A Spotlight on the SWFL Art Scene

When Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raised the distribution price of their newspapers $0.10 per hundred. In 1899, the newsboys, poor enough, already, were outraged. Inspired by the strike put on by the trolley workers, Jack Cowboy Kelly organized the Newsboys strike with David Jacobs as the brains behind the new Union Jack as its voice and help from a determined female reporter. The week in a pressed find the strength to band together and challenge the powerful. Directed and choreographed by Robin Dawn Ryan with assistance from Madison Alworth. This production of Newsies is distinguished by exceptional vocals, gymnastic dance numbers, and a terrific, mostly male cast. Four songs in the Alan Menken and Jack Feldman score are particularly noteworthy. Beginning with the Newsies haunting anthem The World Will know, it's full of youthful bravado, and the choreography supplies attitude with a capital Ed. The numbers reprise several times during the two hour show and will stay with audiences long after the final curtain. Gianna Randall turns in a heartfelt performance in the role of reporter Katherine Plummer. The vulnerability she conjures in Watch What Happens does not just express her self-doubt and the pressure she feels to write a serious news story that portrays the gravity of the newsies strike. It endears her to the audience. The show is not all gravitas. It does have some lighter moments, such as that's Rich, a vaudeville style number sung by meadowlark, and then her chorus girls. Newsies is onstage at Fort Myers Theater through March 8th. The theater is located on San Carlos Boulevard in Fort Myers. We are now joined by WGCU arts reporter Tom Hall. Tom, thank you so much for joining us. I'm delighted to be here. Thank you Jennifer. Boy, that performance looks amazing. I would love to attend it. You had the opportunity to see Newsies. What was your favorite part about it? I really liked the gymnastic dance numbers. This is a mostly male cast, which is very unusual in southwest Florida. Sometimes it's hard to find, male actors to fill those roles. But this is a very male centric cast, and they do a tremendous job with, all kinds of jumps and other gymnastic moves. So if you're really into, performance, art, this is a this is a show you don't want to miss. And learning about, history. It combines music and history to make a show. The entire family can also enjoy. That's true. It's really. It's based off of an actual, strike that occurred in 1899, in New York City when, Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raised the price of newspapers. At that time, the newsboys had to purchase the papers and resell them. So when they raised the price that really, pinched the kids, and and, you know, they were poor enough already. And I noticed you you have a prop. You're wearing something from the actual, theater. Tell me what's on your head. One of the actors loaned me this, beanie, and, that was the good. That was the attire of the day, along with the plaid shirts. So, yes. I'm, I'm in character. That's awesome. And you have, had the chance to see multiple performances recently. We have a rather vibrant, performing arts season going on right now in Southwest Florida. What would you recommend that we watch out for? I know there's so many to choose from, but I'm sure you have a few that are at the top of your list. You know, it really is difficult. People can choose from 29 different shows on stage this week from Market to Sarasota. So, there's something for every taste but three that I think are really, can't miss up in, Sarasota, Florida. Studio theater is a cabaret show called One Hit Wonders. And so if you're ever wondering what what what are the one hits? And, the did my favorite one hit wonder make the the list. That's a show that you don't want to miss. Tremendous vocals, but I think what's really interesting is to try to find out which, you know, which which numbers made the list. And then you also mentioned that there's others that I mean, we've got 27 others, 29 others to choose from. So there's no shortage on the calendar. What one, one show that I think is going to really touch people is a show that's opening at Southwest Florida Theater, at the, Music and Arts Community Center off of Daniels. It's the bridges of Madison County. That was the film with Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep. It's been made into a musical, and they have two tremendous actors that are playing the leads in that in that particular production. Sounds wonderful. So that's on stage there. And then I think another show that, is got historical significance is, two trains running. Now, this is the seventh of the century cycle plays that were written by August Wilson. And it's playing at the Lab Theater. So for anybody who's a fan of of August Wilson's and is really looking for strong, black performances, two trains running is is certainly something that should be on your must see list. Awesome. We also have a beautiful weather in Southwest Florida at this time. There are some outdoor shows as well for those who want to spend time outdoors. Can you touch on that a little bit? Sure. I think people are really surprised to learn that over the course of our season, our tourist season, we have 40 outdoor art fairs and festivals to choose from during the course of the year. This weekend there are four. There's one in Sarasota, one in downtown Venice, another at the promenade up and near the bay, and then the Naples Art crafters are in Cambria Park. So if the weather's beautiful and you're looking to see, well, you know where artists are doing right now. Or maybe you want to add to your collection or start a collection. That's a great way to to to find your taste. There is really, truly something for everyone in Southwest Florida. Truly, it comes to the arts. But don't forget, if you want to see a really great show in an intimate environment, it's news is and the world will know. Thank you, Tom Hall. It looks awesome and I look forward to seeing it. Thank you for joining us today. It's a pleasure to be here.