kander & ebb’s
Cabaret July 31-August 10
Photo by Adrian Van Stee
3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
theplayers.org | 941.365.2494
BOX OFFICE INFORMATION Visit us at The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239 (Park and enter the mall by Connor’s Steak and Seafood.) Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday, 10am to 2pm We do not hold tickets without payment Want to pay with card? We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Apple Pay TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE Gift Certificates are available in a variety of denominations
CONTACT US Box Office...............................................941.365.2494 Players Studio (Education Dept.)..........941.552.8879
THE SARASOTA PLAYERS STAFF CEO..........................................................William Skaggs Director of Development.........................Amy Gorman Marketing Director...................................Amanda Heisey Production Manager................................Brian Finnerty Director of Education..............................Thayer Greenberg Box Office Manager..................................Cheyenne Holcomb Technical Director.....................................Scott Schuster Asst. Technical Director...........................Logan Junkins Technical Consultant...............................Steve Patmagrian Costume Shop Manager...........................Jill Castle Costume Shop Assistant..........................Val Rozon
BOX OFFICE ASSOCIATES Ren Pearson, Leslie Price, Jim Floyd, Jennifer Mitchell, Cheryl “Coco” McCall
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair............................................................Bill Porter Vice Chair....................................................Bill Rusling Secretary......................................................David Sanders Trustees.......................................................Joey Scheerle, Leigh Tesar, Michael Tesar
Tonight, let our family take care of yours. ENJOY AUTHENTIC ITALIAN FOR DINE-IN, CARRYOUT, DELIVERY OR CATERING
SARASOTA 1940 STICKNEY POINT RD. CARRABBAS.COM
Cabaret July 31-August 10
Photo by Adrian Van Stee
BOOK BY JOE MASTEROFF BASED ON THE PLAY BY JOHN VAN DRUTEN STORIES BY CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD MUSIC BY JOHN KANDER LYRICS BY FRED EBB Master of Ceremonies…Jason Ellis Sally Bowles…Amanda Heisey Clifford Bradshaw…Ethan Weiss Ernst Ludwig…Patrick Mounce Fraulein Schneider…Shawn Marie Spears Herr Schultz…Paul Hutchinson Fraulein Kost…Vera Samuels Rosie…Keely Karalis-Valverdi Lulu…Kyle Ramon Frenchie…Yaira Spears Texas…Franki Mobley-Tarpley Fritzie…AJ Trinci Helga…Shannon Maloney Bobby…Joshua Roberson Victor/Customs Official/Sailor…Graham Boggess Hans…Josh Ogline Herman / Max…Jose Santana Child... Linnea Weiss Swings & Understudies Sally U/S…Shannon Maloney Emcee U/S…Jose Santana Cliff U/S…Graham Boggess Fraulein Kost U/S...Yaira Spears Kit Kat Swing…Laura Grieme Cabaret Boy Swing…Asher Woomert U/S for Ernst / Max / Customs Official / Sailor…Adrian Van Stee Pre-show Vocalists...Caitlin Ellis & Jose Santana Magic…Adrian Van Stee Tarot…Valerie Rozon Ambience…Laura Grieme
SONGS ACT I
ACT II
Willkommen So What? Don't Tell Mama Mein Herr Perfectly Marvelous Two Ladies It Couldn't Please Me More Tomorrow Belongs to Me Maybe This Time Money Married Tomorrow Belongs to Me (Reprise)
Entr'acte/ Kickline Married (Reprise) If You Could See Her What Would You Do? I Don't Care Much Cabaret Finale
PRODUCTION TEAM Director/Choreographer: Brian Finnerty Rehearsal Music Director: Heather Weiskerger Performance Music Director: William Coleman Stage Manager: Alisha Tyler-Lohr Assistant Director: Asher Woomert Dance Captain: Keely Karalis-Valverde Assistant Stage Manager: Val Rozon Technical Director: Scott Schuster Assistant Technical Director: Logan Junkins Production Manager: Brian Finnerty Costume Design: Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins, Peter Centeno Costume Shop Manager: Jill Castle Costume Shop Assistant: Val Rozon Lighting Design: Ethan Vail Sound Design: Michael Cummings Scenic Design: Brian Finnerty Scenic Build: Scott Schuster, Logan Junkins, Steve Patmagrian Props: Brian Finnerty Crew: Asher Woomert, Judah Woomert, Valerie Rozon, Adrian Van Stee, Laura Grieme
BAND Band Leader/ Keys 1: William Coleman Keys 2: Ronan Venkat Reeds: Teri Booth Trumpet: Victor Mongillo Percussion: Aaron Downard
