On podcast #28 we catch up with Sanibel Theater alums Victor & Kelly Legarreta whose success in acting, directing, producing and writing has taken them all over the area wowing people with their talents along the way! Victor and Kelly met on Sanibel, Victor was in a show at The Old Schoolhouse Theater and Kelly was in a show at the J. Howard Wood Theater….that was 20 years and many, many showstopping moments ago. Victor now directs and produces shows at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre and Kelly is still treading the boards along with other endeavors, like owning a canine and equine massage therapy business called Healing Pawsabilities.
The history of theater on Sanibel Island goes back to 1896 when the East Sanibel School for White Children was built on the corner of Bailey Road and Periwinkle Way. The building remained there until 1903 when it was moved further up Periwinkle Way. It stayed in that location until 1964 when it was closed due to the Sanibel Elementary School being built on the Sanibel Captiva Road. This school was the first desegregated school in Lee County and it remains in this location to this day serving children in Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
In 1965 veteran Broadway actress Ruth Hunter and her husband Phillip purchased the old schoolhouse and turned it into a 90-seat theater called The Pirate Playhouse. It presented community theater and many Sanibel residents found themselves on the stage for many years up until Ruth and Phillip retired in 1984 and the theater went dark. It didn’t remain dark for long and was re-opened by two young actors, Carrie Lund and Robert Toperzer and productions were up and running again!
In 1991 the playhouse was so successful a larger facility was built further up along Periwinkle Way. Rather than shut down the smaller facility, Carrie Lund and her husband Robert Cacioppo brought artistic director J.T. Smith in to run it, renamed it The Old Schoolhouse Theater and both places continued to thrive.
The Pirate Playhouse went on to become the J. Howard Wood Theater and The Periwinkle Playhouse before recently becoming part of the BIG ARTS family. Robert Cacioppo and Carrie Lund went on to open the highly successful Florida Repertory Theater. The Old Schoolhouse Theater building was purchased by the Historical Preservation Committee and can be seen at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village where it has been restored to its original state as a one-room schoolhouse.
Sanibel Historical Village and Museum
950 Dunlop Rd #4017
Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4648
About The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Fort Myers
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is just a short trip from Sanibel. Being Fort Myers’ only dinner theater it makes for a great trip for a night off-island. They have been operating in the area for nearly 30 years and consistently host some of the best shows out. Visit their website for upcoming shows.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
1380 Colonial Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL 33907
239-278-4422
About The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast
The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast is your portal to all things island! Follow us on this fun journey as we discover interesting parts of history, talk about local events and recent island changes, and interview local residents and business owners! We hope to cover major attractions such as the beaches, the museums, the outdoor activities and more! It is our hope to bring a unique voice and perspective to this wonderful area of South West Florida, building a supportive community foundation where we can all share thoughts and ideas. We would love your feedback and, suggestions for future interviews, questions you may have or, quirky island stories lesser-known!
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If you enjoyed Podcast #28, check out the following links:
Learn All About the Florida Rep Theatre, meet the Artistic Director!
History of Sanibel and Captiva, check out our various video’s about historic landmarks of the islands
Day Trips of Fort Myers, check out day trips in Fort Myers including recommended museums!
Dunlop Road, check out the other cool spots on Dunlop Road next to the farmers market!
Sanibel Public Library, explore the library right next to the farmers market!
