![\"Players](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184628_390_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\nThis week, one show opens, four shows close, five continue their runs and there are three limited engagements at Southwest Florida equity and community theaters.<\/p>\n
OPENING<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Courtesy of Players Circle Theatre<\/p>\n
\/<\/p>\n
Players Circle Theatre<\/p>\n
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, our favorite fairy tales collide in a musical about what happens after wishes come true.<\/p>\n
\u201cInto the Woods: A Student Production\u201d [Players Circle Theatre]: With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, favorite fairy tales (including “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel” and “Cinderella”) collide in a musical about what happens after wishes come true. The storybook characters are tied together by a story involving a baker and his wife who remain childless due to a curse placed on them by a witch, who gives them three tasks to complete in order for her to remove the spell. The musical won several Tony Awards in 1987, including Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a Musical. Opens Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 3 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239-800-3292 or visit https:\/\/playerscircletheater.com\/series\/into-the-woods\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS<\/p>\n WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n Forgotten Broadway will perform in Florida Studio Theatre’s Bowne’s Lab. <\/p>\n \u201cForgotten Broadway\u201d [Bowen\u2019s Lab at Florida Studio Theatre]: \u201cForgotten Broadway\u201d is a completely improvised musical comedy revue in which the performers, using audience suggestions, create original characters, songs and Broadway-style productions entirely on the spot. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on July 31 and August 1 in Bowne\u2019s Lab. Tickets for performances and workshops are available at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or by calling (941) 366-9000.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Arts Center Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Patricia Mills, Marco Island Center for the Arts<\/p>\n Roald Dahl’s ‘Willy Wonka KIDS’ is part of the Arts Center Theatre Children’s Summer Program.<\/p>\n \u201cRoald Dahl\u2019s Willy Wonka KIDS\u201d [Arts Center Theatre]: This delightful musical brings Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life through unforgettable songs, colorful characters, and plenty of magical surprises. Audiences of all ages will follow Charlie Bucket on his extraordinary journey through Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory, where imagination reigns and anything is possible. Part of the Arts Center Theatre Children’s Summer Program, Director Jodi Palmieri notes, \u201cTo say [our young performers] have ‘high energy’ would be an understatement\u2014it is more like managing a room full of bouncy balls powered by pure imagination, giggles, and enough smiles to light up the theater. It is clear that their energy and talent knows no bounds.\u201d Two shows on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. For tickets, telephone 239-784-1186 or visit www.marcoislandart.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Fort Myers Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Fort Myers Theatre <\/p>\n ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’ is a stage adaptation of Rick Riordan\u2019s novel with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Lightning Thief\u201d [Fort Myers Theatre]: \u201cThe Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical\u201d is a stage adaptation of Rick Riordan\u2019s novel with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz, who was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his work. Performances are Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 1 p.m. For tickets, visit https:\/\/ftmyerstheatre.com\/#smtx-click<\/a> or telephone 239-323-6570.<\/p>\n CLOSING<\/p>\n Courtesy of Theatre Conspiracy<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Theatre Conspiracy website <\/p>\n Theatre Conspiracy’s production of ‘Dancing Lessons’ enters its final weekend of performances in the Off Broadway Palm.<\/p>\n \u201cDancing Lessons\u201d [Theatre Conspiracy in the Off Broadway Palm]: A socially awkward professor needs to learn how to dance. A Broadway dancer recovering from an injury needs the work. What could possibly go wrong? \u201cDancing Lessons\u201d is a smart, funny play about two people who could not be more different, trying to meet somewhere in the middle. What starts as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something neither of them expected. It is funny, heartfelt, and full of moments that will have you laughing one minute and completely caught up in their story the next. For more, read\/hear: \u201c\u2019Dancing Lessons\u2019 enlightens as it entertains.\u201d<\/a> This week\u2019s performances are Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit https:\/\/www.tix.com\/ticket-sales\/theatreconspiracy\/7728<\/a>.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Florida Studio Theatre website<\/p>\n ‘Dog Mom’ closes at Florida Studio Theatre with Sunday’s 2 p.m. matinee.<\/p>\n \u201cDog Mom\u201d [Keating Theatre at Florida Studio Theatre]: Liz is a tough-as-nails New Yorker with a life falling apart faster than her morning bagel. When a scruffy stray dog shows up on her stoop, Liz \u2013 the least \u201cdog person\u201d on the planet \u2013 reluctantly agrees to foster it. This temporary inconvenience quickly turns into a heartwarming and hilarious journey of self-discovery and unlikely friendships. Who says you can\u2019t teach an old dog new tricks? For more, read\/hear \u201cFlorida Studio Theatre\u2019s new comedy \u2018Dog Mom\u2019 explores connection and the transformative bond between people and their pets.\u201d<\/a> This week\u2019s performances are Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit https:\/\/www.floridastudiotheatre.org\/events-and-tickets\/2026-summer-mainstage-series\/dog-mom or telephone 941-366-9000<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHadestown Teen Edition\u201d [The Sarasota Players]: A haunting and powerful musical by Ana\u00efs Mitchell that re-imagines two ancient Greek myths, the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice and the troubled marriage of Hades and Persephone. Set in a gritty, industrial underworld with a New Orleans\u2013inspired folk and jazz score, the show blends mythology with a modern, Depression-era aesthetic. At its core, “Hadestown” is a story about love, hope, doubt, and the cost of following your heart. When Eurydice is drawn into the underworld by Hades, Orpheus ventures below to rescue her, armed only with his music and his unwavering belief in love. As the story unfolds, the musical asks timeless questions about trust, sacrifice, power, and whether hope can endure in even the darkest of times. With its soulful score, poetic storytelling, and striking visual world, “Hadestown” is both intimate and epic, a retelling of a very old story that feels urgently relevant today. This week\u2019s performances are Tuesday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-365-2494 or visit https:\/\/purchase.theplayers.org\/EventAvailability?EventId=12001&ref=bookNow&scroll=timeAndDates<\/a>.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Asolo Repertory Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Asolo Repertory Theatre<\/p>\n ‘The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition’ closes Sunday, Aug. 2, at Asolo Repertory Theatre. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition\u201d [Asolo Repertory Theatre]: Asolo Repertory Theatre presents \u201cThe Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition\u201d in Sarasota, a magical summer children\u2019s musical running in the Cook Theatre. Follow Dorothy, Toto, and friends down the yellow brick road in this family-friendly production perfect for audiences of all ages. This week\u2019s performances are Wednesday, July 29 at 1 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. For tickets, visit https:\/\/asolorep.org\/show\/wizard-of-oz\/<\/a> or telephone 941-351-8000.<\/p>\n CONTINUING<\/p>\n \u201cHead Over Heels\u201d [Venice Theatre]: A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, this bold musical comedy follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction. Runs to Aug. 8. This week\u2019s performances are Tuesday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. [SOLD OUT]. For tickets, telephone 941-488-1115 or visit https:\/\/venicetheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com\/ticket\/#\/events\/a0SUQ00000POsIo2AL<\/a>.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre <\/p>\n ‘Murder on Broadway’ is an evening of intrigue, delicious dining, and nonstop laughter.<\/p>\n \u201cMurder on Broadway\u201d [Off Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre]: It\u2019s opening night of a brand-new musical, and one perfect performance could make everyone stars. With fame, love, and money on the line, what could possibly go wrong? Plenty, when mysterious deaths turn a Broadway debut into a hilarious murder mystery. It\u2019s an evening of intrigue, delicious dining, and nonstop laughter. Runs to Aug. 8. This week\u2019s performances are Wednesday, July 29 at 6 p.m.; Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m.; and Saturday, Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. For tickets, visit https:\/\/broadwaypalm.com\/shows\/murder-on-broadway\/<\/a> or telephone 239-278-4422.<\/p>\n Photo by Kayla Erny courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Wendy Kiesewetter, Digital Marketing and Media Relations Associate, Florida Studio Theatre <\/p>\n Songbirds Samantha Duval, Madalyn McHugh and Victoria Boland capture the soul and strength of the female singer-songwriters who wrote their own rules.<\/p>\n \u201cSongbirds of the Seventies\u201d [Court Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre]: Unmistakable and unforgettable, this cabaret shines a radiant spotlight on the powerhouse singer-songwriters of the \u201960s and \u201970s. Featuring era-defining hits from Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Carly Simon, Helen Reddy, Stevie Nicks, and Linda Ronstadt, this vibrant tribute captures the soul and strength of those who wrote their own rules \u2013 and changed everything in the process. Extended to Sept. 13. For more, read\/hear: \u201c\u2019Songbirds of the Seventies\u2019 celebrates the female singer-songwriters who defined the \u201870s.\u201d<\/a> This week\u2019s performances are Tuesday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m..; Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. [SOLD OUT]; Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. [SOLD OUT] and 7:30 p.m. [SOLD OUT]. For tickets, telephone 941-366-9000 or visit https:\/\/www.floridastudiotheatre.org\/events-and-tickets\/2026-summer-cabaret-series\/songbirds-of-the-seventies<\/a>.