DIRECTOR’S NOTE Willkommen and thank you for joining us for CABARET. CABARET first staged in 1966, is a musical that echoes louder and more urgently with each passing decade. Set in the final days of Weimar Germany, just before the rise of the Nazi regime, it’s a story about people dancing on the edge of catastrophe. Some unaware, some willfully ignoring what’s to come, and others simply unable to stop it. It would be easy to treat this show as a historical cautionary tale but doing so would miss the point. The disturbing truth is that the themes in CABARET feel even more relevant in America today than they did when the show premiered. We are living in a moment where division is celebrated and truth is nearly impossible to come by. The parallels between the slow, almost casual unraveling of Germany’s democracy in the 1930s and our current social and political climate are no longer hypothetical - they’re staring us in the face. There's a strange and harsh irony in performing CABARET just three hours from Alligator Alcatraz, where migrant children have been detained in disturbing conditions. It’s a chilling reminder that the injustices some think are behind us are just as present today. During this process, our team had the extraordinary honor of speaking with Holocaust survivor Helga Melmed, whose experience brings profound clarity to the urgency of remembering. Her voice reminded us why telling stories like CABARET matters. Helga’s strength and wisdom helped ground our work in something real and sacred. She urged us to simply love one another and embrace our differences. It’s really that simple. To the cast, crew, and creative team: I could not be more proud of your courage, your artistry, and your dedication. Thank you for treating this material with such care and emotional truth. You’ve all poured your hearts into telling a story that is more than entertainment- it’s a warning, a plea, and a mirror. Please be advised: CABARET contains mature themes and content that may be upsetting or triggering to some audience members. This includes strong sexual content, profanity, drug use, depictions of violence and references to abortion, as well as historically accurate imagery of hate. Herbal cigarettes will be used live on stage. These elements are not included for shock value- they are part of a larger truth that must be faced honestly. To our audience: thank you for supporting live, local theater. Art thrives only with a community willing to receive it. Tonight, I encourage you to stay open, to listen, to reflect, and to let discomfort guide you toward empathy. If this show leaves you with more questions than answers, then we’ve done our job. Because what happens outside the Kit Kat Klub is not a relic of history, it’s a call to vigilance, compassion, and action. Only love, Brian F. Finnerty Director, Choreographer & Scenic Designer
Thank you to our incredible donors—your generosity fuels every spotlight, every story, and every standing ovation. Because of you, we’re able to inspire, entertain, and build community through the power of live theatre. We are deeply grateful for your continued support!
SEASON SPONSORS
SHOW SPONSORS
SPECIAL THANKS Manatee Players, Kristin Ribble, Franki Mobley-Tarpley, Judah Woomert, Asher Woomert, Cory Woomert, Kyle Ramon, AJ Trinci, Annise Aflick, Pineapple Kitchen, 99 Bottles, Scott Keys ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
The rise of Fascism in Germany
1919
The German Workers' Party (DAP) is founded, which in 1921 becomes the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP or Nazi Party) under Adolf Hitler's leadership.
1923
Munich (Beer Hall) Putsch – Hitler and the NSDP attempt to overthrow the Bavarian government failed. The leaders were arrested and charged with treason.
1929
Great Depression – The world depression saw many Germans face unemployment and poverty. Support for the Nazi party increased dramatically.
1924
Hitler is sentenced to prison for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch, during which he writes Mein Kampf, outlining his ideology and plans for Germany.
1930
You are here, in Berlin, at the Kit Kat Club
The Nazi Party gains 18.3% of the vote in the Reichstag elections, becoming the second-largest party in Germany.
1932
The Nazis become the largest party in the Reichstag with 37.4% of the vote in the July elections, capitalizing on public discontent with the *Weimar Republic.
Feb. 27, 1933
The Reichstag Fire occurs, which the Nazis use to justify the suspension of civil liberties and the arrest of political opponents.
July 14, 1933
The Nazi Party is declared the only legal political party in Germany, solidifying Hitler's control over the government.
Jan. 30, 1933
Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg, marking a significant step in the Nazis' rise to power.
March 23, 1933
The Enabling Act is passed, allowing Hitler to enact laws without the Reichstag's approval, effectively establishing a legal dictatorship.
June 30 - July 2, 1934 The Night of the Long Knives takes place, where Hitler purges the Sturmabteilung (SA), the Nazis’ paramilitary organization leadership and other political rivals, consolidating his power further.
August 2, 1934 Following President Hindenburg's death, Hitler merges the offices of Chancellor and President, declaring himself Führer of Germany.
November, 1938
Kristallnacht – Jewish shops and synagogues were destroyed. Following the event the Jewish population was fined for the destruction.
1942-1945
September 15, 1935
The Nuremberg Laws are enacted, stripping Jews of their citizenship and rights, marking a significant step in the Nazis' anti-Semitic policies.
1939-1941
On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany unleashed World War II by invading Poland. German authorities in occupied Poland established ghettos for Jews. . Inside Germany and in occupied Polish territories, German physicians and SS staff used gas chambers to kill institutionalized persons with disabilities. In the weeks and months that followed, Nazi Germany’s leaders decided to carry out the systematic mass murder of Europe’s Jews.
In early 1942, Nazi Germany stood at the height of its power. Germany and its allies controlled most of Europe and even parts of North Africa. The SS had established special killing centers with large gas chambers, expanding the “Final Solution,” the mass murder of European Jews. The perpetrators counted on the cooperation of government agencies, local collaborators, and the support or acquiescence of the general population. By May 1945, when the war ended, the Nazis and their allies had killed about 6 million Jewish men, women and children, and about 5 million Soviet prisoners of war, people of Polish, Serbian, and Romani origin, people with disabilities, political prisoners or dissenters, Germans placed in concentration camps for being “professional criminals”, Jehova’s Witnesses, and people identified as gay or bisexual.
“We came out of the ashes of Germany to live and hope and love.” -Helga Melmed
The cast of CABARET with Holocaust survivor Helga Melmed. thanks to her for sharing her story and to The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
BIOS Jason Ellis (The Emcee) has been seen locally as The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince Into the Woods, Bobby Strong Urinetown, Johnny American Idiot, Mark RENT, and Brad Rocky Horror Show. His alter ego, Swanky Valli, can be found drunk around town serenading & roasting the locals. He thanks Josh Rhodes and the Asolo Rep for creating a Cabaret that rocked & changed his world. Most importantly he thanks Helga Melmed for sharing her story and inspiring this special cast of creatives. ‘All my love to Cait, Mia, and Jimmy – the only reason life isn’t disappointing.’ Amanda Heisey (Sally Bowles) barely has the words to thank everyone related to this process. This has been her dreamiest dream roles for years. Favorite roles include: Velma Kelley - Chicago, Yitzhak - Hedwig..., Magenta - The Rocky Horror Show and Extraordinary Girl - American Idiot. Her burlesque persona Karma Kandlewick has allowed her perform across the state and country, and she is coproducer of Hard Heart Burlesque. All my love to Brian always, thank you for trusting me with this role. Ethan Weiss (Clifford Bradshaw) is returning to theatre after a brief 13 year hiatus. Ethan’s credits include Prince John in The Lion in Winter with The Banyan Theatre Company (Sarasota, FL); Richard II in Richard II at the JKB Theater and Detective Tupolski in Pillow Man with The Carriage House Players (Saratoga Springs, NY); and Lysimachus/Leonine in Pericles: Prince of Tyre with Shakespeare & Company (Lennox, MA.) Thanks to Thayer and Brian for the push and to Kate, Leni, and Sam for all the things. Shawn Marie Spears (Fräulein Schneider) After playing Helen in Fun Home, Shawn Marie is most humbled and honored to be amongst this Perfectly Marvelous family of Cabaret. Her heart overflows as she gets to share the stage with her extraordinary daughter for the very FIRST TIME!!! Thank you to The Players for giving me this outlet to completely be myself (and still liking me). Thank you to Torrey for always encouraging me to fly! I love you. To all watching, Life IS beautiful and always remember Love Never Fails.
Paul Hutchison (Herr Schultz) Last appeared at The Players in The Graduate (Mr. Robinson), and The Odd Couple (Speed), The Crucible (Rev. Parris), 12 Angry Jurors (No.6), and God of Carnage (Alan). Recent shows include Death of a Salesman (Ben) at Manatee Players and The Torchbearers (Hossefross) at Venice Theatre. Favorite roles include Clarence/Potter in It's a Wonderful Life, