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Friends and neighbors,

Hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and welcomed summer in your own way. 

In this issue, I am looking ahead. Far ahead. Today, May 27, is an important day for the arts in Naples. Artis-Naples opens season subscriptions today if you want exclusive and early access to tickets before regular sales go on in the fall. Plus, the Gulfshore Playhouse has put single tickets for sale today for their 2025-2026 season, and if you haven’t seen their swanky new $72 million facility, it’s worth checking out. 

As someone who perpetually wishes I had planned further in advance, this newsletter is my gift to you: to think ahead. I am grateful there is such amazing art programming in Naples, but it’s hard to remember all that is happening in the city. If you’re not into the arts, I promise to return to wining and dining next week. 

I’ve also rounded up events this week if you need something to get you out of the house, including a bunch of free concerts around town. 

As always, I really appreciate hearing from you and your participation. That’s what makes this newsletter worth it. 

Enjoy the read — and if you missed a past issue or want to share with friends, the full archive is here: naplesfloridareview.beehiiv.com

Talk soon,

Table of Contents

• Looking Ahead: A Local Guide to the 2025–2026 Arti …

• Gulfshore Playhouse’s 2025–26 Season (and That Gor …

• 🎉 Top 7 Events This Week: Free Chamber Music, Pir …

• 📊 Here’s What You Said: Favorite Take-out?

• 🍸 This Week’s Poll: What is Naples Missing?

  • Advertise with us

Looking Ahead: A Local Guide to the 2025–2026 Artis—Naples Season

By someone who still hums Les Misérables in the car

If you’re even a little into live music, theater, or cultural events, now’s the time to lock in: as of today, season subscriptions for the 2025–2026 Artis—Naples season are officially open. And as someone who loves live theater and music, I can say this season looks really good. I always love having something to look forward to each month, and Artis has me covered. 

What’s Coming in 2025–2026

This year’s programming is a vibrant mix across eight series: Masterworks, Pops, Broadway, Dance, Jazz, Chamber Music, Piano Talks, and Visiting Orchestras. Here are a few series highlights worth marking your calendar for:

Broadway Series

These are full Broadway touring productions, and this year we’re getting some classics:

• Les Misérables (Dec 30–Jan 4) – An emotional gut-punch, in the best way. A classic for a reason, and my personal favorite musical. 

• Chicago (Feb 10–15) – A sizzling tale of fame, fortune, and… all that jazz. Incredible choreography and the longest-running American musical. 

• Romeo & Juliet (Jan 27–Feb 1) – Great energy, big pop hits, and a fun twist on Shakespeare. This production asks, “What if Juliet didn’t risk it all for Romeo?” Perfect if you’ve got kids or teens. 

• A Beautiful Noise (Mar 24–29) – If you’ve ever belted out “Sweet Caroline” at a wedding or road-tripped with “Forever in Blue Jeans” playing full blast, this one’s for you. Neil Diamond’s story to the stage.

Pops Series

This series is for people who love variety: orchestral arrangements of familiar favorites, musical guests, and even a touch of theater. Here’s what I’m excited about:

• Mandy Gonzalez sings Broadway (January 13–17) – She’s a powerhouse voice, known for Hamilton and In the Heights.

• Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony (April 7–11)– This one’s going to be a crowd-pleaser. Think "Jolene" with full symphonic treatment and storytelling visuals.

• The Paul Simon Songbook (February 3–7) – If you love Graceland, don’t sleep on this.

• Mysterioso (March 10–14) – Aerial acrobats + live symphony = wild, fun night out.

Visiting Orchestras

These are the real gems of the season if you love classical music. You won’t find this level of talent passing through town every year.

• The Vienna Philharmonic (March 6, 7)– Yes, that Vienna Philharmonic, performing Mahler, Dvořák, and Mozart.

• The Philadelphia Orchestra (February 17, 18)– Performing Brahms and Tchaikovsky. An absolute treat.

Jazz Series

These are intimate, double-header nights in Daniels Pavilion, and they’re always lovely. Each show features the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra with a guest artist. Some names to know: 

• Bobby Broom (October 15) – Chicago jazz guitar legend, former Sonny Rollins sideman.

