The Sound of Music Official Performance Guide

& Executive Artistic Director

JUST ANNOUNCED!

SHOWS, DATES & LOCATIONS

PRESENTED BY:

Just like we did 70 years ago, we're leaning on partners within our community to host our shows during this year's renovations.

Season ticket subscriptions are ON SALE NOW!

JUL 05 - JUL 23, 2023

The power of love, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero.

HOSTED AT: COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF NAPLES - THEATREZONE

OCT 04 - OCT 22, 2023

Life, laughter, and togetherness told from different families, time periods, and backgrounds around the dinner table.

HOSTED AT:

M c SPADDEN HALL AT THE NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

NOV 01 - NOV 19, 2023

A romantic Christmas comedy and the sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.

HOSTED AT:

M c SPADDEN HALL AT THE NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

NOV 09 - NOV 19, 2023

Take a step back in time with this jukebox musical comedy full of big dreams and hit songs from the 1950’s and 60’s.

HOSTED AT:

BEVERLY HALL AT THE NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

OUR 70 TH SEASON!

JAN 10 - JAN 28, 2024

Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes... and sometimes even a 6-foot tall rabbit.

HOSTED AT:

M c SPADDEN HALL AT THE NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

JAN 18 - JAN 28, 2024

A timeless musical tale of young love and the obstacles it must overcome.

HOSTED AT: BEVERLY HALL AT THE NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

FEB 14 - MAR 03, 2024

An uproarious comedy about womanhood, aging, and everything in between!

HOSTED AT:

M c SPADDEN HALL AT THE NAPLES UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

MAR 13 - APR 7, 2024

Mel Brooks’ award-winning, laugh-outloud spectacle will bring down the house in our new Kizzie Theater!

BACK HOME IN: THE NAPLES PLAYERS' RENOVATED KIZZIE THEATER

MAY 1 - MAY 26, 2024

Follow along on the opening night of a show that goes from bad to utterly disastrous with non-stop laughter along the way.

BACK HOME IN: THE NAPLES PLAYERS' RENOVATED KIZZIE THEATER

SPONSORED BY:

LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION

SPRING HAPPENINGS

UPCOMING EVENTS @ TNP

MAR 04 4-6PM

Drop In Theatre Therapy

Join Dianne Durante, Ed.S LMFT and TNP’s Education Program Coordinator, Summer Pliskow to focus on connection and moving forward from stressful mental health challenges and triggers. This workshop is designed to provide access and resources for the community of Naples following any trauma or stress.

MAR 25

Spring KidzAct Classes Begin

R P mpr v

MAR 25 4-6PM

Drop In Improv

A monthly improv jam session for beginner to advanced improvisers to drop in and hone their skills, create new characters, learn new games, strengthen open scene work, exchange ideas, and maybe try a little Musical Improv.

APR 01

Auditions for The Hunchback of Notre Dame

APR 01 4-6PM

Drop In Theatre Therapy

APR 08

Auditions for Into the Woods, Jr. and Beauty and the Beast, Jr.

©2023 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times. European model shown. Some options may not be available in the U.S.

a Tradition OF REFINEMENT

WE’VE ALWAYS HAD AN EYE FOR DETAIL, AND IT SHOWS.

Over the years, we’ve elevated our suite offerings, completely reimagined our courtyard pool, upgraded floors and bathrooms with luxurious finishes and softened our in-room color palette accents. Take a look and you’ll notice the difference... from the elegant cut glass of our lobby chandelier right down to the new guestroom doors that afford a tranquil, sound-proofed stay Come be our guest!

WELCOME,

MATT SCHWABAUER

By Lauren Speirs

The Naples Players’ very own Captain von Trapp, aka Matt Schwabauer, moved to Naples from Atlanta just after Hurricane Ian. He works as a carpenter at our neighboring Gulfshore Playhouse and is delighted to be onstage at TNP simultaneously!

“Before moving, I researched different theaters in the area because I knew I wanted to work on both sides of the stage if I could. I have been paid to act in the past but I was up for volunteering - it was important to me to have something I could plug into right away.”

Atlanta to Naples might seem like a big move, but Matt has experienced his share of moving around! “I’m a bit of a nomad. I grew up as a Navy brat - my dad was a Navy Chaplain and we moved around a lot. At one point, we lived in Italy for three years. As an adult, I kept moving and getting blown around by the wind. My friends joke that I’ve lived many lives!”

No stranger to theatre, Matt started appearing on stage as young as 8th grade. “I was in my first one act that year. During my freshman year of

high school, ironically, The Sound of Music was the first musical I was ever in - I played Friedrich. It feels fitting to get to play Captain von

CHOREOGRAPHY TIME FOR THE CAST MEMBERS OF THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Trapp after so many years of doing that. I genuinely love the show, it’s one of my favorites.”

Matt continued studying theatre in high school and college. “I was at my first high school for two years and then we moved again, so I was in a different high school in a different state the last two years. That was one of the more difficult moves. I had a strong trajectory at the first school, but the second one was great and I integrated really well. After that, I got my BA in performance and creative writing at Hope College in Michigan. From there, I took a long hiatus for four years. Once I came back, I got into doing Shakespeare and all that good stuff.”

Matt worked at Gordon College in Massachusetts as a technical director and production manager. “I was a team of one and I had to really pull from the skills I learned in school. Even though I avoided tech as much as possible in my undergrad, this job turned out to be the dream job I really wanted. I had all of these students their freshman year and I would give them a questionnaire asking for their interests and what they wanted to learn, etc. Some would initially say that they only wanted to participate in front of house, and then later on they became a star carpenter. All of it put together was what really fueled my passion; getting to invest in people but also getting to make great art.”

Just before moving to Naples, Matt had returned to theatre again after a six-year hiatus. “I did community theatre in Atlanta and was in On Golden Pond and it felt natural to be back on stage. When I got here, people at work told me to audition for TNP. Even in my research before arriving in Naples, TNP seemed like the best community theatre in the area.”

I wanted to be somewhere that was putting on really high-caliber work and somewhere I could stretch myself artistically.

– MATT SCHWABAUER

MATT SCHWABAUER

Continued From Page 11

All of us at The Naples Players are grateful to each and every one of our volunteers - from our longtime regulars to our newbies! Matt explains that he was welcomed from the moment he set foot in the theatre. “The audition process was a well-oiled machine and I felt so secure. I had the usual nerves come in but it was easy to brush aside because the atmosphere was really comfortable. I wanted to be somewhere that was putting on really high-caliber work and somewhere I could stretch myself artistically.”

A warm welcome to Matt and congratulations on your first production in TNP’s Blackburn Hall.

All of our staff and volunteers love to get new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to the area or just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills at the next audition or contact Pamela Larkin Caruso today at 239-434-7340 ext. 104 to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house!

VOLUNTEERING @ TNP

DEPARTMENTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR FRIENDLY FOLKS OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES

PERFORMERS

Come audition for a show! All of our performers are volunteers, with each cast being a mix of veterans, newcomers, and novices.

BACKSTAGE CREW

Fly rail, audio assistant, backstage crew, spotlight operator, board operator...the behind-the-scenes opportunities at TNP are endless!

COSTUME SHOP

Assist with repairs, alterations, sewing, ironing, steaming, buttons, hems...you name it! Costumes for every performance are made on site!

SCENE SHOP

Lend a hand with set construction, demolition, painting, and the occasional prop fabrication. Get your hands dirty and have fun doing it!

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

With so many options to get involved, why wait? Contact Director of Volunteer Advancement, Pamela Larkin Caruso today to tell us about yourself and we’ll find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO

plarkincaruso@naplesplayers.org or (239) 434- 7340, ext. 104

USHERS

Greet patrons, scan tickets, work concessions, hand out programs, and escort patrons to their seats. Be the first friendly face patrons see and experience!

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

2021-2022 SEASON

500+ HOURS

K.C. Allen

Leonard Allen

Jules Branche

Nathan Eichhorn

Frankie Federico

250+ HOURS

Lloyd Adams

Pamela Austin

Jenny Belandres

Gerrie Benzing

Ethan Brendel

Brad Brenner

Dede Brownlee

JamieLynn Bucci

Rex Burns

Hildegard Carney

Nikita Chernin

Abby Ciabaton

100+ HOURS

Drew Attanasio

Dot Auchmoody

Emilie Baartman

Robin Bache Gray

Joel Banow

Sade Bassan

Zoe Bebon

Maddie Brendel

Carla Brooks

Hayley Burns

Kelsey Butler

Joseph Byrne

Braxton Cabrera

Melanie Capparelli

Kristin Cassidy

Tina Cedras

Tucker Claremont

Carol Clarke

Ian Cocklin

Shelley Gothard

Kay Harkins

Nancy Hayer

Laurie Heaver

Joseph Loiacono

Jack Cole

James Corsica

Scott Davis

Makayla Davis

Sarah DeLeonibus

Kat Ebaugh

Rosemary Erb

Lisa Federico

Joseph Femia

Ava Foley

Alyssa Haney

Madeleine Howe

Belinda Conigliaro

John Cooper

Emma Covert

Aldo D’Acunzo

Luke Danni

Maxine Danni

Carolyn D’Arco

Jessica D’Arco

Barbara Davin

Sid Davis

Thomas Didier-Holt

Louise Eliot

Vivienne Engelmann

Molly Eovino

Ed Ezrine

Adam Fasano

Elizabeth Feins

Carole Fenstermacher

Daniella Flom

Larry Lovell

Elizabeth Marcantonio

Harry McCartney

Patricia Puia

Eileen Reynolds

Damian Ivanov

Zachary Jackson

Ruth Johnson

Vanessa Johnston

Olivia LaChance

Kelsey LaFrenais

Luke Lauchle

Paul LoPresti

Russ Loyet

Ray Marasco

Christine Mastrangelo

Debron McCartney

Gabriella Flom

Jenny Gantlett

Elise Gilchrist

Jeremy Giovinazzo

Ocean Gudur

Debra Gulinello

Ella Hamblen

Tammy Harris

Larry K. Harrison

Lin Hart

Ed Heckert

Jeannine Hedberg

Amy Hughes

Lucas Jaconis

Naphtailda Jean Charles

Erica Tristen Jones

Nuran Joseph

Monica Joyce

Val Kuffel

Peggy Monson

Tina Moroni

Paulette Oliva

Bret Poulter

Manda Smith

Kenny Tran

Lindsey Walsh

Ciarán Welch

Esther Snyder

Jean Snyder

Andrea Tanner

Mary Taylor

Brittany Ringsdore

Sabine Rivera

Roseann Ruggiero

Erica Sample

Bernardo Santana

Judy Scribner

David Shaffer

Jeff Smith

Michael Lakin

Jill Lane

Gabrielle Lansden

Pamela Larkin Caruso

Stephen Lee

Terry Libby

James Little

Will Lombardo

Jessica Lussier

Peter McClung

Peggy McHugh

Yuliana Mercado

Peter Meskin

Dan Miller

Nancy Miller

Natalie Minter

Sydney Mixon

Linda L. Mizeur

Lisa Nuccio

Aiden Thayer

Bonnie Thayer

Mark Vanagas

Lorelai Vega

Debbie Wesolowski

Haly Osborn

Chiara Padejka

Davis Piper

Lexi Piper

Les Prebble

Sue Rapanos

Robert Rath

Andrew Reid

Bailey Reum

Thomas Rex

Victoria Rinaldi

Kura Robinson

Kathy Rogers

Kimberely Roper

Avery Roschek

Michael Schwartz

William Shade

Sophia Siciliano

W. Scott Simmen

Judith Smith

Suzanne Smith

Giszelle Sonia

Betty Tienhaara

Richard Tienhaara

Amy Tran

Michael Troop

Emily Van den Berg

Lynne Vela

Logan Walden

Tracy Weaver

Jack Weld

David Whalley

Corinne Wightman

Nancy Woolf

Dominic Young

Gabrielle Zappulla

Edward Zonnevylle

CELEBRATING OUR DONORS

RECENT DONOR APPRECIATION

Please join us in thanking donors who gave between December 1, 2022 and February 9, 2023. lease join us in thanking donors who gave between September 15 and October 27, 2022.Our heartfelt thanks to:

Elaine & Robert Ackley

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Magda Bennecke

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The Betsey Harris Fund

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*Season Ticket Subscriber

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THE SOUND OF MUSIC

MUSIC BY RICHARD RODGERS

LYRICS BY OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II

BOOK BY HOWARD LINDSAY & RUSSEL CROUSE

SUGGESTED BY “THE TRAPP FAMILY SINGERS” BY MARIA AUGUSTA TRAPP

DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA

SCENIC & PROJECTION DESIGN

MICHAEL HOOVER

MUSIC DIRECTOR CHARLES FORNARA

COSTUME DESIGN MOLLIE BERMAN

PROPERTIES COORDINATOR

JILLIAN FEIGENBLAT

LIGHTING DESIGN ABBY MAY

VIDEO KATIE CROSS OF CROSS ALIGN

EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER

BLACKBURN HALL MAR 01 - APR 02, 2023 SPONSORED BY

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

STAGE MANAGER SYDNEY SUTHERLAND

SOUND DESIGN SEAN McGINLEY

BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN

SEASON DRAMATURG RICKI BAKER

DREW ATTANASIO PHOTOGRAPHY | JODIE deSALVO

THE SOUND OF MUSIC IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CONCORD THEATRICALS ON BEHALF OF THE RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN ORGANIZATION. 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://www.concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

MOTHER ABBESS ................................................................................................................... KIMBERLY ALBRECHT

ROLF .................................................................................................................................................. LEONARD ALLEN

SISTER BERTHE .............................................................................................................................. DEDE BROWNLEE

SISTER BERTHE ................................................................................................................... DEDE BROWNLEE

HERR ZELLER ......................................................................................................................................... ED CONRAD

MARIA ............................................................................................................................................... RACHEL LEFKOW

ADMIRAL VON SCHREIBER JOSEPH LOIACONO

ELSA SCHRAEDER ......................................................................................................... ELIZABETH MARCANTONIO

MAX DETWEILER KELLY ROSSBERG

FRAU SCHMIDT ............................................................................................................... ROSEANN RUGGIERO

CAPTAIN GEORG VON TRAPP .............................................................................................. MATT SCHWABAUER

SISTER MARGARETTA .......................................................................................................................... SUE SMITH

SISTER SOPHIA ......................................................................................................... VANESSA TARABOCCHIA

FRANZ .................................................................................................................................. NORMAN TOBACK

LIESL ..................................................................................................................................................... LORELAI VEGA

U/S MARIA ...................................................................................................................................... LINDSAY WALSH

