Gulfshore Playhouse has announced the cancellation of 26 Miles by Quiara Alegría Hudes, due to citywide damage and the uncertain opening of Norris Center performance space. Scheduled to begin performances on October 13, the production ceased rehearsals on Tuesday, September 27 before the storm hit. All members of the cast and creative team are safe and returning home across the country. The 2022-2023 season will now open with Robert Harling‘s Steel Magnolias on November 12, 2022 under the direction of the CEO and Artistic Director of Production Kristen Coury.
Currently under construction, the Baker Theater and Education Center suffered damage during Hurricane Ian, with part of a wall collapsing. The construction site and support structures suffered flooding and much of the dirt was washed away by the storm surge.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this hurricane,” said Kristen Coury. “To everyone at Gulfshore Playhouse, we are safe and dry. However, Gilbane, our construction managers, have not yet been able to conclusively determine the impact of Hurricane Ian on the new building. Since there will be a need to rebuild, I anticipate they will tell me the opening may be delayed I know that when we finally open it will be cause for celebration.
“While it’s always sad to cancel a production, the safety of our staff and customers is always at the heart of our decisions,” said Joel Markus, Managing Director and COO. “Rest assured, we will be working hard in the coming weeks to launch Steel Magnolias and we look forward to welcoming all of our customers in person again.”
For customers with existing tickets to 26 Miles, Gulfshore Playhouse staff will be in contact to determine how customers wish to proceed – either donating tickets or exchanging for another production. For additional questions, please email info@gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY.
Gulfshore Playhouse had planned to partner with organizations across the region for ¡Arte Viva!, a celebration of Hispanic arts and culture on Florida’s paradise coast. 26 Miles was part of the celebration. Future participation plans will be announced at a later date.
ABOUT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE
Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching our region’s cultural landscape by producing professional theater to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in the spirit of service, adventure and discovery. ‘excitement. Gulfshore Playhouse’s work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theater to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion and revitalize in its audience an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which Gulfshore Playhouse treats its performers, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.
Gulfshore Playhouse recently began construction on the state-of-the-art Baker Theater and Education Center. Located at the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and 1st Avenue South, the gateway to downtown Naples, the facility will house a 350-seat main theater and a 125-seat studio, in addition to numerous events, rehearsals and educational spaces. Naming opportunities are always available.
For more information about Gulfshore Playhouse or its new facilities, or to make a contribution, visit www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239-261-PLAY.
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