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WELCOME TO THE GULF COAST SYMPHONY Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, President & CEO/Music Director

Creating Community Through Music

veteran stars of the screen and stage, and a fully staged production of the classic American musical Cabaret.

lnder the leadership of its founding Music Director and President & CEO Andrew Kurtz, the Gulf Coast Symphony endeavors to challenge convention— with it rich tradition of unique and innovative collaborations across multiple genres and disciplines, high-quality dynamic musical performances, active community engagement, and our commitment to social change through arts education. Our ultimate goal is to use music and the arts as a vehicle to unite and strengthen our community. The Gulf Coast Symphony has become one of the most innovative and dynamic organizations in the United States. The Gulf Coast Symphony is comprised of the Gulf Coast Symphony, the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra, the Gulf Coast Jazz Collective, and the Music & Arts Community Center (MACC), which opened in January 2021. This year over 100 programs will be offered that present the best in classical music, jazz, world music, dance, opera, film and musical theater. The Gulf Coast Symphony will perform 15 shows at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, with the bulk of our performances at our more intimate 300 seat theater at the MACC. This season’s concerts include the Tony award-winning star of Hamilton, Renée Elise Goldsberry, rock concerts featuring the music of Led Zeppelin and Billy Joel, Broadway concerts with

Additional outreach and run-out concerts take place throughout the Southwest Florida, including the return of Taste of the Cape at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral in Feburary. The MACC serves as a creative hub for our community. We will offer classes in art and music for all ages; MusicWorks! – an El-sistema inspired, daily after-school string program; a chamber music youth orchestra program and a youth jazz program. A New Horizons band offers opportunity for adults with limited experience, but interest in participating in an ensemble. Join us for community engagement, lifelong learning, and educational programs scheduled throughout Southwest Florida year-round. For the most up to date listing of events vist our website: www.GulfCoastSymphony.org GCS is committed to equitable access, diversity and inclusivity throughout all its activities and operations. Our new orchestral fellowship program, which places a premium on diversity in its selection process, provides graduates of top music programs an opportunity to grow personally and artistically in a professional environment. We seek to develop in participants the full complement of skills and qualifications required of musician leaders and agents of change.

We Play the Music You Love to Hear! Music & Arts Community Center: 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912 Office: 6314 Corporate Court, Ste 100, Fort Myers, FL 33919 Mailing: PO Box 60878, Fort Myers, FL 33906 239.277.1700 • GulfCoastSymphony.org • info@gulfcoastsymphony.org

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The Fort Myers Symphonic

MASTERSINGERS PRESENTS

Our Anniversary Celebration

Continues

Join us as we "Sing On" and celebrate our 20th Anniversary!

www.mastersingersfm.com or call 239-288-2535 FOR MORE INFORMATION

Proud Supporter and Member Of The...

NOVEMBER 20, 2021 • ANNIVERSARY GALA FUNDRAISER 6:00pm • Caloosa Sound Convention Center DECEMBER 5, 2021 • CHAMBER CONCERT 3:00pm • Thomas A. Edison Congregational Church DECEMBER 12, 2021 • DECK THE HALLS with Gulf Coast Symphony • 7:00pm • Barbara B Mann PAH DECEMBER 19, 2021 • CHRISTMAS ON SANIBEL 5:00pm • Sanibel Community Church JANUARY 23, 2022 • CHAMBER CONCERT 3:00pm • Peace Lutheran Church FEBRUARY 12, 2022 • CONCERT with Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra • 7:30pm Music and Arts Community Center FEBRUARY 20, 2022 • CHAMBER CONCERT 3:00pm • St. Michael’s Lutheran Church MARCH 13, 2022 • CHAMBER CONCERT 3:00pm • Good Shepherd United Methodist Church APRIL 3, 2022 • 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT 4:00pm • First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs APRIL 23, 2022 • TOSCA with Gulfshore Opera 7:00pm • Charlotte Performing Arts Center APRIL 26, 2022 • TOSCA with Gulfshore Opera 7:00pm • Barbara B Mann PAH APRIL 29, 2022 • TOSCA with Gulfshore Opera • 7:00pm Artis—Naples

PRESIDENT’S WELCOME

elcome to the Gulf Coast Symphony’s 20212022 Season. We are thrilled to bring you a phenomenal line up for our 27th season that is diverse, fresh, creative, and sure to please! To augment our large scale classical, opera, pop and ballet performances at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, our vision for this season is growth and expansion of our newest venue, The Music & Arts Community Center (MACC), located on the campus of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation. This venue provides a more intimate and casual experience which allows us to present select programming such as our Jazz Collective, contemporary vocalists, chamber orchestra performances, and Tony award winning musicals. Maestro Andrew Kurtz has done a phenomenal job in programming an eclectic array of musical selections that will inspire and entertain. We also invite you to join us for our special Gala celebration on March 12th at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott resort. Joining us in celebration will be “The Diamonds”, a vocal quartet prominent in the ’50’s and ‘60’s performing all their hits. Keeping with tradition, the annual Taste of the Cape event to be held at the Tarpon Point on the waterfront on February 6th.

We truly appreciate your ongoing support, and we will strive to keep bringing you high-quality entertainment that you have come to expect. Your continued generosity will make this happen, and further our mission of bringing the community together through music. It is going to be a landmark season and we are very excited To realize our vision for growth and expansion this to have you be a part of it all! year, we have an impressive Board of Directors with a wide array of skills, desire, and experience to further our With gratitude, cause and get us to the next level. In addition, we have expanded our staff with exactly the right mix of roles that work in concert with the Board to successfully execute on our strategic plan developed this year. Susan Wadsworth Special recognition to the Gulf Coast Symphony staff Chairman, Board of Directors for their passion and dedication in making this fine Gulf Coast Symphony organization the best it can be. In the spirit of growth and community involvement, we remain committed to further our outreach and educational programs such as MusicWorks! We are taking thoughtful steps to develop a sustainable direction to expand offerings for our Southwest Florida community.

All Performances are at the Music and Arts Community Center 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, Fl 33912

at the MACC Experience four intimate evenings of incredible music and conversation. The unique format of the series blends a mix of intimate behind-the-scenes stories and the music from the artists’ stellar careers. The result is spontaneous evenings of show-stopping songs and storytelling.

Jodi Benson February 11, 2022, 7:30pm Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid is joined by her talented daughter, Delaney Benson, for a magical night of Broadway songs and Disney music in a unique one night only special performance.

Mark Kudisch March 11, 2022, 7:30pm Three time Tony nominee Marc Kudisch has appear regularly on Broadway and television for the past two decades. Marc brings his decades of stages experience for a night of first hand stories and song.

Melissa Errico

April 8, 2022, 7:30pm Woman of stage, screen and song, Melissa Errico has become one of the polestars of the American musical theater. Actress and author, called “an incomparable concert performer” by The Wall Street Journal, she mixes cabaret and classic shows with much-praised recordings—and then adds a wry take on them all in sparkling prose.

Scarlett Strallen & Bryce Pinkham April 23, 2022 7:30pm

The Great British American Love Story. Husband and wife Bryce and Scarlett share their cross-continental romance in a concert filled with behind the scenes stories and song.

