Following a $21 million renovation of their iconic theater in the heart of Downtown Naples, The Naples Players (TNP) have announced the official Phase 1 re-opening of their new venue: The Kizzie Theater.

Taking place on Saturday, June 1 at 2:00 pm, this exclusive ribbon-cutting event – complete with a presentation featuring TNP audience favorite award-winning numbers, hors d’oeuvres, and tours of the facility – marks the completion of the first phase of their renovation.

Further presentations on Saturday, June 1 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, June 2 at 2:00 pm are being extended to the Naples community to experience Southwest Florida’s Favorite Local Theater free of charge. Facility tours will be available before and after each performance. Patrons are encouraged to call the Box Office to reserve their seats in advance at (239) 263-7990. Seating is limited – only patrons who call in advance will be guaranteed admission.

“We’re thrilled to invite the community to view this amazing facility that was designed specifically for Naples,” says Bryce Alexander, CEO & Executive Artistic Director. “We want every member of our community to feel welcome and proud of their new theater.”

Formerly known as Blackburn Hall, the new 452-seat Kizzie Theater – named by national philanthropists Jay & Patty Baker – features 308 seats on the main floor and adds 144 seats in the balcony, all while preserving the theater’s renowned aisle depth to allow patrons to move freely past one another in every row.  The Kizzie Theater showcases a state-of-the-art sound system by Meyer Sound; custom acoustical design by Gary W. Siebein; and stunning custom millwork walls fabricated by local cabinet maker John Jewell. Additionally, the Broadway-style theater showcases an orchestra pit for 16 musicians, a complete fly-house, a state-of-the-art lighting system, and spacious dressing rooms.

The Kizzie Theater also boasts a one-of-a-kind “Sensory Booth”; a private booth with independent lighting, sound, and temperature controls that allow any family impacted by Sensory Processing Disorders to enjoy every performance in a controlled environment. Additional accessibility features of the theater include a hearing-loop system and Bluetooth hearing assistance connectivity that enables any individual with Bluetooth hearing aids to connect directly to the theater’s sound system without the need for additional headphones or devices.

Phase 1 includes the opening of the Jay R. Paul Community Atrium, the new Diane & Sid Davis Box Office; Annie’s Cafe; Price Grand Staircase; Tater Tot’s Mezzanine Bar; David Byron & Vicky C. Smith Mezzanine; Nancy Ribordy Spot Booth; Audrey & Vaughn Pengelly Spot Booth; Jim & Linda Mizeur Dressing Room; Peggy & James Monson Audio Center; Terry Libby Rehearsal Room; Alan & Liz Jaffe Orchestra Pit; Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Usher Lounge; Bob Hill Volunteer Lounge; Muffy Clark Gill Patron Services; John & Catherine Estey Classroom; George D’Angelo & Laura St. Clair Atrium Overlook; Theresa Bill Stage Doors; Kathleen’s Kloset Dressing Room; and the Steven & Shelley Einhorn Outdoor Lounge, among other spaces. 

David Corban Architects led the design of the renovation, with local general contractors BUILD overseeing its construction. Theater Communications Collaborative led the performance system designs, while Keith Predmore served as the owners’ representatives. The late John Passidomo served as the company’s legal counsel, and the project is financed through a collaborative partnership between FineMark National Bank & Trust and Lake Michigan Credit Union.

Phase 2 will feature the opening of two new 104-seat Black Box Theaters, new scenic & costume shops, additional dressing rooms, bars, and a donor terrace. When completed, the facility will be the only LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified Theater in the state of Florida. Completion of the entire facility is expected by the end of the summer.

As the curtain lifts on their $21 million renovation, audiences can expect to be greeted by the clicking euphony of tap dancing feet, inviting them into the dazzling world of Broadway with TNP’s first production in The Kizzie Theater: 42nd Street.

On stage from June 26 – July 21, 2024, tickets for 42nd Street and season tickets for the entirety of TNP’s 71st Season are available now. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.

CREATIVE TEAM OF EXTRAVAGANZA

Dawn Lebrecht Fornara (Director), Charles Fornara (Music Director), Cole Butcher (Stage Manager), Michael Santos (Scenic Design), Jason Wagaman (Scenic Design), Mary Anne McKerrow (Costume Design), Dayne Sabatos (Costume Design), Chris Riley (Lighting Design), Bradley Van Houten (Sound Design), Amy Hughes (Prop Director), Erica Sample (Assistant to the Choreographer), Patricia Puia (Assistant Stage Manager), Yuliana Mercado (Assistant Stage Manager)

CAST OF EXTRAVAGANZA

Maddie Brendel, JamieLynn Bucci, Joseph C Byrne, Braxton Cabrera, Kristin Norris Cassidy, Jim Corsica, Alanna Dachille, Frankie Federico, Debi Guthery, Jesse Hughes, Jillian Keith, James Little, Elizabeth Marcantonio, Lila Mastro, John McKerrow, Mary Anne McKerrow, Lizzy Mehler, Alex Minarik, Tina Moroni, Ella Provinzino, Gia Provinzino, Victoria Rinaldi, Brittany Rincon, Sabine Rivera, James Simmons, Vanessa Tarabocchia, Kenny Tran, Sharon True, Mark Vanagas, Lorelai Vega, Jasmine Vizena