At The Naples Players, we build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.
OUR VISION
We envision TNP as a cultural hub that leads a shift in the national perception of how theatres can impact their communities.
TICKETS, TIMES, & FREE TOURS
SHOW TIMES
WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY
7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY MATINEE
2 p.m
TICKETS
GENERAL PUBLIC
$62-$67/each
SEASON PACKAGES
$50-$55/each
STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, VETERANS & FIRST RESPONDERS: $25/each
BOX OFFICE (239) 263-7990
MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. WILL CALL 2 hours before curtain
FREE TOURS Mon. - Sat., Noon & 5 p.m.
Welcome to THE NAPLES PLAYERS
Welcome to Season 73!
Most people know The Naples Players as a theatre. Yet on any given day, you are just as likely to find students attending classes at The Naples Players Academy of Dramatic Arts, volunteers building scenery and mentoring young artists, healthcare and community partners delivering arts-based programs, and audiences gathering for productions created largely by members of our community.
That is because The Naples Players is more than a producing theatre. We are home to Southwest Florida’s only performing arts middle and high school, one of the nation’s largest volunteerpowered theatre programs, and nationally recognized initiatives that use the arts to improve health, wellbeing, and quality of life through partnerships with more than 45 community organizations.
Few theatres in America create at this level, educate at this scale, and serve their community in so many ways. Together, these efforts demonstrate what is possible when a theatre is built not just for a community, but by one.
Wilson & Johnson is proud to support The Naples Players and the production of Les Misérables, a story that captures the enduring strength, resilience, and humanity that connect us all. We are honored to stand alongside an organization that brings our community together through powerful storytelling and shared experiences.
For more than forty years, Wilson & Johnson has guided families and businesses through life’s most important decisions. Through thoughtful counsel and trusted relationships, we help clients protect what matters most and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Celebrating stories that unite us.
The stories of Season 73 explore what it means to belong, to reach across difference, and to find one another in moments of joy, loss, humor, and hope.
AGA THA CHRISTIE'S
OCT 07 - OCT 25, 2026 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
A TALE OF FAMILY, FOOD, AND HEARTFELT TRUTH A SERIOUS COMEDY ABOUT SECOND CHANCES NOV 18 - DEC 20, 2026 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
SPONSORED BY TULIA ITALIAN STEAK & OSTERIA
OCT 21 - NOV 22, 2026 IN THE PRICE STUDIO THEATER
SPONSORED BY LAKE MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION
JAN 13 - FEB 14, 2027 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER A TRUE STORY OF EXTRAORDINARY KINDNESS ALL ABOARD FOR A LEGENDARY MYSTERY
SPONSORED BY GALLERIE INDIGO
TULIA
The stories don’t end here! Learn more about other productions and performances including TNP Academy, Readers Theatre, and more by viewing our full event calendar online today!
NaplesPlayers.org/tickets
Season TICKETS
Number of Shows Included
Included / Excluded Show Titles
EVERY PACKAGE LEVEL ALSO ENJOYS THESE BENEFITS:
Save over 20% on ticket prices
Early access to future season tickets
Free valet parking
50% off wine and beer purchases
Free ticket exchange or replacement
Four (4) additional tickets at season ticket rates
For people who know there’s shows they want to see, but can’t commit to a specific date until later. Purchases passes now at a discount, then redeem them later for tickets to any performance date* when you’re ready.
Available in packs of 4, 6, or 8 tickets, Work & Play Passes offer added value with complete scheduling flexibility.
up to $60
Save up to $80
*Subject to availability. Passes must be used by May 31, 2027. Tickets and passes are non-refundable.
Our Mission IN ACTION
2025 was a year of unparalleled growth and impact, not just within our theater walls but in our Southwest Florida community. We launched our full-time Baker Day School of our TNP Academy, had a record-setting season of ticket sales, and created our ArtRx program in partnership with NCH and other community partners. The numbers below don’t come close to telling the full story but we encourage you to scan the QR code to view our 2025 Mission Report Card online to learn more.
PERFORMANCES
70,000+ tickets sold
272 performances
92% would recommend TNP
2,000+ season ticket holders
EDUCATION & ACCESS
29 full-time students
1,000+ after school students
46 community partners
$250k in financial aid provided
VOLUNTEERS
30+ positions
850+ active volunteers
87,000+ volunteer hours
388 new volunteers in 2025
Donor RECOGNITION
APRIL 15 - JUNE 1, 2026 DONORS
Please join us in thanking these recent donors. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage.
Karen E. Alley
Anonymous Donations
Robert Anthony
James Ariglio
Jay & Patty Baker
Art Berkowitz
Georgette Bernier & Norm Glover
Sarah Bevin
Ted & Lisa Bill
Theresa Bill
Janina & Kal Birtolo
Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan
Jerry Camera
Ed & Sandi Cleary
Edie Cole
Doren & Paul Danis
Ted DeGroot
Femke DiCesare
Terrance A. Doyle
Kerry & Maegan Dustin
Glen Engelmann
Tom & Patricia Erickson
Dennis & Ruth Ann Fenner
Charles Fornara & Dawn Lebrecht Fornara
Phil Giaquinto
Anita Grover
Heidi Hajna
Harold L. Wyman Foundation, Inc
Norman & Sandy Imaoka
Keith & Shannan Jacoby
Daniel & Patricia Jorndt
John & Tina Kennedy
Diane Kennedy
Helle & Mark Kiis
William Korntheuer
Rob Kraus
Maria C. Krause
Andrew & Elise Laviano
John Magnus
Michelle Marks
Heather Martin
Jacqueline & William Masterson
Joanne M. McCarty
Dr. William McCormack & JoAnn Kriger
Terry McKay
George & Diana Milian
Lou Miller
James Nowakowski
John P. O’Leary
Wil Oleary
Bek Osborne & Karen Jankowski
Jerrold & Saundra Parker
Carol A. Pasmore
Terry & Bill Pease
Joseph Pelikan
Bernadetta Petrone
Frederic Pratt
Michael Razza
Alan & Donna Rosenberg
David Saperstein
Judy Scribner
Bill Shade & John Pochopin
Patricia Sherry
Emily Smith
Diane Stehlik
Ted Stine
Diane E. Thompson
Joanne Thompson
Vicki Tracy
Ginny Veras
Kelley Watson
Marilyn & Robert Witcher
Nancy Woolf
Thank you for your generosity.
Capital Campaign DONORS
With major gifts and support from these donors, we completed a $22 million renovation in 2024 that allows us to expand the reach and impact of our mission.
$3,000,000+
Jay & Patty Baker
$2,500,000+
Jay R. Paul
$1,500,000+
Rocco & Joan DiLillo
$1,000,000+
Denny & Tanya Glass
Henry Price
$500,000+
John & Joanne Fisher
David & Jerrilyn Hoffmann
Claire Skinner
David B. & Vicky C. Smith
$250,000+
Theresa Bill
George D’Angelo & Laura St. Clair
Diane & Sid Davis
Muffy Clark Gill
Bruce & Robin Bache Gray
$100,000+
Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan
John & Catherine Estey
NBH Family Foundation
Peter & Janet Swinburn
$50,000+
Steven & Shelley Einhorn
Alan & Liz Jaffe
Kevin & Dorota Kilstrom
Ken Krier
Terry Libby
Peggy & James Monson
Nancy Woolf
$25,000+
Kathleen Azzariti
Robert & Ruth Brown
Shideh & Shahab Bina & Family
Bruce & Joanie Graev
Patti Hepburn
THE STEP FUND
Jeff & Judy Kane
Sarann & Stan Kraushaar
Jack & Debera Millstein
Jim & Linda Mizeur
Kathryn & Ronald Zagel
$15,000+
Brit & Marilyn Bartter
Audrey & Vaughn Pengelly
Nancy Ribordy
Elizabeth Rountree
$10,000+
Ted & Lisa Bill
John P. & Linda B. Cardillo
The Claremont Family
Alyssa Haney
Alan & Elizabeth Harris
THE BETSEY HARRIS FUND
Mark & Darlene Miller
Paulette Oliva
OLIVA FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST
Tony & Wynne Ridgway
Robert W. Uek
$5,000+
Barbara & George Davin
Finemark Bank & Trust
The Hastings Fitzgerald Family Fund
Otto & Jennifer Immel
Lake Michigan Credit Union
The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation
Donald & Victoria Strumillo
Debbie & Tim Wesolowski
$2,500+
Dede & Robert Brownlee
Vic & Patti Caroli
Carla Grieve
Pat Pollok
Janet Showers & Day Patterson
Cheryl & Trent Waterhouse
$1,000+
Tom Ray & Lorena Aguirre
Jo Ellen Atkinson
Charmaine & Adrian Banky
Linda Benedict Colvin
Linda Fikes
John & Pamela Meehan
Pengelly Family Fund
Steve Purcell
Sue Rapanos
Arlene & Terry Riegel
Bill & Carol Rohde
David & Terry Whalley
UP TO $1,000
Joel & Arlene Banow
Joel & Noel Bleier
Hildegard Carney
Pamela & Steven Caruso
Mary Connone
Jim Corsica
Eleanor S. Dobbin
Dean Corrow & Francis Feltault
Carole Fenstermacher
Margot Kenzie
Mary Lisowski
Scott & Louise Root Melby
Ellen Prokopow & Zane Hollingsworth
Linda Reymann
Patricia Rutzler
Debra Sundin
Diane Thompson
Classes & AUDITIONS
YOUTH & ADULT CLASSES AT TNP
TNP Academy offers a wide range of classes for adults and students of every age and ability. Our programs run throughout the year and include weekend workshops, multiweek classes, summer camps, inclusive programs, and fullscale productions that give students the chance to apply what they learn in a real performance setting.