THE SOUND OF MUSIC ORCHESTRA

CONDUCTOR/KEYBOARD: CHARLES FORNARA

VIOLIN I

KIRSTEN TREMBLEY

KRISTIN JARVIS

VIOLIN II

KRISTIN JARVIS

DENISE TALEBI

VIOLA

BRADLEY BLAUFUSS

BARBARA LOUNSBURY

CELLO, GUITAR & MANDOLIN

TIM TORRES

FLUTE & PICCOLO

DARBI LAMRANI

OBOE & ENGLISH HORN

ALYSSA M c KEITHEN

CLARINET

DANIEL G. KLIMOSKI

BASSOON

ADAM COSTELLO

TATUM SHELLENBERGER-HOWARD

ORIN JACOBS

CHRISTINA BONATAKIS

HORN I

DANA WILLIAMS

HORN II

JENNIFER MILLER

MANESSA ABRAHAM

TRUMPET

MIKE SANTIAGO

MARK FESSENDEN

TROMBONE

ADREN HANCE

JEREMIAH ST. JOHN

BASS

BILL SWARTZBAUGH

JOE CHOOMACK

DRUMS & PERCUSSION

SEAN STOLLIKER

SCOTT CRAWFORD

CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

von Trapp children - SALZBURG CAST

FRIEDRICH ................................................................................................................................. BRAXTON CABRERA

LOUISA ............................................................................................................................................... SABINE RIVERA

KURT LUKE BROWNLEE

BRIGITTA .................................................................................................................................... BEALEY CATE WHITE

MARTA ............................................................................................................................................ MADISON MANCE

GRETL ................................................................................................................................................ EMILY CAMERON

von Trapp children - VIENNA CAST

FRIEDRICH ............................................................................................................................................ EVAN ABRAM

LOUISA ............................................................................................................................................... DANIELLA FLOM

KURT .................................................................................................................................................. ROMEO CALLARI

BRIGITTA ALEENA ARICO

MARTA ..................................................................................................................................................... SURI FINCH

GRETL SUSAN LYELL

ENSEMBLE ................. DEDE BROWNLEE, CHRISTIAN DINSMORE, KATIE ELKIND, SARAH GAMBLIN, JAN GEHRMAN, ALEX GONZALEZ, EMILY HART, LIN HART, ASHLEY KOSTEN, JOSEPH LOIACONO, PEGGY MONSON, GAVIN OTT, DONNA ROTELLA, MALENA TUCKER, TRACY WEAVER

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE BY CAST

MAR 1 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 2 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: LINDSEY WALSH

MAR 3-5 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 8 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 9 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: LINDSEY WALSH

MAR 10-12 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 14 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: LINDSEY WALSH

MAR 15 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 16 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: LINDSEY WALSH

MAR 17-18 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 19 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 22 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 23 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: LINDSEY WALSH

MAR 24 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 25 (CCPS) | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: LINDSEY WALSH

MAR 25 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 26 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 29 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

MAR 30 | SALZBURG CAST | MARIA: LINDSEY WALSH

MAR 31-APR2 | VIENNA CAST | MARIA: RACHEL LEFKOW

CREW

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS ............................................... JORDAN CRAWFORD, PATRICIA PUIA

ASSISTANT SCENIC DESIGNER ..................................................................................... GREG TROCHLIL

DECK MANAGER ............................................................................................... MAYA KLEINSORGE

REHEARSAL PIANISTS ............................................................................. JODIE de SALVO, LIN HART

DANCE CAPTAINS ....................................................................... SUE SMITH, CHRISTIAN DINSMORE

YOUTH CAPTAIN ......................................................................................... CHRISTIAN DINSMORE

VOCAL CAPTAIN ............................................................................................................. LIN HART

BACKSTAGE CREW ................................................................... BRAD BRENNER, JENNY GANTLETT, JOHN HENRY, HANNAH KLEIN, ADLER MONPREMIER

FLY RAIL ................................................................................................ BILL SHADE, CARL SIEMON

DRESSERS ..................................................... KATIE ELKIND, VIVIENNE ENGELMANN, ROSEMARY ERB, SARAH GAMBLIN, ASHLEY KOSTEN, ROSEANN RUGGIERO

LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR ........................................................................................ LLOYD ADAMS

SPOTS ................................................ JEANNINE HEDBERG, COLTON TOWNSEND, DEBBIE WESOLOWSKI

AUDIO ENGINEER ............................................................................................... JOSHUA M c KEMEY

AUDIO ASSISTANTS ............................................. JOEL BANOW, ALYSSA HANEY, ADLER MONPREMIER

WIG STYLIST ............................................................................................................. GABY WEGER

COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE ................................. JEAN ACKER, ROBERT MAURICE BERMAN, JACK COLE, VERONICA COSSETTA, PATRICIA DEVINE, LINDA FIKES, IAN FORBES, CHARLENE JOSSELYN, REGINA KUNKLE, JOAN LAUGHLIN, DESSIE LEFF, SANDY L o PRESTI, PAT M c ALEVEY, JANINE REES, JENNIFER SANCTON, JEAN SNYDER, CAROLYN VELECHKO, SUSAN WATKINS

SCENIC CONSTRUCTION & PAINTING .......................... REX BURNS, OLGA CHEMLINA, IAN COCKLIN, SYLVIA CONGER, JORDAN CRAWFORD, ALDO D’ACUNZO, ED EZRINE, JOE FEMIA, TAMMY HARRIS, LIN HART, LAURA KALICHARAN, SANDY KEELER, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, PETER MESKIN, BOB RATH, LINDA RUSSELL-THORNE, JANE SHUB, JEFF SMITH, MARY LOU TAYLOR, MICHAEL TROOP, LORELAI VEGA, DOUG WALCK, ED ZONNEVYLLE

F A CTS

While The Sound of Music was generally based on Maria’s book The Story of the Trapp Family Singers (1949), there were many changes in the play.

There were 10 - not 7 - von Trapp children. Their names, ages, and genders were changed in the play.

The family was musically inclined before Maria arrived, but she did teach them to sing madrigals.

Maria and Georg married a year after she arrived as governess.

Though caring and loving, the real Maria wasn’t always as sweet as the fictional Maria. She had outbursts of yelling, throwing things, and slamming doors. Afterwards, her anger was relieved, and good humor would return.

The family did not secretly escape over the Alps to Switzerland, carrying suitcases and musical instruments. They went by train to Italy.

Georg was born in 1880 in Zadar (now in Croatia), then part of the AustroHungarian Empire. Zadar became part of Italy in 1920, and Georg was thus an Italian citizen. He became a national hero commanding submarines as a captain in the Austrian navy during World War I.

He married Agathe Whitehead, granddaughter of the inventor of the torpedo, in 1912. They had seven children. Agathe died in 1922 of scarlet fever. The family was devastated and couldn’t bear living where they had been so happy, so Georg sold the home and bought an estate in Salzburg.

Georg was far from the detached, aloof family patriarch who even disapproved of music as portrayed in the The Sound of Music. He was actually a gentle, warmhearted dad who enjoyed musical activities with his family.

The von Trapps’ priest was their musical director for 20+ years. Max Detweiler, the pushy yet lovable music promoter, is fictional.

ACTS & SCENES MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT 1 | SCENE 1: NONNBERG ABBEY

Preludium ............................................................................................................ NUNS OF NONNBERG ABBEY

SCENE 2: A MOUNTAINSIDE NEAR THE ABBEY

The Sound Of Music .......................................................................................................................... MARIA

SCENE 3: THE OFFICE OF THE MOTHER ABBESS, THE NEXT MORNING

Maria SISTERS BERTHE, SOPHIA, MARGARETTA, MOTHER ABBESS

My Favorite Things ............................................................................................ MARIA & MOTHER ABBESS

SCENE 4: A CORRIDOR IN THE ABBEY

My Favorite Things (Reprise) ........................................................................................................ MARIA

SCENE 5: THE LIVING ROOM OF THE von TRAPP VILLA, THAT AFTERNOON

Do-Re-Mi MARIA, von TRAPP CHILDREN

SCENE 6: OUTSIDE THE VILLA, THAT EVENING

Sixteen Going On Seventeen .............................................................................................. ROLF & LIESL

SCENE 7: MARIA’S BEDROOM, LATER THAT EVENING

The Lonely Goatherd MARIA & CHILDREN

SCENE 8: A HALLWAY IN THE VILLA

The Lonely Goatherd (Reprise) .................................................................................................... GRETL

SCENE 9: THE TERRACE OF THE VILLA, 6 WEEKS LATER

How Can Love Survive? .......................................................................... MAX, ELSA, CAPTAIN von TRAPP

The Sound of Music (Reprise) .................................................. CHILDREN, CAPTAIN von TRAPP, MARIA

SCENE 10: A HALLWAY IN THE VILLA, 1 WEEK LATER

SCENE 11: THE LIVING ROOM, THE SAME EVENING

So Long, Farewell ......................................................................................................................... CHILDREN

SCENE 12: A CORRIDOR IN THE ABBEY

Morning Hymn ...................................................................................................................................... NUNS

SCENE 13: THE OFFICE OF MOTHER ABBESS, 3 DAYS LATER

Climb Ev’ry Mountain .........................................................................................

