We are delighted to welcome you back to our highly regarded 5th Avenue South venue! The first phase of our recent $22 million transformation was completed swiftly and with minimal disruption to our programming, allowing us to continue engaging with our community through the arts while we temporarily relocated for Season 70.
Now that we are back home, I want to welcome you to tour our new facilities, meet our staff, and engage with our passionate and skilled volunteers. The volunteers you see on stage tonight are just a few of the many individuals who contribute to the success of TNP. This is your theater. Explore it, experience it, and should you feel compelled to - please support it. As a community theatre setting the stage for arts accessibility nationwide, we deeply appreciate your patronage and attendance at this evening’s performance.
Welcome home to SEASON 71 OUR MISSION
JAN 15 - FEB 16
DEC 07 - DEC 10
13
FEB 05 - MAR 02
The Evolution of the American Dream IN THE NEW PRICE THEATER SPONSORED BY: NATBANK
MAR 12 - APR 13
A Musical Odyssey of Dreams and Courage IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORED BY: STOCK DEVELOPMENT
APR 02 - APR 27
Powerful and Fearless Females
IN THE NEW PRICE THEATER SPONSORED BY: NAPLES AIRPORT AUTHORITY
MAY 07 - MAY 25
It’s Never Too Late To Chase Your Dreams IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE!
A
Love of Christmas
creates an opportunity for one TNP volunteer
LISA BILL
Lisa Bill and her husband Ted attended the first TNP Trees & Teas Festival in 2020. It had been almost a year since COVID had shut down most indoor gatherings, so they felt they were experiencing a new beginning. “We were just so excited to be back out with people, and surrounded by all these wonderful trees!” said Lisa. Little did she realize just a few years later, she would become the design chair for the event! Knowing her
passion for all things Christmas, Ted mentioned Lisa’s interest in getting involved to Bryce Alexander, TNP’s CEO & Executive Artistic Director. Bryce connected Lisa with Pamela Larkin Caruso, Director of Volunteer Advancement, and it has been a match made in heaven!
While born in Pennsylvania, Lisa grew up abroad with her parents who are international educators. She attended American Schools and lived in England, Egypt, Turkey, and spent many of her formative years in the Netherlands. “When I was growing up, Christmas was always a time of joyful celebrations, bringing together family and friends. In the darkness of northern European winters, Christmas was the light.” Lisa and her family were part of a community of people living abroad and away from their families. “Other expats became an important part of our close family,” Lisa explained.
Lisa found her way back to the states for college in New Hampshire and a career in sales that has spanned retail, Wall Street, and manufacturing. It was at her last job where Lisa met her husband Ted. Perhaps it was inevitable that Lisa became a TNP volunteer, considering her husband Ted is on
Lisa’s Christmas tree at her home
the TNP Board of Directors; her dad, John Heard, performs in TNP Radio Theatre; and her mother-in-law, Theresa Bill (aka T Bill), received the TNP Lifetime Volunteer award for her many contributions on and off stage. For Lisa, TNP is truly a family affair.
In her first year as a Trees and Teas volunteer, Lisa helped create the wreaths and mini trees that are sold during the event. It quickly became clear to Lisa that she wanted a bigger role and knew she had much more to offer. “Each year, I love preparing our home for a festive holiday, including hosting our large annual Christmas party,” said Lisa. “I decorate six trees in our home, each with a different theme. When I showed the photos of my trees to TNP staff, it led to the next phase of my volunteer role.”
Being named the 2023 and 2024 Trees and Teas Design Chair has been a huge honor for Lisa. “It is my hope this year is the best yet,” said Lisa. “This labor of love has taken many hours of work by many talented and passionate volunteers and staff.”
Creating a successful event means starting to plan right after wrapping up the previous event. Lisa starts shopping around town and online in early January, buying Christmas-related supplies and materials at a deep discount. Lisa explains for her, shopping is a profession. “I try to be economical and efficient. Christmas in July sales are real – prices are good in summer. In the fall, retailers begin to rapidly mark up their prices.”
Lisa wants to encourage patrons to think out of the box when decorating their own trees. “I’ve tried many things over the years. Layered lighting, lanterns in trees and last year I used vases and plates in trees. There are many creative ways to make the Tree and Teas Festival as unique and engaging as possible for Naples’ residents and visitors.”
Once the design and theme are selected, Lisa works with Cole Butcher, TNP Production Stage Manager & Internship Director, and Pamela Larkin Caruso to determine locations for the trees and wreaths in the new
(continued on page 12)
Volunteering with TNP is just one of those things we do that keeps us active and healthy. TNP has been such a great addition to my life.
– LISA BILL
Ted and Lisa Bill
LISA BILL
(continued from page 11)
Jay R. Paul Community Atrium. “I am excited we have this renovated theater with a big spacious lobby to accommodate everything we want to do,” said Lisa. “This year, we will again be decorating 9-foot and 12-foot trees for display. We have a fantastic ‘dream team’ of volunteers who are building wreaths and minitrees, which are sold to raise funds for The Naples Players. The trees and wreaths will be a perfect way for our seasonal residents to decorate their homes for the holidays, while supporting our amazing TNP community.” She continued, “I am pleased that at least 10 large trees, designed and
decorated by very talented local designers, will be on display. And I’m personally going to tackle the largest tree I’ve ever decorated—but I am up for the task!”
The designers and TNP team begin staging the trees, wreaths and decorations the second week of November. All their hard work culminates in an event that will run from November 20 to December 22, 2024 in the Jay R. Paul Community Atrium. There will also be a special event Tea on December 3, 2024.
“I enjoy bringing my creative and organizational skills to TNP,” said Lisa. “I just love the team. They are kind and generous with their time. They are just wonderful people. TNP offers so much – for adults and
Mary Poppins tree at TNP’s 2021 Trees & Teas Festival
Lisa’s 2023 tree in the McSpadden Hall lobby at NUCC
arts access programs, like the partnership with STARability. I am especially proud of TNP’s commitment to the community, as demonstrated by the innovative way they created a safe place for people to gather and access community resources following Hurricane Ian. Bryce is a phenomenal individual whose dedicated leadership continues to grow the success of The Naples Players.”
Outside of TNP, Lisa keeps herself busy. “My husband and I love to travel, enjoy great food, build Lego projects, work out and spend time with our beloved dog, Alabama.” She also enjoys cooking and baking and, of course, anything to do with Christmas!
Lisa offers this advice to others: “Get involved. TNP will be keen to have you. You can do a little or a lot. It is very social for anyone who needs a place to belong. It provides a great opportunity for individuals who want to get out, develop friendships and invest in their community. You have nothing to lose!”
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
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 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!
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!
