White Christmas Playbill

BASED ON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES FILM WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY NORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA & MELVIN FRANK

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY:

IRVING BERLIN

BOOK BY:

DAVID IVES PAUL BLAKE &

ORIGINAL STAGE PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY WALTER BOBBIE

ORCHESTRATIONS BY LARRY BLANK

VOCAL AND DANCE

ARRANGEMENTS BY BRUCE POMAHAC

Thank you to our Donors

SEASON ANGELS

Jane & Steve Akin, Patty & Jay Baker, Glenda & Rich Struthers

SEASON BENEFACTORS

Karen & Gary Gregg, Nancy G. Lauridsen, Sandi & Tom Moran, Susan Regenstein & Barry Frank, John & Carol Walter

SEASON AMBASSADORS

Anonymous, Marsha & Gary Bertrand, Grampy’s Charities- Jim & Jonatha Castle, Bev & Art Cherry, Christine & Terrance Flynn, Nancy & Tom Gallagher, Marguerite Hambleton, Paul & Barbie Hills, Jenny & Rich Housh, George & Patricia Kraus, Laird A. Lile, Simone & Scott Lutgert, James & Brigitte Marino, Bettina McKee, Cynthia & Mike Scholl, Jane & Dave Wilson, Debbie & Bruce Yarde

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS+

Patricia & Jim Bosscher, Kathleen Cain, Bob & Laurie Champion, Robert & Joan Clifford, Sheila & Chris Cole, Bobbi & David Drobis, Dyan Fazzone, Kathleen & Brendan FitzGerald, The Habbershon Family, Matthew Hagan, Vicki Herche & Graeme Murray, Mitchell Hertz & Anne Carlucci, Steven & Sarah Jackson, Liz & Jim Jessee, Sarah Raup Johnson, Larry Kaye & Casey Skvorc, Pamela & Bob Krupka, Tammy & Mike Kutsch, Diane Landgren, Debra & Vince Maffeo, Geraldine Moss, F.E. & Jack Nortman, Joan & Mahendra Parekh, Gail Kern Paster, Anthony & Beverly Petullo, Melissa & David Shockley, Patricia Sweet & Bill Marsh, Patrick Trompeter & Monica Orcutt, Julie & Steve Vanderboom, Jane Walsh, Tereska & Jerry Whitson, Joanne Wyss

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Anonymous, Mary & Phil Beuth, Lee & Peter Bewley, Richard & Jane Borchers, Cheryl & Randall W. Byrnes, Michael & Judy Cheteyan, John & Patricia Cochran, Norman & Suzanne Cohn, Margaret Cox, Jim & Shirley Curvey, Kyla & Rich de Asla, Mary F. Drazan, Sandy & Bill Haack, Libby & Ed Harshfield, Ken & Karen Heithoff, Jean & Leo Hertzog, Catelyn Juliano & David Deutsch, Heidi & James Kargman, Barbara K. Lupient, Mary Lou & Bob Maier, Sherie Marek, Phil McCabe, Carolyn & Don McCulloch, Gerry McGraw, Pat & Tony McMunn, Dan & Ann Meyer, Joanne & Jeffrey Miller, Kristin & John Miller, Kimberly Moss & Bob Fisher, Louise & Larry Ost, Cindy & Tony Panzica, Ann Ratner, Dottie & John Remondi, DeAnna & Rick Rondinelli, Kathy & Ned Sachs, Pam & Fred Sasser, Janet & Peter Swinburn, Lisa & Warren Thomson, The Vincent Von Zwehl Memorial Fund, Kathy & Paul Weaver, Blaine & Tom Wells, Kristen & Michael Wynn

Welcome!

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the second season in the Baker Theatre and Education Center! I’m so grateful you’ve returned this season, or are here for the first time, as we have so much in store for you. With our inaugural season in the history books, we have learned a lot and have had time to plan even more exciting things for you. You’ll see more educational offerings, more engagement opportunities, and, as always, our stellar Broadway-level shows on stage.

We always bring you the best professional actors we can find from all over the country to bring these plays to life. We create the show in our 25,000 square foot production center off Livingston Road, and we fly the creative team and actors in to rehearse, create, and perform a wide variety of classics, new works, beloved musicals, and thought-provoking world premieres just for you, so you can get your “New York fix” without the airline ticket.

While this fall sports two iconic classics, Edward Albee’s hard-hitting Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in our Struthers Studio, and the sweet classic musical Irving Berlin’s White Christmas in the Moran Mainstage, the spring will feature a brand-new work, Circle Forward by Deb Hiett. This play came through our New Works Festival several years ago and we’re thrilled to be the first in the nation to produce it now.

Speaking of our New Works Festival, we’re bringing it back this season, and rebranding it. It is now called The Next Wave Festival. The Next Wave Festival focuses less on blind submissions and more on curated pieces. If you haven’t purchased your festival pass yet, you should go ahead and do that now so that you don’t miss any of the hot new properties we’re working on. You never know when one will end up on our mainstage or, for that matter, on Broadway.

Thank you, once again, for supporting Gulfshore Playhouse. Whether this is your first visit, or your 50th, we appreciate you being here. So, please, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Warm regards,

Founder, CEO, and Producing Artistic Director

CORPORATE SEASON BENEFACTOR

CORPORATE SEASON AMBASSADORS

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER+

CORPORATE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

GRANTS AND ENDOWMENTS

A letter from the Chairman of the Board

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome you to the 2025–2026 season at Gulfshore Playhouse. We are coming off an extraordinary inaugural year in the magnificent Baker Theatre and Education Center, and I am thrilled to welcome you back for our second season in this new home.

As Chairman of the Board, one of my greatest joys has been seeing the excitement and pride our community feels in having a theatre of this caliber here in Naples. We’ve watched our audience grow, expanded our reach through education programs, welcomed neighbors and friends into our lobby and bar, and opened our doors to events for organizations and businesses across the region. The growing awareness of the art being produced and the activities happening daily at Gulfshore Playhouse are wonderful signs for the future.

With growth comes greater responsibility. The cost of producing theatre at this level continues to rise, as does the need for expanded staff and resources. Yet the impact of this work could not be clearer. Theatre enriches our lives and strengthens our community. It takes the vision of leadership, the creativity and hard work of a dedicated staff, the guidance of an experienced Board, the generosity of donors, and the loyalty of an engaged audience to make it all possible.

This season promises many exciting productions and opportunities—far more than I can highlight here. I encourage you to discover the many ways you can take part in all that Gulfshore Playhouse has to offer. Thank you for being here. I hope this season brings you joy, inspiration, insight, and unforgettable experiences.

Thank you,

Steve Akin Chairman of the Board

Donor Spotlights

Cynthia and Mike Scholl SEASON AMBASSADORS

For Cynthia and Mike Scholl, supporting the arts isn’t just philanthropy, it’s a way of life. As Season Ambassadors and cherished members of the Gulfshore Playhouse family, the Scholls bring both passion and purpose to everything they do.

A devoted arts advocate, Cynthia serves on the Gulfshore Playhouse Board of Directors and as Vice President of the Board of Trustees at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, where she helps advance its mission of artistic excellence and community engagement. Together, she and Mike proudly support the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chicago Repertory Ballet, reflecting a lifelong love of performance in all its forms.

When in Naples, Cynthia and Mike can often be found at the theatre, enjoying time with friends, and embracing the vibrant cultural life of the community they now call home. They share a love of travel, and Cynthia is an avid reader, while Mike channels his passion for music into an exciting new venture, launching his own classic rock internet radio station.

As Cynthia and Mike share,

“GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTIONS ARE EXHILARATING, THRILLING, OFTEN THOUGHT-PROVOKING, AND ALWAYS THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF THEATRE ART. WE ARE SO PROUD TO SUPPORT THE ART THAT GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE CREATES AND ARE SO HAPPY TO BE A PART OF THE THEATRE FAMILY!”

Since first attending productions in 2021, the Scholls have become extraordinary advocates for professional theatre and arts education in Naples. Their generosity, leadership, and enthusiasm continue to help create a thriving cultural community, one where stories, music, and shared experiences bring us all a little closer together.

The Maddox CORPORATE SEASON AMBASSADORS

Gulfshore Playhouse is honored to celebrate The Maddox and Rebecca’s as our Corporate Season Ambassadors this year. Their generosity and community spirit were on full display as the proud sponsors of our White Christmas Opening Night Dinner, helping us kick off our Moran Mainstage shows this season in unforgettable style.

Just off Bayshore Drive, you’ll find what founder and visionary entrepreneur Rebecca Maddox calls “your all-in-one happy place.” Her collection of exceptional concepts, Rebecca’s Restaurant, Three60 Wine Shop, Three60 Wine Club, and The Maddox Member’s Club, together create a vibrant hub for connection, cuisine, and conversation. Each offers a distinctive experience, but all share Rebecca’s signature warmth, hospitality, and dedication to bringing people together.

The partnership between Gulfshore Playhouse and The Maddox is built on a shared mission: to serve our community by creating moments of joy, inspiration, and togetherness, whether around the table or in the theatre. We are deeply grateful to Rebecca and her wonderful team for their belief in the power of the arts and their steadfast support of professional theatre and educational programming here in Naples.

