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!