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Welcome to SEASON 72

As the curtain falls on Season 72, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for a remarkable year of growth, celebration, and reconnection.

Last season marked a defining year for The Naples Players—one shaped by purpose, people, and possibility. From record-breaking productions and our largest season ticket base ever to national recognition for our award-winning LEEDcertified facility, our theatre was once again filled with energy, creativity, and connection. More than a milestone year, this was a moment of momentum: expanded education programs, groundbreaking Arts Access partnerships, and unprecedented volunteer engagement reaffirmed our role as both a cultural home and a national model. Through deep collaborations with hospitals, schools, and community organizations, we extended the power of theatre far beyond our stages—bringing creativity, empathy, and human connection to where they are needed most. At The Naples Players, every seat, every story, and every applause is part of something bigger—a shared commitment to building community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.

WELCOME TO TNP

OUR MISSION

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 & SHOW TIMES

SHOW TIMES

WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY

7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY

2 p.m.

PRICING*

GENERAL PUBLIC

$55-$57/each

SEASON PACKAGES

$42-$46/each

STUDENTS

$25/each

*Prices reflect remaining 2025-2026 shows only.

BOX OFFICE (239) 263-7990

MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

WILL CALL 2 hours before curtain

FREE TOURS

MONDAY - SATURDAY | Noon & 5 p.m.

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.

JUN 24 - JUL 26, 2026 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER

OCT 21 - NOV 22, 2026 IN THE PRICE STUDIO THEATER THE TIMELESS MUSICAL OF HOPE AND HUMANITY A TALE OF FAMILY, FOOD, AND HEARTFELT TRUTH A SERIOUS COMEDY ABOUT SECOND CHANCES

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.

PERFORMANCE ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES:

WHEELCHAIR SEATING & PARKING

ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES

SENSORY-FRIENDLY BOOTH

SIGN LANGUAGE

BRAILLE PERFORMANCE GUIDES

LARGE PRINT PERFORMANCE GUIDES

ACCESSIBLE GUIDES

SENSORY BAGS

RELAXED PERFORMANCES

CONNECT YOUR OWN ASSISTED LISTENING

DE VICE

Handheld and headphone devices are available at the Access Concierge desk at Patron Services.

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 this QR code to connect to our hearing assist WIFI network.

STEP 2

Scan this QR code to download the ListenWifi App. Open the app and select your theater.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE SEE AN USHER OR VISIT THE ACCESS CONCIERGE DESK AT PATRON SERVICES.

COLLIER COUNTY CULTURE MEANS BUSINESS.

Company of Man of La Mancha Photo by Naples Creative.

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

SPOTLIGHT ON

From Staten Island to the Suncoast: Alanna Dachille’s Journey of RESILIENCE

For 33-year-old Alanna Dachille, the spotlight has always been a second home. Growing up on Staten Island, her journey began at the tender age of two when she first stepped onto a dance floor. What started as area dance competitions soon blossomed into a deep-seated passion

for the performing arts. As a teenager, Alanna found herself drawn to the timeless elegance of the silver screen, becoming a self-proclaimed film “nerd” obsessed with the poise of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. This curiosity about the craft of acting—the “how” and “why” behind a performance—led her to a high school acting class that changed everything.

Hooked on the stage, Alanna set her sights on one of the most prestigious institutions in the world: The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. Joining the ranks of alumni like Robert Redford and Anne Hathaway, she embraced a rigorous schedule. “The academy crams four years of college into two years of intensive conservatory training,” Alanna recalls. “I came out a different person—so much stronger.”

After graduation, she continued her training at Michael Howard Studios and T. Schreiber Studio. Alanna was living the Manhattan dream—working in theatre and residing in the heart of the city—until the world came to a standstill.

The 2020 pandemic hit New York City’s vibrant theater scene hard. Broadway went dark, and opportunities began to evaporate. Facing a crossroads, Alanna looked toward Florida, where her family had recently moved. In July 2020, she made the pivotal decision to move to Southwest Florida, a transition that provided both personal support and new professional avenues.

Florida offered a fresh start. Alanna quickly signed with an agent with offices in Orlando and Tampa, leading to commercial work and several exciting film projects. However, the industry’s unpredictable nature struck again with the 2023 SAG strike. After a period of scarce auditions, Alanna decided to pursue theater locally, which led her to The Naples Players.

Her local debut in Harvey marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship with The Naples Players, followed by participation in TNP’s renovated theater re-opening extravaganza, 42nd Street, Rumors, and, most recently, And Then There Were None. She is also teaching in TNP Academy’s after-school programs and is a middle school acting teacher in TNPA’s Baker Day School.

She marvels at the opportunity to teach 43 young students in her after-school class—thankfully with help from five assistant teachers. “I tell our students how lucky they are. TNP offers so much. Students as young as 15 are receiving critical exposure to all aspects of theatre, including technical skills. They even help direct and teach other students. The creative talent of these kids is unbelievable. They put so much into each show – brilliance, passion, and a spark at a young age.”

She also is in awe of TNP’s facilities. Alanna shared that on Staten Island, theater facilities offered bare bones amenities and services. She was overwhelmed when she experienced the newly renovated TNP. “You dream about a facility with a large performance theater

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Alanna in And Then There Were None

“I am the luckiest girl: I do what I love! Auditions, teach, direct –I’m making a living within the industry I am passionate about, while continuing to sharpen my own skills.”

Alanna Dachille

and a black box theater that provides community access. I hope students and their families realize that what we have here at TNP is incredible.”

Alanna continues to pursue professional acting roles in film/TV, commercials, voiceovers and modeling while performing and teaching at TNP and other local theaters. “I am always ready to seize great opportunities.”

Since starting her acting career at age 19, Alanna has developed the thick skin necessary for a career defined by its peaks and valleys. “You must be resilient,” she advises. “There are no guarantees. There are no promises. One thing I tell my students at The Naples Players Academy

is that you cannot take it personally. The thing I learned about the business early on is that there are many factors that go into casting—not just talent.” Her philosophy is simple: feel the frustration, let it go quickly, and move on.

“I came here with family and had no local friends. I’ve made my friends at TNP. It really brings people together in a wonderful way. I truly found a home here at The Naples Players,” said Alanna.

From the streets of New York to the stages of Naples, Alanna Dachille continues to prove that while roles may come and go, a true performer’s passion— and resilience—is permanent.

Alanna performing in Rumors

We are honored to be a part of the renovation team, thank you to The Naples Players for your partnership.

Luxury Residential & Commercial Construction

Making Your Family the Star Today & for Generations to Come

Since 1980, Clarity Wealth has been helping the best families live their best lives today and for generations to come. Thanks to these families who have entrusted their financial confidence to us, Forbes named us the top-ranked wealth management practice in South Florida and the #7 practice in the nation with nearly $6 billion (as of 10/31/25) in assets under management.

Donor RECOGNITION

MARCH 1, 2026 - APRIL 15, 2026

Please join us in thanking these donors who gave between March 1, 2026 and April 15, 2026. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage.

John Alfonso

Ward Alles

Susan & Bruce Armstrong

Beth Atkinson

Mary Lou Barnett

Alice Bassett

Anthony & Maryanne Beirne

Bert Rapowitz Family Fund

Jeff & Christianne Bohr

David Bosley

Remy Branstetter

John & Jan Butz

Linda Cain

Rhonda Curry

Thomas & Susan Dapp

Ted DeGroot

Linda Duncan

Glen Engelmann

Karen & Ed Ezrine

Richard & Elizabeth Flury

Ken Foley

Laverne Franklin

Mary Galosky

Pamela & Arthur Gilbert

Tanya & Denny Glass

Timothy Gorman

Gordon & Sigrid Graves

Maree Gregoire

Jennifer Hamilton

John Hannon

Tammy & Robert Harris

Jean Hartman

Renee & Robert Hatlelid

Philip & Laurie Hooker

David Ireland

Sherri Jablon

Charles Johnston

Kip Jones

Margaret Keane

Charles Kiven

George & Patricia Kraus

Terry Kurth

Stuart Levy

Alvin Lewis

Terry Libby

Phyllis Liebman

Frank & Dana Lupacchino

Donna Macaulay

The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation

Jacqueline & William Masterson

Paul & Gail McDonald

Susan M. Measel

Scott & Louise Root Melby

Joanna Miele

Debera & Jack Millstein

Linda & Jim Mizeur

Amy Moses

William Nelson

Timothy Newmann

Wendy O’Connell

Bob & Judy Odell

Alan & Ann Olson

Camille Pandolfelli

Joe Pascoe

Nick & Linda Penniman

Jennifer Pera

Richard & Barbara Peters

Karen Pobanz

Pat Prout

Karlene Putnam

Quad Cities Community FoundationBill & Helen Iten Family Endowment

Sue Rapanos

Mary Ellen Rombauts

Barbara Rossetti

Sanghvi Cory Familiy Foundation

Mary Savage

Marilyn Scanlon

Lisa Schoene

Michael Schroeck

Bill Shade & John Pochopin

Eileen Shanbrom

Robert & Kathleen Slater

Jeff & Sue Smith

Pete & Saundra Spilotro

Ted Stine

Joseph Stinson

Michael Svayg

Mary Jane Tarabocchia

Joan & Richard Toder

Valencia Bonita

Brian & Tami Walker

Beth Weber

Suzanne Whittingstall

John Zaborowski

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.

