SCHOOL OF ROCK
BASED ON THE PARAMOUNT MOVIE WRITTEN BY ALAN MENKEN
BOOK BY JULIAN FELLOWES
DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER ERICA SAMPLE
SCENIC DESIGN MICHAEL SANTOS
LYRICS BY
NEW MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
MUSIC DIRECTOR ISAAC DORIO
COSTUME DESIGN MARY ANNE M c KERROW
PROPERTIES DIRECTOR AMY HUGHES
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH EDUCATION JEN PRICE
LIGHTING DESIGN DJ COOK
STAGE MANAGER KC ALLEN
SOUND DESIGN ALI de METS & BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN
SEASON DRAMATURGS RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
KIZZIE THEATER
JULY 26 - JULY 28, 2024
71 ST SEASON EDUCATION SPONSOR:
SCHOOL OF ROCK IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CONCORD THEATRICALS ON BEHALF OF THE REALLY USEFUL GROUP (WWW.CONCORDTHEATRICALS.COM).
SPONSORED IN PART BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA THROUGH THE DIVISION OF ARTS AND CULTURE AND THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.
THE VIDEOTAPING OR AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW AND AN ACTIONABLE FEDERAL OFFENSE.
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).
ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
CREW
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR ................................................................................................... DANIELLA FLOM
ASSISTANT TO THE CHOREOGRAPHER ...................................................................................... LIZZY MEHLER
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS ALYSSA BRADSHAW, NICHOLAS YOUNG
DECK MANAGER ........................................................................................................................... CARTER ZGONINA
BACKSTAGE CREW ......................................................................................... MAUREEN PLACE, ALICIA SCHWARTZ
FLY OPERATOR ...................................................................................................................................... BILL SHADE
AUDIO ENGINEERS ........................................................................ CONNER FOLEY, LIZZY MEHLER, DYLAN TURNER
AUDIO ASSISTANTS ................................................................................... JAKE FATTIBENE, EMERSON STALLARD
SPOT LIGHT OPERATORS CALLUM TANYAG, LANDON TOWNSEND
DRESSERS ....................................................... BROOKE JENKINS, NICOLE LETENDRE, HEIDI ROBAR, CORDIA STROM
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE ..................................... GWEN BETTINI, RONNIE COSSETTA, LINDA FIKES, ELAINE HOHS, KATHLEEN KOLACZ, JOAN LAUGHLIN, SANDY L o PRESTI, JOHN M c KERROW, JANE MITCHELL, CLAUDIA RIOLES, JEAN SNYDER
SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & PAINTING ................ BRAD BRENNER, REX BURNS, SARAH GAMBLIN, KIP JONES, JOE FEMIA, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, JUDI MASCIARELLI, CHRISTINE MASTRANGELO, SHAWN RYAN, JANE SHUB, JEFF SMITH, ANDREA TANNER, MARY TAYLOR, MICHAEL TROOP, MARY JANE WANN
ACTS , SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT 1
SCENE 1: THE OLYMPIC POWERHOUSE
“I’m Too Hot For You” ................................................................. THEO, DEWEY, BOB, DOUG, ANNOUNCER
SCENE 2: DEWEY’S BEDROOM
“When I Climb to The Top of Mt. Rock” ....................................................................... DEWEY
SCENE 3: HORACE GREEN, THE FRONT ENTRANCE/THE ASSEMBLY HALL
“Horace Green Alma Mater” ....................................................... CHILDREN, TEACHERS, ROSALIE
“Horace Green Alma Mater” (Underscore) ........... MS. SHEINKOPF, ROSALIE, MADISON, DEWEY
“Here at Horace Green” ..................................................
ROSALIE, DEWEY, MR. NOBLE, MR. GREEN, CHILDREN, MS. SHEINKOPF
“Here at Horace Green” (Reprise) .......................... ROSALIE, DEWEY, SUMMER, LAWRENCE, ZACK
SCENE 4: THE APARTMENT
“Variation 7” ............................................................................................................... DEWEY, NED by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Published by The Really Useful Group Ltd.
“Children of Rock” ..........................................................................................
DEWEY, NED, PATTY
“Mt. Rock Reprise” ........................................................................................... PATTY, DEWEY, NED
SCENE 5: HORACE GREEN, THE HALLWAY OUTSIDE THE MUSIC ROOM
“Queen of The Night” ...................................................... DEWEY, GABE, ROSALIE, FREDDY, SUMMER by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
SCENE 6: HORACE GREEN, THE CLASSROOM
“You’re in The Band” ................ DEWEY, ZACK, KATIE, LAWRENCE, FREDDIE, SUMMER, JAMES, MARCY, SHONELLE, BILLY, SOPHIE, MADISON, MASON, TOMIKA by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Glenn Slater, Jon Lord, Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Lou Reed, Charles Strouse & Martin Charnin. Published by The Really Useful Group Ltd. / B Feldman & Co. Ltd. / Warner Chappell North America Ltd. & Chappell-Morris Ltd.
“You’re in The Band” (Reprise) ............................................................................... DEWEY, KIDS
SCENE 7: STUDENTS’ HOMES
“If Only You Would Listen” ........................................... ZACK, BILLY, FREDDIE, TOMIKA, LAWRENCE, MADISON, SHONELLE, MASON, ALL KIDS
SCENE 8: HORACE GREEN, THE CLASSROOM
“In the End of Time” ........................................................................................... DEWEY, SUMMER by Jack Black and Warren Fitzgerald. Published by Sony / ATV Music Publishing Ltd.
SCENE 9: HORACE GREEN, THE FACULTY LOUNGE
“Faculty Quadrille” .................................... MR. SANDERS, MS. GORDON, MR. NOBLE, MS. SHEINKOPF, GABE, MR. JANES, MR. GREEN, MS. BINGHAM, MR. WOODARD, MS. MACAPUGAY, MR. WAGNER
SCENE 10: HORACE GREEN, THE CLASSROOM
“In the End of Time” (Band Practice) .................................................... DEWEY, BACKUP GIRLS
“Stick it to The Man” ................................................................................................ DEWEY, KIDS
SCENE 11: HORACE GREEN, THE HALLS
SCENE 12: THE PALACE THEATRE, BACKSTAGE
“In the End of Time” (The Audition) ................................................. DEWEY, MARCY, SHONELLE
“Stick it to The Man” (Reprise) ............................................................................. DEWEY, KIDS
15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
ACT 2
SCENE 1: HORACE GREEN, THE CLASSROOM
“Time to Play” ................................................ SUMMER, FREDDIE, JAMES, MASON, MARCY, SHONELLE, BACKUP GIRLS, MADISON, SOPHIE, KATIE, ZACK, BILLY
SCENE 2: HORACE GREEN, THE FACULTY LOUNGE
SCENE 3: HORACE GREEN, THE CLASSROOM
“Amazing Grace” .................................................................................................. TOMIKA, DEWEY
“Math is a Wonderful Thing” ................................................... DEWEY, KATIE, MADISON, SUMMER by Mike White & Jack Black. Published by Time for My Breakfast & Sony / ATV Harmony UK
SCENE 4: THE ROADHOUSE
“Where Did The Rock Go Intro” ........................................................................ DEWEY, ROSALIE
“Where Did The Rock Go” .................................................................................. ROSALIE, DEWEY
“Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks. Published by Welsh Witch Music / Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
(continued on next page)
ACTS , SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT 2 (continued)
SCENE 5: THE APARTMENT, THE LIVING ROOM
SCENE 6: HORACE GREEN, A HALLWAY
SCENE 7: HORACE GREEN, THE CLASSROOM
“School of Rock” (Part 1) ....................................................................................... ZACK, DEWEY by Mike White & Samuel Buonagurio. Published by Spirit Music Publishing Ltd. & Sony / ATV Harmony UK.
“Teacher’s Pet” (Part 2) ......................................................................................... ZACK, DEWEY
“Dewey’s Confession” ......................................................... DEWEY, PARENTS, ROSALIE, NED, PATTY
SCENE 8: THE APARTMENT, DEWEY’S BEDROOM
“Where did the Rock Go” (Reprise) ......................................... DEWEY, FREDDIE, ZACK, SUMMER “If Only You Would Listen” (Reprise) ................... TOMIKA, SUMMER, FREDDIE, ZACK, LAWRENCE, KATIE, OTHER CHILDREN
SCENE 9: THE PALACE THEATRE
“I’m Too Hot For You” (The Competition) .................................. JEFF, THEO, DOUG, BOB, SNAKE
“School of Rock” (The Competition) ....................................... DEWEY, BACKUP GIRLS, TOMIKA, ZACK, OTHER CHILDREN
“Stick it to The Man” (Competition Encore) ................................................ ALL KIDS, DEWEY “Queen of the Night” (Rock Version) ............................................................. DEWEY, ROSALIE
School of Rock: The Musical has been delighting audiences since its Broadway debut in 2015, captivating us with its infectious energy and heartwarming story. From its initial run in New York to international tours and regional productions, School of Rock has left an indelible mark on audiences of all ages.
The musical opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre on December 6, 2015, following a successful out-of-town tryout the previous summer. Directed by Laurence Connor and featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellowes, the production earned widespread acclaim for its dynamic performances and rock music.
During its Broadway run, School of Rock earned four Tony nominations. Alex Brightman, who portrayed the irrepressible Dewey, was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical, and the show itself was nominated for Best Musical. The production also was nominated for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.
After its successful Broadway run, School of Rock toured nationally and internationally, bringing the musical to audiences far and wide. In addition to its tours, School of Rock has been performed in regional and international productions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and South Korea. These productions have highlighted the universal appeal of the musical, attracting theatergoers of all ages.
Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its highenergy performances, catchy music, and heartwarming message about the power of music and following our dreams. The musical’s appeal transcends generational boundaries and charms children and adults alike.
School of Rock inspires theater goers to embrace their passions and pursue their dreams, both through the infectious rock music and the relationships between the characters, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
LEO BENANDER-McKAY (Ensemble) is a young man with a variety of interests and talents. He is a soccer and tennis player; a retired competitive gymnast; plays many instruments including French horn, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and piano; he is studying 3 languages; enjoys traveling to many amazing countries; and has a passion for art and fashion; all while successfully balancing his studies at Seacrest Country Day School. He loves the stage and has acted in several productions including Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, and Peter Pan. Leo is honored to join the amazing TNP cast of School of Rock!
SOLEI BOURGEOIS (Summer) loves the arts! She takes dance classes along with voice and piano lessons with dreams of her name in lights. Her first Broadway tour was at the age of 5 when she was cast as Lulu in Waitress: The Musical at Artis Naples and since then, she’s been in numerous productions such as Into The Woods (Little Red), Annie (Annie), Frozen (Young Anna), The Sound Of Music (Gretl), and The Music Man (Ensemble) at Barbara B. Mann with The Gulf Coast Symphony. She thanks her family for always supporting her dreams!
VICTOR BRIZ (Lawrence) is a determined and passionate child actor with experience in theater, commercials, and film productions. He has already appeared in several brands productions, including two years for BodyGlove and Payless, and more, where he delighted audiences with his portrayal of young characters. Victor’s natural acting abilities, combined with his dedication to learning and growing as an actor, set him apart. Offstage, Victor enjoys reading, tennis, and spending time outdoors.
KALOYAN BUELOW (Mason) My name is Kaloyan, and this is my 8th year performing. I started KidzAct at TNP when I was only 4 years old. My very first production was The Little Engine That Could when I was 7. I’ve been in other shows including Oliver as Fagin; Peter Pan in Peter Pan; and Jiminy Cricket in Ever After School of Rock was my very first audition for a big play and I’m very excited to be in the cast. Some of my favorite things to do are playing video games and being with my friends and family. Thanks for coming, and enjoy School of Rock
JAKE BUFFINGTON (James) is very excited to be part of School of Rock at The Naples Players playing the role of James. His recent credits took him on a wild ride starring in Aladdin at St John the Evangelist. Previously he played the role of Monsignor O’Hare in Sister Act JR at The Village School where he attends 7th grade. Jake loves theatre and is involved in many activities at school, including many roles in student government. He would like to thank his family, Abigail, Emily, Cooper, and his parents for always being supportive of him.