Here’s to a season filled with great food, great stories, and even greater memories, both on stage at Gulfshore Playhouse and at The Maddox.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin Book by David Ives & Paul Blake

Based on the Paramount Pictures Film

Written for the Screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama, & Melvin Frank

STARRING

Ben Michael* Chris McNiff* Stacie Bono* Cassie Austin*

Tom Galantich* Charis Leos*

Solei Carlotta Bourgeois Alice DeHaen WITH

Colin Bradbury* Abby Hesselroth Kaylee Olson* David Sitler* Matthew Michael Janisse* Maya J. Christian* Anna Backer

Ari’el Chaim Barmor Mallory Davis* Alex Fullerton

Collin Matthew Flanagan Joseph Ryan Harrington* Jessie Lawyer*

Samantha Littleford* Justin Michael López Lily Rose* Duncan B. Smith*

SCENIC DESIGNER

Kristen Martino**

SOUND DESIGNER

Ryan Peavey**

INTIMACY DIRECTOR

Erica Mansfield

ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR/ ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR Michael Uselmann

COSTUME DESIGNER

Tracy Christensen**

WIG DESIGNER Bobbie Zlotnik

STAGE MANAGER Danny Kuenzel*

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Dalton Hamilton**

DIALECTS

Patrick Mulryan

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Madelyn Lopez*

CASTING Michael Cassara, CSA DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Ray Inkel

COO & MANAGING DIRECTOR Joel Markus

CEO & PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Kristen Coury

MUSIC DIRECTOR Trevor M. Pierce

CHOREOGRAPHED BY Sara Brians

DIRECTED BY Dann Dunn

SHOW SPONSOR:

The Choreographer is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.

(*) Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. (**) Denotes a member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Bob Wallace ............................................................................................... Ben Michael

Phil Davis ................................................................................................... Chris McNiff

Betty Haynes ............................................................................................... Stacie Bono

Judy Haynes ............................................................................................. Cassie Austin

General Waverly .................................................................................... Tom Galantich

Martha Watson ........................................................................................... Charis Leos

Susan Waverly .............................................. Solei Carlotta Bourgeois, Alice DeHaen

Ralph Sheldrake ................................................................................... Colin Bradbury

Rita ...................................................................................................... Abby Hesselroth

Rhoda ........................................................................................................ Kaylee Olson

Ezekiel Foster .............................................................................................. David Sitler

Mike Nulty/Mr. Snoring Man ............................................... Matthew Michael Janisse

Tessie/Mrs. Snoring Man ................................................................. Maya J. Christian

Ensemble ................................. Anna Backer, Ari’el Chaim Barmor, Colin Bradbury, Alex Fullerton, Joseph Ryan Harrington, Abby Hesselroth, Jessie Lawyer, Samantha Littleford, Justin Michael López, Kaylee Olson, Lily Rose, Duncan B. Smith

Swing ..................................................................................... Collin Matthew Flanagan

Swing/Dance Captain ............................................................................. Mallory Davis

UNDERSTUDIES

Bob Wallace ..................... Colin Bradbury

Phil Davis.......... Joseph Ryan Harrington

Betty Haynes ................. Abby Hesselroth

Judy Haynes............. Samantha Littleford

General Waverly .................... David Sitler

Martha Watson ............ Maya J. Christian

Ralph Sheldrake ..... Ari’el Chaim Barmor

Rita/Rhoda ................................ Lily Rose

Ezekiel Foster .... Matthew Michael Janisse

Mr.SnoringMan/MikeNulty... AlexFullerton

MUSICIANS

Keyboard I/Conductor ... Trevor M. Pierce

Keyboard II .............. Michael Uselmann

Bass ................................................ JR Erb

Percussion ............................ Jared Shaw

Trumpet I ...................... Miguel Santiago

Trumpet II ............................. Peter Davis

Trombone...................... George Mancini

Reed I ................................. John Yoakum

Reed II .......... Orin Jacobs, Don Rhynard

Orchestra Contractor ............ Jim Dallas

RUN TIME

2 hours and 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission.

SETTING

1954 in New York City and Vermont.

SPECIAL THANKS

Assistant to the Lighting Designer, Tollie Boone. Juvenile Supervisor, Arianna Schipper Rehearsal Accompanist, Robin Frank.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

ACT I

“Happy Holiday” ....................................................................Bob, Phil and Sheldrake “White Christmas” ......................................................... Bob, Phil, Sheldrake and G.Is

“Happy Holiday/Let Yourself Go” ........................................ Bob, Phil and the Chorus “Love And The Weather” ....................................................................... Bob and Betty

“Sisters” ..................................................................................................Betty and Judy

“The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” ................. Phil, Judy and Quintet “Snow” ............ Phil, Judy, Bob, Betty, Snoring Man, Mrs. Snoring Man, Passengers

“What Can You Do With A General?” ....................................... Martha, Bob, and Phil

“Let Me Sing And I’m Happy” .......................................................................... Martha

“Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep” ............................................. Bob and Betty

“Blue Skies” .................................................................................. Bob and the Chorus

ACT II

“I Love A Piano” .................................................................. Phil, Judy and the Chorus “Falling Out Of Love Can be Fun” .......................................... Martha, Betty, and Judy “Sisters (Reprise)” .................................................................................... Bob and Phil

“Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me/ How Deep Is The Ocean” ................... Betty, Bob

“The Old Man” ................................................................................................ Bob, Men

“Let Me Sing And I’m Happy (Reprise)” ............................................................. Susan

“How Deep Is The Ocean (Reprise)” .................................................... Betty and Bob

“The Old Man (Reprise)” ......................... .......................... Bob, Phil, Sheldrake, Men

“White Christmas” ......................................................................................... Company

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” .......................................................... Company

The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production and distributing recordings or streams in any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author(s)’s rights and actionable under United States copyright law. For more information: please visit: concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists

STANDING OVATION SOCIETY MEMBERS

Mary & Phil Beuth

Kristen Coury

Tom & Nancy Gallagher

Elizabeth & Jim Jessee

Glenda & Rich Struthers

Ms. Patricia Sweet & Mr. Bill Marsh

Jane & Dave Wilson

Benefits of Joining:

• Annual recognition in the Gulfshore Playhouse playbill

• Invitation to periodic events honoring members of the Standing Ovation Society

• Invitation to other Gulfshore Playhouse special events

We understand that the choice to designate a planned gift is a deeply precious and personal one, and we thank you for your consideration. When you become a member of the Standing Ovation Society, you are joining an ensemble of thoughtful and imaginative visionaries who believe, as you do, in the transformative power of world-class professional theatre and educational opportunities in our region. Your gift will touch the lives of all who walk through our doors and ensure our ability to carry out our mission.

By including Gulfshore Playhouse in your estate plan, you are supporting Gulfshore Playhouse’s long-term fiscal stability and leaving a lasting legacy that will allow us to create, engage, and inspire for many years to come. IF

Sarah Bowden and Josh Canfield in the Gulfshore Playhouse production of Anything Goes.

Photo by Matthew Schipper.

Director’s Note

Welcome to Gulfshore Playhouse

and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas!

What better way to spend the holidays than with your friends and family, tapping your toes and humming along to the world’s most popular holiday carol!

As a Director, it is an incredible honor (and responsibility) to be tasked with helming material that is so deeply rooted into the fabric of so many lives. White Christmas is a holiday tradition that has stood the test of time and continues to be embraced by audiences, young and old, providing undeniable joy from start to finish. From its luscious score, thrilling choreography, and heartwarming story, this production is the ultimate holiday treat with something for everyone.

White Christmas begins in December of 1944, in the midst of World War II, not long after the song ‘White Christmas’ debuted in 1942. Gaining popularity, the song became an anthem of hope and home, serving as a reminder to our brave troops as to why they were fighting and what they were fighting for. ‘White Christmas’ became more than a simple holiday melody, but a song that transcended religious and political divides, a song about hope, home, and tradition.

Our story then transports us to 1954, postwar, in a time of connection, community, and optimism. It reminds us of the beauty in helping our fellow man, gratitude for those who have come before us, and a loyalty and admiration for our shared history: All of the things that are just as important today as they were seventy-one years ago.

It has been my pleasure to work on this show at a time when, I believe, we could use it most. The sheer joy of this production, along with the impeccable work of Sara Brians, Trevor M. Pierce, an outstanding team of designers, and an incredibly talented cast, crew, and top notch musicians, have truly made me feel as though Christmas has come early this year.

It is my sincere wish that this charming and fresh new production brings you all of the joy you can handle this holiday season. I hope that it brings you back, if only for a few hours, to that simpler time of tradition, connection, and optimism, and gives you the opportunity to count your blessings while seated next to your loved ones.

And who knows? Maybe we’ll even see some snow in Naples.

Happy Holidays!

-Dann Dunn Director

About the Creators

Irving Berlin (1888-1989) With a life that spanned more than 100 years and a catalogue that boasts over 1,000 songs, Irving Berlin epitomized Jerome Kern’s famous maxim that “Irving Berlin has no place in American music – he is American music.” Berlin wrote scores to 13 Broadway musicals, contributed to seven revues, wrote songs for 12 classic Hollywood movie musicals and created many of the most well-known popular songs of the 20th century. Born in Russia, he immigrated to the Lower East Side, where he started as a singing waiter and soon became a lyricist, composer and music publisher. An intuitive businessman, Irving Berlin was a co-founder of ASCAP, founder of his own music publishing company and builder of the Music Box Theatre to house his Music Box Revues. For his paean to his beloved country, “God Bless America,” he established a fund which receives all revenue for the song and distributes it to the Boy and Girl Scouts.

David Ives (Author) has been active in the American theatre for 50 years. His shows include All In The Timing, Time Flies, Venus In Fur, New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza, and four verse adaptations of French comedies, as well as radio plays that are available online at PlayingOnAir.org. He collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Sondheim’s last musical, Here We Are, which premiered Off-Broadway at The Shed in September 2023.

Paul Blake (Author) produced the Broadway, London and touring productions of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. After 22 seasons as the Executive Producer of the legendary St. Louis MUNY, where he produced and/or directed more than 150 shows, Mr. Blake is currently enjoying his Emeritus status. Mr Blake’s Tony®nominated Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (co-writer & co-producer) played two highly successful seasons on Broadway and has become a holiday favorite in theatres across the country. Mr. Blake’s revival production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard, which starred Glenn Close, played a sold-out season at New York’s Palace Theatre. In June of 2023, he will be presenting Roman Holiday, with songs by Cole Porter (co-writer & co-producer), at the Theatre Royal Bath, England.