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. Thank you to these donors.

$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

Claire Skinner

David B. & Vicky C. Smith

David & Jerrilyn Hoffmann

$250,000+

Muffy Clark Gill

George D’Angelo & Laura St. Clair

Theresa Bill

Diane & Sid Davis

Bruce & Robin Bache Gray

$100,000+

Peter & Janet Swinburn

Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan

John & Catherine Estey

NBH Family Foundation

$50,000+

Nancy Woolf

Steven & Shelley Einhorn

Kevin & Dorota Kilstrom

Ken Krier

Terry Libby

Peggy & James Monson

Alan & Liz Jaffe

$25,000+

Robert & Ruth Brown

Jack & Debera Millstein

Jeff & Judy Kane

Patti Hepburn (The STEP Fund)

Kathryn & Ronald Zagel

Bruce & Joanie Graev

Sarann & Stan Kraushaar

Kathleen Azzariti

Shideh & Shahab Bina & Family

Jim & Linda Mizeur

$15,000+

Elizabeth Rountree

Brit & Marilyn Bartter

Audrey & Vaughn Pengelly

Nancy Ribordy

$10,000+

John P. & Linda B. Cardillo

Robert W. Uek

Ted & Lisa Bill

Tony & Wynne Ridgway

Alyssa Haney

Paulette Oliva/Oliva Family

Charitable Trust

Mark & Darlene Miller

The Claremont Family

The Betsey Harris Fund (Alan & Elizabeth Harris)

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Capital Campaign DONORS

$5,000+

Lake Michigan Credit Union & Finemark Bank & Trust

The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation

Barbara & George Davin

Donald & Victoria Strumillo

Debbie & Tim Wesolowski

Otto & Jennifer Immel

The Hastings Fitzgerald Family Fund

$2,500+

Carla Grieve

Janet Showers & Day Patterson

Vic & Patti Caroli

Pat Pollok

Dede & Robert Brownlee

Cheryl & Trent Waterhouse

$1,000+

Steve Purcell

Sue Rapanos

John & Pamela Meehan

Charmaine & Adrian Banky

Pengelly Family Fund

Arlene & Terry Riegel

Linda Fikes

Linda Benedict Colvin

Jo Ellen Atkinson

Bill & Carol Rohde

David & Terry Whalley

Tom Ray & Lorena Aguirre

Up to $1,000

Joel & Noel Bleier

Carole Fenstermacher

Patricia Rutzler

Scott & Louise Root Melby

Hildegard Carney

Mary Lisowski

Jim Corsica

Joel & Arlene Banow

Ellen Prokopow & Zane Hollingsworth

Dean Corrow & Francis Feltault

Pamela & Steven Caruso

Mary Connone

Linda Reymann

Diane Thompson

Margot Kenzie

Eleanor S. Dobbin

Debra Sundin

PRESENT

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

DIRECTOR

MARCUS DEAN FULLER

LIGHTING DESIGNER

DALLAS J. COOK

SCENIC DESIGNER ANDREW MANNION

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PHILLIP FAZIO BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

SOUND DESIGNERS

ADAPTED BY MARCUS FULLER

STAGE MANAGER PATRICIA PUIA

JOE PARISI & KOHEN VERRETTE

PROPS DESIGNER AMY HUGHES

COSTUME DESIGNER KATHLEEN KOLACZ

DRAMATURGS RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA

EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER

KIZZIE THEATER MAY 06 - MAY 24, 2026

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

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 & CREW

URSULA, Hero’s hair & makeup artist ...................................................................... ZOË BEBON

DON PEDRO, Director of “The Wars” ................................................................. BOB CAPPETTA

ANTONIO, Messina ex-studio head .................................................................... ALEX COSTELLO

BEATRICE, a major Hollywood star ....................................................................... KATIE CROSS

HERO, the ingenue actor ................................................................................. ALANNA DACHILLE