MARGOT CASSINELLI
(Madison) Margot is thrilled and honored to be at The Naples Players. She currently attends North Naples Middle School, where she is a proud member of the Yearbook Committee, Student Advisory Council, Drama Club, Orchestra, and the North Naples Middle School Choir. Margot grew up enjoying classes at TNP, and is very proud to join the talented cast of School of Rock. Previous credits include Violet Beauregarde/Willy Wonka JR. and Cinderella’s Stepmother/Into the Woods JR. When not on stage, she enjoys reading, singing, writing music, adventuring, and spending time with friends. Margot would like to thank her impeccable directors, extraordinary teachers, amazing friends, and wonderful family for their continuous support. Enjoy the show!
CAROLINE COLEMAN (Marcy) It’s a thrill to be back on stage at The Naples Players! My love for performing began at this theater and I look forward to the many years ahead in this beautiful space. My most recent shows include The Music Man, Matilda, and Newsies. I want to thank all of the staff at TNP, my family, and friends for all the support and guidance!
ELLA EASTMAN (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of the production School of Rock She is 13 years old and she goes to St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School. She did Godspell Jr. at her school. She has done Hairspray, Treble in Paradise, and La Comedia of Errors (Angelo) at The Naples Players. Ella is also trying out for Legally Blonde this fall. She thanks her family and friends for all of the support. She hopes you all enjoy School of Rock
COOPER FOLEY (Billy) is in 7th grade at Seacrest Country Day School. He enjoys all aspects of theater. When not on stage, Cooper may be found with the tech crew or selling concessions! He has been acting for 5 years and his favorite roles have been President Roosevelt in Annie and Wiesel in Newsies Jr. He is excited to play Billy in today’s production! Enjoy the show!
TAO HAAS (Freddie) is a 10-year-old fifth grader at Seagate Elementary. He’s been performing with TNP for two years, and this is his 11th show! Recently, he delighted audiences as Charlie Cowell in the KidzAct production of The Music Man. Beyond acting, Tao thrives on outdoor pursuits, from snorkeling in the Gulf and springs to shooting hoops and playing football. He also has a deep love for math and reading. Tao is thrilled to be part of this production and working alongside such a talented cast and crew. Tao wishes to thank everyone involved for giving him the opportunity to be in this show!
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
MAXIMILIANO JAMES (Ensemble) is an eclectic 13-year-old eighth grader, actor, musician, dancer and singer. His performances have been striking. He successfully inhabited the starring lead bilingual role of Antipholus/Antifolo in Shakespeare’s La Comedia of Errors, another lead as Mr. Wormwood in Matilda, and he showcased his versatility in Beauty and the Beast as part of the ensemble and Monsieur D’Arque. Maximiliano’s aspirations are laser-focused — he dreams of studying theatre at the prestigious Juilliard School.
CRYSTALLINE KAISER (Ensemble) is a homeschooled student heading into 7th grade. She has performed in various plays and workshop productions, starting with the role of Nori in The Hobbit in 2019. She enjoys the opportunity for creativity and self-expression that theatre provides. Her other interests include drawing, painting, and creative writing.
KRISTINA KAVALOV (Ensemble) started acting when she was six; she has been in love with theatre ever since. She has now participated in many shows at her school, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon at TNP, and Footloose at NPAC. She is so honored to be a part of School of Rock this year. It brings her joy to be back in the theater. She hopes you enjoy the show!
SOFIA LUGO (Shonelle) is thrilled to be performing in her second show with TNP alongside this wonderful cast. Off stage, Sofia enjoys waterskiing, tennis, piano, and socializing with friends. She would like to thank her family, her amazing singing teacher, and dance teacher for making this all possible. Sofia hopes you enjoy this upbeat, high energy show!!!!!!!!
MADISON MANCE (Patty) is originally from Toronto, Canada, and has called Florida home since February 2021. She is a rising 7th grade student at The Village School and studies dance at Hit The Floor Dance Studio. Recent theater credits: Young Bonnie/ Bonnie and Clyde (Theatre Zone), Dance Captain/Les Filles/Ensemble/Beauty and The Beast JR, Rapunzel/Into the Woods JR, Marta-Salzburg Cast/The Sound of Music, Nancy/ Newsies JR, Young Kangaroo/Seussical JR, all with The Naples Players. Madison is grateful to Miss Erica and Mr. Issac for this incredible experience, and the cast for the friendships and fun along the way. Enjoy the show!