15-MINUTE INTERMISSION

ACT 2 | SCENE 1: THE TERRACE, THE SAME DAY

MOTHER ABBESS & NUNS

The Lonely Goatherd (Reprise) .................................................................................... MAX & CHILDREN

My Favorite Things (Reprise) .................................................................................... CHILDREN & MARIA

No Way To Stop It ..................................................................................... ELSA, MAX, CAPTAIN von TRAPP

An Ordinary Couple MARIA & CAPTAIN von TRAPP

SCENE 2: A CORRIDOR IN THE ABBEY, 2 WEEKS LATER

SCENE 3: THE OFFICE OF MOTHER ABBESS, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING

Gaudeamus Domino ........................................................................................................................... NUNS

SCENE 4: A CLOISTER OVERLOOKING THE CHAPEL

Maria (Reprise) .................................................................................................................................... NUNS

Confitemini Domino ........................................................................................................................... NUNS

SCENE 5: THE LIVING ROOM, 1 MONTH LATER

Sixteen Going On Seventeen (Reprise) ....................................................................... MARIA & LIESL

Do-Re-Mi (Reprise)

MARIA, CAPTAIN von TRAPP, CHILDREN

SCENE 6: THE CONCERT HALL STAGE IN KALTZBERG, 2 DAYS LATER

The Concert: Do-Re-Mi ................................................................

MARIA, CAPTAIN von TRAPP, CHILDREN

Edelweiss .......................................................................................... MARIA, CAPTAIN von TRAPP, CHILDREN

So Long, Farewell (Reprise)

SCENE 7: THE GARDEN OF THE ABBEY, THAT NIGHT

Finale Ultimo: Climb Ev’ry Mountain

MARIA, CAPTAIN von TRAPP, CHILDREN

MOTHER ABBESS & NUNS

Truluck’s

WE’RE GROWING IN 2023 BUT WE STILL NEED YOUR SUPPORT

HOLDING

145% increase in student enrollment in since 2015

99% of shows sold out in our most recent 2021-2022 season

$2 million left to raise in order to meet our fundraising goal

Everything you see at The Naples Players today is the result of nearly 70 years of dedicated community collaboration and constant growth. We are at a point in our trajectory that demands an exciting evolution.

We’re set to break ground on an expansion in Spring 2023 that will provide more seating, more education space, and more opportunities for our community to experience the arts. Help us reach our goal by contributing today.

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.

FEB 2023

Demolition began in the Ted & Sue Tobye Studio Theater to allow for construction on the Price Studio Theater and the Tanya & Denny Glass Educational Theater.

APR 2023

Demolition begins in the remainder of the facility, including Blackburn Hall and the main lobby to allow for construction of the Kizzie Theater and Jay R. Paul Community Atrium.

JUN 2023

The Naples Players builds a temporary home at the Naples United Church of Christ, producing two musicals and four plays at the church before

MAR 2024

The Kizzie Theater and Jay R. Paul Community Atrium open to the public.

MID-2024

The Price Studio Theater and Tanya & Denny Glass Educational Theater open to the public.

HOLDING

JAY R. PAUL COMMUNITY ATRIUM AND PRICE STUDIO THEATER (FORMERLY THE TOBYE STUDIO)

THE TANYA & DENNY GLASS EDUCATIONAL THEATER

THE KIZZIE THEATER (FORMERLY BLACKBURN HALL)

DAVID BYRON AND VICKY C. SMITH MEZZANINE

OUR 2021-2022 IMPACT

ANNUAL REPORT OVERVIEW

Our community needs an organization that brings us together to explore personal creativity and artistic passions. The Naples Players continually seeks to enrich, educate, and entertain our community through a superior theatre experience. We are a premier community theatre, seeking to inspire passion for the performing arts through unparalleled access to the process, experience, and conversations surrounding the arts and our community.

2021-2022 FAST FACTS

of all shows sold out 99% tickets sold 44K+ students enrolled

5,400+ volunteer hours logged 62K+

READ THE FULL REPORT ONLINE

INCLUDING OUR FULL LIST OF DONORS

Doesn’t Love

If they really love it, theatergoers sometimes see a show a second time. Some shows, particularly musicals, are family favorites enjoyed by several generations. And some memorable show music is sung or hummed by kids and adults alike. Some music from Broadway sticks in peoples’ heads for decades. But rarely are ALL these phenomena true.

The exception might be The Sound of Music.

And what of the story itself? How ‘true to life’ is it? Does it even matter? Did Maria, a young Austrian nun, really ‘run to the hills’ above Salzburg, spread her arms and sing about her love of music? Did she find comfort in dreams of copper kettles and woolen mittens? Did she moon over Georg’s dreamy serenade about edelweiss? Could these heartwarming things actually happen while Nazism was spreading across central Europe?

No, the real-life Maria von Trapp did none of this. She was indeed a former nun, and yes, she married Count Georg von Trapp. Maria became stepmother to his large brood of children, but few of the many other personal details Maria revealed in her 1949 book, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, were incorporated into the legendary Broadway musical her memoir inspired.

Set in 1938 Austria, The Sound of Music was a smash from the first night the curtain went up on Broadway in 1959

So many of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s songs — including “Do Re Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”— quickly entered the popular canon, and the original cast recording was nearly as big as the show itself. It soared to the top of the Billboard album charts.

When The Sound of Music debuted on movie screens in 1965, audiences in huge numbers fell in love again with this joyous celebration of music, patriotism and love. The Sound of Music is still streamed somewhere every day of the year and has been shown on television networks as a “must-watch” Christmas tradition for generations.

starring Mary Martin as Maria and Theodore Bickel as Captain von Trapp.

Georg von Trapp

Maria von Trapp

The real von familyTrapp

Edelweiss, Edelweiss-

Contrary to popular belief, the hauntingly simple and beautiful song is not the national song of Austria. It was actually written for the character of Captain Georg von Trapp who, in The Sound of Music, sings it with his family as a goodbye to his beloved homeland amid

“Edelweiss” is his strong statement of Austrian patriotism in the face of the pressure put upon him to join the navy of Nazi Germany following the Nazi annexation of Austria. It is also Captain von Trapp’s subliminal goodbye to his beloved

In German, edel means noble and weiss means white, and many historians have said that the symbolic meanings of the edelweiss flower are daring and courage. It is a national symbol, especially of Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.

In the 19th century, the edelweiss became a symbol of the rugged purity of the Alpine region and of its native inhabitants. Passion for edelweiss began in the middle of the 19th century.

Legends spread about brave men who went into the Alps and died while picking. Edelweiss flowers came to symbolize true and eternal love – a love that men and women would DIE for. And mountain climbers furthered this belief with their tales of collecting flowers from sheer steep rocks and cliffs made entirely of ice. According to folk tradition, giving an edelweiss flower to a loved one is a promise of dedication.

Edelweiss is a mountain flower that belongs to the daisy or sunflower family. The plant grows best in rocky limestone places at an altitude of about 5,900–9,800 feet. It is non-toxic and has actually been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for abdominal and respiratory diseases.

The leaves and flowers of edelweiss are covered with dense hairs which seem to protect the plant from cold, dry air, and the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. It is a scarce flower with a short life and is found in remote mountain areas.

The plant became widely known as a symbol of the Austrian Empress Elisabeth. Her 1856 portrait by painter Franz Xaver Winterhalter shows Empress Elisabeth with nine artificial edelweiss stars braided into her hair.

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CAST BIOS

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

EVAN ABRAM (Friedrich/Vienna Cast) is beyond ecstatic to be a part of this production of The Sound of Music! He is 14 and a freshman at Estero High School where his favorite subject continues to be Math. Previous roles with TNP include Doug/Disney’s Descendants, Eric/Matilda JR , Scott/Dear Edwina JR , Wickersham Brother/ Seussical JR and most recently Spot Conlon in Newsies Teen. Besides acting, he loves all things Disney, scary movies and hanging out with friends. He’d like to thank the entire cast and crew, especially Dawn and Charlie Fornara, his family, and also his friends for their continued support. He hopes you enjoy the show and bids you adieu!

KIMBERLY ALBRECHT (Mother Abbess) is ecstatic about her TNP stage debut! Credits: Jane Taylor/Barbara/The Adventures of Dr. Tweedy, Margaret/Dead Laugh (TNP Radio); Glinda/The Wizard of Oz (Parker Playhouse, IL); Suora Lucilla/Clavaria/Suor Angelica , First Spirit/The Magic Flute, Marlena/Die Fledermaus, L’Elisir d’Amore (Elgin Opera, IL); Bride’s Mother/Joy (film). TIME magazine “epic rendition” revue, Top Ten Finalist, Ms. Senior America 2018. Kimberly thanks God, her husband Bob, children Ashley (Gabe), Eric (Melissa), and Brittany (Tanner) for their loving support!

LEONARD ALLEN (Rolf) A junior at the Community School of Naples, Leonard is ecstatic to perform once again on The Naples Players stage. His most recent TNP credits include Ensemble/Something Rotten!, Nostradamus/Something Rotten Teen!, Sammy/Dance Captain/The Wedding Singer Teen, and Swing/Mary Poppins. Some other recent performances: Black Stache/Peter and the Starcatcher, Michael/The Bridges of Madison County, Randall/Dance Captain/Bring It On. Leonard thanks his family and their patience with him as he pursues his artistic endeavors. He hopes you enjoy The Sound of Music

ALEENA ARICO (Brigitta/Vienna Cast) is a sophomore at the Community School of Naples, and so excited to be performing in The Sound of Music. You may have recently seen her as Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr, as well as A Christmas Carol, Disney’s Descendants, The Wizard of Oz JR, Moana JR, Junie B. Jones JR, and Once on This Island JR . She would like to thank Dawn, Charlie, Sydney, and everyone who made this phenomenal show possible! She hopes you enjoy this beautiful and timeless show!

LUKE BROWNLEE (Kurt/Salzburg Cast) is 12 years old and a 6th grader at Oakridge Middle School where he is involved in theatre, MathCounts and Student Government. Most recently seen as Race in Newsies JR , other KidzAct shows include Seussical JR, Matilda JR, and Frozen JR . He is so excited to be in his first adult show! When not performing, Luke enjoys football, basketball, pickleball, and playing video games with friends.

DEDE BROWNLEE (Sister Berthe/Ensemble) was most recently seen in Mary Poppins and is so excited to perform in another childhood favorite. Even better, she is thrilled to share this experience with her son, Luke, and her niece, Malena! A 25-year TNP volunteer, Dede is now serving her 2nd term on the Board of Directors. Past favorite roles include: Charity/Sweet Charity, Eliza/My Fair Lady, Sally Bowles/Cabaret, Liz “Pop”/Chicago, Jackie/Mauritius, Annette/God of Carnage, and Gillian/Bell, Book and Candle. In the wise words of Mother Abbess... “For Ye shall go forth with joy, and be led forth with peace.”

BRAXTON CABRERA (Friedrich/Salzburg Cast) is so happy to be doing another production with TNP. He would like to thank the whole cast and crew for their positivity and support. You may have seen him in the ensemble of A Christmas Carol or as Jack Kelly in Newsies Teen.

ROMEO CALLARI (Kurt/Vienna Cast) just turned 11 and is an honor roll student in 6th grade at Royal Palm Academy. He has performed in various plays and musicals since the young age of three, most recently as Crutchy/Newsies JR , and Augustus Gloop/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Romeo moved to Naples from Canada this year and quickly found the stage at TNP! Ice hockey, flag football, golf, fishing, swimming, his big Italian family, traveling, building Lego, eating good food - these are a few of his favorite things! Romeo would like to thank his fellow castmates for the incredible memories made, the entire creative team who push him to be his best and dedicated their time and talents to make this show possible, and also his family for their unwavering support.

EMILY CAMERON (Gretl/Salzburg Cast) Born in Naples, Emily is seven years old and in first grade. She has been singing and dancing her way through life since she could walk and talk. She began taking dance lessons at two and a half years old and gymnastics at five years old, she has recently begun piano lessons. Her favorite places to sing are church and at school. She loves drawing, painting, playing outside, doing cartwheels wherever she can, and her dog, Norman. Emily is super excited to be playing Gretl in her first production, especially since her mom would sing “Edelweiss” to her as a baby to help her fall asleep. She hopes this show becomes one of your… favorite things.

ED CONRAD (Herr Zeller) is excited to be appearing at The Naples Players for the first time! Thanks to Dawn and Charlie and their team for this opportunity! Ed’s other stage credits from Ohio include: David O. Selznick/Moonlight & Magnolias, Polonius/ Hamlet, Nick/Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas, Seamus/...And The Winner Is, and Officer Krupke/West Side Story. In addition to stage, Ed has also appeared in major studio and independent films. Thanks to my wife Linda for supporting my acting–one of my life’s passions. Also, thank you to my friends and family who are in attendance, you being here means the world to me. To all of our theatre patrons, management, stage crew and volunteers who are in attendance tonight – your support makes theatre at The Naples Players possible: Thank you!

CAST BIOS

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

CHRISTIAN DINSMORE (Ensemble/Dance & Youth Captain) is 19 years old and is very thrilled to perform at TNP once again. He was last seen a few years back playing Sky in Mamma Mia! Teen and in the ensemble in the mainstage production at TNP. He recently graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy where some of his favorite theatre credits include King Charlemagne/Pippin, Dream Curly/Oklahoma!, Ensemble/In the Heights and the Aide De Camp/Death and the King’s Horseman. Christian would like to thank his family for all their love and support in all that he does, especially in the arts! Enjoy the show!

KATIE ELKIND (Ensemble) is thrilled to be working with The Naples Players for the first time! She graduated from Santa Clara University last spring with a degree in Finance and a degree in Music. It took until graduation for her to realize that music and the stage is truly where her heart lies. So, she has been on a performing adventure since. First, with a community theater in Michigan that also did The Sound of Music, and then professionally with The Young Americans in their Dinner Theater and Christmas shows. Katie is immensely grateful for her family and friends’ endless enthusiasm and support for her.

SURI FINCH (Marta/Vienna Cast) is so excited to bring her talent to the stage. This is her first performance with The Naples Players, but she has been doing many other things to improve. Suri was chosen and participated in all county honor’s choir for the past 2 years, performs in many school performances, was an anchor on her school’s morning news, and is a member of her school’s drama club. She is a 6th grade student at Pine Ridge Middle, with straight A’s and on the highest honors roll. Suri would like to thank her family for their love and support, and The Naples Players for this wonderful opportunity. She is so excited to work with and learn from this talented cast and crew, and put on a wonderful show!