Irving Berlin. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

About the Cast

Ben Michael (Bob Wallace) was a member of the Original Broadway Cast of Paradise Square and the First National Tour of An American in Paris as Henri. Other favorite credits include: Dan in Next to Normal, Cinderella’s Prince/The Wolf in Into the Woods, and Anatoly in Chess: In Concert. A graduate of Syracuse University, he is also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher through Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certificate Program. benmichael.net @benmichael17

Chris McNiff (Phil Davis) is SNOW excited to be playing this role, after having performed in the ensemble with the National Tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas from 2016-2019. Other tours: Memphis. Favorite roles include: Don Lockwood in Singin’ In The Rain (SSMT), Bert in Mary Poppins (Arizona Broadway), The Monster in Young Frankenstein (Geva & Bay Street), and Claude in Hair (Nebraska Rep). Other regional credits include: Stages St. Louis, Arkansas Rep, Flat Rock Playhouse, Northern Stage, Music Theatre of CT, and New London Barn Playhouse. BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University. Many thanks to Michael, Sara, The Mine, his friends and family, and to Gulfshore Playhouse. The best things do indeed happen while you’re dancing… Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday, everyone! For Mama. www.chrismcniff.com

Stacie Bono (Betty Haynes) is delighted to return to her home state to play the iconic Betty Haynes in White Christmas. On Broadway, she was Sally Slaton in the Tony-award® winning revival of Parade and she also stood by for the female lead, Lucille Frank. Most recently, Stacie was the standby for Kristin Chenoweth in the world premiere of Queen of Versailles, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Off-Broadway, she played Pirelli the Beggar Woman in the award-winning, immersive Sweeney Todd; Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q. She traveled the country as the original Ellen in the 1st National Tour of the revival of Miss Saigon. Regional favorites include: Diana Goodman in Next to Normal (Forestburgh Playhouse); Marian Paroo in The Music Man (Guthrie Theater); Eliza Doolittle

in My Fair Lady (Flat Rock Playhouse), Fantine in Les Miserables (Tuacahn); Cathy Hyatt in The Last Five Years (Barnstormers Theater). She won Best Actress in a Musical at the New Hampshire Theater Awards for her portrayal of Eve in The Apple Tree. Stacie holds a Masters in Acting from Royal Central School of Speech; Drama, and a BFA from NYU (Tisch). Film/ TV: “Billions,” “Flight Attendant,” “When a Man Falls.” Love and thanks to DSR and my family. Happy Holidays! Website: staciebono.com Instagram:@stacie_bono

Cassie Austin (Judy Haynes) What could be better than a White Christmas in the Sunshine State?! Cassie is honored to be making her Gulfshore Playhouse debut in one of her favorite shows of all time. Other credits include the First National Tour of Hello, Dolly! (Irene u/s); Phantom (Christine Daaé); 25th Annual…Spelling Bee (Olive); Nice Work If You Can Get It (Eileen Evergreen); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Miss Dorothy); A Sign of the Times (Cindy u/s). Her stage credits span institutions such as The Kennedy Center, Edinburgh Fringe, New World Stages, LA Pantages, 54 Below, the MUNY, Music Theatre Wichita, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, NYMF, and many more. Beyond the stage, Cassie works with Interim Dance Collective, a nonprofit that provides free dance classes and artistic fulfillment to artists between jobs (interimdance.org). Much love to her real-life sister, Clarisse, and their Mama who would sing ‘Sisters’ to them at bedtime. Love to Dad, her boys, and James. BFA Musical Theatre, BYU. cassieaustin.com @classyaustin_

Tom Galantich (General Waverly) is happy to be making his first appearance at Gulfshore Playhouse. Broadway: The Lehman Trilogy, Funny Girl, War Paint, Don’t Dress for Dinner, Boeing Boeing, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Mamma Mia!, The Boys From Syracuse, City of Angels, and Into the Woods. National Tours: Walter (Elf the Musical), Bob (White Christmas), Bobby (Company), Harker (Dracula). TV: “FBI:Most Wanted,” “Blue Bloods,” “WeCrashed,” “The First Lady,” “Fosse/Verdon,” “The Plot Against America,” “WU TANG: An American Saga,”

About the Cast

Madame Secretary,” “The Good Fight,” “Chicago Fire,” “The Affair,” “Master of None,” “House of Cards” (Thomas Larkin), “Person of Interest,” “Elementary,” “Smash,” “Made in Jersey,” “Royal Pains,” “Law and Order” (Joe Chapelle), “L&O Criminal Intent,” “Ed,” “Chappelle’s Show,” “The Cosby Mysteries,” et al. Film: Verity, Julie and Julia, Radium Girls, The Lennon Report, Love After Love. Some favorite regional roles: Captain Smith (Titanic), Julian Marsh (42nd St), Cpt Von Trapp (Sound of Music), Henry Higgins (My Fair Lady).

Charis Leos (Martha Watson) this is her first appearance at Gulfshore Playhouse. A long standing member of Actors Equity, she has performed at The Fulton Theatre, Public Thtr, Portland Stage, Maine State Music Thtr, Walnut Street Thtr , Pioneer Theatre, Tuacahn, New London Barn, Riverside, Pittsburgh CLO, TUTs, Dallas Thtr Center, Second Stage, Gateway Playhouse, The Palace, Casa Mañana, North Shore, The Plaza, Dallas Rep, Stage West, Moving Target, Mountain Playhouse, Maltz Jupiter, Dallas Children’s Thtr, Northern Stage, and Worcester Foothills Thtr, among others. Her varied career has taken her from the Improv in Dallas, TX to the show rooms of Las Vegas. Her work has appeared in commercials, film/TV, and also voiceovers. Thank you to Mikey at The Collective Talent Agency for their continued support! CLG. Please see CharisLeos.com

Solei Carlotta Bourgeois (Susan Waverly) is ecstatic to be cast in White Christmas at Gulfshore Playhouse! Her first Broadway debut was at the age of 5 when she was cast as Lulu in Waitress, The Musical at Artis-Naples and since then, she’s performed in The Music Man at Barbara B. Mann with Gulf Coast Symphony along with numerous community theater productions such as Beetlejuice (Lydia), Into The Woods (Little Red), Annie (Annie), Frozen (Young Anna), The Sound Of Music (Gretl) and Newsies (Les). She thanks her family for always supporting her dreams along with her vocal coach/dance teachers for all the well wishes!

Alice DeHaen (Susan Waverly) is delighted to make her Gulfshore Playhouse debut as Susan Waverly! Thank you so much to the entire Gulfshore Playhouse team for the opportunity to be a part of this classic holiday story. Shout out to her coaches Jason Bailey, Sarah-Lee Dobbs, and Fawn Irish and agent Barry Kolker at the Carson-Kolker Organization. (Probably there’s a way to do an @ but that’s not my skill set). Xoxo to her dogs Cosette and Tobias.

Colin Bradbury (Ralph Sheldrake/Ensemble/u/s Bob Wallace) Broadway credits include BOOP!, ELF, Funny Girl, Carousel, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Come Fly Away. National Tours include Hello Dolly!; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; The Book of Mormon; Come Fly Away; A Chorus Line; Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (LA, St Paul, Boston); and 42nd Street (Japan/US). Other favorites include the World Premiere of BOOP: The Betty Boop Musical (CIBC Theater, Chicago), The Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall), Bombshell: In Concert (Actors Fund Benefit), Heatwave: The Jack Cole Project (World Premiere at The Queens Theatre), Girl Crazy (City Center Encores), and Lovin’ The Bogin. Countless regional productions at The Ogunquit Playhouse, Papermill Playhouse, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, The Gateway Playhouse, Houston Theater Under The Stars, The MUNY and The McCarter Theater. He can also be seen on TV and Film in “Hail Caesar,” “Fosse Verdon,” “Isn’t It Romantic,” and “Nurse Jackie.”

Abby Hesselroth (Rita/u/s Betty Haynes) is so excited to spread some cheer here at Gulfshore Playhouse! Regional theatre: The Lexington Theatre Co. and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. A recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma BFA in Musical Theatre. All the love and thanks to my family, friends, and Marc & Dustin. Happy Holidays!

About the Cast

Kaylee Olson (Rhoda/Ensemble) is delighted to dance through the holidays with you! Favorite credits include Broadway: Spamalot; National Tours: Anything Goes, Bullets over Broadway, Pretty Woman; New York: Metropolitan Opera (The Merry Widow), Lincoln Center (Crazy For You); Regional: Muny (La Cage aux Folles), West Coast Black Theatre Troupe (Syncopated Avenue), Signature Theatre (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) Kennedy Center (Spamalot), Ogunquit Playhouse (Crazy For You, Bullets over Broadway), Goodspeed Opera House (Summer Stock), Fulton Theater (Chicago), and Broward Stage Door (Sweet Charity).

David Sitler (Ezekiel Foster/u/s General Waverly) is thrilled to be back with Gulfshore Playhouse. When this beautiful theatre was still a dream in the making he did Romeo and Juliet Revisted in the Naples bandshell with Kristen. He was last seen at the Surflight Theatre in NJ in On Golden Pond as Norman opposite his wife Carolyn Popp and before that at ACT of CT in Waitress beautifully directed and choreographed by Sara Berg. He has been on Broadway, An Inspector Calls with Rosemary Harris and the National tour of Frost/Nixon with Stacy Keach. Regionally from coast to coast and here in Florida at The Hippodrome, American Stage, Maltz, Florida Rep, and Florida Studio Theatre in roles from Atticus to Scrooge. Films includeV13, Don’t Turn Out the Lights, Chang Can Dunk and 60 Miles North. TV: “Diara From Detroit,” “Hunters”, “Little America” and “Law and Order: SVU.” Along with music videos with Charlie Puth and Ben Platt and the game Red Dead Redemtion. Thanks to Kristen and everyone who made that dream a reality, this incredible cast and crew and all at BWA and my favorite Co-star Carolyn.