MARY KATE MASTERSON (Tomika) is honored to play Tomika in TNP’s School of Rock this summer! She has been a member of the TNP family for several years now and is thrilled to be back performing in the new and beautiful theater home we all share. MK is 14 years old and entering the 9th grade. Some of her past roles include Medda Larkin/ Newsies JR, Gretl/The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, and Ensemble/Beauty and the Beast. When she is not performing on the stage, you can often find her singing across SWFL. Whether in concert halls or stadiums as a youth choral member or a featured soloist, MK has a heart for the arts. She would like to thank her family for their support, as well as the INCREDIBLE staff at TNP! Please enjoy the show!
NICK MEHLER (Dewey Finn) is so excited to be performing in The Naples Players’ rendition of School of Rock and can’t wait for you to see the show. Nick is a junior at Gulf Coast High School where he has been doing shows for two years. He would like to thank his family for all their love and support. Enjoy the show!
MATIAS PISCOYA (Zack) is 10 years old, and is super excited to be back this summer for his second show with TNP. Matias absolutely loves everything related to music and art. In his past performances, he has played roles like Baby Shrek and Baby Bear in Shrek the Musical and Chip in Beauty and the Beast. Matias is getting ready to start middle school soon, where he dreams of continuing his journey in musical theatre. He can’t wait for you to see the show and hopes you’ll have as much fun watching it as he did being a part of it!
EMERSON ROSCHEK (Ensemble) is so excited to be in School of Rock! She has loved being in shows since she was little and has loved doing shows at TNP! Some previous shows she has been in are Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Finding Nemo Jr, Frozen, and so much more! She thanks her family and friends for supporting her and encouraging her to do musicals! Enjoy the show!
GIA SANCHEZ (Sophia) is entering 7th grade this year at Oakridge Middle School. She has enjoyed many productions with TNP. Some of her other credits including Luciana/ La Comedia of Errors, Treble in Paradise singing group, Enchantress & Ensemble/ Beauty & the Beast, Jojo & Ensemble/Newsies JR, and Moana/Moana JR. She has also participated in many classes such Descendants JR, Mary Poppins, Frozen JR, and The Wizard of Oz. When Gia is not on stage, she enjoys doing art, dancing tap/lyrical/hiphop, and spending time with her friends. She would like to thank her family for all their support always. Enjoy the show!
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
OLIVIA SILVERIO (Katie) is thrilled to be a part of School of Rock! This is her 3rd year performing in musical theater. The stage is truly the place where Olivia feels most at home. She is becoming a seasoned performer with prior roles in Beauty & the Beast, Haunted High, Nemo, and Newsies. When Olivia is not performing, she loves being with family and friends, playing with her dog Zoe, scuba diving, and learning about marine life. Olivia wants to thank all her family and friends for always loving and supporting her. Enjoy the show!!
ALESSA VAZQUEZ (Rosalie Mullins) is 16-year-old and has a big love for theater and music. She is thrilled to be back this summer for another fantastic show with TNP! Alessa has a real flair for theater, music, and performing, and she’s taken on some exciting roles in the past, like Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Gabriella Montez in High School Musical . Next year, she’ll be a senior and can’t wait to see what adventures lie ahead. Alessa is also a key part of the Student Council Leadership Team at TNP. She is eager for you to enjoy the show and hopes you’ll have just as much fun in the audience as she does up on the stage!
JULIAN VITELLI (Ned Schneebly) is a sophomore at St. John Neumann, and is excited to be back on the TNP Stage! Julian previously played Gaston in Beauty and the Beast JR, Albert in Newsies JR, and various roles in productions at Seacrest. Julian’s acting skills came in handy when he competed in the Collier County mock trial and won Best Prosecution Attorney, and team MVP as a freshman! In his free time, he enjoys fishing, playing chess and video games with friends, and watching the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies! He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support and hopes you enjoy the show!
a PLAY and a METAPHOR for LIFE
In School of Rock we see a universal truth that transcends age barriers: our desire to belong. We hear “everybody wants to be in the band,” over and over in the play, a reminder that we all yearn for camaraderie, acceptance, and to be part of something.
For adults, the aspiration to ‘be in the band’ is often about longing to recapture the sense of freedom and authenticity associated with youth. As responsibilities pile up and society’s expectations mount, many adults yearn for a taste of the carefree spirit they remember.