2 3 9 . 2 7 7. 1 7 0 0

$10 General Admittance / $60 VIP

February 6, 2022, 11am-6pm Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral Join us for the 8th Annual Taste of the Cape. This community event is held in Cape Coral and celebrates both the culinary arts and live music. It is a partnership between the Gulf Coast Symphony and Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. The event includes the best restaurants in Cape Coral, a juried arts and craft fair, and premier live entertainment from Gulf Coast Symphony. The event draws thousands of attendees each year. Upgrade your general admission ticket to enjoy a unique VIP experience, with a private tent with tables and servers, VIP air-conditioned bathrooms, VIP parking, preferred stage-front seating, and a host of other amenities. VIP passes are extremely limited and will sell out fast. ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE TASTE OF THE CAPE SUPPORT LOCAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND MUSIC OUTREACH PROGRAMS DIRECTLY IN OUR COMMUNITY. If you are interested in participating, sponsoring or volunteering at this or next year’s Taste of the Cape please call 239.549.6900. For more information visit TasteOfCapeCoral.com

GulfCoastSymphony.org

Gulf Coast Symphony Andrew M. Kurtz • Music Director

An Evening with

Renée Elise Goldsberry Saturday, January 15, 2022 7:30 pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW Andrew M. Kurtz, Conductor Jordan Peters, Musical Director/Guitar Addison Frei, Piano & Keyboard Jeff Hanley, Bass Zach Mullings, Drums Kristina Miller, Tasha Smith & Amber Iman, Backup Singers Sponsored in part by Metamorphosis Coaching; Harold & Joy Kurtz; Drs. Peter & Eleanor Blitzer

On a Clear Day / I Can See Clearly People Get Ready Imagination Up to the Mountain Gospel Medley Lord Protect My Child Bridge Over Troubled Water *

INTERMISSION

Beat Out That Rhythm How Glad I Am Misty Peter Gunn Shadowland Satisfied Schuyler Sisters Rent Medley Please turn off all electronic devices throughout the performance. Photography or Recording of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Renée Elise Goldsberry Tony Award Winner Renée Elise Goldsberry is a multihyphenate actress and singer who has delivered award winning performances both on Broadway and the screen.

A Special Thank You to our Season Sponsor

Best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the musical phenomenon HAMILTON, which received rave reviews across the board and has become a cultural touchstone for the ages. Renée’s performance earned her a Tony Award, Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award, and Lucille Lortel Award. Coming up, Renee can be seen starring in Tina Fey’s new series for Peacock, GIRLS5EVA. Renée starred in the A24’s critical darling, WAVES, opposite Sterling K. Brown and in the hit Netflix series ALTERED CARBON. She could also be seen on NBC’s musical sensation, ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST in addition to lending her voice to bring characters to life on the Netflix Animated series FAST & FURIOUS SPY RACERS and CENTAURWORLD. Other highlights from her film and television career include her work on DOCUMENTARY NOW’S cult favorite “Original Cast Album: Co-Op”, THE GOOD WIFE, THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS, THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS, THE FOLLOWING, THE GET DOWN, ALL ABOUT YOU, EVIL and her creation of the beloved character, Evangeline Williamson, on ABC’S ONE LIFE TO LIVE, for which she received two Daytime Emmy nominations and two NAACP Image Award nominations. Renée’s appearances on stage include her Outer Critics Circle Award nominated performance opposite Frances McDormand in the play GOOD PEOPLE, and the original Broadway version of THE COLOR PURPLE. She made her Broadway debut as Nala in THE LION KING, and her performance as Mimi in Broadway’s closing cast of RENT was immortalized in film! Offbroadway, Renée’s performance as Sylvia in the Public Theater’s production of TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA for their Shakespeare in the Park series garnered her across the board rave reviews.

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Sunday Night Chamber Music Naples Piano Quartet Sunday, January 16, 2022 7:00 pm Music & Arts Community Center

Sponsored in part by Douglas & Linda Garde

Boris Sandler, violin Barbara Lounsbury, viola Joy Yanai, cello Bella Gutshtein piano Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)......................................Serenade for String Trio in D major, Op. 8 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.......................................................Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478 intermission Clara Schumann......................................................................................Piano Trio in G minor, Opus 17

Gulf Coast Symphony Andrew M. Kurtz • Music Director

The Music of Led Zeppelin Sunday, January 23, 2022 7:00 pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW

Brent Havens Conductor Randy Jackson, Vocals/Guitar George Cintron, Guitar Dan Clemons, Bass Powell Randolph, Drums/Percussion Sponsored in part by Chuck Bergstrom, John Naumann & Associates; David & Beverly Clinkenbeard; Anthony & Patricia Werderitsch

Good Times Bad Times Ramble On Kashmir Going to California Black Dog Since I’ve Been Loving You The Ocean *

INTERMISSION

Rock and Roll I’m Gonna Crawl Dancing Days Moby Dick All My Love Heartbreaker/Misty Mountain Whole Lotta Love Please turn off all electronic devices throughout the performance. Photography or Recording of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Brent Havens

Powell Randolf

Berklee-trained arranger/conductor Brent Havens has written music for orchestras, feature films and virtually every kind of television. His TV work includes movies for networks such as ABC, CBS and ABC Family Channel Network, commercials, sports music for networks such as ESPN and even cartoons. Havens has also worked with the Doobie Brothers and the Milwaukee Symphony, arranging and conducting the combined group for Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Birthday Party Finale attended by over 150,000 fans. He has worked with some of the world's greatest orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic and the BBC Concert Orchestra in London, the CBSO in Birmingham, England, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony, the Houston Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony and countless others. Havens recently completed the score for the film “Quo Vadis,” a Premier Pictures remake of the 1956 gladiator film. In 2013 he worked with the Baltimore Symphony and the NFL's Baltimore Ravens to arrange and produce the music for the Thanksgiving Day halftime show between the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, adapting both classical music and rock songs into a single four minute show. Havens is Arranger/Guest Conductor for all of the symphonic rock programs for Windborne Music.

Powell has been a professional musician and instructor for over 14 years. A 1989 graduate of Berklee College of Music, Powell majored in song writing with a concentration in percussion performance. Powell’s classical/orchestral resume includes performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic, The Virginia Symphony, and the Virginia Opera. As a studio musician, he has played on countless recordings... film scores, jingles and CDs for a wide range of clients. Powell can be heard on the score for the remake of Quo Vadis for Premier Pictures playing a wide range of percussion instruments. Additionally, Powell is an instructor in all styles and all levels on drum set as well as music theory, site reading and composition.

