BY JOHN CARIANI
Welcome home to SEASON 71
We are delighted to welcome you back to our highly regarded 5th Avenue South venue! The first phase of our recent $22 million transformation was completed swiftly and with minimal disruption to our programming, allowing us to continue engaging with our community through the arts while we temporarily relocated for Season 70.
Now that we are back home, I want to welcome you to tour our new facilities, meet our staff, and engage with our passionate and skilled volunteers. The volunteers you see on stage tonight are just a few of the many individuals who contribute to the success of TNP. This is your theater. Explore it, experience it, and should you feel compelled to - please support it. As a community theatre setting the stage for arts accessibility nationwide, we deeply appreciate your patronage and attendance at this evening’s performance.
TICKETS
OUR 71ST SEASON
2024 SHOWS
T HE MUSICA L
NOV 20 - DEC 22
Musical Merriment and Holiday Humor IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORED BY: LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION
YOUTH PRODUCTIONS
IN THE NEW GLASS EDUCATIONAL THEATER
OCT 26 - NOV 03 NOV 09 - NOV 12
JAN 15 - FEB 16
A Comedy of Catastrophic Hilarity IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORED BY: GARAGE DOORS OF NAPLES
FEB 05 - MAR 02
The Evolution of the American Dream IN THE NEW PRICE THEATER SPONSORED BY: NATBANK
MAR 12 - APR 13
A Musical Odyssey of Dreams and Courage IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORED BY: STOCK DEVELOPMENT
APR 02 - APR 27
Powerful and Fearless Females IN THE NEW PRICE THEATER SPONSORED BY: NAPLES AIRPORT AUTHORITY
MAY 07 - MAY 25
It’s Never Too Late To Chase Your Dreams IN THE NEW KIZZIE THEATER SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE!
ACTING UP:
How Theatre Shaped a Childhood On and Off Stage
SABINE RIVERA
Sabine Rivera was just four years old when she first took the stage with The Naples Players, performing in KidzAct’s Nutcracker Goes Pop! For two years, she remained active in KidzAct before taking a brief hiatus, returning in 2018 to participate in a KidzAct performance class. (KidzAct has since evolved into the TNP Academy of Dramatic Arts.)
Sabine appearing in 42nd Street Teen
In the spring of 2023, Sabine made her debut with TNP’s adult ensemble, performing as a member of the von Trapp family in the classic musical The Sound of Music. For her, it was a pivotal moment—a chance to step into the “big leagues” as she found herself auditioning alongside kids she had once shared the stage with in KidzAct. “I love auditioning!” exclaims Sabine. “It’s such a vulnerable process. You’re trying so hard to impress, but that’s when I feel the most confident. In acting, you can become anyone you want. Theatre has helped me realize who I am as a person—how my mind works. I’m analytical; I need to understand not just what happens next, but how we’ll get there.”
Outside of her commitments to TNP Academy, Sabine is also heavily involved in the theatre program at Naples High School, where she serves as Assistant Director for this fall’s production. Her leadership journey began as a freshman when she assumed the demanding role of Stage Manager for three shows: a responsibility typically re-
served for more experienced students. By her sophomore spring, she finally stepped into the spotlight as a performer.
Earlier this year, Sabine found herself back for more at TNP. She auditioned for Almost, Maine and was cast as Ginette. Preparing for the role required intense focus as she dove deep into her character’s nuances and relationships. In rehearsals, which began in late August, she quickly learned how each scene’s dynamics evolved within the play’s series of mini-acts. Finally, the cast began running the show without interruptions—a thrilling moment for Sabine.
“This has been an incredible experience,” Sabine shared. “Being so young compared to the other cast members feels a little surreal at times, but they always comment on my maturity and treat me as a peer. I’m just one of them. They’re a lot of fun to work with.”
Reflecting on her early days with TNP, Sabine credits her first production class (classes which culminate in a full show performance) with giving her the confidence to become more outgoing. “I used to be nervous about talking to people. Now, I can easily strike up conversations with strangers. My confidence has grown so much through my experiences with TNP. These last 10 months have been the biggest for my personal growth. I’m super hardworking. I might not always be the best, but I keep improving. I just love being there. People notice me, push me to get better—they support me in singing, dancing, and acting.”
When she is not on stage, Sabine is equally passionate about lending a hand behind the scenes. “I love being backstage and knowing about things the audience will never see.” Her roles behind the scenes have allowed her to gain experience and skills in the roles of Assistant Stage Manager, Production Assistant, part of the show run crew.
Sabine is passionate about sharing her love for TNP with her friends, frequently encouraging them to audition or volunteer.
As Sabine looks ahead to graduation, she’s in the midst of researching and applying to colleges. She’s been fortunate to receive guidance from TNP staff on theatre programs across the country, and is especially grateful that Cole Butcher, TNP’s Production Stage Manager—whom she greatly admires—has offered to write her letters of recommendation. No matter where Sabine’s journey takes her next, it’s clear she’ll continue to grow both personally and professionally, on and off the stage.
Sabine performing in her debut with TNP’s adult ensemble, as a member of the von Trapp family in The Sound of Music.
The quality of TNP’s productions is unmatched. It’s a welcoming environment, and the people here are amazing. They make everyone feel comfortable, even if they’re new.
– SABINE RIVERA
READERS THEATRE @ TNP
What is Readers Theatre? Readers Theatre performances are a much more intimate and relaxed experience for the audience and performers. They feature a series of both full-length and one-act plays, dramas, and classic works performed with scripts in hand and without props or costumes. Performances are an evening of play readings chosen, directed, and cast by the volunteer Readers Theatre committee. We welcome you to join us at one of these future performances. Tickets are $25 each and available at the Box Office or online.
SATURDAY NOV 9
7:30 P.M.
SUNDAY NOV 10 2 P.M.
A new musical full of love and warmth as Scrooge reveals his true history and how he came to be his present self.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24
7:30 P.M.
Five one-act plays highlighting the challenges, beauty, and hilarity of family relationships..
VISUALIZING
During our 70th season in 2023-2024, we relocated our entire operation off-site to complete the $22 million renovation project that you’re sitting in now. It would have beeen easier to close our doors for a season, but the shift into offsite locations helped broaden our reach and expand our offerings to an even wider audience within our community.
PERFORMANCES
100%
175 performances
25,783 tickets sold 85% of all shows sold out held off-site due to renovations
EDUCATION & ACCESS
6,322 participants
46 community partners
276 Arts Access classes
1,876 hours of instruction
VOLUNTEERS
30+
509 volunteers
50,716 hours logged positions for volunteers both on and off stage
OUR IMPACT
I have been truly amazed at the fantastic job TNP did this year in providing a full season of entertaining and moving productions even with the circumstances of construction and off-site venues TNP faced.
- KEVIN KENNEALLY, TNP PATRON
91% Programs & Operations
Fundraising & Administration EXPENSES
9%
REVENUES
Ticket Sales (27%)
Program Fees (10%)
Concessions & Misc (4%)
Individual Donors (42%)
Grants & Corporate Sponsorships (17%)
CELEBRATING OUR DONORS
AUGUST 1 - OCTOBER 1, 2024
Please join us in thanking these donors who gave between August 1, 2024 and October 1, 2024. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage.
Anonymous
Janina & Kal Birtolo
David Bosley
Robert Brady & Kathleen Callahan
Richard Darer
Zoya Demidenko
Richard DiChiara
Janet Dinsmore
Terrance Doyle
Karen & Ed Ezrine
Suzette Fernandes
Mark Fossee
Susan Gibbons
Shelley Gothard
Patricia Holt
Philip & Laurie Hooker
John F. Houton
Debbie Rockwell Iamarino
Terri Jenstad
Kip Jones
Emily Kaczynski
Kevin C. Kenneally
Judith Anne Kintz
Richard & Joan Lancellot
Terry Libby
Andrea Lukens
Monica Layne McMahon
Lillian Melchner
Deborah Miesel
Jackie Mortman
Elena Motuzko
Shelly NeJame
The Naples Players observes a fiscal year that runs from January 1 - December 31 of the calendar year, and includes gifts that support our operating budget. Capital Campaign donors are greatly appreciated, and their gifts are honored in publications specifically related to the progress of the campaign.
Lisa Karen Nichols
Patricia A. Paramito
Dr. William Pearson
Richard & Cindi Porto
Cara Posey
Sue Rapanos
Bill Rossi
Manuel Roubicek
Victoria Roubicek
Elizabeth Rountree
Richard Seidel
RECENT DONOR APPRECIATION
Bill Shade & John Pochopin
Kateri P. Spinella
Ted Stine
Lynne Vela
Anita & Bill Wright
Stephen Zaborowski
NOW THROUGH DEC. 31
Thanks to the generosity of Henry Price, T.Bill, and Linda Mizeur - the first $50,000 donated between now and December 31, 2024 will be doubled for the holidays!
TO PARTICIPATE: Scan the code or take a remit envelope from the Box Office on your way out.
Only 27% of our earned revenue this past season was from ticket sales?
Yet, 91¢ of every $1 donated goes directly to our programs and operations.
Please consider making a gift today. Thank you.
Thank You TO OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS
This past season 591 volunteers donated 50,715 hours to making Season 70 a success!
Season 70 echoed of days past when The Naples Players staged performances in schools, churches, and living rooms simply to keep the arts alive when they were between facilities or without a home base of their own.
Despite being in several locations across Naples, one thing remained united - our dedicated volunteer base .
Thank you to these amazing volunteers who continued to give of their time and talents this past season. We could not have done it without you.