We are also home to the region’s only full-time performing arts academy, the Baker Day School of TNPA. Learn more online or reach out for a tour!
Youth & OTHER PERFORMANCES
Upcoming Classes
Summer Dance Camps (Grades 1-5) ........................ JULY 6-10
Nailed It! Audition Prep (Grades 6-8)...................... JULY 6-17
Summer Skills Camps (Ages 4-8) ........................... JULY 13-24
Youth Improv (Ages 7-11) ....................................... JULY 13-24
Newsies Dance Camp (Grades 6-8) ......................... JULY 20-24
Inclusive Theatre Camp (Ages 9-14) ....................... JULY 20-24
Adult Drop-In Improv* ........................................... JULY 25 & AUG 29
K-Pop Dance Camp (Grades K-5) ............................. JULY 27-31
Upcoming AUDITIONS
JULY 11 (GRADES 6-8)
JULY 11 (GRADES 9-12)
AUG 1* (ADULTS)
THE
MOST EXCLUSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE ON 5TH AVENUE... isn’t in a restaurant this season.
After select Sunday matinees each season, the Kizzie Theater stage is reimagined as an intimate dining venue for a truly extraordinary evening. Enjoy a chef-curated dinners from Ocean Prime, Truluck’s, and Osteria Tulia, wine and cocktails, and exclusive access to the artists and leaders of The Naples Players.
Hosted by TNP artists at every table, Dinner Onstage offers unparalleled conversation, behind-the-scenes insight, and a closer connection to the people who bring each production to life.
Reserve YOUR SEAT EARLY
$250 / person includes performance, dinner, drinks, and an unforgettable evening on the stage.
2026-2027
Dinner Dates & Shows
JULY 19, 2026
Les Misérables
NOVEMBER 29 & DECEMBER 6, 2026
Come From Away JANUARY 24, 2027
Murder on the Orient Express
MARCH 14 & APRIL 4, 2027
Hello, Dolly!
Call the Box Office (239) 263-7990 or scan the code to purchase online.
Arts Access FOR ALL
ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES & PROGRAMS
Our Arts Access program provides opportunities and resources for community members of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to participate in our unparalleled, high-quality theatrical arts experiences.
Visit the ACCESS CONCIERGE in the lobby to learn more!
PERFORMANCE ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES:
Wheelchair Seating & Parking
Assisted Listening Devices
Sensory-Friendly Viewing Booth
Sign Language*
Braille Performance Guides*
Large Print Performance Guides*
Accessible Guides
Sensory Bags
Relaxed Performances
*required advanced notice. Contact the Box Office for assistance.
LISTENING DEVICES
Handheld and headphone devices are available at the Access Concierge desk at Patron Services.
Connect Your Own Device
If you have your own Bluetooth-enabled hearing device, you can connect your device directly to our sound by following the steps below.
STEP 1
Scan the QR code to the right using your mobile device. This will to connect to our hearing assist WiFi network.
STEP 2
Scan the QR code to the right to download the ListenWiFi App.
Once the app is downloaded, open the app and select your theater.
If you need assistance, please see and usher or visit the Access Concierge desk in the lobby.
From High School to the French Barricades: Victoria Rinaldi Takes Center Stage as ÉPONINE
For Victoria Rinaldi, the journey to the stages of The Naples Players began not with a spotlight, but with an after-school camp in the first grade. What started as a childhood curiosity blossomed into a lifelong passion that has now come full circle. At 18 years old, the recent graduate of The Village School is stepping into a dream role that marks both a career milestone and a heartfelt farewell to the community that raised her: playing Éponine in TNP’s production of Les Misérables.
The announcement of the show was a “pinch-me” moment for the young actress. “At the TNP Reveal Party in February, I was thrilled to see Les Misérables was part of the 73rd Season,” Victoria recalls. “This has been a dream show for me. I saw the musical last year and just watching it, I knew I wanted to be in it someday.”
Finding the Truth in Éponine
Stepping into the shoes of Éponine—a character defined by unrequited love, grit, and tragedy—requires more than just a vocal range; it requires a deep emotional dive. Victoria was eager to tackle the complexity of the role, focusing on bringing a sense of “truth and originality” to the stage.
“I want to make her memorable to the audience,” she explains. The transformation isn’t just internal; Victoria notes that the period-style costumes and authentic hairstyling serve as the final pieces of the puzzle, helping her fully inhabit the world of 19th-century France.
Her preparation was immersive. The Les Misérables soundtrack became the permanent score to her daily commutes, but the real work happened under the mentorship of TNP’s veteran leadership. Victoria credits Dawn Lebrecht Fornara, Director and Choreographer, and Charles Fornara, Musical Director, for pushing her beyond the script and sheet music. “They require performers to do research for the play and for our roles,” Victoria says. “They continue to encourage us to understand the background and motivations of each character.”
The Balancing Act
The road to the role as Éponine has been a demanding one. Since early May, Victoria has balanced a rigorous rehearsal schedule—7 to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday—with the final responsibilities of her high school career. While many
would find the late hours exhausting, Victoria thrives in them.
“I actually enjoy the late nights,” she says. “I still must get my homework done, and I found times throughout the day for reading and completing assignments. It’s a balance.”
That balance was made possible by a steadfast support system. Before Victoria had her driver’s license, her mother was the “unsung hero” behind the scenes, driving her to hundreds of classes and rehearsals at TNP since she joined the organization in 2021. With five years of professional singing lessons and a resume featuring roles like Maureen in Rent and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd Teen, Victoria has built a foundation that is now propelling her toward the prestigious Emerson College in Boston.
A New Chapter in Boston
This fall, Victoria will move to the Northeast to study musical theater. She chose Emerson for its powerhouse theater program and its vibrant location, though she admits to a healthy dose of nerves. “I am a bit nervous about starting college, yet I am ready for a change,” she says. For Victoria, theatre is more than just entertainment—it’s a vehicle for connection.
“I know I will leave college with a whole new perspective. My hope is to help people see life through a different lens.”
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >
Rinaldi in RENT
“My advice to others is to do what you love. I am incredibly grateful to TNP for my growth as an actor and as a person.”
Victoria Rinaldi
A Legacy at The Naples Players
As Victoria prepares to take her final bows before heading to Boston, she remains a vocal advocate for the theater that shaped her. She points to the newly renovated TNP facility—with its state-of-the-art Kizzie and Price Studio theaters—as a beacon for local talent. “There are unlimited opportunities for skill-building and personal growth here,” she says, encouraging others to volunteer in the scene shop or costume departments.
Though she is moving on to the next act of her life, Victoria’s heart remains firmly planted in Naples. “I’ll be hoping to come back next summer to intern or volunteer.”
For now, audiences can watch Victoria bringing her “truth” to Éponine, proving that the little girl from the after-school camp was always destined for the stage.
Rinaldi performing in Sweeney Todd Teen
DEEPER LOOK AT THE SHOW
The Making of a Legend A
LES MIS PRODUCTION HISTORY
The stage life of Les Misérables in the UK and the US is one of the most important success stories in modern theatre—it essentially defined the gold standard for epic musical storytelling.
Created in France in 1980 by ClaudeMichel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, Les Mis was then reworked in English with legendary producer Cameron Mackintosh, who was crucial in shaping its global future.
THE UK PREMIERE
Les Misérables opened at London’s West End Barbican Theatre in October 1985. Strange as it sounds now, critics were initially skeptical—some reviews were even harsh— but the show’s audiences responded strongly. The show moved to London’s Palace Theatre
in December 1985 and transferred again in 2004 to the Queen’s Theatre (renamed the Sondheim Theatre).
