Review: 'Copacabana' sparkles on Naples' TheatreZone stage

Her name was Lola, and she danced her way into the hearts of Naples' theatergoers for the opening night of "Copacabana."

Inspired by legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow's similarly titled hit song, the TheatreZone production on the campus of The Community School of Naples sparkles like a bright disco ball.

With elaborate showgirl headpieces, sparkly outfits and fast-paced dance numbers, "Copacabana" proves two things: good things come in small packages in the intimate theater, and Manilow's songs are still as catchy as ever. 

Thursday night, the theater transformed into a 1940s New York City nightclub. The song "Copacabana," inspired by a nightclub of the same name, was released in 1978, and later became a popular musical highlighting Manilow's many hits. 

Preview:"Copacabana" dances way into Naples' TheatreZone this month

The song — and musical — begins like this:

Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl

In the opening scene of the musical, Stephen, an aspiring songwriter, is in the middle of writing a tune that tells the story of Lola. He struggles at his keyboard to find a word that rhymes with Copacabana.

He charmingly sings Montana and banana to the audience before landing on Havana. 

As his song unfolds, the story of Lola comes to life onstage. 

The premise goes like this: 

Tony, who Stephen imagines as himself, is a 1940s bartender who falls in love with Lola and helps her become a Copacabana girl. Her talents and looks attract the attention of Rico, who abducts Lola and takes her to his rival nightclub in Havana. It's up to Tony to get his girl back. 

The nearly two-hour production is entertaining from start to finish. 

Alex Jorth, who plays Tony and Stephen, oozes charm and innocence as he dances in a long tail tuxedo to "Dancin' Fool." 

His chemistry is undeniable with Lola, played by Haley Ondrejka. 

Ondrejka brings her own special energy and comedic talents to the table. As Lola, an aspiring performer, she tries standing out at auditions by awkwardly jumping on a piano and singing sensually to the casting director. 

The jazzy tunes of a bygone era carry the lighthearted musical to the climax, which shifts dramatically when Rico kidnaps Lola and forces her to perform at his Havana nightclub called Tropicana. 

The musical conveys a change of scene seamlessly through the characters more tropical attire, including fruit on headpieces. 

The characters are engaging, and some jump off stage throughout the production, reeling the audience in. 

Rico, played by Steve Geyer, appears in the middle aisle, and fires a gun shot as Tony rescues Lola. 

If you watch the musical, be prepared to leave the theater with the song "Copacabana" playing on repeat in your head. 

'Copacabana'

When: 8 p.m. March 10, March 15-17; 2 p.m. March 10-11 and March 17-18; 7:30 p.m. March 11 and March 18

Where: TheatreZone, 13275 Livingston Road (just north of Pine Ridge Road), on the campus of The Community School of Naples 

Cost: The show is sold out for regular performance dates. But you still have another chance to watch it. A special performance will take place during a March 14 fundraiser, Eat, Drink & Be Broadway. Cost is $125 per person and includes food, beer, wine and soft drinks.

Information: theatrezone-florida.com; 239-424-9500