MARGARET, Hero’s assistant ......................................................................... SHELLEY GOTHARD

SEXTON, a detective ....................................................................................... KEVIN KENNEALLY

BORACHIO, Director of Photography ................................................................. RUTH KENNEDY

CONRADE, assistant to Don John ........................................................................ LOYSE MICHEL

CLAUDIO, the young new heartthrob actor ...................................................... SYDNEY MIXON

DOGBERRY, the studio’s head security guard ................................................. ESTHER SNYDER

BENEDICK, a major Hollywood star ................................................................ ASEEM UPADHYAY

DON JOHN, Assistant Director (after directing a failed movie) ...................... MARK VANAGAS

LEONATO, Messina Studio head .......................................................................... PERRY VENTRO

FRIAR FRANCIS, a priest ........................................................................................... JACK WELD

VERGES, the deputy to Dogberry ...................................................................... DAVID WHALLEY

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS ................................................... NANCY HAYER, JEANNINE HEDBERG

DECK MANAGER ............................................................................................... TAYLOR MATTHEWS

BACKSTAGE CREW ....................... JIM CORSICA, LISA GUNN, KARAROSE HARDMAN, THOMAS HARTLAND

FLIES .........................................................................

DRESSERS .................................................

BRAD BRENNER, TRACY FOWKES, ANYA LASTIRI

LEXII CLEMONS, ROSEANN RUGGIERO, CHRISTINA SKIBICKI

ELECTRICIANS ....................................................

LEXII CLEMONS, DEBRA GULINELLO, ARNIE LEYTON, EMMANUEL MARTINEZ, ANGELIQUE M c ARTHUR, JOHN M c GONIGLE, MEG PHILLIPS

VIDEOGRAPHER ........................................................................................................ KATIE CROSS

LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR ......................................................................................... KATE CONDIT

SOUND BOARD OPERATORS .................................................. CIARA PELLETIER, COLTON TOWNSEND

AUDIO ASSISTANT ........................................................................................ EVANGELINA BUENDIA

ASSISTANT PROPS DESIGNER ............................................................................

PROPERTIES ..................................................................................................

COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE ..............................................

BRIDGET POULTER

DEBRON M c CARTNEY

SANDI DRULEY, MARY JANE JONES, ANNIE KHOURY, SANDY L o PRESTI, MARY SCHMITZ, JEAN SNYDER

SCENIC PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION .............................. BOB BOEHM, ROB BRICENO, IAN COCKLIN, JOHN FELICIANO, JOE FEMIA, LINDA FRIIS, JIM GAYEUSKI, SANDY KEELER, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, TOM M c CULLOUGH, VINCENT O’BYRNE, DAVID ORTH, PAUL PENNISI, JOHN PIAZZA, BOB RATH, TRACY ROSEN, LINDA RUSSELL THORNE, JEFF SMITH, MARY TAYLOR, TOM TIERNY, MICHAEL TROOP, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG

Acts & SCENES

Hollywood, 1940. It was the Golden Age, when studio heads and powerful directors made movie magic with beautiful, talented, and often temperamental stars. It was a time when gossip columnists worked hard to uncover the secret romances, wild parties, and undercover shenanigans of the rich and privileged elite.

TNP’s production of Much Ado About Nothing is set in this era—a perfect fit for this sparkling comedy filled with witty banter, shadowy villains, and beautiful young lovers. Rather than Italian nobles in the 16th century, watch studio heads, powerful directors, and headstrong movie stars navigate love, revenge, and - of course - laughter, to a happy ending. As the Bard said, “The course of true love never did run smooth...”

