BY NEIL SIMON
Welcome home to SEASON 71
We are delighted to welcome you back to our highly regarded 5th Avenue South venue! The first phase of our recent $22 million transformation was completed swiftly and with minimal disruption to our programming, allowing us to continue engaging with our community through the arts while we temporarily relocated for Season 70.
Now that we are back home, I want to welcome you to tour our new facilities, meet our staff, and engage with our passionate and skilled volunteers. The volunteers you see on stage tonight are just a few of the many individuals who contribute to the success of TNP. This is your theater. Explore it, experience it, and should you feel compelled to - please support it. As a community theatre setting the stage for arts accessibility nationwide, we deeply appreciate your patronage and attendance at this evening’s performance.
TICKETS
OUR 71ST SEASON
2024 SHOWS
OCT 16 - NOV 10
A Small Town with Big Hearts and Endless Love IN THE NEW PRICE THEATER
NOV 20 - DEC 22
Musical Merriment and Holiday Humor IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORED BY: LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION
YOUTH
PRODUCTIONS OCT 26 - NOV 03 NOV 09 - NOV 12
IN THE NEW GLASS EDUCATIONAL THEATER
JAN 15 - FEB 16
A Comedy of Catastrophic Hilarity IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORED BY: GARAGE DOORS OF NAPLES
FEB 05 - MAR 02
The Evolution of the American Dream IN THE NEW PRICE THEATER SPONSORED BY: NATBANK
MAR 12 - APR 13
A Musical Odyssey of Dreams and Courage IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORED BY: STOCK DEVELOPMENT
APR 02 - APR 27
Powerful and Fearless Females IN THE NEW PRICE THEATER SPONSORED BY: NAPLES AIRPORT AUTHORITY
MAY 07 - MAY 25
It’s Never Too Late To Chase Your Dreams IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE!
SPOTLIGHT
SHELLEY GOTHARD
(CLAIRE GANZ)
In the original TNP production of Rumors in 2011, Shelley Gothard appeared briefly at the end of the second act. She spent most of her time backstage, where she controlled the house lights, performed several of the sound effects, and helped set the stage for the second act. Thirteen
Shelley appearing in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
years later, Shelley has taken a much larger, more visible lead role as Claire Ganz, who she describes as the queen of the club and a gossip. “I was drawn to audition as Claire because she’s smart and a bit of a smartass,” said Shelley. “But she is loyal to her friends and family.”
Shelley was only 6 years old when she was in her first theatre production. She took a long hiatus before again exploring volunteer opportunities with The Naples Players 14 years ago. A veterinarian in Naples with no local family, she realized she needed to find an outlet for her free time and energy. “The Naples Players has become my second home – my second family. I know many of the volunteers and enjoy making friends and acquaintances among the new volunteers. I always enjoy my time, even though it is hard work.”
I have personally seen TNP grow and evolve, just as I have.
– SHELLEY GOTHARD
As an actor, Shelly shares that her favorite musical experience on stage was in Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
“The cast and crew were terrific. I also had a blast with The Game’s Afoot, playing Inspector Goring. I would have to say, though, my best role was last year as Veta Louise in Harvey. It is such a great play and a special character.”
In addition to performing, Shelley has been a TNP volunteer in many different roles over the years, including serving as stage manager, dresser, part of the sound crew, and backstage crew. Now, you can also find her on many weekends working “front of house” with the concessions crew, greeting patrons and serving beverages from behind the bar.
“It has been fun comparing and contrasting the acting, personalities, and direction of the first production of Rumors with this one,” she said.
Shelley encourages everyone to consider getting involved in TNP as a way to grow personally and professionally. “Acting gives you a boost of self confidence in whatever you do in the other roles in your life. Also, the theatre family is a diverse group of people, so it can definitely enhance people skills that are needed in work and in life.”
And, she adds, you don’t need an invitation. “Just show up! Everyone is welcome. We’ll find a place for you to let your talents shine.”
Shelley (front row, second from left) pictured with her fellow cast and crew from the 2011 production of Rumors at TNP.
READERS THEATRE @ TNP
What is Readers Theatre? Readers Theatre performances are a much more intimate and relaxed experience for the audience and performers. They feature a series of both full-length and one-act plays, dramas, and classic works performed with scripts in hand and without props or costumes. Performances are an evening of play readings chosen, directed, and cast by the volunteer Readers Theatre committee. We welcome you to join us at one of these future performances. Tickets are $25 each and available at the Box Office or online.
SATURDAY NOV 9
7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY NOV 10 2 P.M.
A story full of love and warmth as Scrooge reveals his true history and how he came to be his present, happier self.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24
7:30 P.M.
Five one-act plays highlighting the challenges, beauty, and hilarity of family relationships..
VISUALIZING
During our 70th season in 2023-2024, we relocated our entire operation off-site to complete the $22 million renovation project that you’re sitting in now. It would have been easier to close our doors for a season, but the shift into off-site locations helped broaden our reach and expand our offerings to an even wider audience within our community.
PERFORMANCES
100%
175 performances
25,783 tickets sold 85% of all shows sold out held off-site due to renovations
EDUCATION & ACCESS
6,322 participants
46 community partners
276 Arts Access classes
1,876 hours of instruction
VOLUNTEERS
30+
509 volunteers
50,716 hours logged positions for volunteers both on and off stage
OUR IMPACT
I have been truly amazed at the fantastic job TNP did this year in providing a full season of entertaining and moving productions even with the circumstances of construction and off-site venues TNP faced.