• Donald Harrison (December 17)– “The King of Nouveau Swing” and a jazz visionary.

• Cynthia Scott (April 8)– A soulful, elegant vocalist once with Ray Charles.

If you’ve ever scrambled to snag last-minute tickets for a sold-out night, you know how competitive it can get. That’s why planning now is such a smart move. With their series subscription, you get first pick of seats at the lowest guaranteed price, plus the freedom to swap tickets with no exchange fees (because, let’s face it, plans change in Naples). 

You also get early access to any new events added during the season, discounted extra tickets for when family or friends are in town, and priority for seat upgrades (even those coveted Gold Circle Boxes). 

If something caught your eye (or five things did), head over to ArtisNaples.org and check out the full season. Subscriptions are open now, and single tickets go on sale this fall. 

Hope to see you in the lobby. I’ll be the one tearing up at Les Mis.

Gulfshore Playhouse’s 2025–26 Season (and That Gorgeous New Theater)

If you haven’t heard yet, single tickets for the 2025–2026 Gulfshore Playhouse season are on sale today, May 27^th, at 10:00 AM, and the early bird gets the worm. If you don’t want to spring for a full subscription to Artis, you can still plan to see amazing live performances this coming year at Gulfshore, which puts on Broadway-caliber performances. 

They’ve got a great lineup, and they’re performing all of it in their brand-new Baker Theatre and Education Center that opened last October. This brand-new $72 million building is due in part to a generous donation from local philanthropists Jay and Patty Baker (whose names you might recognize on many other buildings). They’ve donated an incredible $100 million to various charities and causes in Naples. As Patty told the Naples Daily News, they keep the mindset, “You can’t take it with you.”

While plans have been in the works for years (Founder Kristen Coury’s been pushing for it since the early 2000s), now it’s real. The new venue is stunning, nearly doubling the capacity of the old theater. The main stage is Broadway-sized with 368 seats. Plus, there’s an intimate black-box theater and an immaculate lobby with a sweeping grand staircase. 

If you haven’t seen the new building, their lineup for the 2025-2026 season probably has something that will get you there. 

The Shows

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
  A sharp, intense drama. If you’ve never seen it, this is your chance. It’s raw, funny, and devastating. Honestly, I think this one’s going to hit hard in an intimate space like the new Struthers Studio Theatre.
  Dates: October 21 - November 23, 2025. 

• White Christmas
  You don’t need to be a musical buff to love this one. It’s pure holiday cheer. If you’re looking for something festive to do with visiting family next December, bookmark this.
  Dates: November 11 - December 21, 2025.

• Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
  This one’s for the mystery lovers. It’s the longest-running play in the world, and there’s a reason for it: a tight plot, quirky characters, and a big twist at the end. I can already imagine how cool it’s going to feel in their smaller theater space.
  Dates: January 11- February 15, 2026. 

• The Importance of Being Earnest
  Classic Oscar Wilde wit. If you’re into period comedies with fast-paced banter and over-the-top characters, this is a must.
  Dates: March 1- April 4, 2026 

• Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
  This one’s probably going to sell out. The music is amazing (you’ll recognize way more songs than you expect), and it’s just a feel-good story all around.
  Dates: April 26 - May 31, 2026

Although I have trouble planning in advance, you won’t regret booking now. 

If you’re not ready to commit, look into their Flex Pass. You can buy tickets in blocks (3, 4, 6, even up to 14), and it lets you pick any seat for any show, any night. If plans change, you can exchange tickets for free. It’s a smart way to lock in seats and give yourself some flexibility. Plus, it’s perfect if you love dragging different friends along to shows.

If you’re curious or want to get tickets before they start selling out, head over to gulfshoreplayhouse.org. 

🎉 Top 7 Events This Week: Free Chamber Music, Pirate Palooza and More!