‘Joining the band’ represents a chance to escape the pressures of daily life and reconnect with a passion (for music, in the case of the play), or virtually any other remembered obsession. Here’s our chance to reclaim a sense of our own identity, not as professionals, parents, grandparents, or partners, but as our “real” selves.
Being in a group as an adult fosters a sense of community and belonging that may be lacking in other areas of our lives in a world of digital communication. Making music (reading books, creating art, etc.) with others is a shared experience that transcends differences in background and ideology. We can collaborate, and cooperate, and often forge deep bonds built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared passion for common purpose. For adults, ‘being in the band’ is not just about playing instruments or performing on stage; it’s about connecting with others who share our passion.
For kids, being ‘in the band’ can be a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment. As they navigate the often turbulent waters of adolescence, they grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose. Joining a band is a chance for them to explore their interests, talents, and individuality in a supportive and nurturing environment. They build confidence, learn perseverance and how to handle responsibility, as well as the meaning of teamwork. In a band, kids learn to collaborate with their peers, negotiate differences, and work towards a common goal.
So, whether you’re young or not-so-young in the School of Rock audience, the desire to ‘be in the band’ speaks to our fundamental human need for connection and creativity. It’s not just about playing the music; it’s about embracing the journey, finding your voice, and discovering the magic that happens when you make music with others.
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
(Composer) has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1969) to Cinderella (2021), his work has been consistently seen on world stages. Before the COVID pandemic hit, Lloyd Webber had shows continually running in the West End for 48 years and on Broadway for 41. When Sunset Boulevard joined School Of Rock, CATS, and The Phantom Of The Opera, he equaled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.
Lloyd Webber owns seven London theatres, including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Over the past three years the latter has been completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. It is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings has meant that considerable work has been undertaken across his theatre portfolio during the pandemic, including the complete remodelling and reseating of the Gillian Lynne.
Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary School Trust and commissioning research into diversity in theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992 and created an honorary life peer in 1997. To mark his 70th birthday, his bestselling autobiography Unmasked was published by Harper Collins in March 2018.
KC ALLEN (Stage Manager) has been with TNP for a long time. She started in the KidzAct program when she was 10. Currently she is an incoming sophomore at Depaul University majoring in Film and Television. Her Stage Management credits for TNP include Into the Woods JR (Stage Manager), By The Way, Meet Vera Stark (Assistant Stage Manager), and Something Rotten! (Assistant Stage Manager). Other credits include The Goodbye Girl (ASM, Theatre Zone), Rock of Ages (ASM, TheatreZone), and Legally Blonde (Student Director, NPAC). Keep Calm and Rock On.
ALYSSA BRADSHAW (Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to be an ASM for School of Rock! She started volunteering with TNP this past season as backstage crew for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley and has been on a mission to work in every part of the theater since! Thus far she has also been crew for Harvey, Clue: On Stage, and most recently a spotlight operator for 42nd Street. Alyssa is so grateful to be a part of this production and to the cast and crew for making this experience so fun and memorable. Enjoy the show!
DJ COOK (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be The Naples Players’ lighting intern this summer. DJ is a rising senior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Much of his lighting design has been focused in the area of dance, working on UNC Charlotte Department of Dance’s Verve, Roll With It…, Under the Umbrellas, and Under Construction. For theatre, he received a 2024 KCACTF Region IV nomination for lighting design for his work on Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully. DJ hopes you enjoy School of Rock!
ALI de METS (Sound Designer) is overjoyed to spend their summer with The Naples Players! Ali studies Theatrical Production and Design with a Musical Performance minor at Susquehanna University as a sophomore, where they act as their department’s Sound Coordinator. Recent design credits include 33 Variations, Pride and Prejudice, Eurydice, and The Wolves.
ISAAC DORIO (Music Director) is a passionate educator, pianist, and bassoonist currently pursuing a double major in music and anthropology and minors in education and landscape studying at Cornell University. From a young age, Isaac’s love for music allowed him to excel in various performance settings including competitions, evaluations, chamber ensembles, piano ensembles, and as a frequent solo accompanist. Most notably, Isaac was the recipient of the Hammes Award Scholarship from the Music Foundation of Naples in 2022 for his high level of playing. Outside of Cornell University, you can find Isaac going rock climbing, running, enjoying time outside in the sun, or spending time with family and friends!