It became the longest-running musical in West End history, running continuously for decades.
MAJOR UK MILESTONES
1985 Opened at The Babican Theatre in London’s West End
1995 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall — a landmark concert version that boosted global popularity.
2010 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2 Arena.
2019–2020 During theatre renovations, a semi-staged version ran, introducing updated orchestrations and staging that later influenced revivals.
THE US DEBUT
The official US premiere of Les Misérables actually took place during its pre-Broadway out-of-town tryout at the Kennedy Center’s Opera House in Washington, D.C., in December 1986. Following that successful run, the musical made its highly anticipated Broadway debut on March 12, 1987 at The Broadway Theatre in New York City.
As in London, the early reviews were mixed— but once again audience enthusiasm drove its success. The show ran for 6,680 performances, making it one of the longest-running Broadway shows ever. And, to no one’s surprise, it won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Les Mis was revived in 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre for a shorter run but still with a strong positive reception and again in 2014 at the Imperial Theatre. This production featured a newly reimagined staging influenced by UK
The show has been a touring juggernaut: there have been multiple national tours since the late 1980s, and the play returns frequently to major cities, usually selling out.
The 25th anniversary touring production introduced refreshed staging and remains widely performed.
London was the launchpad for international expansion, proving that Les Misérables could survive critics and thrive with audiences. Then, Broadway established the show as a global powerhouse, turning it into a long-running commercial and touring phenomenon. The combination cemented its place as one of the most durable shows in theatre history.
Together, they created a model for worldwide replication—leading to productions in more than 40 countries.
A US RECORD-SETTER
When the show opened at The Broadway Theatre in 1987, it had a staggering $4.5 million advance ticket sale—which, at the time, was the largest advance box office gross in Broadway history!
A lasting tomorrow starts today.
The Naples Players’ musical, Les Misérables is a timeless epic tale that depicts the resilience of the human spirit. And not unlike the musical, Team Quarles understands the need to seize life’s opportunities while also being prepared for possible changes that can disrupt your personal and professional goals. Our Estate, Trust & Wealth Preservation Team of a dozen highly skilled professionals are here to assist and prepare you for both. We provide a superior level of service and expertise to our clients in the Naples community. We’re unsurpassed in navigating the complexities and intricacies of your estate, trust and business succession planning. Together, we can create tailored strategies that expand and evolve as your family does — through births, graduations, weddings, holidays, retirement and everything in between.
To learn more about what the law firm of Quarles & Brady can do for you, contact Kimberley A. Dillon, Partner, at (239) 434-4965 or kimberley.dillon@quarles.com.
BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CAMERON MACKINTOSH
PRESENT
NEW PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S
LES MISÉRABLES
A MUSICAL BY ALAIN BOUBLIL AND CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG
LYRICS BY HERBERT KRETZMER
BASED ON A NOVEL BY VICTOR HUGO
MUSIC BY CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG
ORIGINAL FRENCH TEXT BY ALAIN BOUBLIL AND JEAN-MARC NATEL
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY JAMES FENTON
ADAPTED AND ORIGINALLY DIRECTED BY TREVOR NUNN AND JOHN CAIRD
ORCHESTRATIONS BY STEPHEN METCALFE CHRISTOPHER JAHNKE AND STEPHEN BROOKER
ORIGINAL ORCHESTRATIONS BY JOHN CAMERON
PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH LTD
“LES MISÉRABLES” Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
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).
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA
STAGE MANAGER COLE BUTCHER
SOUND DESIGNER ERIC CONDIT
WIG DESIGNERS
JAMIELYNN BUCCI TINA MORONI
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PHILLIP FAZIO
MUSIC DIRECTOR/ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CHARLES FORNARA
SCENIC DESIGNER RYAN DOUGLASS
COSTUME DESIGNER MOLLIE BERMAN
LIGHTING DESIGNER ABBY MAY*
PROPS DESIGNER AMY HUGHES
DRAMATURGS
RICKI BAKER
PATRICIA PUIA
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
KEYBOARD PROGRAMMING DESIGN BY STAGE SOUNDS, LLC WWW.STAGE-SOUNDS.COM
*The lighting designer of this production is represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE.
Cast & ORCHESTRA (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
UNDERSTUDIES
U/S MARIUS ........................................................................................................ THOMAS CURRIE
U/S THÉNARDIER ............................................................................................... WILLIAM CONDIT
ASST. TO THE CHOREOGRAPHER / DIRECTOR ........................................................ ALEX MINARIK
SHOW CAPTAIN .............................................................................................. VANESSA ROSSBERG
REHEARSAL PIANIST ........................................................................................... FRANK SANDERS
BACKSTAGE CREW...............................................................LJ AN, JACK BOSLEY, SHERLAY CAJUSTE, KAILA FRANCOIS, SARAH GAMBLIN, KARAROSE HARDMAN, ALYSSA LEE
FLIES .................. ALEJANDRO AGUILAR, BRAD BRENNER, THOMAS HARTLAND, ANYA LASTIRI, BILL SHADE
DRESSERS ...................................... ZEKE DANCE, TRACY FOWKES, LISA GUNN, ANGELIQUE M c ARTHUR, PATRICIA PUIA, ROSEANN RUGGIERO, CHRISTINA SKIBICKI, DELILAH TUCKER
MIC PREP...............................................................................................................HARBOR THEONI
ELECTRICIANS ......................SAGE BRADSHAW, LINDSEY BURGOS, LEXII CLEMONS, THOMAS HARTLAND, ANGELIQUE M c ARTHUR, JOHN M c GONIGLE, KAREN M c GONIGLE, CHRISTINA SKIBICKI
MASTER CARPENTER........................................................................................ RYAN DAVID HORST
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE .......................... LISA ANN, GWEN BETTINI, ETSUKO DES ROSIERS, G IANNA DEL DEBBIO, DYLAN FILLMORE, LINDA FIKES, STEPHANIE FOWLE, ANNIE KHOURY, REGINA KUNKLE, JOAN LAUGHLIN, SANDY L o PRESTI, PATRICIA PUIA, MARY SCHMITZ, JEAN SNYDER, JANE STEELE, KATELYN TRAN, CHERYL WILLING, MIA ZEWALK
SCENIC PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION .................................... IAN COCKLIN, JOE FEMIA, LINDA FRIIS, TAMMY HARRIS, SHIRA LINDEN, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, ERIC OLOFFSON, VINCENT O’BYRNE, TRACY ROSEN, JEFF SMITH, MARY TAYLOR, MICHAEL TROOP, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG, JAKE WOESTE
Acts, SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS
SETTING & TIME
France between 1815 and 1833
ACT 1
PROLOGUE: 1815, DIGNE
“PROLOGUE” .................................................... CONVICTS, JEAN VALJEAN, JAVERT, BISHOP, ENSEMBLE
1823, MONTREUIL-SUR-MER
“AT THE END OF THE DAY” .................................................. FACTORY WORKERS, ENSEMBLE, FANTINE
“I DREAMED A DREAM” ................................................................................................... FANTINE
“THE DOCKS” ................ SAILORS, OLD WOMEN, WHORES, FANTINE, BAMATABOIS, JEAN VALJEAN, JAVERT
“CART CRASH” ................................................... FAUCHELEVANT, ONLOOKERS, JEAN VALJEAN, JAVERT
“WHO AM I?” ........................................................................................................... JEAN VALJEAN
“FANTINE’S DEATH” ....................................................................... FANTINE, JEAN VALJEAN, JAVERT
1823, MONTFERMEIL
“LITTLE COSETTE” .............................................................. LITTLE COSETTE, MADAME THÉNARDIER
“MASTER OF THE HOUSE” ........................................ THÉNARDIER, MADAME THÉNARDIER, ENSEMBLE
“THE BARGAIN” .................................. THÉNARDIER, MADAME THÉNARDIER, VALJEAN, LITTLE COSETTE 1832, PARIS
“THE BEGGARS” .............................................. GAVROCHE, ENJOLRAS, MARIUS, STUDENTS, ENSEMBLE
“THE ROBBERY” .......... THÉNARDIER, MADAME THÉNARDIER, MARIUS, ÉPONINE, JEAN VALJEAN, JAVERT
“STARS” ................................................................................ JAVERT, GAVROCHE, ÉPONINE, MARIUS
“THE ABC CAFÉ” ............................................................................. ENJOLRAS, MARIUS, STUDENTS
“THE PEOPLE’S SONG” ................................................................. ENJOLRAS, STUDENTS, ENSEMBLE
“RUE PLUMET” ............................................................... COSETTE, MARIUS, JEAN VALJEAN, ÉPONINE
“A HEART FULL OF LOVE” ..................................................................... MARIUS, COSETTE, ÉPONINE
“THE ATTACK ON RUE PLUMET” ................................. THÉNARDIER, THÉNARDIER’S GANG, ÉPONINE, MARIUS, JEAN VALJEAN
“ONE DAY MORE” .................................................................................................... FULL COMPANY
15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
ACT 2
“BUILDING THE BARRICADE” ................................. ENJOLRAS, JAVERT, MARIUS, ÉPONINE, STUDENTS
“THE LETTER” ............................................................................................ ÉPONINE, JEAN VALJEAN
“ON MY OWN” ................................................................................................................. ÉPONINE
“THE BARRICADE” ................................................................ ENJOLRAS, MARIUS, JAVERT, STUDENTS
“JAVERT AT THE BARRICADE” ........................................... ENJOLRAS, JAVERT, GAVROCHE, STUDENTS
“A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN” .................................................................. ÉPONINE, MARIUS, STUDENTS
“VALJEAN AT THE BARRICADE” .............................................................. JEAN VALJEAN, STUDENTS
“THE FIRST ATTACK” ................................................... ENJOLRAS, JEAN VALJEAN, JAVERT, STUDENTS
“THE NIGHT” ................................................................. STUDENTS, GRANTAIRE, MARIUS, ENSEMBLE
“BRING HIM HOME” .................................................................................................. JEAN VALJEAN
“THE SECOND ATTACK” ............................. ENJOLRAS, MARIUS, JEAN VALJEAN, GAVROCHE, STUDENTS
“THE FINAL BATTLE” ......................................................................... ENJOLRAS, JAVERT, STUDENTS
“THE SEWERS” .......................................................................................................... THÉNARDIER
“JAVERT’S SUICIDE” .................................................................................... JAVERT, JEAN VALJEAN
“TURNING” ....................................................................................................................... WOMEN
“EMPTY CHAIRS AT EMPTY TABLES” ................................................................................ MARIUS
“MARIUS AND COSETTE” .............................................................. MARIUS, COSETTE, JEAN VALJEAN
“THE WEDDING” ......................................... THÉNARDIER, MADAME THÉNARDIER, MARIUS, ENSEMBLE
“EPILOGUE” ........................................................................................................... FULL COMPANY
Meet THE CAST
RACHEL BLITZER Little Éponine
JOSEPH C BYRNE Enjolras
JILLIAN CINNAMON Ensemble
CURRIE Jean Pouvaire/Ensemble/ US Marius
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
JEFFREY BRADFORD Thénardier
EMILY CAMERON Little Cosette
CONDIT Ensemble/Swing
De SALVO Feuilly/Ensemble
DEDE BROWNLEE Ensemble
JODY CAMERON Brujon/Foreman/ Ensemble
Ensemble
VIVIENNE ENGELMANN Ensemble/US Fantine
JAMIELYNN BUCCI Madame Thénardier
PETER CAPORAL Jean Valjean
Gavroche
FILNER Joly/Ensemble
WILLIAM
SOPHIA COSTA
NOAH CURRAN
THOMAS
CHRISTIAN
EDISON
Meet THE CAST
AUSTIN GARDNER
Javert/Officer
MICHAEL LAKIN
Lesgles/Fauchelevant/ Ensemble/US Feuilly
PENELOPE MARTONE Little Cosette
DANI IVANOV Calquesous/Ensemble
LANDON LIBBEY Marius
ANDREW MICHALOWSKI Montparnasse/Ensemble
AVERY ROSCHEK Ensemble/US Éponine
MOLLY KAY JOHNS Ensemble
JENNIFER MANCE Ensemble
RANDY PILOTO Courfeyrac/US Enjolras
ISABELLA ROSATO Ensemble/US Madame Thénardier
REAGAN KELLY Ensemble/Swing
ELIZABETH MARCANTONIO Ensemble/Swing
Gavroche
KELLY ROSSBERG Grantaire/Bamatabois/ Ensemble/US Bishop
MATIAS PISCOYA
VICTORIA RINALDI Éponine
Meet THE CAST
VANESSA ROSSBERG
Fantine/Show Captain
LORELAI VEGA
Cosette
MATT SCHWABAUER
Bishop/Combeferre/ Ensemble/US Jean Valjean
JACK WELD
Babet/Innkeeper/US Javert/ Gantaire/Bambatabois
RACHEL BLITZER (Little Éponine) is so excited to be in Les Misérables. She loves acting and being on stage. She has also been in CATS: Young Actors Edition as a Kitten and it was amazing. When not performing, Rachel enjoys playing piano, tennis and golf. She hopes you enjoy the show!
JEFFREY BRADFORD (Thénardier) is pleased to make his theatrical return to The Naples Players. He first began his acting career here with us at the ripe age of 11 appearing as Theo in Pippin in 1993. He went on to perform in several TNP plays in the 90s and early 2000s before leaving to study theater at the University of Central Florida BFA program. Since his return to Naples he has established himself as a veteran entertainer in the local area performing as an Elvis Presley tribute artist and a
MALENA TUCKER
Ensemble/US Cosette
ALESSA VAZQUEZ
Ensemble
Dean Martin tribute artist among other characters for the past 20+ years. Some of his stage credits include: Sonny/Grease, Seymour Krelborn/Little Shop of Horrors and Lancelot/ Camelot. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support in his return to TNP’s stage.
DEDE BROWNLEE (Ensemble) is thrilled to be amongst this amazing cast of Les Misérables and to work again with Dawn and Charlie! Born and raised in Buffalo, NY (Go Bills and Sabres!), Dede began volunteering at TNP in 1998 and is a proud Lifetime Volunteer Award recipient. Most recently seen as Marmee in Little Women: The Musical , other favorite credits include Sister Berthe/The Sound of Music, Charity/Sweet Charity, Sally Bowles/Cabaret, Eliza/My Fair Lady, Pop!/
Chicago, Jackie/Mauritius, Annette/God of Carnage and Gillian/Bell, Book & Candle. Thanks to Robert, Tucker and Luke for all of their support and encouragement!
JAMIELYNN BUCCI (Madame Thénardier) is thrilled to be returning to the Naples Players after last appearing as Aldonza in Man of La Mancha . Other select credits include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Something Rotten!, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, An Ideal Husband, These Shining Lives, The Rocky Horror Show, The 39 Steps, In Flight: The Story of Sabine Van Dam, Charles Ives Take Me Home. A New York native and graduate of the University of Florida, she also designs wigs & makeup for theaters across Southwest Florida. Big thanks to the entire creative team and cast for this beautiful collaboration!
JOSEPH C BYRNE (Enjolras) is a FL native and longtime actor at TNP. This will be his 13th show, with his first show being Les Misérables all the way back in 2013. Byrne has recently appeared in TNP’s productions of The Wedding Singer as Robbie Hart, Something Rotten! as Nostradamus, The Hunchback of Notre Dame as Quasimodo, and Sweeney Todd as Jonas Fogg/Ensemble. Currently Byrne is in the Second City Writing Program in Chicago, and is pursuing a career in comedy writing. Byrne is ecstatic to return for the summer and to lead the revolution as Enjolras alongside some of his very best friends in their battle against oppression and tyranny. Vive la révolution! - None of us are free until we are all free.
EMILY CAMERON (Little Cosette) feels at home with her friends on stage. She is thrilled to play little Cosette and share the stage for the first time with her Daddy. She loves acting, singing, dancing, her Mom and her brothers Joseph and Andrew.
JODY CAMERON (Brujon/Foreman/Ensemble) Jody is over the moon to be sharing thestage with his daughter Emily for the first time! He is humbled and proud to be in such a tremendous show, surrounded by so much talent. Much love to his loving wife Jessica, his handsome sons Joseph and Andrew, and his sweet Emily.
PETER CAPORAL (Jean Valjean) is so happy to return to the stage at The Naples Players to take part in this production of Les Misérables. Recent TNP credits include Sweeney Todd/ Sweeney Todd and Lenny Ganz/Rumors . Off-Broadway credits include Tony Valone/ How Aldo Learned to Love and Ronald/The Altruists. He starred as Leonard/Father Nose Best, winner of the 2024 Bonita Springs Short Film Festival, and is a proud member of Stage 2 Improv. Peter is a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts and currently teaches Acting at TNPA’s Baker Day School. Love to Jen for her unending support and encouragement.
JILLIAN CINNAMON (Ensemble) is a recent graduate of The Baker Day School of The Naples Players Academy of Dramatic Arts and is very excited to be performing in her dream show! She has most recently been seen in TNP’s productions of Rent: School Edition, 9 to 5, and CATS: Young Actors Edition. She would like to thank Dawn and Charlie for their amazing direction, the entire cast and crew for all their hard work, and her Mom and Dad for their constant love and support.
Meet THE CAST
WILLIAM CONDIT (Ensemble/Swing) is an upcoming high school junior who is thrilled to be back in the spotlight for this production of Les Misérables! Favorite TNP credits include Ensemble/Hadestown: Teen in the ensemble, Andy Lee/42nd Street Teen , and Skimbleshanks/CATS: Young Actors Edition. When not in the theater, he can be found songwriting, reading, or loving on his 3 cats. He is a 3-time Odyssey of the Mind World Champion, plays piano, and just finished his first-ever scenic design project here for the set of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He is endlessly thankful for the production staff. Their support and time has made this a fantastic show both in front of and behind the curtains. Enjoy the show!
SOPHIA COSTA (Ensemble) From a young age, Sophia has always felt called to the stage. She began doing ballet and tap when she was just 6 years old and joined every choir she could. It wasn’t until she saw a production of Mamma Mia! with her Girl Scout Troop that she became hooked on musical theatre. At that age (9), the concept seemed foreign to her, but it made so much sense in her soul as it combined all her passions: singing, dancing, and performing. This will be her 3rd show with The Naples Players; you may have seen her before in Guys and Dolls or Sweeney Todd. She is beyond excited to be apart of this production of Les Misérables with such an amazing cast and crew, as always, at TNP.
NOAH CURRAN (Gavroche) is 12 years old and a student at The Baker Day School at TNP Academy. He is thrilled to be making his TNP mainstage debut in Les Misérables! Noah was most recently seen in Footloose JR. and High School Musical JR. with TNP Academy. He has a true passion for performing, which extends beyond the stage as he enjoys
directing, filming, and editing his own movies with friends. Above all, Noah loves to entertain and inspire others, and he hopes you enjoy the show!
THOMAS CURRIE (Jean Pouvaire/Ensemble/ US Marius) is thrilled to appear as Jean Prouvaire in Les Misérables. A recent graduate of the Baker Day School of TNP Academy, he has loved growing as a performer through his time here and is thankful for every opportunity to be onstage. Past roles include Mark Cohen/Rent: School Edition , Christopher Boone/The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time , Inspector Kemp/Young Frankenstein, Orpheus/Hadestown: Teen Edition, and Beadle Bamford/Sweeney Todd Teen , as well as Godspell and The Hunchback of Notre Dame Teen . He is grateful to be part of this production and thanks his family, friends, and the TNP community for their support. He hopes you enjoy this puntastic show!
CHRISTIAN D e SALVO (Feuilly/Ensemble) is blissfully making his way back on the Kizzie Stage this summer! This production of Les Misérables marks his fifth consecutive mainstage musical at The Naples Players. Most recently, he was seen performing in the Ensemble of 9 to 5. Other recent TNP credits include Laurie Laurence/Rodrigo/Little Women, Anthony/Sweeney Todd Teen, Ensemble/ Sweeney Todd , Anselmo/Barber/Man of La Mancha , and The Hermit/Young Frankenstein . His gratitude goes out to the fabulous TNP community for not only making him a better performer, but also a better person. In the fall, he will be attending Wright State University to pursue a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. INSTA: christiandesalvo
VIVIENNE ENGELMANN (Ensemble/US Fantine) is so excited to return to The Naples Players this summer in Les Misérables! This past year, she has been attending Coastal Carolina University to earn her BFA in Musical Theatre. Some of Vivienne’s past credits at TNP include: Ensemble/Sweeney Todd, Fate/ Hadestown Teen, Inga/Young Frankenstein, and Anytime Annie /42nd Street Teen! She thanks her friends and family for their endless support and Dawn, Charlie, and Cole for their incredible hard work on this show. She hopes you enjoy!
EDISON FILNER (Joly/Ensemble) is a rising junior at Barron Collier High and is thrilled to be in this summer’s production of Les Misérables! Previous roles at TNP include: Quaxo/Macavity/CATS: Young Actors Edition , Toby/Sweeney Todd Teen , Virgil/Ride the Cyclone , Worker/Hadestown Teen , and Ziggy/Young Frankenstein, as well as being a part of the ensembles of Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time, Sweeney Todd , and Rent. While not performing in the theater, Edison loves playing violin and viola and is a member of several ensembles including the Naples Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Special thanks to Dawn, Charlie, Cole, and all of the crew Enjoy this puntastic show!
AUSTIN GARDNER (Javert/Officer) is proud to return to The Naples Players as Javert. Previous roles with TNP include Dom Claude Frollo/The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Don Quixote/Man of La Mancha . Austin is especially drawn to characters driven by conviction, and finds a poetic parallel between Quixote’s reverence for “the stars” in “The Impossible Dream” and Javert’s unwavering fixation on them in “Stars”—each man guided by a vision along very different paths. In addition to performing, Austin directed an original
adaptation of Les Misérables as the capstone project for his Master’s degree, deepening his connection to Victor Hugo’s timeless story. He is grateful to be part of this production and thanks the cast, crew, and audiences for bringing this powerful story to life.
DANI IVANOV (Calquesous/Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to longtime home theatre, The Naples Players. Most recently they were seen in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and can now complete the Victor Hugo musical adaptation cycle by being in the show they have both proudly and embarrassingly watched over eight times in the West End and on the UK tour. They have spent the last four years touring back home in Bulgaria having played the roles of Lenora/Cry-Baby, Paulette/Legally Blonde, and Heather Duke/ Asst. Director/Heathers. Dani recently finished education at Mountview in London and is excited to return to the UK for a master’s in Musical Theatre in the fall. A special, grateful thanks to Charlie, Dawn, Stefani and all the cast and crew working on this dream show.
MOLLY KAY JOHNS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be working with The Naples Players for the first time! Molly Kay has been involved in Musical Theatre since childhood and has been in over 30 productions. She majored in musical theatre in college and served on the Board of Directors for a community theatre group for 15 years. Favorite roles include: Lily/The Secret Garden , Lucy/You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Mary Poppins/Mary Poppins, and Narrator/Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Molly Kay has also directed, produced, and done costume design. Les Mis is a dream come true as she has adored the show since she was 12. She wants to thank her husband and family for always supporting her love of the stage!
COLLIER COUNTY CULTURE MEANS BUSINESS.
Company of Man of La Mancha. Photo by Naples Creative.
Meet THE CAST
REAGAN KELLY (Ensemble/Swing) is extremely excited to be performing in Les Misérables! Previous roles include Phyllis Dale/42nd Street Teen , Fate 3/Hadestown: Teen Edition, and the Ensembles of Young Frankenstein and Sweeney Todd Teen with The Naples Players Academy, and is thrilled to be making her mainstage debut. She would like to thank her family and friends, as well as Dawn, Charlie, and Jen Price. Enjoy the show!
MICHAEL LAKIN (Lesgles/Fauchelevant/ Ensemble/US Feuilly) is thrilled to take the stage in Les Misérables, marking his first adult theatrical production. With a deep passion for performance and a strong drive to grow as an actor, Michael is eager to share his hard work and dedication with audiences. This role represents an exciting new chapter in his journey, and he can’t wait to show everyone what he’s made of. He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their love and support.
LANDON LIBBEY (Marius) is thrilled to be part of Les Misérables and to take on the role of Marius, a character whose passion and heart make this story so timeless. He was most recently seen as Anthony in Sweeney Todd and as Joe in 9 to 5. Landon is incredibly grateful to be performing alongside such a talented cast and creative team, and is especially grateful to be partnered with his own Cosette in this production. He would like to thank his friends, family, and mentors for their constant support and encouragement. Enjoy the show!
JENNIFER MANCE (Ensemble) is originally from Oshawa, ON, Canada, and is thrilled to be part of this bucket list show. She was recently the office gossip, Kathy, in 9 to 5. Other TNP roles; Sugar Lee/The Hallelujah Girls, Miss Shields/A Christmas Story: The Musi-
cal , Maggie/42nd Street, and Mrs. Peacock/ Clue: Onstage. When she is not performing, she is part of the faculty here at The Baker Day School, and is a busy theatre mom to Madison, who will play Éponine in Les Misérables Teen in August. Keep an eye out for her husband, Brett, who is often behind the bar. She is eternally grateful to Dawn and Charlie for allowing her to be part of something so incredibly special with such an unbelievably talented cast! First “no make-up” show ever!
ELIZABETH MARCANTONIO
(Ensemble/ Swing) is thrilled to return to the Kizzie to help breathe life into this beautiful and ever-relevant story. Endless thanks to everyone who has worked so tirelessly to cultivate such a safe, beautiful and welcoming space full of talent and love. We are SO lucky. Credits: Elsa/The Sound of Music , Mary Poppins/ Mary Poppins , Eliza/My Fair Lady, Rosie/ Bye Bye Birdie, Louise/Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, The Wedding Singer, Mamma Mia!, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show, 42nd Street and more.
PENELOPE MARTONE (Little Cosette) is 9 years old and excited to make her TNP debut as Little Cosette! Past theatre credits: Young Anna/Frozen (Slow Burn Theatre Company at the Broward Center), Hebrew Girl/The Thorn (National Tour), Molly/Annie (Broadway Palm), Ivanka/Once (TheatreZone), Matilda/ Matilda (Fort Myers Theatre). Other credits: The Child They Hid (Lifetime Movie Network), Ms. Marvel (Disney+), Shut In (DailyWire), The Curse of Lizzie Borden (Travel Channel). She thanks her family, coaches, manager, and agents for their endless support! @penelope.martone
Meet THE CAST
ANDREW MICHALOWSKI (Montparnasse/ Ensemble) is thrilled to be playing the role of Montparnasse in his first show with The Naples Players. Andrew studied dance for 11 years at Move Out Loud Dance Studio in Wisconsin and was a performer and dance captain in Arrowhead’s Broadway Company in high school, earning the Outstanding Performer Award. He was also a bass in his high school choir and helped his barbershop quartet win the 2024 Wisconsin State Championship. He recently completed a Spring 2026 performance tour in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia with the FGCU Chamber Choir under Dr. Trent Brown. When not onstage, Andrew enjoys martial arts and working on entrepreneurial ventures. He thanks his family, his vocal coach Dr. Thomas Weis, and The Naples Players for this opportunity.
RANDY PILOTO (Courfeyrac/US Enjolras) is grateful to be in his first adult production with The Naples Players. He has been previously seen in Academy shows as Tom Collins/ Rent: School Edition , Old Deuteronomy/ CATS: Young Actors Edition , and Adolfo Pirelli/Sweeney Todd Teen . Randy will be headed up to Florida State University after this summer to pursue a Bachelors in Music Performance on the Oboe. He would like to thank his friends and family from the bottom of his heart for all their support, as well as special thanks to Dawn and Charlie for their outstanding mentorship and direction. Please enjoy Les Misérables!
MATIAS PISCOYA (Gavroche) from dreaming of a Red Ryder BB gun in A Christmas Story: The Musical to the barber shop of Sweeney Todd , and now the barricades of Les Misérables , 12-year-old Matias couldn’t be more excited to bring Gavroche to life. A proud student at The Baker Day School of
TNP Academy, he has a deep love for musical theatre and is grateful for every chance to grow on stage. He recently made his professional debut in Oliver! at TheaterZone and was honored to perform his solo “Not While I’m Around” at The Naples Players’ Annual Gala. Other favorite roles include Willard/ Footloose, Zack Mooneyham/School of Rock Jr., Chip/Beauty and the Beast JR, and Ryan/ High School Musical Jr. Matias will also appear as Gavroche in the teen production. He is thankful to everyone who has supported him along the way.
VICTORIA RINALDI (Éponine) is a recent graduate from The Village School and is so excited to be a part of this amazing cast! Recently, she has been seen as Maureen/Rent: School Edition , Jennyanydots/CATS: Young Actors Edition , Mrs. Lovett/Sweeney Todd Teen , Ensemble/Hadestown: Teen Edition, Ensemble/A Christmas Story: The Musical , and Frau Blücher/Young Frankenstein. She thanks the cast and crew for all their hard work and dedication and Dawn and Charlie for trusting her with this opportunity! Enjoy the show!
AVERY ROSCHEK (Ensemble/US Éponine) is excited to return to the TNP stage this summer as Ensemble and Understudy Éponine in this production of Les Misérables! She has been a part of The Naples Players’ community since her debut show here in 2022, Mary Poppins. Some of her favorite credits include Demeter/CATS: Young Actors Edition , Natasha/Great Comet, Roxie Hart/Chicago, and Ensemble/ 42nd Street. Enjoy the show!
ISABELLA ROSATO (Ensemble/US Madame Thénardier) is thrilled to be doing her second show with The Naples Players! Going into her third year at the University of Florida, she is pursuing a BA in Theatre with a triple focus
in performance, directing, and lighting design. Isabella is deeply grateful for this opportunity to develop her craft alongside such a wonderful team, and to be sharing such a beautiful and iconic story with everyone this summer. Enjoy the show!
KELLY ROSSBERG (Grantaire/Bamatabois/ Ensemble/US Bishop) holds a BFA from University of Cincinnati - CCM and has also trained at RADA and The Moscow Art Theatre. He was most recently seen as Ed in The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Nighttime at The Naples Players. His most recent show as a director was Boeing Boeing at The Marco Island Arts Center. Other local credits: The Beadle/Sweeney Todd , Uncle Max/Sound of Music, and Saint Aphrodisius/The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Favorite roles include: Black Stache/Peter and the Starcatcher, Caleb/The Whipping Man , Galahad/Spamalot, and others. When not onstage, Kelly and Vanessa stay busy running the Naples Acting Studio! All my love to Vanessa and Zeus!
VANESSA ROSSBERG (Fantine/Show Captain) is honored to portray Fantine in Les Misérables, a true dream role! She was most recently seen as Judy Bernly in 9 to 5: The Musical and Jo March in Little Women at The Naples Players. Additional credits include Mrs. Sowerberry/Oliver! (TheatreZone), Mary Delgado/ Jersey Boy ( TheatreZone), Velma/West Side Story (Seacoast Rep), and Marty Maraschino/ G rease (Axelrod Performing Arts Center). Vanessa is deeply grateful to her husband, Kelly, for his unwavering love and support, and thanks her family and friends for being her foundation! Special thanks to Dawn and Charlie for making this incredible opportunity possible. Shout out to @naplesactingstudio! Enjoy the show!
MATT SCHWABAUER (Bishop/Combeferre/ Ensemble/US Jean Valjean) is thrilled to be fulfilling a longstanding dream by joining the cast of Les Misérables . No stranger to TNP, he was most recently seen as Professor Bhaer/Little Women and Charles Babbage/ Ada and the Engine. Other TNP credits include Ensemble/Sweeney Todd, Ken Gorman /Rumors, Pat Denning/42nd Street, Dr. Chumley/Harvey, among others. He was also in Remember: The Story of Abe Price/Actor 3 with Gulfshore Playhouse and 1776/Rev. John Witherspoon with Gulf Coast Symphony. This performance is dedicated to his Aunt Jane, who dreamed of one day seeing him perform in Les Misérables after they saw the show together on Broadway way back when. This one’s for you, Auntie! I love you and miss you!
MALENA TUCKER (Ensemble/US Cosette) is a graduate from First Baptist Academy and is thrilled to be in this production of Les Misérables. She will be attending Boston Conservatory at Berklee to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre. Malena was most recently seen as Mrs. Gloop in Willy Wonka at FBA and Meg in Little Women at The Naples Players. Previous credits include Elizabeth/Young Frankenstein , Dorothy Brock/42nd Street , Hodel/Fiddler on the Roof, Maria/The Sound of Music, and Dorothy/The Wizard of Oz . Malena is grateful to her family and friends for their love and support. Being on stage expressing herself through musical theatre is a reminder that God is good. She gives all glory and honor to Him. Enjoy the show!
Meet THE CAST
ALESSA VAZQUEZ (Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of the amazing cast of Les Misérables . She was most recently seen as Maria/ 9 to 5 , and as Amy March/Little Women . Past favorite roles include Belle/ Beauty and the Beast JR , Fate 1/Hadestown: Teen Edition, Rosalie Mullins/School of Rock, Gabriella Montez/High School Musical , and Ensemble/A Christmas Story: The Musical and Sweeney Todd . Beyond the stage, Alessa serves as the Marketing Assistant at TNP and was proud to be the inaugural Publicity Manager for the first Student Leadership Council. Now in her first year at Lynn University, she is pursuing a degree in Marketing while continuing to grow her love for theatre and storytelling. She is grateful to her TNP mentors and cast mates for their constant support and inspiration.
LORELAI VEGA (Cosette) is delighted to return to The Naples Players for a bucket list show like Les Misérables. She was most recently seen as Peggy Sawyer/42nd Street and Luisa/The Fantasticks here at The Naples Players as well as Francine/Jersey Boys and Carolyn/Bridges of Madison County. After growing up on this stage, it’s especially meaningful to be back after recently relocating to New York City. She feels so lucky to tell this beautiful story opposite her own Marius and alongside such a brilliant cast, crew, and creative team. Enjoy the show!
