Gulfshore Playhouse Season Brochure 2023-2024

Naples’ Premier Professional Theatre

Join Us for the Final Season at the Norris Center!

20 2 3 –2 0 2 4 S E A S O N A TOAST TO THE FUTURE

Gulfshore Playhouse creates theatre of the highest caliber because we believe that diverse theatre experiences brought to life by professionals can transform lives.

Our Mission Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of our region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards and providing unique educational opportunities to diverse groups of people in a spirit of service, adventure, and excitement. Our work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theatre to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in our audience an understanding of our common humanity. This belief drives the care with which we treat our artists, audiences, students, staff, and members of the greater community.

SEASON ANGELS

Jane and Steve Akin | Patty and Jay Baker SE ASON BENEFACTORS

Sandi and Tom Moran Susan Regenstein and Barry Frank

Ralph and Shelly Stayer Jane and Dave Wilson

SEASON AMBASSADORS Christine and Terrance Flynn

James and Brigitte Marino

Glenda and Rich Struthers

John and Carol Walter

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Mary & Phil Beuth Patricia & Jim Bosscher Jim & Jonatha Castle Norman & Suzanne Cohn Jim & Shirley Curvey Kyla & Rich de Asla Bobbi & David Drobis Kathleen & Brendan FitzGerald Tom & Nancy Gallagher The Gialamas Family

Tim Habbershon & Allison Murray Myra Hackel Vicki Herche & Graeme Murray Mitchell Hertz & Anne Carlucci Jean & Leo Hertzog Steven & Sarah Jackson Jim & Liz Jessee Pamela & Bob Krupka

PREMIER C ORP OR AT E PAR T NER

C ORP OR AT E E XECU T I V E PRODUCERS

GRANTS Sponsors and producers as of 8/25/23

Debra & Vince Maffeo Anne McNulty Dan & Ann Meyer Geraldine Moss & Erik Madsen Carolyn & Don McCulloch Kristin & John Miller Thelma & Bud Negley Jack & F.E. Nortman Christine Paddock Gail Kern Paster

Anthony & Beverly Petullo Rick & Deanna Rondinelli Ned & Kathy Sachs Pam & Fred Sasser Michael & Cynthia Scholl Peter & Janet Swinburn Michael Wilens & Carolyn Longacre The Vincent Von Zwehl Memorial Fund

C ORP OR AT E SE A SON AMBA S SADOR

Welcome to the 2023-2024 season!

And what a monumental season it is. But before I start explaining all of the thrilling things on the horizon, let me begin by thanking YOU. Whether you’re reading this letter because you’re considering coming to a show for the first time or you’re a long-time patron, we are so grateful for your presence, your support, and your interest. The past few years have been nothing short of challenging for all of us and we do not take the privilege of creating art for you for granted. Everything you experience on our stage, in our education programs, and otherwise is our way of saying thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

This season will be one for the books in so many ways. Our mainstage series will provide a wealth of experience. This fall you will discover a heartfelt mother-daughter play in 26 Miles

by Quiara Alegría Hudes, and a nostalgic, warm holiday musical, The Winter Wonderettes.

After the new year, enjoy the satirical, thought-provoking world premiere, The Refugees

by Brent Askari, the uplifting Into the Breeches! by George Brant, and finally Broadway’s cheeriest musical, She Loves Me. Here is a friendly reminder that if you purchase a Flex Pass for the 2023-2024 season, you will be among the first to have access to tickets for the 2024-2025 season. Why is that important? Because Gulfshore Playhouse will officially be opening the Baker Theatre and Education Center in fall 2024!

Located on the corner of Goodlette-Frank Road and 1st Avenue South, the Baker Theatre and Education Center will house two performance venues and an educational wing. This $70 million, 44,000 square foot facility will vastly expand the scale and scope of our productions while providing a more diverse range of offerings each year! Purchasing a Flex Pass enables you to select your shows and seats before single tickets go on sale. We can’t wait to welcome you through our new doors!

