LABOR DAY CONCERT: POPS
THEATRE STAFF
Executive Director Jason Goedken
Founder & Artistic Consultant .. Whitney Morse
Artistic Director ........................... Angel Creeks
Director of Operations .................... Jon Cronin
Director of Business .................... Sean Graham
Director of People, Projects & Culture ....................... Leslie Becker
Development Director .......... Yasmeen Stogden
Marketing Director ........Monica Berdecio, MA
Booking & Contracts Manager ......Sierra Weiss
Assistant Production Manager Madi Carr
Audiovisual Supervisor Luke Bezio
Audiovisual Technician Roel Cavazos
Desk & Facility Director Tony Fairchild
Lighting Supervisor Ally Southgate
Associate Lighting Supervisor Dio Raquel Jr.
Production Swing Nichole Pollack Manager of Patron Services Alec Speers
Assistant Manager of Patron Services .............................. Tina Carroll
Lead Housekeeper ....................... Victoria Doss
Assistant Manager of Patron Services Lonnie Goertz
Assistant Manager of Patron Services .............. Savannah Rose Parker
Analyst, Sales & Customer Support .................... Kristin Fortuna
Marketing Account Manager ........ Erika Nelson
Graphic Designer ......................... Krissi Kugler
Web Designer David Sponseller
Ad Sales marketing@significantproductions.org
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS BOARD
President .................................................................................................. Elliot Sussman, MD, MBA
Vice President ..................................................................................................... Marcus Bridgewater
Treasurer ...................................................................................................................... Donna Taylor
Secretary .............................................................................................................. Elizabeth Constant
Board Member ............................................................................................................ Jason Goedken
WHITNEY
The Sharon®L. Morse
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Dear Patron of the Arts,
Welcome to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center!
This year marks a very special milestone—10 years since The Sharon first opened its doors. What began in 2015 as a bold dream has grown into a vibrant home for live performance, rooted in the adventurous and artistic spirit of my grandmother, Sharon L. Morse.
Over the past decade, we’ve been honored to earn your trust, show by show, standing ovation by standing ovation. Whether you’re here tonight to experience a beloved Broadway tour, a favorite artist, or something entirely new, know that every performance has been thoughtfully curated by our passionate team of artists and arts administrators.
As we celebrate our first ten years, we’re also stepping into an exciting new chapter: The Sharon is now proudly powered by Significant Productions, a registered nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful, memorable arts experiences in our community. With this new foundation, we’re not only preserving what makes The Sharon special, we’re building toward a future filled with bold ideas, diverse stories, and even more opportunities to surprise and delight you.
Thank you for being part of this journey. We’re so glad you’re here. Enjoy the show, and here’s to the next ten years of discovery, connection, and applause.
See You at The Sharon, Whitney Morse
Founder & Artistic Consultant Significant Productions
ART. ARTISTS. AUDIENCE. SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS (SIGPRO) is a Non-Profit arts organization that operates The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) & The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol (The Studio).
OUR MISSION; SigPro cultivates a diverse collaborative community with a focus on artists' well-being that strives to provoke thought and spark conversation through high quality performing arts.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
We believe that fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace is essential for the creation of exceptional art. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our employees. This ensures every individual who contributes to our productions feels valued and empowered. We actively promote a workplace culture that embraces differences and encourages collaboration among our diverse team of artists, technicians, administrators, and volunteers.
Thank You FOR SUPPORTING
SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS
STANDING OVATION
Jim & Dee Judd
Elliot Sussman
John Swartz
ENCORE ENTHUSIASTS
Celeste Hankins
John Hilt
April Linscott
Marianne Niesen
Jim Ward
ARTS AMBASSADORS
Bob & Diane Kendi
Edward & Gayle Labuda
Kathleen Litch
Holly Nicholson
Bonnie Park
Karen B. & Clarence Russell Jr.
Patricia Schlemmer
Donna Silver
Donna Taylor
Jan & Dave Thomas
Bob & Iris Trinh
Barbara & John Van Dyke
Melissa Warner
DEDICATIONS
Ursula Becker
Peg Fiore
Alice Stogden
Jackson L. Straub III, M.D.
Lorraine Torgerson
Thank you to our Vibe Setters and anonymous donors.
CHOOSE AT LEAST 4 SHOWS & GET 10% OFF GET ALL 9 SHOWS & GET 15% OFF
Tue, Oct 14 ......................................... American Italian Celebration
Fri, Nov 21 ........................................................................ Messiah
Mon, Dec 16-17 .............................................. Holiday Celebration
Wed, Jan 28 ................ Rhapsody in Blue and Dvorak Symphony #8
Sat, Feb 14 ............................. American Music: Celebration of Love
Tue, Mar 10 .............. Classical Concert Series: Kabalevsky & Mozart
Thu, Apr 2 ....... Classical Concert Series: Mendelssohn & Beethoven
Sat, May 16 ............... Opera Gala: Magic Moments of Opera Scenes
MESSAGE FROM THE MAESTRO
Dear friends and supporters of The Villages Philharmonic,
Welcome to a new season that inspires our commitment with the dedication and passion that has inspired my commitment to music and this wonderful community of The Villages.
In this first concert of the season, we will celebrate the Labor Day holiday and, as is tradition, we will feature a program dedicated to American music.
The 2025-2026 season will feature concerts ranging from Pop, Broadway, Oratorio, Holiday Music, Symphonic Music Program, and the Opera Gala in May. Our guest artists are internationally renowned and will surely enrich the magical moments of our music.
I invite you to consult the September edition of The Villages Magazine for an interview and presentation of the 2025-2026 season. Also, you may-subscribe to our newsletter through the orchestra’s website to stay updated on your orchestra’s activities throughout the concert season.
A special edition of the newsletter will be sent to all of you in September to announce the Steinway Concert Series at The Sharon Lobby — four afternoon concerts featuring Steinway Artists. Also, you can reserve your spot at The VPO Annual Fundraising Gala, scheduled for February 26, 2026, at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center.
Thank you again for your support as we now begin this new season with great excitement for our opening concert program on August 31, where we feature our artists including Marcella Richardson, Ali Molnar, Mark Antonio de Villiers, Norman Lee Schaffer, and Sean Stork.
Musically yours,
Maestro Pasquale Valerio Founder, Director, and Chair of The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra
PASQUALE VALERIO, MAESTRO
Pasquale Valerio is an internationally acclaimed Orchestral Conductor. In 2004 he founded The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, became its musical director, and is still engaged in concerts and tours throughout Florida and worldwide. Maestro Valerio was also the founder of the Lake Sumter Chamber Orchestra as well as co-founder and conductor of the Florida Lakes Symphony from 2005 to 2006. He collaborates with various European orchestras such as the Philharmonic Orchestra ‘900 of the Teatro Regio Opera in Turin, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Prague, the Virtuosi of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, the Virtuosi of the Philharmonic of Bacau, the “A. Scarlatti” Symphony Orchestra of Naples, Orchestra Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. In 2006 had the opportunity to assist Sir Antonio Pappano, current Music Director of the Royal Opera House in London This collaboration represented a great point of reference for maestro Valerio and indelibly marked his experience of conducting growth. From 2007 to 2009 he collaborated with the internationally known Viotti music festival in Vercelli, Italy and in May 2018 he began an ongoing cooperation with the North California Music Festival as guest conductor. Pasquale Valerio was born in Naples to a family linked to cultural traditions and founding religious values. The great passion for music was evident from the first years of his life, but, only towards the tenth year of age did he begin his musical studies, first with the piano, and subsequently, at the age of thirteen years, when he began studying trumpet. It is in this period that Pasquale met Maestro Filippo Veniero, an important musical guide for subsequent studies. He studied trumpet at the school of Maestro Francesco Lentini, Bari Conservatory, with whom he obtained the middle completion and, subsequently under the guidance of Maestro Diego Benedusi, he obtained the superior completion of trumpet.
After completing his trumpet studies, he collaborated as an instrumentalist with orchestras of major opera and symphonic institutions including the Opera House “Teatro di San Carlo in Naples “and with other major opera orchestras and symphonic institutions. Simultaneously he studied Composition and Score Reading at the School of Maestro Filippo Veniero.
The meeting with two conductors, J Withney and Gunther Smidth (United States) conditioned the musical journey and made it possible that in 1998 Pasquale resumed his studies started in Naples with F. Veniero. Also important was the meeting with the famous conductor Anton Coppola in 1999, who became Pasquale’s mentor and guide.
