ANNA MARIA ISLAND, ISLAND PLAYERS “BAGGAGE” November 2018

As you enjoy your accommodations with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals 601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 we think you will also enjoy an evening at this local theatre. You will find several excellent restaurants and dessert shops within walking distance of the theatre for dining before or after the show. Food and beverages not allowed in the theatre.

The Island Players community theatre is a beautifully maintained little theatre with a long history on Anna Maria Island. The historic building was originally the William H. Gillette family home in Parrish and around 1912 was brought by barge down the Manatee River and relocated to its present site on Gulf Drive in Anna Maria. Prior to it becoming “The Island Community Theatre” it was used as a school classroom, the centre of municipal affairs, a church for different religious denominations, a tourist information center, the Women’s Club meeting place and Anna Maria Garden Club, and as a service club during World War II. Until the mid 1970s the Anna Maria City Commission held its meetings here and it was around this time when some big changes took place. Damage in the building was found and being a historical landmark the maintenance and repair was too costly for the city. As luck would have it the Island Players group was looking to build their own theatre and an arrangement was made with the city. The Island Players repaired the building along with some major renovations including stage, installation of 137 seats and carpeting. To this day continue to maintain and preserve it. Today the theatre offers comfortable seating, lots of leg room and viewing with no obstructions. We are sure you will have a fun night out at this long established theatre, with a stage production presented by The Island Players. Anna Maria Island residents and visitors are fortunate to have this dedicated organization, The Island Players, founded in 1949, provide artistic experiences to us and our surrounding communities. You will find staff and volunteers from the box office to the stage manager and actors clearly love what they do and it shows. The productions are always well done with great performances by talented local actors giving you, their audience, a most enjoyable theatre experience.

The Island Players group kicked off its 70th season in September of this year.

Don’t miss their next performance November 8 – November 18, 2018 BAGGAGE by Sam Bobrick. Directed by James Thaggard.

Baggage is a comedy that illustrates what happens when two difficult single people, Phyllis and Bradley, meet due to confusion over the ownership of a suitcase. Their accidental swap of suitcases causes a disagreeable meeting and moves on to a most unlikely friendship. This light hearted play is threaded with humour as the contents of the case are revealed and the two characters get to know each other. While these two might be the opposite of all that is easy for everyone else, will these complex singles turn out to be a perfect match?

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Box Office or by phone – (941) 778-5755

Box office is located at 10009 Gulf Drive, Anna Maria, Florida (Gulf Drive and Pine Avenue). Tickets are $20 (US) per performance for season’s five primary plays.

For additional information visit their website — theislandplayers.org

The following is a list of the Island Players remaining shows for the 2018/2019 season:

January 10 – January 27, 2019 I HATE HAMLET by Paul Rudnick,

Directed by Preston Boyd

March 7 – March 24, 2019 A FLEA IN HER EAR by Geroges Feydeau

Directed by Kelly Wynn Woodland

May 2 – May 12, 2019 PRESENT LAUGHTER by Noel Coward,

Directed by Mike Lusk

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