Celebrating your theatre.
F E B RUA RY 6 , 2 0 2 4 HOS TED BY TANYA & DENNY GL A SS
PRE S E NT E D BY
SU PPOR T I N G S P ON S ORS
Proud to be a sponsor of The Naples Players. Call (239) 919-5960 or visit one of our convenient locations to experience the LMCU difference.
Here for all of life's perf
formances.
NMLS# 442967. Federally insured by NCUA.
A MESSAGE F ROM
Bryce Good evening,
Welcome to The Naples Players' 2024 Front & Center Gala! The Naples Players enjoys an exceptional standing as one of the foremost community theaters in the country. Why is this important to you? Because we are leading a shift in the national perception of how ANY theater can impact their community - and it starts with our impact right here in Southwest Florida. TNP is providing unparalleled access to the power of theatre to improve the quality of life for students with learning disabilities, adults with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, nurses and doctors under pressure in the healthcare system, law enforcement officers, and by creating theatre with 700 plus volunteers for more than 50,000 audience members. Our program goes on to include 40 community partners. Tonight, I invite you to enjoy the power and beauty of The Naples Players as we entertain you in front of our home on Fifth Avenue. It is my hope that in the days and weeks ahead you will call on your hosts, friends, and myself to come and learn more about what makes The Naples Players so important to this region. The Front & Center Gala is our only major fundraising event of the year. Our annual operating budget is $4.5 million dollars, and although 60 percent of our revenue comes from ticket sales, this evening is a cornerstone of what makes our mission possible. Your participation and level of enthusiasm in this evening’s paddle raise is greatly appreciated. Thank you for joining us tonight.
Bryce Alexander CEO & Executive Artistic Director
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Front & Center Gala 2024
A MESSAGE F ROM
Tanya & Denny Dear Front & Center Gala Sponsors and Guests, Thank you for taking part in this dynamic evening of camaraderie, delicious food, and remarkable entertainment. Tanya and I are honored to serve as your Hosts of this important fundraising event for The Naples Players. Like many of you, we understand that living in Naples, full or part-time, means we have opportunities to be involved in and support numerous charitable organizations. Over the last 12 years Tanya and I have come to realize The Naples Players is an amazing organization. The quality of the productions is outstanding from the acting to the costumes and sets. We especially respect and appreciate the KidzAct program. Its ability to transform children by improving their selfconfidence and social interaction is incredible to see. The Gala is the only major fundraising event The Naples Players presents annually. Together we have an opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation and respect to the thousands of volunteers, our tireless and talented staff, plus more than 40 community partners who help spread the power of theatre throughout Southwest Florida. Thank you for your support and participation.
Denny Glass
Immediate Past President, Current TNP Board of Directors Tanya and Denny Glass have lived in Naples since 2004. They have a deep commitment to Educational Theatre, especially children’s programs. Denny serves on the Building Committee for TNP. The Glasses are actively involved with other important community organizations including The Naples Zoo and The Naples Historical Society.