Matthew Michael Janisse (Mike Nulty/Mr. Snoring Man/ Jimmy/u/s Ezekiel) is happy to make his Gulfshore Playhouse debut! Other Florida Credits include: Cal in Waitress at Actors Playhouse, Rapunzel Prince in Into The Woods featuring Tittus Burgess at Adriene Arnst Center and getting a BFA at FSU. Tours: Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (Adam standby), Something Rotten! (Nick Bottom),

Cabaret (Max/Sax), Mamma Mia! (Dad cover). Off-Broadway: Kinky Boots (Mutt). Regional: William Barfee in Spelling Bee at Fulton Theatre, Fred Jacob and Fezziwig in Merry Little Christmas at Virginia Stage Company, Nick Bottom in Something Rotten at Le Petit Theatre. Matthew also directs at Wagon Wheel Center of the Arts in the summers and coaches acting year round. Matthew wants to thank everyone at Gulfshore Playhouse, Craig, Avalon Artists Group, his family, friends. Special thanks to his dog Daisy and wife Carolyn. @matthewnofilter.

Maya J. Christian (Tessie/Mrs. Snoring Man/u/s Martha) is thrilled to be returning to Gulfshore Playhouse! She was previously seen as Daddy Brubeck last season in Sweet Charity. Favorite credits include the Jagged Little Pill 1st National Tour (Swing/ Frankie cover), SIX (Anna of Cleves, Norwegian Cruise Lines), The Wolves (#13, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Into the Woods (Little Red Riding Hood, The Barnstormers Theatre), and two productions of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Little Eva at Flat Rock Playhouse, Lucille at Phoenix Theater Company). BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2020 with Departmental Honors; Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University (Go Gorloks!). 2022 recipient of the Roger Sturtevant Musical Theatre Award given by the Actors Equity Foundation. Maya would love to thank her friends, family, and partner for their continued support. She would like to dedicate this performance to her dad, Kevin Christian, whose favorite holiday movie is White Christmas! Instagram: @mayathemusical, mayajchristian.com

Anna Backer (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Gulfshore Playhouse and White Christmas debuts this holiday season!

National tours: My Fair Lady (dir. Bartlett Sher), Girls Night. Select regional: West Side Story, Matilda, The Little Mermaid, Miracle on 34th Street (Fireside), Pippin (STONC), Chicago (Big Noise Theater), Anything Goes, Peter Pan, Mame (Music Theater Works), A Christmas Carol (WPPAC), Bullets Over Broadway (NightBlue), The Who’s Tommy, My Fair Lady (Northwestern University). DDO Artists Agency. Love to Roux, Mom, and Dad. @annabackertap

About the Cast

Ari’el Chaim Barmor (Ensemble/u/s Ralph Sheldrake) is so excited to perform at Gulfshore Playhouse for the first time this winter! He is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma where he got his BFA in Musical Theatre, BOOMER SOONER. The past two summers, Ari’el has performed at the Lexington Theatre Company where he was in Fiddler on the Roof as Motel the Tailor, 42nd Street as Andy Lee, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He would like to thank his parents and grandparents for always supporting and loving him, his two incredible siblings Ze’ev and Hadasa for both lifting him up and keeping him humble, all of his friends in school and in New York, his two fantastic agents Sean and Rikky for believing in him, and finally Gulfshore Playhouse for this incredible opportunity and for allowing him to be in Florida for the winter! Mallory Davis (Swing/Dance Captain) is thrilled to be escaping the NYC cold down in Naples! National Tour: 42nd Street (Lorraine, Annie u/s). Regional: Goodspeed, Riverside x2, Fulton, Ogunquit x3, Gateway, NSMT, Theatre By The Sea, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Tap faculty at Steps on Broadway. Choreography: White Christmas at Music Theatre of Connecticut (CT Critics Circle Award Winner) Big gratitude to Sara, Dann, Trevor, and this incredible company. Jing Jing Jing!! Love to Colby and the fam. www.mallorymdavis.com

@thecollectivetalent

Alex Fullerton (Ensemble/u/s Mike Nulty/Mr. Snoring Man) Gulfshore Playhouse debut! Some favorite credits include the National Tour of Hairspray (Swing), Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood, Broadway Palm), White Christmas (Bob Wallace, Arizona Broadway Theatre), and Something Rotten (Ensemble/ Swing, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina). Alex has also performed at sea with Disney Cruise Line (Bert/Lumiere). As always, sending love and thanks to Gregory, and to my ever-supportive parents! BFA:The Boston Conservatory. IG:@its.alex.fullerton. www.alex-fullerton.com

Collin Matthew Flanagan (Swing) Gulfshore Playhouse debut! Regional: Cats (The Fulton), Titanic, 9 to 5 (Maine State), Frozen, Gypsy, 9 to 5 (Music Theatre Wichita). Elon Music Theatre Class of ‘25. Love and thanks to HCKR, Michael Cassara Casting, family and friends! @collinmatthewflanagan

Joseph Ryan Harrington (Ensemble/u/s Phil) is excited to be performing at Gulfshore Playhouse! Broadway: Billy Elliot (Billy); Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Bugsy Who).

NYC/Regional: Love Life (Encores!); Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall); Hello, Dolly! and West Side Story (Broadway at Music Circus); Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (The Gateway); 42nd Street (Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors and The Nutty Professor (Ogunquit Playhouse). BFA from Pace University. Thanks to Carson Kolker, Edge, and my family and friends for their love and support!

Jessie Lawyer (Ensemble) is over the moon about returning to the beautiful Gulfshore Playhouse. Recently Jessie was seen here behind the scenes during the exciting production of Sweet Charity! White Christmas quickly became her favorite musical after performing as Rita and Judy over the summer in Vermont. So much gratitude for Dann, Sara, Michael and to my husband for his unwavering support. May you all feel the joys of community and laughter this holiday season. “Let yourself go, relax”

@Jessie_Lawyer

Samantha Littleford (Ensemble/u/s Judy) is delighted to make her Gulfshore Playhouse debut in White Christmas! Select regional credits include Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and The Beast (The MUNY); Beauty and The Beast (John W. Engeman Theatre); Billy Elliot (Goodspeed Opera House); How the Grinch Stole Christmas (The Old Globe); and Yuletide Celebration (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), among others. Most recently, she appeared as lead dancer and choreographer in Rob Thomas’ new music video “Hard to Be Happy.”

About the Cast

Sam is a New York based performer, choreographer, and proud founding member of BroadwayVox, a company dedicated to changing musical theatre education and training in NYC. She holds a BFA from Penn State University. Big love and thanks to the Gulfshore team, Ryan, the fam, and always—my sweet Joey. Check out more of Sam’s work at samanthalittleford.com or @samanthalittleford.

Justin Michael López (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his debut at the Gulfshore Playhouse! Here are some of his favorite recent credits: International Tour: West Side Story (Onstage Swing). Regional: Guys and Dolls (Ensemble, Ogunquit Playhouse). A Chorus Line (Cut dancer: u/s Paul, PSF). Justin owes everything to his family, friends and anyone who told him he could! Special thank you to Mom, and Dad. He also sends his love to his amazing team at Edge Management and Carson Kolker! Instagram: @justin_mlopez

Lily Rose (Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining the cast of White Christmas here at Gulfshore Playhouse! Originally from Olathe, KS, Lily is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theater. Broadway: Bad Cinderella, Regional: The Little Mermaid (Paper Mill Playhouse), Crazy for You (ASOLO Rep), The Who’s Tommy (Flint Rep). Lily would like to thank their amazing agents at Henderson Hogan, Michael Cassara, and the creative team. Thank you to mom and J for all their love and support. @_lilxrose_

Duncan B. Smith (Ensemble) is thrilled to make his Gulfshore Playhouse debut! He is New York-based artist and performer. Off-Broadway: Love in Idleness. Regional: West Side Story (Sacramento Music Circus, Houston Grand Opera); La Cage Aux Folles, Dreamgirls (The Muny); Ragtime, Cats, Rock of Ages (MT Wichita); Kinky Boots, Carousel (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma). TV: “SNL”. Love to his family and friends! @duncan.smith

About the Creatives

Dann Dunn (Director) has created and maintained professional works as a Director, Choreographer, and Live Events Producer around the world with Tony®, Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning Artists. NYC: Miracle On 34th Street, Sesame Street On Broadway! (Madison Square Garden), and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Symphony Space). National Tours: CATS, The Music Man, Sesame Street Live!, First Date (revisal workshop). International: The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber, La Traviata. Regional highlights: Walnut Street Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Delaware Theatre Company, The Fulton, Arden Theatre, Kennedy Center, Riverside Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse. Contributing Choreographer: Norwegian Cruise Line, The Red Cross, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Merck Pharmaceuticals, The National Liberty Museum, Disney, Siegfried and Roy, Macy’s, and The X Games.

Dancer: Mariah Carey, Anastacia, Mark Kanemura (Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, So You Think You Can Dance?). Pre-Broadway: Duncan Sheik’s Because of Winn-Dixie. Original Cast: Created the role of ‘Tennessee’ in YANK. Recording: The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: In Concert. TV/Film: Good Morning America, The Today Show, PA Cardiovascular Health Project (Emmy Award), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Sesame Street Workshop. Dann was honored to join the Fosse legacy training under Gary Flannery, dancing back-up for Chita Rivera, and working beside Ann Reinking on the National and International companies of CHICAGO. Also an Eductor, Dann is Faculty alumni of NYC’s famed Camp Broadway, teaching musical theatre around the world, has been on Guest Faculty at eight universities, and is the Co-Founder and former Artistic Director of Music Theatre Philly, an award-winning professional training ground in Philadelphia. Dann is currently the Associate Artistic Director at Gulfshore Playhouse, directing and choreographing last season’s Sweet Charity. @thedanndunn.

Trevor M. Pierce (Music Director) a New York-based music director and conductor, is thrilled to return to Gulfshore Playhouse for his 16th collaboration with longtime colleague and friend, Associate Artistic Director Dann Dunn. Previous GP credits include: Sweet Charity (2025), Once Upon A Dream (2025), Anything Goes (2024), Stompin’ At The Savoy (2024), Winter Wonderettes (2023). NYC: BCEFA Broadway Backwards/Easter Bonnet, Broadway Dreams, Whiskey Pants (HERE Arts), Once Upon A Mattress (St Jean’s Theater), Green Gables (DR2), Fire Island (TheatreRow), concert series at 54 Below, Pangea, Chelsea Table & Stage, and GreenRoom42. Tours/Int’l: Elf Nat’l Tour, Anything Goes Nat’l Tour, Celebrity Cruises. Regional: Goodspeed Opera House, Ogunquit Playhouse, Hartford Stage,

About the Creatives

Northern Stage, Kimmel Center, Gateway Playhouse, Argyle Theater, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Walnut Street Theater, Fire Island Performing Arts Project, and others. Singing adjudicator for NYU Tisch Drama admissions, & touring MD for Broadway sensation Alysha Umphress. BA in Theater/Music, University of Pennsylvania. Proud 802 member. www.trevormpierce.com /@trevormpierce

Sara Brians (Choreographer) is an award winning director and choreographer who loves developing new musicals in addition to directing and choreographing revivals. She is thrilled to return to Gulfshore Playhouse after choreographing The Baker Theatre’s inaugural production of Anything Goes last season. Sara was most recently the Associate Choreographer for Jez Butterworth and Sam Mendes’ The Hills of California on Broadway, and Associate Director to Victoria Clark on Love Life at New York City Center Encores. Sara’s additional Broadway credits include Matilda, Billy Elliot, White Christmas, The Terms of My Surrender, 42nd Street, After The Night and The Music. Regional directing credits include Waitress, Rock of Ages, Godspell, Cabaret and Matilda, and choreography credits include Mary Poppins, Sunset Boulevard, Guys and Dolls, Shrek, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Spring Awakening among others. She has directed and choreographed numerous industrials, concerts, and entertainment events world-wide, including additional choreography for Born to Dance with Princess Cruise Line. She has performed, directed, and choreographed for prestigious institutions including The Radio City Rockettes, The Kennedy Center, New York City Center, Goodspeed Opera House, The 5th Avenue Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Theatre Aspen and many more. She holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from Hunter College and is an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at The University of Oklahoma’s Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre. Visit SaraBrians.com & @brianssarak on IG for more.

Kristen Martino (Scenic Designer) is excited to be returning to Gulfshore Playhouse for her 20th production! Previous designs include Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Sweet Charity, Into the Breeches, Camelot, Higher, and The Price. Her work as a scenic designer has been seen on stages across the country, including productions at Drury Lane Theatre, ACT of CT, The Cape Playhouse, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, and Indiana University, where she completed her MFA in Scenic Design. Kristen began her career in Chicago, where she worked as a freelance and associate scenic designer. That chapter of her career provided opportunities to collaborate on a wide range of projects,from museum exhibitions to circus productions, as well as international theatre, including serving as an associate designer for the 2020

West End production of The Prince of Egypt. Kristen was also part of the team selected to represent the United States by designing the Emerging Artist Exhibit for the 2019 Prague Quadrennial and the recipient of the 2022 USITT Rising Star Award. Kristen is a proud member of United Scenic Artist Local 829.  In addition to her professional design work, Kristen is dedicated to arts education. She currently serves as Head of Scenic Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she mentors the next generation of theatre artists and is a company member at the Clarence Brown Theatre, a LORT theatre on campus. kristenmartino.com @kristenmartino.design

Tracy Christensen (Costume Designer) Broadway: Sunset Boulevard starring Glenn Close, Souvenir starring Judy Kaye. Off-Broadway: The Devil’s Disciple (Theater Row), Kate Hamill’s Pride & Prejudice (Cherry Lane), Scotland, PA (Roundabout), The Jonathan Larson Project (Orpheum), Love Life (NYC Encores). Other: High Society (Ogunquit Playhouse), Octet (Hudson Valley Shakespeare), Beaches the Musical at Theater Calgary (BroadwayWorld Calgary Award), Carousel (English National Opera), 25th Anniversary reunion concert of Ragtime, Sweeney Todd (starring Emma Thompson), Candide (at Carnegie Hall with John Lithgow), Love’s Labour’s Lost at the Folger (Helen Hayes nom.). Film: Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (with Audra McDonald). 10 seasons: Chautauqua Theatre Company. Faculty: Purchase College SUNY, Southern Methodist University. tracychristensen.com.

Dalton Hamilton (Lighting Designer) works around the country as a designer, associate, and programmer. His work extends from theater, opera, and dance to corporate events and theme park entertainment. Credits include: Bay Street Theater, Gulfshore Playhouse, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, FreeFall Theatre, American Stage, Norwegian Cruise Line, City Springs Theatre Company, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Dalton has also been an Associate Designer for numerous theme park shows at Busch Gardens Williamsburg under Lighting Designer Ken Billington for the past 10 years. Other notable Associate/Assistant credits include The Prince of Egypt (West End) with Lighting Designer Mike Billings, Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern (Chicago & Off-Broadway), and Rogers: The Musical, Hawkeye Series (Marvel Studios: Disney+) with Lighting Designer Mike Wood. Proud member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829. daltonhamiltonlightingdesign.com

@dhlightingdesign

About the Creatives

Ryan Peavey (Sound Designer) Based in Phoenix, Arizona, White Christmas marks Ryan’s debut with Gulfshore Playhouse. He is thrilled to join this production and share his love of storytelling through sound. Ryan previously served seven seasons as Head Audio Engineer at the historic Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, the oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States. During his tenure, he mixed dozens of productions ranging from beloved musicals to world premieres, honing his passion for combining technical precision with creative artistry. As a Design Consultant with McKay Conant Hoover, one of the nation’s leading audiovisual consulting firms, Ryan designs and develops sound and video systems for performing arts centers, arenas, and corporate environments across the country. His work emphasizes creating spaces where technology enhances, rather than distracts from, the live performance experience. Favorite sound design credits include South Pacific, Tell Me on a Sunday, and Jerry’s Girls (Walnut Street Theatre); Daddy Long Legs, Pump Boys and Dinettes (Phoenix Theatre); and After Paul McCartney and Pretty Fire (Indiana Repertory Theatre). Each of these projects reflects Ryan’s commitment to crafting designs that support performers and invite audiences fully into the world of the play. A graduate of the University of Oregon, Ryan continues to draw inspiration from the Pacific Northwest—especially homemade Marionberry pie. He dedicates his efforts on this production with love and gratitude to Kate, whose support makes every endeavor possible.

Bobbie Zlotnik (Wig Designer) is excited to return to Gulfshore after designing wigs for many recent shows including: Anything Goes, Dial M, Noises Off, She Loves Me, Winter Wonderettes, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Off-Broadway: Emojiland (Drama Desk Nom.), Ibsen’s Ghost, Gatsby Immersive, Fairycakes, Forbidden Broadway, and countless others. Regional Theatres: Barrington Stage, The Lex, Pittsburgh CLO, Theatre Aspen, The Ordway, George Street, Syracuse Stage, and many more. Film/TV; “The Gilded Age,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Stranger Things,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” “Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness.” BobbieZlotnik.com

Patrick Mulryan (Dialects) as a Voice and Dialect Coach, Patrick is currently represented on Broadway by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric) and OffBroadway by The Play that Goes Wrong (New World Stages). Last season he coached Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of Anything Goes. Past Broadway credits include David Henry Hwang’s Yellow Face (Roundabout) starring Daniel Dae Kim and Francis Jue (who won a 2025 Tony for his performance) and Left on Tenth starring Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher and directed by Susan Stroman.

Past credits include Corruption at Lincoln Center Theater (directed by Bartlett Sher), Lost in Yonkers at Hartford Stage (co-directed by and starring Academy Award nominee Marsha Mason) and Sweat at the Huntington Theater Company for which the cast received the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Ensemble. Directing credits include Indian Ink, Raison d’être: an Evening of Pirandello (also adaptor), and Goblin Market (JJewell Productions) which he directed in New York at 59E59 and abroad at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival. Acting credits include Menier Chocolate Factory (London), Roundabout Theatre, EST, Barrow Street/TFANA, La MaMa, McCarter, Old Globe, Trinity Rep, and the Guthrie. Patrick is a member of the Voice and Speech faculty at the Juilliard School in the Drama Division. He received his MFA in Acting from Brown University/Trinity Rep and is a certified teacher of Miller Voice Method (mVm).Patrick is also a board member of Colored Criticism, an organization that highlights the voices of artists, audiences, and professionals historically sidelined from cultural criticism.

Erica Mansfield (Intimacy Director) is thrilled to return to Gulfshore Playhouse, where she previously served as Intimacy Director for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Sweet Charity, She Loves Me, Anything Goes, Dial M for Murder, and Noises Off. Currently, her work can be seen on Broadway in Mamma Mia! as both cast member and Intimacy Director. Other recent intimacy direction projects include the Memoirs of an Amorous Gentleman workshop directed by Rob Ashford and Almost Famous at ACT. She trained with IDC and is also a certified Lactation Education Counselor, yoga teacher, Pilates mat instructor, and visual stylist for Hearst news stations. On the creative team side, Erica has worked as Associate Director/Choreographer on Jersey Boys at Casa Mañana, Phantom at WBT, and Fiddler on the Roof at both Paper Mill Playhouse and The Muny. As a performer, Erica has appeared in 12 Broadway shows, three national tours, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Best Man,” “Law & Order,” “FBI,” “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “PBS: 50 Years of Broadway,” and “The Kennedy Center Honors.”

