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Welcome to SEASON 72
As the curtain rises on our 2025–2026 season, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for a remarkable year of growth, celebration, and reconnection.
Last season marked our return to our newly renovated home on 5th Avenue South—and what a homecoming it was. From several sold-out productions to an explosion in class enrollment and education offerings, our theatre was once again filled with laughter, learning, and the unmistakable energy of a community coming together. More than just a physical transformation, our space became a launching pad for new ideas, renewed relationships, and a reimagined future.
Through powerful partnerships with hospitals, schools, law enforcement, and local organizations, we expanded our reach beyond the stage—bringing the healing and connective power of theatre to places where it’s 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 Season 72!
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
2:00 p.m.
PRICING
GENERAL PUBLIC
$55-$57/each
SEASON PACKAGES
$42-$46/each
STUDENTS
$25/each
MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. WILL CALL 2 hours before curtain
PRESENTED BY: PORSCHE NAPLES
Save
Early
Free
50%
Free
Four
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
COLLIER COUNTY CULTURE MEANS BUSINESS.
Company of Man of La Mancha Photo by Naples Creative.
Visualizing OUR IMPACT
So far in 2025, we’ve already reached incredible milestones together. We officially launched our new full-time Academy of Dramatic Arts — welcoming the very first class of students into a program that will shape the next generation of artists and leaders. Our renovated theatre was also featured on America by Design, earning national recognition as one of the most innovative arts facilities in the country. These achievements reflect the momentum we’ve built, and they mark just the beginning of what promises to be another transformative year for The Naples Players and our community.
THROUGH AUGUST OF 2025...
PERFORMANCES
40,747 audience members
272 performances
92% would recommend TNP
70% full-time residents
EDUCATION & ACCESS
EDUCATION & ACCESS
28 full-time students
551 after school students
46 community partners
2,940 wellness participants
VOLUNTEERS
30+ positions
701 active volunteers
56,304 volunteer hours
295 total new volunteers
SPOTLIGHT ON CHRISTIAN SYDNEY Young Couple Finds Family at THE NAPLES PLAYERS
CONN
Christian and Sydney Conn may have both grown up in Naples, but for years they walked right past The Naples Players without ever stepping inside. That changed in December 2021, when their plans to celebrate their one-year anniversary took an unexpected turn. Their original idea — a holiday murder-mystery train ride — was canceled. Instead, they bought tickets to A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at TNP.
What they didn’t expect was to be swept into a world that would soon become central to their lives. The glow of holiday lights, dinner downtown, and the charm of the TNP Festival of Trees in the theater’s lobby made the night unforgettable. “We were enchanted,” Sydney recalls. “It felt like discovering a whole new part of Naples we hadn’t known existed.”
The Festival has since become one of their favorite traditions, and readers can find
more information about this year’s Festival of Trees in the ad on page 29.
Sydney’s Path Backstage
When Sydney, an English graduate from FGCU, wasn’t cast in a show on her first audition with TNP in 2023, she joined her husband in a stage management class. She quickly discovered the energy of stage management and volunteered behind scenes with 42nd Street, leading her next role as assistant stage manager for Death of A Salesman.
This fall, Sydney returns as ASM for And Then There Were None, working behind the scenes every night to ensure rehearsals and performances stay on track.
Christian Steps Onstage
Christian’s TNP journey began in 2023, when he landed a major role in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. In 2024, he appeared in Harvey — both productions
staged while TNP’s season was hosted offsite at Naples United Church of Christ due to renovations at the main theater.
That summer, he stepped into the newly renovated Kizzie Theater on backstage crew for 42nd Street, his first time back inside the refreshed building and the very first production in the new theater. Since then, he’s embraced both onstage and backstage opportunities. This fall, he appears as Byron in Ada and the Engine.
