Players Circle Theater kick starts season with Rumors
Players Circle Theater kicks off their 2025-2026 season in October which features a dynamic mix of productions, from feel-good revues and heartfelt dramas to side-splitting comedies, all designed to entertain, uplift and inspire.
“Laughter is a common theme this season,” cheered Robert Cacioppo, Players Circle’s artistic director. “We’re presenting a sophisticated farce, a delightful nostalgic holiday revue, and a new Broadway musical of a celebrated classic, followed by a comedy about family, a Pulitzer Prize nominated play, and a hilarious one-woman show in which we cook up even more laughter. Finally, we close our season with a classic long running Broadway American comedy. Who could ask for anything more?”
The season begins with Neil Simon’ Rumors which plays Oct. 21 – Nov. 16. At a posh New York townhouse, the deputy mayor’s self-inflicted gunshot wound and his wife’s disappearance spark chaos. As four couples arrive for an anniversary party, secrets unravel and confusion reigns. Misunderstandings multiply in this fast-paced farce filled with cover-ups, rumors, and non-stop comedic twists.
Robert Cacioppo will direct Simon’s hilarious farce for the third time in his illustrious career. “If you’re looking for laughs, you simply don’t get any better than Neil Simon. I’ve directed it [Rumors] two times at two different theater companies – each time was a smash hit! Audiences just can’t get enough,” states Cacioppo.
Rumors premiered at the Old Globe Theatre (San Diego) on Sept. 22, 1988. Rumors opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on Nov. 17, 1988, and transferred to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre where it closed after 535 performances.
“You won’t believe what we can do in this intimate theater” says associate artistic Director Ted Wioncek III. “In addition to razor sharp comedy, our production of Rumors will feature our largest and most elegant set to date; showcasing a two-story interior set that will be bedecked with posh furnishings throughout. It is going to be stunning!”
Players Circle’s cast of Rumors will feature ten of regional theaters finest actors including Nicole Anderson, Frank Blocker, Carrie Lund Cacioppo, Steven Coe, Elizabeth D’Aiuto, Kelly Jo Madoian, Thomas Marsh, AJ Mendini, Ricky Pope and Lauren Elizabeth Reed.
The theatrical season will continue with the musical revue Ho! Ho! Ho! The Christmas Show Dec. 2 – 21, then Little Women will be staged Jan. 6 – Feb. 1. Little Women is a story that swept the nation is brought to life in this epic musical! Full of showstopping melodies and uplifting spirit. This timeless tale about the enduring power of family is guaranteed to capture your heart and astonish.
Over the Tavern will be presented Feb. 10 – March 8, followed by 4,000 Miles March 17 – April 5. Over the Tavern by Tom Dudzick is a beguiling family comedy set in Buffalo in the Eisenhower 1950s. The Pazinski family has a lot going on in their cramped apartment over Dad’s bar. But all hell breaks loose, when 12-year-old, wise-cracking Rudy questions being Catholic. After a cross-country bike trip, young Leo makes an unplanned visit to his feisty 91-year-old grandmother Vera in her Greenwich Village apartment in Amy Herzon’s 4,000 Miles. Over the course of a single month these unlikely roommates, infuriate, bewilder, and ultimately reach each other in this charming dramedy.
I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti will be performed April 14 – May 10. I Loved, I Lost, I Mae Spaghetti by Jacques Lamarre is a tasty comedy invites you into Giulia’s kitchen as she recounts a string of botched romances and failed love affairs while preparing a home cooked meal. Sixteen lucky patrons will enjoy a 3-course dinner,* as Giulia wins the audiences hearts. *$25 surcharge for subscribers; $60-$80 surcharge for non-subscribers.
The PCT season will end with Same Time, Next Year May 19 – June 7. Same Time, Next Year by Bernard Slade is one of the most popular romantic comedies of the last century, Same Time, Next Year ran four years on Broadway, winning multiple Tony Awards. The plot follows a love affair between two people, Doris and George, married to others, who rendezvous once a year. Twenty-five years of manners and morals are hilariously and touchingly played out by the lovers.
“I think it’s really a perfect season, filled with a wide variety of material and talent. I know you’re going to love it! That’s no rumor, that’s a fact!” concludes Cacioppo.
In addition, Players Circle has reached an agreement with Actors Equity Association that will permit the theater to hire members of the union under a guest artist contract. Players Circle’s 2025-2026 season opener, Rumors, will star AEA member Frank Blocker in Neil Simon’s sophisticated farce. Blocker is a prominent figure in local professional regional theater.
“This is major step for our organization – one that will allow us to widen our talent pool and continue to bring Fort Myers audiences the very best of the best,” added Cacioppo.
Performances are Wednesday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. VIP tickets are $55, general are $40 and previews are $35.
Players Circle Theater is located at 13211 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. For more information, call 239-800-3292.
YOUR DONATION WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Make a Donation.
“A donation to Players Circle Theater is an investment in our community and our vision of putting theater at the heart of public life. Learn more about ways to give and exclusive benefits for our donor family of individual and institutional supporters.”