Madelyn Lopez (Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to be back at Gulfshore Playhouse. This is where Madelyn began her career as an intern, and she could not be happier to be returning to where she learned so much from the incredible staff of artists. She would like to thank the Gulfshore production staff for their patience and kindness in teaching her how to be a theatre technician, and she would especially like to thank Danny Kuenzel, Kelli Karen, and Jamie Eckhold for training her, believing in her, and showing her how to be a great stage manager. Much love to her family, Brittany, Hunter, and her husband Daniel, who is a source of endless encouragement and love.

About the Creatives

Danny Kuenzel (Stage Manager) La la la la la SNOW! Danny has been dreaming of managing her third White Christmas for years (even knowing there will be fake snow in her suitcase for ages to come). She is back once again navigating her fifth season and twelfth production for Gulfshore Playhouse. Last year she had the privilege of managing three productions on the brand new Moran Mainstage with Anything Goes, Dial M for Murder, and Sweet Charity. Other regional credits include: Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Mason Street Warehouse, Clarence Brown Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Pioneer Theatre Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Weston Playhouse Theatre Company, The Alley Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, and the Contemporary American Theatre Festival. Danny is a proud 20+ year member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union for performers and stage managers. May your days be merry and bright.

Michael Uselmann (Assistant Music Director/Associate Conductor) is thrilled to return to Gulfshore Playhouse after conducting Sweet Charity last season. National Tour credits include: Dear Evan Hansen, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Sound of Music. Regional: Frozen, Young Frankenstein (Ogunquit Playhouse) Off-Broadway: Heist! (Composer, Players Theatre). Lots of love to Mom, Dad, and the Bratz.

Michael Cassara, CSA (Casting Director) casts theatre and film in New York City and is thrilled to return to Gulfshore Playhouse for a 17th season, having cast over 70 productions here since 2009. Recent credits include American Eclipse (Michael John LaChiusa, dir. Bill Rauch), An American In Paris (Int’l Tour, dir Christopher Wheeldon), Spamilton (NYC/ Chicago/Pittsburgh CLO/tour), Forbidden Broadway (last five editions/albums), and over 750 plays and musicals since 2003. Regional credits include Weston Theater Company, Argyle Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Denver Center, Asolo Rep, and many more. Resident Casting Director for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) since 2013. Michael is a native Clevelander and serves on the BFA faculty at Wright State University. Member, Casting Society of America (CSA). BFA, Otterbein University. MichaelCassara.net @michaelcassara

Joel Markus (COO & Managing Director) is thrilled to be in his eighth season as Gulfshore Playhouse’s COO & Managing Director. Joel enjoys working side by side with Kristen to produce Broadway caliber theatre while focusing on cultivating a great staff and culture. In his time at Gulfshore Playhouse, Joel has helped grow and quadruple the theatre’s budget, triple the staff, has co-managed the design and construction of the new $72M Baker Theatre and Education Center, the production shop construction project, has been instrumental in joining LORT (most recently, being on the negotiating committee for LORT and Actors’ Equity Association),and navigated and guided the organization through

the pandemic and Hurricane Ian. Joel was recognized as one of the top COOs in SWFL by the Community Foundation. Joel’s thirty year career has taken him to some of our nation’s leading professional regional theatres. He most recently spent seven seasons at America’s oldest theatre, Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Joel has played integral roles in the production of hundreds of plays over ten seasons at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, four years at Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY, five summers at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont, American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin, and North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts. Joel is a graduate of Indiana University and originally from Miami, Florida.

Kristen Coury (CEO & Producing Artistic Director) is the Founder, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse. She founded the Playhouse in 2004, and shortly thereafter started producing with no staff and virtually no funding. Under her leadership, the Playhouse has grown to a staff of 83 people with an annual budget of $14.5M with no long-term debt. Kristen led the charge to create the iconic $75M stateof-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center at the gateway to downtown Naples, which opened on November 1st, 2024. As part of this project, Coury ignited one of the largest public/private partnerships in City of Naples history, initiating a land-swap with the Wynn family and subsequently donating over an acre of land to the City upon which to build a public parking garage.While in New York, she worked on Broadway for Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, and for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s company, The Really Useful Group, and made her feature film directorial debut with an independent film entitled Friends and Family. Kristen is also a frequent investor in Broadway productions, most recently A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Kristen has directed nearly 50 productions for the Playhouse. Most recently, she directed the final production in the Norris Center, the musical She Loves Me, and the inaugural show in the Baker Theatre and Education Center, Anything Goes. She is now hard at work at the helm of

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Kristen was named one of the Men and Women of the Year by Gulfshore Life in 2013 and again in 2024. She also received the Murray Hendel Award for Civic Achievement in 2023. She served two terms on the board of Theatre Communications Group, the national advocacy group for professional theatre and is currently a member of the board of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. Kristen is very honored to have been appointed to Florida Council for arts and culture by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. She was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Business Leaders in Collier County by Naples Illustrated for the last four years, and, this year, was listed in the 2025 Edition of Florida Trend Magazine as one of the 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in the State of Florida.

Dramaturgical Notes

There is hardly a song more synonymous with the Christmas season than Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” By the time Irving Berlin, a Jewish immigrant, penned the song in 1940, he’d already established himself as one of the most defining voices of American music. Composer Jerome Kern once said,

“IRVING BERLIN HAS NO PLACE IN AMERICAN MUSIC - HE IS AMERICAN MUSIC.”

“White Christmas” was first written for the 1942 film Holiday Inn starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, earning Berlin an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 15th Academy Awards. It’s said that after he completed it, he told his secretary, “I want you to take down a song I wrote over the weekend.” Fun fact: Irving Berlin could not read or write music. “Not only is it the best song I ever wrote, it’s the best song anybody ever wrote.”

Prior to 1942, Christmas songs and movies weren’t really part of the popular culture zeitgeist. Historians Dave Marsh and Steve Propes wrote,

“‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ CHANGED CHRISTMAS MUSIC FOREVER, BOTH BY REVEALING THE HUGE POTENTIAL MARKET FOR CHRISTMAS SONGS AND BY ESTABLISHING THE THEMES OF HOME AND NOSTALGIA THAT WOULD RUN THROUGH CHRISTMAS MUSIC EVERMORE.”

BingCrosby , “White Christmas” A-side ofthe194210-inchsing

Those themes in particular struck a chord with the mood of the nation. The Pearl Harbor attack on December 7th, 1941 catalyzed America’s direct entry into World War II. On Christmas Day that year, the song debuted to the public on Bing Crosby’s NBC radio show The Kraft Music Hall. In 1942, Bing Crosby’s recording became a chart topping hit and today, it’s estimated that over 100 million physical copies of the song, performed by dozens of artists, have been sold.

During World War II, Crosby toured with the USO Camp Shows for American troops in the European Theater. These shows aimed to boost morale and provide entertainment to active service members both at home and abroad. They featured anything from vocalists, comedians, dancers, novelty acts, and even full theatrical productions. Bing Crosby later topped a G.I. poll as the person who’d done the most for G.I. morale, beating out President Roosevelt, General Eisenhower, and Bob Hope. Crosby’s nephew said,

“I ONCE ASKED UNCLE BING ABOUT THE MOST DIFFICULT THING HE EVER HAD TO DO DURING HIS ENTERTAINMENT CAREER… HE SAID IN DECEMBER, 1944, HE WAS IN A USO SHOW WITH BOB HOPE AND THE ANDREWS SISTERS. THEY DID AN OUTDOOR SHOW IN NORTHERN FRANCE… HE HAD TO STAND THERE AND SING ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ WITH 100,000 G.I.S IN TEARS WITHOUT BREAKING DOWN HIMSELF. OF COURSE, A LOT OF THOSE BOYS WERE KILLED IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE A FEW DAYS LATER.”

Bing Crosby was talked about in the 1940s the way we talk about Taylor Swift in the 2020s. A 1945 Life magazine article said,

“AMERICA’S NUMBER ONE STAR, BING CROSBY, HAS WON MORE FANS, MADE MORE MONEY THAN ANY ENTERTAINER IN HISTORY. TODAY HE IS A KIND OF NATIONAL INSTITUTION.”

So it makes sense that the song and the film we most associate with him are so entrenched in our cultural DNA.

Irving Berlin singing aboard USS Arkansas, 1944. By US Govt.

Dramaturgical Notes

It was actually Irving Berlin who first pitched the idea of a movie based on the song in 1948. Paramount Pictures put up $2 million with almost no questions and only took 30% of the film’s proceeds. However, getting there was a bit of a bumpy road. Astaire dropped out after reading the original script, and Crosby nearly stepped away completely after his wife’s death, but he returned in January 1953. Donald O’Connor of Singin’ in the Rain fame was meant to be his new co-star, but he departed due to illness, so finally Danny Kaye was cast.

Since star vehicle projects had scripts that played to the strength of the performer, the script needed to be adjusted for Danny Kaye. However, the new writing team of Melvin Frank and Norman Panama felt the entire script needed to be rewritten. According to Frank, the original script was “the lousiest story” he’d ever heard. Principal photography finally began in September 1953. The film was the first shot using Paramount’s new VistaVision process, a higher resolution, widescreen variant of the 35mm film, with color by Technicolor. Released in 1954, White Christmas became the highest-grossing film of the year.

Back row from left, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby and Vera-Ellen in “White Christmas.” Paramount Pictures.

