Theatre Zone facts for kids
TheatreZone is a special theater company in Naples, Florida. It's a professional group, meaning the actors are paid and belong to a union called Actors' Equity Association. TheatreZone performs at the G&L Theatre, which is on the campus of The Community School of Naples. They are known for bringing back "The Lost Treasures Of Broadway." These are older shows that aren't often performed anymore, but TheatreZone believes they are wonderful and deserve to be seen by new audiences.
The Story of TheatreZone
How TheatreZone Started
TheatreZone was created in 2005. It was founded by Mark and Karen Danni. They set it up as a non-profit organization. This means any money the theater makes goes back into running the shows, not to owners. Soon after, TheatreZone signed a special contract with the Actors' Equity Association. This allowed them to hire professional actors for their shows.
First Shows and Big Moments
TheatreZone's very first season opened with a musical called Mack and Mabel. This show premiered on March 16, 2006. A famous actor named Gary Sandy starred in the production. He was well-known for his role on the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati in the 1970s and 80s. The musical needed some updates. TheatreZone was able to work with the original composer, Jerry Herman, to make these changes with his approval.
Their second season included a powerful play called "Miracle in Rwanda." This play told the incredible true story of a woman's survival during a very difficult time. The play first opened at TheatreZone on February 9, 2007. After its first performances, the show traveled to New York City for a month. It then opened in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2007.
