Naples Players set auditions for Gurney play "Black Tie" on Oct. 26

The Naples Players will hold auditions for "Black Tie," the A.R. Gurney play, at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 26. Get the complete

The Naples Players (and other regional theaters) have gone back to the Gurney well several times. The playwright is a natural fit, especially with the area's heavy seasonal population, especially from the Northeast. "Sylvia," "Crazy Mary" and "Later Life" have all played in recent years. The playwright distills the experiences of Buffalo's vanishing WASP population in touching fashion; his small, keenly felt plays often wrap big themes inside small moments. The Florida Rep production of "Indian Blood" remains one of my favorite shows ever.

"Black Tie," about one father's struggle to produce the perfect wedding toast, takes a torch to a lot old High WASP traditions like oyster stuffing and cuff links. Florida Rep produced the show in April 2012. Of the many works in the Gurney canon, "Black Tie" isn't a superb show, but it does offer an interesting culture clash. Read my review of the "Florida Rep" show here.

"Black Tie" runs Jan. 15-Feb. 8, 2014. Call (239) 263-7990 or naplesplayers.org.


Complete press release below.

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The Naples Players to Host Auditions for Black Tie

NAPLES, FL- The Naples Players will hold auditions for Black Tie at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26 at Sugden Community Theatre, 701 5th Avenue South. This play calls for three men; one age 65-80, one age 45-55 and one age 20-30. This performance also calls for two women, one age 45-55 and one age 20-30. Rehearsal begins November 25th. Rehearsal will move onstage December 30th and preview night will be January 14th. Performance dates are January 15th through February 8, 2014.

Black Tie was written by A.R. Gurney. Curtis, father of the groom, simply wants to make a memorable toast. But before he is able to raise his glass, he must defend the time-honored ways of his past, including his attire. Cultures clash when a surprise guest is announced, threatening to throw convention out the window. Curtis finds that balancing the standards of his late father and the needs of his future family may prove too messy for a black-tie affair.

The Naples Players’ auditions are open to all interested persons, regardless of age, race or experience. All that is required is the desire to be involved in a production and the willingness to commit time and effort to the project. For additional information, call 434-7340, ext. 10.