<\/p>\n Photo by Kayla Erny courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Wendy Kiesewetter, Digital Marketing & Media Relations Associate, Florida Studio Theatre<\/p>\n John Guerrasio and Laura Gardner star in ‘The Last Romance’ at Florida Studio Theatre. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Last Romance\u201d [Florida Studio Theatre]: A crush can make anyone feel young again \u2013 even a widower named Ralph. On an ordinary day in a routine life, Ralph decides to take a different path on his daily walk. It serendipitously leads him to an unexpected second chance at love. He winds up in a dog park, where he strikes up a conversation with Carol Reynolds. He\u2019s charming. She\u2019s reticent. Together, they take a last chance at romance. For more, read\/hear \u201cFlorida Studio Theatre\u2019s \u2018Last Romance\u2019 a bittersweet, heartwarming comedy about the transformative power of love.\u201d<\/a> Runs to Aug. 16. This week\u2019s performances are Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m.; Friday, July 31 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. [SOLD OUT] and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For tickets, telephone 941-366-9000 or visit https:\/\/www.floridastudiotheatre.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Courtesy of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre<\/p>\n \/<\/p>\n Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre website<\/p>\n ‘The Wizard of Oz’ runs to Aug. 8 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Wizard of Oz\u201d [Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre]: This family classic follows Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and Toto, too! Fly over the rainbow with Dorothy as she rides a twister into the merry old land of Oz and learns that no matter how far our journeys take us, there\u2019s no place like home. You\u2019ll hear the songs from the delightful score you know and love such as \u201cFollow the Yellow Brick Road,\u201d \u201cSomewhere Over the Rainbow\u201d and \u201cWe\u2019re Off to See the Wizard.\u201d Runs to Aug. 8. This week\u2019s performances are Wednesday, July 29 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 24 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 1 p.m. Lunch service begins for matinees at 11:30 a.m. and at 5:30 p.m. for evening and twilight shows.] For tickets, telephone 239-278-4422 or visit https:\/\/broadwaypalm.com\/shows\/the-wizard-of-oz-2\/<\/a>. Read about the three dogs cast to play Toto at \u201cBroadway Palm casts three dogs to play Toto in upcoming production of \u2018The Wizard of Oz\u2019\u201d<\/a> and about Meghan Renee Wombles\u2019 understudy, Rilyn Dick at \u201cAs Dorothy understudy, Rilyn Dick strives for seamless transition if she ever takes over the lead in Broadway Palm\u2019s \u2018Wizard of Oz.\u2019\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n Support for WGCU\u2019s arts & culture reporting comes from the Estate of Myra Janco Daniels, the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, and Naomi Bloom in loving memory of her husband, Ron Wallace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This week, one show opens, four shows close, five continue their runs and there are three limited engagements…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":354098,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[209,211,210],"class_list":["post-354097","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral","tag-cape-coral-headlines","tag-cape-coral-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/354097","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=354097"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/354097\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/354098"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=354097"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=354097"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=354097"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Bowne's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184629_606_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184629_435_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Fort](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184629_186_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Theatre](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184630_883_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184630_860_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Asolo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184631_854_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Broadway](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184631_546_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Songbirds](\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims4\/default\/f7752ab\/2147483647\/strip\/true\/crop\/6225x4574+0+0\/resize\/880x647!\/quality\/90\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fae%2F7c%2F3187bcd347a69e9fb1a23184039e%2Fsongbirds-photos-07.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184633_27_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n![\"Broadway](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785184633_297_.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\n