Tickets on sale now for Gulfshore Playhouse Education production of “Grease”

Gulfshore Playhouse, Naples’ premier professional regional theater, will shine a spotlight on talented teens during the summer STAR Academy production of “Grease.” Evening performances for “Grease” will take place Aug. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and daytime performances are on Aug.7 at 2 p.m. and Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased at www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org.

The iconic musical will star students ages 13 to 18 from the by-audition only STAR Academy program. A pre-professional theatre program for teens with a serious interest in theatrical performance, the intensive provides high-level training from professional teaching artists in acting, singing, ensemble work and auditioning. The STAR Academy offers the best theatre training in town for both students who are looking to get their first experience on stage and more seasoned actors who hope to strengthen their skills.

A perfect summer fun activity for the entire family, “Grease” brings to life the energetic and electric musical comedy from the age of rock and roll. Based on Warren Casey’s and Jim Jacobs’ 1971 musical, “Grease” follows greaser Danny Zuko and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski along with their cadre of pals as they sing and dance their way through high school. Set to the fun and hilarious antics of Rydell High’s class of 1959, “Grease” is the perfect musical to watch with family and friends, while rocking to songs like “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightning.”

“Grease” is being directed by Steven Calakos, Director of Education at Gulfshore Playhouse. Calakos is an experienced elementary, middle, and high school teacher, with more than a decade of experience in theatre education. He also served as founder and artistic director of his own theatre production having produced numerous productions as well as the annual South Jersey Student Theatre Festival for high school actors.

Becky Timms, of the original Broadway production “Cats” and previous associate choreographer for the Tony Award–winning “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” will choreograph “Grease.” With extensive professional experience both on and off Broadway, as well as in national tours, Timms has worked with some of professional theatres’ finest legendary directors and choreographers such as Jerome Robbins, Harold Prince, Michael Bennet, Bob Fosse, Susan Stroman, and Trevor Nunn.

Serving as the Music Director, Michael Snyder, is a trained pianist with a penchant for both classical and Broadway theater music.

“Seeing these young actors thrive and excel in their acting skills while having fun makes these summer performances all the more meaningful,” said Calakos. “Whether you are a soon-to-be graduating high school student hoping to gain pre-professional performance experience for your college resume or a theatre-lover looking to step onto the stage for the first time, there is a place for you here.”

Gulfshore Playhouse Education will also host a Summer Cabaret featuring up-and-coming pre-professional theatre students in the musical performance of “I’m Just a Kid” on Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring songs and dancing performed by STAR Academy students, the show is directed by Allison Scott, a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with more than 10 years of experience dancing, choreographing, teaching and performing in New York.

The cabaret performance brings to life stories about the transition from childhood to adulthood and the journey of self-discovery, adventure and relationships – all set to passionate and iconic music from top artists. Tickets are just $10.

Future student productions also include “Annie” in December and “Clue” next spring.

Individual tickets and Season Flex Passes are also on sale now for the 2021-22 mainstage season. This fall, Gulfshore Playhouse will present a Broadway Cabaret Series featuring Grammy and Emmy Award–winning performer John McDaniel as master of ceremonies for three performances as well as create five, world-class professional productions. From venerated works written by Tony and Pulitzer-winning playwrights August Wilson and Ayad Akhtar, to fresh new plays “Higher” and “Another Revolution,” to a beloved Tony-winning comedy, the 2021-22 season will offer thrills, laughter and mysteries that will entertain and delight Naples audiences. Season Flex Passes, available in quantities of 6, 8 or 10, can be used at any time for any show.

For purchase information, visit www.GulfshorePlayhouse.org or call 239-261- PLAY (7529).

The professional theatre is also leading the nation’s growth for arts and entertainment with progress for the new Gulfshore Playhouse at the Baker Theatre and Education Center. Recently announcing the public phase for the fundraising campaign for the new building, welcoming gifts of all sizes, the new Cultural Campus is slated to break ground this fall. The Cultural Campus has been created as a cornerstone for culture, education, and community engagement that epitomizes the region’s growing reputation as a destination for the arts. The Baker Theatre and Education Center will be home to world-class professional productions that have the power to foster connections, catalyze conversations, and bridge cultural differences. The new theatre and education center will also serve the entire region with accessible education programming and elegant cultural engagement spaces open to the public.

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, Gulfshore Playhouse is dedicated to creating productions that challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in its audiences an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.