READERS THEATRE @ TNP
What is Readers Theatre? Readers Theatre performances are a much more intimate and relaxed experience for the audience and performers. They feature a series of both full-length and one-act plays, dramas, and classic works performed with scripts in hand and without props or costumes. Performances are an evening of play readings chosen, directed, and cast by the volunteer Readers Theatre committee. We welcome you to join us at one of these future performances. Tickets are $25 each and available at the Box Office or online.
SUNDAY
January 26, 2025
7:30 P.M.
Join us for a presentation of five winning scripts from the 2024 New Play Festival. The focus is on the written word. Enjoy an evening of play readings chosen, directed, and casted by the volunteer readers theatre committee.
SUNDAY
March 9, 2025
7:30 P.M.
Five one-act plays bring us the hilarity brought about by chance encounters. Join us for a night of amusement and fun while watching a series of one-act plays, dramas, and classic works performed with scripts in hand and without props or costumes.
VISUALIZING
During our 70th season in 2023-2024, we relocated our entire operation off-site to complete the $22 million renovation project that you’re sitting in now. It would have beeen easier to close our doors for a season, but the shift into offsite locations helped broaden our reach and expand our offerings to an even wider audience within our community.
PERFORMANCES
100%
175 performances
25,783 tickets sold
85% of all shows sold out held off-site due to renovations
EDUCATION & ACCESS
6,322 participants
46 community partners
276 Arts Access classes
1,876 hours of instruction
VOLUNTEERS
30+
509 volunteers
50,716 hours logged positions for volunteers both on and off stage
OUR IMPACT
I have been truly amazed at the fantastic job TNP did this year in providing a full season of entertaining and moving productions even with the circumstances of construction and off-site venues TNP faced.
- KEVIN KENNEALLY, TNP PATRON
91% Programs & Operations
Fundraising & Administration EXPENSES
9%
REVENUES
Ticket Sales (27%)
Program Fees (10%)
Concessions & Misc (4%)
Individual Donors (42%)
Grants & Corporate Sponsorships (17%)
CELEBRATING OUR DONORS
SEPTEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 1, 2024
Please join us in thanking these donors who gave between September 1 and November 1, 2024. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage.
Debra Albanese
Anonymous Donations
Alice M. Bassett
Kimberly & Randal Bellestri
BUILD Construction
Collier Community Foundation
Collier County
Diane & Sid Davis
Terrance A. Doyle
Glen Engelmann
Pedro Escalon
Lori-Jo A. Fergle
Suzette Fernandes
Mark Fossee
Gallerie Indigo
Susan Gibbons
Mitch Frank & Betsy Greenblatt
Elaine P. Grever
Gulf Coast International Properties
Isabel Hamro
William Handworth
Mia Hyatt
Norman & Sandy Imaoka
Judythe & Martin Isserlis
Kevin C. Kenneally
Heather Kettler
Phil Evans & Herbert Kuebler
Ellen Lang
Terry Libby
Yael Low
John & Pamela Meehan
Deborah Miesel
The Naples Players observes a fiscal year that runs from January 1 - December 31 of the calendar year, and includes gifts that support our operating budget. Capital Campaign donors are greatly appreciated, and their gifts are honored in publications specifically related to the progress of the campaign.
Alan Morris
Patricia & Frank Nardi
Shelly NeJame
John P. O’Leary
Richard & Cindi Portno
Sue Rapanos
Bill Rossi
Elizabeth W. Rountree
Robert Santoro
Jean & Jim Snyder
Edna Frantz Springer Award for Unsung Members Fund
RECENT DONOR APPRECIATION
Edna F. Springer Fund
Stock Development
Vicki Tracy
Lynne Vela
Nancy Woolf
Anita & Bill Wright
NOW THROUGH DEC. 31
Thanks to the generosity of Henry Price, T.Bill, and Linda Mizeur - the first $50,000 donated between now and December 31, 2024 will be doubled for the holidays!
TO PARTICIPATE: Scan the code or take a remit envelope from the Box Office on your way out.
Only 27% of our earned revenue this past season was from ticket sales? Yet, 91¢ of every $1 donated goes directly to our programs and operations.
Please consider making a gift today. Thank you.
Thank You TO OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS
This past season 591 volunteers donated 50,715 hours to making Season 70 a success!
Season 70 echoed of days past when The Naples Players staged performances in schools, churches, and living rooms simply to keep the arts alive when they were between facilities or without a home base of their own.
Despite being in several locations across Naples, one thing remained united - our dedicated volunteer base .
Thank you to these amazing volunteers who continued to give of their time and talents this past season. We could not have done it without you.
500+ HOURS
JamieLynn Bucci
Jody Cameron
Jillian Keith
Hannah Klein
Sydney Miller
Gia Provinzino
Patricia Puia
Matthew Schwabauer
David Shaffer
Vanessa Tarabocchia
Michael Troop
Aseem Upadhyay
Lorelai Vega
Jack Weld
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
2023-2024 SEASON
250 - 499 HOURS
Gwen Bettini
Brian Boland
Jules Branche
Rex Burns
Joseph Byrne
Braxton Cabrera
Jack Cole
Christian Conn
Kelsey Coss
Jordan Crawford
Scott Davis
100-249 HOURS
Jean Acker
Jo Ellen Atkinson
Pamela Austin
Emilie Baartman
Jane Ballurio
Lisa Bill
Alyssa Bradshaw
Beverly Canell
Hildegard Carney
Patti Caroli
Nathaniel Caruso
Tina Cedras
McKenna Cloud
Brayden Cloud
Sophia Condit
James Corsica
Aldo D’Acunzo
Alanna Dachille
Maria Delvillar
Christian Dinsmore
Victoria Duck
Jake Fattibene
Frankie Federico
Joseph Femia
Marcus Fuller
Sarah Gamblin
Austin Gardner
Jordan Gersbach
Carolina Grau
Riley Hart
Ed Ezrine
Elizabeth Feins
Elizabeth Fincher
Stephanie Fowle
Mitch Frank
Shelley Gothard
Debra Gulinello
Lisa Gunn
Tammy Harris
Jennifer Hart
Marilyn Hilbert
Denise Hoeflich
Madeleine Howe
Ruth Johnson
Kip Jones
John Kamp
Giszelle Kirton
Val Kuffel
Joan Laughlin
Nancy Hayer
Jeannine Hedberg
Amy Hughes
Damian Ivanov
Ashley Kosten
Olivia LaChance
Jennifer Mance
Elizabeth Marcantonio
Eduardo Marin
Lila Mastro
Alex Minarik
Steve Lee
Sandy LoPresti
Russel Loyet
Madison Mance
Ray Marasco
John McKerrow
Yuliana Mercado
Dan Miller
Sydney Mixon
Linda Mizeur
Tina Moroni
Abigail Nelson
Adriann Philby
Ella Provinzino
Sue Rapanos
Victoria Rinaldi
Sabine Rivera
Erica Sample-Fasano
Andrew Sarkozy
Adler Monpremier
Kelly Rossberg
Roseann Ruggiero
Judy Scribner
Jean Snyder
Fredley Sylvain
Kenny Tran
Ciarán Welch
Cynthia Sepich
Jane Shub
Jeff Smith
Esther Snyder
Anthony Soto
Lynnelle St. Albord
Andrea Tanner
Mary Taylor
Anna Tipton
Joseph Townsend
Lauren Turner
Mark Vanagas
Lynne Vela
Lindsey Walsh
Mary Jane Wann
Rachel Weiner
Nancy Woolf
Continued on page 22>
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
2023-2024
SEASON
25-99 HOURS
Evan Abram
Lloyd Adams
Kimberly Albrecht
Dorothy Allard
Robin Bache Gray
Dianne Bacon
Melody Bales
Chloe Bayer
Maureen Beirne
Leo Benander-McKay
Maddy Benner
Emir Bilen
Gregg Birr
Judi Bloom
Jack Bosley
Solei Bourgeois
Maddie Brendel
Brad Brenner
Kathryn Buchwald
Maria Burri
Ernst Burri
Judith Buruk
Cole Butcher
Giselle Cairney
Samantha Calero
Emily Cameron
Robert Cappetta
Justine Carlson
Victor Caroli
Kristin Cassidy
Margot Cassinelli
Melanie Chiani
Zoe Ciabaton
Tucker Claremont
Alison Claremont
Juliet Clayton
Casey Cobb
Ian Cocklin
Katharine Condit
William Condit
Grace Condit
Katie Cross
Lillian Cuoco
Thomas Currie
Richie Davies
Barbara Davin
Douglas Degelsmith
L.A. DeRiggi
Kathleen Devitt
Hannah Diamond
Joan DiLillo
Samantha Dooney
Olivia Dooney
Richard Dougherty
James Duggan
Ken Eastlack
Emma Eastman
Nathan Eichhorn
Devan Elliott
Rosemary Erb
Frankie Fasano
John Feliciano
Jacob Feltman
Patti Ferguson
Linda Fikes
Suri Finch
Lily Fletcher
Daniella Flom
Conner Foley
Cooper Foley
Valeska Frailing
Alexander Garciarena
Maria Gil
Dennis Glass
Alexandria Goenner
Chloe Gorgas
Betsy Greenblatt
Cynthia Haas
Ella Hamblen
Jon Hart
Shakeem Harvey
Ed Heckert
Arlene Heiselman
Cynthia Hile
Jesse Hughes
Luke Jaconis
Megan Jimenez
Charlene Josselyn
Scott Kadera
Robert Kasler
Rachel Kastner
Sandra Keeler
Paula Keenan
Kevin Kenneally
Maya Kleinsorge
Ralph Krumins
Frances Lang
Barbara Laub
Zanna Lawson
Melanie Leach
Melany Leon
Nicole Letendre
Cassie Letendre
Kathie Lewis
Terry Libby
James Little
Sofia Lugo
Mike Malat
Cindy Malley
Maria Marko
Mary Kate Masterson
Christine Mastrangelo
Diane Mastroianni
Lisa Mathe
Kay Mayr
Harry McCartney
Mary Anne McKerrow
Nicholas Mehler
Elizabeth Mehler
Scarlett Meinert
Diane Melino
Linda Miller
Tracie Miller
Jim Mizeur
Peggy Monson
Moira Moser
Dougherty
Lucy Mullin
Jacob Myny
Lena Neal
Keegan Novinski
Susan O’Brien
Luc Olazabal
Gavin Ott
Adriana Parodi
James Pease
Shelley Perry
David Peterson
Matias Piscoya
Fernandez
Maureen Place
Emma Podolak
Pat Pollok
Ollie Posey
Marie Prasek
Grey Purtle
Ricardo Rago
Jerry Rannow
Lynda Reymann
Nancy Ribordy
Brittany Rincon
Claudia Rioles
Ellen Rodwick
Kathleen Rogers
Terry Rohler
Emerson Roschek
Annie Rosemond
Tracy Rosen
Maria Rozo
Shawn Ryan
Christine Sadry
Gia Sanchez
Juliet Sanchez
Michael Santos
Sophie Sawyer
Sadie Scardino
Meg Schelling
Max Schnorbach
William Shade
Sophia Siciliano
Olivia Silverio
Christiane Simmons
Judy Smith
Denise Smith
Carolyna Sotuyo
Cynthia Spanier
Rocco Swem
Sharon Swinton
Aiden Thayer
Bruce Thompson
Virginia Thompson
Candi Tipton
Norman Toback
Colton Townsend
Sharon True
Malena Tucker
Robert Uek
Caylee Valencia
Bianca Varetto
Carole Vasiloff
Alessa Vazquez
Julian Vitelli
Ivana Vivar
Jasmine Vizena
Renee Vrehas
Gabriele Weger
Kenneth Wetcher
David Whalley
Ryan Wheeler
Bealey Cate White
Ava Williams
Nicholas Young
Lynne Young
Yelena Yurinets
Kathryn Zagel
Sylvia Abboud
Terry Abraham-Whalley
Ethan Abram
Kathy Abrams
Romina Alezard
Leonard Allen
Kelly Altemier
Linda Altemus
Patrick Ashton
Karly Atkinson
Katherine Baer
John Ballurio
Joel Banow
Tom Baranowski
Sharon Baranowski
Rick Barnard
Kathleen Barney
Maureen Bartholomew
Christopher Baucom
Veronica Benages
Carin Benford
Jennifer Benner
Mollie Berman
Robert Berman
Suzan Berman
Marcia Bermel
Brian Bermel
Daniela Bermudez
Theresa Bill
Janina Birtolo
Maximus Bogert
Samantha Bogert
Reily Boland
Joanie Borbely
Rebecca Borchardt
Tammy Bourgeois
Nancy Bourke
Maikel Bover
Andrea Bramante
Remy Branstetter
Marlene Bridge
David Burns
Alex Butler
Jessica Cameron
Layla Capone
Bella Carrillo
Janice Caruso
Pamela Caruso
Jude Caruso
Steven Caruso
Michelle Cassinelli
Jennifer Castricone
Lisa Chiesa
Joan Cicconetti
Luke Claremont
Carol Clarke
Casey Cobb
Sylvia Conger
Sydney Conn
Maggie Cosgrove
Terry Cosgrove
Veronica Cossetta
Margo Crupi
Lucy Davisson
Ted DeGroot
Debbie Delgado
Cathy DeMartis
Peter DeMartis
Travis Depanicis
Deja Rice Diapella
Kathleen Donelli
Lora Donia
Dolph Dunn
Suzanne Eastman
Kara Eisenga
Vivienne Engelmann
Margot Escott
Lisa Evancho
Julie Ewing
Karen Ezrine
Christine Farrell
Carole Fenstermacher
Noemi Fernandez
Aubrey Finch
Melissa Flom
Ava Foley
Karen Foltz
Ian Forbes
Linnea Fraser
Linda Friis
Devin Gales
Ashley Garcia
Karen Garrett
James Gayeuski
Cheryl Ghauri
Alan Giertych
Heather Goenner
David Golya
Bruce Graev
John Graf
Sally Greene
Becka Gurevich
Candace Haddad
Donna Haggett
Larry Harrison
Chanda Hawthorne
Patricia Heckert
James Heffernan
Emily Hendrick
Corey Hernandez
Cliff Hogen
Leona Hogen Curzi
Jackie Indriago
Vera James
John Jensen
Alexis Johnson
Maria Joyce
Thomas Juday
Fabiola Justiniano
Stacy Kastner
Kristina Kavalov
Debron Keller-Mc-
cartney
Sue Kemp
Barbara King
Melissa King
Kathleen Kolacz
Sally Kosten
Elinor Koury-Waskevich
Nancy Kumskis
Regina Kunkle
Pat Lake
Mary Lalley
John Lane
Jill Lane
Jacque Laughlin
Dessie Leff
Helane LePort
Patricia Leyhe
Landon Libbey
Erika Lingertat
Joseph Loiacono
Alice LoPresti
Paul LoPresti
Jace Loznak
Sarah Ma
Brett Mance
Ethan Marlow
Sheryl Martin
MaryAnne Mascolo
Taryn Masterson
Diana Mayette
William Mayr
Patricia McAlevey
Debron McCartney
Bob McCormick
Michele McGinnis
Jill McKay
Catherine McKeone
Mary Ellen McNamara