JACK WELD (Babet/Innkeeper/US Javert/ Gantaire/Bambatabois) was seen on the barricade as Combeferre back in 2013 when TNP last performed Les Misérables. Past shows at TNP include Much Ado About Nothing, Sweeney Todd, Man of La Mancha, A Christmas Story: The Musical , and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Thanks to Charlie and Dawn for all the shows over the last 22 years and believing in me.
OPEN AUDITIONS AUGUST 1
FOR
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WITH THE CREATIVE TEAM ?
Who we put in the hot seat to answer five questions about Les Misérables :
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DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Director/Choreographer
What is the most rewarding part of bringing an iconic show like this to life?
Breathing fresh life into a wellknown show is always exciting, but the most rewarding thing for me is always the growth of the actors as the show takes shape.
The full orchestration of this show is so lush and gorgeous; I can’t wait for the audience to hear these brilliant actorsingers in conjunction with our professional orchestra.
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CHARLES FORNARA Music Director/Conductor
What are some challenges when putting together a show of this magnitude?
The technical requirements of Les Misérables are so incredibly demanding. Sets, lights, costumes, sound; and the physical, emotional, and vocal stamina the cast needs to have.
We are going to rehearse the orchestra only once before they meet the cast for the Wandelprobe (dance-andsing). It’s a big challenge, but I am confident that we will be successful.
What’s different about this production since the last time TNP produced it in 2013?
In 2013 I choreographed, and this time I am directing and choreographing. I am a better storyteller now, with more experience under my belt. It is impossible to compare casts. That said, the training at TNP has gotten better over the years, so I am very confident in this cast’s ability to tell the story beautifully.
I have distanced myself from reliance on “how it needs to be,” and am more open-minded to looking at scenes and songs differently. 4 5
Have the lessons in the story changed for you personally over the years?
I am really focusing on redemption and hope. I’ve had a lot more life experience, experienced more loss, and I think just being older has made me view this story differently.
How can audiences expect to be moved or inspired by this show?
It’s the best musical ever written, in my opinion. It contains all the themes that entrance an audience. It is grand but also sentimental. It deals with society and individuals. We really get to know these characters and travel along with them on their journeys.
Photos from the 2013 TNP production of Les Misérables
Meet THE CREATIVE TEAM (IN
BERMAN Costume Designer
RYAN DOUGLASS
Scenic Designer
BUCCI Wig Designer
CHARLES FORNARA Music Director/Conductor
ABBY MAY
Lighting Designer
MINARIK Assistant to the Director/ Choreographer
BUTCHER Stage Manager
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Director/Choreographer
Wig Designer
Sound Designer
Props Designer
MOLLIE
JAMIELYNN
COLE
ERIC CONDIT
AMY HUGHES
ALEX
TINA MORONI
BRADY PATTERSON Assistant Stage Manager
MILA STANSIC Assistant Stage Manager
ANNA TIPTON Assistant Stage Manager
DYLAN TURNER Assistant Stage Manager
CARTER ZGONINA Assistant Stage Manager
MOLLIE BERMAN (Costume Designer) After graduating with her MFA from FSU, Mollie joined the creative team for Disney Parks Live Entertainment as well as freelanced as a designer in the Orlando area. Previous TNP design credits include Man of La Mancha; A Christmas Story: The Musical; Rumors; Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat!; The Fantasticks; The Marvelous Wonderettes; The Sound of Music; Mary Poppins; Blithe Spirit; The Wedding Singer; Footloose; Yours, Truly; Bye Bye Birdie; and She Loves Me. She has designed for TheatreWorks Florida, Mad Cow Theatre and Florida State University. Mollie has previously worked at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Williamstown Theatre Festival and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. She would like to thank her friends, family, and husband Reece for their unending support and encouragement.
JAMIELYNN
BUCCI (Wig Designer) is a Southwest Florida-based wig designer, makeup artist, and actor. Alongside her partnerin-wigs Tina Moroni, the duo has designed locally for Theaterzone, The Naples Players, and Players Circle Theater. They are passionate about the transformative power of wig, hair, and makeup artistry in performance. Recent credits: Much Ado About Nothing, Same Time Next Year, 9 to 5, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Little Women, 42nd Street, Jersey Boys, Carrie: The Musical. Big thanks to this creative team at TNP for their continued collaboration!
COLE BUTCHER (Stage Manager) received his BA in Stage Management from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Before moving to Southwest Florida in 2014 to work for TNP, Cole worked for educational theaters along the California coast, Carnival
Cruise Lines, the London Fringe circuit, operas, touring productions, and conservatory programs. He has over 20 years of experience as a fight choreographer and is currently training to be an intimacy coordinator as a natural extension of stage combat. Since being with TNP, Cole has trained over 200 locals in the art of stage management, started a nationally recognized Internship Program, and has been a part of the team that has pushed TNP to the forefront of the national conversation.
ERIC CONDIT (Sound Designer) Selected credits include golden-age and contemporary work such as Gypsy, Wonderful Town, Bright Star, The Bridges of Madison County, Gutenberg! The Musical, Million Dollar Quartet, Rock of Ages and Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical . Premiere works include Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera, The Feud and the upcoming Barcelona: The Musical (Feb 2027 at TheatreZone, Naples, FL). Outside the theater, Eric is owner of emc2(genius) - a professional residential lighting automation company. Together with his wife he is also coach of a world-champion Odyssey of the Mind Team.
RYAN DOUGLASS (Scenic Designer) s a scenic designer, director, and storyteller currently serving as Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He holds an MFA in Scenic Design from Pennsylvania State University and a BA in Music and Theatre from Florida State University. His design credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at The Muny, and he served as Associate Scenic Designer for Disney’s The Tale of Moana and Hercules aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ships. Before transitioning to higher education, Ryan taught high school theatre in Orlando and performed at Walt Disney World for eight years.
Life in Naples Life in Naples
Meet THE CREATIVE TEAM
CHARLES FORNARA (Music Director/Conductor), TNP’s Artistic Director of Music, spent a year playing Jean Valjean and Javert in the first German production of Les Misérables. He has music directed over 200 shows, including, at TNP: 9 to 5, Little Women, Sweeney Todd, 42nd Street, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Something Rotten!, Gentleman’s Guide, Chicago, The Rocky Horror Show, Catch Me If You Can, The Spitfire Grill, and many others, as well as over 30 teen productions for the TNP Academy. Also in Naples for TheatreZone, he has music directed nearly 40 shows including Grumpy Old Men, Rock of Ages, Bridges of Madison County, Legs Diamond, Sweet Smell of Success, Grand Hotel and Hair. Originally from Providence, RI, Chas conducted Jim Steinman and Roman Polanski’s Dance of the Vampires in Stuttgart, and has taught and coached singers all over the US and Germany, currently teaching voice at the TNP Academy. A proud member of Actors’ Equity, he has appeared in almost 100 musicals, operas and concerts, including several appearances here in Naples with TheatreZone, most recently as Mr. Bumble in Oliver!. Much love to his beautiful wife, Dawn, and a big thank you to this wonderful orchestra, for bringing this amazing score to life!
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA (Director/ Choreographer), TNP’s Artistic Director of Dance, is a native New Yorker and has served as director and choreographer for TNP’s 9 to 5, Little Women, Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Story: The Musical, 42nd Street, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Something Rotten!, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Sister Act, The Rocky Horror Show, Catch Me If You Can, Legally Blonde and The Spitfire Grill , among others, and with the TNP Academy for many productions, including CATS: Young Actors Edition, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat, Hairspray and Disney’s Camp Rock . She has choreographed many shows for TNP, including Gentleman’s Guide, All Shook Up, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Cabaret, and, as a performer, she has been seen in the National Tours of 42nd Street, Seussical the Musical, Anything Goes and Grease. A proud member of Actors’ Equity, she has been seen here in Naples in TheatreZone’s Sweeney Todd, Jekyll & Hyde, Stepping Out with Donna McKechnie, Legs Diamond and Hair, among others. Other recent roles include Sheila/A Chorus Line, Sally Bowles, Velma Kelly, Bombalurina/CATS and Ulla/The Producers. Dawn is currently teaching dance at TNP Academy. Love to husband Charlie and her family.
AMY HUGHES (Props Designer) is excited to be designing 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 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.
ABBY MAY (Lighting Designer) is very excited to return to The Naples Players (9 to 5, Sweeney Todd, The Cake, The Sound of Music, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) with this production! Abby is a New York City-based Lighting Designer who travels the country working in dance, theatre, opera, and events. Selected credits include: Fear of 13 (Broadway, Assoc. LD), The Play That Goes Wrong (LD, Florida Rep), Sound of Music National Tour (Assoc. LD), Beauty and the Beast (LD, Palo Alto Players), Into the Woods (LD, Blake Theatre), and The Last Five Years (LD, Palo Alto Players). BBE. abbymayld.com @_abbymay_
Meet THE CREATIVE TEAM
ALEX MINARIK (Assistant to the Director/ Choreographer) is a Junior BFA Music Theatre major at Florida State University from Slovakia. Previous TNP Creative credits include Ride The Cyclone (Director/Choreographer), Beetlejuice JR.(Choreographer) and this summer Camp Rock (Director). Onstage credits with TNP include Billy Lawlor/42nd Street, and Matt/The Fantasticks. Enjoy the show!
