TNP Backstage: The Half-Life of Marie Curie

Page 1


BY LAUREN GUNDERSON

We are delighted to welcome you back to our highly regarded 5th Avenue South venue! The first phase of our recent $22 million transformation was completed swiftly and with minimal disruption to our programming, allowing us to continue engaging with our community through the arts while we temporarily relocated for Season 70.

Now that we are back home, I want to welcome you to tour our new facilities, meet our staff, and engage with our passionate and skilled volunteers. The volunteers you see on stage tonight are just a few of the many individuals who contribute to the success of TNP. This is your theater. Explore it, experience it, and should you feel compelled to - please support it. As a community theatre setting the stage for arts accessibility nationwide, we deeply appreciate your patronage and attendance at this evening’s performance.

Welcome home to SEASON 71 OUR MISSION

Dance, acting, and performance camps for ages 3 and up! 1- and 2-week sessions run Monday - Friday with sessions starting: June 16 | July 7 | July 21

All ages and abilities are welcome and need-based scholarships are available.

Learn more at NaplesPlayers.org or contact Jennifer Price Director of Education (239) 434-7340, ext. 108 jprice@naplesplayers.org

ON STAGE NEXT

OUR 72 ND SEASON

JUN 25-JUL 27

VENGEANCE SERVED WITH SHARP WIT, SONG, & DANCE

IN THE KIZZIE THEATER

OCT 01-OCT 19

TEN STRANGERS, ONE DEADLY ISLAND MYSTERY

IN THE KIZZIE THEATER

OCT 15-NOV 09

GENIUS MEETS PASSION IN VICTORIAN TIMES

IN THE PRICE THEATER

NOV 19-DEC 21

A CHERISHED CLASSIC WITH A MUSICAL TWIST

IN THE KIZZIE THEATER

JAN 14-FEB 15

FAKE BOYFRIENDS + FAMILY DINNERS = REAL CHAOS

IN THE KIZZIE THEATER

FEB 04-MAR 01

BRILLIANCE AND BRAVERY MEET IN MYSTERY

IN THE PRICE THEATER

MAR 11-APR 12

CLOCK IN FOR A MUSICAL REVOLUTION

IN THE KIZZIE THEATER

APR 01-APR 26

UNTOLD VOICES OF WARTIME WOMEN

IN THE PRICE THEATER

MAY 06-MAY 24 A WITTY AND TIMELESS TALE OF LOVE

IN THE KIZZIE THEATER

of Shows Included SEE

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

INCLUSIVE CLASSES @

Our inclusive classes provide a supportive environment to learn the performing arts for students who are on the autism spectrum, have sensory processing disorder, neurodevelopmental disorders, or any other type of neuro-divergency; or any student who may wish to approach learning in a more accessible way.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Arts Access workshops and programming are currently shared with over 45 organizations and serve populations impacted by various societal challenges. Our community enrichment programs have the unique ability to impart social change, increase skill building, encourage connection and collaboration, promote laughter, inspire joy and positivity, ignite confidence and creativity, and develop a passion for the arts within participants.

The Kizzie Theater features a brand-new sensory-friendly booth for individuals and families with sensory processing disorders to enjoy every performance.

BOOTH FEATURES:

• Private entrance

• Light, sound, and temperature controls

• Customizable seating and wheelchair accessibility

• Freedom to sit, stand, and move as needed

• Tactile sensory engagement items

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.

SPOTLIGHT ON VERONICA Ostroski

Veronica Ostroski describes herself as a Midwesterner—born in Wichita, Kansas—but her family’s roots trace back to Poland. This connection resonates deeply with her as she takes on the role of Marie Curie in The Half-Life of Marie Curie.

“As a trailblazing woman physicist and chemist, Curie remains important to the

country of Poland,” said Ostroski. “Poland was occupied during Curie’s young life, forcing her to study and conduct her scientific research in France. But Poland will always claim her as their own. I love the connection to our Polish heritage.”

A longtime admirer of playwright Lauren Gunderson, Ostroski was instantly drawn to the play’s portrayal of Curie’s journey. “When I learned this play would be performed at The Naples Players, there was no question that I would audition for the part.”

To prepare for her role, Ostroski immersed herself in historical research, studying images of Marie Curie, her husband Pierre, and their circle of colleagues and friends. Despite the time period feeling distant, Ostroski discovered a wealth of photographs—and even a video—that helped her gain a sense of the people and the world Curie inhabited.

With only two actors, the production is intimate yet emotionally powerful. Does that increase the pressure? “Yes and no,” Ostroski explained. “The show focuses on the deep and supportive relationship between Marie Curie and Hertha Ayrton. Sharing the stage with Katie Taylor (who plays Ayrton) for 90 minutes without intermission creates a special intimacy. The staging emphasizes the closeness between these two friends as they navigate scandal and the challenges women faced in science.”

