NAPLES (Jan. 5) — After the final curtain call, audiences at TheatreZone musicals can now settle back in their seats for a talkback, an opportunity to meet and converse with the show’s cast and directors for candid and casual conversations. The Naples theatre company’s “Thursday Talkbacks” are scheduled post-show on the second Thursday of each musical’s schedule, beginning with the Thursday, Jan. 19 production of A Little Night Music.
TheatreZone’s musicals are staged at the G&L Theatre located at 13275 Livingston Road in Naples, between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach Roads on the campus of the Community School of Naples.
“Talkbacks are a treat for both the audience and the cast to engage in a lively Q&A about characters and storylines,” said Mark Danni, founding artistic director of TheatreZone. “For audiences, they offer a personal experience and a deepened appreciation and understanding of the creative process,” he continued.
Talkbacks are growing in popularity in the theatre world. At TheatreZone, audiences can learn about the inspirations for characters, musical scores, stage direction, and any broader issues arising from the show’s time and place. Danni, who will moderate the talkbacks, said, “There are no restrictions on what audience members can ask. We encourage open dialogue.”
TheatreZone’s four 2023 musical productions, directed by Danni, are set in eras spanning the 20th Century from the early 1900s through the 1980s. Musical scores range from waltz tempos (A Little Night Music) to driving rock ‘n roll rhythms (Rock of Ages), with choreography by Karen Danni.
TheatreZone’s 2023 season is themed “Romantics & Rockers” to express the love stories and accompanying scores of each musical.
“Thursday Talkbacks” are offered at no additional charge and tickets are not required. Audiences can relax after the show and enjoy the talkback with complimentary refreshments.
Thursday Talkbacks Lineup
Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music
Thursday Talkback: January 19
A Little Night Music is a story of romance and regret set in early 20th century Sweden and is based on Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night. The production features Sondheim’s best-known song, the haunting “Send in the Clowns.” Show performances are January 12-15 and January 19-22 at 7:30 p.m., with 2:00 p.m. matinees on January 14 and 15 and January 21 and 22.
Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville
Thursday Talkback: February 16
“Parrotheads” can Escape to Margaritaville in February with the heartwarming musical featuring Jimmy Buffett songs including “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “Margaritaville.” The 2018 musical is set in a rundown hotel on a Caribbean island and follows the characters over a three-year time span, ending with a sweet and satisfying finale. Ten shows are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. February 9-11 and February 16-19, with 2:00 p.m. matinees on February 11 and 12 and February 18 and 19.
Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl
Thursday Talkback: March 16
True love blossoms and the story ends happily when the curtain falls on
Neil Simon’s 1993 Broadway adaptation of The Goodbye Girl. The Broadway production, featuring music by Marvin Hamlisch, received Tony Award nominations for best musical, best actress in a musical and best actor in a musical. The comedy adventure takes place at 7:30 p.m. March 9-12 and March 16-19 with matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. March 11 and 12 and March 18 and 19.
Rock of Ages
Thursday Talkback: May 4
TheatreZone’s season concludes with Rock of Ages, an eighties classic featuring star-crossed lovers and their youthful dramas in Hollywood’s Sunset Strip. Famous glam metal bands including Whitesnake, Journey, Bon Jovi, REO Speedwagon, and Jefferson Starship are celebrated with their top hits. Show performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. April 27-30 and May 4-7 with matinees at 2:00 p.m. April 29 and 30 and May 7.
TheatreZone, celebrating its 18th season in 2022-2023, stages its musical productions in the 250-seat G&L Theatre conveniently located in Naples at 13275 Livingston Road, between Pine Ridge and Vanderbilt Beach Roads, in a dedicated building nestled within the campus of the Community School of Naples.
TheatreZone’s contract with the Actors’ Equity Association ensures access to the best actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and stage management professionals from throughout the country. The nonprofit, 501(c)(3) was established in 2005 by Mark Danni and Karen Molnar Danni, who have both enjoyed successful careers on Broadway and Off-Broadway.
TheatreZone is located at 13275 Livingston Road, Naples. For the lineup of shows and concerts and to book tickets, visit www.Theatre.Zone or call the box office at 888-966-3352, ext. 1.