TINA MORONI (Wig Designer) is a Southwest Florida-based wig designer, make up artist, and actor. Alongside her partner-inwigs JamieLynn Bucci, the duo has designed locally for The Naples Players, Theater Zone and Players Circle Theatre and are passionate about the transformative power of wig, hair, and makeup artistry in performance. Recent credits include Much Ado About Nothing, Same Time Next Year, 9 to 5, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Little Women, 42nd Street, Jersey Boys, and Carrie: The Musical . Big thanks to this creative team and The Naples Players for continued collaboration!
BRADY PATTERSON (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be a part of this production. He has worked in audio and stage management on 14 shows in the last year and a half. He had over a thousand volunteer hours last year and just finished both of his junior internships at TNP while also being the TNPA publicist on SLC. He’s also stage managing our student-produced production of Spelling Bee. ENJOY! “I hate slick and pretty things. I prefer mistakes and accidents.”David Lynch
MILA STANISIC (Assistant Stage Manager) is finishing her final year at the University of Florida. While this is her second time
ASMing a mainstage musical after last year’s Sweeney Todd , she previously volunteered in the costume shop and props department for A Christmas Story: The Musical, Young Frankenstein , and Man of La Mancha . Involved in musical theatre from a young age, she has been active both backstage and even in the spotlight, performing in her high school’s production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Ensemble). She would like to thank TNP staff and volunteers for creating such a welcoming and encouraging community and hopes you resonate with this production.
ANNA TIPTON (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be working with this cast and crew. Her TNP credits include Stage Manager for The Hallelujah Girls, Assistant Stage Manager for The Play That Goes Wrong; Almost, Maine; 42nd Street ; and 42nd Street Teen; as well as Running Crew for Laugh, Cry, Pee, Repeat!. Outside the theatre she’s a writer and editor and published her first novella, Swan Vanishing, with Hidden Shelf. She’s currently earning her MFA in Creative Writing at Hollins University.
DYLAN TURNER (Assistant Stage Manager) is very excited to be working on another show here at The Naples Players. This is Dylan’s second show as an Assistant Stage Manager but has previously stage managed Something Rotten JR!. and Beetlejuice JR. here with the TNP Academy. When not in the theater, Dylan can be found on the football field as he is one of the drum majors for his school’s marching band. As his senior year at Gulf Coast High comes to an end, he is excited to attend Florida State University to pursue a degree in music education to become a high school band director. He would also like to thank Jen,
Julie, Cole, Taylor, and Chris for fostering his love of theater. Lastly, he would like to thank his parents for their support.
CARTER ZGONINA (Assistant Stage Manager) is a senior Stage Management student at George Washington University. Select SM Credits: Midiculous (Keegan Theatre), Spring Dance Concert, Twelfth Night (GWU), Sweeney Todd, 42nd Street (The Naples Players).
We are honored to be a part of the renovation team, thank you to The Naples Players for your partnership.
Luxury Residential & Commercial Construction
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Our Volunteers: THE HEART OF TNP
2025 VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers who continued to give of their time and talents this past season. We could not have done it without you.
Please visit our website for a full list of all volunteers and hours.
500+ HOURS
Gwen Bettini
Braxton Cabrera
Sherlay Cajuste
Christian DeSalvo
Edison Filner
Linda Friis
Lisa Gunn
Thomas Hartland
Nancy Hayer
Maria Hernandez
John McGonigle
Frank Messana
250 - 499 HOURS
LJ An
Leo Benander-McKay
Lisa Bill
Ladd Boris
Alyssa Bradshaw
Maddie Brendel
Dede Brownlee
JamieLynn Bucci
Jody Cameron
Lexi Camina
Peter Caporal
Bob Cappetta
Patti Caroli
Tina Cedras
Lexii Clemons
Grace Condit
Katharine Condit
William Condit
Belinda Conigliaro
Christian Conn
Jim Corsica
Thomas Currie
Jon Declet
Vivienne Engelmann
Joseph Femia
Cindy Finegan
Kady Finegan
Kit Gorritz FitzSimons
Stephanie Fowle
Kaila Francois
Mitch Frank
Noah Garcia
Alexander Garciarena
Tammy Harris
Jeannine Hedberg
Naphtaisha Jean Charles
850+ ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS
87,000+ VOLUNTEER HOURS
Peggy Monson
Brady Patterson
Patricia Puia
Matthew Schwabauer
Christina Skibicki
Jean Snyder
Ruth Johnson
Kip Jones
Kristina Kavalov
Kevin Kenneally
Steve Lee
Terry Libby
Russ Loyet
Karen McGonigle
John McKerrow
Sydney Mixon
Brian Muniz
Sydney Ott
Joyce Perl
Matias Piscoya
Victoria Rinaldi
Isabella Rosato
Kelly Rossberg
Vanessa Rossberg
Abigail Spiker
Michael Troop
Alessa Vazquez
Jack Weld
Fred Willig
Roseann Ruggiero
Hannah Schumacher
Judy Scribner
Olivia Silverio
Eric Sivertsen
Jeff Smith
Marjorie Smith
Mila Stanisic
Colton Townsend
Landon Townsend
Malena Tucker
Alyssa Turner
Dylan Turner
Aseem Upadhyay
Lynne Vela
Perry Ventro
Carter Zgonina
GET INVOLVED
Departments and activities for friendly folks of all ages and abilities
PERFORMERS
Come audition for a show! All of our performers are volunteers, with each cast being a mix of veterans, newcomers, and novices.
BACKSTAGE CREW
Fly rail, audio assistant, backstage crew, spotlight operator, board operator...the behind-the-scenes opportunities at TNP are endless!
COSTUME SHOP
Assist with repairs, alterations, sewing, ironing, steaming, buttons, hems...you name it! Costumes for every performance are made on site!
Lend a hand with set construction, demolition, painting, and the occasional prop fabrication. Get your hands dirty and have fun doing it!
USHERS
Greet patrons, scan tickets, work concessions, hand out programs, and escort patrons to their seats. Be the first friendly face patrons see and experience!
Staff & LEADERSHIP AT TNP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ROBIN BACHE GRAY President
DENNY GLASS Vice President
OTTO IMMEL Secretary
BOB UEK Treasurer
ALAN JAFFE
Immediate Past President
TED BILL
BOB BRADY
JOAN DiLILLO
BRUCE GRAEV
TNP STAFF ( ALPHABETICAL ORDER )
BRYCE ALEXANDER
Executive Artistic Director/CEO
MOLLIE BERMAN Director of Costumes
EMILY BETTINI Director of Patron Services
NICK BOISERT
Resident Charge Artist
JULES BRANCHE Volunteer Manager
COLE BUTCHER
Artistic Director of Production/ Internship Director
PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement
STEVEN CARUSO
Chief Education Officer
LEXII CLEMONS Lighting Coordinator
CHRISTIAN CONN Front of House Associate
JOHN COOPER Assistant Box Office Manager
EIMEAR COULLS Marketing Coordinator
KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff
DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer
JAMES DUGGAN Artistic Associate
PHILLIP FAZIO
Artistic Director
TERRY LIBBY
JOHN HEARD
AMY KOPELAN
BETH PETRUNOFF
KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
CINDY FINEGAN
Assistant House Manager
CHARLES FORNARA
Artistic Director of Music
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA
Artistic Director of Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
LUKE JACONIS Director of Donor Relations
TORI KERSHAW Backstage Manager
SJ KNOX Sound Supervisor
LANDON LIBBEY Front of House Associate
JENNIFER MANCE TNPA Faculty
TAYLOR MATTHEWS Company Stage Manager
JOHN McKERROW Food & Beverage Manager
MARY ANNE McKERROW Resident Costume Designer
JULIE MEDRANO Assistant Director of Education
DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager
DANA PETEROY TNPA Faculty
SUMMER PLISKOW Director of Arts Access
All emails are first initial, last name at naplesplayers.org
TNP acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of the Calusa and Seminole peoples; and we acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of all the native people in this region.
A Flair for the Delicious
Before the curtain goes up, or after the final bow, savor a moment at Truluck’s and enjoy our $59 3-course TRU Ninety-Two menu, handcrafted cocktails, and more. Experience the ocean’s finest, now playing just steps from the stage.
