Program Book Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra February 12, 2022

Put the sale of your home in the hands of experience . . .

Chuck Bergstrom 20 Year Award-Winning Realtor® Specializing in SWFL properties Now with John Naumann & Associates Chuck Bergstrom Direct: 239-209-6500 www.SanibelCaptivaRealEstateGuide.com John Naumann & Associates 1149 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

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

Creating Community Through Music

U

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

Doni Landefeld, Ph.D.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA’S TALENT DEVELOPMENT EXPERT From newly promoted to senior level, we create GREAT leaders.

My goal is to positively impact performance & productivity, workplace relationships, and well-being & happiness.

• COACHING • TRAINING • SPEAKING • ASSESSMENTS

Call 239.540.1219, or visit: TheMetamorphosisCoach.com

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

W

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

I

9

$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

16

I

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.

The Culliton Family Dr. Carol Rae Culliton President & Chairman

Family Owned & Operated Since 1991

Old World Italian

Pizza • Calzones Calamari • Pasta • Salads Seafood • Veal Open For Dinner Nightly 4pm-9pm

1224 S.E. 46th Lane Cape Coral • 239-945-6006 Order Online www.mariaspizzeria.com

DINE IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY

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.

Get backstage with Florida Weekly To get Southwest Florida’s most comprehensive Arts & Entertainment coverage, including reviews and interviews with the actors, subscribe, pick up a copy or download our app for tablets and smartphones.

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.

Scarlett Strallen & Bryce Pinkham 2 3 9 . 2 7 7. 1 7 0 0 I April 23, 2022 7:30pm

9

Proud sponsors of the Gulf Coast Symphony since 1996!

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

Family Owned & Operated Since 1991 www.FloridaWeekly.com

Stacey's Dog Care Walking and/or staying at our home Stacey Gossmann Dog lover!

4464 W. Mainmast Ct. Fort Myers, FL 33919 239.470.1659 staceygossmann@comcast.net

Old World Italian

Pizza • Calzones Calamari • Pasta • Salads Seafood • Veal Open For Dinner Nightly 4pm-9pm

1224 S.E. 46th Lane Cape Coral • 239-945-6006 Order Online www.mariaspizzeria.com

DINE IN • TAKE OUT • DELIVERY

I

9

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

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

I

17

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 & CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Violin I Renata Arado, Concertmaster Katleen Beard Ileana Ciumac Jonathan Daitch++++*^ Ariel Eliot James Gaskill Millard Golusin Erica Griswold+ Galen Kaup Amy Laursen Jonathan Lawrence+ Clive Owens+ Marcy Prezioso Kaitlin Richardson Rosetta Rush Dale Sandvold Violin II Alice Poulson* Magaret Nichols+ Phillip Lefton Violin Chair

Brenda Cali Michael DeJesus John DiPuccio Jan Faber+++^ Ellen Fox Nancy Hood Sharyl Leifeld Sarah Mcclish Ruben Sabando Isabella Searcy Elizabeth Wilson

Viola Alfonso Giordano++++* Genni Blitzer++++ Edward Brennan Rachel Cox Ron Erickson++ Greg Lane Amy Laursen Carmen Miron Violoncello Scott Crowley* Graham Appleton Sydney Black Shana Gaskill Stephan Goodnight

Violoncello (cont.)

Maud Goodnight Julie Kurtz++^ Timothy Torres Andreas Werle Bass Doni Landefeld+* John & Iris Mower Bass Chair

Logan Hedgepath Hideki Sunaga John Wadsworth

Flute/Piccolo Deborah Handley* Celeste A. Heymann Flute Chair

Trumpet Alan Evans* Bob & Donna Wahlert Trumpet Chair

Ron Holmes Tim Kary Alan Klispie Cindy Klispie John MacLeod

Trombone Kevin Devitt Jeffrey Goldblatt Adren Hance Karla Rojas Michael Zion

Rebecca Bahr Bill Larsen Sherrie Mangan+++

Tuba Tom Kracmer

Oboe Alyssa McKiethen Cynthia Barbanera-Wedel Kareema Colson Fallon Hammer Andrew Snedeker

Piano Janet Carter Gary Stroh

Clarinet Scott Ellington Nicholas Contreras Jacob Goldberger+++ Christina Moffat Bass Clarinet Jacob Goldberger+++* Harold & Joy Kurtz Clarinet Chair

Judy Rose+^

Harp Richard Fleisher

Timpani Gary Colston++* Christopher Nolan Percussion Kelsey Bannon Scott Crawford Isaac Fernandez Christopher Nolan Michael Standard Sean Stolliker

Bassoon Stacey Gossmann++ Scott Radloff

Librarian Tom Santin++

French Horn Thomas Schiller++++*

*denotes section principal ++++ = 25 years in the orchestra +++ = 20 or more years ++ = 15 or more years + = 10 or more years ^ Leave of absence Orchestra members are listed alphabetically Section personnel rotate based on concert needs.

Lani Poynter French Horn Chair

Karen Bendixen Mahoney Kathy Edgett Steve Kreuz Susan Oliver Hector Rodriguez Bethany Smith+^ Dana Williams

Theresa Layman Librarian Chair

Gulf Coast Symphony Board of Directors Susan Wadsworth, Chairman Jay Ducharme, Treasurer Reece Nanfito, Secretary Ed Brakus Matthew Connar Katrin Dambrot-Sternberg Stefan Dunkelgrun

Kathy Goeschel Jodi Harrison Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, President & CEO Doni Landefeld, Ph.D Robert Opatrny Lisa Smith

Gulf Coast Symphony Staff Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz, President & CEO Shawn Rieschl Johnson, Managing Director & COO Sam Griggs, Major Gifts Manager Neal Frank, Planned Giving Manager Heather Bettner, Marketing & Communications Manager Wojciech Jankowski, Digital Marketing Associate Kate Callahan, Box Office Manager Gini Hogenson, Patron Services Manager Paul Gavin, Artistic Director Gulf Coast Jazz Collective

Jonathan Lawrence, Youth Programs Coordinator Joy Kurtz, Education Director & MACC Box Office Joe Pontiff, Controller Thomas Santin, Head Librarian Ariel Eliot, Orchestra Personnel Manager Christian Londos, Technical Director Brian Jannsen, Head Audio Hannah Suarez, Head Electrician

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Staff General Manager: Scott Saxon Special Projects Coordinator: Debi Parfitt Director of Marketing: Peg Welty Digital Marketing Specialist: Melody Johnson Director of Operations: Karen Hutto Operations Manager: Danny Campos Technical Director: John Iverson Box Office Manager: Kelsey Zamprogno Group Sales: Kiki La Bianca Receptionist: Jeanne Michaud Security Manager: Louis Nyitray Patron Services Manager: Shirley Snyder-McLaren

Head Carpenter: Ron Kelly Head Electrician: Dallas Duschenchuk Head Audio: Pat McGee Head of Props: Dale Caba Head of Wardrobe: Helen Little Electrician: Eric Wisnock Audio: Jeff Weber Box Office (239) 481-4849 Adminstration (239) 489-3033 www.bbmannpah.com

Become a part of our symphony family today and ensure we can

Play the Music You Love to Hear!

Make Your Gift Today!

The Gulf Coast Symphony is a dynamic organization striving to impact our community through music.

We present over a hundred concerts and educational and outreach events every year, including fully-staged musicals, operas, and ballets. We encourage a love and enjoyment of music and the arts throughout Southwest Florida, reach a diverse audience, and educate the musicians and concertgoers of tomorrow.

in your community and helping us to play the music you love to hear!

We encourage you to consider a donation this season.

Donations may be mailed to the address below, or made online at www.gulfcoastsymphony,org. For information about how to donate appreciated securities, please call Sam Griggs, Development Manager, at 239.277.1700.

Our ticket sales cover only 35% of our operating Gifts of all sizes are important and welcome! expenses, so we rely on additional donations to enable us to present world-class artists and productions. When We thank you for your generous support! you invest in the Gulf Coast Symphony, you’re investing

Gulf Coast Symphony | PO Box 60878 | Fort Myers, FL 33906 Gulf Coast Symphony is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state to 1-800-HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State. Registration number CH10932.

We are grateful to the following members of the Maestro’s Circle who contribute $1000 or more, each year in support of the Gulf Coast Symphony. These individuals are committed to sustaining the symphonic tradition and ensuring that we continue to play the music you and the community love to hear!

Philip & Susan Beavers Chuck Bergstrom Molly Billingsley Roger & Aimee Bireley Peter & Eleanor Blitzer Lee Boyd & Marilyn Lowe David & Beverly Clinkenbeard Gary Colston & Tom Santin Matt & Kelly Connar Thomas Connell & Lori Wilkins Jo Ann Cristea Carol Culliton & Richard Metzger Larry & Karyl Davis Donald H. Dillinger Jay and Courtney Ducharme Mark Dunham Stefan Dunkelgrun Charles Egita Richard Famiglietti & Nancy Pierce Arlene Foreman Brian & Amy Fox Daniel & Ellen Fox Neal & Barb Frank

Douglas & Linda Garde Jacob Goldberger & Margarita Galmarini Stacey Gossmann & Sharyl Leifeld Maureen Smitt Grabowski Ada Ann Healey William D. Henley, Jr. Celeste A. Heymann John Hogue Emilie P. Holkins Gil & Jeanne Jacobson Bruce & Janet Jaeger Juliann L. Kelly Tom & Ann Kracmer Joy Kurtz Andrew & Julie Kurtz Marilyn Lally Nathan & Doni Landefeld William Leach & Raymond Humphreys Charlotte Lefton Albert McCann Michael McHugh

Rosalind Metcalf Robert Opatrny & Susan Sutherland Clive & Elizabeth Owens Dana Pope Robert & Sarah Rigney Rick Robison & Susan Oliver Gayle & Fred Rose William and Judith Rose David Rubin Thomas Schiller & Elena Knight Jeremiah & Lorna Shafir Lisa Ann Smith Victor & Jackie Solomon George and Katrin Sternberg Donna Sublett Lee Anne Tauck William & Elizabeth Thorndike John & Susan Wadsworth Robert & Donna Wahlert Anthony & Patricia Werderitsch Andreas Werle

For more information how you can join the Maestro’s Circle and benefits members receive, contact Sam Griggs, Development Manager at 239.277.1700 or sam@GulfCoastSymphony.org

Ways to Give to the Gulf Coast Symphony!

Cash (Make a gift via cash, check or credit card.)

Appreciated Securities (Use appreciated stock, bonds or mutual funds which have been held for more than one year to make your gift to Gulf Coast Symphony.)

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from IRA or Retirement Plan (Direct your plan administrator to make a distribution, totaling up to $100,000, directly to the Gulf Coast Symphony from your RMD. Dollars pass to the Gulf Coast Symphony income-tax free.)

Life Insurance (Purchase a new policy, or transfer an existing policy you no longer need, and name the Gulf Coast Symphony as owner and/or beneficiary.)

Charitable Trusts (Agreements drafted by attorney. Visit your professional advisors to determine which way to give best meets your personal circumstances.)

The information above is not intended as legal or tax advice. Consult with your professional advisor about potential tax advantages of contributing certain assets.

DOUBLE CO-PRODUCERS ($10,000+)

Dr. Jacob Goldberger & Margarita Galmarini

Harold & Joy Kurtz

Also: Don Dillinger Douglas & Linda Garde John & Susan Wadsworth

Celeste A. Heymann

CO-PRODUCERS ($5000+) Also: Stacey Gossmann & Sharyl Leifeld Robert Opatrny & Susan Sutherland Anthony & Patricia Werderitsch Dr. Andreas Werle Peter & Eleanor Blitzer

David & Beverly Clinkenbeard

Thank You for Your Support! $100,000+ Small Business Association, SVOG Gunterberg Charitable Foundation $50,000+ Florida Dept. of State, Div. of Cultural Affairs $20,000-$49,999 Arlene Foreman $10,000-$19,999 Chuck Bergstrom Don Dillinger Douglas & Linda Garde Jacob Goldberger & Margarita Galmarini Celeste Heymann Harold & Joy Kurtz Metamorphosis Coaching, LLC Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau John & Susan Wadsworth $7,500-$9,999 Bireley Family Foundation

$5,000-$7,499 Drs. Peter & Eleanor Blitzer City of Fort Myers David & Beverly Clinkenbeard Fifth Third Bank Stacey Gossmann & Sharyl Leifeld L.A.T. Foundation Robert Opatrny & Susan Sutherland Retina Health Centers Anthony & Patricia Werderitsch Dr. Andreas Werle $2,500-$4,999 Busey Bank Victor & Janet Erml Brian & Amy Fox William D. Henley, Jr. Juliann L. Kelly Sanibel Captiva Bank Victor & Jackie Solomon Robert & Donna Wahlert John R. Wood Properties

Director’s Corner

$500-$999 Susan Matthews Tom & Sherrie Mangan James & Pamela Hannah John & Molly Giacco Lois Barson

Mr. Adam Black Noga R. Grosman Helen Leddy Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School, Inc.

George and Mary Mitchell Gloria & Rich Rittenberg Ms. Jane Robinson William Schroeder Kenneth and Ruth Wexley

The Blackbaud Giving Fund Craig Bolesky Daniel Castleforte Patricia Davis Deborah Dewey John Granatino Maxine Greenberg Margaret Nichols

Petr Burda & Elisa Miller-Burda Gene Murtha Robert & Mary Ann Singel Bert and Isabella van Beever Ken & Elaine Willis Frederic Wilson

Mary Kasper Susan Karol Martel Joyce Martin William and Jane Petrarca Linda Segal Nancy & Robert Steele Willem Andersen Donna & Kenneth Bradshaw

Robert & Pam Bourgeois Brenda & Christopher Cali Millard & Cindy Golusin Erica Griswold Deborah & Brian Handley Nancy A. Hood David & Florence Martin Marcia & Bill Prezioso

Orchestra Circle

$250-$499 Barbara Coey Jeanne Logeais Schwab Kenneth and Ruth Wexley Rosemarie Decoste Jan Faber Susan & Leonard Howell Peter Moss

Music Lover $100-$249

Anne Belida Sally L Gore Southwest Florida Community Foundation Lynn Carpenter Kathy Edgett Patricia and Willilam Everett Susan & Gordon Fay

Music Lover $100-$249

Rosetta & Willet Rush Bethany D. Smith Beverly Taht Benson & Patricia Campbell Timothy G. Andrews Robert Cline Sandy Teger & Dave Waks Karen & Bruce Wilburn Francine Levin Ina Levin Barbara Stoop Marilynn Baker Diane and Fred Franklin Fred & Sarah Muermann Rachel Ablow Ed Ahern Hilda Avedikian Carole Bartol Gwendolyn Bayley Ruth Bota David Bousman

Thomas Chester Eva Clair Richard Cohen Ellen L Cooper Ed & Pascha Donaldson Anonymous Ann R. Hancock Mrs. Marilee Hanson Sally & William Harman Jodi Harrison Valerie Herman Linda Hull Allen and Rhonda Katz Robert & Nanda LaPata Susan Leibowitz Lisa Lewis Jim & Drina Madden Sandra Malkin Bob Margolin Janice S Mathews Sue Matthews

Barbara Mintz Harriet Morris Marlene Ott Richard Payne Jan & Ken Regner Marie R. Rossi Ellen Rothschild Dorothy & Robert Ruberto Arthur Ryan James & Sharen Schornstein Joanne & Richard Schwarz Sheri Silverstein Jana Stone Kathleen Taggart Michael Taylor Christine Wagner and Ed Skladaitis Henry Wertheimer James & Matilda Wilson Edward Wynn

Lane Cook Dorothy Erlbaum Patricia Feinstein Brenda Fishman Ronald Holmes Charles Johnston Joan Kapusinsky Alexis Kopperman Norman Koven Julianne and Thomas Ledbetter Iliana Lopez Liz Marsh Stephen L. & Cindy S. Morris

Jeff Muldawer Noreen Nackenson Joann Neufeld Marissa Newbauer Donna & Kevin OBrien Janet Ortenzo Robert C Perkins Joe & Vickie Ryan Mary Schecter Glenn Segal August & Maureen Thoma

Richard & Diane Nannini Barbara Nelson Ted Parris Mary Ann and Sam Piazza Bruce Rachild Susan Remer Ann Schwartz Kenneth Silver Jane Slater Nina Surden Robert and Cecelia Tromba Shelley & Irv Chasen

Adrienne Friedman Judith Lewis Eileen Dwell Eileen Dwell Deborah Jacobs Stasia Arcarese Barry Hom Eva & Jerrold Karliner Tom Mahoney and Madeline Maxeiner Elwood & Mary Walker

Patrons $50-$99

Mila Strasburg Edward Carroll Robert Mohl Jeff Rush Earl Wolf Jane Versell ANONYMOUS Paul Stavish Beth Bokunewicz Edward Brennan Florence Campbell Karen Carney Leslie Carol

Friends $1-$49

Pledgeling Foundation Jane McWilliams Phyllis & Berny Aronson beverly carp Beverly Akerblom Doug Byington and Gini Hogenson Essie Cherkin Alan Cragg Lawrence R. Egan Sally & Tom Johnston Sylvan Kamens Leonard Lebowitz

Contributions made between JANUAry 1, 2021 and January 10, 2022 We apologize for any errors or omissions.

February 20, 2022, 7pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical Movin’ Out, Michael Cavanaugh received both Tony and Grammy nominations for the role. Named “the new voice of the American Rock and Roll Songbook”

by Billboard, Cavanaugh will have you rockin’ in the aisles to Piano Man, Uptown Girl, and New York State of Mind.

Sponsored in part by Co-Producers

John & Susan Wadsworth

March 25 & 26, 2022, 7:30pm Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall Each year the Gulf Coast Symphony brings a great American musical to life. Previous seasons have included Carousel, Showboat, Oklahoma!, She Loves Me and South Pacific. This year we will present Cabaret!

Daring, provocative and exuberantly entertaining, Cabaret explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.

Sponsored in part by Co-Producers

Dr. Jacob Goldberger & Margarita Galmarini

6

I

GulfCoastSymphony.org

Your Connection to a Healthier Life.

Millennium Physician Group has all your medical needs covered. u u u u u u

470+ Healthcare Providers

100+

Primary Care Offices Walk-In Medical Centers Lab Locations Imaging Locations Physical Therapy Specialist Offices

10

25+

Walk-In Centers

Locations

Specialty Services Now Accepting New Patients!

R

Your Connection to a Healthier Life

Call Us Today: (844) CALL-MPG Or Visit: www.MillenniumPhysician.com

Stacey Gossmann MA, MBA Principal Bassoonist Cleveland Institute of Music/ Rochester Institute of Technology Alumnus Performing with Gulf Coast Symphony Since 2005 Training Students for Performance Reed Production Instrument Procurement All State, College Prep, etc.

Proud to be the chosen marketing partner of the Gulf Coast Symphony.

Brand Identity

•

Website Development BoostCreative.com

•

Social Media

Providing Playing Opportunities Cell/Text: 239.470.1659 staceygossmann@comcast.net www.staceygossmann.net

`

Building Business.

Growing Wealth.

Since 1868.

Busey’s experienced wealth management team, Charles Idelson | Executive Vice President, Regional President; Susan Chicone | Vice President, Private Client Manager; and Brent Crawford | Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director are right beside you.

Proud Supporters of

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE GULF COAST SYMPHONY! Roger & Aimee Bireley

Business | Wealth Management | Personal

busey.com/wealthmanagement 239.267.6655 Member FDIC

Do you play an instrument?

Then you should audition for the Gulf Coast Symphony!

Don’t play an instrument, but want to be a part of our growth?

Volunteer to usher at the MACC or help in our office!

Or, serve on a board task force or help at special events.

Call 239.277.1700 for more information.

Dr. Eaton and Dr. Wafapoor support the Arts with a Vision for the Future Using the latest diagnostic, laser and surgical technology, Dr. Eaton and Dr. Wafapoor specialize in the treatment Alexander M. Eaton, M.D.

of Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Holes, Macular Puckers and other Retinal Disorders.

Hussein Wafapoor, M.D.

(239) 337-3337

1567 Hayley Lane, Fort Myers

Just off Summerlin Road in Fort Myers

(239) 793-5200

2210 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Suite 1100, Naples www.RetinaHealthCenter.com Se habla español Medicare and most insurance plans accepted.