He also joined TNP staff as part of the Box Office team, where he shares his enthusiasm with visitors strolling along 5th Avenue. “For many, it’s their first time in our beautiful theater,” he says. “I love telling them about our productions, taking them into the Kizzie Theater, and watching their faces light up. A lot of them come back as season ticket holders or even volunteers. It’s so rewarding.”
More Than a Stage
For Christian and Sydney, TNP has become much more than a place to volunteer — it’s become a second family.
“We spend four or five nights a week here during a production,” Sydney says. “It’s a huge time commitment, but you come back because of the people. When I returned to crew And Then There Were None after being away for six months, it was like reuniting with old friends.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 >
Christian adds, “The community here is joyful and supportive. It’s fulfilling to be part of something that brings people together and creates lasting memories.”
Shared Passions
Their love of storytelling stretches beyond the stage. Both are avid players of Dungeons & Dragons, which Christian jokes has made him a better actor. “You have to improvise and build characters on the fly — it’s great training for theatre.”
They also share an interest in medieval history, costumes, and fantasy. Renaissance fairs and conventions like Miami’s Florida Supercon are part of their calendar.
And while Christian is drawn to performance, Sydney pours her creativity into writing. She has completed a novel and several plays, setting herself the ambitious goal of collecting 50 rejection letters from publishers. She’s already at 37. “She writes a thousand words a day,” Christian says proudly. “I know she’ll be a published playwright one day.”
Looking Ahead
As a young married couple, Christian and Sydney see their time at TNP not just as volunteering but as building a shared life around creativity, community, and friendship. Even between productions, they find themselves talking about their theatre family at home.
And this fall, their connection deepens even further. With Christian on stage in Ada and the Engine and Sydney backstage for And Then There Were None, The Naples Players truly will be their home away from home.
“The Naples Players is redefining what community theatre means. The quality is outstanding, but the heart is what keeps you coming back. A performance can make you laugh, cry, or think differently about the world. Sydney and I are just grateful to be a part of that — and we hope to inspire others to come experience it too.”
Christian Conn
Ada in Real Life
Ada Lovelace, born Augusta Ada Byron, was as real as real could be! Born December 10, 1815 in London, she died at just 37 in 1852 in Westminster, England. And yes, Ada was truly the daughter of poet Lord Byron. Her parents’ tumultuous marriage ended shortly after her birth, and her father left, never to return. Her mother, Anne, had a keen interest in math and provided Ada with a rigorous education in the field – an attempt to counteract any potential “poetic tendencies” from her father’s side.
Ada was tutored by prominent scholars, including logician and mathematician Augustus De Morgan and scientist Mary Sommerville, who in 1833 introduced Ada to Charles Babbage. At that time, Babbage was designing his Analytical Engine, one of the first mechanical general-purpose computers. Ada became fascinated with the machine and began collaborating with Babbage.
She married Sir William King in 1835, and they had three children. Despite her domestic responsibilities, she continued her intellectual pursuits and her correspondence with Babbage.
In 1843, she translated an article by an Italian mathematician about the Analytical Engine. In her notes, she added an algorithm to be processed by the machine—this was often considered the 1st computer program. Ada envisioned the power and potential of
Ada Lovelace
computing and realized that the Analytical Engine could do far more than calculations; it could manipulate symbols and create art, music, and other forms of information.
Ada’s health declined in the late 1840s, and she passed away on November 27, 1852, at the age of 36 from uterine cancer.
Ada Lovelace’s contributions to computing were largely overlooked during her lifetime, but her work gained recognition in the modern era. She is celebrated as a pioneer of computer programming, and her visionary ideas about the potential of machines have inspired generations of computer scientists and feminists advocating for women’s roles in STEM fields.
Ada Lovelace Day is celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of October to honor her contributions and the achievements of women in technology.
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 &
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 #6 practice in the nation with nearly $6 billion (as of 1/31/25) in assets under management.
Donor RECOGNITION
JUNE 1, 2025 - OCTOBER 1, 2025
Please join us in thanking these donors who gave between June 1, 2025 and October 1, 2025. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage.
Mike Baader
George Babish
Lina M. Barreto
Alice M. Bassett
Stephanie Bean
Lisa Behnke
Nicole Breneman
Joyce Brownlee
Diane & Robert Colaizzi
Theressa Curley
Kathleen Dasilva
Diane Davis
Ted DeGroot
Zoya Demidenko
Janet Dinsmore
Carol Dlouhy
Glen Engelmann
Jane E. Ewy
William F. Fisher
Terrence & Joyce Foran
Susan Gibbons
Patricia T. Girard
Pam Grossjung
John P. Hannon
Marlene Harrington
Johanna W. Harrison
Martin Harrison
Dustin K. Hasley
Erika Holdmann
Gayle Hulbert
Alan & Liz Jaffe
Kelly Johannessen
Ed Kaulbars
Kevin Kenneally
Anya Lastiri
Richard LeBer
Crystal Lewis
Linn McCain
Nancy McDermott
John McDowell
Patrick McMahon
Pamela & John Meehan
Lillian Melchner
Linda & Jim Mizeur
Coletta Mulloy
Jodi Neinkerk
James Nowakowski
Katie & Jim Orr
Frank W. Palulis
Jean Passalaqua
Henry Price
Nancy Ribordy
Elizabeth W. Rountree
William G. Salatich
Robert Salta
Sanibel Captiva Trust Company
Robert Santoro
Howard Schryer
Judy Scribner
Bill Shade & John Pochopin
Stephanie Shaffer
John Siegfried
Jeffrey & Sue Ellen Smith
Ted Stine
Stock Development
Donna and John Stricker
Lillian Tibbles
Volha Titov
Elisabeth Vecciarelli
Diane Wall
Cindy Winemaster
Ron & Kathryn Zagel
Betty Ziemann
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
Dorothy Allard
Kayle Allen
Jo Ellen Atkinson
Kathleen Azzariti
Robin Bache & Bruce Gray
Thomas Bak
Patty & Jay Baker
Charmaine Banky
Joel & Arlene Banow
Brit & Marilyn Bartter
The Betsey Harris Fund
Ted & Lisa Bill
Theresa Bill
Shideh & Shahab Bina
Dale H. Borsenik & Ellen Nowacki
Robert Brady & Kathleen Callahan
Richard & Diane Breithaupt
Robert & Ruth Brown
Dede & Robert Brownlee
Martha B. Bunker
Reg & Sandralee Buxton
John & Linda Cardillo
Hildegard Carney
Victor & Patti Caroli
Pamela & Steven Caruso
Zoltan Cendes
City Of Naples
Ali & Luke Claremont
Kelly Coleman
Collier Community Foundation
Linda Benedict Colvin
Pasquale Conigliaro
Mary Connone
Dean E. Corrow
James Corsica
Corson Family Foundation
Gail Creamer
Myra & Peter Cristall
Rhonda J. Curry
George D’Angelo & Laura St Clair
Terry Libby
Barbara & George Davin
Diane & Sid Davis
Rhonda Davis & Harvey Fireman
Rocco & Joan DiLillo
Eleanor Dobbin
Karen Donohue
Eileen Ebin
Steven & Shelley Einhorn
David & Eileen Elliott
Lisa Eppolito
John & Catherine Estey
Carole Fenstermacher
Linda Fikes
FineMark National Bank & Trust
Joanne Fisher
Richard & Elizabeth Flury
Kevin & Tammie Fraser
Marcus Fuller
The STEP Fund
Patricia T. Girard
Tanya & Denny Glass
Bruce & Joanie Graev
Carla Grieve
Alyssa Lee Haney
Alan & Elizabeth Harris
Tammy & Robert Harris
Carol I. Hastings
Philip Hausler
Bradley Heiges
Arlene C. Heiselman
Dr. Jeffrey & Teresa Heitmann
Patricia A. Hepburn
Jerrilyn & David Hoffmann
Mana P. Holtz
Norman & Sandy Imaoka
Jennifer & Otto Immel
Alan & Liz Jaffe
Jeffrey & Judith Kane
Edward & Bonnie Kant
Margot Kenzie
Carla Keogh
Kevin & Dorota Kilstrom
Natalie King
Sally Kosten
Lisa Kotler
Sarann & Stan Kraushaar
Kenneth D. Krier
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Arthur & Janet Lane
Tony & Moira Lardakis
Andrew & Elise Laviano
Frances Lester
Michael & Carol Levy
Terry Libby & Larry Siegel
Mary Lisowski
Joseph & Isabella Loiacono
Scott Macdonough
Ray Marasco & Karen Garrett
Anton & Carolyn Marek
The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation
Inga Mathura
Thomas McCann
Wendy McCarty
Dr. William McCormack & JoAnn Kriger
David McElrath Esq. &
Gale M. Sinkiewicz
Kathryn McMullen
John & Pamela Meehan
Scott & Louise Root Melby
John B. Melvin
Philip & Donna Messer
With major gifts and support from these donors, we completed a $22 million renovation in 2023 that allows us to expand the reach and impact of our mission. Thank you to these donors.
Darlene & Mark Miller
Tracie Miller
Debera & Jack Millstein
Linda & Jim Mizeur
Philip Mokrysz
Cap & Christina Mona
Peggy & Jim Monson
NBH Family Foundation
Jodi Neinkerk
Michael E. Orlandi
Christine Paddock
Day & Janet Showers Patterson
The Jay R. Paul Charitable Foundation
Julie Pedretti
Vaughn & Audrey Pengelly
Shelley Perry
Elizabeth Pircio
Charmayne Platt
Patricia & John Pollok
Todd Potter
Henry Price
Steven & Barbara Purcell
Rosemarie & Alan Pyott
Sue Rapanos
Tom Ray & Lorena Aguirre
Philip & Jeanne Reid
Thomas & Debbie Rex
Lynda Reymann
Nancy Ribordy
John Rice
Tony & Wynne Ridgway
Arlene & Terry Riegel
Kathleen Rittner
Bill & Carol Rohde
Elizabeth W. Rountree
Susan Routh
Mark & Jan Russell
Patricia T. Rutzler
Robert & Janet Saltarelli
George Schmidt
Michael Schroeck
Sarah Sharma
Patricia Sherry
Grigoriy Shub
Siebein Associates Inc
David B & Vicky Smith
Sam & Karen Smith
Richard K. Smucker
Jean & Jim Snyder
Pete & Sandi Spilotro
Beth Stewart
Don & Victoria Strumillo
Rich & Glenda Struthers
Susan & Carl Suarez
Debra Sundin
Peter & Janet Swinburn
Diane E. Thompson
Robert W. Uek
Anthony Venezia
Cheryl & Trent Waterhouse
Oona G. Watkins
Allen & Marla Weiss
Debbie & Tim Wesolowski
David & Terry Abraham
Whalley
Erin Williams
Roger & Joanne Williams
Nancy Woolf
Anita & Bill Wright
Nanette Wright
Joanne Wyss
Lynne M. Young
Ron & Kathryn Zagel
Jon & Becky Zoler
2024 GRAND REOPENING EXTRAVAGANZA
PHOTO BY NAPLES CREATIVE
PRESENT
ADA AND THE ENGINE
BY
LAUREN GUNDERSON
A Central Works Method Play Commissioned and Premiered by Central Works At the Berkeley City Club on October 17, 2016
Original music composed by The Kilbanes
DIRECTOR
PHILLIP FAZIO
SCENIC DESIGNER
BAILEY M c CLURE-FRANK
COSTUME DESIGNER
DAYNE SABATOS
STAGE MANAGER VERONICA OSTROSKI
LIGHTING DESIGNER IVY WALKER
PROPERTIES DESIGNER
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PHILLIP FAZIO
SOUND DESIGNER COSTANDINA J. DAROS
AMY HUGHES DRAMATURGS
RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
PRICE STUDIO THEATER
OCTOBER 15 - NOVEMBER 9, 2025
“ADA AND THE ENGINE” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
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
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
BYRON (US Charles Baggage & Lord Lovelace) .............................................