500+ HOURS
JamieLynn Bucci
Jody Cameron
Jillian Keith
Hannah Klein
Sydney Miller
Gia Provinzino
Patricia Puia
Matthew Schwabauer
David Shaffer
Vanessa Tarabocchia
Michael Troop
Aseem Upadhyay
Lorelai Vega
Jack Weld
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
2023-2024 SEASON
250 - 499 HOURS
Gwen Bettini
Brian Boland
Jules Branche
Rex Burns
Joseph Byrne
Braxton Cabrera
Jack Cole
Christian Conn
Kelsey Coss
Jordan Crawford
Scott Davis
100-249 HOURS
Jean Acker
Jo Ellen Atkinson
Pamela Austin
Emilie Baartman
Jane Ballurio
Lisa Bill
Alyssa Bradshaw
Beverly Canell
Hildegard Carney
Patti Caroli
Nathaniel Caruso
Tina Cedras
McKenna Cloud
Brayden Cloud
Sophia Condit
James Corsica
Aldo D’Acunzo
Alanna Dachille
Maria Delvillar
Christian Dinsmore
Victoria Duck
Jake Fattibene
Frankie Federico
Joseph Femia
Marcus Fuller
Sarah Gamblin
Austin Gardner
Jordan Gersbach
Carolina Grau
Riley Hart
Ed Ezrine
Elizabeth Feins
Elizabeth Fincher
Stephanie Fowle
Mitch Frank
Shelley Gothard
Debra Gulinello
Lisa Gunn
Tammy Harris
Jennifer Hart
Marilyn Hilbert
Denise Hoeflich
Madeleine Howe
Ruth Johnson
Kip Jones
John Kamp
Giszelle Kirton
Val Kuffel
Joan Laughlin
Nancy Hayer
Jeannine Hedberg
Amy Hughes
Damian Ivanov
Ashley Kosten
Olivia LaChance
Jennifer Mance
Elizabeth Marcantonio
Eduardo Marin
Lila Mastro
Alex Minarik
Steve Lee
Sandy LoPresti
Russel Loyet
Madison Mance
Ray Marasco
John McKerrow
Yuliana Mercado
Dan Miller
Sydney Mixon
Linda Mizeur
Tina Moroni
Abigail Nelson
Adriann Philby
Ella Provinzino
Sue Rapanos
Victoria Rinaldi
Sabine Rivera
Erica Sample-Fasano
Andrew Sarkozy
Adler Monpremier
Kelly Rossberg
Roseann Ruggiero
Judy Scribner
Jean Snyder
Fredley Sylvain
Kenny Tran
Ciarán Welch
Cynthia Sepich
Jane Shub
Jeff Smith
Esther Snyder
Anthony Soto
Lynnelle St. Albord
Andrea Tanner
Mary Taylor
Anna Tipton
Joseph Townsend
Lauren Turner
Mark Vanagas
Lynne Vela
Lindsey Walsh
Mary Jane Wann
Rachel Weiner
Nancy Woolf
Continued on page 20>
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
2023-2024
SEASON
25-99 HOURS
Evan Abram
Lloyd Adams
Kimberly Albrecht
Dorothy Allard
Robin Bache Gray
Dianne Bacon
Melody Bales
Chloe Bayer
Maureen Beirne
Leo Benander-McKay
Maddy Benner
Emir Bilen
Gregg Birr
Judi Bloom
Jack Bosley
Solei Bourgeois
Maddie Brendel
Brad Brenner
Kathryn Buchwald
Maria Burri
Ernst Burri
Judith Buruk
Cole Butcher
Giselle Cairney
Samantha Calero
Emily Cameron
Robert Cappetta
Justine Carlson
Victor Caroli
Kristin Cassidy
Margot Cassinelli
Melanie Chiani
Zoe Ciabaton
Tucker Claremont
Alison Claremont
Juliet Clayton
Casey Cobb
Ian Cocklin
Katharine Condit
William Condit
Grace Condit
Katie Cross
Lillian Cuoco
Thomas Currie
Richie Davies
Barbara Davin
Douglas Degelsmith
L.A. DeRiggi
Kathleen Devitt
Hannah Diamond
Joan DiLillo
Samantha Dooney
Olivia Dooney
Richard Dougherty
James Duggan
Ken Eastlack
Emma Eastman
Nathan Eichhorn
Devan Elliott
Rosemary Erb
Frankie Fasano
John Feliciano
Jacob Feltman
Patti Ferguson
Linda Fikes
Suri Finch
Lily Fletcher
Daniella Flom
Conner Foley
Cooper Foley
Valeska Frailing
Alexander Garciarena
Maria Gil
Dennis Glass
Alexandria Goenner
Chloe Gorgas
Betsy Greenblatt
Cynthia Haas
Ella Hamblen
Jon Hart
Shakeem Harvey
Ed Heckert
Arlene Heiselman
Cynthia Hile
Jesse Hughes
Luke Jaconis
Megan Jimenez
Charlene Josselyn
Scott Kadera
Robert Kasler
Rachel Kastner
Sandra Keeler
Paula Keenan
Kevin Kenneally
Maya Kleinsorge
Ralph Krumins
Frances Lang
Barbara Laub
Zanna Lawson
Melanie Leach
Melany Leon
Nicole Letendre
Cassie Letendre
Kathie Lewis
Terry Libby
James Little
Sofia Lugo
Mike Malat
Cindy Malley
Maria Marko
Mary Kate Masterson
Christine Mastrangelo
Diane Mastroianni
Lisa Mathe
Kay Mayr
Harry McCartney
Mary Anne McKerrow
Nicholas Mehler
Elizabeth Mehler
Scarlett Meinert
Diane Melino
Linda Miller
Tracie Miller
Jim Mizeur
Peggy Monson
Moira Moser
Dougherty
Lucy Mullin
Jacob Myny
Lena Neal
Keegan Novinski
Susan O’Brien
Luc Olazabal
Gavin Ott
Adriana Parodi
James Pease
Shelley Perry
David Peterson
Matias Piscoya
Fernandez
Maureen Place
Emma Podolak
Patricia Pollak
Ollie Posey
Marie Prasek
Grey Purtle
Ricardo Rago
Jerry Rannow
Lynda Reymann
Nancy Ribordy
Brittany Rincon
Claudia Rioles
Ellen Rodwick
Kathleen Rogers
Terry Rohler
Emerson Roschek
Annie Rosemond
Tracy Rosen
Maria Rozo
Shawn Ryan
Christine Sadry
Gia Sanchez
Juliet Sanchez
Michael Santos
Sophie Sawyer
Sadie Scardino
Meg Schelling
Max Schnorbach
William Shade
Sophia Siciliano
Olivia Silverio
Christiane Simmons
Judy Smith
Denise Smith
Carolyna Sotuyo
Cynthia Spanier
Rocco Swem
Sharon Swinton
Aiden Thayer
Bruce Thompson
Virginia Thompson
Candi Tipton
Norman Toback
Colton Townsend
Sharon True
Malena Tucker
Robert Uek
Caylee Valencia
Bianca Varetto
Carole Vasiloff
Alessa Vazquez
Julian Vitelli
Ivana Vivar
Jasmine Vizena
Renee Vrehas
Gabriele Weger
Kenneth Wetcher
David Whalley
Ryan Wheeler
Bealey Cate White
Ava Williams
Nicholas Young
Lynne Young
Yelena Yurinets
Kathryn Zagel
Sylvia Abboud
Terry Abraham-Whalley
Ethan Abram
Kathy Abrams
Romina Alezard
Leonard Allen
Kelly Altemier
Linda Altemus
Patrick Ashton
Karly Atkinson
Katherine Baer
John Ballurio
Joel Banow
Tom Baranowski
Sharon Baranowski
Rick Barnard
Kathleen Barney
Maureen Bartholomew
Christopher Baucom
Veronica Benages
Carin Benford
Jennifer Benner
Mollie Berman
Robert Berman
Suzan Berman
Marcia Bermel
Brian Bermel
Daniela Bermudez
Theresa Bill
Janina Birtolo
Maximus Bogert
Samantha Bogert
Reily Boland
Joanie Borbely
Rebecca Borchardt
Tammy Bourgeois
Nancy Bourke
Maikel Bover
Andrea Bramante
Remy Branstetter
Marlene Bridge
David Burns
Alex Butler
Jessica Cameron
Layla Capone
Bella Carrillo
Janice Caruso
Pamela Caruso
Jude Caruso
Steven Caruso
Michelle Cassinelli
Jennifer Castricone
Lisa Chiesa
Joan Cicconetti
Luke Claremont
Carol Clarke
Casey Cobb
Sylvia Conger
Sydney Conn
Maggie Cosgrove
Terry Cosgrove
Veronica Cossetta
Margo Crupi
Lucy Davisson
Ted DeGroot
Debbie Delgado
Cathy DeMartis
Peter DeMartis
Travis Depanicis
Deja Rice Diapella
Kathleen Donelli
Lora Donia
Dolph Dunn
Suzanne Eastman
Kara Eisenga
Vivienne Engelmann
Margot Escott
Lisa Evancho
Julie Ewing
Karen Ezrine
Christine Farrell
Carole Fenstermacher
Noemi Fernandez
Aubrey Finch
Melissa Flom
Ava Foley
Karen Foltz
Ian Forbes
Linnea Fraser
Linda Friis
Devin Gales
Ashley Garcia
Karen Garrett
James Gayeuski
Cheryl Ghauri
Alan Giertych
Heather Goenner
David Golya
Bruce Graev
John Graf
Sally Greene
Becka Gurevich
Candace Haddad
Donna Haggett
Larry Harrison
Chanda Hawthorne
Patricia Heckert
James Heffernan
Emily Hendrick
Corey Hernandez
Cliff Hogen
Leona Hogen Curzi
Jackie Indriago
Vera James
John Jensen
Alexis Johnson
Maria Joyce
Thomas Juday
Fabiola Justiniano
Stacy Kastner
Kristina Kavalov
Debron Keller-Mc-
cartney
Sue Kemp
Barbara King
Melissa King
Kathleen Kolacz
Sally Kosten
Elinor Koury-Waskevich
Nancy Kumskis
Regina Kunkle
Pat Lake
Mary Lalley
John Lane
Jill Lane
Jacque Laughlin
Dessie Leff
Helane LePort
Patricia Leyhe
Landon Libbey
Erika Lingertat
Joseph Loiacono
Alice LoPresti
Paul LoPresti
Jace Loznak
Sarah Ma
Brett Mance
Ethan Marlow
Sheryl Martin
MaryAnne Mascolo
Taryn Masterson
Diana Mayette
William Mayr
Patricia McAlevey
Debron McCartney
Bob McCormick
Michele McGinnis
Jill McKay
Catherine McKeone
Mary Ellen McNamara
Sandy Meadows
Robert Medeiros
Grace Medeiros
Heidi Merendino
Gary Miller
Debera Millstein
John Miranda
Tom Mitchell
Christina Mona
Jackie Morelisse
Rosemary Nardone
Sue Nathanson
Craig Nayhouse
Kevin Nestor
Paula Nizzardo
Roberta Norin
Carol Norkus
Norbert Norkus
Meg Northrop
Helena Novak
Andrew O’Connor
Joellen Oberle
John Otis
Nora Ousley
Karen Partridge
Monique Pascual
Floriana Pellegrini
Chante Pemberton
Juan Penaloza
Maria Pentakis
Adriann Philby
Summer Pliskow
Susan Polastri
Patricia Pollak
Ron Porter
Jaedyn Procacci
Isabella Ragsdale
Deloris Rannow
Robert Rath
Tom Rex
Marie Rhatigan
Cathie Ricciardo
Brenda Rice
Stephen W Rioles
David Rojas
Avery Roschek
Susan Roseliep
Donna Rotella
Charles Rotella
Don Salamack
Anthony Sanchez
Jennifer Sancton
George Santos
Susan Kay Sawyer
Rich Scarlato
Lynn Scarlato
Mary Schroeck
Alicia Schwartz
Sheila Seats
Carole Sharp
Iris Shur
Jessica Shwedel
Donna Sidoti
Judith Smith
Mahlon Stacy
Michael Stanek
Marlene Strollo
Kathy Taylor
Marcelo Tebet
Jay Terzis
Charisse Thomas
Deb Thompson
Richard Tienhaara
Jennifer Tikka
Delilah Tucker
Anabella Urban
Michele Vaira
Deborah Van Maele
Lynne Vannelli
Carolyn Velechko
Jason Wagaman
Debra Ward
Kelley Watson
Joanne Weber
Jackie Weiner
Linda Wertheim
Thomas White
Tom Wilde
Barbara Williams
Peggy Williams
Joan Wilson
Nancy Woodward
Carly Zeuner
Pablo Zuniga
ALMOST, MAINE
AUTHOR JOHN CARIANI
DEVELOPED BY
THE CAPE COD THEATRE PROJECT
PROFESSIONAL PREMIERE PRODUCTION: PORTLAND STAGE COMPANY, ANITA STEWART, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, TAMI RAMAKER, MANAGING DIRECTOR.
ORIGINALLY PRODUCED IN NEW YORK BY JACK THOMAS/BULLDOG THEATRICAL AND BRUCE PAYNE
DIRECTOR ROSEANN RUGGIERO
SCENIC DESIGNER
BAILEY M c CLURE-FRANK United Scenic Artists, Local 829
SOUND DESIGNER BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN
ORIGINAL MUSIC BY JULIAN FLEISHER
STAGE MANAGER ESTHER SNYDER
COSTUME DESIGNER GWEN BETTINI
PROPERTIES DIRECTOR AMY HUGHES
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER ANNA TIPTON
LIGHTING DESIGNER CHRIS RILEY
DRAMATURGS RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
16 - NOVEMBER 10, 2024
ALMOST, MAINE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)
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: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protectingartists
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
CAST
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
WAITRESS, GAYLE ...............................................................................................
PHIL, MAN ................................................................................................................
STEVE, DAVE ...................................................................................................
PETE, JIMMY ............................................................................................................
LENDALL ..................................................................................................................
SANDRINE, MARVALYN, RHONDA ................................................................
GLORY, DEENA, MARCI .........................................................................................
EAST ..................................................................................................................
GINETTE ................................................................................................................
SHELLY, HOPE ........................................................................................................
ACTS & SCENES
PROLOGUE
ACT 1
SCENE 1: Her Heart
SCENE 2: Sad and Glad
SCENE 3: This Hurts
SCENE 4: Getting It Back
15 MINUTE INTERMISSION
INTERLOGUE
ACT 2
SCENE 5: They Fell
SCENE 6: Where It Went
SCENE 7: Story of Hope
SCENE 8: Seeing the Thing
EPILOGUE
PLACE
Various locales in Almost, Maine, a small town in far Northern Maine that isn’t actually a town and that doesn’t quite exist.
TIME
Not too long ago-or maybe a long time ago-on a cold,
BRIAN MUNIZ
VERONICA OSTROSKI
JUDITH SANTOS
MICHAEL SANTOS
SABINE RIVERA
JACKIE WEINER
CREW
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER .................................................................................. ANNA TIPTON
INTIMACY COORDINATOR ....................................................................................... COLE BUTCHER
BOARD OPERATOR ................................................................................................... NANCY HAYER
PROPERTIES ......................................................
ROSEANN RUGGIERO, JUDITH SANTOS, MIKE SANTOS
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE ......................................................................... GWEN BETTINI
SCENIC CONSTRUCTION ................................................