Sandy Meadows
Robert Medeiros
Grace Medeiros
Heidi Merendino
Gary Miller
Debera Millstein
John Miranda
Tom Mitchell
Christina Mona
Jackie Morelisse
Rosemary Nardone
Sue Nathanson
Craig Nayhouse
Kevin Nestor
Paula Nizzardo
Roberta Norin
Carol Norkus
Norbert Norkus
Meg Northrop
Helena Novak
Andrew O’Connor
Joellen Oberle
John Otis
Nora Ousley
Karen Partridge
Monique Pascual
Floriana Pellegrini
Chante Pemberton
Juan Penaloza
Maria Pentakis
Adriann Philby
Summer Pliskow
Susan Polastri
Ron Porter
Jaedyn Procacci
Isabella Ragsdale
Deloris Rannow
Robert Rath
Tom Rex
Marie Rhatigan
Cathie Ricciardo
Brenda Rice
Stephen W Rioles
David Rojas
Avery Roschek
Susan Roseliep
Donna Rotella
Charles Rotella
Don Salamack
Anthony Sanchez
Jennifer Sancton
George Santos
Susan Kay Sawyer
Rich Scarlato
Lynn Scarlato
Mary Schroeck
Alicia Schwartz
Sheila Seats
Carole Sharp
Iris Shur
Jessica Shwedel
Donna Sidoti
Judith Smith
Mahlon Stacy
Michael Stanek
Marlene Strollo
Kathy Taylor
Marcelo Tebet
Jay Terzis
Charisse Thomas
Deb Thompson
Richard Tienhaara
Jennifer Tikka
Delilah Tucker
Anabella Urban
Michele Vaira
Deborah Van Maele
Lynne Vannelli
Carolyn Velechko
Jason Wagaman
Debra Ward
Kelley Watson
Joanne Weber
Jackie Weiner
Linda Wertheim
Thomas White
Tom Wilde
Barbara Williams
Peggy Williams
Joan Wilson
Nancy Woodward
Carly Zeuner
Pablo Zuniga
PRESENT
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL
BOOK BY JOSEPH ROBINETTE
MUSIC AND LYRICS BY BENJ PASEK and JUSTIN PAUL
Based upon the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.
Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois.
Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment.
Originally Produced on Broadway by Gerald Goehring, Roy Miller, Michael F. Mitri, Pat Flicker Addiss, Peter Billingsley, Timothy Laczynski, Mariano Tolentino Jr., Louise Beard, Michael Filerman, Scott Hart, Alison Eckert, Bob Bartner, Michael Jenkins, Angela Milonas and Bradford W. Smith.
KEYBOARD PROGRAMMING DESIGN BY STAGE SOUNDS, LLC • WWW.STAGE-SOUNDS.COM
MUSIC DIRECTOR CHARLES FORNARA
STAGE MANAGER TAYLOR MATTHEWS
SCENIC DESIGNER
MICHAEL HOOVER COSTUME DESIGNER MOLLIE BERMAN
CO-SOUND DESIGNER JOSEPH PARISI
LIGHTING DESIGNER CHRIS RILEY
PROPERTIES DIRECTOR AMY HUGHES DRAMATURGS RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company, Inc., of Woodstock, Illinois. (www.dramaticpublishing.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.
SOUND DESIGNER BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN
DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA KIZZIE THEATER • NOVEMBER 20 - DECEMBER 22, 2024
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
SANTA .................................................................................................................. BRAD BRENNER FLICK ........................................................................................................................ VICTOR BRIZ
RANDY PARKER ................................................................................................ KALOYAN BUELOW SCHWARTZ ........................................................................................................ JAKE BUFFINGTON RED RYDER .......................................................................................................... THOMAS CURRIE
MALE CHIEF ELF ...................................................................................................
MARY BETH ........................................................................................................
SCUT FARKUS .......................................................................................................... NICK MEHLER
FEMALE CHIEF ELF ...................................................................................................... SUE SMITH MOTHER VANESSA TARABOCCHIA
A CHRISTMAS STORY ORCHESTRA
CONDUCTOR/KEYBOARD I: CHARLES FORNARA | ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR: SEAN EFFINGER-DEAN
REED I (FLUTE, PICCOLO, CLARINET, SOPRANO AND ALTO SAX): FRANK SANDERS; REED II (FLUTE, CLARINET AND ALTO SAX): DANIEL G. KLIMOSKI/LEN PIERRO/ZACH DEETER; REED III (FLUTE, CLARINET, BASS CLARINET AND TENOR SAX): STEPHEN J. PARKER; REED IV (CLARINET, BASS CLARINET, CONTRABASS CLARINET AND BARITONE SAX): ADAM COSTELLO/JOHN YOAKUM; BASSOON: ELIZABETH L oGIUDICE/ADAM COSTELLO/NOAH EASTMAN; TRUMPET I (TRUMPET AND FLUGELHORN): MIKE SANTIAGO/PETER DAVIS; TRUMPET II: MARK FESSENDEN; TROMBONE I: KEVIN DEVITT/STEPHEN JOHNSON; TROMBONE II AND BASS TROMBONE: ADREN HANCE; KEYBOARD II: SEAN EFFINGER-DEAN/ROBIN SHUFORD FRANK/JEREMY F. GOODMAN; GUITARS AND BANJO: TIM TORRES; BASS: JOE CHOOMACK/MATTHEW EDWARDS; DRUMS AND PERCUSSION: SCOTT CRAWFORD
CREW
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS .................................................. ANNIE HENNEN, MARIA HERNANDEZ
ASSISTANT TO THE CHOREOGRAPHER .................................................................... LORELAI VEGA
GREGG BIRR, ALIX CUNNINGHAM, ANTHONY PENA, BILL SHADE
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE .............................GWEN BETTINI, KATE CONDIT, KENZIE CURRIE, LINDA FIKES, STEPHANIE FOWLE, CARLA GRIEVE, JULIE LANG, SANDY L o PRESTI, EILEEN NIEDBALSKI, SOPH SAWYER, SUSAN KAY SAWYER, JEAN SNYDER, MILA STANISIC, CHARISSE THOMAS, MEGAN WARES
SCENIC PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION ............ KATHLEEN CARLSON, SYLVIA CONGER, ALDO D’ACUNZO, SERGIO DUQUE, ED EZRINE, TAMMY HARRIS, KIP JONES, SANDY KEELER, JOHN LANE, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, JOE FEMIA, RAY MARASCO, BOB RATH, TRACY ROSEN, JANE SHUB, JEFF SMITH, MARY TAYLOR, MICHAEL TROOP, DOUG WALCK, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG
A Boy’s Christmas Dream
Ralphie’s relentless pursuit of his dream gift— that longed-for, “tricked out” Red Ryder BB gun—represents the innocence and determination of children. He wants ONLY that gun, nothing else will do; no other gift can distract him.