White Christmas came to the stage in 2004. The adaptation featured a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. The first San Francisco production was directed by Tony®winner Walter Bobbie and starred Brian d’Arcy James and Jeffry Denman. David Ives wrote,

“YOU SEE, DESPITE ITS APPARENT INNOCENCE, WHITE CHRISTMAS IS A SHOW THAT’S ACTUALLY ABOUT SOMETHING. CALL IT COMMUNITY. CALL IT THE TIES THAT BIND. IN THE ARMY, IN SHOW BUSINESS, IN RUNNING AN INN TOGETHER, IN FRIENDSHIP, IN SISTERHOOD, IN “THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS,” THE CHARACTERS OF WHITE CHRISTMAS REALIZE THEIR CONNECTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES TO EVERYONE AROUND THEM.”

While White Christmas is in some ways a reflection of the time it was written (for better or for worse in some cases), the themes Ives highlights are as important today as they were in the 1940s and 50s. The generosity, decency, and selflessness at the heart of this story are not relics of a bygone past nor limited to one season each year. For the next couple of hours, enjoy your stay in what Ives calls, a “world of uncomplicated friendships and simple, open feelings. It’s the world of everyone’s inner Christmas, where Scrooges are transformed and true love comes wrapped as a gift and snow falls when it’s supposed to.”

By Audrey Zielenbach, Dramaturg

Gulfshore Playhouse operates under agreements between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a consortium of regional theatres throughout the nation; Actors Equity Association (AEA), the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States; the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), an independent national labor union; and United Scenic Artists (USA), a union of scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers.

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre, founded in 1985, is a notfor-profit organization serving the musical theatre community. The 165 organizational members and 75 individual members, located throughout 33 states and abroad, are some of the leading producers of musical theatre in the world, and include theatres, presenting organizations, higher education programs and individual producers.

Gulfshore Playhouse is an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.

Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) was founded in 1913 as the first of the American Actor unions. Equity’s mission is to advance, promote and foster the art of theatre as an essential component of our society. Today, Equity represents more than 40,000 actors, singers, dancers and stage managers working in hundreds of theatres across the United States. Equity members are dedicated to working in the theatre as a profession, upholding the highest artistic standards. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions and provides a wide range of benefits including health and pension plans for its members. Through its agreement with Equity, this theatre has committed to the fair treatment of the actors and stage managers employed in this production. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. For more information, visit www.actorsequity.org.

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COLLIER COUNTY CULTURE MEANS BUSINESS.

Pictured: The Cast of Anything Goes. Photo by Matthew Schipper.

Stop by any of our bars for a speciality cocktail, coffee and more.

HAPPY HOUR: ALL DRINKS AND FOOD 25% OFF MONDAY-FRIDAY 2PM-5PM

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Join the Director’s Circle for the 2025-2026 Season!

Your support unlocks unparalleled benefits and ensures that professional theatre and educational programming thrive in Naples.

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Tickets for the Entire Season

Secure your seats for every unforgettable performance!

Extra Tickets for Friends & Family

Share the magic of live theatre with your loved ones.

Concierge Service & Priority Booking

Enjoy personalized assistance and early access to the best seats in the house.

Invitation to Opening Nights

Celebrate the start of each show with cast, crew, and fellow patrons.

Sponsor Dinners & Exclusive Director’s Circle Events

Network and mingle at elegant gatherings curated for our most dedicated supporters.

Access to the Founder’s Lounge

Relax in style with premium amenities before the show and during intermission.

Invitation to Our ‘Art Everywhere’ Trip to London in 2026

Join us on an extraordinary journey celebrating world-class theatre in the heart of London.

YOUR SUPPORT AT THIS LEVEL FUELS THE MAGIC ON AND OFF THE STAGE:

• Bringing world-class professional theatre productions to Naples.

• Offering educational programming that inspires and engages audiences of all ages.

• Become a champion of the arts and help create unforgettable moments for our community.

CONTACT A MEMBER OF OUR ADVANCEMENT TEAM TO JOIN THE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE TODAY AND BE PART OF THE MAGIC!

Gulfshore Playhouse Education provides programs that enhance the lives of students of all ages through transformative theatrical experiences.

THE CONSERVATORY

Pre-professional training through theatre productions, classes, and camps. Available for all ages.

THINKTHEATRE

Designed specifically for our region, this program infuses theatre-based pedagogy with curriculum standards to enhance learning.

ARTREACH

Our community partnership program strengthens the fabric of our region by bringing the transformative power of live theatre and education to communities.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Conservatory students in the Gulfshore Playhouse production of Matilda JR.

Photo by Matthew Schipper.

Youth Education Programs

Winter Programs

STORY EXPLORERS: CANDY LAND (GRADES K-2)

An adventure that is sure to be sweet with our Actors’ Toolbox.

Tuesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 3 at 5:30PM-7:30PM | Tuition: $150

BROADWAY BOOTCAMP: POPSTARS (GRADES 3-5)

Rock out and groove to chart-topping hits!

Tuesdays, Jan. 6-Feb. 3 at 5:30PM-7:30PM | Tuition: $150

BROADWAY BABIES (AGES 2-4)

An introduction to music and creative movement for young children and their caregivers.

Saturdays, Feb. 7-28 at 10:00AM-11:00AM | Tuition: $40 per class, $150 for package

MUSICAL THEATRE ENSEMBLE (GRADES 6-12)

Strengthen your ear for harmony and confidence singing in a group.

Productions

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Feb. 10-26 at 5:00PM-8:00PM | Tuition: $300 (Grades 6-12)

Alice in Wonderland (Grades 1-5)

Performances: November 20-22

Performances: December 12-14, 2025

Spots fill up quicklySCAN HERE TO LEARN MORE

Thank you to Our Annual Donors

Cumulative donations $250+ made between 10/05/2024 and 10/05/2025

SEASON ANGELS

($250,000+)

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SEASON BENEFACTORS

($100,000-$249,000)

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($50,000-$99,999)

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EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS+ ($35,000-$49,999)

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EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

($25,000-$34,999)

Anonymous

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Ann Ratner

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SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

($10,000-$24,999)

Azul Cosmetics and Medical Spa

Barron Collier Companies

Mary & Bob Brown

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Scott & Rebecca Curvey

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Jeanette & Herbert Evert

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Kathleen Glass

Robert Hedgepath and Mark Fanta

Mary & Robert Hoyer

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Jack Miller Family Foundation

Jay & Stuart Kaye

Jennifer & Michael Manley

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Jennifer & David Miller

Peter Moore

Moorings Park Group

John & Barbara Morgan

Ed & Susanne Mullen

Susan Mullin

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Gulf Coast International Properties

Lois & Bruce Selfon

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Roberta & Rodger Taylor

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Nicole Vishio

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Waterside Shops

$5,000-$9,999

2020 Gulf Shore

Judith & Ed Bergauer

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Florida Blue

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Ray Ciccarelli

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Kathleen & William Farley

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Joseph & Leslie Fogg III

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Steve & Jean Thoma

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Julie & Philip Wade

Steve Wexler

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John & Marlene Yasinsky

$2,500-$4,999

Kay Albertie

Gregory & Rosann Anselmi

Tom & Christine Ayoub

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Susan Reimer

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Allen L. Snyder

Joy Spivak

Nancy & Nic Stones

Linda & Ken Sumner

Marilyn Tenzer

Marjorie H. Weaver

Mr. Donald & Harriet Young

$1,000-$2,499

Solot and Karp Family Foundation

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Scott & Lisa Anderson

Kathleen Azzariti

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David Barton

John Baum

Nancy & Glen Bergert

Karen & Gary Biernesser

Carol Bishko

John & Sue Brady

Ian Breusch

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Gina Burton

Frank Caine

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Cindy & Taylor Canada

Norma Carl

Jennifer & Patrick Cassidy

Bob & Moya Chase

Rosemary & Robert Chersi

Shuneui Chun

Paul & Neri Ciccarelli

Sandi & Ed Cleary

Cheryl Coleman

Dominic Constantini

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James & Cynthia Dallas

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Patti Deuster

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Amy & David Duchesneau

Jim Duffy

Gretchen Durkot & Thomas Selwold

Thank you to Our Annual Donors

Kerry Edwards

Janet & Gary Ellis

Jill Evans

Sandra & Raymond Fino

Mr. & Mrs. James Fitzgerald

Patricia & James Ford

Ann & Graham Frank

Christine & Louis Friedrich

John Furanna & Billie Spooner

Mary Gately

Amy Goebel

Susan Gohl

Shirley & Glen H. Gronlund

Iliana Guibert

Mr. William R. Hagman Jr.

Linda Hamburger

Judith Harper

Deirdre & George Harris

Thane & Blanche Hawkins

Jacqueline & Clifford Holland

Hedy & Mark Holmberg

Karin Holmes

Cathy & Brad Horwin

Julia & Robert Jessup

Tom & Carol Joseph

Robert Kaplan

Mike & Jane Kelly

Virginia Kurtzman

Gwen Langley

Patricia & John Leikhim

Gayle Levy & Martin Barber

Marilyn R. Lightner

Amy Louv

Linda Lovisa

Cynthia & Michael Lyster

Richard Macken

W. Anthony Mandour

Rosena Marley

Barbara & William Maron

Tim Martin

Ricki Baker & Steve Mason

Valerie & William McGarry

Hillary & Jim Mcguire

Mehle Family Foundation

Dennis & Kathy Meighan

Deborah Miesel

Marina & Don Miller

Tracie & Gary Miller

Joseph J. Mortellaro

Maryjane Newman

Gregory Otis

Jill Page

Judy S. Palay

Dean Patenaude

Tina Pautz

Ursula Pfahl, Ph.D.

