Newsies Jr. Performance Guide

FRIIS, ALYSSA HANEY, TAMMY HARRIS, LAURA KALICHARAN, SANDY KEELER, JOHN LANE, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, JOELLEN OBERLE, BOB RATH, HANNAH REED, JEFF SMITH, MICHAEL TROOP, DOUG WALCK, ED ZONNEVYLLE

ACTS , SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS

Overture

CAST BIOS (IN

ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

COLTON ADAMS......

(Ensemble) is proud to be joining the cast of Newsies JR . A 5th grader at The Village School of Naples, Colton has been performing for local audiences for over 4 years. He made his debut on stage at age 6 singing “A Million Dreams” and received a standing ovation. In 2020, Colton won the coveted Triple Threat Award at Turn It Around Talent Competition. Colton has appeared in several productions including Dear Edwina JR, Singin’ in the Rain, and 101 Dalmatians . Colton is an accomplished actor, vocalist, competitive dancer, and musician. Colton would like to thank his family as well as his Musical Theatre Director at TVS and Studio Director at Angelic Academy of Dance who have instilled in him a genuine love of performing.

KOURTNEY ALLEN....

(Katherine Pulitzer) attends Mason Classical Academy and is in 8th grade. She is 13 years old and loves to bake, sing, and ice skate, along with many other hobbies and interests. She is very honored to be in Newsies JR and has enjoyed the entire process. She has met many great friends and mentors along the way. She is so very excited to be performing in this great show that everyone has worked so hard to make it a success. She hopes that you enjoy the show!

LEO BENANDERM c KAY..............

(Romeo) is a young Renaissance man with a wide variety of talents and interests.

ROMINA ALEZARD... (Hannah/Ensemble)

This is Romina’s second show with TNP and she couldn’t be more excited! She has been involved in a few productions in the past, but is delighted to have the opportunity to work with this amazing group of people! She would like to thank family, friends, cast, and staff, and hopes you enjoy the show!

He is an all-star soccer player; a retired competitive gymnast; he plays 4 instruments including the French horn, flute, Native American flute, and piano (clarinet is next!); he is studying 3 languages; has traveled to over 10 countries; and has a passion for art and fashion; all while successfully balancing his studies at Seacrest Country Day School. He dipped his toes into entrepreneurship when he started his own gemstone and crystal shop, the Gemonade Stand, 3 years ago. He loves the stage and has acted in several community productions including Peter Pan and Christmas Shorts. Leo is honored to now join the amazing cast of Newsies JR!

ALLÍE BRANDT......

(Morris/Ensemble) is in 7th grade at Seacrest Country Day School and is in the select chorus and active in their Performing Arts Program. She has had the love of theater since she was four when she hit the stage with TNP’s KidzAct and has been involved ever since. Most recently she was in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged . She is also seen on stage with NPAC where she was in Disney’s Descendants and attended their Broadway Summer Experience in New York. In addition to her performing arts commitments, Allíe plays volleyball at Seacrest. She is hoping to attend NYU and pursue acting. Thank you for attending and supporting the arts. Enjoy the show!

LUKE BROWNLEE...

(Race) This Naplesborn kid is thrilled to say “I’m the King of New York”! Luke is 12 years old and in 6th grade at Oakridge Middle. He first started with TNP in 2015 in Nutcracker Goes Pop! Recent shows include Seussical JR (Wickersham Brother), Matilda JR , and Frozen JR . When not singing and dancing, Luke runs on the Oakridge Cross Country Team, plays football, pickleball, basketball, and golf. He hopes you enjoy the show!

ROMEO CALLARI....

(Crutchie) is very excited to be part of Newsies JR at The Naples Players! Romeo very recently moved to Naples from a small town just outside of Niagara Falls, Canada, where he had his big stage debut in the musical The Little Mermaid when he was just 6 years old. He has since performed in various plays and musicals, and even made a television debut in Paranormal Survivor when he was seven. When he’s not enjoying school, you can find Romeo singing, playing ice hockey, golfing, fishing, building Lego, or swimming competitively. Romeo thanks his mom for being his singing and acting coach since he was a little boy, and his mom and dad for always supporting him.