ACT 1

SCENES ONE & TWO: SOUND STAGE

ACT 2

SCENES ONE & TWO: COURTYARD

SCENE THREE: SOUND STAGE

ACT 3

SCENE ONE: DRESSING ROOM

SCENE TWO: SCREENING ROOM

SCENE THREE: SOUND STAGE

SCENE FOUR: LEONATO’S OFFICE

ACT 4

SCENE ONE: CHURCH

SCENE TWO: INTERVIEW ROOM

ACT 5

SCENES ONE & TWO: SOUND STAGE

SCENE THREE: COURTYARD

Meet THE CAST

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

ZOË BEBON

Ursula

BOB CAPPETTA Don Pedro

ALEX COSTELLO Antonio

KATIE CROSS Beatrice

ALANNA DACHILLE Hero SHELLEY GOTHARD Margaret

KEVIN KENNEALLY Sexton

RUTH KENNEDY Borachio

LOYSE MICHEL Conrade

SYDNEY MIXON Claudio

ESTHER SNYDER Dogberry

ASEEM UPADHYAY Benedick

MARK VANAGAS Don John

PERRY VENTRO Leonato

JACK WELD Friar Francis

DAVID WHALLEY Verges

ZOË BEBON (Ursula) is thrilled to be making her TNP debut in this innovative & stylish production and grateful to be a part of this very talented cast! Hailing from Connecticut, other credits include: Queen Gertrude/Hamlet, Sister Mary Lazarus/Sister Act, Mrs. Cratchit/Scrooge: The Musical (Curtain Call Theater, Stamford); and Louisa Creed/ Ladies in Retirement (Town Players of New Canaan) among others. Much love to all my family!

BOB CAPPETTA (Don Pedro) is delighted to return to The Naples Players’ stage after appearing earlier this season in And Then There Were None, and previously in Death of a Salesman and Clue: On Stage. He is especially excited to take on the challenge of performing Shakespeare, having earlier appeared in a Chicago-area production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other recent “cold weather” credits include Stage Kiss, The Book of Liz , and Dangerous Corner. He extends heartfelt thanks to his wife, Kathleen, for her unwavering love and support, and to his students at FSW for inspiring him every day.

ALEX COSTELLO (Antonio) is excited to be making his debut at The Naples Players, and particularly grateful to realize a lifelong dream of performing in a Shakespeare play. In past lives as a lawyer, newspaper editor and school teacher, he has had the opportunity to act, direct and write at several venues, including 12 productions at The Marco ACT. Alex taught Shakespeare to high school students for many years, and recently wrote and directed a comedy about ... Hamlet? It’s time to find out what he’s learned about performing The Bard’s work. Can’t wait!

KATIE CROSS (Beatrice) was raised in Colorado and received her BFA in Theater Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Her theater credits include Sweet & Lucky (Denver Center/ Third Rail Productions): The Tempest and Twelfth Night (Colorado Shakespeare Festival), In Flight: The Story of Sabine Van Dam (Gulfshore Playhouse Outreach), Clue (The Naples Players), and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Emerald Coast Theater Company). Film credits include Life’s Rewards (Amazon Prime): and Belleville Cop (Net-

flix.) She is the owner of Cross Align Media, which creates videos for nonprofits and small businesses. She is forever thankful to her husband Bryce for his unending support and her son Ellis for showing her daily how to find magic in all things.

ALANNA DACHILLE (Hero) is so excited to be back on the TNP stage! Past TNP roles include Vera Claythorne/And Then There Were None, Cassie Cooper/Rumors, Diane Lorimer/42nd Street, and Nurse Kelly/Harvey. A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA), she also trained at T. Schreiber Studio and Michael Howard Studios. Some past New York credits include Cecily Cardew/The Importance of Being Earnest, Amy/ Little Women, and Peaseblossom/A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as appearances in original NY plays and various independent films. Most recently, she workshopped an original play at The Actors Studio (New York). Alanna thanks her mom, dad, and her family for their unwavering love and support. IG: @alannamarie92

SHELLEY GOTHARD (Margaret) is happy to be doing Shakespeare again at TNP. This will be her fourth adventure with the Bard, the last being A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shelley was recently seen as Mary Sommerville/Ada and the Engine and Claire Ganz/Rumors.

KEVIN KENNEALLY (Sexton) is excited to be making his foray into the world of Shakespeare with this wonderful production. Favorite TNP roles include: Rogers/And Then There Were None, Porter/The Hallelujah Girls, Clarence and others/It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play, Jacob Marley/A Christmas Carol , Mr. Maraczek/She Loves Me, Judge Group/Miracle on 34th Street, Colonel Gilweather/Something’s Afoot, and Underling/The Drowsy Chaperone. Special thanks to Diane Davis for her teaching and insight; to Linda for her love and support; and to all involved, both on stage and off, led by our visionary director, Marcus Dean Fuller, for making this such an enjoyable experience.

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Meet THE CAST

RUTH KENNEDY (Borachio) is absolutely thrilled to return to TNP after The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Huge thanks to The Naples Players for this incredible community. Mom, I love you the most. Thanks for reminding me every day that I’m your favorite.

LOYSE MICHEL (Conrade) is gleeful to be debuting at The Naples Players! You may have seen her at the FL Laboratory Theater as Chris/POTUS , June/ Good Bad People, or maybe Tish/Clyde’s. She would like to give a big thank you to her alum director Miguel Cintron, Marcus, and the entire cast and crew for welcoming her with open arms!

