Hurricane Ian Update

Dear Friends,

I believe we have all just weathered a record-breaking storm for Naples.  For those of us on the ground, it certainly felt like it. I hope that you are all safe and well, and that your respective homes made it through with no damage, and no loss of life or power.  For those of you who are not in town, please know that the horrific photos and videos you’ve seen, while true, are no longer the case. Naples is getting easier to traverse, and, in some areas we have power and phone service beginning to come back.  For those of you living directly on the coast, or who suffered damage, please know our hearts are with you during this terrible time.  I am happy to report that all our staff are safe and dry.

It is with heavy heart, however, that I must inform you that we will need to cancel the first production of our season, 26 Miles, by Quiara Alegria Hudes, due to infrastructure challenges and city-wide damage.  Furthermore, the apartment complex where we house most of our actors was inundated with sea water and is no longer usable.  

I’m sure you’re wondering about the construction project as well. Unfortunately, we did have one of the mainstage walls collapse and some of our foundation washed away.  I anticipate that when our construction company is able to safely have boots on the ground once again, they will inform me that we will be somewhat delayed. I know one thing with certainty: when we open the new building, it will be a glorious moment indeed, and have no fear, we will be working hard to achieve that goal as soon as possible.

I look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre for our production of Steel Magnolias, which it will be my pleasure to direct.  I will keep you informed as we make progress digging out of post-Hurricane Ian.  Until then, please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all of our Gulfshore Playhouse family.

Warmest and best,

Kristen Coury
CEO & Producing Artistic Director