70th Season Front & Center Gala

Celebrating your theatre.

F E B RUA RY 6 , 2 0 2 4 HOS TED BY TANYA & DENNY GL A SS

PRE S E NT E D BY

SU PPOR T I N G S P ON S ORS

Proud to be a sponsor of The Naples Players.

Call (239) 919-5960 or visit one of our convenient locations to experience the LMCU difference.

Here for all of life's perf

formances.

NMLS# 442967. Federally insured by NCUA.

A MESSAGE F ROM

Bryce Good evening,

Welcome to The Naples Players' 2024 Front & Center Gala!

The Naples Players enjoys an exceptional standing as one of the foremost community theaters in the country. Why is this important to you? Because we are leading a shift in the national perception of how ANY theater can impact their community - and it starts with our impact right here in Southwest Florida.

TNP is providing unparalleled access to the power of theatre to improve the quality of life for students with learning disabilities, adults with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, nurses and doctors under pressure in the healthcare system, law enforcement officers, and by creating theatre with 700 plus volunteers for more than 50,000 audience members. Our program goes on to include 40 community partners.

Tonight, I invite you to enjoy the power and beauty of The Naples Players as we entertain you in front of our home on Fifth Avenue. It is my hope that in the days and weeks ahead you will call on your hosts, friends, and myself to come and learn more about what makes The Naples Players so important to this region.

The Front & Center Gala is our only major fundraising event of the year. Our annual operating budget is $4.5 million dollars, and although 60 percent of our revenue comes from ticket sales, this evening is a cornerstone of what makes our mission possible. Your participation and level of enthusiasm in this evening’s paddle raise is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for joining us tonight.

Bryce Alexander CEO & Executive Artistic Director

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Front & Center Gala 2024

A MESSAGE F ROM

Tanya & Denny Dear Front & Center Gala Sponsors and Guests, Thank you for taking part in this dynamic evening of camaraderie, delicious food, and remarkable entertainment.

Tanya and I are honored to serve as your Hosts of this important fundraising event for The Naples Players.

Like many of you, we understand that living in Naples, full or part-time, means we have opportunities to be involved in and support numerous charitable organizations. Over the last 12 years Tanya and I have come to realize The Naples Players is an amazing organization. The quality of the productions is outstanding from the acting to the costumes and sets. We especially respect and appreciate the KidzAct program. Its ability to transform children by improving their selfconfidence and social interaction is incredible to see.

The Gala is the only major fundraising event The Naples Players presents annually.

Together we have an opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation and respect to the thousands of volunteers, our tireless and talented staff, plus more than 40 community partners who help spread the power of theatre throughout Southwest Florida.

Thank you for your support and participation.

Denny Glass

Immediate Past President, Current TNP Board of Directors Tanya and Denny Glass have lived in Naples since 2004. They have a deep commitment to Educational Theatre, especially children’s programs. Denny serves on the Building Committee for TNP. The Glasses are actively involved with other important community organizations including The Naples Zoo and The Naples Historical Society.

TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala

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HELLO &

Welcome T H I S E V E N I N G’ S E V E N T S

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6:00 PM

COCKTAIL HOUR & DANCING Rooftop at the Inn on Fifth Live Music by Chariot

7:00 PM

PROGRAM & DINNER Emcee: Lindsey Sablan, WINK News

8:15 PM

FUNDRAISING PADDLE RAISER Auctioneer: Rick Gallo

8:30 PM

CELEBRATION & DANCING

Front & Center Gala 2024

S P E CI AL

thanks Front & Center Gala Hosts

Tanya & Denny Glass Presenting Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

Media Sponsor

Patron Party Sponsors

Marketing & PR Sponsor

TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala

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THE EVENING'S

Menu

FRO M

Cocktail Reception Inn on Fifth Rooftop Pool Bar with Entertainment by Chariot FIRST COURSE Vegetarian Sushi Lamb Meatballs Salmon Tartare

Main Menu Dinner & Program Sugden Plaza on 5th Avenue South Open Bar with Red & White Wines Tableside

SECOND COURSE Pre-set Ocean Prime House Salad

ENTREE 8 oz. Filet Mignon & Sea Bass Duet Plate Mushroom Risotto

DESSERT Pumpkin Cheesecake

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Front & Center Gala 2024

OUR S P E CI A L T H A NK S T O

Gala Table Sponsors Ted & Lisa Bill Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan Arthur & Hazel Brisker William E. Cross Foundation

Rob & Ruth Brown The Calleja Group Morgan Stanley

Steven & Shelley Einhorn Tanya & Denny Glass Bruce & Robin Bache Gray Hauber Foundation Dan & Lily Kao Porsche Naples

Karen Quinn Panzer Dream Vacations

Henry Price Tom Ray & Lorena Aguirre Lake Michigan Credit Union

Vicki Tracy & Tim Savage Gulf Coast International Properties

Nancy Woolf

Gala Table Hosts Peggy Monson Pat Pollok Nancy Ribordy

TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala

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THE GAME'S AFOOT

T ONIGH T ' S

Feature Presentations I. “Consider Yourself ” from Oliver!

II. “One Day More” from Les Misérables III. “Man of My Dreams Melody” from

The Marvelous Wonderettes

IV. “Someday” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Bryce Alexander Executive Artistic Director/CEO

Dawn Lebrecht Fornara

Charles Fornara

Director/Choreographer

Music Director

Cole Butcher

Taylor Matthews

Production Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

OR CHE S T R A ME MB E R S Charles Fornara Piano/Conductor

Stephen J. Parker

Bradley Blaufuss Viola

Joe Choomack

Scott Ellington

Acoustic/Electric Bass

Reed II (clarinet, bass, clarinet)

Adam Costello

Mark Fessenden

Reed III (clarinet, oboe, bassoon, tenor sax)

Kevin Devitt Trombone, Bass Trombone, Euphonium

Trumpet

Kristin Jarvis Violin

Reed I (flute, piccolo)

Sean Stolliker Drums/Electric Percussion

Tim Torres Cello/Guitar

Dana Williams Horn

TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala

BLITHE SPIRIT

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TO NIG HT 'S

Talent

Cast (Listed alphabetically)

Evan Abram ............................................................................................. Ensemble Kimberly Albrecht .......................................................................... Ensemble JamieLynn Bucci ....................................................... Esmeralda/Ensemble Joseph Byrne ........................................................... Jean Valjean/Ensemble Emily Cameron ..................................................................................... Ensemble Jody Cameron ........................................................................................ Ensemble Kelsey Coss ............................................................................................. Ensemble Frankie Federico ............................................................................... Ensemble Jacob Feltman ....................................................................................... Ensemble Suri Finch ................................................................................................ Ensemble Austin Gardner .................................................................. Javert/Ensemble Lisa Gunn ................................................................................................. Ensemble Cynthia Hile ......................................................................................... Ensemble Jillian Keith ......................................................................... Missy / Ensemble Ashley Kosten ...................................................................................... Ensemble Madison Mance ............................................... Artful Dodger / Ensemble Elizabeth Marcantonio ............................................................. Ensemble

The Marvelous Wonderettes

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Front & Center Gala 2024

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Ed Marin .............................................................................. Marius / Ensemble Sydney Miller ....................................................................................... Ensemble Tina Moroni ...................................................... Artful Dodger / Ensemble Gavin Ott ................................................................................................. Ensemble Ella Provinzino .................................................................................. Ensemble Gia Provinzino ........................................................... Cindy Lou / Ensemble Victoria Rinaldi ................................................................................ Ensemble Kelly Rossberg ............................................................. Enjolras / Ensemble Roseann Ruggiero ............................................................................ Ensemble Erica Sample ....................................................... Eponine / Suzy / Ensemble Soph Sawyer ........................................................................................... Ensemble Cynthia Sepich .................................................................................... Ensemble David Shaffer ....................................................................................... Ensemble Denise Smith .......................................................................................... Ensemble Cynthia S. Spanier ............................................................................. Ensemble Fredley Sylvain .................................................................................. Ensemble Vanessa Tarabocchia ....... M.Thenardier / Betty Jean / Ensemble Malena Tucker .................................................................................. Ensemble Mark Vanagas ....................................................... Thenardier / Ensemble Lorelai Vega ....................................... Cosette / Esmeralda / Ensemble Renee Vrehas ........................................................................................ Ensemble Jack Weld ................................................................................................. Ensemble Ava Williams ........................................................................................ Ensemble

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Live Exceptionally Locally owned and operated, Gulf Coast International Properties® professionals are committed to the highest level of concierge service for our clients.

Locally Owned and Operated

Proud Supporter of HEART OF THE ARTS & THE NAPLES PLAYERS

®

Representing the Finest Properties in Southwest Florida OLD NAPLES: 1144 Third Street South  691 Fifth Avenue South  Naples, Florida 34102  239.434.2558 WATERSIDE SHOPS  5435-19 Tamiami Trail North  Naples, Florida 34108

www.gcipnaples.com  www.portroyalwaterfronthomes.com www.gcipluxuryrentals.com

Heart of the P R E S E N T E D B Y V ICK I T R A C Y & B R Y CE A L E X A NDE R

ts

AWA R D

The first recipients of the newly established Heart of the Arts Award will be announced at the re-opening of The Naples Players’ iconic Fifth Avenue Campus in the spring of 2024.

This inimitable award will be presented annually to honor and recognize one community leader, business, or organization that demonstrates an exemplary commitment to the power and influence of theatre and the performing arts in our community through their distinct commitment of time, talent, and/or treasure.

The performing arts take many shapes and forms. What the world will continue to discover and celebrate is the vast possibilities of how much we can evolve in education - healing the body, mind, and spirit, through these gifts. We wish to thank and recognize all who desire to be part of this process. Come and join us!

TNP 2024 Front & Center Gala

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2 0 2 2-2 0 2 3

Our Impact HIGH-QUALITY PERFORMANCES A staple of Naples’ cultural scene for more than 70 years.

44,000 260

LAST SEASON OVER PATRONS EXPERIENCED AT LEAST PERFORMANCES. OF PEOPLE ONE OF OUR SAY THEY WOULD RECOMMEND TNP TO A FRIEND.

97%

ENRICHING VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCES TNP welcomes anyone in the community who wants to create or enjoy high-quality theatre.

736 ANNUAL VOLUNTEERS DONATED OVER 67,000 HOURS TO TNP LAST SEASON. 246 LOCAL VOLUNTEER PERFORMERS WERE FEATURED ON STAGE.

T R A N S F O R M AT I V E EDUCATION PROGRAMS Starting at 1 year, and continuing for life, TNP’s education program focuses on kids, adults, and seniors - teaching critical life skills such as teamwork, leadership, self-expression, emotional regulation, and accountability.

Wellness programs partner with 40 other organizations – providing theatre therapy to people with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Autism, PTSD, and many more. In the last 5 years:

6,500

MORE THAN YOUTH, ADULT, AND WELLNESS STUDENTS WERE SERVED ANNUALLY.

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S P E CI AL

thanks Robin Bache Gray TNP Gala Board Liaison

Vicki Tracy TNP Community Advisor

GA L A CR E ATI V E SUPPOR TERS Cross Align Media

Naples Creative

Harmon’s Audio Visual

Volunteer Actors

Amy & Jesse Hughes of Chariot

Event Volunteers TNP Staff

We believe the theatre is an investment in our community.

FineMark is proud to play a part in supporting The Naples Players.

Players.

FineMark National Bank & Trust, Naples • 800 Laurel Oak Dr, Suite 100 • Naples, FL 34108 www.finemarkbank.com • (239) 963-0700 • Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender Trust and investment services are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by the bank and may lose value.

O UR MISSIO N &

Leaders OUR MIS SION AT TNP The Naples Players builds community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ted Bill

Pat Pollok

Dede Brownlee

Kelley Price

George D’Angelo

Nancy Ribordy

Joan DiLillo

Bob Uek

Denny Glass

Treasurer / Finance

Immediate Past President

Kat Zagel

Bruce Graev

Beth Petrunoff

Robin Bache Gray

City Council Liaison

Otto Immel Alan Jaffe

EVP / Governance

Terry Libby Facilities

CE O & E X E CU T I V E A R T I S T IC DIR E C T OR

Peggy Monson

Bryce Alexander

President

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Thank You FOR CHOOSIN G TO SP E N D YOUR E V E N IN G W ITH U S , AND FOR YOUR ON GOI N G SUP P ORT OF O U R M IS S IO N .

70 1 5TH AV ENUE SOU TH | N A PLE S, FL 34102 | 239.434.7340 | N A PLE SPL AY ERS.ORG