SYDNEY MIXON (Claudio) is thrilled to be part of this reimagined production of Much Ado About Nothing! With almost her entire lifetime of experience in the theatre, she has had the joy of exploring a wide range of roles both onstage and behind the scenes. She is deeply grateful to be part of such a collaborative and creative company, and extends many thanks to Marcus for his thoughtful direction and for bringing such a bold and imaginative vision of this Shakespearean classic to life—creating a dynamic and inspiring space to explore these characters with depth and nuance. Enjoy the show!

ESTHER SNYDER (Dogberry) is excited to be in her first Shakespeare production since high school — and to ‘join the ranks’ with Michael Keaton and Nathan Fillion, her favorite Dogberrys that have come before. Previous roles include Crystal/ The Hallelujah Girls, Foley Artist/It’s A Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play, Edith/Blithe Spirit, and Annie Cannon/Silent Sky. A big thank you to the cast, crew, designers, and dedicated volunteers at TNP!

ASEEM UPADHYAY (Benedick) is super hyped to be in his first Shakespeare production in America! He was most recently seen as George Read/1776 at Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, Phillip Lombard/And Then There Were None (TNP) and Jesus/Jesus Christ Superstar (The Lab Theater). Other select credits include Captain Phoebus/The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Simon/The Game’s Afoot, Lyman Sanderson/Harvey, and Glenn Coo -

per/Rumors. In addition to acting, he is also a local singer-songwriter and has played across venues in SWFL and New York City. He is grateful to his family back home in India for all their support and his partner Annie for always believing in him. He wants to assert that Benedick will forever remain a bachelor & cannot ever be tricked!!!

IG: @justameesa

MARK VANAGAS (Don John) returns to TNP after a two-year hiatus. Mark last appeared as Wadsworth in Clue: On Stage. He is happy to bring the words of Shakespeare back to TNP’s stage! Previous Shakespeare roles include: The Witches/ MacDuff/Macbeth: A Love Story; Oberon/Theseus (TWICE!)/A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Master Ford/The Merry Wives of Windsor ; Don Pedro/Much Ado About Nothing ; Duke Orsino/ Twelfth Night ; and Shylock/The Merchant of Venice. A proud TNP Life Member Award recipient, Mark has been in over roughly 40 productions over the last 24 years! Favorite roles include: The Emcee/Cabaret ; Dr. Frank-N-Furter/The Rocky Horror Show; Nick Bottom/Something Rotten!; M. Thenardier/Les Misérables; Carmen Ghia/ The Producers; Lumière/Disney’s Beauty and the Beast ; Reuben Soady/Escanaba in da Moonlight ; Mark Rothko/RED ; John Starr/Charles Ives Take Me Home; Valmont/Les Liaisons Dangereuses; Mr. Reed/These Shining Lives; Lord Goring/An Ideal Husband , and Jack “Earnest” Worthing/The Importance of Being Earnest. All his love to his wife Dot for endless years of love and support, and to his fellow cast and crew for bringing this timeless tale to life!

PERRY VENTRO (Leonato) is thrilled to be cast in Much Ado About Nothing under the expert direction of Marcus Dean Fuller, who reimagined this Shakespeare classic into the glorious golden era of Hollywood and all the drama of the studio system. Previous productions with TNP: Sir Lawrence Wargrave/And Then There Were None, Charley/Death Of A Salesman, Harry MacAfee/ Bye Bye Birdie, Chester McKee/The Great Gatsby, and Ensemble/Guys and Dolls. Past productions with The Studio Players: Arnold/Torch Song Trilogy and Hilly/Clark Gable Slept Here. He has also enjoyed performing in Bob Brady’s Cabarets that have included musical tributes to Cole Porter, Steven Sondheim, and Kander and Ebb. He has had an Interior Design business for more than 25 years.

JACK WELD (Friar Francis) is stoked for Shakespeare and to be on stage in Much Ado 17 years after having played Don John the last time TNP

produced it. Recent performances at TNP include Sweeney Todd, Man of La Mancha, A Christmas Story: The Musical , and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Thanks to Marcus for casting me, and here’s hoping for many more Shakespeare shows at TNP in the future.