- KEVIN KENNEALLY, TNP PATRON
91% Programs & Operations
Fundraising & Administration EXPENSES
9%
REVENUES
Ticket Sales (27%)
Program Fees (10%)
Concessions & Misc (4%)
Individual Donors (42%)
Grants & Corporate Sponsorships (17%)
CELEBRATING OUR DONORS
JUNE 1 - SEPT. 1, 2024
Please join us in thanking these donors who gave between June 1, 2024 and September 1, 2024. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage .
Anonymous Donations
Nancy Alley
Charmaine Banky
Mary Lou Barnett
Shirley & Robert Bassin
Nancy L. Bicket
Janina & Kal Birtolo
David & Jack Bosley
Margaret Brennan
Jane & Gus Buenz
Frank Clemente
Joan Conroy
Timothy P. Higgins & F. Scott Davis
Glenn Dawson
Zoya & Anton Demidenko
Patricia Devine
Joseph DiCarlo
Rocco & Joan DiLillo
Janet Dinsmore
Anita L Kniep Doukas
Jeff Edwards
Glen Engelmann
Vivienne Engelmann
Laura Safer Espinoza
Karen & Ed Ezrine
Linda Fikes
Ian Forbes
Angela Gagauf
Kenneth Gaynor
Shelley Gothard
Robin Bache Gray & Bruce Gray
Holly Hamilton
Edward & Kathryn Hardig
Lori I. Hawes
Russell Hawker
Mary J. Heiderman
Meredith A. Helmer
Sylvia Hickey
Scott Hiigel
Cynthia Hile
Everett & Alice Van Hoesen
Patricia Holt
Philip & Laurie M. Hooker
Mary Horn
David G. Ireland
Dawn Jakiela
John Jensen
Lindsay Jenstad
Kip Jones
Kylius Jones
Sandra Jones
Carla Keogh
Elinor Koury-Waskevich
Albin Kozel
Sally Lackey
Linda Laughlin
Carol Lavezzi
Phyllis J. Liebman
Joan T. Loos
Rand R. Mason
Christopher Mcatee
Larry McDonald
Karen McGaha
Prudence McGregor
Jack McKenna
Patrick McMahon
Monica L. McMahon
Barbara & Phillip McManus
Roxanna M. Menendez
Deborah Miesel
John J. Miranda
Christina Mona
Andrew Moock
Sandra Moody
Randall E. Moore
Joseph & Krys Mortellaro
Jackie Mortman
Veronica Nash
Lisa K. Nichols
Susan Owens
Patricia A. Paramito
The Naples Players observes a fiscal year that runs from January 1 - December 31 of the calendar year, and includes gifts that support our operating budget. Capital Campaign donors are greatly appreciated, and their gifts are honored in publications specifically related to the progress of the campaign.
Alton Pardue
Paypal Charitable Giving Fund
Bernadetta Petrone
Beth Petrunoff
Marie Pitko
Bill Shade & John Pochopin
Frances A. Portnof
Mary Lynn Potenteau
Sue Rapanos
Jerolee N. Richards
Heidi L. Robar
Manuel Roubicek
Charles Roy
George Rubin
RECENT DONOR APPRECIATION
Melissa & Raymond Schrader
Peter Schwiers
Judy Scribner
Richard Seidel
Karen Seifert
Stephanie Shaffer
Miranda Silano
William & Judith Smith
Murene Spraker
Ted Stine
Michael Svayg
Terra Cotta Golf Charities Inc.
Carol Tomer
Arthur G. Vierling
NOW THROUGH DEC. 31
Thanks to the generosity of Henry Price, T.Bill, and Linda Mizeur - the first $50,000 donated between now and December 31, 2024 will be doubled for the holidays!
TO PARTICIPATE: Scan the code or take a remit envelope from the Box Office on your way out.
Lea S. Wald
John Warga
Richard Weber
Bunny Wemer
Greer White
Emerson Winters
David & Sarah Yoshida
Ken Zalewski
Only 27% of our earned revenue this past season was from ticket sales.
Yet, 91¢ of every $1 donated goes directly to our programs and operations.
Please consider making a gift today. Thank you.
Thank You TO OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS
This past season 591 volunteers donated 50,715 hours to making Season 70 a success!
Season 70 echoed of days past when The Naples Players staged performances in schools, churches and living rooms simply to keep the arts alive when they were between facilities or without a home base of their own.
Despite being in several locations across Naples, one thing remained united - our dedicated volunteer base .
Thank you to these amazing volunteers who continued to give of their time and talents this past season. We could not have done it without you.
