach will be a focal point for the ACT. Creating opportunities for internships and educational opportunities with the island’s schools on the island are being explored, including utilizing the expertise of Chris Dayett, the performing arts instructor at Marco Island Academy. In addition, discussions are underway with two other Marco theater groups, the Island Theater Company and the Sisbarro Acting Studio youth theater program, as well as the Naples Players and the Bonita Springs Arts Center. 

Exploring opportunities to collaborate with Marco businesses and local media outlets is also a priority, said Blum. 

“There’s so much more that we can do to be all-inclusive, and we love that,” he added. “But the ultimate partner in this effort is you. We invite you to join us on this journey and create lifetime memories on the stage and off the stage.” 

To learn more about the Arts Center Theatre, including actor auditions and purchasing tickets, stay tuned to marcoislandart.org – tickets for “Lyndy’s Magic Parlor” are on sale now! Marco Island Center for the Arts is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive. The phone number is 239-394-4221.