Southwest Florida Theatre Company announces world premiere of ‘Once Upon a Christmastime’
November 2, 2025
The Southwest Florida Theatre Company proudly announces the world premiere of Once Upon a Christmastime, an original holiday musical that brings heartfelt cheer and fairy-tale magic to the Music & Arts Community Center (13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, Fla.).
Performances run from Wednesday, Nov. 19, through Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Showtimes and tickets available at GulfCoastSymphony.org.
Once Upon a Christmastime is a brand-new production conceived by Gulf Coast Symphony Founder and CEO, Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, and created by Julie Carver, Music Director of the Southwest Florida Theatre Company. Blending timeless holiday songs with imaginative storytelling, this heartwarming musical invites audiences into a land far, far away, where beloved fairy-tale characters discover the true meaning of Christmas.
A magical mix of laughter, holiday tunes and a touch of “happily ever after,” the production captures the wonder, joy and spirit of the Christmas season, making it perfect for audiences of all ages — and a new holiday tradition for Southwest Florida families!
“With Once Upon a Christmastime, I wanted to create an enchanting holiday experience that’s magically musical and full of heart,” says creator Julie Carver. “Combining cherished Christmas songs with a fresh story featuring fairy-tale characters, and inspired by The Gift of the Magi, this production is a joyful blend of music and storytelling that reminds us what makes this season so special.”
Once Upon a Christmastime will be directed by Broadway veteran, actor, director and frequent Southwest Florida Theatre Company collaborator, Raymond McLeod, and will feature Matt Michael, Natalie Brouwer, and Reba Hartman.
Performances will take place at the Music & Arts Community Center (located off Daniels Parkway at 13411 Shire Lane in Fort Myers). To purchase tickets for Once Upon a Christmastime, call (239) 277-1700 or visit GulfCoastSymphony.org.
Meet the Cast
Natalie Brouwer…Gretel
Natalie is a versatile actor and singer whose emotional authenticity, strong vocal presence, and theatrical spirit bridges concert and storytelling genres. Her stage credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (as Carole King); Jersey Boys; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Beauty and the Beast; Miracle on 34th Street; and Bright Star.
Matt Michael…Hansel
Matt brings vocal versatility and dynamic stage presence to every performance. He has appeared at Players Circle Theatre – including Night and Day, The Dining Room, and Laughter on the 23rd Floor – as well as Broadway Palm’s “Thru the Decades” concert series. His credits also include roles in Mamma Mia, Ragtime, Footloose, Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, The Pirates of Penzance, and Phantom of the Opera.
Reba Hartman…Rapunzel
Reba Hartman is a Brooklyn-based performer and social media manager, and the founder of Reba Media, a social media company for creatives. Their recent theater credits include Tootsie, Sister Act, Anastasia, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and Matilda.