Opening: BLACK TIE at the Naples Players

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

"Black Tie," the A.R. Gurney comedy, opens Jan. 15 at the Naples Players. Asia Johnson has replaced Jenna Canfield in the role of Elsie. John McKerrow directs.


Here's the cast, which we released a while ago.

Curtis: Jim Heffernan
Father: Val Kuffel
Mimi: Ellen Coper
Elsie: Asia Johnson
Teddy: Klinton Blair

"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:


The Naples Players to Present Black Tie

NAPLES, FL-The Naples Players will perform Black Tie by A.R. Gurney in Blackburn Hall January 15 through February 8.

            Before Curtis, played by Jim Heffernan, is able to raise his glass and make a memorable speech for his son’s wedding, 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 this black-tie affair.

            Klinton Blair will make his debut performance at The Naples Players as Teddy. Asia Johnson will portray the role of Elsie. Ellen Cooper will play Mimi. And Val Kuffel will play Curtis’s father.  John McKerrow will direct.

The show will be performed Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for students 21 and under, and can be purchased at the box office by calling 239.263.7990 with credit card information, or by visiting naplesplayers.org. Sugden Community Theatre is located at 701 5th Avenue South on the Plaza in downtown Naples.