500+ HOURS
JamieLynn Bucci
Jody Cameron
Jillian Keith
Hannah Klein
Sydney Miller
Gia Provinzino
Patricia Puia
Matthew Schwabauer
David Shaffer
Vanessa Tarabocchia
Michael Troop
Aseem Upadhyay
Lorelai Vega
Jack Weld
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
2023-2024
SEASON
250 - 499 HOURS
Gwen Bettini
Brian Boland
Jules Branche
Rex Burns
Joseph Byrne
Braxton Cabrera
Jack Cole
Christian Conn
Kelsey Coss
Jordan Crawford
Scott Davis
Christian Dinsmore
Victoria Duck
Jake Fattibene
Frankie Federico
Joseph Femia
Marcus Fuller
Sarah Gamblin
100-249 HOURS
Jean Acker
Jo Ellen Atkinson
Pamela Austin
Emilie Baartman
Jane Ballurio
Lisa Bill
Alyssa Bradshaw
Beverly Canell
Hildegard Carney
Patti Caroli
Nathaniel Caruso
Tina Cedras
McKenna Cloud
Brayden Cloud
Sophia Condit
James Corsica
Aldo D’Acunzo
Alanna Dachille
Maria Delvillar
Ed Ezrine
Elizabeth Feins
Elizabeth Fincher
Stephanie Fowle
Mitch Frank
Shelley Gothard
Debra Gulinello
Lisa Gunn
Tammy Harris
Jennifer Hart
Marilyn Hilbert
Austin Gardner
Jordan Gersbach
Carolina Grau
Riley Hart
Nancy Hayer
Jeannine Hedberg
Amy Hughes
Damian Ivanov
Ashley Kosten
Olivia LaChance
Jennifer Mance
Elizabeth Marcantonio
Eduardo Marin
Lila Mastro
Alex Minarik
Adler Monpremier
Kelly Rossberg
Roseann Ruggiero
Judy Scribner
Jean Snyder
Fredley Sylvain
Kenny Tran
Ciarán Welch
Denise Hoeflich
Madeleine Howe
Ruth Johnson
Kip Jones
John Kamp
Giszelle Kirton
Val Kuffel
Joan Laughlin
Steve Lee
Sandy LoPresti
Russel Loyet
Madison Mance
Ray Marasco
John McKerrow
Yuliana Mercado
Dan Miller
Sydney Mixon
Linda Mizeur
Tina Moroni
Abigail Nelson
Adriann Philby
Ella Provinzino
Sue Rapanos
Victoria Rinaldi
Sabine Rivera
Erica Sample-Fasano
Andrew Sarkozy
Cynthia Sepich
Jane Shub
Jeff Smith
Esther Snyder
Anthony Soto
Lynnelle St. Albord
Andrea Tanner
Mary Taylor
Anna Tipton
Joseph Townsend
Lauren Turner
Mark Vanagas
Lynne Vela
Lindsey Walsh
Mary Jane Wann
Rachel Weiner
Nancy Woolf
Continued on page 20>
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
2023-2024 SEASON
25-99 HOURS
Evan Abram
Lloyd Adams
Kimberly Albrecht
Dorothy Allard
Robin Bache Gray
Dianne Bacon
Melody Bales
Chloe Bayer
Maureen Beirne
Leo Benander-McKay
Maddy Benner
Emir Bilen
Gregg Birr
Judi Bloom
Jack Bosley
Solei Bourgeois
Maddie Brendel
Brad Brenner
Kathryn Buchwald
Maria Burri
Ernst Burri
Judith Buruk
Cole Butcher
Giselle Cairney
Samantha Calero
Emily Cameron
Robert Cappetta
Justine Carlson
Victor Caroli
Kristin Cassidy
Margot Cassinelli
Melanie Chiani
Zoe Ciabaton
Tucker Claremont
Alison Claremont
Juliet Clayton
Casey Cobb
Ian Cocklin
Katharine Condit
William Condit
Grace Condit
Katie Cross
Lillian Cuoco
Thomas Currie
Richie Davies
Barbara Davin
Douglas Degelsmith
L.A. DeRiggi
Kathleen Devitt
Hannah Diamond
Joan DiLillo
Samantha Dooney
Olivia Dooney
Richard Dougherty
James Duggan
Ken Eastlack
Emma Eastman
Nathan Eichhorn
Devan Elliott
Rosemary Erb
Frankie Fasano
John Feliciano
Jacob Feltman
Patti Ferguson
Linda Fikes
Suri Finch
Lily Fletcher
Daniella Flom
Conner Foley
Cooper Foley
Valeska Frailing
Alexander Garciarena
Maria Gil
Dennis Glass
Alexandria Goenner
Chloe Gorgas
Betsy Greenblatt
Cynthia Haas
Ella Hamblen
Jon Hart
Shakeem Harvey
Ed Heckert
Arlene Heiselman
Cynthia Hile
Jesse Hughes
Luke Jaconis
Megan Jimenez
Charlene Josselyn
Scott Kadera
Robert Kasler
Rachel Kastner
Sandra Keeler
Paula Keenan
Kevin Kenneally
Maya Kleinsorge
Ralph Krumins
Francis Lang
Barbara Laub
Zanna Lawson
Melanie Leach
Melany Leon
Nicole Letendre
Cassie Letendre
Kathie Lewis
Terry Libby
James Little
Sofia Lugo
Mike Malat
Cindy Malley
Maria Marko
Mary Kate Masterson
Christine Mastrangelo
Diane Mastroianni
Lisa Mathe
Kay Mayr
Harry McCartney
Mary Anne McKerrow
Nicholas Mehler
Elizabeth Mehler
Scarlett Meinert
Diane Melino
Linda Miller
Tracie Miller
Jim Mizeur
Peggy Monson
Moira Moser
Dougherty
Lucy Mullin
Jacob Myny
Lena Neal
Keegan Novinski
Susan O’Brien
Luc Olazabal
Gavin Ott
Adriana Parodi
James Pease
Shelley Perry
David Peterson
Matias Piscoya Fernandez
Maureen Place
Emma Podolak
Patricia Pollak
Ollie Posey
Marie Prasek
Grey Purtle
Ricardo Rago
Jerry Rannow
Lynda Reymann
Nancy Ribordy
Brittany Rincon
Claudia Rioles
Ellen Rodwick
Kathleen Rogers
Terry Rohler
Emerson Roschek
Annie Rosemond
Tracy Rosen
Maria Rozo
Shawn Ryan
Christine Sadry
Gia Sanchez
Juliet Sanchez
Michael Santos
Sophie Sawyer
Sadie Scardino
Meg Schelling
Max Schnorbach
William Shade
Sophia Siciliano
Olivia Silverio
Christiane Simmons
Judy Smith
Denise Smith
Carolyna Sotuyo
Cynthia Spanier
Rocco Swem
Sharon Swinton
Aiden Thayer
Bruce Thompson
Virginia Thompson
Candi Tipton
Norman Toback
Colton Townsend
Sharon True
Malena Tucker
Robert Uek
Caylee Valencia
Bianca Varetto
Carole Vasiloff
Alessa Vazquez
Julian Vitelli
Ivana Vivar
Jasmine Vizena
Renee Vrehas
Gabriele Weger
Kenneth Wetcher
David Whalley
Ryan Wheeler
Bealey Cate White
Ava Williams
Nicholas Young
Lynne Young
Yelena Yurinets
Kathryn Zagel
Sylvia Abboud
Terry Abraham-Whalley
Ethan Abram
Kathy Abrams
Romina Alezard
Leonard Allen
Kelly Altemier
Linda Altemus
Patrick Ashton
Karly Atkinson
Katherine Baer
John Ballurio
Joel Banow
Tom Baranowski
Sharon Baranowski
Rick Barnard
Kathleen Barney
Maureen Bartholomew
Christopher Baucom
Veronica Benages
Carin Benford
Jennifer Benner
Mollie Berman
Robert Berman
Suzan Berman
Marcia Bermel
Brian Bermel
Daniela Bermudez
Theresa Bill
Janina Birtolo
Maximus Bogert
Samantha Bogert
Reily Boland
Joanie Borbely
Rebecca Borchardt
Tammy Bourgeois
Nancy Bourke
Maikel Bover
Andrea Bramante
Remy Branstetter
Marlene Bridge
David Burns
Alex Butler
Jessica Cameron
Layla Capone
Bella Carrillo
Janice Caruso
Pamela Caruso
Jude Caruso
Steven Caruso
Michelle Cassinelli
Jennifer Castricone
Lisa Chiesa
Joan Cicconetti
Luke Claremont
Carol Clarke
Casey Cobb
Sylvia Conger
Sydney Conn
Maggie Cosgrove
Terry Cosgrove
Veronica Cossetta
Margo Crupi
Lucy Davisson
Ted DeGroot
Debbie Delgado
Cathy DeMartis
Peter DeMartis
Travis Depanicis
Deja Rice Diapella
Kathleen Donelli
Lora Donia
Dolph Dunn
Suzanne Eastman
Kara Eisenga
Vivienne Engelmann
Margot Escott
Lisa Evancho
Julie Ewing
Karen Ezrine
Christine Farrell
Carole Fenstermacher
Noemi Fernandez
Aubrey Finch
Melissa Flom
Ava Foley
Karen Foltz
Ian Forbes
Linnea Fraser
Linda Friis
Devin Gales
Ashley Garcia
Karen Garrett
James Gayeuski
Cheryl Ghauri
Alan Giertych
Heather Goenner
David Golya
Bruce Graev
John Graf
Sally Greene
Becka Gurevich
Candace Haddad
Donna Haggett
Larry Harrison
Chanda Hawthorne
Patricia Heckert
James Heffernan
Emily Hendrick
Corey Hernandez
Cliff Hogen
Leona Hogen Curzi
Jackie Indriago
Vera James
John Jensen
Alexis Johnson
Maria Joyce
Thomas Juday
Fabiola Justiniano
Stacy Kastner
Kristina Kavalov
Debron Keller-Mc-
cartney
Sue Kemp
Barbara King
Melissa King
Kathleen Kolacz
Sally Kosten
Elinor Koury-Waskevich
Nancy Kumskis
Regina Kunkle
Pat Lake
Mary Lalley
John Lane
Jill Lane
Jacque Laughlin
Dessie Leff
Helane LePort
Patricia Leyhe
Landon Libbey
Erika Lingertat
Joseph Loiacono
Alice LoPresti
Paul LoPresti
Jace Loznak
Sarah Ma
Brett Mance
Ethan Marlow
Sheryl Martin
MaryAnne Mascolo
Taryn Masterson
Diana Mayette
William Mayr
Patricia McAlevey
Debron McCartney
Bob McCormick
Michele McGinnis
Jill McKay
Catherine McKeone
Mary Ellen McNamara
Sandy Meadows
Robert Medeiros
Grace Medeiros
Heidi Merendino
Gary Miller
Debera Millstein
John Miranda
Tom Mitchell
Christina Mona
Jackie Morelisse
Rosemary Nardone
Sue Nathanson
Craig Nayhouse
Kevin Nestor
Paula Nizzardo
Roberta Norin
Carol Norkus
Norbert Norkus
Meg Northrop
Helena Novak
Andrew O’Connor
Joellen Oberle
John Otis
Nora Ousley
Karen Partridge
Monique Pascual
Floriana Pellegrini
Chante Pemberton
Juan Penaloza
Maria Pentakis
Adriann Philby
Summer Pliskow
Susan Polastri
Patricia Pollak
Ron Porter
Jaedyn Procacci
Isabella Ragsdale
Deloris Rannow
Robert Rath
Tom Rex
Marie Rhatigan
Cathie Ricciardo
Brenda Rice
Stephen W Rioles
David Rojas
Avery Roschek
Susan Roseliep
Donna Rotella
Charles Rotella
Don Salamack
Anthony Sanchez
Jennifer Sancton
George Santos
Susan Kay Sawyer
Rich Scarlato
Lynn Scarlato
Mary Schroeck
Alicia Schwartz
Sheila Seats
Carole Sharp
Iris Shur
Jessica Shwedel
Donna Sidoti
Judith Smith
Mahlon Stacy
Michael Stanek
Marlene Strollo
Kathy Taylor
Marcelo Tebet
Jay Terzis
Charisse Thomas
Deb Thompson
Richard Tienhaara
Jennifer Tikka
Delilah Tucker
Anabella Urban
Michele Vaira
Deborah Van Maele
Lynne Vannelli
Carolyn Velechko
Jason Wagaman
Debra Ward
Kelley Watson
Joanne Weber
Jackie Weiner
Linda Wertheim
Thomas White
Tom Wilde
Barbara Williams
Peggy Williams
Joan Wilson
Nancy Woodward
Carly Zeuner
Pablo Zuniga
DIRECTOR JAMES DUGGAN
SCENIC DESIGNERS
MIKE SANTOS, JASON WAGAMAN & AMY HUGHES
SOUND DESIGNER BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN
SPONSORED BY BY
NEIL SIMON
STAGE MANAGER PATRICIA PUIA
COSTUME DESIGNER MOLLIE BERMAN
PROPERTIES DIRECTOR AMY HUGHES
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER SARAH GAMBLIN
LIGHTING DESIGNER CHRIS RILEY
DRAMATURGS
RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
RUMORS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (www.concordtheatricals.com).