CAROLINE COLEMAN

(Buttons) currently attends Sea Gate Elementary as a 5th grader. She loved to perform as soon as she could sit, and has grown from singing in a church choir to falling in love with acting in the past couple of years. Caroline enjoys being with her family and is always planning a new adventure. She has a creative spirit which has driven her confidence and helped her overcome obstacles in her way. She is involved with the Naples Lacrosse Club and helped start a Spirit Club at her school. Caroline is eager to grow at TNP and looks forward to the many opportunities ahead.

BIOS (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

KATHARINE CONDIT.. (Darcy/Ensemble) is 11 years old and loves to perform. When she’s not acting you can find her baking, playing Minecraft, and competing with her Odyssey of the Mind team. Most recently Kate appeared as Mrs. Mayor in Seussical JR and Amanda Thripp in Matilda JR . Other theatrical performances include The Little Mermaid JR (KidzAct), The Wizard Of Oz (NPAC), Mary Poppins (Melody Lane), and James and the Giant Peach (CfABS). She’s excited to be here and hopes you enjoy the show!

RICHIE DAVIES.....

(Les) is age 11 and attends Seacrest Country Day School. Richie is originally from the UK and has been living in Naples with his two siblings and parents since October 2021. He’s been a keen actor all his life and spent many school vacations attending stage school back in the UK. After arriving at Seacrest, Richie gained his first lead role as James in the school production of James and the Giant Peach. Richie enjoys all aspects of life and is an avid soccer player and master Lego builder!

WILLIAM CONDIT...

(Davey) is an 8th grader and is excited to be in this production of Newsies JR . He has done 3 shows at TNP including The Little Mermaid JR, Matilda JR, and most recently Seussical JR. When not performing he can be found reading, bike riding, and playing chess. He is an Odyssey of the Mind World Champion and likes playing baseball. He is so grateful to the production staff for their support and working day and night to make sure the show is a success. Enjoy the show!

OLIVIA DOONEY....

(Bunsen/Ensemble)

is 14 years old and a freshman at The Village School. Last seen this summer as Edwina in Dear Edwina JR , Olivia is thrilled to be back for her second show with KidzAct. Other roles include Marcy/School of Rock, Moana/Moana JR , Elsa/Frozen JR and the Lion/ The Wizard of Oz. When not on stage, Olivia is a cheerleader, plays soccer and tennis, and loves spending time with her sisters. She wants to thank Mr. Bret and Ms. Kellie for being so wonderful; the amazing cast she gets to work with; and all her teachers, directors, and family for supporting her along the way. Enjoy the show!

SAMANTHA DOONEY.. (Seitz/Ensemble) is 14 years old and a freshman at The Village School. This is her first production with KidzAct and she is thrilled to be part of Newsies JR . Samantha was recently seen in the New Works Festival at Gulfshore Playhouse as Esther in James of Nazareth. Other past roles include Oaken/Frozen, Belle/Disney’s Descendants , Dorothy/The Wizard of Oz . When not on stage, Samantha runs on her Varsity Cross Country team, plays soccer and loves to hang out with her sisters and friends. She wants to thank Mr. Bret, Ms. Kellie, the cast of Newsies JR and everyone at TNP for being so amazing! She also wants to thank all her teachers, directors, and family for believing in her and encouraging her to follow her dreams. Enjoy the show!

COOPER FOLEY...... (Weisel/Gov. Theodore Roosevelt) is a 5th grader at Seacrest Country Day School. His previous roles include President Roosevelt/Annie as well as performing in the ensemble in Seussical JR, Frozen JR , and James and the Giant Peach. Cooper is excited to be a part of this production!

ALEXANDRIA GOENNER

(Pigtails) loves singing, acting, dancing, and going to Disney. This is her 4th production with KidzAct at The Naples Players. She was in Matilda JR, Dear Edwina JR and Seussical JR .

CONNER FOLEY..... (Jack Kelly) is in 8th grade at Seacrest Country Day School where he is involved in performing arts, chorus, and student government. His previous roles include Pugsley/The Addams Family, Kristoff/Frozen JR , and Ladahlord/James and the Giant Peach. Conner would like to thank the creative team behind Newsies JR for pushing him to be his best! Conner has always loved Newsies and he’s excited to be a part of this production at The Naples Players! Enjoy the show!

MADISON MANCE.... (Nancy) is thrilled to be part of the Newsies JR cast and excited for her first musical on the Blackburn stage. She was last seen in her first TNP show, Seussical JR , this summer as one of the young Kangaroos. Madison moved to FL from Canada in February and is a grade 5 student at BSCS.

CAST BIOS

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

MARY KATE MASTERSON

(Medda Larkin) is 12 years old and in the 7th grade. She is the youngest of three children and was born here in Naples. She has many interests, but absolutely loves to sing! She is very involved in chorus and musical theatre at school. She has also had the honor of being selected to sing for CCPS All County Honors Chorus, as well as for the Naples Philharmonic Youth Choir. This fall she was thrilled to be cast in Newsies JR with The Naples Players. She is learning so much and having a blast playing the role of sassy Medda Larkin! Thank you so much for coming to see the show!

LUCY MULLIN.......

(Spot Conlon) is 12 years old and in 6th grade at St. Ann. She loves the forest and nature. Aside from theatre, her favorite activity is roller skating. Lucy’s special place in Naples is the dock by the waterlilies at the Botanical Gardens. This is her 7th play in her career since moving to Naples 3 years ago. She might like to be a therapist for children when she grows up, as well as act in community theater. After working hard at rehearsal, she loves to go home and cuddle with her sweet calico kitty, Autumn.

SAVANNAH PAUPORE

DANIEL MEANS.....

(Warden Snyder/ Ensemble) What started as a random decision to join the school drama club has morphed into an exciting new world of opportunities for this otherwise shy guy. Daniel Means was born in Naples. He has two cats, a sister, and over 200 books. His hobbies include reading, playing video games, hanging out with his cats, and getting out of school. He feels privileged and excited to be a part of Newsies JR!

(Muriel) enjoys singing, acting, playing piano, and all things musical theater. She is in the 8th grade at The Village School where she participates in the Junior Thespian program. Savannah has received awards for her vocal talents from the Naples Classical Music Foundation. Previous experience include roles in The Little Mermaid JR, Beauty and The Beast JR, 42nd Street, A Christmas Carol Radio Show, and KidzAct classes. She hopes you enjoy the show!

SCARLETT PAUPORE

(Specs) loves acting, singing, and playing the ukulele. She is a 6th grader attending The Village School where she is an active participant in their Junior Thespian program both as a performer and as assistant stage manager. She is thrilled to return to The Naples Players this year. Her previous experience includes Matilda JR, The Little Mermaid JR , and KidzAct classes.

EMERSON ROSCHEK.. (Hazel) is delighted to be in her second TNP production. Most recently she was in Seussical JR and had a blast singing and dancing with her friends. She enjoys all things creative and has had so much fun this summer here at TNP. She hopes you enjoy the show!

friends. Gia would like to thank all her family and friends for all their support preparing for this show. Enjoy!

ELIJAH SHAHLA..... (Ensemble) is a 5th grader this year and is so excited to be a part of Newsies JR . Elijah has performed in Singin’ in the Rain at school. Elijah loves soccer, football, and basketball. He would like to thank God for his talent and his family for their support.

CAROLYNA SOTUYO.. (Oscar/Ensemble) is very proud to be joining the cast of Newsies JR . This is her first time taking part in The Naples Players. She is in 7th grade and excited about the performance!

GIA SANCHEZ....... (JoJo) is a 5th grader at Vineyards Elementary. She has enjoyed many acting classes since she was 5 years old and this will be her 4th show onstage, with other credits including Moana/ Moana JR , Farmhand and Person of Oz/Wizard of Oz , and Ensemble/Frozen JR . When not on stage she enjoys art, ballet, tap, and lyrical dance classes. She also enjoys time with her

CAST BIOS

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

MIA STURZENEGGER

(Ensemble) is excited for her first production with The Naples Players. Mia has been seen in Annie as Pepper, and the ensemble of Gulfshore Playhouse’s Frozen . Mia has been on the performance dance team at Dance Arts by Maria, and has taken many KidzAct classes at TNP and bootcamps at Gulfshore Playhouse. In addition to theater, dance, and music, Mia enjoys cooking, swimming, and reading.

CAYLEE VALENCIA.... (Ensemble) is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Pine Ridge Middle. This is her 7th show. She loves to act, watch her older brother play tennis, ride her skateboard, and enjoys playing piano. She hopes everyone enjoys the show.

CREATIVE TEAM BIOS

PLUTO BOLL...........

(Co-Sound Design) loves noise and especially making it. This is their first time with TNP as the full season Sound Intern, and they are very excited to be on board at the theatre. Thank you to the cast and crew for being so inviting during this process!

GREGORY COULTER...

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Motion. Kellie holds a B.M. & M.M. in Vocal Performance from Indiana University, and is a proud member of AEA, NATS & FMEA. Kellie is grateful to be working with The Naples Players staff for the second season in a row. A special thanks to Jessica Walck and Bret Poulter for a splendid collaboration!

JILLIAN FEIGENBLAT

ANNALISE TAVARES..

(Joseph Pulitzer) is so excited to be a part of this production! They have performed in two other shows at The Naples Players: The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged and Dear Edwina JR , as well as three showcase classes. Hope you enjoy the show as much as she enjoyed being part of it!

JULIAN VITELLI..... (Albert) is 13 years old, and is very excited to be in his first KidzAct performance. He has performed in various productions at his school, and made his acting debut as King Triton in The Little Mermaid at age 7 back in his hometown of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. He enjoys baseball, singing, and video games.

(Stage Manager) is from Oxon Hill, MD, and graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts. He recently was an acting intern at the Peterborough Players, where he played Herman in Cabaret, and William in The Emperor’s New Clothes, as well as being part of the scenic and electrics (LX) team for the remaining shows in the season. Gregory was also a Stage Manager at the Arena Players in Baltimore, MD, for the production of Sunset Baby and Pipeline, both by Dominique Morrisseau.

KELLIE CULLINAN....

(Music Director) is a classically-trained singer, actress, and voice teacher known for her bubbly approach to teaching (www.kellie-cullinan. com). Based in NYC the past 7 years, some of her favorite performances include Carnegie Hall and Fenway. She served as a NY PopsEd Teaching Artist, directing/music directing rising youth in the tri-state area as well as performing through the nonprofit Concerts in

(Properties) graduated from Florida Atlantic University with her BFA in theatrical technology and design. This will be her second time working with The Naples Players and she couldn’t be happier to be back and creating with such a wonderful team again! Her most recent work experience was with American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin where she worked as a properties artisan. She hopes you enjoy the show (and the props!)

MAL HOELAND.......

(Lighting Design) is in his first season with TNP as the Lighting Design Intern. Mal has been involved in theatre since middle school and recently graduated with his Bachelors in Theatre Arts from Drew University. Production credits at Drew include Snapshot (Lighting Designer), Check, Mate (Director), Appearances (Set Designer), and Dance Show: The Female Body (Lighting Designer). Mal was also a production assistant on Puffs (Rhino Theatre) and Beauty and the Beast (Wyckoff YMCA). He is honored to be joining the Naples Players team.

CREATIVE TEAM BIOS

JILLIAN KEITH.......

(Assistant to the Director/Choreographer) is a BA graduate from the University of Westminster and recent Naples resident. During her time in London, she was a teaching assistant at West End Musical Theatre and the president and assistant choreographer of her university’s theatre society. She is an experienced improv performer, previously dedicating four years to ComedySportz in Minneapolis, MN. She also spent three years as a Theatre for All ambassador and aided in bringing unified programming to the International Thespian Festival and local schools. Jillian is now a wellness instructor here at TNP.

MARY ANNE M c AVOY M c KERROW............

(Costume Design) has been costuming and teaching the young actors of TNP’s KidzAct program since 2005. As a performer for TNP, she was last seen as Donna in Mamma Mia! Other TNP roles include Elizabeth Benning/Young Frankenstein, Momma Rose/Gypsy, and Madame Thenardier/Les Misérables

BRET POULTER.......

(Director/Choreographer) Originally from Connecticut, Bret now calls Naples home. He is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University and holds a BFA in theatre. He joined TNP in 2017 as a performer and in 2019 joined the education staff as an instructor and choreographer. His KidzAct credits include The Sound of Mu-

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

sic, Disney’s Descendants and Dear Edwina JR . His TNP performance credits include Sister Act, Miracle on 34th St, Chicago, Footloose and most recently Mary Poppins . Bret would like to thank the entire cast and crew for making this production a wonderful experience for all involved. Enjoy the show!

MIKE SANTOS........

(Scenic Design/Properties) has been working in The Naples Players Scene Shop for over 18 years now. Originally from Upstate New York, he received his Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Cazenovia College. Favorite scenic designs include Guys and Dolls, The Wedding Singer, and Mary Poppins for TNP; and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney’s Descendants, and Matilda JR for KidzAct. A big thank you to the volunteers for doing what they do best! And to his wife, Judith, for being everything :-)

BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN

(Co-Sound Design) earned his bachelor’s degree in Theatre: Design & Technical Production and Theatre: Stage Management from Western Michigan University. Originally from Michigan, he now calls Florida and The Naples Players home. Since starting with TNP in 2013, Brad has worked on countless productions and has enjoyed seeing how Team Sound has grown over the years. He is especially excited to expand opportunities for involvement in the future as TNP grows.

2022-2023 SEASON

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PEGGY MONSON

President

ALAN JAFFE

Executive Vice President

OTTO IMMEL Secretary

TNP

ROBIN BACHE GRAY

Membership

TERRY LIBBY Facilities

PAT POLLOK Development

BOB UEK Treasurer

STAFF (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

BRYCE ALEXANDER

Executive Artistic Director/CEO

DOT AUCHMOODY

Resident Costume Designer

MOLLIE BERMAN

Costume Shop Supervisor

COLE BUTCHER

Production Stage Manager/ Internship Director

PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO

Director of Volunteer Advancement

JOHN COOPER Box Office Staff

KENZIE CURRIE Programs Administrator

DOREN DANIS

Chief Financial Officer

JAMES DUGGAN

Director of Patron Services

ADAM FASANO Box Office Staff

LEXI FITZPATRICK

House Manager

LUKE JACONIS Box Office Manager

DENNY GLASS

Immediate Past President

BETH PETRUNOFF

City Council Liaison

TED BILL

DEDE BROWNLEE

BRUCE GRAEV

ALYSSA HANEY

ERIC OLSON

KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE

NANCY RIBORDY

NANCY WOOLF

KAT ZAGEL

CANDACE JOHNSON

Director of Institutional Giving & Events

CARL JOHNSON Box Office Staff/Front of House Associate

MAYA KLEINSORGE Education Assistant

TREVOR LW LONG Director of Production

WENDY LOPEZ AGUIRRE Lobby Attendant

MARY ANNE McKERROW

KidzAct Costume Designer

DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager

SUMMER PLISKOW

Arts & Health Specialist/ Box Office Staff

CRAIG PRICE

Director of Community Education & Wellness

DAN RAMIREZ Box Office Staff

MIKE SANTOS

Resident Scenic Designer & Artist

GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON

Accounting Assistant

ESTHER SNYDER

Executive Assistant to the CEO

BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN Head of Sound

JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director

CRAIG WALCK Head of Lighting

JESSICA WALCK Associate Artistic Director

CARLY ZEUNER Company Manager

FALL INTERNS

PLUTO BOLL Sound Intern

GREGORY COULTER Stage Management Intern

MAL HOELAND Lighting Intern

JILLIAN FEIGENBLAT

Props Artist in Residence

DAYNE SABATOS Costume Artist in Residence

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.

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