About the Creative Team
John Perine (Playwright) is a director, performer, playwright, and educator originally from the Nashville, Tennessee area, and is now a full-time Education Associate at Gulfshore Playhouse. Since relocating to Naples, John directed Willy Wonka JR., Finding Nemo JR., and Winnie the Pooh KIDS for the Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse. Previous directing: Peter and the Starcatcher (top three finalist for Best Director of the Decade and Best Musical of the Decade by BroadwayWorld Birmingham), Kate DiCamillo’s Flora & Ulysses (North Carolina Theatre for Young People) and the world premiere of his play icarus x apollo for University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Centennial celebration. Additional teaching artistry: The Rose Theater (Omaha, NE), The Virginia Samford Theatre (Birmingham, AL), and Lexington Children’s Theatre (Lexington, KY). Education: Theatre for Youth at Samford University (BFA) and UNC Greensboro (MFA). More about John’s work can be found at www.johnperine.com
Mary McGough (Director) is a passionate and energetic actor, director, and educator originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. Mary played an instrumental role in establishing the Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where she served as Social Media Coordinator and later as Associate Artistic Director. She has directed both staged readings and full productions, with her most cherished experience being working as the assistant director of the world premiere of the young adult play The Romantic Movement. Mary has extensive experience working with children as a theater camp counselor, music instructor, choreographer, tutor, and nanny. In the summer of 2023, she toured the country with Missoula Children’s Theatre, acting with and directing hundreds of amazing children. Since joining Gulfshore Playhouse’s education team, Mary has helped develop and execute numerous educational programs, camps, classes, and productions. She looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of the Naples community through theatre education and the performing arts.
Emilie Baartman (Stage Manager) is excited to revisit this fun story, since her first few times of visiting Oz in 2016 and 2019 (latter at Gulfshore Playhouse!) A graduate from Southwest Minnesota State University, she has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, and a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting. After graduating, she worked as a teaching artist, actor, and director for Black Hills Playhouse Education, as well as an actor for The National Theatre for Children, an Interactor for the Washington Pavilion, and an actor for Mighty Corson Art Players. She recently moved to Naples, FL in 2019 as the company’s Education Assistant, along with stage managing the company’s touring production, Remember: The Story of Abe Price. She can also be seen performing here in Southwest Florida in multiple productions, along with assisting backstage. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support!
Cast of Characters
Dorothy ....................................................... Reagan Rieckelman
Scarecrow .................................................................. Lucy Subia
Tin Man ............................................................ Sullivan Kollmer
Lion ................................................................... Caroline Hanlon
Aunt Em/Glinda/Ensemble ........................... Loanna Sandoval
Uncle Henry/Oz/Ensemble ........................................ Rocket Smith
Wicked Witch/Ensemble ............................ Miabella Mambuca
Munchkin 1/Winkie 1/Ensemble ..................... Baylee Diapella
Munchkin 2/Winkie 2/Ensemble .......................... Chuck Smith
Munchkin 3/Stork/Ensemble .............................. Jacob Radosti
Munchkin 4/Guard 1/Ensemble ........................... Madison Lee
Munchkin 5/Guard 2/Ensemble ................... Reagan Goldhorn
Flying Monkey/Ensemble ............................... Sunday Hawkins
Flying Monkey/Ensemble ................................ Claire Rozansky
Flying Monkey/Ensemble .......................................... Peachy Smith
Flying Monkey/Ensemble .......................................... Pepper Smith
Director’s Note
I am thrilled to welcome you to our production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, marking Gulfshore Playhouse’s inaugural education performance in our brand new Baker Theatre and Education Center! My wonderful colleague, John Perine, has beautifully adapted this story to highlight these talented young actors, and you are all in for a real treat. This show has always been a favorite of mine, and I am overjoyed to be sharing it.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for over a century. Its themes and characters have inspired many adaptations across various media. The story’s ability to resonate with every generation time and time again speaks to its endearing appeal and universal truths.
L. Frank Baum’s masterpiece isn’t just about adventure; it’s about self-discovery, friendship, and finding the courage to face our fears. Each character that Dorothy meets along the way embodies something we all search for: a sense of home, wisdom, love, and bravery. As you watch the story unfold, I hope you find yourself reflecting on your own journey and remembering the magic that happens when you believe in yourself. Often, the things you seek can already be found within you.
I couldn’t be prouder of this cast. It has been inspiring to see this dedicated group develop confidence and teamwork over the past three weeks—a reminder that what you are about to see was achieved in just about 20 hours of rehearsal! Their energy, enthusiasm, and love for theatre has created a show that I hope will inspire and delight you as much as it has us.
Thank you for joining us and supporting the arts. Enjoy the show!
Mary McGough Director
Gulfshore Playhouse
Steven Calakos, Director of Education
Joel Markus, COO & Managing Director
Kristen Coury, CEO & Producing Artistic Director
Peachy Smith
Caroline Hanlon
Chuck Smith
Pepper Smith
Loanna Sandoval
Baylee Diapella Reagan Goldhorn
Claire Rozansky Reagan Rieckelman
Miabella Mambuca
Lucy Subia
Sullivan Kollmer
Sunday Hawkins
Madison Lee Jacob Radosti
Rocket Smith
Special thanks to the following students who participated in our new play development workshop, collaborating with playwright John Perine on the script to bring this story to life:
Cadence Castaneda
Jia Cinnamon
Jillian Cinnamon
Samantha Craparo
Lucy Mullin Nicholas Radosti
Olivia Radosti
Upcoming Winter Conservatory Programs
Broadway Bootcamp: Golden Age (Ages 8 - 13)
Rehearsals: Wednesdays, January 8 - February 5 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Tuition: $150
Take a step into musical theatre history with us in this bootcamp focused on classic Broadway songs.
Story Explorers: Out of This World (Ages 5 - 7)
Classes: Wednesdays, January 8 - February 5, 2025 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Tuition: $150
Our young astronauts embark on cosmic adventures and encounter whimsical characters all with their Bodies, Voices, and Imaginations.
Broadway Babies (Ages 9 months - 2 years)
Classes: Saturdays, February 1 - 22, 2025 | 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Tuition: $40
In this engaging class, parents and caregivers join their little ones in an exploration of music, movement, and imaginative play. Classes are offered as single sessions..
A Year with Frog and Toad KIDS (Ages 8 - 13)
Rehearsals: Monday - Thursday, February 10 - 28 | 5:30PM - 7:30PM
Performances: February 27 - March 1
Location: Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Tuition: $300
Students will engage in training encompassing acting, singing, and dancing, culminating in a 30-minute musical performance at the Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON).
Spring Break Conservatory - March 10 - 14, 2025
Story Explorers: On the Farm (Ages 5 - 7)
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Tuition: $250
Students transform into their favorite farm animals and explore the unexpected antics in the barn through drama, music, and dance activities.
Broadway Bootcamp: Jukebox Musicals (Ages 8 - 13)
9:00AM - 12:00PM
Tuition: $250
Young performers will learn dynamic dance routines and vocal performances inspired by musicals featuring chart-topping songs.
Story Explorers: Pirates! (Ages 8 - 13)
1:00PM - 4:00PM
Tuition: $250
Set sail and explore uncharted waters with your crew as we cast off to find every pirate’s desire: TREASURE!
Pre-professional training through theatre productions, classes, and summer camps gives students the opportunity to grow as performers and as people. Our programs are built to improve performance skills, build confidence, encourage selfexpression, and inspire artistic growth. Whether you’re an experienced performer or you’ve never set foot on stage, Gulfshore Playhouse Education will prepare you for every stage in life.
Leadership & Staff
GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE
