The Bakers are no strangers to giving back. Jay, a former Kohl’s Department Store president, and his wife Patty, a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, have made a far-reaching impact on the Naples community. They support many local charities and initiatives, including The Naples Players, whose mission is to build community through the power of theatre.
Following a $21 million renovation of their iconic theater in the heart of Downtown Naples, The Naples Players announced the official Phase 1 re-opening of their new venue: The Kizzie Theater. This exclusive ribbon-cutting event was complete with a presentation featuring award-winning numbers, appetizers, and tours of the facility, and marked the completion of the first phase of the renovation. It took place on Saturday, June 1, at 2:00 p.m. And, the inaugural production in The Kizzie Theater of 42nd Street ran from June 26th - July 21st, 2024.
Previously known as Blackburn Hall, the newly renamed 452-seat Kizzie Theater, endowed by philanthropists Jay and Patty Baker, boasts 308 seats on the main floor and an additional 144 seats in the balcony. The theater maintains its renowned aisle depth, allowing patrons to move comfortably past one another in every row.
The Kizzie Theater is equipped with a cutting-edge sound system by Meyer Sound, custom acoustical design by Gary W. Siebein, and beautiful custom millwork walls crafted by local cabinet maker John Jewell. The Broadway-style venue also features an orchestra pit for 16 musicians, a full fly-house, advanced lighting technology, and spacious dressing rooms. The Kizzie Theater also features a unique “Sensory Booth,” a private space equipped with independent lighting, sound, and temperature controls, providing families affected by Sensory Processing Disorders a chance to enjoy performances in a controlled setting. Other accessibility features include a hearing-loop system and Bluetooth hearing assistance, allowing individuals with Bluetooth hearing aids to connect directly to the theater’s sound system without the need for extra devices or headphones.
Phase 1 includes the opening of the Jay R. Paul Community Atrium, the new Diane & Sid Davis Box Office; Annie’s Cafe; Price Grand Staircase; Tater Tot’s Mezzanine Bar; David Byron & Vicky C. Smith Mezzanine; Nancy Ribordy Spot Booth; Audrey & Vaughn Pengelly Spot Booth; Jim & Linda Mizeur Dressing Room; Peggy & James Monson Audio Center; Terry Libby Rehearsal Room; Alan & Liz Jaffe Orchestra Pit; Dorota & Kevin Kilstrom Usher Lounge; Bob Hill Volunteer Lounge; Muffy Clark Gill Patron Services; John & Catherine Estey Classroom; George D’Angelo & Laura St. Clair Atrium Overlook; Theresa Bill Stage Doors; Kathleen’s Kloset Dressing Room; and the Steven & Shelley Einhorn Outdoor Lounge, among other spaces. The renovation was designed by David Corban Architects, with local general contractor BUILD managing the construction.
Phase 2 will include the opening of two new 104-seat Black Box Theaters, along with new scenic and costume shops, additional dressing rooms, bars, and a donor terrace.
The 2025 Season includes 'The Play that Goes Wrong', 'Death of a Salesman', 'Man of La Mancha', 'The Half-Life of Marie Curie', and 'The Hallelujah Girls', while TNP graciously offers many youth and community educational programs, as well.
Once fully completed, TNP will be the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified Theater in Florida.