VENICE, Fla. – The Loveland Players from the Loveland Village, a nonprofit that provides educational programs and vocational, residential and recreational services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, transported guests to the gambling capital of the world in their new theatrical production – Las Vegas: Under the Neon Lights.
Approximately 50 actors, including 36 Loveland Players and 14 participants with disabilities from the community, brought Venice to Sin City, where spontaneous marriages are expected and where one Elvis just isn’t enough. In a city where there’s a little bit of everything, the audience was privy to all kinds of trouble – financial or otherwise – that the cast of colorful characters got themselves into.
During the full-scale performances, held from Thursday, June 1 through Sunday, June 4, spectators saw acrobatic feats, musical performances, comedy acts, dazzling costumes and more.
“We witnessed 50 empowered actors each with a unique ability perform out of their comfort zone, showcase their talent and self-confidence and interact as part of a group,” said Rafael Robles, the chief development officer at Loveland Village. “It was a joyful learning experience not just for the actors but for the audience as well.”
The Loveland Players participate through a theatre arts partnership with Venice Theatre. The organizations have been partnering for 22 years to provide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to grow and learn through theatre study. Loveland students, under the direction of professional staff and with help from community volunteers, rehearse all season to present this full-scale musical on MainStage.
About Loveland Village
Established in 1962, the Loveland Village strives to help individuals with developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. The nonprofit was founded by a group of parents who sought to provide a productive and safe place for adults with developmental disabilities. Loveland Village provides educational programs and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.LovelandVillage.org or call 941-493-0016.
About Venice Theatre
Venice Theatre’s mission is making a dramatic impact on all stages of life. The second largest out of 10,000 community theatres in the United States, its MainStage offers seating for 432 patrons and features musicals, plays, concerts and special events. Its Yvonne Pinkerton Theatre seats 90 patrons and is home to the theatre’s “Generations”, Stage II and Cabaret Series. In addition to providing entertainment to the community, Venice Theatre has a wide range of education and outreach programs for children and adults. For more information, visit www.VeniceStage.com or call 941-488-1115.