George Cintron

Having grown up in New York, George has played in numerous bands throughout the Tri-State area since 1976. In 1981 George founded “Cintron.” Developing the band into one of the top live acts around, he played over 1500 shows including appearances with Zebra, Twisted Sister, Rat Race Choir, Ritchie Blackmore, Joe Perry, Edgar and Johnny Winter and Mountain. He released a self-titled EP in 1983. For three years George performed Guitar and vocals for Enrique Iglesias. Over the course of three world tours, he performed over 150 concerts and numerous television programs, including The Tonight Show and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Eve Randy Jackson is the lead singer/guitarist for the rock Special. Milestones include playing Madison Square band Zebra. Randy’s first foray into recording success Garden and The American Music Awards. began with the self-titled Zebra debut album, released on Atlantic Records in 1983. Critically acclaimed for its lush rock sounds, due in large part to Jackson’s searing lead vocals and soaring guitar leads, the album sold Dan Clemens has been playing bass since age thirteen. 75,000 copies the first week. “Who’s Behind The Door” A 1989 graduate of Berklee College of Music, he has and “Tell Me What You Want”, written by Jackson, performed in bands throughout the US. In 1993 he received serious notice in the press, and helped to form formed “Waterworks” which received the Budweiser legions of Zebra fans almost instantly. The latest Zebra Best Unsigned Band sponsorship for the next two years. release, “Zebra IV”, was also produced and engineered Clemens has also recorded Radio and Television jingles by Jackson. Randy toured as keyboardist, guitarist and along with independent music CD’s. His bands have backing vocalist in 1989 with the original, reunited opened up for various musical acts including Fleetwood Jefferson Airplane, their last tour together. He has also Mac, Little Feet, Del Amitri , The Romantics, and The worked extensively in the area of musical software and Hooters. Clemens has also performed with Elliot Easton hardware development. of The Cars and Robbie Krieger of The Doors. A bass player with Windborne Music since it’s beginning he has played with orchestras all over the world.

Randy Jackson

Dan Clemons

Gulf Coast Symphony PRESENTS

NEXT TO NORMAL Music by Tom Kitt

Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey

January 26 to February 5, 2022 Music & Arts Community Center

JENNIFER LYNN JEWELL LUTHER CHAKURIAN REED LANCASTER KYLAN RITCHIE CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL KOLE MITCHELL MCKINLEY Direction by D.J. SALISBURY

Music Direction by JULIE CARVER

Costume Design by ROBERTA MALCOLM

Sound Design by BRIAN JANNSEN

Lighting Design by WILLIAM GIBBONS-BROWN Techinical Director CHRISTIAN LONDOS

Stage Manager SUE SCHAFFEL Props Master JESSECA TERHAAR

Producer ANDREW M. KURTZ Musicians: Julie Carver -Keys; Alice Poulsin - Violin; Scott Crowley - Cello; Timothy Torres - Bass; Joe Pariseau - Guitar; Kyle Cherwinski - Drums/Percussion Original Broadway Production Produced by David Stone, James L. Nederlander, Barbara Whitman, Patrick Catullo and Second Stage Theatre New York Premiere Produced by Second Stage Theatre, New York. February 2008 Carole Rothman, Artistic Director Ellen Richard, Executive Director ‘Next To Normal’ was subsequently produced by Arena Stage in November 2008. Developed at Village Theatre, Issaquah, WA (Robb Hunt, Executive Producer, Steve Tomkins, Artistic Director). An earlier version was presented in the 2005 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Support for the development of “Next To Normal” was provided by the Jonathan Larson Foundation. Next to Normal is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT 1 Just Another Day ................................................................................................................................... Ensemble Everything Else .......................................................................................................................................... Natalie Who’s Crazy / My Psychopharmacologist and I ................................................................ Dan, Diana, Ensemble Perfect For You ............................................................................................................................... Henry, Natalie I Miss The Mountains ................................................................................................................................. Diana It’s Gonna Be Good ...................................................................................................................... Dan, Ensemble He’s Not Here ................................................................................................................................................. Dan You Don’t Know ........................................................................................................................................... Diana I Am The One .......................................................................................................................... Dan, Gabe, Diana Superboy And The Invisible Girl ..................................................................................................... Natalie, Gabe Doctor Rock ....................................................................................................................................... Dr. Madden I’m Alive ........................................................................................................................................................ Gabe Make Up Your Mind / Catch Me I’m Falling .................................................................. Dr. Madden, Ensemble I Dreamed A Dance .......................................................................................................................... Diana, Gabe There’s A World ............................................................................................................................................ Gabe I’ve Been ......................................................................................................................................................... Dan Didn’t I See This Movie? ............................................................................................................................. Diana A Light In The Dark ...................................................................................................................................... Dan ACT 2 Wish I Were Here ......................................................................................................... Diana, Natalie, Ensemble Song Of Forgetting ................................................................................................................ Dan, Diana, Natalie Hey #1 ............................................................................................................................................ Henry, Natalie Seconds and Years .......................................................................................................... Dr. Madden, Dan, Diana Better Than Before ................................................................................................................ Dan, Diana, Natalie Aftershocks ................................................................................................................................................... Gabe Hey #2 ............................................................................................................................................ Henry, Natalie You Don’t Know (Reprise) ........................................................................................................................... Diana Music Box ..................................................................................................................................................... Gabe How Could I Ever Forget? ................................................................................................................. Diana, Dan It’s Gonna Be Good (Reprise) ............................................................................................................. Dan, Diana Why Stay? ....................................................................................................................................... Diana, Natalie The Promise ....................................................................................................................................... Dan, Henry I’m Alive (Reprise) ........................................................................................................................................ Gabe The Break .................................................................................................................................................... Diana Make Up Your Mind / Catch Me I’m Falling (Reprise)..................................................... Madden, Diana, Gabe Maybe (Next To Normal) ............................................................................................................... Diana, Natalie Hey #3 / Perfect For You (Reprise) ................................................................................................ Henry, Natalie So Anyway ................................................................................................................................................... Diana I Am The One (Reprise) ...................................................................................................................... Dan, Gabe Finale: Light .......................................................................................................................................... Ensemble SPECIAL THANKS TO: Florida Repertory Theatre, Theater Conspiracy & Black Tie Tuxedo National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. 1-800-273-8255 https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

NEXT TO NORMAL Cast

Jennifer Lynn Jewell

Kylan Ritchie

Jennifer Lynn Jewell (Diana): Is excited to be making her Gulf Coast Symphony debut. her Regional Credits included: Freaky Friday, James and the Giant Peach, Big Fish, Les Misérables, Triangle: A New Musical, The Odd Couple, Lyric’s A Christmas Carol, Sweet Charity, Spring Awakening (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma); Next to Normal (Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre); American Idiot, Company, In the Heights, Passing Strange, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Beehive, The ‘60s Musical (The Pollard Theatre); Cabaret (Reduxion Theatre); Bye Bye Birdie, Oliver!, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, John & Jen, (Poteet Theatre); Side by Side by Sondheim, (Sooner Theatre). Jennifer would like to thank her amazing husband and kids for their endless support and love.

Kylan Ritchie (Natalie) is excited to make her debut with the Gulf Coast Symphony! A high school junior, her professional credits include performing at the Cumberland County Playhouse, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Chaffin’s Barn, and The Roxy Regional Theatre. She appeared in the Nashville workshop and the subsequent streaming premiere of Sticks & Stones, which starred Audra McDonald and Javier Muñoz. Kylan would like to thank her voice teacher, Erica Aubrey and Scott Logsdon, her coach/mentor. She’s incredibly grateful to her parents and grandparents, as well as everyone at Gulf Coast Symphony for making this experience possible!

Luther Chakarian Luther Chakurian (Dan) is an actor who currently resides in Houston, Texas. He is thrilled to be joining the cast of “Next to Normal” with The Gulf Coast Symphony. Some of his favorite roles include: Sunday in the Park with George (George), Man of La Mancha (Don Quixote), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels(Lawrence Jameson), and the title role in Sweeny Todd for which he was awarded Best Actor in Houston 2007 by the Houston Press.