DANIELLA FLOM (Assistant to Director) is a Theatre Education major at Belmont University, and she is so glad she could assist for this production of School of Rock! Typically a performer with TNP whose recent credits include Louisa in The Sound of Music and an ensemble member in The Hunchback of Notre Dame Teen, Daniella is also a KinderAct instructor for TNP. Enjoy the show and get ready to rock and roll!
AMY HUGHES (Props Director) is excited to be propping such an amazing production. Amy is mostly known for her credits on stage in shows such as The Music Man as Marian and Chicago as Mona. 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.
MARY ANNE McKERROW (Costume Designer) has been costuming and teaching the young actors of TNP’s KidzAct program since 2005. As a performer for TNP, she was last seen in the Extravaganza to mark the opening of the newly renovated theater. Favorite TNP roles include Donna/Mamma Mia!, Momma Rose/Gypsy, Mame/Mame, and Madame Thenardier/Les Misérables. Last year she debuted at The Laboratory Theater in Ft. Myers as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd.
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
LIZZY MEHLER (Assistant to Choreographer) is a recent graduate of Gulf Coast High School, and will be attending Roosevelt University in the fall to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre! Her recent credits include: 42nd Street (Ensemble), Hairspray (Velma), Chicago (Liz), All Shook Up (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Mamma Mia! (Tanya), A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Something Rotten! (Swing/Ensemble). She would like to thank Dawn, Charlie, and Erica for supporting her development as an artist, her family for their unconditional love and support, and the entire creative team and cast for being so amazing to work with. Enjoy the show!
ERICA SAMPLE (Director/ Choreographer) graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in 2015 with her BFA in Musical Theatre. Since then, she has performed at TheatreZone, The Naples Players, and Broadway Palm Dinner Theater and has choreographed several productions locally (where her choreography has received several Jimmy Awards). She has directed, choreographed, assistant directed and choreographed several productions at TNP and KidzAct. Select TNP performance credits: Suzy/The Marvelous Wonderettes, Linda/The Wedding Singer, Roxie Hart/ Chicago, Sophie/Mamma Mia!, Judy Haynes/White Christmas, and Sister Mary Robert/ Sister Act. KidzAct directing credits: Frozen JR, Annie JR, Once on this Island JR, Aladdin JR, Madagascar JR, Elf JR, and The Wizard of Oz JR. Under the name Erica Dale she has also released four original singles available wherever you stream or download music. (Ericadale.com)
MICHAEL SANTOS (Scenic Designer) has been working in The Naples Players’ Scene Shop for over 20 years now. 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 with TNP, Brad has contributed his expertise to numerous productions, witnessing the remarkable growth of TNP over the years. His enthusiasm lies in fostering even more opportunities for involvement as TNP continues to evolve in its new facility.
NICHOLAS YOUNG (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be working on his second production as an Assistant Stage Manager following Assistant Stage Managing Clue: On Stage, and is excited to work on future productions at TNP.
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.
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
DOT AUCHMOODY Resident Costume Designer
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 Box Office Staff
KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff
NICK DALTON Director of Accessibility & Community Enrichment
DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer
JAMES DUGGAN Director of Patron Services
ADAM FASANO House Manager
CHARLES FORNARA Artistic Director - Music
DENNY GLASS Immediate Past President
TED BILL
DEDE BROWNLEE
GEORGE D’ANGELO
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Artistic Director - Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
LUKE JACONIS Box Office Manager
CARL JOHNSON Front of House Associate
JILLIAN KEITH Marketing Coordinator
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 Box Office Staff
THOMAS RICHARDSON Box Office Staff
JOAN DiLILLO
BRUCE GRAEV
KELLEY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
KAT ZAGEL
CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting
ELIZABETH W. ROUNTREE, CFRE Director of Advancement
MIKE SANTOS Resident Scenic Designer & Artist
GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant
ESTHER SNYDER Executive Assistant to the CEO
BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN Head of Sound
JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director
2024-25 INTERNS
GRACE CAUDILL Stage Management Intern
DJ COOK Lighting Intern
ALI de METS Sound Intern
CHRISTIAN DINSMORE Education Intern
RYAN HORST Scenic Intern
BROOKE JENKINS Costume Intern
OUR MISSION:
To build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.