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
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HELLO &
Welcome T H I S E V E N I N G’ S E V E N T S
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6:00 PM
COCKTAIL HOUR & DANCING Rooftop at the Inn on Fifth Live Music by Chariot
7:00 PM
PROGRAM & DINNER Emcee: Lindsey Sablan, WINK News
8:15 PM
FUNDRAISING PADDLE RAISER Auctioneer: Rick Gallo
8:30 PM
CELEBRATION & DANCING
Front & Center Gala 2024
S P E CI AL
thanks Front & Center Gala Hosts
Tanya & Denny Glass Presenting Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Media Sponsor
Patron Party Sponsors
Marketing & PR Sponsor
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
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THE EVENING'S
Menu
FRO M
Cocktail Reception Inn on Fifth Rooftop Pool Bar with Entertainment by Chariot FIRST COURSE Vegetarian Sushi Lamb Meatballs Salmon Tartare
Main Menu Dinner & Program Sugden Plaza on 5th Avenue South Open Bar with Red & White Wines Tableside
SECOND COURSE Pre-set Ocean Prime House Salad
ENTREE 8 oz. Filet Mignon & Sea Bass Duet Plate Mushroom Risotto
DESSERT Pumpkin Cheesecake
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Front & Center Gala 2024
OUR S P E CI A L T H A NK S T O
Gala Table Sponsors Ted & Lisa Bill Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan Arthur & Hazel Brisker William E. Cross Foundation
Rob & Ruth Brown The Calleja Group Morgan Stanley
Steven & Shelley Einhorn Tanya & Denny Glass Bruce & Robin Bache Gray Hauber Foundation Dan & Lily Kao Porsche Naples
Karen Quinn Panzer Dream Vacations
Henry Price Tom Ray & Lorena Aguirre Lake Michigan Credit Union
Vicki Tracy & Tim Savage Gulf Coast International Properties
Nancy Woolf
Gala Table Hosts Peggy Monson Pat Pollok Nancy Ribordy
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
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THE GAME'S AFOOT
T ONIGH T ' S
Feature Presentations I. “Consider Yourself ” from Oliver! II. “One Day More” from Les Misérables III. “Man of My Dreams Melody” from
The Marvelous Wonderettes
IV. “Someday” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Bryce Alexander Executive Artistic Director/CEO
Dawn Lebrecht Fornara
Charles Fornara
Director/Choreographer
Music Director
Cole Butcher
Taylor Matthews
Production Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager
OR CHE S T R A ME MB E R S Charles Fornara Piano/Conductor
Stephen J. Parker
Bradley Blaufuss Viola
Joe Choomack
Scott Ellington
Acoustic/Electric Bass
Reed II (clarinet, bass, clarinet)
Adam Costello
Mark Fessenden
Reed III (clarinet, oboe, bassoon, tenor sax)
Kevin Devitt Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium
Trumpet
Kristin Jarvis Violin
Reed I (flute, piccolo)
Sean Stolliker Drums/Electric Percussion
Tim Torres Cello/Guitar
Dana Williams Horn
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
BLITHE SPIRIT
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TO NIG HT 'S
Talent
Cast (Listed alphabetically)
Evan Abram ............................................................................................. Ensemble Kimberly Albrecht .......................................................................... Ensemble JamieLynn Bucci ....................................................... Esmeralda/Ensemble Joseph Byrne ........................................................... Jean Valjean/Ensemble Emily Cameron ..................................................................................... Ensemble Jody Cameron ........................................................................................ Ensemble Kelsey Coss ............................................................................................. Ensemble Frankie Federico ............................................................................... Ensemble Jacob Feltman ....................................................................................... Ensemble Suri Finch ................................................................................................ Ensemble Austin Gardner .................................................................. Javert/Ensemble Lisa Gunn ................................................................................................. Ensemble Cynthia Hile ......................................................................................... Ensemble Jillian Keith ......................................................................... Missy / Ensemble Ashley Kosten ...................................................................................... Ensemble Madison Mance ............................................... Artful Dodger / Ensemble Elizabeth Marcantonio ............................................................. Ensemble
The Marvelous Wonderettes
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Front & Center Gala 2024
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Ed Marin .............................................................................. Marius / Ensemble Sydney Miller ....................................................................................... Ensemble Tina Moroni ...................................................... Artful Dodger / Ensemble Gavin Ott ................................................................................................. Ensemble Ella Provinzino .................................................................................. Ensemble Gia Provinzino ........................................................... Cindy Lou / Ensemble Victoria Rinaldi ................................................................................ Ensemble Kelly Rossberg ............................................................. Enjolras / Ensemble Roseann Ruggiero ............................................................................ Ensemble Erica Sample ....................................................... Eponine / Suzy / Ensemble Soph Sawyer ........................................................................................... Ensemble Cynthia Sepich .................................................................................... Ensemble David Shaffer ....................................................................................... Ensemble Denise Smith .......................................................................................... Ensemble Cynthia S. Spanier ............................................................................. Ensemble Fredley Sylvain .................................................................................. Ensemble Vanessa Tarabocchia ....... M.Thenardier / Betty Jean / Ensemble Malena Tucker .................................................................................. Ensemble Mark Vanagas ....................................................... Thenardier / Ensemble Lorelai Vega ....................................... Cosette / Esmeralda / Ensemble Renee Vrehas ........................................................................................ Ensemble Jack Weld ................................................................................................. Ensemble Ava Williams ........................................................................................ Ensemble
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
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Live Exceptionally Locally owned and operated, Gulf Coast International Properties® professionals are committed to the highest level of concierge service for our clients.