In addition to all the wonderful opportunities available with the mainstage series, Gulfshore Playhouse Education extends the transformative power of theatre to the Naples community in numerous ways. I encourage you to flip to the Education pages of this brochure to see the student productions, classes, and community programming we will be offering this season.

We’ve gathered an incredible group of professional theatre artists to create transformative theatrical experiences for you this season. There is so much to discover and enjoy. I hope you find this season joyful, thoughtful, funny, and cathartic. Thank you so much for your support of world-class professional theatre and education in our region.

With gratitude,

Kristen Coury

MILES BY

Quiara Alegría Hudes

DIRECTED BY

L AURA MORENO Flex Passes on Sale Now

OCT.

14

Previews: OCT. 12 & 13

through NOV.

5

2023

ASL Interpreted Performance: OCT. 21 @ 2:00 PM

A roadtrip through the past always leads us back to ourselves.

When Beatriz receives a late night call-for-help from her estranged teenage daughter Olivia, she spirits her away on an impromptu cross-country roadtrip. As they trek from Philadelphia to Wyoming, the tension at the heart of their relationship reaches a boiling point, but can they fix what is broken? In this hilarious and heartfelt coming of age story from the Pulitzer prize and Tony-nominated playwright, 26 Miles is the story of a broken family rediscovering understanding, redemption, and love.

Audience Engagement Actor Talkback following the performance October 19 Curtain Conversation following the performance October 22 Pre-show Discussions Oct. 15 @ 2:15PM Oct. 18 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Oct. 25 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM

Why We’re Excited Our production will be our major contribution to ¡Arte Viva!, Collier County’s first county-wide arts festival celebrating Hispanic and Latin American culture.

Quiara Alegría Hudes is the Pulitzer prize and Tony®winning playwright who wrote the book for hit musical In the Heights.

While Hudes wrote the play to make sense of her own family’s story and experiences as a mixed Puerto Rican and Jewish family, there is a universality to this story about a contemporary American family.

Oct. 29 @ 2:15PM

In 2019, 26 Miles became the basis for a musical called Miss You Like Hell with a book also written by Hudes.

Special thanks

Playhouse Playdate: Ages 5-10

Opening Night Sponsors:

Oct. 29 @ 3:00PM and Nov. 5 @ 3:00PM

Pat and Tony McMunn

Playhouse Playdate is a unique and engaging program designed to provide an enriching experience for both children and parents.

While parents enjoy a captivating theatre performance, children get the opportunity to unleash their creativity and imagination through dynamic creative drama games and activities.

Spotlight Sponsors: Marilyn Lightner Michael Wynn

Led by experienced facilitators, the young participants engage in a series of interactive and age-appropriate drama games that encourage self-expression, teamwork, and the development of communication skills. As children create, explore, and learn through creative drama, parents enjoy their theatre experience with peace of mind, knowing that their kids are having a delightful and educational playdate of their own.

GulfshorePlayhouse.org

18 13

NOV. JAN.

Previews: NOV. 16 & 17

17 4

through through DEC. FEB.

2024 2023

ASL Interpreted Performance: NOV. 25 @ 2:00 PM

A holiday musical confection for the whole family!

It’s Christmas, and Santa has gone missing at the Harper’s Hardware holiday party. A local singing group known as the Marvelous Wonderettes must use their talent and creativity to save the day! Featuring a confection of 1960s holiday hits like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” and more sung in “marvelous” four-part harmony, this delightful musical will put you right in the holiday spirit.

Audience Engagement Actor Talkback following the performance December 7 Pre-show Discussions Nov. 19 @ 2:15PM Nov. 22 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Dec. 10 @ 2:15PM

Why We’re Excited This Christmas-themed musical is a follow-up to the hit musical The Marvelous Wonderettes. It was called “​​Effervescent and irresistible! An utter charm bomb!”

by The New York Times A nostalgic walk down memory lane. Full of 1960s-style four-part harmony, Winter Wonderettes features over 25 classic Christmas songs.

Dec. 13 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM

VIP Experience Special thanks Opening Night Sponsors: Pat and Tony McMunn

Nov. 24 @ 6:30PM Nov. 25 @ 1PM & 6:30PM Nov. 26 @ 2PM

Dec. 15 @ 6:30PM Dec. 16 @ 1PM & 6:30PM Dec. 17 @ 2PM

The VIP Experience includes: Exclusive reception before the show and during intermission with light bites and a complementary beverage Hot cocoa bar for the kids Meet-and-greet with the cast after the show Selfie station to capture the perfect photo Special visit from Santa Claus himself The limited number VIP Experience tickets are $25 per person and may be added when you purchase your show ticket.

Flex Passes on Sale Now

Winter BY

Roger Bean MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS BY

VOCAL ARRANGEMENTS BY

Brian Baker Roger Bean & Brian Baker DIRECTED BY

Dann Dunn GulfshorePlayhouse.org

DIRECTED BY

MARSHALL JONES III Flex Passes on Sale Now

JAN.

13

Previews: JAN. 11 & 12

through FEB.

4

2024

ASL Interpreted Performance: JAN. 20 @ 2:00 PM

When you lose everything, how do you find a place to belong?

After a well-to-do Connecticut family unexpectedly ends up as refugees in the Middle East due to a civil war in the United States, their charmed life comes to an abrupt end. Lawyer Yates, socialite Poppy, and their 17-year-old son Wynn are suddenly fish out of water, at odds with their new home and with each other. When Yates gets involved in a hapless scheme to emigrate to Europe, hijinks ensue and the family is forced to choose between embracing their new reality or returning to the way things used to be. Equal parts hilarious and thought-provoking, The Refugees is a bold new comedy exploring patriotism, identity, and belonging.

Audience Engagement Actor Talkback following the performance January 18 Curtain Conversation following the performance January 28 Pre-show Discussions Jan. 14 @ 2:15PM Jan. 17 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Jan 31 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Feb. 4 @ 2:15PM

Special thanks Opening Night Sponsors: Pat and Tony McMunn

Spotlight Sponsors: Jennifer Melin Miller Blake and Janet Gable

Why We’re Excited T he Refugees was part of the 2022 New Works Festival at Gulfshore Playhouse. This is a World Premiere production, the first professionally staged production of this play ever.

Playwright Brent Askari wrote the play after winning the National New Play Network’s Smith Prize for political theatre.

He was part of HBO’s New Writers Project and has written screenplays for several companies including Paramount Pictures, Marvel Films, MTV, and Reveille Entertainment T he Refugees will bring back familiar face David Whalen who has previously performed at Gulfshore Playhouse in Holmes and Watson and The Price. He’s also known for his TV and film work and dozens of theatre productions around the country.

Playhouse Playdate: Ages 5-10 Jan. 28 @ 3:00PM and Feb. 4 @ 3:00PM Playhouse Playdate is a unique and engaging program designed to provide an enriching experience for both children and parents. While parents enjoy a captivating theatre performance, children get the opportunity to unleash their creativity and imagination through dynamic creative drama games and activities.

Led by experienced facilitators, the young participants engage in a series of interactive and age-appropriate drama games that encourage self-expression, teamwork, and the development of communication skills. As children create, explore, and learn through creative drama, parents enjoy their theatre experience with peace of mind, knowing that their kids are having a delightful and educational playdate of their own.

GulfshorePlayhouse.org

FEB.

17

Previews: FEB. 15 & 16

through MAR.

10

2024

ASL Interpreted Performance: FEB. 24 @ 2:00 PM

A moving comedy about the singular way art and community reveal our boldest selves.

The year is 1942 and World War II has called millions away to Europe, including the leading players of Oberon Play House. Enter a group of passionate, albeit inexperienced, band of actresses who seize the chance to move from the sidelines to centerstage. For the first time, they will receive pay for their talents as they mount an ambitious production of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 and Henry V. Will their performance be a victory on the home front or a disaster of epic proportions? This sweet, hilarious, and heartwarming play celebrates the power of art to rally a community and see us through the darkest of times. These women will steal the spotlight and your heart!

Audience Engagement Actor Talkback following the performance February 22 Curtain Conversation following the performance March 3 Pre-show Discussions Feb. 18 @ 2:15PM Feb. 21 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Mar. 6 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Mar. 10 @ 2:15PM

Special thanks Opening Night Sponsors: Pat and Tony McMunn

Spotlight Sponsors: Blanche Hawkins Susan Bookbinder

Why We’re Excited This new play was first produced in 2018 at Trinity Repertory Theatre and has since been done around the country at theatres like Cleveland Play House and Asolo Repertory Theatre.

Though there’s something for everyone in this show, it is also a love song to theatre, celebrating the power theatre has in our lives.

We are delighted to be working with acclaimed director Jackson Gay on this production. Jackson has directed countless productions at theatres across America.

Playhouse Playdate: Ages 5-10 Mar. 3 @ 3:00PM and Mar. 10 @ 3:00PM Playhouse Playdate is a unique and engaging program designed to provide an enriching experience for both children and parents.

While parents enjoy a captivating theatre performance, children get the opportunity to unleash their creativity and imagination through dynamic creative drama games and activities.

Led by experienced facilitators, the young participants engage in a series of interactive and age-appropriate drama games that encourage self-expression, teamwork, and the development of communication skills. As children create, explore, and learn through creative drama, parents enjoy their theatre experience with peace of mind, knowing that their kids are having a delightful and educational playdate of their own.

Flex Passes on Sale Now

INTO THE BREECHES! BY

George Brant

DIRECTED BY

J A C K S O N G AY GulfshorePlayhouse.org

BOOK BY

MUSIC BY

LY R I C S B Y

Joe Masteroff Jerry Bock Sheldon Harnick

DIRECTED BY

Kristen Coury Flex Passes on Sale Now

MAR.

23

through APR.

Previews: MAR. 21 & 22

21

2024

ASL Interpreted Performance: APR. 20 @ 2:00 PM

At odds in life, in love on paper; a musical love letter full of flavor.

In this beloved musical, the busiest sales season is quickly approaching for an ensemble of lovable clerks working in a charming 1930s European parfumerie. Among them are Georg and new employee Amalia who are constantly sparring on the job. Off the clock, their barbed words fall away into the sweet nothings they write in letters to their anonymous pen pals. But little do they know, their “dear friend” happens to be each other! From the theatrical minds behind Fiddler on the Roof and Cabaret, this effervescent, witty, romantic musical is the perfect love letter to bid adieu to nearly two decades of performances at the Norris Center before moving into the Baker Theatre and Education Center in fall 2024.

Audience Engagement Actor Talkback following the performance March 28 Pre-show Discussions Mar. 24 @ 2:15PM Mar. 27 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Apr. 17 @ 1:15PM & 6:45PM Apr. 21 @ 2:15PM

Special thanks

Why We’re Excited

he Loves Me celebrated its 60th Broadway anniversary S in April 2023. The musical has since been revived on Broadway twice: 1993 and 2016. The latter starred Laura Benanti as Amalia, who also performed at our 2020 Gala!

She Loves Me is adapted from a Hungarian play called Parfumerie by Miklos Laszlo. This play was also the basis for the 1940s MGM film The Shop Around the Corner starring Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, the 1949 Judy Garland–Van Johnson film, In The Good Old Summertime, and Nora Ephron’s 1998 romcom You’ve Got Mail.

Opening Night Sponsors:

VIP Experience

Pat and Tony McMunn

Apr. 5 @ 6:30PM Apr. 6 @ 1PM & 6:30PM Apr. 7 @ 2PM

Apr. 12 @ 6:30PM Apr. 13 @ 1PM & 6:30PM Apr. 14 @ 2PM

The VIP Experience includes:

Spotlight Sponsors: Marilyn Lightner Michael Wynn

Exclusive reception before the show and during intermission with light bites and a complementary beverage Ice cream sundae bar for the kids Meet-and-greet with the cast after the show Selfie station to capture the perfect photo Special gift The limited number VIP Experience tickets are $25 per person and may be added when you purchase your show ticket.

GulfshorePlayhouse.org

T heatre S eati ng

$720 10-Ticket Pass $592 Pass t 8-Ticke $456a Flex Pass t Pass 6-Ticke Save More with $390 5-Ticket Pass

Flex Passes allow you to purchase a block of tickets which can be used by you or your guests at any time, for any show*, throughout the entire 2023–2024 mainstage season. You can use all your tickets for one show, or spread them across the season.

You c an purc ha se a Flex Pa s s in an array of amount s : 10-Ticket Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $720

8-Ticket Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $592 6-Ticket Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $456 5-Ticket Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $390

The Flex Pass offers the ultimate flexibility and savings of up to 10%! You will have the ability to exchange your tickets as much as you’d like up to 24 hours in advance of your show with absolutely no fees!

In addition, you will enjoy our other Flex Pass Holder Benefits: A C CE S S TO SPECIAL E VENT S , such as the exclusive access on sale and booking for the first season in the new Baker Theatre and Education Center.

U LT IMAT E FLE XIBILIT Y: Change your dates as many times as you’d like up to 24 hours in advance with no fees!

B IG SAVING S : Save 10% over initial single ticket prices

T A X DONAT ION AC KNOWLEDGMENT available on unused seats when you inform us at least 24 hours prior to the show E -NE WSLE T T ER subscription from Gulfshore Playhouse Save up to 10% and build the experience that best fits your needs, your schedule, and your preferences.

Purchase Flex Passes at GulfshorePlayhouse.org/Season-Flex-Passes * Excludes Opening Nights

The cast of The Lady Demands Satisfaction

Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

Conservatory Information Ages 13–18 Rehearsals Mondays & Wednesdays 5-8pm Jan. 22–May 8, 2024

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.”

Audition Information:

Performances May 11 @ 7:30PM

Monday, January 8th from 5pm-8pm, Norris Center (755 8th Ave S, Naples FL)

May 12 @ 2 & 7:30PM

Please prepare a comedic monologue and bring with you your headshot, resume, and your funniest improv skills.

May 14 @ 7:30PM May 15 @ 7:30PM May 16 @ 7:30PM

If you are unavailable to attend the audition in person, please email Steven Calakos, Director of Education, your video audition, with headshot and resume attached, to scalakos@gulfshoreplayhouse.org

December 18-22, 2023 Morning 9AM - 12PM Broadway Bootcamp: Winter Wonderland Ages 5-7 Story Explorers: Ancient Adventures Ages 8-13

Afternoon 1PM - 4PM Broadway Bound Ages 8-13 Teen New Works Ages 13-18

Join us during the first week of Collier County Public Schools Winter Break and become a part of a professional theatrical community. Gulfshore Playhouse Education will be offering an array of half-day classes designed for students 5-18 years old. Whether your child is passionate about musical theatre or aspires to become a playwright, our 2023 Winter Conservatory features something for every student.

Visit gulfshoreplayhouse.org/education/for-students for additional information or to register.

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Please clear your calendar for

Gala Chairs Glenda and Rich Struthers

This is our Moment

The new home of Gulfshore Playhouse, the Baker Theatre and Education Center, will be a dazzling destination for exciting professional theatre in an iconic downtown location.

Have a look at next s t a ge .gulf shoreplayhouse .org

The curtain is rising on our bright future.

What part will you play?

We’re closing in on our goal for The Next Stage Campaign, but we still have a ways to go. A gift of any size will truly make a difference. With your donation, we’re one step closer to a bold new cultural center where theatregoers will share exceptional experiences, where every seat has an amazing view of the Broadway-sized stage, and where we’ll create new ways for people of all ages and interests to discover the joy of theatre. We can’t wait to see you at the theatre.

To make a donation or for more information about naming oppor tunitie s , c ontac t Lis a Halsey at LH alsey@gulf shoreplayhouse .org

Toni Lachelle Pollitt and Lilian Oben, Mud Row

2640 Golden Gate Parkway, Suite 211 Naples, Florida 34105

Howard Kaye and Peggy Roeder, Barefoot in the Park

Tickets and Info

GulfshorePlayhouse.org | 239.261.7529

Front Cover: The cast of Camelot, featuring Olivia Hernandez, Photography by Matthew Schipper