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protectingartists
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
ERNIE CUSACK ......................................................................................................
LENNY GANZ .......................................................................................................
CASSIE COOPER ................................................................................................ ALANNA DACHILLE
CLAIRE GANZ ................................................................................................... SHELLEY GOTHARD
OFFICER WELCH ............................................................................................................
CHRIS GORMAN ......................................................................................................
KEN GORMAN .................................................................................................
OFFICER PUDNEY ...................................................................................................
GLENN COOPER .................................................................................................
COOKIE CUSACK ............................................................................................
RODE
ACTS & SCENES
ACT 1
PLACE: Snedens Landing, New York
TIME: 1988
ACT 2
TIME: One hour later
CREW
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER ............................................................................. SARAH GAMBLIN
DEC CREW. ........................................................................................................... ........ SHERLAY CAJUSTE
FLY RAIL ...................................................................................SHERLAY CAJUSTE, SARAH GAMBLIN
LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR ................................................................................JEANNINE HEDBERG
SOUND BOARD OPERATOR ............................................................ ADRIANA ALVAREZ, MIKE MALAT
PROPERTIES ........................................................................................................ JAKE FATTIBENE
WIG SPECIALISTS..................................................................................................... GABY WEGER
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE .............................GWEN BETTINI, JOAN LAUGHLIN, JEAN SNYDER
SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & PAINTING ............................ SERGIO DUQUE, ED EZRINE, TAMMY HARRIS,
JOHN LANE, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, JOE FEMIA, RAY MARASCO, TRACY ROSEN, JANE SCHUB, JEFF SMITH,
MARY TAYLOR, MICHAEL TROOP, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG
A Secret?Well-kept
Snedens Landing, setting for Rumors, is a very real place. It’s nestled on the banks of the Hudson River in Rockland County, NY, 12 miles north of the George Washington Bridge - a picturesque hamlet with a rich history and a reputation for attracting celebrities seeking to escape from the chaos of city life. Its attractions feature natural beauty, artistic inspiration, and the allure of privacy that has drawn celebrities for decades.
The Landing, as the locals call it, traces its history back to the early 18th century when Dutch settlers established the area as a trading post. Over time, it evolved into a small but vibrant community with its stunning views of the river. A remote yet convenient haven for actors, directors, and musicians far from Hollywood or Broadway, Snedens Landing offered seclusion and a retreat where creativity could flourish without interruption.
The Landing incorporates about 100 houses with the informal, romantic “vibe” of books in an antiquarian shop. The place has long attracted cultural lions. Katharine Sergeant Angell, The New Yorker magazine’s fiction editor who married Charlotte’s Web author E.B. White in 1929, began renting there in the 1920s when it was an artists’ summer colony. So did John Dos Passos, Aaron Copland, and Noël Coward.
Among other celebrities who have called Snedens Landing home was legendary actor and director Orson Welles who sought refuge there during the tumultuous periods of his career. His presence added to the area’s allure, drawing other artists and intellectuals to its tranquil shores.
Snedens Landing has continued to attract prominent figures from the entertainment world. Al Pacino, Diane Sawyer, and Mikhail Baryshnikov have all reportedly owned properties in the area. Scarlett Johansson bought an ivy-covered colonial up the hill from Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch. Jane Pauley and Garry Trudeau are reported to own a house in the woods. The presence of these and other giants brings often unwanted press attention to The Landing, but it’s still a sought after destination where charming homes, winding streets, and breathtaking views still captivate residents and visitors alike. The allure of celebrity may come and go, but the timeless appeal of Snedens Landing as a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility endures.
No Holds Barred
Neil Simon wrote Rumors, his 23rd play, in 1988. More than 35 years later it’s still speaking directly to audiences. This biting, hilarious comedy “takes no prisoners” as it explores themes of misunderstanding, miscommunication, and social class.