SERGIO DUQUE, ED EZRINE, TAMMY HARRIS, SANDY KEELER, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, JOE FEMIA, RAY MARASCO, TRACY ROSEN, JEFF SMITH, MARY TAYLOR, MICHAEL TROOP, ELLEN VAYNER, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG
LIGHTING / ELECTRICIANS ............................................
ALYSSA BRADSHAW, MARIAH CRUTCHFIELD
SPECIAL THANKS TO JEFF KNAPP
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Almost, Maine is a magical place - and at the same time, it is no place special. While you are visiting you will witness a place filled with love in all its permutations and combinations. You will bear witness to love beginning, love ending, love growing, love fading. And isn’t that life itself? We all look for love, and if we look hard enough, we always find it. Sometimes that does not happen in the way we expect, but love is truly all around us. Love can be found in every smile we exchange, in every lesson we share, every hug we give, every star we wish upon, every gift we give and receive. It has been a thrill to work with all the talented artists whose love of costumes, sets, lights, and sound has helped create ALMOST, MAINE. It has been my pleasure to guide this talented cast through this journey of love. This has truly been a “labor of love.” Now it is our chance to share our love with you. So, sit back and come along on our journey. We hope you enjoy your time in Almost, Maine.
A BOY FROM MAINE WRITES Almost, Maine
It should come as no surprise that actor and playwright John Cariani was born in a small New England town and moved to Presque Isle, Maine near the border of New Brunswick, Canada, when he was eight years old. In true Maine fashion, Cariani was never quite considered a local because he wasn’t born there, but because he had arrived as a child, he was considered to be “almost from Maine.” What’s probably more surprising is that Cariani began as a history major at Amherst College before moving to New York as an actor at the “advanced” age of twenty-seven.
Still, it didn’t take long for him to establish himself as an actor, both on television as forensic expert Julian Beck in Law & Order, and then as a Tony-nominated Broadway actor for his role as Motel the tailor in the 2004 revival of Fiddler on the Roof. Shakespearean roles, parts in major musicals like Something Rotten! and The Music Man American classics like Bus Stop followed.
At the same time, Cariani also began to make his mark as a playwright, starting with Almost, Maine’s premiere in 2004. He has since gone on to write three more plays, but it is his first play that continues to draw attention and new productions around the country.
It’s not a bad resume for that boy from a small town New England.
John Cariani
PRESQUE ISLE, MAINE
Al most ,
The Naples Players – SWFL’s Favorite Local Theatre.
Photo: Naples Creative.
Early in John Cariani’s Almost, Maine, two characters discuss the idea that although they are physically close to each other, they are also - mathematically speaking - at two points on the globe that are as far apart as possible. It’s a good metaphor for one of the central themes of the play: That love takes us from where we are, changes us, and leaves us in a new place. Cariani’s characters come to understand that who they are is really a combination of who they think they are and who other people think they are.
In fact, every scene in the play is about love - gaining it, losing it, finding it in unexpected places, and not finding it where it once was. And all of this love is a work in progress. Like the northern lights referred to throughout the play, love is in constant motion.
And like the northern lights, experiencing love can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, extraordinary in its beauty, but sometimes just out of our reach.
All of which means that the people who live in Almost, Maine have to be brave enough to take the risk of falling in love - under standing that it can bring us elation, but also loss; fulfillment, but also emptiness. Like those characters from the show’s begin ning, Almost, Maine’s residents learn that love can bring us together while making us feel as far apart as possible - all at the same time.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
TINA
CIRAKOVIC (Waitress, Gayle) As an avid enjoyer of the arts, I have been involved in many different programs both in Naples and internationally. I studied fine arts in Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia under the tutelage of Danmir Savic, as well as assisting him in his atelier. I was a member of the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Naples Orchestra and Chorus as a cellist, while also volunteering by performing for various events alongside my mother Bianca Cirakovic, who is an accomplished violinist as well as a realtor. I was also involved with Opera Naples and the Gulfshore Opera as a mezzo-soprano, and have acted in short films during my studies abroad with Shanghai University.
SCOTT DAVIS (Phil, Man) is active in various theater groups in Florida and Michigan. Scott is thrilled to be returning to the TNP after playing Hucklebee in The Fantasticks. Recent roles with TNP include singing in the choir for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, various characters in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, and Vicomte de Nanjac/Phipps in An Ideal Husband . Scott’s recent stage credits include Bunsen/ Disney’s Newsies with Michigan’s Grosse Pointe Theatre. Scott is a speech-language pathologist and owns his own company. “Shout out to the director Roseann for her directorial debut. Love to mom and Tim, my biggest fans.”
NATHAN EICHHORN (Steve, Dave) debuting in 2019 in The Great Gatsby, Nathan has performed with The Naples Players in several shows including A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder and Mary Poppins. Nathan is incredibly grateful to be performing with an amazing cast in Almost, Maine and exploring this wonderful story of love and all the magical ways it can shape and be shaped by us.
TOM GREGUS (Pete, Jimmy) is excited to make his return to the stage and his Naples Players debut for this production of Almost, Maine! While Tom was in college, he performed as The Second Man/The Visit and Lawrence/The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and he became an actor combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. After graduating from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina in 2023, Tom moved down to Naples to work as a carpenter for Gulfshore Playhouse. When he isn’t around the theater, Tom is found playing games with friends, making music, and singing karaoke.
