“The Perfect Game,” Opens in Time for March Madness

NAPLES, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Playwright John Grissmer’s musical play, The Perfect Game – Jim Naismith Invents Basketball, the only production honoring basketball’s inventor, debuts in Florida February 21-23, 2013. Performances by the Center for the Arts Bonita Springs are in time for March Madness. Bonita Springs, a city engaged in arts and entertainment, draws attendees from across the nation to Naples and Fort Myers.

“Grissmer penned the play, wrote the music and lyrics, and contributes ideas to the production”

“Grissmer is an amazing playwright whose caliber of talent is exciting to experience in person,” said Craig Price, Center for the Arts Theater Director. “Not only is The Perfect Game an exciting adult story of hoops and dreams, with an actual historical context, the invention of basketball; it equally enthralls young adults. I’ll take performances to local schools.” Grissmer’s fame as an author and playwright follows earlier productions with rave reviews at Xavier University and The Hartke Theatre at The Catholic University of America.

“Grissmer penned the play, wrote the music and lyrics, and contributes ideas to the production,” said his friend, Naples, Florida publicist, Stewart Jacobson of Stewart Jacobson Productions who handles the play’s publicity and marketing. Jacobson added, “My friend, Donald Trump, said, ‘I am unable to attend but I wish you the best for a successful show,’ one of many well-wishers including Woody Allen and Mort Walker of Beetle Bailey fame who created a cartoon ‘Broadway Bound,’ for the program.”

Jim Naismith’s Basketball and Its Origins and Development provided background for Grissmer’s story, script and melodies. A twist in time takes the audience from the game’s 1891 invention to a last shot in modern times with a surprise ending. No story is complete without a touch of romance. Grissmer admired the teacher and father figure who invented the game and seeks widespread recognition for Jim Naismith’s unique contribution to the sports world through this engaging, musical theater production, saying, “The play needs to reach basketball and theater fans across the globe.”

Grissmer’s credits include theater and film since the 1950’s, drama teacher at American University and University of Connecticut, author of The Civil War Novel, The Ghosts of Antietam, and the classic film thriller, Scalpel. Grissmer looks forward to many productions – Broadway, television, and feature film.

Call 239-495-8989 for tickets: members $20; non-members $25; students $5. Purchase the book, The Perfect Game – Jim Naismith Invents Basketball at www.Amazon.com.