Reed Lancaster Reed Lancaster (Gabe) makes his GCS debut in Next To Normal. Based in Brooklyn, he attended Northwestern University. Favorite credits include the Chicago Premiere of Anna Jordan’s YEN at the Raven Theatre, Cumberland Theatre’s production of The Outsiders, Prism Theatre Company’s production of The Prisoners Of Quai Dong and Atlantic: A Scottish Story at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Reed would like to thank Alexi and his family for their support. Thank you for showing up for live theatre, there is nothing like it. Instagram: @lostinthereeds

Christopher Michael Christopher Michael (Henry is thrilled to be back in SWFL for his Gulf Coast Symphony debut! Favorite credits include Warren (Ordinary Days), Tam/Vern (The Big Test at LEGOLAND NY Resort), and Lev US (Dr. Fox and the Impossible Cure for Death). In 2020, he worked and performed at Gulfshore Playhouse, The Naples Players, NPAC, + more! Catch him soaking up the sun as dance captain in Escape to Margaritaville at The Broadway Palm in Feburary and March! Michigan State Alumni. Much love to Kevin. “We dance on the edge of destruction.” www.christophermichaelx.com

Kole Mitchell McKinley Kole (Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine) makes his GCS debut in Next to Normal. Now residing in Clearwater, favorite roles include Buddy the Elf in Elf the Musical, Cornelius Hackl in Hello Dolly!, Josh Baskin in Big the Musical, Sky in Mamma Mia!, Tulsa in Gypsy, Hennesey/ The Captain in Dames at Sea. He is gracious for this opportunity and thanks to his family for their ever love and support. Instagram/Tik Tok/Twitter @kolewiththek www.kolemitchellmckinley.com

NEXT TO NORMAL Creative Team D.J. Salisbury

William Gibbons-Brown

DJ Salisbury (Director) has set shows nationwide: Paper Mill Playhouse, Dallas Summer Musicals, Orlando Shakespeare, Arkansas Shakespeare, Sacramento Music Circus, Lyric Theatre of OK, Ogunquit Playhouse, Musical Theatre West-LA, Pioneer Theatre in Salt Lake City, Riverside Theatre -Florida, and Off-Broadway (CHIX 6). Favorite directing experiences: Les Miserables (LA’s Scenie Award -best musical),The Full Monty, Man of La Mancha, Evita, Ragtime, West Side Story, La Cage Aux Folles, and The Will Rogers Follies (10 productions!). In NYC, DJ directed Disney composer Alan Menken’s Lincoln Center solo concert as well as numerous readings of new musicals. He’s also worked with or alongside Broadway masters Tommy Tune, Jeff Calhoun, Jerry Mitchell, and Susan Stroman. TV Choreography: ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars Road Trip,” and The Rachael Ray Show. As writer: musicals The Man Who Would Be King; Moonshine and Mistletoe; Poodleful!,Whisper Darkly, and Together Again at the O-Town Canteen. DJ was head writer/lyricist for an Emmy-winning TV special starring Reba McIntyre, Shirley Jones, Carrie Underwood, and Vince Gill. Thank you for supporting live theatre! www.djsalisbury.com

Roberta Malcolm

Julie Bearden Carver Julie Bearden Carver (Music Director) is a professional musical director, voice and acting coach, orchestrator and arranger. Julie made her Broadway debut playing Piano 1 for Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City and has accompanied Actors Equity Association principal and ensemble auditions and classes at New York University and Barnard-Columbia. At the Juilliard School and Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center) and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra (Florida) Julie has played with notable conductors, composers and vocalists that include Andrea Bocelli, Bernadette Peters, Eric Whitacre, and others. As Founding Artistic Director of The Callback Company, Julie prepares vocalists for a variety of performances, competitions, and college auditions. This consulting service also hosts Broadway talent who provide masterclasses in musical theatre and acting to her students. Her roster of piano and voice students have been accepted to the most prestigious college voice, piano, and musical theatre programs across the country. Julie’s wide experience includes vocal coaching in Chicago, Naples, Florida and New York City with singung actors from the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway, national tours and regional productions.

William Gibbons-Brown (Lighting Design) has spent over 15 years building a resume in technical theatre, with a focus on Lighting Design. As a freelance designer his work has been seen Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop (The Belgrade Trilogy 2012, 2013) and at Theatre For The New City (Wifey 2019). Other NYC credits include: Songs For A New World and Psycho Beach Party. William was a finalist for the 2014 New Hampshire Theatre Award for Best Professional Lighting Design for his design of the Weathervane Theatres production of Memphis. William spent the summer of 2018 designing the Surflight Theaters (Beach Haven, NJ) summer season, which included the titles: Nice Work If You Can Get It, Jesus Christ Superstar (BWW Finalist Best Professional Lighting Design), The Wedding Singer, Saturday Night Fever (BWW Finalist Best Professional Lighting Design), Bright Star, The 39 Steps and Souvenir. After serving as the Lighting Supervisor at the Bucks County Playhouse, William relocated to Vero Beach where he runs the lighting department at Florida’s largest producing theatre, Riverside Theatre.

Roberta Malcolm (Costume Design) holds a B.A in Drama from the University of Southern California and an M.F.A. in Costume Design and Construction from F.A.U. She has been a professional designer and seamstress for 44 years, working with theaters in California, Washington State, Washington D.C .and Florida- spending 11 seasons as the resident costume designer at the Florida Repertory Theatre as well as free-lance work with FGCU, FSW State College and Theatre Conspiracy. Over the years she has been privileged to work with performers such as Florence Henderson, John Ritter, Margaret O’Brien, LeVar Burton, Dean Jones, and Cloris Leachman and is pleased to be working with GCS again this season. As always she thanks you, the audience, for your ongoing support of our local community arts organizations.

Brian Jannsen

Brian Jannsen (Sound Design) has worked as an Audio Engineer and Production Manager for multiple a-list artists, tours, concerts and events including TV and video totaling more than 2500 shows and events. He has worked with such artists as Amy Grant, Boston Pops, Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, Young Messiah, CATS, Dolly Parton, Richard Marx, Sir Cliff Richard, CeCe Winans, CMA Festival. He has produeced and mixed multiple shows in conjunction with prestigiou venues including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Grand Ole Opry, and the Fox Theatre.