ADA LOVELACE ............................................................................................
MARY SOMMERVILLE (US Ada Lovelace & Anabella Byron) .......................
LORD LOVELACE (US Byron) ...................................................................................
ANABELLA BYRON (US Mary Sommerville) .....................................................
CHARLES BABBAGE .......................................................................................
Acts & SCENES
SETTING & TIME: England 1835-1852. The Victorian era. The houses of intellectual elites.
THERE WILL BE A 15 MINUTE INTERMISSION
CHRISTIAN CONN
CHLOE ELLIOTT-CHAN
SHELLEY GOTHARD
TOM GREGUS
MELISSA HENNIG
MATT SCHWABAUER
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ............................................................................................. HUNTER REUM
ALYSSA BRADSHAW, KAILA FRANCOIS, THOMAS HARTLAND, CHRISTINA SKIBICKI, DYLAN TURNER
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE ....................................... GIANNA del DEBBIO, SANDY L o PRESTI, BETH RATHEY, JEAN SNYDER, CHERYL WILLIG, MIA ZEWALK
SCENIC PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION ......................................
KEVIN CLARK, ED EZRINE, JOE FEMIA, LINDA FRIIS, TAMMY HARRIS, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, DEBRON MCCARTNEY, TODD POTTER, TRACY ROSEN, TODD SCOVILLE, JEFF SMITH, SYDNIE SWIFT, ANDREA TANNER, MARY TAYLOR, DEB THURSTON, MICHAEL TROOP, DOUG WALCK, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG
PROPERTIES ........................................................................... JOE LOIACONO, DEBRON M c CARTNEY
at November 18 - December 21
Monday - Saturday | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Free and open to the public!
Lisa Bill - Design Chair
Event & Tree Sponsors
Theresa Bill • Diane Davis • Jim & Linda Mizeur Nancy Ribordy • Elizabeth Rountree
Designers
Lisa Bill, John Cooper, L.A. DeRiggi, Michael Grandi, Rosemary Erb, Faith Ferretti, Nancy Hayer, Jackie Morelisse, Bridget Wright
VIP Opening Night
Sponsored by: Theresa Bill
Cocktail Sponsor: Gulf Coast International Properties
Monday, November 17 • 6:00-7:00 pm followed by a viewing of Little Women: The Musical dress rehearsal
For VIP tickets or to become an event sponsor, contact: Elizabeth Rountree
erountree@naplesplayers.org
Meet THE CAST
CHRISTIAN CONN
CHLOE ELLIOTT-CHAN
Ada Lovelace
Byron, US Charles Baggage & Lord Lovelace (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
MELISSA HENNIG
Anabella Byron, US Mary Sommerville
MATT SCHWABAUER
Charles Babbage
SHELLEY GOTHARD
Mary Sommerville, US Ada Lovelace & Anabella Byron
TOM GREGUS
Lord Lovelace, US Byron
She Walks in Beauty
She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!
— Lord Byron, 1813
CHRISTIAN CONN (Byron, US Charles Baggage & Lord Lovelace) is so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in this production alongside amazing talent. Christian has been in numerous shows with The Naples Players such as Dennis/The Play That Goes Wrong, Wilson/Harvey, and Fitzwilliam Darcy/Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. He would like to thank the love of his life, Sydney, as well as the numerous family and friends who have been extremely supportive of his continued love for theatre.