Judy & Dell Pooler

Jeff Quinn

Jim & Jane Ramsland

Anne Noonan & James Rathmann

Karen & Alan Reynolds

Nancy Ribordy

Wendy & Jerry Richman

Amelie Rider

Kathryn Rieger

Thomas Rondinelli

Linda & Frank Russell

Sally Salzer

Carole Sandner

Gina Schaefer

Robert & Karen Scott

Millie & James Sernovitz

Bill Parry & Maureen Silliman

Marc & Karin Skaletsky

Lawrence Smilgius

Garnett & Bitsy Smith

Carol & Ron Sperling

Mary Stapleton

Jane Stark

Colleen Struwas

Thomas & Jeanne Sween

Cat Tieger

Jonathan Unger

Thomas and Sandra Usher

Peter Wall

Scott Weinstein

Brian Wendt

Beverly & John Wernette

William Whelpley & Lorry Ann Cipriano

Michal Wiesler

Nancy Williams

Lou and Bruce Zellner

Judith & Leo Zickler

$500-$999

Dan & Sandy Apple

Jay Benet

David Berg

Cipora Brown & Steve Feiner

Frank Caccamise & June Reeves

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen E. Casey

Marian Chomicz

Eric Cottrell

John DallePezze

Chris Davies

Alan Denton

Laura & Dennis Donovan

Patricia A. Ewers

Gene & Kelly Fernandez

Barbara & Paul Freiberg

Jerri & Dave Hoffmann & The Old Collier Golf Club

Linda Hall

Joe Hildebrandt

Mr. Fred & Kate Jahnig

Daphne Jameson & Jim Schmotter

Erich Jungwirth

Mike & Jane Kelly

Patricia Kennedy

Mr. & Mrs. Bradley A. Kindem

Rikki Klieman

Sue & Steve Kroungold

Susan Layton

Gayle Lipsig

Rashida Loya

Rita Mabli & Patrick Hardiman

Tony Maglione

Jackie & Bill Masterson

David Matter

Julie & West McCann

Patrick McMahon

Burton Meisner & Ann Richard

Julia & Michael Milone

Connie Mockenhaupt

Peg & John Mongiello

Inge Niden

James O’Connor

Pat Petrow

Herbert & Patti Price

Lisa Quetti

Leslie & Andy Rahl

Terry & Arlene Riegel

Kim & Linda Rosenberg

Susan & George Schreiber

Harriet & Stuart Schweitzer

Arline Seeger

Beverly Smith

Ryan Smith

Mary Kaye & Donald J. Sparaco

Wendy Spencer

Harold Trimmer

Elliott & Patti Trumbull

Sharlet Ann Wagner

Lynne Wallace

Paul & Theresa Way

Trudy & Stephen Weisberg

David & Tara Werlich

you to Our Annual Donors

Thank

Anita & William Wright

Nancy Zwiener

$250-$499

Tom Altholz

Ira Berman

Bill & Donna Bradt

Charlotte & Bob Brown

Adrianne & Dennis Cady

Dr. & Mrs. John & Caryl Corbett

Kim Crouse

Frank & Janice Crowley

Joseph & Ann D’Elia

Raymond Dagostino

Anne Depew

Mark Fasold

Dennis & Anne Feen

Jenny & Michael Field

Jame Galbraith

William & Joann Goodman

Lois & Shaun Higgins

Lou & Eva Hoff

Betty Hughes

Amy Iles

David Jacobsen

Charles Kiven

Patricia & Patrick Knipper

Charles Kochakian

Judith Konen

Bob Lauter

Richard Lehrich

Judy Levitt

Lynn P. Libman

Karen Lutz

Teresa Martini

Pat McLaughlin

Amica Companies Foundation

Susan Mulgrew

Ruth & Ronald Mutchnik

Marsha Neece

Muriel & Scott Nichols

David Redlick

John Rice

Kathleen A. Rittner

Jane & Bruce Robert

Sandra & Ronald Roth

Iris & Floyd Shapiro

John Stansell

John Steele

Neil & Mickey Sullivan

Thomas & Raylene Thomsen

Christoper and Nancy Virgulak

Donna and Paul Watson

Daphne Whitman

Lynn Wigton

Alan & Bonnie Ziskin

Thank you to Our Annual Donors

As a not-for-profit theatre, we rely on the generosity of donors whose support ensures our work continues to inspire, entertain, and enrich the community.

The Annual Fund for Artistic Excellence fuels the Gulfshore Playhouse Dream, supporting both our professional theatre season and our educational initiatives. Become a Dream Maker this season with a gift of $5,000 or more to the Annual Fund for Artistic Excellence. You’ll enjoy exclusive benefits such as Founder’s Lounge access, backstage tours, and the satisfaction of knowing your support makes extraordinary theatre possible.

Your support makes you a vital part of the show, transforming our region and changing lives through Gulfshore Playhouse.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR WISH TO MAKE A GIFT?

Contact Chief Advancement Officer, Lisa Halsey at lhalsey@gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call at 239.261.7529 ext. 203.

The cast of the Gulfshore Playhouse production of Sweet Charity Photo by Matthew Schipper.

Our Board of Directors

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Steve Akin

VICE-CHAIR

Rich Struthers

Patty Baker

Jim Bosscher

Kristen Coury

David Drobis

Tim Habbershon

Mitch Hertz

Jenny Housh

Jason Hunter Korn

Pamela Krupka

Vince Maffeo

Sandi Moran

Gerry Moss

Jack Nortman

Tony Panzica

Gail Kern Paster

Susan Regenstein

Rick Rondinelli

Cynthia Scholl

Tennille Sevigny

Ashley Smith

Pat Sweet

Joanne Wyss

EMERITUS

Don J. Gunther

Bob Harden

Dave Wilson

LIFETIME TRUSTEES

Tom Gallagher

Don McCulloch

Our Staff and Leadership

LEADERSHIP

Kristen Coury, CEO & Producing Artistic Director Joel Markus, COO & Managing Director

ARTISTIC

CEO & Producing Artistic Director ................. Kristen Coury

Associate Artistic Director ................................... Dann Dunn

Line Producer ........................................... Audrey Zielenbach

ADMINISTRATION

COO & Managing Director ................................... Joel Markus

Director of Facilities ........................................... Joe Salemme

Maintenance Manager ............................. Julian Pena-Garcia

Director of Events/Food & Beverage ................... Erin Burney

Assistant Events/Food & Beverage Managers ...............................

Jeanette Persails, Crystal Diggs

Executive Assistant ........................................... Sydney Mixon

Administrative Assistant .......................... Hannah Schumacher

FINANCE

Chief Financial Officer ......................................... Joey Rudder

Director of Finance ........................................... Alyson McCoy

Finance Associate ......................................... Maureen Devine

IT Specialist ................................................... Drew Whitcomb

ADVANCEMENT

Chief Advancement Officer .................................. Lisa Halsey

Director of Advancement Events ........................ Sarah Owen

Chief of Staff ................................................. Brandon Horwin

Advancement Officer ............................................ Amy Talbot

Stewardship Managers ......... Mary Hackeloer, Grace Stewart

MARKETING

Chief Marketing Officer .............................. Rachel Applegate

Marketing Manager ........................................ Heidi Overman

Art Director ............................................................. Trevor List

Graphic Designer .......................................... Ashley Martinez

Web Strategist .................................................... Gaston Barua

Patron Services Managers ...................... Meghan Fitzpatrick, Ashleigh Jennings

Patron Services Assistants ....... Zoë Bradshaw, Joan Cannon, Timothy Coryell, Sara Ross, Sabina Valery

EDUCATION

Director of Education ...................................... Steven Calakos

Conservatory Manager ......................................... John Perine

ThinkTheatre Coordinator ...................... Meredith Singleton

ArtReach Coordinator ................................... Frances Barnett

Education Assistant ......................................... Sophie Cooper

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

General Manager ..................................................... Jim Dallas

Company Manager ............................................. Abigail Greer

Assistant Company Manager ................. Chanda Hawthorne

Front of House Manager .......................... Jeremy Bennington

Assistant Front of House Manager ................... Zachary Klein

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Director of Production .............................................. Ray Inkel

Associate Production Manager .................................. Lila Sell

SCENERY

Technical Production Manager ......................... Brooke Oteri

Technical Director - Moran Mainstage ............... John Forton

Technical Director - Struthers Studio .................... Alex Riggs

Scene Shop Supervisor .............................. Anthony Knudson

Stage Supervisor ................................................ Andrew Geier

Carpenters ........................ Tom Gregus, Deborah Samuelson

Scenic Technicians .............. Brian Richards, Chris Williams, Josh Wood

SCENIC ART

Scenic Art Supervisor ........................................... James Allen

Assistant Scenic Arts Supervisor .................. Katherine Burns

Scenic Artists ........................ Larashleigh Wallace, Mish Fink

PROPERTIES

Properties Supervisor ..................................... Jonathan Willis

Assistant Properties Supervisor .................. Gwendolyn Rygg

Properties Artisans .................. Hunter Booth, Maxine Walby

Properties Technician ....................................... Rylee McNeal

LIGHTING

Lighting Supervisor .................................. Elizabeth Knudson

Assistant Lighting Supervisor ............................. Lynn Slutsky

Lighting Technicians ...................... Jaden O’Berry, Ray Ward

Follow Spot Operator ................................... Bryan Magonigal

SOUND

Sound Supervisor .................................................. Owen True

Assistant Sound Supervisor ............................... Max Heyliger

Sound Technicians .................. Emily Parker, Kaleb Pecoraro

COSTUMES

Costume Shop Manager ............................. Jennifer Bronsted

Assistant Costume Shop Manager ................ Elizabeth Eaton

Drapers .......................................... Lana Grant, Sarah Greene

First Hands .................................... Edward Long, Mya Nunez

Wardrobe Supervisor ................................... Marissa Mascolo

Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor ..................... Emma Madden

Wig & Makeup Supervisor ............................... Rebecca Mack

Assistant Wig & Makeup Supervisor .................. Joan Harlow

Costume Technicians ..... Suvonna Bynum, Gabby DePrizio, Astrid Reed-Kennedy

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Stage Management Production Assistants ...... Dylan Gellett, Connor Reilly, Bailey Shea