Cabaret: Broadway Comes to Estero!

Key Take-Aways

  • Sold-Out Run in Estero: The collaborative production of Cabaret by TheatreZone and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) at the Bower School of Music and the Arts in Estero, FL, sold out all 5 performances.

  • Community Theater Venue Discussions: Engage Estero is involved in ongoing discussions regarding the potential development of a local Community Theatre complex and secondary venue in Estero.

  • High-Caliber Local Talent: Directed by TheatreZone’s Founding Artistic Director Mark Danni, the performance featured lead actors Cooper Stone, Mia Laboy Reyes, and Susan Dohan alongside FGCU student musicians and actors.

  • Supporting Local Arts: Resident attendance at current local performances in Estero and Naples demonstrates strong demand to future theater investors.

Published October 17, 2026 by Engage Estero

Written by

Allan Bowditch

Allan Bowditch

President

Cabaret: Broadway Comes to Estero!

Behind the scenes in Estero, Florida, a variety of discussions have been underway about possibly developing a Community Theatre and perhaps another smaller venue in the near future. For now, we haven't agreed on anything to release.

If those involved in any such discussions had attended one of the 5 performances of Cabaret in Estero—a collaborative production with TheatreZone and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)—they would already be signing on the dotted line! All 5 performances sold out, and everyone enjoyed a top-quality experience, beginning with the opening "Willkommen," delivered by actor Cooper Stone as the Emcee.

A Sold-Out Collaborative Success in Estero, Florida

Mark Danni, TheatreZone's founding Artistic Director, made a few introductory remarks. As someone who has directed many Broadway veterans and celebrities, he must be thrilled not only with the performances of Cooper Stone (Emcee), Mia Laboy Reyes (Sally Bowles), and Susan Dohan (Fraulein Schneider) but also with the entire supporting cast, including the amazing girls in the chorus line, who made sure everyone knew they were in the best bordello this side of the Mississippi!

cabaret performance

Intimate Staging & Musical Talent at FGCU's Bower School of Music and the Arts

The theater venue at FGCU’s Bower School of Music and the Arts in Estero was perfectly suited for a small, intimate experience, with the cast just a few feet away on many occasions.

FGCU students provided the music, including clarinet, trombone, oboe, violin, and percussion. Several musicians also doubled as cast members, which was astounding.

The combination of artistic talent (many of whom will undoubtedly appear on Broadway), musical accompaniment, and support staff (Choreographer, Music Director, Production Manager, Scenic Designer, Lighting and Technical Director, Sound Designer, Costume Designer, Props Designer, Production Stage Manager, and two Assistant Stage Managers) should be exceedingly proud of their achievements, as should TheatreZone and FGCU.

Warm congratulations to everyone involved in this amazing production of Cabaret, whose tantalizing poignancy offers a cautionary warning against political apathy, societal complacency, and the dangers of using hedonistic escapism to ignore the rise of fascism – all of which were clearly conveyed in this superb Estero performance!

Upcoming Local Theater Shows in Estero & Naples

For future shows both in Estero and Naples, please examine:

Don’t forget also to examine the program for 2026/27 from Gulfshore Opera too:

Remember, your involvement in the current series of events available in our Southwest Florida area will encourage those considering investing in a theater complex to support our local Music & The Arts for the future!

FAQs

Q: Where was the TheatreZone and FGCU production of Cabaret held?

A: The production was held at the Bower School of Music and the Arts on the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) campus in Estero, Florida.

Q: Is Estero, FL getting a new Community Theatre complex?

A: Discussions are underway regarding the potential development of a Community Theatre and secondary venue in Estero, FL, though no official plans have been released yet.

Q: How can residents support the development of performing arts in Estero?

A: Attending upcoming local theater, opera, and musical shows in the Estero and Naples areas shows investors that there is strong community demand for local arts facilities.

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At Engage Estero, we believe in the power of community. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical, nonprofit, we conduct evidence-based research to provide unbiased information about local issues, helping you improve your quality of life.