By the time Simon wrote Rumors, he was a well-established playwright known for his wit and humor. He had already experienced considerable popular success and was written when Simon of both personal and professional observations inspired his work. on Simon’s life and social dynamics and
Rumors engages audiences with Simon’s trademark humor and keen observations of human behavior. On the surface, it’s a fast-paced comedy of errors with memorable characters and witty dialogue. It’s a thoroughly entertaining, satisfying, and delightful theater experience.
But wait; there’s more!
Observing audiences watching the play, it’s not unusual to hear laughter quickly followed by silence: laughter because the lines are so hilarious, silence because they hit so close to home. And that’s why it has endured. We are kept laughing from start to finish while Simon simultaneously gives us more than a teaspoon of insight into human nature and societal dynamics. Rumors’ fast-paced dialogue, its plot filled with misunderstandings and absurd situations, and audiences that find the play irresistible have kept the play on stage for decades.
The Naples Players – SWFL’s Favorite Local Theatre.
Photo: Naples Creative.
Writing Rumors: Neil Simon in His Own Words
There is an old theatrical saying that goes: ‘’Dying is easy; comedy is hard.’’ Mr. Simon is a variation on that theme. For him, at least back in the late 1980s, comedy was easy; life was hard. In an interview for the New York Times in 1988, famed playwright Neil Simon talked about the challenges of writing Rumors at a trying time in his own life.
‘’I was going through some difficult times,’’ Simon said. ‘’This marriage I was in was breaking up. My daughter’s husband was killed in an automobile accident. It seemed like rough going. And I said I wanted to work, because work is always a cathartic process for me, and I thought it would be really good just to get into a comedy.’’
‘’I wrote about 40 pages of Rumors in a suite at a hotel on the East Side of Manhattan. Generally speaking, I think I always start at these plays a couple of years before I actually get to write them. I wanted to do something completely different. I really was in the mood to sort of go back and write just out-and-out funny, because it’s what I felt I needed in my own life. So I thought it would be fine just to go into rehearsal with a comedy, with a farce, even though they are the hardest to write.’’
Simon revealed that it was the hardest play he’d ever written, more difficult than the previous three plays combined. Rumors “can never let up for a second.” he said. “The action of the story always has to keep moving, and generally at an almost frenetic pace. Just the geography of it, trying to figure out where the 10 people are in the house, is almost a geometric puzzle. I had to keep going back and reading and seeing where the people were and where I left them.”
The result, of course, is a wildly funny farce with Simon’s trademark quick wit, combined with broad physical comedy and improbable situations - a combination sure to please audiences.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
JODY CAMERON (Ernie Cusack) This combat veteran of Iraq is at peace and finds closure here on the TNP stage. Jody is thrilled to play Ernie and to be amongst friends. Taking his daughter to rehearsal for The Sound of Music rekindled his childhood passion and love of theater. Since then, Jody has had the pleasure of being a part of Harvey, The Dining Room and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Love and gratitude to his wife, Jessica; their 3 children, Joseph, Emily, and Andrew; and their Golden Retriever “Stormin’ Norman.”
PETER CAPORAL (Lenny Ganz) is thrilled to be taking part in this production of Rumors, his first at The Naples Players. He is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where he trained at The Lee Strasberg Institute, ETW, and ITW: Amsterdam. He has previously been featured in off-Broadway shows such as Tony/How Alfo Learned To Love and Slater/Everyone I Love Is Dead , as well as many other productions in and around New York City. He also recently starred as Leonard/Father Nose Best, winner of the 2024 Bonita Springs Short Film Festival, and is a proud member of Stage 2 Improv. Be sure to return later this season to see Peter in the upcoming production of The Play That Goes Wrong! Love to Jen and the zoo for their constant encouragement and support!
ALANNA
DACHILLE (Cassie Cooper) is so excited to be back in her 4th show with The Naples Players in Rumors! Previous TNP productions include Diane Lorimer/ Ensemble/42nd Street, Roxie/Ensemble/The Grand Reopening Extravaganza, and Ruth Kelly/Harvey. A born & raised New Yorker, Alanna is a graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and continued her training at Michael Howard Studios and T. Schreiber Studio. Appearing in various independent films and numerous original plays in NY, including at The Peoples Improv Theatre, past theatre credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, Little Women, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Alanna thanks her Mom, Dad, and her family for their unwavering love & support. IG: @alannamarie92
SHELLEY GOTHARD (Claire Ganz) is happy to be returning home to the beautiful new Naples Players’ Kizzie Theater. She was recently seen as Veta Louise/Harvey and as Inspector Goring/The Game’s Afoot. Shelley was in TNP’s production of Rumors the last time around as well - it was her first year volunteering. She is thrilled to be a part of the fabulous show again and to get to play with this wonderful cast!
JULYSSA MEDRANO (Understudy, Chris Gorman) Being apart of the TNP family is a dream come true! It’s amazing to walk into a room and instantly feel the support and sense of community from all staff and volunteers. I love theatre, I love teaching, I love working with the youth, and most of all I love that TNP offers me the opportunity to work with others who share my passions.
TOM REX (Officer Welch) is very excited to be back on stage with TNP in this production of Rumors. Tom’s recent TNP stage credits include A Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins, Footloose in Baker Park, Becky’s New Car, Escanaba in da Moonlight, and Readers Theatre. Tom has also trained with TNP and worked backstage. Tom’s recent stage credits with The Studio Players include Superior Donuts, Nuts, Circle Mirror Transformation, and Don’t Talk to The Actors. Tom also performs virtually for Loud Voices Silent Streets, a production company and worldwide artistic community. Tom would like to thank his wife, Deb, and their dog, Lola, for their continued support.