CHLOE ELLIOTT-CHAN (Ada Lovelace) is thrilled to be performing for the first time with The Naples Players. Recent SWFL credits include The Business of Murder, Bedroom Farce and PROOF at Players Circle Theater, as well as Crocodile Fever, Save Hamlet and Les Liaisons Dangereuses (all at the Laboratory Theater of Florida). She also appeared in Ghostbird Theatre Company’s original play: No Single Body for Me to Follow, as well as Hamlet, An Enemy of the People, and Sweet & Sad at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Bower School of Music and the Arts. She would like to thank the director and the wonderful cast and crew for making the theatre magic happen.
SHELLEY GOTHARD (Mary Sommerville, US Ada Lovelace & Anabella Byron) is happy to be performing in the new Price Studio Theater. Recent roles include Claire Ganz/Rumors, Veta Louise/ Harvey, and Inspector Goring/The Game’s Afoot. It’s a pleasure to get to play with old friends and a few new ones.
TOM GREGUS (Lord Lovelace, US Byron) is thrilled to be returning to The Naples Players for Ada and The Engine! You may have seen Tom as Pete and Jimmy in TNP’s Almost, Maine or as a part of the Stage 2 Improv troupe. Tom loves the theatre, being a scenic carpenter at Gulfshore Playhouse, as well as performing in a number of shows in undergrad and being an Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. He hopes to one day make a career out of acting, but until then, you can find him creating music, playing games with friends, or singing karaoke.
MELISSA HENNIG (Anabella Byron, US Mary Sommerville) is excited to be making her Naples Players debut! Most recently, she portrayed Marjory Stoneman Douglas in the one woman show A Voice for the Everglades (Marco Arts Center Theatre). Some other favorite past roles include Jeremy/ Brother Venerius in The Divine Sister (Center for the Arts Bonita Springs), Clown 1 in The 39 Steps (Marco Arts Center Theatre), and Mrs. Gotlieb in Dead Man’s Cell Phone (The Studio Players). Melissa works as an Environmental Specialist with the Conservation Collier Program, and also enjoys spending time with her husband, their son, and their four cats. She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for their dedication and hard work!
MATT SCHWABAUER (Charles Babbage) is excited to be joining the cast of Ada and the Engine Recent TNP credits include Ensemble/Sweeney Todd , Howard Wagner/Death of a Salesman, Ken Gorman/Rumors, Pat Denning/42nd Street, Dr. Chumley/Harvey, George Bailey/It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play, Ensemble/The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Captain Von Trapp/The Sound of Music. Other notable past roles include Charlie Martin/On Golden Pond (Southside Theatre Guild), Algernon Moncrieff/The Importance of Being Earnest (Seachange Theatre Company) and Edgar/King Lear (Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe). He hopes your mind and heart are edified during this performance.
OF LAUREN GUNDERSON
GETTING PERSONAL
LAUREN GUNDERSON , a prominent American playwright, screenwriter, and short story author, is celebrated as one of the most produced living playwrights in the country. She was born on February 5, 1982, in Atlanta, GA. She grew up in Decatur, GA with its vibrant arts scene, diverse educational institutions and the natural beauty of the Southern landscape.
Gunderson earned her BA in Creative Writing from Emory University and later received her Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Writing from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Her work often focuses on female figures in history and science, combining themes of innovation, morality, and discovery.
Gunderson’s play The Catastrophist (2023), about her husband virologist Nathan Wolfe, lets her explore contemporary issues through a personal as well as historical narrative. Wolfe, a prominent figure in his own right, is known for his work in virology and public health, having made significant contributions to understanding infectious diseases. And his work in public policy aligns with some of the themes found in his wife’s plays.
Their relationship is notable both for their individual achievements and for their collaborative spirit and shared interests. Gunderson often explores themes related to science, nature, and human experience in her writing. Considering Wolfe’s background, it’s easy to imagine that their conversations and shared experiences influence her work.
A FEW OF LAUREN GUNDERSON’S NOTABLE WORKS
I AND YOU (2013): Winner of the 2014 Harold and Mimi Steinberg/American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award
ÉMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHÂTELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT (2010): The life of 18th-century physicist
SILENT SKY (2011): Based on the lives of female astronomers in the early 20th century
THE BOOK OF WILL (2017): Explores preserving Shakespeare’s works, winner of the 2017 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award
THE REVOLUTIONISTS (2017): A feminist farce imagining a meeting of revolutionary women
Meet THE CREATIVE TEAM
Sound Designer
PHILLIP FAZIO Director
AMY HUGHES Props Designer
BAILEY McCLUREFRANK Scenic Designer
VERONICA OSTROSKI Stage Manager
DAYNE SABATOS Costume Designer
IVY WALKER Lighting Designer
COSTANDINA J. DAROS (Sound Designer) is thrilled to join The Naples Players as Sound Designer for Ada and the Engine. While originally from Michigan, she is now a Berkeley California based artist and an Associate Technical Instructor at Meyer Sound. Recent Design Credits include: Birds of North America (The Odyssey), A Chorus Line (Cal State Fullerton), RENT (UC Irvine), and The Little Prince (South Coast Repertory). She holds an MFA in Sound Design from UC Irvine and a BFA in Theatre Design and Technical Production: Sound from Western Michigan University.
PHILLIP FAZIO (Director) recently joined The Naples Players as the new Artistic Director. Favorite regional directing credits include: Follies, Caroline or Change, August: Osage County, Sunday in the Park with George, Ragtime, Into the Woods, Grey Gardens, Proof, and Cabaret. Assistant credits include working on various productions with Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley and Tony Award nominees Susan H. Schulman and Jeff Calhoun. Phillip earned a BFA from The Boston Conservatory and a MFA from Pennsylvania State University. For more information, please visit www.phillipfazio.com
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.
BAILEY McCLURE-FRANK (Scenic Designer) This is Bailey’s 4th show with TNP and is always happy to work alongside of such an excellent team. Her works include: Off Broadway: Between the Lines (Tony Kiser Theatre: Associate Scenic Designer to Tobin Ost); Regional: Almost, Maine (TNP), The Game’s Afoot (TNP: Co-Designer with Michael Santos), Cullud Wattah (Actor’s Express), Becky’s New Car (TNP); Educational: Fuddy Meers, Hamlet, Cinderella, The One Act Play That Goes
Wrong (University of West Georgia); TV/Film: Sesame Street Season 49 (Asst. Art Director), Sesame Street Season 46-48 (Art Dept Coordinator). Other: Member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE; Assistant Professor of Scenic Design and Technology at Chapman University. www.baileymcclure.com
VERONICA OSTROSKI (Stage Manager) is excited to be a part of her third production here at TNP! Recent credits include The Half-Life of Marie Curie and Almost, Maine (TNP); La Musica Deuxieme (A\Park Prod); and Fefu and Her Friends (ASFS REP). She holds an MFA in directing from the Actors Studio Drama School and BFA in Theatre Performance from Belmont University. Full resume and credits can be found at veronicaostroski.com
DAYNE SABATOS (Costume Designer) is a Kansas native and multidisciplinary artist. After several years of freelancing across the country, he is excited to be joining the crew as a permanent fixture here at The Naples Players. Often working behind the scenes to help create the beautiful costumes you see onstage, Dayne has a passion for teaching his craft and working with the amazing volunteers at TNP. Some of his past design credits at TNP include The Cake, The Game’s Afoot, and By The Way, Meet Vera Stark. He loves weird art and good cheese.
IVY WALKER (Lighting Designer) is a freelance lighting designer (and sometimes director) based in New York, NY. They hold a BFA in Theatrical Design & Production with an emphasis in Lighting Design & Technology from Oklahoma City University (class of 2024). This is their first show with The Naples Players. Favorite credits - New York: Dancing at Lughnasa, El Nogolar, Angry Fags (Stella Adler Studio), Lilith in Pisces (Asst. Designer, The Flea Theater); Regional: Dance Nation (Southern Plains Productions), Paradise (US Premiere), Puffs, Antigone (TheatreOCU). View more of their work at ivywalkerdesign.com.