Pasquale is a guest collaborator at festivals and international competitions, including:
International Piano Competition “F. Schubert” in San Cristoforo Virtuosi of the Bacau Philharmonic, Romania, Viotti Music Festival, Camerata Ducale, Italy, Piano Festival of Carrara/Arezzo
Orchestra 900’ of the Teatro Regio of Turin, Oída Symphony Orchestra (Arezzo) Philharmonic Orchestra of Benevento, New Orchestra Scarlatti and Florida Philharmonia
In the academic year 2023 he was appointed Visiting Professor of Conducting Studies at the “London Performing Arts Academy” and at the end of 2023, appointed Honor Roll of “ALTAMURA MERCADANTE FEST”.
The Star Spangled Banner
Suite from Broadway Tonight
Journey to the Past
Margaritaville
Ain’t That a Kick in the Head
Come Rain or Come Shine
God Only Knows
Can’t Help Falling in Love with You
Let Me be Your Wings
New York New York
Intermission
America the Beautiful
The Best of Times
Sweet Caroline
From this Moment
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Hallelujah
The Masquerade
Defying Gravity
This is the Moment
American Medley
The Stars and Stripes Forever
FEATURED ARTISTS
MARK ANTONIO DE VILLIERS
Mark Antonio de Villiers is a seasoned classical tenor with over 20 years of experience captivating audiences with his powerful and emotive performances. He has graced the stages of renowned opera houses such as Florida Grand Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Treasure Coast Opera, and Chautauqua Opera, showcasing his exceptional vocal talent and artistry. Mark has also collaborated with esteemed orchestras in Florida, including Marlena Urbay’s Florida Chamber Orchestra, American Ideal under the direction of Bella Smith, and The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Pasquale Valerio. With a rich and diverse musical background, Mark Antonio de Villiers continues to enchant listeners with his captivating voice and passion for the classical arts.
NORMAN LEE SCHAFFER
Singer, songwriter, entertainer and Pastor of The Garden Worship Center in Belleview, FL. Norman Lee has shared the stage with Kenny Roger, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Lou Rawls and The Temptations just to name a few. He has appeared in movies, television and many stages across the country for over 40 years. Norman Lee has released four Country albums and has also written and released 10 Christian albums that receive national radio airplay. He not only continues to build his church on 55 acres in Belleview, FL but is also recreating the Holy Land where the Bible comes to life. www.thegardenworshipcenter.com
ALI MOLNAR
Award-winning lyric-soprano, Ali Molnar, has been praised for her versatile style, covering various genres from classical to popular music. She began her studies at eight years old and attended regional and national Symposium Talent Contest competitions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as the State Honors Music Project in her home state of Wisconsin. Ali graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in opera and musical theater.
Ali has made her unique mark on such roles as Kate Monster in Avenue Q, Nimue in Camelot, Contadina in The Gondoliers, The Foreign Woman in The Consul, and Siri in the Orlando Fringe Festival original production of Doro & Diega. She has performed with such auspicious groups as The Huron Playhouse, Central Florida Community Arts, Legacy, Opera Orlando, and the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, where she sang alongside such iconic performers as Fernando Varela
FEATURED ARTISTS
and Andrea Bocelli. She has been employed as a seasonal performer at Busch Gardens Tampa in The Conductorettes, a female barbershop quartet show, and as the Poinsettia Princess and has contributed her talents to benefit performances such as the Beautiful Together Benefit Concert in support of the Pulse tragedy as well as performances with CFCArts, a nonprofit organization benefiting the community of central Florida.
Miss Molnar studied dance at Ballet Met in Columbus, Ohio and Spotlight Dance Center in Orlando, Florida. She was invited to study abroad at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary where she studied the Kodály method of music with international musicians. Ali also studied abroad in Alicante, Spain where she was immersed in Spanish language and culture. It is her dream to work on a cruise ship and travel the world.
SEAN STORK
Sean Christopher Stork, lyric baritone, has been singing across the state of Florida since graduating from Florida State University in 2007, including regular engagements with Opera Tampa as well as First Coast Opera in St. Augustine, The Florida Lyric Opera in Tampa, and The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra, Imperial Symphony, and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestras. A strong supporter of modern music, his original works have been recorded on two CDs by the Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe. Mr Stork is currently performing across the country with Diversita Opera Arts Company, Opera Tampa, The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra; Orlando Philharmonic; The Hudson Valley Chorale; Orlando Harmony; Orlando Exchange; the Dickens Carolers; and the Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
MARCELLA RICHARDSON
Marcella Richardson started her singing career in northern Michigan, Torch Lake area at a family restaurant called Brownwood. She went on to travel with the 10-piece show band that started from Brownwood called TORCH. She continued to travel the country performing and eventually formed her own groups with partners based out of Atlanta, Georgia. She also did radio, TV jingles and commercials. In 2010 she moved her business to The Villages, Florida and started singing in The Pops and Holiday concerts with The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra. Along with performing with The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra she studies and competes in ballroom dancing.
FLUTE
Nicolas Real, Principal
Geraldine Barazarte
OBOE
Amy Collins, Principal
CLARINET
Jadon Gibbs Principal
BASSOON
Christian Eberle, Principal
FRENCH HORN
Joseph Lewinskyl, Principal
Dann O’ Donnell
TRUMPET
Andree Cordova, Principal
Adam Zapf
TROMBONE
Andrea Rowlison, Principal
Richard Brady
BASS TROMBONE
Anthony Hill
TUBA
Paul Mungall
TYMPANI/PERCUSSION
Christian Snedeker
PIANO
Maria Pikoula
Sergei Kossenko
GUITAR
Luis Guerrero
ORCHESTRA ROSTER
ELECTRIC BASS
Kevin Gallagher
DRUM SET
Simon Ramos
FIRST VIOLIN
Stewart Kitts, Concertmaster
Marius Tabacilia
José Guedez
Eugene Komarnitskiy
Elena Komarnitskiy
David Daijang
Baoling Xu
Michael De Jesus
SECOND VIOLIN
Gregory Carreño, Principal
Israel Méndez
Luisamar Navarro
Ivette Ferreira
Marialejandra Vásquez
Yasmary Márquez
Yenifer Laurens
VIOLA
Richard Urbano, Principal
Juan Carlos Siviero
Andrea Oliveira
Francia Laurens
CELLO
David Calhoun, Principal
Olga Beliaieva
Roy García
DOUBLE BASS
Kevin Gallagher, Principal
Leniot Hernandez
VPO DONORS 2025-26 CONCERT SEASON
ORCHESTRA CIRCLE
$10,000+
Dennis & Melinda Barker
Joseph & Marlene Borda
Dr. Robert & Karen Chaikin
Carolyn Cottrell
Margaret M. Dick
Linda Ferens
Peter & Mary Jane Moeller
Dean & Audrey Throndsen
MAESTRO CIRCLE
$5,000 – $9,999
Bonnie Carnes
Whitney Morse & Jason Goedken
Sarah Jordan
Stefano & Karen
Marcuard/Shaw
The Garden Worship Center
SYMPHONY CIRCLE
$2,500 – $4,999
David & JoAnne Kelch
Joyce Oberlander
CONCERTO CIRCLE
$1,000 – $2,499
Anonymous Donor
Dennis R. Carney
David Colvin
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeVuono
Patrick & Kim DiSalvo
Stuart & Susan Feinberg
Lois Fisch
Charlotte & John Gates
Richard & Jeanne Geoffrion
Ralph Gingery
Jay & Lesly Ginsberg
Carol Guglielm
Diane Kupchak
Robert Lonergan
Ted & Carol Mervosh
Robert A. Phillips
Dr. & Mrs. Winfred
Stringer
Dr. Laurie Ullery
Anna Whipple
OVERTURE CIRCLE
$500 – $999
Avrum Abramowitz
Robert Becker
Steve & Donna Bell
Charlotte Conway
David Derenzo
Barbara Dipol
William & Judith Doran
Doris Goodwin
George Guarino
Richard & Estella Hoag
Marilyn Martin
Clint & Michelle
Newman
Richard & Charlotte
Rahm
Henry Safford
Ken & Mary Shutts
Kathy Sumner
Yvonne Tepsick
Kirk Thompson
Paul & Jilleen Throndsen
Holly Tobin
Richard & Grace Waller
Abbott & June Webber
Andrea Ziccarelli
SUITE CIRCLE
$100 – $499
Deborah Achtenberg
Kathy Aiello
Gail Lanphere Bailey
Sara Barger
Jeff & Ursula Bergman
John Blassick
Frank & Linda Blews
Jeff & Lisa Boduch
Linda Boese
Donna Bracchi
Dora Bryan
Stephanie Calareso
Thomas & Linda Casey
Ed Christian
Danny Cibas
Dr. & Mrs. James Coe
Irene Coen
Marie Connolly
Glenda Crandall
Jill Cummings
VPO DONORS 2025-26 CONCERT SEASON
Robert & Lorraine
Dibartolo
Marjorie & Reginald Dodrill
Caroline Doran
Arthur & Louise Elwood
Baerbel Engel
David Fancher
Robert Faucett
Greg & Mary Feichtel
Sandra Fennell
Jay & Carol Force
Mary Ann Garback
Richard & Camille
Gehnrich
Dr. Robert & B. Gold
Sheldon & Shelley Goldseker
David Guinther
Richard Hall
Kent & Sarah Hamdorf
Carol Joyce Harrison
Joseph & Marcia Harvey
Mark Hawke
Christine Heaton
Joan Jamieson
Dan & Carol Johns in Honor of Ann Whipple
John & Alexsandra Kirby
Brad Koozman
James Langendorfer in Honor of Anna Whipple
Steven & Jayne Lewin
Eileen McCabe
Shirley McHugh
Nick & Donna Meister
Harold & Roberta Messenheimer
Diane Mezzanotte
Joanne Michalski
Kathleen Miller
Ted Miller
John & Jeanne Nickelson
Bob & Georgann Ozbolt
Robert Perkinson
Kathi Renman
Jeremy & Barbara
Reynolds
Edmund Ricci
Michele Santoro
Norman Lee & Terri Schaffer
Arthur Sindoris
Erik St Pierre
Jeffrey Stierlen
Ronald Streib
Tony & Joanne Sutylo
Nancy Tuccillo
John Van Dyke
Antonio Velardi
Theresa R. White
Mike Whitfield & Darlene Pruett
Ellen Wilcox
Carole Williamson
Jerry & Judy Wise
Mary Yankowski
Stuart & Barbara Yowell in Honor of Anna Whipple
ARIA CIRCLE
Robert Burns
Robert & Anna Deeter
Diane Duffett
Thomas Galen
Calasha Gish
Melody Highman
Phineas & Ilene Hyams
David Kizale
Margaret Mecheski
Gary Perlick
Janice Porter
Robert & Charlene Soos
Dale Stier
Robert & Glenda Supino
Murial Trulson
Joy Turpie
John Voorhes
Lukas West
Bonnie Williams
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
Bill Barnes: Susan Escobedo
Fred Boyd: Frank & Janet Argenziano
Fred Boyd:
Mr. & Mrs. Manning
Fred Boyd: Don & Janet Schiegel
Carolyn Johnson: Richard Johnson
BUSINESS PARTNERS
Blackston Financial Advisory Group
FMK Restaurant Group
Francesco’s Ristorante
Fross & Fross Wealth Management
Havana Country Club & Legacy Restaurant at Nancy Lopez Country Club by Suleiman Family Restaurants
Royal Décor Company
Great theatre requires talent, passion, and the support of our community. The Villages values the power of art and recognizes Significant Productions’ role in enriching our lifestyle. Join them, as we have, in ensuring that live theater continues to thrive.
POWERING art IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH
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SUBSCRIBE NOW & JOIN THE VIP LIST KEEPING THE ARTS ALIVE
PRIVATE BOX experience
ENJOY YOUR NEXT SHOW AT THE SHARON LIKE A VIP!
• Exclusive experience for up to 15 guests.
• Private lounge for the evening, including homelike furnishings, restroom, and direct access to the auditorium box for comfortable viewing of your show.
• Upgrades available such as a private bartender or personalized celebratory furnishings.
To explore accommodations and availability, please contact VIP@SignificantProductions.org
Free Memory Screens
Hand-Selected Jewelry from the World’s Finest Brands
Hand-Selected Jewelry from the World’s Finest Brands
Expert Repairs by In-House Master Jewelers
Expert by In-House Master
Certified Appraisals On-Site by GIA Gemologists
Appraisals On-Site GIA Gemologists in The Community for 25 Years
Proudly Family-Owned in The Villages® Community for 25 Years
ADVERTISE
Increase your visibility by marketing your message to The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center’s local, engaged audience, as well as advertise in The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol’s Programs and our monthly Digital Newsletter, The Scoop!
For information on prices, ad sizes, and availability, please email us at marketing@significantproductions.org.