DANIELLA FLOM (Louisa/Vienna Cast) is 17 years old and is a current high school senior at The Village School. She is so excited to be performing in her first adult production with The Naples Players! She has performed with KidzAct for many years, and you may have most recently seen her as Medda Larkin in Newsies Teen. Some of her other favorite roles have been Mal/Disney’s Descendants, Bea/Something Rotten! Teen, Matilda/Matilda JR , and Annie/Annie JR . Beside performing, she loves reading and art. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making this show such a memorable experience! Enjoy the show!

SARAH GAMBLIN (Ensemble) moved to Naples in June 2022. This is her first show with The Naples Players. While she has had experience performing through school and performed for a local community theater in Des Moines, Iowa, her love of theater has only grown throughout her experience in The Sound of Music. She is exhilarated by the enthusiasm of the TNP community and hopes you enjoy the show!

JAN GEHRMAN (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of The Sound of Music, and to work with Dawn and Charlie. It has been her dream to be on The Naples Players main stage. She just finished being a part of 9 to 5 in Greensboro, GA. Over the last six years, Jan has been a part of Mary Poppins, Jesus Christ Superstar, Beauty and the Beast, and The Producers. She is very thankful to have this opportunity.

ALEX GONZALEZ (Ensemble) is a Cuban guy who came up from Naples High. He has been fond of theater for some time now. Alex has done his own bit of acting for a while, but this is certainly a big step up for him. He hopes to do well.

EMILY HART (Ensemble) has been showcased in several cabarets at the Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs and is a current member of the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, most recently performing Handel’s Messiah with the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. Emily studied environmental science at Ball State University and teaches middle school science in Fort Myers. Eternal thanks to their incredible, talented wife Lin for all her love and support.

LIN HART (Ensemble) first trained at Indiana University and then at Ball State University’s Department of Theatre & Dance. Before relocating to Florida in 2017, Lin worked at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, developing scripts for Off-Broadway productions. She won an LMDA award through the Kennedy Center for her work on a new musical adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In addition to music directing shows and playing piano around SWFL, you may have seen Lin onstage here at TNP recently in A Christmas Carol (Christmas Past) or Mary Poppins (Miss Andrew). All the love to her gorgeous, talented wife Emily and a huge thank you to this amazing production team and cast!

ASHLEY KOSTEN (Ensemble) is excited about her first show out of college! She graduated from AMDA’s NYC campus with an associates degree in Musical Theatre in October of 2021. She is proud to call Naples her home for the past 3 years. She’d like to thank her family and friends for continuously supporting her.

Academic Rigor

Looks Different at Seacrest

Student-Centered Approach

Within each child lies unlimited potential. Seacrest curriculum combines traditional and experiential learning to give students a deep-dive into subjects. Learning should be filled with creativity and joy at every age. This has been our approach since 1983.

Highlights

Early Math Mastery

Deep Dive into Literature

STEAM & Sustainability Required

Robust Performing & Visual Arts

Right-Fit College Counseling Program 10 Different Sports

Start Date

16th August 2023

Ages

Infant 6 Weeks Through Grade 12

Come tour our 40-acre campus and see for yourself.

CAST BIOS (IN

ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

RACHEL LEFKOW (Maria) Rachel’s first role at The Naples Players was playing Baby June in Gypsy over 20 years ago. She could not be more honored or excited to portray one of her favorite characters in the last performance on the Blackburn Stage. Rachel is so happy to be back here in her theater home after a three-year hiatus in which she was married and had twins. She dedicates this performance to her wonderfully supportive husband, Nick, who has taken on solo Dad duties every weeknight since January. So much love to my three favorite things!

JOSEPH LOIACONO (Admiral Von Schreiber/Ensemble) My sincerest appreciation to The Naples Players for being awarded the TNP Life Member Award and to perform with so many talented thespians. Again, I have been chosen to perform in The Sound of Music after a successful run of A Christmas Carol: The Musical . This will be my 25th TNP production since 2003, the highlight of my lifetime. The various teams of Music Direction, Director/Choreography, Stage Management, Costume and Scenic Designs, under the leadership of the Executive Artistic Director, Bryce Alexander, who are all phenomenal. TNP productions have been enjoyed by persons from across the county. To my wife, Isabella who is supportive in all my endeavors, love to you always. Enjoy this wonderful production and many blessings to all.

SUSAN LYELL (Gretl/Vienna Cast) is thrilled to be performing in The Sound of Music. She is an outgoing and vibrant kindergartener who loves to live life to the fullest. She discovered a love of acting last summer through TNP KinderAct. She loves to dance, sing, draw, and play with her friends, Tania, and siblings!

MADISON MANCE (Marta/Salzburg Cast) is thrilled to be part of The Sound Of Music and to be working with such talented performers! Previous credits include Seussical JR (Young Kangaroo) and, most recently, Newsies JR (Nancy), both with KidzAct here at TNP. Madison would like to thank Dawn and Charlie for this opportunity and her parents for their love and support. Enjoy the show!

ELIZABETH MARCANTONIO (Elsa Schraeder) is thrilled to return to the Blackburn stage to help breathe life into another beautiful, classic story. Endless thanks to everyone who continues to work tirelessly and donate to cultivate such a safe and beautiful space full of talent and love. We are so lucky. This one is for you Mama. Thank you for always keeping the lights on for me. Credits: Mary Poppins/Mary Poppins, Eliza/ My Fair Lady, Louise/Gypsy, Ilona/She Loves Me, A Christmas Carol, The Wedding Singer, Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show and more.

PEGGY MONSON (Ensemble) Peggy’s acting credits at The Naples Players include Chris/Calendar Girls and Dot/The Savannah Sipping Society. Prior roles include Jenny Diver/Three Penny Opera , Mrs. Antrobus/Skin of Our Teeth, Lysistrata/Lysistrata , Mrs. Baker/Butterflies are Free and Sarafina Della Rosa/The Rose Tattoo. Peggy is grateful to be in the cast of The Sound of Music and delighted to be a volunteer for The Naples Players. “I thank the incredibly talented Dawn and Charlie for this opportunity, the amazing Lin for giving me confidence, and the home team of Jim and Dali for their support, love, and sloppy kisses.”

GAVIN OTT (Ensemble) was recently a part of A Christmas Carol: The Musical; The Sound of Music will be his second show with The Naples Players. He has been an actor for 8 years starring in multiple shows all around Naples. From Little Shop of Horrors to Grease and even Chicago, he has done it all.

SABINE RIVERA (Louisa/Salzburg Cast) is a sophomore at Naples High and is beyond excited to be performing in her dream show! Favorite shows include Shylock/ Something Rotten Teen and Hannah/Newsies Teen, among others. When not onstage you can find Sabine in the booth at Naples High working as the stage manager, a position she has held since her freshman year. She would like to thank her mom for her continued love and support in everything Sabine does. She also would like to thank her grandparents for introducing her to The Sound of Music and the world of theater. Enjoy the show!

KELLY ROSSBERG (Max Detweiler) is new to Naples and loves it! Kelly couldn’t be more excited to be on stage at TNP for the first time in this amazing production! Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska he went on to get his BFA at the University of Cincinnati-CCM. Some of his favorite roles include Caleb/The Whipping Man; Black Stache/Peter and The Starcatcher ; Gallahad/Spamalot ; Chebutykin/Three Sisters; Greta/Bent ; Jake/27 Wagons Full of Cotton and Robert/Boeing Boeing!

