Directed by TheatreZone artistic director Mark Danni, performances will play the Naples, FL, venue through March 14.

The play, which is based partly on the best-selling book "The Abominable Showman" by Howard Kissell, was penned by writers Faye Greenberg (High School Musical) and Robert L. Freedman (TV's "Cinderella").

"David Merrick was Broadway's most famous and successful producer," according to press notes. "The Beast of Broadway gives the audience a behind the scenes look as we explore the workings of the very intense and inventive mind of David Merrick. The list of the shows he produced stands as the theater’s most spectacular resume. . . . Unfortunately, he was also the most hated, reviled and feared man in show business. He was capable of great achievement, often accompanied by staggering acts of cruelty. Was he misunderstood? Was he the monster his enemies and those he hurt said he was, or is the truth somewhere in the middle?"

Performances take place in the 250-seat G&L Theatre, located on The Community School campus, one block north of Pine Ridge Road at 13275 Livingston Road. For tickets call (888) ZONE-FLA x707 or visit www.theatrezone-florida.com.