The musical celebrates the excitement and wonder that children feel and show during the holidays, reminding grownups of the importance of dreams and aspirations. The story projects a lovely sense of nostalgia,
“UP ON SANTA’S LAP” ......................................... SANTA, MARY BETH, ELVES, RALPHIE, RANDY, KIDS
SCENE 6: The Parker Family House — Christmas Eve
“BEFORE THE OLD MAN COMES HOME” .................................................................... THE PARKERS
SCENE 7: Ralphie and Randy’s Bedroom — A half hour or so later
“SOMEWHERE HOVERING OVER INDIANA” ................................................... RALPHIE, RANDY, KIDS
SCENE 8: The Parker Family House, A Chinese Restaurant, and the Town — Christmas Morning
“CHRISTMAS MORNING” ...................................................................................... RALPHIE, RANDY
“RALPHIE TO THE RESCUE!” (REPRISE) .......................................................... RALPHIE, ENSEMBLE
“A CHRISTMAS STORY” ..................................................................... THE PARKERS, FULL COMPANY BOWS ..................................................................................................................... FULL COMPANY
EXIT MUSIC ................................................................................................................. ORCHESTRA
A time to value OUR VALUES
It seems safe to say that almost everyone wants to feel good at holiday time.
A Christmas Story: The Musical gives families and audiences of all ages a chance to laugh together and revel in the humor, spirit, and magic of the season. It’s a play that shines a bright, twinkly light on themes of family, childhood dreams, and the holiday spirit.
At its core, the play emphasizes the significance of family. Through hilarious — even chaotic — events, the Parkers’ love and support for each other are unwavering, reminding us that family is the heart of the holiday season. Though they’re pretty different from our perception of a “typical” family, the Parkers assure us that laughter and love are essential ingredients for a happy life, particularly during the holidays.
Humor and humanity combine as the musical balances laughter with heartfelt moments, just like the ups and downs we experience in our daily lives. A Christmas Story encourages us all to take a much-needed break from the day to day, sit back, and slip into the holiday mood.
The interactions between the Parker family, their neighbors, and the supportive school environment highlight the importance of community and generosity. The musical suggests that the season is not just about receiving gifts but also about giving and sharing joy with others.
A Christmas Story: The Musical lightheartedly delivers a message of warmth, joy, and the enduring spirit of Christmas, encouraging audiences to cherish their loved ones and hold on to the magic of the holiday season.
The Naples Players – SWFL’s Favorite Local Theatre.
Photo: Naples Creative.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
BRAD BRENNER (Santa) is pleased to be performing again with TNP! He has performed in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey in The Rimers of Eldritch, A View from the Bridge, The Miracle Worker, and many others. He has performed in Coney Island Christmas, My Fair Lady, Sister Act, Miracle on 34th Street, Chicago, Footloose, Calendar Girls, The Cake, Something Rotten!, A Christmas Carol, It’s a Wonderful Life, and 42nd Street with TNP. Brad is happy to be part of the Wonderful TNP family! He thanks his wife Christine Mastrangelo who currently puts up with his nonsense, and his twin daughters Erin and Kelsey who used to put up with it.
VICTOR BRIZ (Flick) is a determined and passionate child actor with experience in theater, commercials, and film productions. Since the age of 7, he has appeared in many brand productions, including ‘BodyGlove’ for Costco, Payless, Publix, and more, delighting audiences with his portrayal of young characters. Victor’s natural acting abilities, combined with his dedication to learn and grow as an actor, set him apart. Offstage, Victor enjoys reading, tennis, and spending time outdoors.
KALOYAN BUELOW (Randy Parker) has been performing for eight years. He started with the Academy at TNP when he was only 4 years old. His very first production was The Little Engine That Could at age 7. Past productions include Fagin/Oliver, Peter Pan/Peter Pan, Jiminy Cricket/Ever After, and Mason/School of Rock. Kaloyan is very excited and thankful to be in the cast of A Christmas Story. Some of his favorite things to do are play video games and spend time with friends and family. He hopes you laugh a lot and enjoy the production. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!!
JAKE BUFFINGTON (Schwartz) is a 7th grader at The Village School. Jake has wanted to do theater and musical activities since elementary school. He recently starred as James in School Of Rock at TNP and loved it. Jake wouldn’t have gotten where he was if it wasn’t for his Village School theater teachers, Mr. Bret and Ms. Kellie, who inspired him to do theater like them. Thanks to his mom, dad, sisters Emily and Abbey, and his brother Cooper for all the love and support. Enjoy the show!
EMILY CAMERON (Ensemble) is excited to return to The Naples Players for her second show! A 3rd grader here in Naples, Emily fell in love with performing during her first production, The Sound of Music, where she played Gretl. Since then she has been involved in several TNP Academy productions and summer camps. When she’s not at TNP, Emily loves playing outside, singing, gymnastics, and spending time with her family and friends. She would like to thank her castmates, family, and friends for their encouragement and support! Enjoy the show!
CAROLINE COLEMAN (Ensemble) is a current 7th grader at Gulfview Middle and is thrilled to be part of this mainstage production! She found her love of performing at a very young age and it has blossomed over the past few years with the help of TNP, vocal coaches in our community, and her performance coach out of NYC, Rance Wright. Some of her most recent performances include Serena/Legally Blonde JR., Marcy/School of Rock, Buttons/Newsies JR, Matilda , and The Music Man with Gulf Coast Symphony. Huge thank you to her family, friends, and school teachers who have supported her commitment to this holiday production to spread joy and love throughout this season! Enjoy the show!
THOMAS CURRIE (Red Ryder) is a junior and has been involved in several productions at TNP, including Ensemble/Godspell JR., Frederic/The Hunchback of Notre Dame Teen, Pat Denning/42nd Street Teen, and Inspector Kemp/Young Frankenstein. He is thrilled to be part of his very first mainstage show with A Christmas Story, especially during the holiday season. Thomas would like to thank the amazing cast and crew for their support and encouragement throughout this journey.
FRANKIE FEDERICO (Ensemble) is excited to return to The Naples Players to do A Christmas Story. He has been in many productions at TNP over the years, most recently 42nd Street, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Mary Poppins.
TAO HAAS (Grover Dill) is a 10-year-old fifth grader. He’s been performing with TNP for two years and recently captivated audiences in the TNPA production of School of Rock as Freddy! Recent credits include: Charlie Cowell/The Music Man, Troy/High School Musical , Shrek/Shrek and Alex/Madagascar. Tao has a passion for acting and dancing, and he also loves spending time outdoors—snorkeling, sailing, and playing basketball. Additionally, he has a strong love for math. Tao is very grateful to Mrs. Dawn and Mr. Charlie for this amazing opportunity to learn from them, as well as for the chance to collaborate with such a talented cast and crew! He hopes you all enjoy the show!!
AMY HUGHES (Mother) has been volunteering with The Naples Players for 10 years now. You may know her from The Music Man as Marian the librarian or Sarah Brown from Guys and Dolls. She is honored to play such an iconic role. This show is a love letter to parents and her involvement is a love letter to her daughter Ellie and husband Jesse. Don’t forget to remember these moments never last. Happy Holidays.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
CATHERINE JEANTY (Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of her first production with The Naples Players. She previously appeared in local theaters in Southwest Florida as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz . Her other past roles include Dr. Ehrin & others in Freaky Friday, and ensemble in Willy Wonka and Rent. She would like to thank her family for their continued support, and all who are involved in this production for giving her the opportunity to be in this show!
LANDON LIBBEY (Male Chief Elf) is thrilled to return to the stage in A Christmas Story after his recent success in 42nd Street at The Naples Players. He is excited to take on his character, where he hopes to spread holiday cheer and nostalgia. Landon is grateful for the opportunity to perform alongside such talented cast members and wants to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support. He looks forward to sharing this heartwarming tale with the audience and is excited for this memorable run filled with laughter and joy.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
JENNIFER MANCE (Miss Shields) is originally from Oshawa, ON, Canada, and received her BFA in Acting and Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, Ontario. She was an elementary teacher for 15 years before moving to Florida in 2022, and is thrilled to be “returning to the classroom” as Miss Shields, but without the report cards! Recent roles; Maggie/42nd Street, Mrs. Peacock/Clue: Onstage, and Actress 2/The Dining Room. When she is not performing, she is a busy theatre mom to Madison (Mary Beth), and it has been a dream come true to do a show together for the first time. She is forever grateful to Dawn and Charlie for giving her this opportunity to grow as a performer, and to Brett for being our cheerleader. P.S. - You’ll shoot your eye out!
MADISON MANCE (Mary Beth) has called Florida home since February 2022 after moving from Oshawa, Ontario. She is a 7th grade student at The Village School and studies dance at Hit The Floor Dance Studio, and voice with Kellie Cullinan. Madison was most recently seen as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde JR here in the new Glass Theater. Other TNP roles: Patty/School of Rock, Dance Captain/Les Filles/Ensemble/Beauty And The Beast JR., Rapunzel/Into The Woods JR., Marta/The Sound Of Music (Salzburg Cast), Nancy/Newsies JR., and Young Kangaroo/Seussical JR. Madison is grateful to Dawn and Charlie for giving her this opportunity to be part of such a fun show, and to be onstage with her mom. Enjoy the show!
NICK MEHLER (Scut Farkus) is thrilled to be in his first mainstage show at TNP. He is currently a junior at Gulf Coast High. You may have seen him this summer as Dewey in School of Rock. Some of his other roles include Spritzer/Hairspray, Prince Eric/ The Little Mermaid , and Maurice/Beauty and the Beast JR. He would like to thank his family and AC/DC! Hope you enjoy the show!
PEGGY MONSON (Mrs. Schwartz) Peggy’s acting credits at The Naples Players include Chris/Calendar Girls, Dot/The Savannah Sipping Society and Ensemble/The Sound of Music. Prior roles include Jenny Diver/Three Penny Opera , Mrs. Antrobus/ Skin of Our Teeth, Lysistrata/Lysistrata , Mrs. Baker/Butterflies are Free and Sarafina/ The Rose Tattoo. Peggy is grateful to be in the cast of the first Christmas show in the fabulous new Kizzie with such talented fellow actors and the incredible Dawn and Charlie. “I am happy for this opportunity to bring joy to friends, family and TNP patrons during the holiday season.” With love to Jim for his unwavering support.
GAVIN OTT (Ensemble) has been associated with TNP for two years. This marks his fourth mainstage production. Previously, he has been part of the casts of A Christmas Carol, The Sound of Music, and 42nd Street. In addition, he collaborates with Gulfshore Playhouse Education, currently playing a role in Remember: The Story of Abe Price. His other theatrical endeavors across South Florida include: playing Chuck in Footloose at Culture Park Theater, Mr. Mayor in Seussical at Fort Myers Theater, and Jean-Michel in Cinderella at The Belle.
ARIELA PADEJKA-SAVOV (Nancy) is 8 years old and incredibly excited to perform with the wonderful cast and crew of A Christmas Story in her first mainstage show at The Naples Players. Through numerous Academy classes, she discovered her love for musical theater. Some of her favorite things are reading, playing with her friends, tennis, and certainly acting, singing, and dancing. Ariela hopes you enjoy the show!
ZACHARY PHILIPPON (Ensemble) is pleased to join the ensemble of A Christmas Story! They’re excited to contribute to this festive production. A fun fact: they speak two languages—one very poorly—and have traveled to 32 countries (and lived in another)! Zach enjoys embracing new life experiences and hopes you enjoy the show!
Name a seat, leave a legacy!
Don’t miss out on this chance to have yourself or a loved one memorialized as an important part of our arts-loving community by naming a seat in our Kizzie, Price, or Glass Theaters.
Hundreds of thousands of patrons, volunteers, and other guests will pass through our newly renovated theater, and your name will be evidence of your dedication to the arts and TNP for years to come.
Seats range from $500 to $5,000 based on location.