Ostroski described the play’s Victorian and Edwardian costumes as a powerful tool in building her character. “Even in rehearsal, I wear stays and a corset to help shape the silhouette and posture of the time period. We’re gradually adding the shoes and skirt to complete the experience. Costuming adds so much to how I embody Curie.”

In addition to acting, Ostroski is a seasoned director and teaching artist. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre performance from Belmont University’s Theatre and Dance Program in Nashville and a Master of Fine Arts in directing from the Actors Studio Drama School in New York.

Ostroski relocated to Naples from New York last year. Her debut at The Naples Players was in the fall production of Almost, Maine. She is now directing with TNP’s Readers Theatre and will serve

as stage manager in fall 2025. She also continues to return to New York for contract directing assignments. “I fell in love with performing, and I have a passion for directing. This is what I was meant to do.”

“I am truly excited about the opportunity to play Marie Curie and for people to see the performance,” Ostroski shares. “I hope audiences connect with the relationship between these two women. Perhaps they will recognize similar strength and support in their own friendships.”

VOLUNTEERING @ TNP

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!

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?

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!

PAMELA

READERS THEATRE @ TNP

What is Readers Theatre? Readers Theatre performances are a much more intimate and relaxed experience for the audience and performers. They feature a series of either full-length or one-act plays, dramas, and classic works performed with scripts in hand and without props or costumes. Performances are an evening of play readings chosen, directed, and cast by volunteers - with the volunteer Readers Theatre Committee at the helm. We welcome you to join us at one of these future performances. Tickets are $25 each and available at the Box Office or online.

SUNDAY

April 27, 2025 7:30 P.M.

Get on stage! Readers Theatre is the perfect place for those looking to be on stage without the pressure of memorizing lines or the commitment of a doing a full show run. Look for upcoming Readers Theatre audition dates coming for our 2025-2026 Season!

VISUALIZING

During our 70th season in 2023-2024, we relocated our entire operation off-site to complete the $22 million renovation project that you’re sitting in now. It would have been easier to close our doors for a season, but the shift into offsite locations helped broaden our reach and expand our offerings to an even wider audience within our community.

PERFORMANCES

100% 175 performances

25,783 tickets sold 85% of all shows sold out held off-site due to renovations

EDUCATION & ACCESS

6,322 participants

46 community partners

276 Arts Access classes

1,876 hours of instruction

VOLUNTEERS

30+

590 volunteers

50,716 hours logged positions for volunteers both on and off stage

OUR IMPACT

I have been truly amazed at the fantastic job TNP did this year in providing a full season of entertaining and moving productions even with the circumstances of construction and off-site venues TNP faced.

91% Programs & Operations

Fundraising & Administration EXPENSES

9%

REVENUES

Ticket Sales (27%)

Program Fees (10%)

Concessions & Misc (4%)

Individual Donors (42%)

Grants & Corporate Sponsorships (17%)

CELEBRATING OUR DONORS

FEBRUARY 15, 2025 - MARCH 15, 2025

Please join us in thanking these donors who gave between February 15, 2025 and March 15, 2025. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage.

David & Marcia Anderson

Anonymous Donations

Susan & Bruce Armstrong

Daniel Becker

Anne Behring

Larry Benedict

Laurie Biagetti

Donald & Linda Blauvelt

Lewis & Renie Bognar

James Y. Brame

Richard & Diane Breithaupt

Pamela Brooke

Jorge L. Cardenas

John & Linda Cardillo

Margaret Cardillo

Wayne Cimons

Joan Conroy

David & Carla Corban

John & Caryl Corbett

Morton Corn

Rhonda J. Curry

Robert & Pamela D’Amore

George D’Angelo & Laura

St Clair

Thomas & Susan Dapp

David Corban Architects

Diane & Sid Davis

Cynthia Dohm

Terrance A. Doyle

Linda Duncan

Rebecca Earney

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Glen Engelmann

Tom & Patricia Erickson

Kerri Ervin

Focus Mission Foundation

Eileen Forde

John Furanna & Billie

Spooner

Patricia T. Girard

Wayne Goldberg

Shelley Gothard

Bruce Gray & Robin Bache

Gray

Teresa A. Gusmus

Linda Hall

William Handworth

Russell Hawker

Marcena Hill

Gary Injaian

Alan & Liz Jaffe

Pat & Steve Jean

Charles Johnston

Russell Jones

Sandra Jones

John Kamp

Marcia M. Kelley

Carla Keogh

Patricia Knipper

Mark R. Koller

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.

Phyllis & Abe Koss

George & Patricia Kraus

Joan Kuzniar

Denise Labrie

Sally Lackey

Joyce Lagnese

Robert Lambertsen

Richard & Laura Lehrich

Mary Lisowski

James & Joan Loonam

Randi L. MacKeil

Marilyn Marino

The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation

Nancy McDermott

Barbara McEntee

Dana McIlwain

Pat McNeilus

Deborah Miesel

Robert Milewski

Joseph & Krys Mortellaro

Norbert S. Norkus

RECENT DONOR APPRECIATION

Richard & Diane Norwood

Charlotte O’Donnell

Alan & Ann Olson

Marge Ortiz

Karen E. Pearson

Nick Perod

Menahem Philemon & Gaetjens S. Simeon

Sharon Poole

William R. Preston

Karlene Putnam

Dennis Quinn

Sreepada Rao

Alice Reynolds

Joseph Rocco

Bill & Carol Rohde

Barbara Rossetti

Kenneth Rzeszutko

Michael Schroeck

Judy Scribner

Robert Sebes

Bill Shade & John Pochopin

Diana L Shoenbach

Robert & Kathleen Slater

Jillian E. Snider

Gail & William Steinmetz

Ted Stine

Joseph Stinson

Suncoast West Foundation

Mary Ann Tittle

Norman & Ilona Toback

Jack & Joan Toren

Robert W. Uek

Brian & Tami Walker

Barbara B. Wall

Keith Zafren

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The Naples Airport Authority celebrates the creativity and talent of The Naples Players through its sponsorship of the 2024-25 season.

As a community partner, we’re committed to being a good neighbor by promoting a voluntary, overnight curfew to help preserve the quality of life we all value.

Thank

PRESENT

THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE

THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE WAS ORIGINALLY COMMISSIONED AND PRODUCED BY AUDIBLE THEATER

DIRECTOR

CHRISTINE CIRKER

SCENIC DESIGNER STARLET JACOBS

CO-SOUND DESIGNERS

TYLER JENNINGS BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN

STAGE MANAGER KELSEY COSS

COSTUME DESIGNER CALLIE HARTEL

PROPERTIES DESIGNER AMY HUGHES

EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER

LIGHTING DESIGNER JOSEPH P. MONAGHAN III

DRAMATURGS RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA

PRICE STUDIO THEATER | APRIL 2-27, 2025

SHOW SPONSORED BY:

SPECIAL THANKS: JEN MANCE & RON MARQUETTE

PIANO MUSIC PERFORMED BY: DR. ALEXANDRA CARLSON

THE HALF-LIFE OF MARIE CURIE is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com).

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Sponsored in part by the

This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).

CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

MARIE CURIE ................................................................................................

VERONICA OSTROSKI

HERTHA AYRTON .................................................................................................... KATIE TAYLOR

DECK MANAGER ..................................................................................................... PATRICIA PUIA

BACKSTAGE CREW ..............................

ESTEPHANIA CAREAGA, ARNIE LEYTON, CHRIS ONG, JOSH WOOD

LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR ...................................................................................... JAKE FATTIBENE

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

ESTAPHANIA CAREAGA, TINA CEDRAS

WIGS ....................................................................................................................... SERGIO DUQUE

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

STEPHANIE FOWLE, BARB LAUB, SANDY L o PRESTI, JOAN LAUGHLIN, CHELSEA PYTLIK, JEAN SNYDER

SCENIC PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION .................. IAN COCKLIN, SYLVIA CONGER, ALIX CUNNINGHAM, ALDO D’ACUNZO, ED EZRINE, JOHN FELICIANO, JOE FEMIA, PAUL GALLOWAY, JIM GAYEUSKI, TAMMY HARRIS, DAVID JOHNSON, SANDY KEELER, JOHN LANE, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, EMMANUEL MARTINEZ, BOB RATH, TRACY ROSEN, LINDA RUSSELL-THORNE, TODD SCOVILLE, JEFF SMITH, WAYNE STRANGWAYS, SYDNIE SWIFT, MARY LOU TAYLOR, MICHAEL TROOP, MARK VOUTYRAS, DOUG WALCK, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG, JOSH WOOD

ACTS & SCENES

The play begins in 1911. The action takes us from Marie Curie’s home in Sceaux, outside of Paris to Hertha Ayrton’s summer house in Highcliff-on-the-Sea in Hampshire, England.

The play will be performed without intermission.

Running time: 80 minutes

Who Was Marie Curie?

Marie Curie, born Maria Skłodowska on November 7, 1867 in Warsaw, Poland, was a pioneering physicist and chemist. She is renowned for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity, a term she coined. Her discoveries led to significant advances in science and medicine. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific disciplines.

Marie was the youngest of five children in a family of educators. Her father was a physics and math instructor, and her mother managed a girls’ boarding school. Marie excelled in her studies, attending a clandestine “Flying University” in Warsaw that offered higher education to women in defiance of the Russian authorities who controlled Poland at the time.

In 1891, Marie moved to Paris to continue her education at the Sorbonne where she earned degrees in physics and math, graduating 1st in her class in physics and 2nd in mathematics. She met Pierre Curie, a fellow scientist, in 1894, and they married the following year. Together, they embarked on pioneering research into radioactivity. The Curies discovered two new elements, polonium (named after Marie’s homeland, Poland) and radium.

In 1903, Marie Curie, Pierre Curie, and Henri Becquerel were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on radioactivity. After Pierre’s tragic death in a street accident in 1906, Marie continued their work, assuming his teaching position at the Sorbonne, becoming the first woman to teach there.

In 1911, she was awarded a second Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry, for discovering radium and polonium and for her investigation of the properties of radium. The achievement solidified her legacy as one of the greatest scientists of her time.

During World War I, Curie developed mobile radiography units, nicknamed “Little Curies” to help battlefield surgeons. She trained women to operate these machines, greatly improving the treatment of wounded soldiers. She also founded the Radium Institute in Paris (now the Curie Institute), a leading center for nuclear physics and chemistry research. Her efforts also contributed to the development of X-ray technology and cancer treatment.

Marie Curie died on July 4, 1934, from aplastic anemia, likely caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of radiation. She remains an enduring symbol of scientific excellence and determination.

The Naples Players – SWFL’s Favorite Local Theatre.
Photo: Naples Creative.

CAST BIOS

(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

VERONICA OSTROSKI (Marie Curie) is an actor, director, and teaching artist based here in Naples. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Belmont University and a MFA in Directing from the Actors Studio Drama School. She is thrilled to be in her second production at TNP–the first was this fall in Almost, Maine. Selected directing credits include La Musica Deuxieme (A/Park Prod.) Seussical, Jr. (Gulfshore Playhouse) Fefu and Her Friends; Neighborhood 3 (ASDS Rep) IKIGAI (Ren Gyo Soh). When she is not in a darkened theater, she can be found playing tennis or with a good book on one of our local beaches. For a complete resume and teaching credits: VeronicaOstroski.com

KATIE TAYLOR (Hertha Ayrton) is a senior at Florida Gulf Coast University majoring in Theatre and graduating in May. Her previous credits include Dr. Westfeldt and Renfield in Dracula Comedy of Terrors, originating the role of Mary from Graduation Day written by Stephen Pate and produced at Lake Worth Playhouse, Ms. Fleming and Veronica’s Mom in TheatreZone’s production of Heathers the Musical , and more! She is super stoked to be performing in her first production at The Naples Players and wants to thank her Mom, Dad, and brother John for the immense amount of love and support they always give her! If you wish to learn more about her, visit her website KatieTaylorActress.com.

MARIE CURIE AND HER DAUGHTER IRENE IN 1925

CREATIVE TEAM BIOS

CHRISTINE CIRKER (Director, she/her) is an Off-Broadway director and producer, focusing primarily on new work. She is thrilled to return to TNP, where she previously directed By The Way, Meet Vera Stark and The Cake. NYC directing credits include works presented by United Solo, Urban Stages, AMT Theater, Emerging Artists, Lucille Lortel, Pulse Ensemble, Neighborhood Playhouse, Our Workshop East, and others. Christine has been a member of The Barrow Group (TBG) community for 20+ years. Directing productions at TBG include Lost…Found (NYC & Edinburgh 2024), Awake by K. Lorrel Manning, Perp by Lyle Kessler. With Lee Brock, she is Producing Director for F.A.B.Women@tbg (TBG’s women’s development group) where she has directed and produced since 2010. In the independent film world, Christine is Co-Producer for the documentary feature UnBroken [Multiple 2024 festival awards, now available On-Demand] and is Producer for the short film, The Red Shoe [currently in festivals]. She is a member of New York Women in TV and Film (NYWIFT) and former Executive Vice-President and member of the League of Professional Theatre Women. Graduate of University of Michigan.

STARLET JACOBS

(Scenic Designer) designs sets for theater, feature films, TV series, live events, and commercials. She’s worked with: TheatreZone, The Naples Players, The Ivoryton Playhouse, New York Theatre Workshop, Soho Repertory Theater, Manhattan Theater Club (MTC), The Signature Theater, HERE Arts Center, SOHO Repertory Theater, New York Musical Festival, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, The Flea Theater, McCarter Theater, South Coast Repertory Theatre, The Nederlander, Dallas Theater Center, The Old Globe Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, The Intiman, and Seattle Opera. She currently lives in New York City with her husband Jamie and son Marlin.

JOSEPH P. MONAGHAN III

(Lighting Designer) is an Atlanta-based artist and a Senior Lecturer in the Theater Program at the University of West Georgia. Design Credits include: Actor’s Express: Over 60 Productions since 2002 as Lighting and/ or Sound Designer including Marie Antoinette, A Prayer for the French Republic, Angels in America Parts 1 and 2 (Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play), RENT, Love, Jerry, and Bel Canto. Other Atlanta Lighting and/or Sound designs for: 7Stages, Atlanta History Center, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, The Atlanta History Center, Aurora Theatre, Georgia Ensemble Theater, Horizon Theater Company, Kenny Leon’s True Colors, Theatre Emory, Theater in the Square, Theatrical Outfit, and The Weird Sisters Theater Project. Regional: Designs for Playhouse on the Square/The Circuit Playhouse (TN), CAST (IA), Screaming Madman Productions (NYC) and The Wayside Theater (VA). MFA from the University of Connecticut, BA from the University of Virginia.

TYLER JENNINGS (Sound Designer) is originally from Wisconsin, now residing in Minneapolis. Tyler has found a love of sound design while working both theater and live music events. Through his career he has worked with well known theaters in the Twin Cities including designing The Pajama Game and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Artistry Theater. After sound designing Southern Comforts, Tyler is very excited to be returning for his second show with The Naples Players.

CALLIE HARTEL (Costume Designer) is a recent graduate from Colorado State University where she completed a B.S. in apparel design. She spent the summer working at The Cincinnati Opera and now is very excited and grateful to be joining TNP as the costume intern for the season. This is her second time designing and she can’t wait to see what else she learns.

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 so excited to step into the role of a lifetime as the properties director for The Naples Players and looks forward to an amazingly creative future.

KELSEY COSS (Stage Manager) began volunteering with TNP in 2021 wanting to learn more backstage as she only knew theater on stage. She has since been the Assistant Stage Manager for our productions of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play and The Fantasticks. She enjoyed dancing and singing in TNP’s 2024 Front and Center Gala. Kelsey has performed professionally in various shows and parades for Disney, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios for the last decade. She is excited that her first stage management role is this empowering show with a majority female team. Look for her next SM credit on Beau Jest in the Kizzie Theater this upcoming season!

Life in Naples Life in Naples

Name a seat, leave a legacy!

Don’t miss out on this chance to have yourself or a loved one memorialized as an important part of our arts-loving community by naming a seat in our Kizzie, Price, or Glass Theaters.

Hundreds of thousands of patrons, volunteers, and other guests will pass through our newly renovated theater, and your name will be evidence of your dedication to the arts and TNP for years to come.

Seats range from $500 to $5,000 based on location.

Thank You TO OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS

This past season 590 volunteers donated 50,716 hours to making Season 70 a success!

Season 70 echoed of days past when The Naples Players staged performances in schools, churches, and living rooms simply to keep the arts alive when they were between facilities or without a home base of their own.

Despite being in several locations across Naples, one thing remained united - our dedicated volunteer base .

Thank you to these amazing volunteers who continued to give of their time and talents this past season. We could not have done it without you.

500+ HOURS

JamieLynn Bucci

Jody Cameron

Jillian Keith

Hannah Klein

Sydney Miller

Gia Provinzino

Patricia Puia

Matthew Schwabauer

David Shaffer

Vanessa Tarabocchia

Michael Troop

Aseem Upadhyay

Lorelai Vega

Jack Weld

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

2023-2024 SEASON

250 - 499 HOURS

Gwen Bettini

Brian Boland

Jules Branche

Rex Burns

Joseph Byrne

Braxton Cabrera

Jack Cole

Christian Conn

Kelsey Coss

Jordan Crawford

Scott Davis

100-249 HOURS

Jean Acker

Jo Ellen Atkinson

Pamela Austin

Emilie Baartman

Jane Ballurio

Lisa Bill

Alyssa Bradshaw

Beverly Canell

Hildegard Carney

Patti Caroli

Nathaniel Caruso

Tina Cedras

McKenna Cloud

Brayden Cloud

Sophia Condit

James Corsica

Aldo D’Acunzo

Alanna Dachille

Maria Delvillar

Christian Dinsmore

Victoria Duck

Jake Fattibene

Frankie Federico

Joseph Femia

Marcus Fuller

Sarah Gamblin

Austin Gardner

Jordan Gersbach

Carolina Grau

Riley Hart

Ed Ezrine

Elizabeth Feins

Elizabeth Fincher

Stephanie Fowle

Mitch Frank

Shelley Gothard

Debra Gulinello

Lisa Gunn

Tammy Harris

Jennifer Hart

Marilyn Hilbert

Denise Hoeflich

Madeleine Howe

Ruth Johnson

Kip Jones

John Kamp

Giszelle Kirton

Val Kuffel

Joan Laughlin

Nancy Hayer

Jeannine Hedberg

Amy Hughes

Damian Ivanov

Ashley Kosten

Olivia LaChance

Jennifer Mance

Elizabeth Marcantonio

Eduardo Marin

Lila Mastro

Alex Minarik

Steve Lee

Sandy LoPresti

Russel Loyet

Madison Mance

Ray Marasco

John McKerrow

Yuliana Mercado

Dan Miller

Sydney Mixon

Linda Mizeur

Tina Moroni

Abigail Nelson

Adriann Philby

Ella Provinzino

Sue Rapanos

Victoria Rinaldi

Sabine Rivera

Erica Sample-Fasano

Andrew Sarkozy

Adler Monpremier

Kelly Rossberg

Roseann Ruggiero

Judy Scribner

Jean Snyder

Fredley Sylvain

Kenny Tran

Ciarán Welch

Cynthia Sepich

Jane Shub

Jeff Smith

Esther Snyder

Anthony Soto

Lynnelle St. Albord

Andrea Tanner

Mary Taylor

Anna Tipton

Joseph Townsend

Lauren Turner

Mark Vanagas

Lynne Vela

Lindsey Walsh

Mary Jane Wann

Rachel Weiner

Nancy Woolf

Continued on page 22>

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION

2023-2024 SEASON

25-99 HOURS

Evan Abram

Lloyd Adams

Kimberly Albrecht

Dorothy Allard

Robin Bache Gray

Dianne Bacon

Melody Bales

Chloe Bayer

Maureen Beirne

Leo Benander-McKay

Maddy Benner

Emir Bilen

Gregg Birr

Judi Bloom

Jack Bosley

Solei Bourgeois

Maddie Brendel

Brad Brenner

Kathryn Buchwald

Maria Burri

Ernst Burri

Judith Buruk

Cole Butcher

Giselle Cairney

Samantha Calero

Emily Cameron

Robert Cappetta

Justine Carlson

Victor Caroli

Kristin Cassidy

Margot Cassinelli

Melanie Chiani

Zoe Ciabaton

Tucker Claremont

Alison Claremont

Juliet Clayton

Casey Cobb

Ian Cocklin

Katharine Condit

William Condit

Grace Condit

Katie Cross

Lillian Cuoco

Thomas Currie

Richie Davies

Barbara Davin

Douglas Degelsmith

L.A. DeRiggi

Kathleen Devitt

Hannah Diamond

Joan DiLillo

Samantha Dooney

Olivia Dooney

Richard Dougherty

James Duggan

Ken Eastlack

Emma Eastman

Nathan Eichhorn

Devan Elliott

Rosemary Erb

Frankie Fasano

John Feliciano

Jacob Feltman

Patti Ferguson

Linda Fikes

Suri Finch

Lily Fletcher

Daniella Flom

Conner Foley

Cooper Foley

Valeska Frailing

Alexander Garciarena

Maria Gil

Dennis Glass

Alexandria Goenner

Chloe Gorgas

Betsy Greenblatt

Cynthia Haas

Ella Hamblen

Jon Hart

Shakeem Harvey

Ed Heckert

Arlene Heiselman

Cynthia Hile

Jesse Hughes

Luke Jaconis

Megan Jimenez

Charlene Josselyn

Scott Kadera

Robert Kasler

Rachel Kastner

Sandra Keeler

Paula Keenan

Kevin Kenneally

Maya Kleinsorge

Ralph Krumins

Frances Lang

Barbara Laub

Zanna Lawson

Melanie Leach

Melany Leon

Nicole Letendre

Cassie Letendre

Kathie Lewis

Terry Libby

James Little

Sofia Lugo

Mike Malat

Cindy Malley

Maria Marko

Mary Kate Masterson

Christine Mastrangelo

Diane Mastroianni

Lisa Mathe

Kay Mayr

Harry McCartney

Mary Anne McKerrow

Nicholas Mehler

Elizabeth Mehler

Scarlett Meinert

Diane Melino

Linda Miller

Tracie Miller

Jim Mizeur

Peggy Monson

Moira Moser

Dougherty

Lucy Mullin

Jacob Myny

Lena Neal

Keegan Novinski

Susan O’Brien

Luc Olazabal

Gavin Ott

Adriana Parodi

James Pease

Shelley Perry

David Peterson

Matias Piscoya Fernandez

Maureen Place

Emma Podolak

Pat Pollok

Ollie Posey

Marie Prasek

Grey Purtle

Ricardo Rago

Jerry Rannow

Lynda Reymann

Nancy Ribordy

Brittany Rincon

Claudia Rioles

Ellen Rodwick

Kathleen Rogers

Terry Rohler

Emerson Roschek

Annie Rosemond

Tracy Rosen

Maria Rozo

Shawn Ryan

Christine Sadry

Gia Sanchez

Juliet Sanchez

Michael Santos

Sophie Sawyer

Sadie Scardino

Meg Schelling

Max Schnorbach

William Shade

Sophia Siciliano

Olivia Silverio

Christiane Simmons

Judy Smith

Denise Smith

Carolyna Sotuyo

Cynthia Spanier

Rocco Swem

Sharon Swinton

Aiden Thayer

Bruce Thompson

Virginia Thompson

Candi Tipton

Norman Toback

Colton Townsend

Sharon True

Malena Tucker

Robert Uek

Caylee Valencia

Bianca Varetto

Carole Vasiloff

Alessa Vazquez

Julian Vitelli

Ivana Vivar

Jasmine Vizena

Renee Vrehas

Gabriele Weger

Kenneth Wetcher

David Whalley

Ryan Wheeler

Bealey Cate White

Ava Williams

Nicholas Young

Lynne Young

Yelena Yurinets

Kathryn Zagel

Sylvia Abboud

Terry Abraham-Whalley

Ethan Abram

Kathy Abrams

Romina Alezard

Leonard Allen

Kelly Altemier

Linda Altemus

Patrick Ashton

Karly Atkinson

Katherine Baer

John Ballurio

Joel Banow

Tom Baranowski

Sharon Baranowski

Rick Barnard

Kathleen Barney

Maureen Bartholomew

Christopher Baucom

Veronica Benages

Carin Benford

Jennifer Benner

Mollie Berman

Robert Berman

Suzan Berman

Marcia Bermel

Brian Bermel

Daniela Bermudez

Theresa Bill

Janina Birtolo

Maximus Bogert

Samantha Bogert

Reily Boland

Joanie Borbely

Rebecca Borchardt

Tammy Bourgeois

Nancy Bourke

Maikel Bover

Andrea Bramante

Remy Branstetter

Marlene Bridge

David Burns

Alex Butler

Jessica Cameron

Layla Capone

Bella Carrillo

Janice Caruso

Pamela Caruso

Jude Caruso

Steven Caruso

Michelle Cassinelli

Jennifer Castricone

Lisa Chiesa

Joan Cicconetti

Luke Claremont

Carol Clarke

Casey Cobb

Sylvia Conger

Sydney Conn

Maggie Cosgrove

Terry Cosgrove

Veronica Cossetta

Margo Crupi

Lucy Davisson

Ted DeGroot

Debbie Delgado

Cathy DeMartis

Peter DeMartis

Travis Depanicis

Deja Rice Diapella

Kathleen Donelli

Lora Donia

Dolph Dunn

Suzanne Eastman

Kara Eisenga

Vivienne Engelmann

Margot Escott

Lisa Evancho

Julie Ewing

Karen Ezrine

Christine Farrell

Carole Fenstermacher

Noemi Fernandez

Aubrey Finch

Melissa Flom

Ava Foley

Karen Foltz

Ian Forbes

Linnea Fraser

Linda Friis

Devin Gales

Ashley Garcia

Karen Garrett

James Gayeuski

Cheryl Ghauri

Alan Giertych

Heather Goenner

David Golya

Bruce Graev

John Graf

Sally Greene

Becka Gurevich

Candace Haddad

Donna Haggett

Larry Harrison

Chanda Hawthorne

Patricia Heckert

James Heffernan

Emily Hendrick

Corey Hernandez

Cliff Hogen

Leona Hogen Curzi

Jackie Indriago

Vera James

John Jensen

Alexis Johnson

Maria Joyce

Thomas Juday

Fabiola Justiniano

Stacy Kastner

Kristina Kavalov

Debron Keller-

McCartney

Sue Kemp

Barbara King

Melissa King

Kathleen Kolacz

Sally Kosten

Elinor Koury-Waskevich

Nancy Kumskis

Regina Kunkle

Pat Lake

Mary Lalley

John Lane

Jill Lane

Jacque Laughlin

Dessie Leff

Helane LePort

Patricia Leyhe

Landon Libbey

Erika Lingertat

Joseph Loiacono

Alice LoPresti

Paul LoPresti

Jace Loznak

Sarah Ma

Brett Mance

Ethan Marlow

Sheryl Martin

MaryAnne Mascolo

Taryn Masterson

Diana Mayette

William Mayr

Patricia McAlevey

Debron McCartney

Bob McCormick

Michele McGinnis

Jill McKay

Catherine McKeone

Mary Ellen McNamara

Sandy Meadows

Robert Medeiros

Grace Medeiros

Heidi Merendino

Gary Miller

Debera Millstein

John Miranda

Tom Mitchell

Christina Mona

Jackie Morelisse

Rosemary Nardone

Sue Nathanson

Craig Nayhouse

Kevin Nestor

Paula Nizzardo

Roberta Norin

Carol Norkus

Norbert Norkus

Meg Northrop

Helena Novak

Andrew O’Connor

Joellen Oberle

John Otis

Nora Ousley

Karen Partridge

Monique Pascual

Floriana Pellegrini

Chante Pemberton

Juan Penaloza

Maria Pentakis

Adriann Philby

Summer Pliskow

Susan Polastri

Ron Porter

Jaedyn Procacci

Isabella Ragsdale

Deloris Rannow

Robert Rath

Tom Rex

Marie Rhatigan

Cathie Ricciardo

Brenda Rice

Stephen W Rioles

David Rojas

Avery Roschek

Susan Roseliep

Donna Rotella

Charles Rotella

Don Salamack

Anthony Sanchez

Jennifer Sancton

George Santos

Susan Kay Sawyer

Rich Scarlato

Lynn Scarlato

Mary Schroeck

Alicia Schwartz

Sheila Seats

Carole Sharp

Iris Shur

Jessica Shwedel

Donna Sidoti

Judith Smith

Mahlon Stacy

Michael Stanek

Marlene Strollo

Kathy Taylor

Marcelo Tebet

Jay Terzis

Charisse Thomas

Deb Thompson

Richard Tienhaara

Jennifer Tikka

Delilah Tucker

Anabella Urban

Michele Vaira

Deborah Van Maele

Lynne Vannelli

Carolyn Velechko

Jason Wagaman

Debra Ward

Kelley Watson

Joanne Weber

Jackie Weiner

Linda Wertheim

Thomas White

Tom Wilde

Barbara Williams

Peggy Williams

Joan Wilson

Nancy Woodward

Carly Zeuner

Pablo Zuniga

STAFF & LEADERSHIP

2024-2025 SEASON

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ALAN JAFFE

President

DENNY GLASS Vice President

OTTO IMMEL

Secretary

BOB UEK Treasurer

PEGGY MONSON 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 House Manager

JULES BRANCHE Volunteer Manager

COLE BUTCHER Production Stage Manager/ Internship Director

PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement

CHRISTIAN CONN Front of House Associate

JOHN COOPER Front of House Associate

KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff

DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer

JAMES DUGGAN Artistic Associate

PHILLIP FAZIO Artistic Director

CINDY FINEGAN Front of House Associate

BRUCE GRAEV

ROBIN BACHE GRAY

TERRY LIBBY

PAT POLLOK

KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE

NANCY RIBORDY

DEBORAH SMITH

CHARLES FORNARA Artistic Director - Music

DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Artistic Director - Dance

AMY HUGHES Props Director

LUKE JACONIS Box Office Manager

LANDON LIBBEY Front of House Associate

CHRISTINE MASTRANGELO Food & Beverage Manager

TAYLOR MATTHEWS Company Stage Manager

MARY ANNE McKERROW Resident Costume Designer

JULIE MEDRANO Assistant Director of Education

DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager

SUMMER PLISKOW Director of Arts Access

CRAIG PRICE Director of Community Enrichment

JEN PRICE Director of Education

DAN RAMIREZ Front of House Associate

GLENN VANGOLEN

GINNY VERAS

KAT ZAGEL

BETH PETRUNOFF City Liaison

THOMAS RICHARDSON Marketing Coordinator

CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting

ELIZABETH W. ROUNTREE, CFRE Director of Advancement

DAYNE SABATOS Lead Draper/Costume Shop Foreman

MIKE SANTOS Resident Scenic Designer & Artist

GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant

ESTHER SNYDER Executive Assistant to the CEO

BRADLEY VAN HOUTEN Director of Sound

JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director

2024-25 INTERNS

MARIAH CRUTCHFIELD Lighting Intern

CALLIE HARTEL Costumes Intern

ANNIE HENNEN Stage Management Intern

ISLA HOFFMANN Scenic Intern

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

Tog ethe r, our chemistry, will hel p you buil d a future for you and your famil y.

The Naples Players’ The Half-Life of Marie Curie, brings her chemist achievements and her friendship with Hertha Ayrton to the stage. And as with any successful relationships, a mutual trust and respect is a necessary formula. The Estate, Trust & Wealth Preservation team at Quarles understands relationships. We’re your true partner in assisting you with planning for life’s possibilities as well as preparing for possible changes and obstacles that can disrupt the preservation of your wealth and legacy. Our dozen highly skilled professionals provide a superior level of expertise and service to our clients in the Naples community. We are unsurpassed in navigating the complexities and intricacies of your estate, trust and business succession planning.

We’ve got your back, to help you envision the future — whether it’s to seize opportunities, mitigate risks, or work through difficult situations. Let us help you by implementing tailored strategies that expand and evolve as your family does — through births, graduations, weddings, 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.

2024-2025 SEASON

Escape the Ordinary

AND EXPERIENCE YOUR OWN TRULUCK’S MOMENT

Celebrate in style. Dedicated to creating special occasions and enduring memories, our passionate chefs honor and elevate with superior ingredients, precise execution, and classic presentation. Delight in the ocean’s finest, sustainablysourced seafood, our iconic, fresh Florida Stone crab, remarkable cocktails and wines, live entertainment, and the service you deserve. YOUR TABLE IS WAITING.

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