Gulf Coast Symphony

This past weekend, Daniella Castoria played the part of Anita in Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of “West Side Story.” For Castoria, the role is an illustration of life imitating art.

When West Side Story premiered in September of 1957, theater critic Walter Kerr wrote, “The radioactive fallout from ‘West Side Story’ must still be descending on Broadway this morning.” Against a backdrop of midnight arrests and deportation flights, the musical’s portrayal of the immigrant experience promises to be just as explosive. But Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of “West Side Story” this weekend will also remind audiences of the role great theater plays in telling and retelling timeless stories filled with iconic characters and music.

The Gulf Coast Symphony’s upcoming 30th anniversary concert celebration will include the premiere performance of a symphonic piece titled, “Seas of Glass,” from local composer Frazar Henry. The 19-year-old composer and multi-instrumentalist was commissioned by the symphony’s maestro to write the piece. Frazar has been composing music since he was just five years old. Ahead of the March 30th concert, Henry joins the show to talk about the composition and his extraordinary musical journey so far.

This week, four shows open, there’s a preview of another, seven shows close and 10 others continue their runs.

March promises to be just as busy for Southwest Florida theaters as February was. This week, four shows open, three shows enjoy one-night performances and 11 others continue their runs.

Looking for an artful way to observe Valentine’s Day? Consider these three alternatives to flowers and chocolates.

Four shows open, seven productions close and 11 others continue their runs this week in Southwest Florida theaters.

This week, theatergoers have 17 productions from which to choose, including one new play and performances of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker by Gulfshore Ballet and Sarasota Ballet.

Experience A Grand Night for Singing at MACC by Southwest Florida Theatre. WGCU's Tom Hall shares insights into this Tony-nominated musical revue.

Gulf Coast Symphony and Gulfshore Ballet are making The Nutcracker a Southwest Florida holiday tradition. But this year's production at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on December 16th is different from prior years.