DAVID WHALLEY (Verges) is delighted to be back on stage at The Naples Players and deeply honored to continue his association with such an amazing group of talented people! Recent appearances have been as Velasco/Barefoot in the Park with The Studio Players and as Caversham/An Ideal Husband with TNP. Other performances have included productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It on TNP’s Baker Stage, Pickering/My Fair Lady, Bradley/The Cocktail Hour, and Lionel/ Bakersfield Mist. Thanks as always go to his acting mentor Diane Davis and to Terry for her encouragement and forbearance!

Meet THE CREATIVE TEAM (IN

DALLAS J. COOK Lighting Designer

JEANNINE HEDBERG Assistant Stage Manager

NANCY HAYER Assistant Stage Manager

ANDREW MANNION Scenic Designer

AMY HUGHES Props Designer

JOE PARISI Sound Designer

MARCUS DEAN FULLER Director

KATHLEEN KOLACZ Costume Designer

PATRICIA PUIA Stage Manager

KOHEN VERRETTE Sound Designer

BRIDGET POULTER Assistant Props Designer

DALLAS J. COOK (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to return to The Naples Players as this season’s lighting intern. He recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts. As TNP’s summer 2024 intern, DJ designed School of Rock and co-designed 42nd Street. In Charlotte, he has designed Peter and the Starcatcher, Measure for Measure, and Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully, as well as countless dance pieces. This season, he designed High School Musical JR, CATS , and Rent, and was the ALD for And Then There Were None, Little Women, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and 9 to 5. He hopes you enjoy Much Ado About Nothing!

MARCUS DEAN FULLER (Director) is an actor, writer, director, producer and educator with over twenty-five years’ experience working in film, television and stage. He has taught numerous courses including: Acting, Shakespeare in Performance and, Stage to Film. Mr. Fuller has been a contributing writer for The Wrap magazine and his original screenplay, One Fall , was awarded a permanent place in the Margaret Herrick Library by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In 2008 he formed Compass Entertainment to focus on the development and production of theater, independent film and media. Mr. Fuller is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama. Marcus is honored to be working with such a wonderful cast and crew!

NANCY HAYER (Assistant Stage Manager) has been volunteering at The Naples Players since 2019 as backstage run crew, dresser, assistant stage manager and most recently stage manager for A Doll’s House, Part 2 . She is excited to be working with this fabulous cast and crew. Enjoy the show!

JEANNINE HEDBERG (Assistant Stage Manager) has had a love of the theatre since childhood. Since moving to Naples over twenty years ago, she has counted The Naples Players as home! Favorite roles include Kate/The Taming of the Shrew (many, many years ago!) and Woman #2/The Women of Lockerbie at TNP. Her favorite ‘backstage’ jobs are light board operator and spot light operator. A huge

thanks to Bryce, Cole and the entire staff of TNP, and our great Much Ado About Nothing stage manager, Patricia; ASM, Nancy; director Marcus and the entire cast for teaching me and allowing me to be a part of this wonderful production!

AMY HUGHES (Props 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 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.

KATHLEEN KOLACZ (Costume Designer) Broadway/National tours: The Sound of Music, Showboat, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, Crazy For You, 42nd Street, Evita, Les Misérables, Follies, West Side Story, and Big. Assistant wardrobe mistress: Radio City Music Hall, Detroit Opera Theatre, and Dayton Opera Theatre. Kathleen was also a guest wardrobe assistant for the opening of the premiere season of Opera Pacific.

ANDREW MANNION (Scenic Designer) is a freelance scenic designer, painter, sculptor, and craftsperson based out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He has worked with Adirondack Theatre Festival, Goodspeed Musicals, Santa Fe Opera, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. He trained in New York City with scenic designers Anna Louizos, John Lee Beatty and David Zinn, and worked at Julliard School, Roundabout Theatre, and Encores. His current practices focus on green theatre production, affordable scenic painting methods, and the examination of the art form of scenic design for collaborative and immersive theatre experiences.

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Meet THE CREATIVE TEAM

JOE PARISI (Sound Designer) primarily works as a freelance Production Audio working between New York City and Philadelphia. His work focuses on theatrical shows, immersive experiences, and large scale events. Previous selected experiences include: Imaginary Invalid, Babe, Life and Trust, NYCDA Nationals, The Watermill Center, The Last Bimbo of the Apocalypse, Nightmare Dollhouse Haunted House, Henry IV, and assistant on Indra’s Net. Recent sound design work includes: Beau Jest (The Naples Players); Co-Design A Christmas Story (The Naples Players); assistant sound designer for Ebenezer Scrooge Christmas Show, Good Old Fashioned Family Murder, King James, and The Club (George Street Playhouse). Joe is excited to be back at The Naples Players for a third time this season.

