Experience Holiday Season Magic at Marco Center for the Arts and Arts Center Theatre

The festivities will begin at the Arts Center Theatre, located in Marco Town Center, with the November 18 presentation of Gulf shore Ballet's "Highlights of The Nutcracker.” Under the direction of Artistic Directors Iliana Lopez and Franklin Gamero, Gulf shore Ballet brings the timeless magic of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic to life. This ballet, based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, centers around a family's Christmas Eve celebration. The traditional dances will be woven together with narration from special guest storytellers, creating a captivating experience for all ages. Gulf shore Ballet is Southwest Florida's premier not-for-profit school of Classical Ballet, known for its exceptional training that combines Cuban, American, and Russian techniques. This blend of styles brings a quality of excellence not normally found outside major metropolitan cities. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 18, 2023, when the house opens at 2:30 PM, and the curtain rises at 3:00 PM for Gulf shore Ballet's Highlights of “The Nutcracker."

 

Marco Island Center for the Arts’ beloved annual tradition, the Festival of Trees, will take place from November 28 to November 30, 2023, at the Arts Center. This festive event has become a cherished part of the Marco Island holiday season and a great fundraiser for the center's essential programs.

 

The Festival of Trees brings together creative individuals, businesses, groups, and organizations in a joyful celebration of art and community spirit. Founded in 2014 by dedicated Marco Island volunteer and art supporter, Mr. Dave Rice, the Festival of Trees has grown to become a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike.

 

To participate, tree decorators must submit their application no later than 4:00 PM on November 21. Applications can be found on the Art Center’s website. Fully decorated trees are delivered to the Art Center on November 27. There are a limited number of spaces available, so early registration is recommended. The silent auction for the trees takes place fromNovember28-November 30.

 

Tree decorators have the unique opportunity to not only display their creative talents but also contribute to a worthy cause. Each decorator will receive 50% of the net proceeds from the sale of their tree, while the other 50% will benefit the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Alternatively, decorators can choose to donate 100% of the proceeds to support the Art Center and the Arts Center Theatre.

 

Visitors to the Festival of Trees will have the opportunity to bid at this silent auction and to vote for their favorite tree with the People's Choice Award to be announced on December 1, 2023.

Marco Island Center for the Arts Presents The Fort Myers Theatre production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” at Arts Center Theatre

The Fort Myers Theatre production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” will arrive at the Arts Center Theatre from December 13 to December 17. This heartwarming musical adaptation based on the beloved, timeless film is a classic with 17 Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. The perfect show for the entire family, this merry and bright musical is not to be missed.

For tickets to performances at Arts Center Theatre, or more information, registration forms, and updates on the 10th Annual Festival of Trees, please visit www.marcoislandart.org or call the Marco Island Center for the Arts at 239-394-4221. Come celebrate the holidays and support the arts on Marco Island.