The elongated nudes of Amedeo Modigliani now sell for millions, but the Italian artist struggled for attention in early 20th-century Paris, where he was better-known as a world-class carouser than as a serious painter. In Dennis McIntyre’s 1979 play Modigliani, he and his debauched, endearing artist pals Utrillo and Soutine seek inspiration in beef carcasses, beautiful women and lots of wine, as Modi awaits a crucial meeting with an influential dealer who might, just might rescue his artwork from oblivion (and the artist from self-destruction). Patrick Brafford directs the production for Gulfport Community Players’ Back Door Theater; Rob Romero plays the title role, Jennifer Casler is his beautiful muse, with Ryke Stearns, Alan Mohney, Dean Wick and yours truly as the dealer. $16. Through May 22. 1619 49th St. S., Gulfport. Thurs-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 2 p.m. gulfportcommunityplayers.org.
This article appears in May 12-19, 2016.