The Curtain Rises for The Naples Players

So many things are changing around us at this time of year that it’s hard to keep up, so I’ll pick out my favorites each week. Right now, I have to talk about The Naples Players (TNP), and the first opening (not the grand opening, which comes later after all the construction is complete) that I attended. I didn’t know what to expect, and I knew it wasn’t finished, but I never expected such a huge welcoming on the second day of the play 42 Street, even though the theater was still working to complete the final construction of their new Playhouse!! They named the evening “TNT BACKSTAGE.” I was overwhelmed at this time of year to see so many people attending, but they handled the crowd with ease and happiness. I’ve been buying season tickets for many years (back when it was still a movie theater next to a grocery store!), so I had no idea how they could convert my tickets to the same type of seats I buy each year because they added more seating, more walls and doors and levels, BUT THEY DID!!! I was overwhelmed with their progress and excitement. And the play was so wonderful and fun, with over 60 actors and an orchestra playing the music from  beneath the stage. No one left before the end, even though the play lasted longer than many, but  it was so marvelous, NO ONE  COULD  LEAVE!! Did I mention that all of these actors donate their time even though they work so many hours and days? NOW THAT’S DEDICATION! There were young people who are still in school in the play as well, whose parents sat there watching over them and encouraging them and driving to and from the playhouse. It’s inspiring to watch them enjoy the theater. And when I talk about volunteers, I’d like to mention a 93-year-old ‘girlfriend’ who volunteers a volume of her time to the theater plus cleans her own home and drives people to appointments when she has the time. You know her, I’m sure… everyone knows Hildegard. I’m proud to call her “friend”! Quick, while you can, call the theater during the day or in the evening and get your tickets! You’ll be glad you did. The Naples Players, Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5^th Avenue South.

A new restaurant opened in East Naples called Mela’s Café at 4392 Thomasson Dr. It’s a sit-down inside restaurant owned by a family who are new to this area. A bunch of us went to try them out and found the food was good and reasonable. We all agreed the restaurant  had good food and was friendly and courteous.