DONNA ROTELLA (Ensemble) is thrilled to have her debut with TNP! When she is not volunteering at TNP she is singing & dancing in original musicals and acting in 10 minute plays with VWPAC. She is a vocalist in a band performing at social events. Thank you Dawn and Charlie for the opportunity to perform with this talented cast and crew. Thanks to JF for letting me realize my voice potential. Huge thank you and hugs to my Hubby who supplies endless love, support & encouragement...Love you! Sit back and enjoy this timeless classic!

CAST BIOS

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

ROSEANN RUGGIERO (Frau Schmidt) has been acting for over 50 years throughout the NY/NJ area. Since moving to Naples in 2019 at TNP she has been in Bye Bye Birdie, Calendar Girls, Ruby of Elsinore, A Christmas Carol and worked backstage on several others, including assistant directing Boeing, Boeing. She looks forward to future directing and performing projects with TNP and other theaters.

MATT SCHWABAUER (Captain Georg von Trapp) has been a theatre artist for many years. He is honored to be joining TNP for the first time, and is fresh off a six-year break from theatre. No stranger to both sides of the stage, he has been the technical director and production manager for the theatre department at Gordon College in Massachusetts, and now works as a carpenter locally at Gulfshore Playhouse. His first love has always been acting, getting his start at the age of thirteen (coincidentally in The Sound of Music). Notable past roles include Duke Orsino/Twelfth Night, Edward Rochester/Jane Eyre: the Musical , Algernon Moncrieff/The Importance of Being Earnest and Edgar/King Lear. He is grateful for your presence and hopes you enjoy this performance!

SUE SMITH (Sister Margaretta/Dance Captain) moved to SWFL three years ago after spending 20 years as a Professor of Theatre and Dance at Adrian College in MI. Sue also spent 30 years creating shows throughout Ohio and Michigan with her husband, Mark. She has appeared in TNP’s productions of Mary Poppins (Mrs. Corry) and Bye, Bye, Birdie (Mrs. MacAfee) Thanks to Dawn, Charlie, and the rest of TNP’s team for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing theatre community.

VANESSA TARABOCCHIA (Sister Sophia) is thrilled to be working with The Naples Players! Born and raised in New Jersey, Vanessa has appeared on various stages in the northern east coast, including renowned theaters Paper Mill Playhouse and Carnegie Hall. She temporarily moved from New York to Naples and is excited to get a taste of paradise! Vanessa is an alumni from Montclair State University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. Most recently she played Marty Maraschino in Grease directed by the remarkable Lisa Stevens. Vanessa would like to thank her family and friends for their endless love and support. Enjoy the show!

NORMAN TOBACK (Franz) appeared at The Naples Players Readers Theatre as Dave in Opposites Attract and then was cast by The Lemon Bay Playhouse as Harry in Prisoner of Second Avenue. He returned to The Naples Players, cast as eight characters in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. And last year, finished a full run as Liam in Calendar Girls at The Naples Players. More recently he has appeared as Stew in The Readers Theatre production of Joe and Stew’s Theatre of Brotherly Love and Financial Success, as well as several Radio Theatre productions. Love to his wife and daughter!

MALENA TUCKER (Ensemble) is 14 years old and attends First Baptist Academy. She is thrilled to be in this production of The Sound of Music. Malena was most recently seen as Godmother/Cinderella at FBA and Dorothy/The Wizard of Oz at TNP. Previous performances include Newsies Teen and the JR productions of Matilda, Frozen, Madagascar, and Annie. Malena is grateful to her family and friends for their love and support. A special thank you to TNP staff and crew for this opportunity. Enjoy the show!

LORELAI VEGA (Liesl) is 17 years old and a junior in high school. She is so incredibly excited and honored to be a part of not only this beautiful story but the last show in Blackburn Hall - a stage she’s been performing on for years. You may have caught her recently as Emily in A Christmas Carol or as Portia in Something Rotten! Teen. She is so thankful to everyone involved in this production and hopes you enjoy the show!

LINDSEY WALSH (U/S Maria) is ecstatic to help bring her favorite musical to the stage at TNP! Prior to moving to Naples, Lindsey spent 4 years performing at Walt Disney World. For the last few years she has found her second home at TNP. Favorite credits include Holly/The Wedding Singer, Ariel/Footloose, Ali/Mamma Mia!. Endless thanks to my “front row parents” who have never missed a performance in 31 years, amazing sister, and friends who come out and support me every chance they get. Enjoy the show!

TRACY WEAVER (Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing at TNP again. She previously performed at TNP in An Ideal Husband as Lady Basildon. Tracy was Mrs. Thistletwat in Avenue Q at The Laboratory Theater in Fort Myers, and Madame Rosemonde in Les Dangereuses Liaisons also at The Lab Theater. Tracy was nominated in 2021 for Best Supporting Actress in a play by Broadway World for her performance in Cultural Park Theater’s production of Mama Won’t Fly. Tracy also appeared in an Off Broadway production of an original play at the Hudson Guild Theater in NYC. Tracy currently sings with a local Praise band and is mother to five wonderful children.

BEALEY CATE WHITE (Brigitta/Salzburg Cast) is excited to be in her second main stage show at TNP after performing in A Christmas Carol last fall. In addition, she performed in the KidzAct shows Newsies JR and Seussical JR (Mayzie). Before moving to Florida, she performed in more than 30 shows in Delaware and Pennsylvania. A 7th grader now living in Bonita Springs, favorite roles include Sharpay/High School Musical JR, Flounder/Little Mermaid JR, Michael Banks/Mary Poppins, and Jana in the Holocaust drama A Child Shall Lead in which she won best young actress of the year at the historic Everett Theatre in Middletown, DE. She made her professional debut in 2019 in Christmas by Candlelight at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre in Arden, DE.

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CREATIVE TEAM BIOS

MOLLIE BERMAN (Costume Design) is in her fourth season with TNP as Costume Shop Supervisor. 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 design credits include Blithe Spirit, The Wedding Singer, Footloose, Yours, Truly, Bye Bye Birdie, and She Loves Me (TNP). 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 and 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.

JORDAN CRAWFORD (Assistant Stage Manager) is a senior at The Village School. Her past credits include: Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), Heathers (Heather MacNamara), and A Chorus Line (Cassie). She is very excited to be a part of this amazing show! She would like to thank her family for supporting her, as well as the TNP staff for helping put on this fantastic show. She hopes you enjoy the show!

KATIE CROSS (Video) is the owner of Cross Align Media, a content creation company specializing in video production for small businesses, artists, and nonprofits. Cross Align Media helps expand their clients reach through affordable, high-quality media content. She produces the majority of the video content for TNP, including sponsor videos, lobby screens, archival videos, social media video posts, and fundraising videos. Her content work extends to creating the projections for shows like Mary Poppins and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Katie filmed and edited The Belle of New Orleans - the movie within By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. Katie is also a working actor, and can be seen in commercials for Wawa, Florida Lottery, AutoNation, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. She will appear in a feature film on BET in 2023. To learn more about Cross Align Media, visit crossalign.com or follow @crossalign on Instagram. For more information on her acting, go to katiecross. com or follow @katiecrossofficial.

JILLIAN FEIGENBLAT (Properties Coordinator) graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her BFA in theatrical technology and design. This will be her second time working with The Naples Players and she couldn’t be happier to be back and creating with such a wonderful team again! Her most recent work experience was with American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin where she worked as a properties artisan. She hopes you enjoy the show (and the props!)