The highest honor an artistic leader can receive, serving as a lasting tribute to the donor - or person whom the donor may wish to honor. This champion of the arts will have their name listed in every playbill, news article, or opportunity where the Artistic Director is listed, as well as annual dinners and invites with the Artistic Director.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
MATIAS PISCOYA (Ralphie Parker) is 11 years old and thrilled to return to TNP, this time stepping into his first adult production. His passion for music and art shines through in everything he does. In his past performances, he has played roles including Zack Mooneyham/School of Rock, Chip/Beauty and the Beast JR., and Baby Shrek/ Baby Bear/Shrek the Musical . With a commitment to infusing every performance with his passion, Matias is eager to embrace this exciting opportunity. His family and friends look forward to witnessing his growth as an artist as he continues to make his mark in the world of musical theatre. Matias can’t wait for you to see the show and hopes you enjoy it as much as he has enjoyed being a part of it!
THOMAS RICHARDSON (The Old Man) has been performing with The Naples Players since he was 6 years old. His favorite roles with TNP include Robin/Something Rotten!, Ensemble/42nd Street, and Harry/Mamma Mia! Teen. He is so grateful for the continued support of his friends and family! Go Team Paula!
VICTORIA RINALDI (Ensemble) Victoria is a junior and is so excited to be a part of this show! Some of her most recent TNP credits include Frau Blücher/Young Frankenstein, Ensemble/42nd Street Teen, Grand Reopening Extravaganza, Ensemble/ The Hunchback of Notre Dame Teen, Jesus/Godspell JR., Ensemble/Newsies Teen, and Lady Clapham/Something Rotten! Teen. She is so grateful to be a part of this production, and she thanks the cast and creative team for putting on another amazing show!
ISABELLA SISAY (Ensemble) is excited to join the company here at The Naples Players for her first show! Isabella was previously very engaged with theatre in her high school back in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she was featured mostly for her dancing, for which she has a passion. After high school, Isabella joined the workforce and has not been in a theatrical production since, so she is extremely honored and grateful to be able to join this cast and get back on stage. Isabella would like to thank the cast and crew for a warm welcome and cannot wait to see what the future holds!
SUE SMITH (Female Chief Elf) Sue’s early love of dance and theatre led to over 200 shows and a career as a professional actor, dancer, director, choreographer, and teacher. In her 20 years as a college professor, she fostered the development of the Departments of Dance and Musical Theatre at Adrian College in MI. Sue is delighted to be a part of TNP appearing as Sister Margaretta/The Sound of Music, Mrs. Corry/Mary Poppins, and Mrs. MacAfee/Bye Bye Birdie. Thanks to my husband, Mark for his love and support and to Dawn, Charlie, and the whole creative team for this opportunity. All Glory to God.
VANESSA TARABOCCHIA (Mother) is thrilled to be part of A Christmas Story! Born and raised in New Jersey, she has performed on stages of notable theaters along the East Coast, including the Paper Mill Playhouse and Carnegie Hall. A proud alumnus of Montclair State University, she holds a BFA in Musical Theater. Her TNP credits include Anytime Annie/42nd Street, Betty Jean/The Marvelous Wonderettes, Ensemble/The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Sister Sophia/The Sound of Music. Other favorite roles include Marty Maraschino/Grease, Velma/West Side Story, and Adelaide/ Guys & Dolls. Vanessa extends heartfelt thanks to her family and friends for their endless love and support, especially to her husband, Kelly. Enjoy the show!
NORMAN TOBACK (Ensemble) starred as Liam in the TNP production of Calendar Girls, Frantz in The Sound of Music, and numerous characters in last December’s It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play. Additionally, he has appeared in various Readers Theatre and Radio Theatre productions. Norm just finished the debut of an exciting new play, Della’s Dream, in which he played Norby. He is thrilled to be working with this great cast in A Christmas Story
JACK WELD (Jean Shepherd) Jack is excited to be in A Christmas Story, his favorite Christmas movie, at the newly renovated Sugden Community Theatre. He was last seen at The Naples Players in The Hunchback of Notre Dame in July of 2023. He also was on stage earlier this year with The Studio Players in Bus Stop and It’s Only a Play. Jack has been seen on stage with TNP since 2003 in productions of Guys and Dolls (2004 and 2019), She Loves Me (2007 and 2019), Cabaret, Anything Goes, Much Ado About Nothing, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misèrables, Young Frankenstein, The Music Man, My Fair Lady, and many others. He hopes Papa Joe Loiacono enjoys the show!
BEALEY CATE
WHITE (Esther Jane) is excited to be in her third TNP mainstage show, having last performed as Brigitta in The Sound of Music. She is active in the TNP Academy where her past shows include Mayzie/Seussical JR., the Witch/Into the Woods JR., and this summer’s 42nd Street Teen. She has performed in more than 30 shows in Florida, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, including making her professional debut in 2019 at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre in Arden, DE. Other favorite roles include Anne Boleyn/Six (Teen) 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
ALESSA VAZQUEZ
(Ensemble) embarked on her artistic journey at an early age, discovering her deep passion for performance when she won the top prize in a singing competition representing the Cayman Islands at just five years old. Since that moment, her enthusiasm for music and theater has blossomed wonderfully. Delighted to be participating in another TNP production, Alessa has previously taken on exciting roles such as Belle/Beauty and the Beast JR., Gabriella Montez/High School Musical , and Rosalie Mullins/School of Rock. As she navigates her senior year, she eagerly anticipates the adventures that await her. Alessa is also an integral member of the Student Council Leadership Team at TNP. She is eager for you to enjoy the show.
The Naples Airport Authority celebrates the creativity and talent of The Naples Players through its sponsorship of the 2024-25 season.
As a community partner, we’re committed to being a good neighbor by promoting a voluntary, overnight curfew to help preserve the quality of life we all value.
Thank
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
MOLLIE BERMAN (Costume Designer) After graduating with her MFA from FSU, Mollie joined the creative team for Disney Parks Live Entertainment as well as freelanced as a designer in the Orlando area. Previous TNP design credits include Rumors; Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat!; The Fantasticks; The Marvelous Wonderettes; The Sound of Music; Mary Poppins; Blithe Spirit; The Wedding Singer; Footloose; Yours, Truly; Bye Bye Birdie; and She Loves Me. She has designed for TheatreWorks Florida, Mad Cow Theatre and Florida State University. Mollie has previously worked at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. She would like to thank her friends, family, and husband Reece for their unending support and encouragement.
CHARLES FORNARA (Music Director/Conductor), Artistic Director of Music, has music directed over 180 productions, including, at TNP, 42nd Street, The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Sound of Music, 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 and many others, as well as over 20 teen productions for TNP Academy. Also in Naples for TheatreZone, he has music directed nearly 40 shows including Rock of Ages, 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), Artistic Director of Dance, is a native of New York and has served as director and choreographer for TNP’s 42nd Street, The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Sound of Music, Something Rotten!, Mary Poppins, The Wedding Singer, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Sister Act, The Rocky Horror Show, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde and The Spitfire Grill , among others, and with TNP Academy for many productions, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray, Disney’s Camp Rock, Les Misérables, and CATS . She has choreographed many shows for TNP, including A Christmas Carol, 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 Charlie and her family.
ANNIE HENNEN (Assistant Stage Manager) is a recent graduate of Colorado State University and is excited for this new chapter. Working on A Christmas Story has been a rewarding fun experience. She also recently just closed TNPA’s production of Young Frankenstein, their first time stage managing a musical. Previous credits include the Santa Fe Opera and The Aspen Music Festival. When she’s not working she enjoys crochet and reading.
MARIA HERNANDEZ (Assistant Stage Manager) is glad to be a part of this. Thanks to everyone who helped me!
MICHAEL HOOVER (Scenic Designer) Based in Minneapolis, Michael is happy to return to Florida for his third production at The Naples Players, having previously designed Something Rotten! and The Sound of Music. 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. Formerly the Head of Scenic Art at the Guthrie Theater, Michael is now focusing on freelance theatrical and commercial design.
AMY HUGHES (Props Designer) is excited to be propping such an amazing production. Amy is mostly known for her credits on stage in shows such as Marian/The Music Man and Mona/Chicago. She is so excited to step into the role of a lifetime as the properties director for The Naples Players and looks forward to an amazingly creative future.
TAYLOR MATTHEWS (Stage Manager) is excited to be in her first season as the Company Stage Manager at The Naples Players. After graduating Western Michigan University she worked as the Stage Management Intern for the 2023-24 season. Her previous stage management credits include; Clue: On Stage, and The Marvelous Wonderettes.
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
JOSEPH PARISI (Co-Sound Designer) is a theatrical audio freelancer currently based in the New Jersey and New York City area. He has primarily been working in Production Audio for various shows, such as: Babe, Indra’s Net, Life and Trust, NYCDA Nationals, and Nightmare Dollhouse Haunted House. Recently, Joe has started shifting back into sound design work and is excited to work with The Naples Players this season.
CHRIS RILEY (Lighting Designer) is the Director of Lighting and is excited to be finishing out his first season with The Naples Players. He was the lighting intern for TNP during the 2018-2019 season, where he designed shows including Annie JR, Guys and Dolls, and Lost in Yonkers. Since returning to The Naples Players, he’s worked on shows like The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Fantasticks, and Harvey. He’s so happy to once again be on the team, and can’t wait to work on many more shows.
BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN (Sound Designer) holds a BFA in Theatre: Design & Technical Production and Theatre: Stage Management from Western Michigan University. Originally hailing from Michigan, he has found a home at The Naples Players here in Florida, where he has been an integral part of the team since 2013. Throughout his tenure, Brad has contributed his expertise to numerous productions, witnessing TNP’s remarkable growth over the years. Outside of the theater, Brad takes to the skies as a pilot, embarking on adventures to explore new areas of Florida. Alternatively, you might spot him strolling with his furry companion Malone, a delightful Cocker Spaniel mix who is well aware of just how adorable he is. Brad’s multifaceted interests and dedication to the arts underscore his dynamic enthusiasm as he eagerly looks forward to the future of TNP.
LORELAI VEGA (Assistant to the Choreographer) is 19 years old and has been with TNP since she was in 8th grade! She feels so lucky to get to assist Dawn after performing in her shows for so long. Onstage you may have seen her as: Louisa/The Fantasticks, Peggy Sawyer/42nd Street, Esmeralda/The Hunchback of Notre Dame Teen She is also a TNP Academy instructor here at the theater and loves working with the youth and watching them grow. She is so proud of all of the hard work that has gone into this show and hopes that audiences will recognize and enjoy it too!
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STAFF & LEADERSHIP
2024-2025 SEASON
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PEGGY MONSON President
ALAN JAFFE Executive Vice President
OTTO IMMEL Secretary
BOB UEK Treasurer
DENNY GLASS Immediate Past President
TED BILL
DEDE BROWNLEE
TNP STAFF (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
BRYCE ALEXANDER Executive Artistic Director/CEO
MOLLIE BERMAN Director of Costumes
JULES BRANCHE Volunteer Manager
COLE BUTCHER Production Stage Manager/ Internship Director
PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement
JOHN COOPER Front of House Associate
KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff
DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer
JAMES DUGGAN Director of Patron Services
ADAM FASANO House Manager
CINDY FINEGAN Front of House Associate
CHARLES FORNARA Artistic Director - Music
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Artistic Director - Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
GEORGE D’ANGELO
JOAN DiLILLO
BRUCE GRAEV
ROBIN BACHE GRAY
TERRY LIBBY
PAT POLLOK
LUKE JACONIS Box Office Manager
LANDON LIBBEY Front of House Associate
CHRISTINE MASTRANGELO Food & Beverage Manager
TAYLOR MATTHEWS Company Stage Manager
MARY ANNE McKERROW Resident Costume Designer
DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager
SUMMER PLISKOW Director of Arts Access & Applied Theatre
CRAIG PRICE Director of Community Programs & Applied Improv
JEN PRICE Director of Youth Education
DAN RAMIREZ Front of House Associate
THOMAS RICHARDSON Front of House Associate
CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting
KELLEY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
KAT ZAGEL
BETH PETRUNOFF City Liaison
ELIZABETH W. ROUNTREE, CFRE Director of Advancement
DAYNE SABATOS Lead Draper/Costume Shop Foreman
MIKE SANTOS Resident Scenic Designer & Artist
GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant
ESTHER SNYDER Executive Assistant to the CEO
LORA TAJARI Front of House Associate
BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN Director of Sound
JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director
2024-25 INTERNS
MARIAH CRUTCHFIELD Lighting Intern
CALLIE HARTEL Costumes Intern
ANNIE HENNEN Stage Management Intern
ISLA HOFFMANN Scenic Intern
Dear Clients and Friends,
This holiday season, we’re extremely grateful for our client relationships, both new and long-standing, and for your continued expression of trust and confidence in us. May you and your loved ones have a joyous and peaceful holiday season. Our Naples office attorneys pictured above and the entire team of professionals at Quarles wish you a very happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.
Quarles has 13 offices and over 500 attorneys nationwide and has been a fixture in the Naples community for over 40 years.
To learn more about what the law firm of Quarles & Brady can do for you, contact Kimberley A. Dillon, Naples Office Chair, Estate, Trust & Wealth Preservation Practice Group, at (239) 434-4965 or kimberley.dillon@quarles.com.
Escape the Ordinary
AND EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN TRULUCK’S MOMENT
Celebrate in style. Dedicated to creating special occasions and enduring memories, our passionate chefs honor and elevate with superior ingredients, precise execution, and classic presentation. Delight in the ocean’s finest, sustainablysourced seafood, our iconic, fresh Florida Stone crab, remarkable cocktails and wines, live entertainment, and the service you deserve. YOUR TABLE IS WAITING.