This week, the Naples Philharmonic is doing a series of free chamber music concerts all around town. Plus, a Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band, Open Jam Night, Jazz, and a Pirate-themed evening of fun at The Cove (complete with a costume contest)— here's what’s happening:

1. 🎸 Open Jam Night at North Naples Country Club

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 28 | 🕗 Time: 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
📍 Location: 10095 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL
Join local musicians for a relaxed open jam session. All skill levels welcome!
👉 More info

2. 🎻 Free Chamber Music Series – Naples Philharmonic

📅 Dates: May 28–31
📍 Locations: Multiple venues including Artis—Naples, Headquarters Regional Library, Naples Regional Library, South Regional Library, Norris Community Center, Naples United Church of Christ, Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church, and Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church. 
Enjoy intimate performances by Naples Philharmonic musicians in community venues across Naples. Free tickets must be reserved ahead of time. Visit the link below or call 239-597-1900. 
👉 Event details & schedule

3. 🎶 Phenomenal Animal Live at Snook Inn

📅 Date: Wednesday, May 28 | 🕗 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Snook Inn, Marco Island
Enjoy live music by Phenomenal Animal at this beautiful waterfront venue. This band is a dynamic quartet from Southwest Florida that plays a blend of soul, funk, blues, and classic rock. Go on a musical journey at this stunning location while sipping a tropical drink.
👉 Snook Inn info

4. 🎨 Paint and Sip: Textured Art Night

📅 Date: Thursday, May 29
📍 Location: Bayshore Warehouse
Create an all-white, 3-D textured painting at this event using various tools. Unleash your creativity with a guided art session while sipping on your favorite beverage.
👉 Reserve Tickets Here

5. 🎸 The Freebirds – Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Concert

📅 Date: Saturday, May 31 | 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Location: South Street – Founders Square, Naples
Experience a high-energy tribute to Southern rock legends Lynyrd Skynyrd. General Admission tickets can be purchased below. $25+fees.
👉 Event page

6. 🏴‍☠️ Rockin' Pirate Palooza @ The Cove

📅 Date: Saturday, May 31 | 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
📍 Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Dress in your best pirate costume and rock out with local favorite Rock Republic. Enjoy pirate-themed drinks and food from Fuel Food Truck, plus games like cornhole and beer pong.
This free event welcomes you to bring chairs or blankets. Best costumes can win prizes from PCSC, FC Naples & local attractions.
👉 Paradise Coast Sports Complex

7. 🎷 Naples Jazz Society Inc. – Jazz Sessions

📅 Dates: Saturday, May 31 | 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: The Norris Community Center
The society favors all sorts of jazz but prioritizes the late 1930s style. Enjoy classic jazz in a welcoming community setting. The concerts are free, but donations are highly appreciated and help support this non-profit that preserves and promotes jazz in Naples.
👉 Naples Jazz Society

📊 Here’s What You Said: Favorite Take-out?

Last week's poll asked:
When you don’t want to cook and can’t bring yourself to go out, what is your go-to cuisine to order in? 

Here’s where you landed:

1. 🍕 Italian – 18.1%

2. 🍣 Sushi – 16.6%

3. 🥡 Chinese – 15.1%

4. 🚫 I never order in – 13.6%

5. 🍜 Thai – 10.6%

6. 🍔 American – 9.5%

7. 🥙 Greek/Mediterranean – 9%

8. 🌮 Mexican – 7.5%

Pizza still reigns supreme, with Italian topping the list at 18.1%, followed closely by sushi and Chinese takeout. With the number of Italian restaurants there are in Naples, these results make sense! I wonder if they outnumber every other cuisine… 

I have to say I’m surprised “never order in” is fourth. With the massive restaurant scene, I assume most people are still going out rather than cooking. 

🍸 This Week’s Poll: What is Naples Missing?

This week, I have events on my mind. I’d love to know your thoughts. 

Sometimes it feels like the only culture Naples has is going out to eat, but of course, that’s not true. I just wrote a whole guide about theater and live performance! Are there any events you feel like Naples is missing? 

Vote and tell me more.  

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Why It Matters

Supporting our local theaters and community events isn’t just great entertainment—it enriches Naples’ cultural landscape, making our city vibrant and connected.

Whether it's discovering a new favorite musical or enjoying a community jazz session, these experiences bring us closer together and keep the arts thriving in our backyard.

Elizabeth Bellotti
Associate Editor
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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