CHARLES FORNARA (Music Director/Conductor) has music directed over 175 productions, including, at TNP, A Christmas Carol, Something Rotten!, Mary Poppins, Gentleman’s Guide, The Wedding Singer, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Sister Act, The Rocky Horror Show, Catch Me If You Can, The Spitfire Grill, Les Misérables, All Shook Up, 42nd Street and many others, as well as over 20 teen productions for KidzAct. Also in Naples for TheatreZone, he has music directed nearly 40 shows including A Little Night Music, Bridges of Madison County, Aida, The Secret Garden, Legs Diamond, Sweet Smell of Success, Grand Hotel, Little Women and Hair. Originally from Providence, RI, Chas conducted Jim Steinman and Roman Polanski’s Dance of the Vampires in Stuttgart, and has taught and coached singers all over the US and Germany, now offering private lessons here in Naples. A proud member of Actors’ Equity, he has appeared in almost 100 musicals, operas and concerts, including several appearances here in Naples with TheatreZone, most recently as the title role in Sweeney Todd. Much love to his beautiful wife, Dawn, and a big thank you to this wonderful orchestra!

DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA (Director/Choreographer) is a native of New York and has served as director and choreographer for TNP’s Something Rotten!, Mary Poppins, The Wedding Singer, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Sister Act, The Rocky Horror Show, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde, The Spitfire Grill and 42nd Street, among others, and with KidzAct for many productions, including Joseph…Dreamcoat, Hairspray, Disney’s Camp Rock, Les Misérables and CATS. She has choreographed many shows for TNP, including A Christmas Carol, A Gentleman’s Guide, All Shook Up, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Cabaret. As a performer, she has been seen in the National Tours of 42nd Street, Seussical the Musical, Anything Goes and Grease

A proud member of Actors’ Equity, she has been seen here in Naples in TheatreZone’s Sweeney Todd (Beggar Woman), Jekyll & Hyde (Lucy), Stepping Out with Donna McKechnie , Legs Diamond (Kiki) and Hair, among others. Other recent roles include (Sheila) A Chorus Line, (Sally Bowles, Velma Kelly, Bombalurina) CATS and (Ulla) The Producers. Love to husband Chas and her family.

MICHAEL HOOVER (Scenic & Projection Designer) Based in Minneapolis, Michael is happy to once again escape the frozen tundra of Minnesota for a few weeks in sunny Florida! Something Rotten! was Michael’s debut production at TNP earlier this season. He has designed for many theaters in the Twin Cities; including the Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Opera, Theater Latte Da, Six Points Theater and the History Theatre. Nationally, Michael has designed productions at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, The ZACH Theatre in Austin and the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota. In addition to his freelance career as a scenic designer, Michael is the Head of Scenic Art at the Guthrie Theater.

ABBY MAY (Lighting Design) is very excited to be returning to the hills and The Naples Players again for The Sound of Music! Fun fact: this is Abby’s 7th production of The Sound of Music, her last one being an international tour starting in Singapore! Abby is a freelance lighting designer who travels the country doing dance and theatre, and is also the resident Associate Lighting Designer at City Springs Theatre Company in Atlanta. She is a graduate of University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Class of 2017) and now lives in New York City. Abby’s selected credits include: The Cake (LD), The Last Five Years (LD), Into the Woods (LD), A Chorus Line (LD), The Producers (Assoc. LD), and The Sound of Music International Tour (Assoc LD). abbymayld.com

CREATIVE TEAM BIOS

SEAN McGINLEY (Sound Design) is excited to be back at The Naples Players. His previous designs at TNP include When We Were Young and Unafraid, Blithe Spirit, and The Game’s Afoot. He loves coming back to Naples and all the theatre this small town has to offer. Sean has his degree in Music Industry and Recording Technology from York College of Pennsylvania. He has been doing theatre and sound for most of his life and would not change a thing. His work has been heard recently at Theatre Workshop of Nantucket, Gulfshore Playhouse, The Mac-Haydn Theatre, GableStage, The Penobscot Theatre, Center for the Arts Bonita, and The State Theatre. As always Sean would like to thank his family and Alivia for their continued support of his dream. For more information on Sean, please visit his website seanmcginleysounddesign.com

PATRICIA PUIA (Assistant Stage Manager) is in her third year as a TNP volunteer. She has worked a variety of backstage roles on shows including Footloose, Wedding Singer, Something Rotten!, The Cake, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. She was delighted to also have an opportunity to stage manage By the Way, Meet Vera Stark this year and is happy to be an ASM on The Sound of Music.

SYDNEY SUTHERLAND (Stage Manager) is delighted to be joining TNP this season! Sydney is a recent graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, in St. Peter, Minnesota, where she received a degree in Theatre and certificates in Arts Administration and English. Originally from Minneapolis, Sydney is a freelance stage manager with regional work in Texas, Virginia, Minnesota, and Florida. Previous credits include, Nell Gwynn, The Taming of the Shrew, The Hog Princess (Texas Shakespeare Festival); All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth, Tuck Everlasting (Barter Theatre); Gloria, and Into the Woods (Gustavus Adolphus College). Thank you TNP and Naples for being such wonderful hosts!

BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN (Sound Design) earned his bachelor’s degree in Theatre: Design & Technical Production and Theatre: Stage Management from Western Michigan University. Originally from Michigan, he now calls Florida and The Naples Players home. Since starting with TNP in 2013, Brad has worked on countless productions and has enjoyed seeing how Team Sound has grown over the years. He is especially excited to expand opportunities for involvement in the future as TNP grows. In his off time, you can find Brad working on his Private Pilot’s License or enjoying a walk with his fur baby Malone, a Cocker Spaniel mix who knows just how cute he is.

COLLIER COUNTY IS CULTURE.

STAFF & LEADERSHIP

2022-2023 SEASON

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PEGGY MONSON President

ALAN JAFFE Executive Vice President

OTTO IMMEL Secretary

ROBIN BACHE GRAY Membership

TERRY LIBBY Facilities

PAT POLLOK Development

BOB UEK Treasurer

TNP STAFF (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

BRYCE ALEXANDER

Executive Artistic Director/CEO

DOT AUCHMOODY

Resident Costume Designer

MOLLIE BERMAN

Costume Shop Supervisor

COLE BUTCHER

Production Stage Manager/ Internship Director

PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement

JOHN COOPER Box Office Staff

KENZIE CURRIE Programs Administrator

DOREN DANIS

Chief Financial Officer

JAMES DUGGAN Director of Patron Services

ADAM FASANO Box Office Staff

LEXI FITZPATRICK House Manager

DENNY GLASS Immediate Past President

TED BILL

DEDE BROWNLEE BRUCE GRAEV

ALYSSA HANEY

LUKE JACONIS Box Office Manager

CARL JOHNSON Box Office Staff/ Front of House Associate

MAYA KLEINSORGE Education Assistant

TREVOR LW LONG Director of Production

WENDY LOPEZ AGUIRRE Lobby Attendant

MARY ANNE McKERROW KidzAct Costume Designer

DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager SUMMER PLISKOW Education Program Coordinator

CRAIG PRICE Director of Community Education & Wellness

DAN RAMIREZ Box Office Staff

MIKE SANTOS Resident Scenic Designer & Artist

All emails are first initial, last name at naplesplayers.org

KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE

NANCY RIBORDY

NANCY WOOLF

KAT ZAGEL

BETH PETRUNOFF City Council Liaison

GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant

ESTHER SNYDER

Executive Assistant to the CEO

BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN Head of Sound

JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director

CRAIG WALCK

Head of Lighting

CARLY ZEUNER Company Manager

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

JILLIAN FEIGENBLAT

Props Artist in Residence

DAYNE SABATOS

Costume Artist in Residence

TNP OFFSTAGE: (239) 434-7340 | 700 5th Ave S. #200 | Naples, FL 34102

Cummings & Lockwood Proudly Supports

The Naples Players

SPONSORS & ADVERTISERS

2022-2023 SEASON

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SHOW SPONSORS

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SEASON DIGITAL PARTNER

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.

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