ARICKA RODE (Chris Gorman) has been acting for four decades. She’s thrilled to return to TNP, where she played Electra/Gypsy and Dr. Zavala/Waitress/Distracted . She performed some of her favorite roles as an OU theatre major; Helen/Cripple of Inishmaan, Kate/She Stoops To Conquer, and Libby/Blue Window earning her an Irene Ryan nomination. Other faves include Glenda/The Wizard of Oz and Maggie/ The Man Who Came to Dinner. Her two most beloved roles are Veronica/Veronica’s Room (where she met her husband) and Doris/Same Time Next Year (which they starred in two weeks before their nuptials on the stage where they met). She would like to thank her parents for always believing in her and Dave Rode for doing the heavy lifting at home to allow her this chance to shine.
MATT SCHWABAUER (Ken Gorman) is thrilled to be back on The Naples Players’ stage. Recent TNP credits include Pat Denning/42nd Street, Dr. Chumley/Harvey, George Bailey/It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play, Ensemble/The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Captain Von Trapp/The Sound of Music. Other notable past roles include Charlie Martin/On Golden Pond , Algernon Moncrieff/The Importance of Being Earnest and Edgar/King Lear. During his daytime hours, he is the Technical Director/Head Carpenter at TheatreZone.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
MARY SESLAR (Officer Pudney) A Naples native, Mary discovered her passion for storytelling through the youth program at The Naples Players. Now, she’s thrilled to make her Kizzie debut and eagerly anticipates exploring the world of theatre.
ASEEM UPADHYAY (Glenn Cooper) is excited to return to The Naples Players after playing Lyman Sanderson/Harvey last season. Other notable credits include Bo Decker/Bus Stop, Charles Bingley/Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Captain Phoebus/The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Simon/The Game’s Afoot, Max/Peter/By The Way, Meet Vera Stark and Paul/Saving Kitty. Additionally, he is a singer-songwriter and has performed across Southwest Florida and New York City. Delighted to be surrounded by an uber-talented cast and crew, he would like to thank his family back home in India for their unending support. He hopes you enjoy the show and remember, VOTE COOPER for New York State Senate! IG: @justameesa
COURTNEY PARTON VANASSE (Cookie Cusack) Born in Chicago, Courtney is making her Naples debut as Cookie Cusack in Rumors. A graduate of Ripon College, she is a Psychology/Communications major and theatre and fine art minor who has performed in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Wisconsin. She is grateful to her family, friends, and colleagues for their support in making Rumors a highlight experience in her life.
Name a seat, leave a legacy!
Don’t miss out on this chance to have yourself or a loved one memorialized as an important part of our arts-loving community by naming a seat in our Kizzie, Price, or Glass Theaters.
Hundreds of thousands of patrons, volunteers, and other guests will pass through our newly renovated theater, and your name will be evidence of your dedication to the arts and TNP for years to come.
Seats range from $500 to $5,000 based on location.
The highest honor an artistic leader can receive, serving as a lasting tribute to the donor - or person whom the donor may wish to honor. This champion of the arts will have their name listed in every playbill, news article, or opportunity where the Artistic Director is listed, as well as annual dinners and invites with the Artistic Director.
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
MOLLIE BERMAN (Costume Designer) After graduating with her MFA from FSU, she joined the creative team for Disney Parks Live Entertainment as well as freelanced as a designer in the Orlando area. Previous TNP design credits include Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat!; The Fantasticks; The Marvelous Wonderettes; The Sound of Music; Mary Poppins; Blithe Spirit; The Wedding Singer; Footloose; Yours, Truly; Bye Bye Birdie; and She Loves Me; She has designed for TheatreWorks Florida, Mad Cow Theatre and Florida State University. She has previously worked at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. She would like to thank her friends, family, and husband Reece for their unending support and encouragement.
JAMES DUGGAN (Director) has been involved with The Naples Players since 2014. Directing credits include Clue: On Stage, The Dining Room, The Game’s Afoot and Boeing, Boeing. Directorial credits for TNP’s Readers Theatre include Erasure and Playwriting 101. Assistant Directing credits include Kalamazoo and These Shining Lives. James recently performed on stage as Charles in Blithe Spirit. Acting credits include Tim/The Cake, Ricky/Making God Laugh, Bernard/Don’t Dress For Dinner, Roger and Omar/Maple and Vine, Mr. Hilton/Coney Island Christmas, Ellard/The Foreigner, and Gary/Noises Off. James studied acting at Emerson College, the New Theatre Conservatory in Boston, and Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, Massachusetts. He received his BA degree in Communication Arts from Dowling College in Long Island, NY. James would like to thank everyone involved in this production and TNP for their continuous support.
SARAH GAMBLIN (Assistant Stage Manager) started volunteering with TNP during their production of Sound of Music in Spring 2023. Since then, she has been a part of six other TNP productions, both onstage and off. Additionally, her Naples theater family continued to grow this year as she branched out with The Studio Players for their production of Bus Stop in Spring 2024. She wants to thank the TNP community for reintroducing her to the joys of theater as well as her family for their energy, love, and support. She hopes you enjoy the show and come back for the next!
AMY HUGHES (Props Manager/Scenic Designer) is excited to be propping such an amazing production. Amy is mostly known for her credits on stage in shows such as Marian/The Music Man and Mona/Chicago. She is so excited to step into the role of a lifetime as the properties director for The Naples Players and looks forward to an amazingly creative future.