BRIDGET POULTER (Assistant Props Designer) is the full season props intern at The Naples Players and she is thrilled to be working with TNP for this season. Bridget was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado and she is a recent graduate from Colorado State University where she obtained her B.A. in Theatre Design and Technology with a concentration in Scenic Design with a minor in Film Studies. She has previously worked as the prop designer for Beau Jest and 9 to 5 (TNP), the scenic designer for

Into the Woods (Colorado State University, ACTF nomination) and the props designer for Peter and the Starcatcher (Colorado State University). She is looking forward to continuing her props career here and hopes that you enjoy the show!

PATRICIA PUIA (Stage Manager) is in her sixth year as a backstage volunteer at The Naples Players. She has also stage managed TNP productions of The Dining Room; Rumors; By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; and Death of a Salesman. She’s delighted to be working on this exciting production of Much Ado and thanks everyone involved with the show for making it yet another great experience at The Naples Players.

KOHEN VERRETTE (Sound Designer) After being hired as TNP’s director of sound in July 2025, Kohen is extremely excited to be a part of his fourth design project with TNP. In the midst of relocation from New Orleans, LA, Kohen is thrilled to be a part of this lively community. From working with legendary musical acts such as Ivan Neville and George Porter Jr. to mixing in some of the nation’s historical theaters, Kohen is ready to share his knowledge and have some fun with The Naples Players this season!

The Wilson and Johnson Private Foundation is honored to support The Naples Players and a season that captures the extraordinary spirit of humanity. We are proud to invest in an organization that uses storytelling, performance, and artistic excellence to deepen connection, celebrate creativity, and strengthen the cultural life of our community.

For more than forty years, Wilson & Johnson has guided families in preserving what matters most. Through our Foundation, we carry that same care into the community— to ensure every gift creates measurable, generational change.

To strengthen Collier County by focusing generosity on transformative projects that create measurable, generational impact.

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Life in Naples Life in Naples

Our VOLUNTEER HEART

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION | 2025

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

Gwen Bettini

Braxton Cabrera

Sherlay Cajuste

Christian DeSalvo

Edison Filner

Linda Friis

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

Lisa Gunn

Thomas Hartland

Nancy Hayer

Maria Hernandez

John McGonigle

Frank Messana

Peggy Monson

Brady Patterson

Patricia Puia

Matthew Schwabauer

Christina Skibicki

Jean Snyder

Abigail Spiker

Michael Troop

Alessa Vazquez

Jack Weld

Fred Willig

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

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 Fernandez

Victoria Rinaldi

Isabella Rosato

Kelly Rossberg

Vanessa Rossberg

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!

SCENE SHOP

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!

All of our staff and volunteers love to get new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to the area, or just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills at the next audition or contact Pamela Larkin Caruso to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house!

Staff & LEADERSHIP

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

GEORGE D’ANGELO

JOAN DiLILLO

TNP STAFF (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

BRYCE ALEXANDER

Executive Artistic Director/CEO

MOLLIE BERMAN Director of Costumes

EMILY BETTINI Director of Patron Services

JULES BRANCHE Volunteer Manager

COLE BUTCHER

Artistic Director of Production/ Internship Director

PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement

STEVEN CARUSO Chief Education Officer

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

CINDY FINEGAN

BRUCE GRAEV

TERRY LIBBY

KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE

NANCY RIBORDY

DEBBIE SMITH

GLENN VANGOLEN

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

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

CRAIG PRICE Director of Community Enrichment

GINNY VERAS KAT ZAGEL

JOHN KROL City Liaison

JEN PRICE Director of Education

DAN RAMIREZ Front of House Associate

CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting

DAYNE SABATOS Lead Draper/Costume Shop Foreman

GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant

ESTHER SNYDER Executive Assistant to the CEO

KOHEN VERRETTE Director of Sound

JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director

LACEY YAKLIN Director of Development

2025-26 SEASON INTERNS

DALLAS J. COOK Lighting Intern

NICO WALKER Costume Intern

KENZ HODGE Scenic Intern

TORI KERSHAW Stage Management Intern

BRIDGET POULTER Props Intern

HUNTER REUM Education/Directing Intern

emails are first initial, last name at naplesplayers.org TNP OFFSTAGE: (239) 434-7340 | 700 5th Ave S. #200 | Naples, FL 34102

HELPING DREAMS TAKE Center Stage

Sponsors & ADVERTISERS

Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan