Return of the Phantom

The Iconic Broadway musical, Phantom Of The Opera, is on the road and has landed back in Fort Myers; this time with a few tweaks. While the show tells the same fantastic story, with the same moving songs and impressive costumes, it has a little more 'flash.' You'll literally see the flash in the added pyrotechnics and the set appears to be brighter. It's giant pieces also appear to move much better than previously.  

I got a behind the scenes peak at the show when it opened in Fort Myers, including an upclose look at the new chandelier that famously falls from the roof at the end of the first act. It weighs one ton and crews load it with pyrotechnics before each show.

Crews load the 1 ton chandelier with pyrotechnics prior to the show

I also got to see and feel many of the costumes, including the Phantom's cape. The original costume designs are still being used and they are quite spectacular, not to mention heavy, with beads, ropes and sturdy fabrics. The wardrobe for this show takes up an entire semi-truck.

But perhaps the best part of my all access pass was meeting the stars of the show. Katie Travis plays Christine, the ballet dancer who becomes the star of the opera and the center of a love triangle with the Phantom and her childhood friend, Raoul. Travis first saw this show at the age of four and told me she had longed to play the part of Christine from that day on. She auditioned nearly ten times before getting her dream roll.

The Phantom is also a dream roll for Chris Mann, he grew up during musicals. You may recognize his face and/or name from the hit TV show The Voice, as one of coach Christina Aguilera's finalist. While Mann is on the road, he is working even in his down time, releasing new music. 

Me hanging out with the Phantom, Chris Mann

Fans of this classic show will be impressed with the updates, first timers will fall in love like the rest of us. Don't miss it. See Phantom at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall through February 1, 2015. Or if you happen to see it touring in a city while you are vacationing, be sure to check it out. 

New Year, New CPK

If you are like most people, you are going into January cutting back a bit, on calories, on spending, on...well you name it. So you'll be happy to know one of your most beloved pizza chains is going the extra mile to help you out, to give you more delicious yet healthful options when dining with them.

California Pizza Kitchen is making some sweeping changes both on the menu and with the decor. But fans will be glad to know many of the favorites such as the original BBQ Chicken and Thai Chicken pizzas, are staying. Some new additions to the pizza lineup include the Bianco, surprisingly light considering it has whipped truffle cream, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella and fresh sage. To get in a serving of veggies, try the brussels and bacon with caramelized onions, goat cheese, romano and cracked pepper....DA BOMB. All of the dough is hand tossed.

Roasted Garlic Chicken

So you would expect a pizza kitchen to crank out some good pies and CPK delivers. However, they are also delivering more local, seasonal vegetables. I noticed lots of kale, brussel sprouts, quinoa and farro on the new menu. Give the Harvest Kale Salad a try. It is full of great flavors and a nice bit of spice. Or take on the new roasted garlic chicken, again full of flavors with a nice crisp skin served over vegetables with bold mediterranean seasoning.

What I was must surprised at during a recent menu sampling was the Halibut and the Salmon, both roasted on a cedar plank and served with perfectly cooked veggies; your trainer would be pleased.

I should stop there and not tempt you with the new desserts like the Salted Caramel Puddig or the mouthwatering Butter Cake, I'll just keep that news to myself. (photos below)

CPK has been at Waterside Shops in Naples for more than 20-years. Not only has the restaurant undergone a change in menu but a change in design as well. It's one of the first in the nation to sport both the new look and the new menu of the new CPK.

The seating is more open, there is a new bar and a chefs table giving a birds eye view of the skillful pizza makers who toss the dough high into the air. But the biggest draw is the spacious outdoor patio. The new decor keeps the California vibe, using recycled materials, wood and metal.

You'll love the fresh look and the fresh food of CPK at Waterside Shops.