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Life in Naples Life in Naples
Our VOLUNTEER HEART
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION | 2024
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
Alyssa Bradshaw
Maddie Brendel
Brad Brenner
William Condit
Christian Conn
Kelsey Coss
250 - 499 HOURS
Leonard Allen
Jane Ballurio
Victor Briz
Kaloyan Buelow
Rex Burns
Joe Byrne
Braxton Cabrera
Sherlay Cajuste
Jody Cameron
Robert Cappetta
Hildegard Carney
Tina Cedras
Caroline Coleman
James Corsica
Katie Cross
Thomas Currie
Scott Davis
Nathan Eichhorn
Joseph Femia
Marcus Dean Fuller
Alanna Dachille
Vivienne Engelmann
Jake Fattibene
Frankie Federico
Nancy Hayer
Jennifer Mance
Gavin Ott
Gia Provinzino
Patricia Puia
Victoria Rinaldi
Sabine Rivera
Vanessa Rossberg
Matthew Schwabauer
Judy Scribner
Jean Snyder
Anna Tipton
Michael Troop
Nicholas Young
Carter Zgonina
Sarah Gamblin
Shelley Gothard
Carolina Grau
Lisa Gunn
Tammy Harris
Jennifer Hart
Jon Hart
Jeannine Hedberg
Maria Hernandez
Naphtaisha Jean Charles
Christian Jimenez
Kip Jones
Jillian Keith
Reagan Kelly
Kevin Kenneally
Ashley Kosten
Landon Libbey
James Little
Madison Mance
Elizabeth Marcantonio
Lila Mastro
Elizabeth Mehler
Nicholas Mehler
Alex Minarik
Adler Monpremier
Peggy Monson
Tina Moroni
Adriana Parodi
Anthony Pena
Ronald Pirrello
Matias Piscoya Fernandez
Maureen Place
Ella Provinzino
Thomas Richardson
Avery Roschek
Roseann Ruggiero
Shawn Ryan
Michael Santos
Sadie Scardino
Cynthia Sepich
Bill Shade
Isabella Sisay
Jeff Smith
Fredley Sylvain
Andrea Tanner
Mary Taylor
Aiden Thayer
Norman Toback
Colton Townsend
Landon Townsend
Dylan Turner
Aseem Upadhyay
Mark Vanagas
Courtney Vanasse
Alessa Vazquez
Lorelai Vega
Ivana Vivar
Jack Weld
Bealey Cate White
Fred Willig
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
DENNY GLASS President
OTTO IMMEL Secretary
BOB UEK Treasurer
ALAN JAFFE
Immediate Past President
TED BILL
BOB BRADY
GEORGE D’ANGELO
JOAN DiLILLO
BRUCE GRAEV
ROBIN BACHE GRAY
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
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
CAITLYNN CRAWFORD Food & Beverage Manager
KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff
DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer
JAMES DUGGAN Artistic Associate
PHILLIP FAZIO Artistic Director
CINDY FINEGAN Front of House Associate
CHARLES FORNARA
TERRY LIBBY
PEGGY MONSON
PAT POLLOK
KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
DEBORAH SMITH
Artistic Director of Music
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA
Artistic Director of Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
LUKE JACONIS Director of Patron Services
RACHEL KALSKI
Front of House Associate
LANDON LIBBEY Front of House Associate
JENNIFER MANCE TNPA Faculty
TAYLOR MATTHEWS Company Stage 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
JEN PRICE Director of Education
emails are first initial, last name at naplesplayers.org
GLENN VANGOLEN
GINNY VERAS
KAT ZAGEL
BETH PETRUNOFF City Liaison
DAN RAMIREZ Front of House Associate
CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting
ELIZABETH W. ROUNTREE, CFRE Director of Advancement