BRIAN MUNIZ (Lendall) is elated to be working with The Naples Players on Almost, Maine. This is his debut! In his free time, Brian enjoys exploring Southwest Florida’s parks and trails, rugby, building Lego, and hanging with friends. He wants to thank his family for all their love.
VERONICA OSTROSKI (Sandrine, Marvalyn, Rhonda) is a director, actor, and teaching artist delighted to be in her first production at TNP. Naples has become her home base but her work often takes her up to NYC and Nashville. Select credits: Seussical Jr. (Gulfshore Playhouse); La Musica Deuxieme (A/Park Productions); Neighborhood 3, Fefu and Her Friends (ASDS Rep). Complete resume and credits at veronicaostroski.com
JUDITH GANGI SANTOS (Glory, Deena, Marci) is thrilled to be part of Almost, Maine and back on the TNP stage. You can also catch Judith performing with Stage 2 Improv, which she co-owns with her talented husband, Mike Santos. Favorite credits include: Gwen/Rapture, Blister, Burn (The Naples Players, 2018); Lorna/Dead Accounts (The Naples Players, 2017); and Babe/Queen of Bingo (Island Players, 2012). Judith dedicates her performance to her husband who always has her heart.
MICHAEL SANTOS (East) Originally from Upstate New York, Michael has called Naples home for 21 years now. Favorite credits from TNP include: Paul/Barefoot in The Park; Jane/Edgar/The Mystery of Irma Vep; Richard/The 39 Steps; Doug/June and Jason’s Survival Guide to Divorce; Remnar/Escanaba in da Moonlight ; and Colonel Mustard/Clue. You can also see him and his amazing wife, Judith (who always has his heart), performing improv comedy with Stage 2 Improv, which they own together.
CAST BIOS
SABINE RIVERA (Ginette) is a senior at Naples High School and is beyond excited to be in Almost, Maine! She is thrilled to be part of the first cast to perform in the new Price Studio Theater! Favorite past roles include Louisa/The Sound of Music, Evie/ Disney’s The Descendants, Gladys/42nd Street Teen, Shylock/Something Rotten! Teen, Ensemble/TNP Reopening Extravaganza, and many others. At school, Sabine has worked as the Stage Manager since freshman year, and is now the Assistant Director this fall. She would like to thank her mom for her continued love and support in everything Sabine does and for always being there for her. Enjoy the show!
JACKIE WEINER (Shelly, Hope) has lived on Marco since 2018, during which time she has been involved in several plays at TMP, ACT, and The Naples Players. Since moving to the US from England 30 years ago, Jackie has worked in numerous theater productions both on and off stage. Some favorite roles include Titania/A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Barbara/Run for Your Wife and TNP’s production of Calendar Girls as Cora. Jackie is thrilled to have become a part of the Marco Island/Naples Community, and so excited to be in the new Price Theater! When she is not on stage Jackie is a manager at the Bargain Basket Thrift Store, working alongside local community volunteers helping those in need, where she has met and made many wonderful caring friends. Thank you to Roseann and TNP for this wonderful opportunity to work and play in paradise, and to my family for all of their support, especially Larry (my rock - you keep my feet on the ground through the toughest times). Cannot forget to mention that my favorite role now is “Nanny” to my little granddaughter Ryleigh.
Name a seat, leave a legacy!
Don’t miss out on this chance to have yourself or a loved one memorialized as an important part of our arts-loving community by naming a seat in our Kizzie, Price, or Glass Theaters.
Hundreds of thousands of patrons, volunteers, and other guests will pass through our newly renovated theater, and your name will be evidence of your dedication to the arts and TNP for years to come.
Seats range from $500 to $5,000 based on location.
The highest honor an artistic leader can receive, serving as a lasting tribute to the donor - or person whom the donor may wish to honor. This champion of the arts will have their name listed in every playbill, news article, or opportunity where the Artistic Director is listed, as well as annual dinners and invites with the Artistic Director.
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
GWEN BETTINI (Costume Designer) is excited for the opportunity to be the costume designer of her first play with The Naples Players. Gwen is a Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) educated clothing designer, professional seamstress, and retired small business owner who ‘fell into’ costume design while her children were in school. This led to 11 years as the Costume Director for the Warwick Valley Middle School in New York. Once moving to Naples, she found an outlet for her passion by volunteering with TNP beginning in August 2022. It has been a pleasure working with the creative and supportive crew at The Naples Players, director Roseann, and the very talented cast of Almost, Maine. Gwen would like to thank Mollie and Dot for giving her this great opportunity. Gwen would also like to thank her husband, Bill, for his constant encouragement; and her daughter, Emily, for designing the “Moose Paddy” T-shirt costume.
AMY HUGHES (Props Manager/Scenic Designer) is excited to be propping such an amazing production. Amy is mostly known for her credits on stage in shows such as Marian/The Music Man and Mona/Chicago. She is so excited to step into the role of a lifetime as the properties director for The Naples Players and looks forward to an amazingly creative future.