PATRICA PUIA (Stage Manager) is delighted to be stage managing this production of Rumors. In her four years at TNP, she has worked on productions as varied as 42nd Street, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, The Cake, and The Sound of Music This is her third time in the SM chair here, following By the Way, Meet Vera Stark and The Dining Room. She thanks TNP staff and volunteers for making every show memorable.
CHRIS RILEY (Lighting Designer) is the Director of Lighting and is excited to be finishing out his first season with The Naples Players. He was the lighting intern for TNP during the 2018-2019 season, where he designed shows including Annie JR, Guys and Dolls, and Lost in Yonkers. Since returning to The Naples Players, he’s worked on shows like The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Fantasticks, and Harvey. He’s so happy to once again be on the team, and can’t wait to work on many more shows.
MICHAEL SANTOS (Scenic Designer) has been working in The Naples Players’ Scene Shop for over 20 years now. He is originally from Upstate New York, where he received his BFA in Visual Communications. Favorite scenic designs include Guys and Dolls, The Wedding Singer, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame for TNP; and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Matilda JR , and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR for KidzAct. A big thank you to the volunteers for doing what they do best! And to his wife, Judith, for always being everything :-)
BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN (Sound Designer) holds a BFA in Theatre: Design & Technical Production and Theatre: Stage Management from Western Michigan University. Originally hailing from Michigan, he has found a home at The Naples Players here in Florida, where he has been an integral part of the team since 2013. Throughout his tenure, Brad has contributed his expertise to numerous productions, witnessing TNP’s remarkable growth over the years. Outside of the theater, Brad takes to the skies as a pilot, embarking on adventures to explore new areas of Florida. Alternatively, you might spot him strolling with his furry companion Malone, a delightful Cocker Spaniel mix who is well aware of just how adorable he is. Brad’s multifaceted interests and dedication to the arts underscore his dynamic enthusiasm as he eagerly looks forward to the future of TNP.
JASON WAGAMAN (Scenic Designer) graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology. He is entering his third season here at TNP as the Technical Director. He couldn’t be more joyful to work alongside Mike Santos and Amy Hughes in the scene shop. Jason cannot wait to welcome all of you to the new and improved shop. He would like to thank everyone at the theater for making him feel like TNP and Naples are his home.
The Naples Daily News is proud to support The
Get our free Daily Briefing email newsletter and stay informed on local news and events around Naples. Scan the QR code with your phone to sign up with your email address. Or go to naplesnews.com and search “newsletters” to join.
STAFF & LEADERSHIP
2024-2025 SEASON
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PEGGY MONSON President
ALAN JAFFE Executive Vice President
OTTO IMMEL Secretary
ROBIN BACHE GRAY
TERRY LIBBY
PAT POLLOK
BOB UEK Treasurer
TNP STAFF (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
BRYCE ALEXANDER Executive Artistic Director/CEO
MOLLIE BERMAN Costume Shop Supervisor
JULES BRANCHE Volunteer Manager
COLE BUTCHER Production Stage Manager/ Internship Director
PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement
JOHN COOPER Front of House Associate
KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff
DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer
JAMES DUGGAN Director of Patron Services
ADAM FASANO House Manager
CINDY FINEGAN Front of House Associate
CHARLES FORNARA Artistic Director - Music
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Artistic Director - Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
DENNY GLASS Immediate Past President
TED BILL
DEDE BROWNLEE
GEORGE D’ANGELO
LUKE JACONIS Box Office Manager
LANDON LIBBEY Front of House Associate
TAYLOR MATTHEWS Company Stage Manager
MARY ANNE McKERROW KidzAct Costume Designer
DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager
SUMMER PLISKOW Director of Arts Access & Applied Theatre
CRAIG PRICE Director of Community Programs & Applied Improv
JEN PRICE Director of Youth Education
DAN RAMIREZ Front of House Associate
THOMAS RICHARDSON Front of House Associate
CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting
ELIZABETH W. ROUNTREE, CFRE Director of Advancement
JOAN DiLILLO
BRUCE GRAEV
KELLEY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
KAT ZAGEL
MIKE SANTOS Resident Scenic Designer & Artist
GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant
ESTHER SNYDER Executive Assistant to the CEO
LORA TAJARI Front of House Associate
BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN Head of Sound
JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director
2024-25 INTERNS
RIAH CRUTCHFIELD Lighting Intern
CALLIE HARTEL Costumes Intern
ANNIE HENNEN Stage Management Intern
ISLA HOFFMANN Scenic Intern
KELLY PROTZ Sound Intern
This rumor is true: we’re here for you.
While The Naples Players’ production brings the joy of Neil Simon’s comedy, your estate planning is no laughing matter. We’ve got your back, because we anticipate and prepare for possible challenges facing the preservation of your wealth. Our dozen highly skilled professionals in The Estate, Trust & Wealth Preservation Team at Quarles provide a superior level of expertise and service to our clients in the Naples community. We are unsurpassed in navigating the complexities and intricacies of your estate, trust and business succession planning.
We’re here for you, to help you envision the future — whether it’s to seize opportunities, mitigate risks, or work through difficult situations. Let us assist you by implementing tailored strategies that expand and evolve as your family does — through births, graduations, weddings, retirement — and everything in between.
To learn more about what the law firm of Quarles & Brady can do for you, contact Kimberley A. Dillon, Partner, at (239) 434-4965 or kimberley.dillon@quarles.com.
SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS
2024-2025 SEASON
SEASON SPONSOR
SHOW SPONSORS
EDUCATION SPONSOR
TNP acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of the Calusa and Seminole peoples; and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of all the native people in this region.