Gulf Coast Symphony Andrew M. Kurtz • Music Director

Comedy Tonight Sunday, January 30, 2022 7:00 pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW

Andrew M. Kurtz, Conductor Christina Bianco, Vocalist Alli Mauzey, Vocalist Jason Graae, Vocalist with special guest Mark Sanders Sponsored in part by LAT Foundation

Overture to Guys and Dolls Comedy Tonight from A Funny Thing Happen on the Way to the Forum Adelaide’s Lament from Guys and Dolls It’s You I Like I’m The Greatest Star from Funny Girl Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off from Shall We Dance Candide Overture Glitter and Be Gay from Candide You Got Trouble from Music Man Getting Married Today from Company *

INTERMISSION

Highlights from The Producers Easy Street from Annie Popular from Wicked Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better from Annie Get Your Gun Diva’s Lament from Spamalot Overture from Girl Crazy Somewhere That’s Green & Suddenly Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors Let It Go from Frozen You Can’t Stop the Beat from Hairspray Please turn off all electronic devices throughout the performance. Photography or Recording of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Christina Bianco

Christina Bianco’s singular voice and comedic charm have brought audiences around the world to their feet. Bianco captured international acclaim as a YouTube sensation with her ‘diva’ impression videos, gaining over 25 million views. Dubbed ‘the girl of a thousand voices,’ Christina has performed on major television programs such as The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Today Show. A Two-Time Drama Desk Award nominee, Christina made her West End debut starring in Forbidden Broadway. Most recently, Christina played the iconic role of Fanny Brice at the Theatre Marigny’s celebrated production of Funny Girl in Paris, earning unanimous rave reviews, worldwide and was awarded Les Trophees de la Comedie Musicale. New York credits include The Marvelous Wonderettes, the one-woman, multi-character comedy, Application Pending (Drama Desk Award Nomination), Newsical the Musical, and Forbidden Broadway; Goes To Rehab (Drama Desk Award Nomination). In 2022, Christina will return to the UK to star in the national tour of the Olivier Award winning play, The Rise And Fall of Little Voice. Christina has performed concerts across the U.S., the U.K. Spain, South Africa and Australia. She frequently performs with major US and Canadian symphony orchestras. Her debut, live album, Life Of The Party was released in 2018. Christina is a life long New Yorker and resides in Manhattan with her husband Billy and their loveable schnoodle, Jeff Vader. www.ChristinaBianco.com.

Alli Mauzey Alli just finished performing on Broadway in the Tony Award winning revival of Hello, Dolly! Before that she starred on Broadway as Glinda the Good in Wicked, a role she also performed to critical acclaim on the First National Tour and the San Francisco company. Other Broadway credits include Lenora in the musical Cry-Baby, for which she won a Theatre World Award and was nominated for a Drama League Award, and Brenda in Hairspray (both on Broadway and in the original company of the First National Tour). Alli also originated the role of Lenora in the Pre-Broadway production of Cry-Baby at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego (Theatre Critics Circle Award). Other New York Credits include Minerva in The Golden Apple as well as Sydney in It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, Ellie May Shipley in Show Boat with the New York Phil and Off-Broadway in Red Eye of Love. She has appeared as Mallory in City of Angels for Reprise! in Los Angeles, Snookie in 110 in the Shade at the Pasadena Playhouse, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at The Muny (Kevin Kline Award nomination). Ms. Mauzey has a B.F.A. from NYUs Tisch School of the Arts in drama with a minor in music.

Jason Graae Jason Graae has starred on Broadway in A Grand Night For Singing, Falsettos, Stardust, Snoopy!, and Do Black Patent Leather Shows Really Reflect Up? and OffBroadway in Forever Plaid, Olympus on My Mind, All in the Timing, Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh (for which he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award – Best Actor in a Musical), and many more. Jason also made his Metropolitan Opera House debut as the male vocalist in Twyla Tharp’s Everlast with American Ballet Theatre. Jason has performed his one man show all over the country from Rainbow and Stars and Birdland in NYC, to Feinstein’s and the Plush Room in L.A., and San Francisco, winning 4 Bistro Awards and a NY Nightlife Award, also making TimeOut NY’s “Top Cabaret Shows of the Year”. His current critically acclaimed show with Faith Prince, The Prince and the Showboy was recently seen at 54 Below and the pair won a 2nd Nightlife Award for Best Duo. Jason originated the role of “Houdini” in the L.A. production of Ragtime. At the Hollywood Bowl, he was Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls and Marcellus in Music Man. He was seen in See What I Wanna See and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Recently, he played the 7 Sid Caesar roles in Little Me with the 42nd Street Moon Theatre Company in San Francisco, and Jerry/Daphne in Sugar with Sacramento Music Circus. He was told he was not an attractive lady. Jason has appear on television and in multiple movies. He has recorded over 45 CDs, including original cast albums, concerts, compilations, and solo CDs.

Mark Sanders, Vocalist Originally from Marion, IL, Mark Sanders spent 15 years in NYC and now calls Fort Myers home. He has appeared in numerous productions and concerts around the world and has become a favorite vocalist here with the Gulf Coast Symphony. He was seen as Perchik on the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof starring Theodore Bikel and recently starred as Colonel Ricci in the acclaimed production of Passion at Zoetic Stage in Miami. He portrayed Father in Ragtime and Michael in the Carbonell Award winning production of Murder Ballad at Actors’ Playhouse in Coral Gables. He has performed at such prestigious theatres as Lincoln Center, Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and Sacramento Music Circus. Other stage credits include: The Secret Garden, Music Man with Jeff Goldblum, Jesus Christ Superstar, BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story, Blood Brothers with Andrea McArdle, Yeston/Kopit’s Phantom, Miss Saigon, and Jekyll & Hyde. His voice can be heard on recordings of The Scarlet Letter, Great Expectations, and The John Street Seven. For more information, visit www.MarkSandersNYC.com.

All Performances are at the Music and Arts Community Center 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, Fl 33912

at the MACC at the MACC

All Performances are at the Music and Arts Community Center 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, Fl 33912

“All the world’s a stage,

and all the men and women merely players.” Shakespeare, As You Like It

Experience four intimate evenings of incredible music and conversation. The unique four intimate of incredible music and conversation. unique format of the Experience series blends a mix evenings of intimate behind-the-scenes storiesThe and the music format of the series blends a mix of intimate behind-the-scenes stories and the music from the artists’ stellar careers. The result is spontaneous evenings of show-stopping from the artists’ stellar careers. The result is spontaneous evenings of show-stopping songs and storytelling. songs and storytelling.

Jodi Benson Jodi Benson February 11, 2022, 7:30pm

February 11, 2022, 7:30pm

Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid is joined by her talented daughter,

Jodi Benson, voice Ariel in Disney’s The Delaneythe Benson, for of a magical night of Broadway Little Mermaid joined by inher talented daughter, songs andisDisney music a unique one night only performance. Delaneyspecial Benson, for a magical night of Broadway songs and Disney music in a unique one night only special performance.

Mark Kudisch March 11, 2022, 7:30pm Three time Tony nominee Marc Kudisch has appear

Mark regularly Kudisch on Broadway and television for the past

Marc brings his decades of stages Marchtwo 11,decades. 2022, experience for a7:30pm night of first hand stories and song.

Three time Tony nominee Marc Kudisch has appear regularly on Broadway Melissa Errico and television for the past two decades. his decades of stages April 8,Marc 2022,brings 7:30pm experience for a night of first hand stories and song. Woman of stage, screen and song, Melissa Errico has become one of the polestars of the American musical theater. Actress and author, called “an incomparable concert performer” by The Wall Street Journal, she mixes cabaret and classic shows with much-praised recordings—and then adds a wry take on them all in 8, 2022, 7:30pm sparkling prose.

Melissa Errico April

Sponsored in part by Co-Producer

The Bireley Family Foundation

Holiday Chamber Music December 17 & 18, 2021

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs Holiday favorites, with guest vocalist Mark Sanders. Sponsored in part by Co-Producer

The Bireley Family Foundation

Holiday Chamber Music December 17 & 18, 2021

Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra performs Holiday favorites, with guest vocalist Mark Sanders.

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Woman of stage, screen and song, Melissa Errico has becomeScarlett one of the polestars of thePinkham American musical Strallen & Bryce theater.April Actress and author, 23, 2022 7:30pmcalled “an incomparable concert performer” by The Wall Street Journal, she The Greatand British American Love with Story. much-praised Husband and mixes cabaret classic shows wife Bryce and Scarlett theirtake cross-continental recordings—and then addsshare a wry on them all in romance in a concert filled with behind the scenes sparkling prose. stories and song.

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The Great British American Love Story. Husband and wife Bryce and Scarlett share their cross-continental romance in a concert filled with behind the scenes stories and song.

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Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra Andrew M. Kurtz • Music Director

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers & Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra February 12, 2022 7:30 pm Music & Arts Community Center

Davron Monroe, tenor Andrew M. Kurtz, Conductor Shannon Arnold, Artistic Director, Mastersingers Performance dedicated to the memory of Dr. Harold R. Kurtz

William Grant Still.........................................Darker America (1924) Joel Thompson..........Seven Last Words Of The Unarmed (2014/2016) I. “Why do you have your guns out?” – Kenneth Chamberlain, 68 II. “What are you following me for?” – Trayvon Martin, 17 III. “Mom, I’m going to college.” – Amadou Diallo, 23 IV. “I don’t have a gun. Stop shooting.” – Michael Brown, 18 V.“You shot me! You shot me!” – Oscar Grant, 22 VI. “It’s not real.” – John Crawford, 22 VII. “I can’t breathe.” – Eric Garner, 43 Robert Nathaniel Dett......................................Chariot Jubilee (1919) Davron Monroe, tenor Joan Tower.....................................................Made in America (2005)

Please turn off all electronic devices throughout the performance. Photography or Recording of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Davron Monroe, Tenor Davron S. Monroe is a Boston based award winning singer and actor with vocal talents that run the gamut from Opera to Musical Theatre, gospel to jazz and everything else in between. Davron is the 2019 recipient of The Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Musical performance in Breath and Imagination the story of Roland Hayes, African-American classic concert artist (who was also a Boston based artist in the later years of his life). Other performances of note include an electrifying turn in Passing Strange with Moonbox Productions, Murder on the Orient Express, The Wiz, Camelot, Company, My Fair Lady, City of Angels, Sweeney Todd, One Man, Two Guvnors, The Mikado, Avenue Q, and Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Lyric Stage Co.), The View Upstairs (Speakeasy Stage) The Little Mermaid, RAGTIME (Company Theatre), Man of La Mancha (New Rep), Caroline or Change, Godspell (Moonbox Productions), Hairspray (Reagle Music Theatre), Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Children of Eden, Songs for a New World (premiere, Key West Symphony, Broadway Across America), Smokey Joe’s Café, Cinderella, Streakin’!, a ’70s musical revue, and Sweet Charity. Davron has also appeared with many orchestral and vocal organizations, such as Boston Landmarks Orchestra (Lost in the Stars – a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, and The Chariot Jubilee), Brevard Music Center, Finalist in the Orlando Opera’s Heinz Rehfuss Singing Actor Awards, Disney Entertainment’s Voices of Liberty, South Florida Symphony, Houston Ebony Opera Guild, the New England Spiritual Ensemble and many other organizations throughout the greater Boston area. Davron did his graduate studies at the Longy School of Music, Cambridge, MA. Davron was the first recipient of the Bob Jolly Award for local actors. Future engagements include Once On This Island with Speakeasy Stage Co. Boston.

Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers Shannon Arnold, Artistic Director Janet Carter, Collaborative Piano SOPRANO Lori Blass-Adams Phyllis Contino Jessica Forbes Carole Gowing Jill Janda-Kanner Mary Ellen Kimble Mel Lindsay Stephanie Lorenz Jan Malecha Michele Pelletiere* Janice Peters Gay Shaw Christie Shore Carla Sledge Joan Wei ALTO Jean Bersch Karen Brown Els Bunkens* Bobbi Caggianelli Lana Cowell Jennifer Cox Jill Culligan** Carol Hermann Libby Hoyer-Booth** Kathy LaRue

Elaine Obershaw Jana Stone** Julie Vergin Mary Wieter-Hord Roselyn Young TENOR Robert Beane** Ron Brochu Anthony Contino* John DeAngelo Art Dickson Brad Kraft David Lindsay Michael Short Chad Steimer Trevor Tran BASS Lou Carmichael Dan Davis* Bruce Dory Keith Hand Ed Secor Mark Stevenson * = Section Leader ** = Founding Member

Shannon Arnold In addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, Shannon Arnold is also the music director at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in North Fort Myers, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida, Shannon received her Masters degree in Choral Conducting at Temple University with Paul Rardin, Mitos Andaya Hart, and Rollo Dilworth. After her first year, she was awarded the Robert Page Conducting Scholarship. Before attending Temple University, Shannon started her professional teaching career at Fort Pierce Central High School in the Saint Lucie County Public Schools in Fort Pierce, Florida. In her time at FPC, her choirs received Superior Ratings at both District and State Choral MPA. Shannon received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Penn State University. She studied choral conducting with Dr. Christopher Kiver and Dr. Lynn Drafall. Shannon also studied piano privately with Dr. Steven Herbert Smith.

Seven Last Words of the Unarmed A note by composer Joel Thompson

I. “Officers, why do you have your guns out?” Encapsulating the sense of gloom that arises upon the news of the death of another unarmed black man, the chorus rises from the funereal piano ostinato singing Kenneth Chamberlain’s last words interpolated with the medieval tune, L’homme armé doibt on doubter - “The armed man must be feared.” After the final iteration of the 66-year old’s dying breath, the chorus repeats one important word: “why?” II. “What are you following me for?” This movement uses the classical form of the fugue not only to portray Trayvon Martin’s last moments trying to escape death, but also to sonically capture the daily paranoia of the black experience while driving on roads, walking on sidewalks, and congregating at various social gatherings. Quotes of L’homme armé in the strings underneath the imitative counterpoint in the voices lead to a climactic yell of surprise at the movement’s end. III. “Mom, I’m going to college.” In New York, February of 1999, four police officers fired 41 shots at Amadou Diallo, a 23 year old immigrant from Guinea. The undulating pattern in the piano simultaneously yields a sense of calm with its simple harmonic underpinning and unease with its odd 5/4 meter. IV. “I don't have a gun! Stop shooting!” Of the seven movements, this one contains the most anger. Through the use of agitated rhythms and multiple harmonic exclamations on the word “stop”, the target of the rage is media portrayal of black men on the news, in comedies, and in dramas. Even in the aftermath of such tragedies, the rhetoric and images used to describe the deceased was markedly appalling across all media. This was the case, especially, for Michael Brown. V. “You shot me. You shot me!” Oscar Grant III’s exclamations of surprise and incredulity were caught on several cellphone recordings in the BART station in which he was murdered. The movement honoring his life is a sonic representation of this epidemic. Aleatoric spoken exclamations of the last words crescendo alongside the humming of L’homme armé in the style of the Negro spiritual. Underneath the cacophony, the pulsing C of the piano, violin, and viola persist unflinchingly like a heart monitor until the end. VI. It’s not real.” Although they were referring to the BB gun he was carrying in the Walmart where he was killed, John Crawford’s last words escape the lips of thousands of African-Americans. Thus, the movement’s beginning is the soundtrack to my mental utopia. Saccharine sweet and soaring, the voices and strings are joined by the piano “heart monitor” which persists and gradually infects the strings, like reality interrupting a reverie. VII. “I can't breathe!” The decision of a Richmond County grand jury to not indict the officer responsible for Eric Garner’s death was the impetus for this entire work, and it is only fitting that his last words end the piece. After using a mournful Byzantine texture for the first half of the movement, I tried to capture the panicked death thralls of asphyxiation in the music.

March 12, 2022, 6pm Marriott Sanibel Harbour Marina Resort Join us for a Gala evening flowing with fabulous champagne and fun at the Marriott Sanibel Harbor Marina Resort! The evening starts with a top shelf cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres while you peruse the various silent auction items. From there we move into the ballroom for a seated dinner with a live auction. Then the party continues with entertaiment by THE DIAMONDS, known for their nostalgic doo wop hits like Little Darlin and The Stroll, with a full band! Don’t miss this chance to celebrate and support the Gulf Coast Symphony with friends!

TICKET INFORMATION: Single Tickets / $200 For information about VIP experiences, purchasing a table or sponsorship opportunities, please call:

239.277.1700

Featured entertainment from The

Diamonds!

2 3 9 . 2 7 7. 1 7 0 0

Gulf Coast Symphony PRESENTS

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Music by Jimmy Roberts

Book & Lyrics by Joe DiPietro

February 16 to March 4, 2022 Music & Arts Community Center

GABY TORTOLEDO CAITI MARLOWE WESLEY EVAN SLADE RYAN MICHAEL JAMES Direction by ANDREW M. KURTZ

Music Direction by JULIE CARVER

Costume Design by ROBERTA MALCOLM

Sound Design by BRIAN JANNSEN

Lighting Design by WILLIAM GIBBONS-BROWN Techinical Director CHRISTIAN LONDOS

Stage Manager SUE SCHAFFEL Props Master JESSECA TERHAAR

Producer ANDREW M. KURTZ Musicians: Julie Carver & Gary Stroh - Piano; Jim Gaskill/Amy Laursen/Rachel Cox - Violin Originally Produced in New York by James Hammerstein, Bernie Kukoff and Jonathan Pollard Original Direction by Joel Bishoff Originally Produced by the American Stage Company James N. Vagias, Excutive Producer The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Musical Numbers ACT 1

Cantata For A First Date........................................................................................The Company Not Tonight, I’m Busy, Busy, Busy..........................................................................Caiti and Ryan A Stud And A Babe...........................................................................................Wesley and Gaby Single Man Drought..............................................................................................Gaby and Caiti Why? ‘Cause I’m A Guy.....................................................................................Wesley and Ryan Tear Jerk.................................................................................................................Ryan and Caiti The Lasagna Incident.........................................................................................Gaby and Wesley I Will Be Loved Tonight.......................................................................................................Gaby And Now The Parents.............................................................................................The Company Hey There, Single Gal/Guy.................................................................................. Ryan and Gaby Satisfaction Guaranteed..........................................................................................The Company I’ll Call You Soon (Yeah Right).............................................................................................Gaby He Called Me...........................................................................................Gaby and the Company Scared Straight........................................................................................................The Company Cantata (Reprise #1)...............................................................................................The Company Wedding Vows........................................................................................................The Company ACT 2

Cantata (Reprise #2)...........................................................................................Wesley and Gaby Always A Bridesmaid.............................................................................................................Caiti Whatever Happened To Baby’s Parents?..................................................Ryan, Wesley and Gaby The Baby Song.......................................................................................................................Ryan Marriage Tango...................................................................................................Wesley and Caiti On The Highway Of Love......................................................................................The Company Waiting Trio..............................................................................................Caiti, Wesley and Gaby Cantata (Reprise #3)..............................................................................................Ryan and Gaby Shouldn’t I Be Less In Love With You?.............................................................................Wesley The Very First Dating Video Of Rose Ritz....................................................... Gaby and Wesley I Can Live With That............................................................................................Ryan and Caiti ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Finale)..................................................The Company SPECIAL THANKS TO: Florida Repertory Theatre, Theater Conspiracy

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Cast Gaby Tortoledo

Caiti Marlowe

Gaby Tortoledo is a Venezuelan stage and screen actress, singer, and dancer, recently seen in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of Songs for a New World, headlining the world premiere of The Impracticality of ModernDay Mastodons, and critically acclaimed for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Cabaret. Other regional theatre credits include Athena in Rock Odyssey (Adrienne Arsht Center), Tara in the World Premiere of Compensation (Island City Stage), Antonia in Man of La Mancha (MNM Theatre Co). International credits include And The World Goes Round, Opening Doors: A Sondheim Song Cycle, and A Dream Is A Wish: A Disney Song Cycle (Song Cycle Intensive, London UK). Screen credits include a feature in Amazon Studios’ The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Susie in the new TV series Just My Type. She holds an M.F.A in Theatre Performance from Florida Atlantic University. Follow her on social media for more @gabytortoledo / gabytortoledo.com

Caiti thrilled to return to the Gulf Coast Symphony after her debut last year in Evita. She is a South Florida native whose favorite roles include Sandy (Grease, MNM Theatre Company), Kristine (A Chorus Line, The Wick Theatre), Edythe Herbert (My One and Only, Broward Stage Door), Elle Woods (Legally Blonde, LWP), and Wendy Jo (Footloose, Cortland Rep). Proud Emerson College Graduate in 2018 with a BFA in theatre & performance. In her time at Emerson she also began exploring choreography and movement. As a very stubborn “mover only”, this came as a shock to many (herself, included). Dance, choreography, and expression through movement have become one of her greatest joys in life. Love and gratitude to Kit and Kev. caitimarlowe.com / @_caiti

Wesley Evan Slade

Ryan Michael James

Wesley Evan Slade is excited to make his Gulf Coast Symphony debut! Wesley has been seen on many regional stages in Florida, including: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, TheatreZone, Palm Beach Dramaworks, The Wick Theatre, Actors Playhouse, American Stage, Slow Burn Theatre, GableStage, Mad Cow Theatre, Winter Park Playhouse, M&M Theatre Co. and more. Favorite credits: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo), Shrek: The Musical (Shrek), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Freddy Benson), Hand to God ( Jason/Tyrone), One Man, Two Guvnors (Francis Henshall), and The Music Man (Marcellus; John Tartaglia as Harold Hill). Wesley has also been seen as an improv comedian performing on stages in Orlando at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Theatre, Teatro Martini, and touring with his one-man show, Happy Times: A Tribute to Danny Kaye. Upcoming: Mary Poppins at The MUNY. Instagram: @ wesleyslade

Ryan Michael James is thrilled to be making his Gulf Coast Symphony debut! He is originally from Winter Haven, FL, and will graduate this May with a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa. His credits include: Tour — Kinky Boots (Angel); Sesame Street Live (Bert); Barbie Live (Ken). Cruise — We Will Rock You, Royal Caribbean (Galileo u/s); Carnival Cruise Line (production vocalist); Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (production dancer); Norwegian Cruise Line (Team Nickelodeon). Regional Theater — Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Hedwig); Grease (Kenickie, Danny u/s); Mamma Mia (Eddie); Rocky Horror Picture Show (Rocky); Les Miserables (Combeferre). Theme Park — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay; Busch Gardens Williamsburg; and King’s Dominion. He is also part of a traveling musical revue, Four By Four, that pays tribute to the music of The Beatles, The BeeGees, The Beach Boys, and Motown. He currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Agent: @talentdirectagency. Follow him on IG @ryanmichaeljames

See page 19 for bios of the Creative Team

Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz President & CEO/Music Director received international praise and recognition include the world premiere of Lowell Liebermann’s The Picture of Dorian Gray (chamber version), the East Coast premiere of Daniel Catan’s Il Postino, the world premiere of Paul Morovec’s Danse Russe, and the world premiere of Michael Ching’s Slaying the Dragon. Kurtz was the international tour conductor for CANTORS: A Faith In Song, featuring three of the world’s leading cantors. He is now the tour conductor for The New York Cantors and for Trinity: Classically Irish both PBS specials. He served as the Music Director of the Florida Jewish Philharmonic Orchestra and as Producing Artistic Director of Synergy Productions, a professional musical theater company in Southwest Florida.

Gulf Coast Symphony founder Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz is in his twenty-seventh season as the Symphony’s President & CEO, Music Director and conductor. His deep rooted commitment to community and education, combined with a vibrant artistic vision has led to creating and nurturing one of the most dynamic arts organizations in the region. This vision has lead to a massive expansion of the organization, including the opening of the their new Music & Arts Community Center in January 2020. His conducting has been called “passionate, expansive, expert, and musical.” He was named the 2007 Performing Artist of the Year at Lee County’s Angel of the Arts Awards. Kurtz’s repertoire encompasses a wide range of music styles from baroque to contemporary, and multiple genres including symphonic, opera, ballet, musical theater, jazz, cantorial, and symphonic pops.

An avid arts educator, Maestro Kurtz was Resident Music Director at the Luzerne Music Center. Kurtz is a past-president of the board of the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. In 2001, he won First Prize in the Dell’Arte di Firenze International Conducting Competition, and made his European conducting debut in Florence. In 1995, Kurtz made his international operatic debut in Tel Aviv while working as a staff conductor at the Israel Vocal Arts Institute. In 1997, he conducted the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s educational tour production of The Best of Puccini. He was a scholarship conducting student at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival, and boasts numerous other conducting credits, including the Pennsylvania Opera Theater, the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Charlotte Symphony, Gonzaga Symphony, and the Ocean City Pops.

Kurtz completed his doctoral studies in conducting at the Peabody Conservatory and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Virginia where he received his master’s degree in music history and a bachelor of arts in music and drama. A native of Philadelphia, Kurtz has called Southwest Florida home for more than 30 years, where he currently resides with his wife, Julie, and their Formerly the General Director of Center City Opera son, Benjamin. Theater, a professional opera company in Philadelphia dedicated to new work, new audiences, and new artists, Kurtz led over four dozen productions including numerous world or regional premieres. Notable productions that

Gulf Coast Symphony Andrew M. Kurtz • Music Director

The Music of Billy Joel Starring

Michael Cavanaugh Sunday, February 20, 2022 7:00 pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW

Andrew M. Kurtz, Conductor Michael Cavanaugh, Vocals/Piano Jim Guthrie, Billy Venditti, Johnny Fedevich Jamie Hosmer, Dennis DelGaudio, John Scarpulla Sponsored in part by John & Susan Wadsworth

Billy Joel Overture Movin’ Out Scenes from an Italian Restaurant She’s Got A Way Crocodile Rock Pinball Wizard Longest Time Medley Waltz No. 1 Pressure Goodnight Saigon River of Dreams *

INTERMISSION

ACT II Opening Medley New York State of Mind Dig In Uptown Girl Air/Dublinesque Just the Way Your Are Fifties Medley You May Be Right

Piano Man Please turn off all electronic devices throughout the performance. Photography or Recording of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Michael Cavanaugh

Michael Cavanaugh is the new voice of the American Rock & Roll Songbook and a charismatic performer and musician made famous for his piano/lead vocals in the Broadway musical Movin’ Out. Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in Movin’ Out, Cavanaugh evokes a style rivaling the Piano Man. He appeared in the show for three years with over 1,200 performances and received multiple accolades. The show culminated in 2003 with both Grammy and Tony award nominations.

chael soon became one of the hottest artists in the private events market, and he continues to perform worldwide for company and charity events as well as sporting events including many PGA tour events, the SuperBowl, and the Indy 500. His interpretation of the modern rock/pop songbook led to Billboard calling him “The New Voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook,” and he was recognized by Reuters as Entertainer of the Year for the private events market.

Michael began playing at age seven, when his parents bought their first piano. Encouraged by family and friends, and inspired by his hero Billy Joel, Michael formed his first band at age 10 and began playing local functions, fine-tuning the craft that would become his chosen career. His first full-time gig as a musician was an extended engagement in Orlando, Florida, at a piano bar called Blazing Pianos. In January of 1999, Michael received an offer that would unknowingly change his life: an opportunity to play Las Vegas at the famed New York, New York Hotel and Casino. It was there that Billy Joel spotted Michael and joined him on stage one fateful night of February 2001. It only took two songs before Billy was convinced that he had found his new Piano Man: Michael Cavanaugh. Michael closed up shop at New York, New York and moved to New York City to work alongside Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp to shape the Broadway Musical that would be called Movin’ Out. In the lead role, he received both Tony and Grammy nominations.

It wasn’t long before symphony orchestras discovered Michael’s talents and audience appeal. He accepted his first orchestral booking, “Michael Cavanaugh – The Songs of Billy Joel and More,” which debuted in April 2008 with the Indianapolis Symphony and continues to tour today. In October 2008, he signed with Warner/ADA to distribute his first CD, In Color. In June 2010, Michael debuted his second symphony show in the Generations of Rock series titled “Michael Cavanaugh: The Songs of Elton John and More” and then debuted his third symphony show, “Singers and Songwriters: the Music of Paul Simon, Neil Diamond and James Taylor,” in 2012. In 2015, he debuted his fourth symphony show: “Rockin’ Christmas with the Pops.” He continues to tour all four symphony productions along with performing with his band in performing arts centers and other public venues. “The Way I Hear It”, his second commercial album, was released in April 2017, and it debuted at #17 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

With the close of Movin’ Out at the end of 2005, Michael began touring in his own right, creating a show In 2020, Michael Cavanaugh reached the POLLSTAR that reinterprets the modern pop/rock songbook. Mi- Live75. The top 75 active touring acts in the country.

April 24, 2022, 7pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Richard Rodgers was one of the most significant American composers of the 20th century, having composed 43 Broadway musicals and being credited with over 900 songs. This program is a tribute to his greatest works. Starring Christianne Noll, Hugh Panaro & Ben Davis. Music from Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Carousel and More.