BAILEY McCLURE-FRANK (Scenic Designer) Currently an Asst. Professor of Scenic and Properties Design at the University of West Georgia, Bailey has worked on everything from film and television to Broadway and live events. Her most recent projects include Scenic Designer for cullud wattah (Suzi Bass Nominated); Associate Scenic Designer for Between The Lines, an Off-Broadway show (NYC); and designing a variety of educational productions in her new role as Professor. She has also worked on Seasons 46 thru 49 on Sesame Street in the Art Department and a number of other TV shows throughout the years.
CHRIS RILEY (Lighting Designer) is the Director of Lighting and is excited to be finishing out his first season with The Naples Players. He was the lighting intern for TNP during the 2018-2019 season, where he designed shows including Annie JR, Guys and Dolls, and Lost in Yonkers. Since returning to The Naples Players, he’s worked on shows like The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Fantasticks, and Harvey. He’s so happy to once again be on the team, and can’t wait to work on many more shows.
ROSEANN RUGGIERO (Director) After directing for over 25 years in the NY/NJ area, Roseann is thrilled to be making her TNP directing debut with Almost, Maine. Aside from being in multiple shows at TNP as a performer, she was previously Assistant Director for Boeing, Boeing and directed for Readers Theatre. In the NY/NJ area Roseann has directed every type of show from American drama classics to musicals to children’s theatre. Roseann wishes to thank every collaborator on this project for sharing their gifts to make this show as magical as she had dreamed.
ESTHER SNYDER (Stage Manager) has loved her time spent under the northern lights - and hopes to one day see them for herself! By day, Esther is TNP’s Executive Assistant. Almost, Maine is her tenth SM credit, and the inaugural show in the new Price Theater; an honor she’s thrilled to have. Esther recently starred in It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play and propped The Dining Room. She thanks the designers and the many TNP volunteers for their work on this production, whether they be onstage or off. I’ll meet y’all at the Moose Paddy, cast!
ANNA TIPTON (Assistant Stage Manager) fell in love with theatre when as a child she watched The Miracle Worker at her community theatre in Crown Point, Indiana. Her credits with TNP include Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat! (Running Crew) and 42nd Street (Assistant Stage Manager). She’s delighted to be working on this production of Almost, Maine and hopes that everyone who sees it will come away with a heart full of love.
BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN
(Sound Designer) holds a BFA in Theatre: Design & Technical Production and Theatre: Stage Management from Western Michigan University. Originally hailing from Michigan, he has found a home at The Naples Players here in Florida, where he has been an integral part of the team since 2013. Throughout his tenure, Brad has contributed his expertise to numerous productions, witnessing TNP’s remarkable growth over the years. Outside of the theater, Brad takes to the skies as a pilot, embarking on adventures to explore new areas of Florida. Alternatively, you might spot him strolling with his furry companion Malone, a delightful Cocker Spaniel mix who is well aware of just how adorable he is. Brad’s multifaceted interests and dedication to the arts underscore his dynamic enthusiasm as he eagerly looks forward to the future of TNP.
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STAFF & LEADERSHIP
2024-2025 SEASON
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PEGGY MONSON President
ALAN JAFFE Executive Vice President
OTTO IMMEL Secretary
BOB UEK Treasurer
DENNY GLASS Immediate Past President
TNP STAFF (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
BRYCE ALEXANDER Executive Artistic Director/CEO
MOLLIE BERMAN Costume Shop Supervisor
JULES BRANCHE Volunteer Manager
COLE BUTCHER
Production Stage Manager/ Internship Director
PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement
JOHN COOPER Front of House Associate
KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff
DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer
JAMES DUGGAN Director of Patron Services
ADAM FASANO House Manager
CINDY FINEGAN Front of House Associate
CHARLES FORNARA Artistic Director - Music
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Artistic Director - Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
TED BILL
DEDE BROWNLEE
GEORGE D’ANGELO
JOAN DiLILLO
BRUCE GRAEV
ROBIN BACHE GRAY
LUKE JACONIS Box Office Manager
LANDON LIBBEY Front of House Associate
CHRISTINE MASTRANGELO Food & Beverage Manager
TAYLOR MATTHEWS Company Stage Manager
MARY ANNE McKERROW Youth Costume Designer
DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager
SUMMER PLISKOW Director of Arts Access & Applied Theatre
CRAIG PRICE Director of Community Programs & Applied Improv
JEN PRICE Director of Youth Education
DAN RAMIREZ Front of House Associate
THOMAS RICHARDSON Front of House Associate
CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting
TERRY LIBBY
PAT POLLOK
KELLEY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
KAT ZAGEL
ELIZABETH W. ROUNTREE, CFRE Director of Advancement
MIKE SANTOS Resident Scenic Designer & Artist
GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant
ESTHER SNYDER Executive Assistant to the CEO
LORA TAJARI Front of House Associate
BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN Director of Sound
JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director
2024-25 INTERNS
MARIAH CRUTCHFIELD Lighting Intern
CALLIE HARTEL Costumes Intern
ANNIE HENNEN Stage Management Intern
ISLA HOFFMANN Scenic Intern
KELLY PROTZ Sound Intern
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