Locally Owned and Operated
Proud Supporter of HEART OF THE ARTS & THE NAPLES PLAYERS
®
Representing the Finest Properties in Southwest Florida OLD NAPLES: 1144 Third Street South 691 Fifth Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102 239.434.2558 WATERSIDE SHOPS 5435-19 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida 34108
www.gcipnaples.com www.portroyalwaterfronthomes.com www.gcipluxuryrentals.com
Heart of the P R E S E N T E D B Y V ICK I T R A C Y & B R Y CE A L E X A NDE R
ts
AWA R D
The first recipients of the newly established Heart of the Arts Award will be announced at the re-opening of The Naples Players’ iconic Fifth Avenue Campus in the spring of 2024. This inimitable award will be presented annually to honor and recognize one community leader, business, or organization that demonstrates an exemplary commitment to the power and influence of theatre and the performing arts in our community through their distinct commitment of time, talent, and/or treasure. The performing arts take many shapes and forms. What the world will continue to discover and celebrate is the vast possibilities of how much we can evolve in education - healing the body, mind, and spirit, through these gifts. We wish to thank and recognize all who desire to be part of this process. Come and join us!
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
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2 0 2 2-2 0 2 3
Our Impact HIGH-QUALITY PERFORMANCES A staple of Naples’ cultural scene for more than 70 years.
44,000 260
LAST SEASON OVER PATRONS EXPERIENCED AT LEAST PERFORMANCES. OF PEOPLE ONE OF OUR SAY THEY WOULD RECOMMEND TNP TO A FRIEND.
97%
ENRICHING VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES TNP welcomes anyone in the community who wants to create or enjoy high-quality theatre.
736 ANNUAL VOLUNTEERS DONATED OVER 67,000 HOURS TO TNP LAST SEASON. 246 LOCAL VOLUNTEER PERFORMERS WERE FEATURED ON STAGE.
T R A N S F O R M AT I V E EDUCATION PROGRAMS Starting at 1 year, and continuing for life, TNP’s education program focuses on kids, adults, and seniors - teaching critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, self-expression, emotional regulation, and accountability. Wellness programs partner with 40 other organizations – providing theatre therapy to people with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Autism, PTSD, and many more. In the last 5 years:
6,500
MORE THAN YOUTH, ADULT, AND WELLNESS STUDENTS WERE SERVED ANNUALLY.
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
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S P E CI AL
thanks Robin Bache Gray TNP Gala Board Liaison
Vicki Tracy TNP Community Advisor
GA L A CR E ATI V E SUPPOR TERS Cross Align Media
Naples Creative
Harmon’s Audio Visual
Volunteer Actors
Amy & Jesse Hughes of Chariot
Event Volunteers TNP Staff
We believe the theatre is an investment in our community. FineMark is proud to play a part in supporting The Naples Players. Players. FineMark National Bank & Trust, Naples • 800 Laurel Oak Dr, Suite 100 • Naples, FL 34108 www.finemarkbank.com • (239) 963-0700 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value.
O UR MISSIO N &
Leaders OUR MIS SION AT TNP The Naples Players builds community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ted Bill
Pat Pollok
Dede Brownlee
Kelley Price
George D’Angelo
Nancy Ribordy
Joan DiLillo
Bob Uek
Denny Glass
Treasurer / Finance
Immediate Past President
Kat Zagel
Bruce Graev
Beth Petrunoff
Robin Bache Gray
City Council Liaison
Otto Immel Alan Jaffe
EVP / Governance
Terry Libby Facilities
CE O & E X E CU T I V E A R T I S T IC DIR E C T OR
Peggy Monson
Bryce Alexander
President
TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala
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Thank You FOR CHOOSIN G TO SP E N D YOUR E V E N IN G W ITH U S , AND FOR YOUR ON GOI N G SUP P ORT OF O U R M IS S IO N .
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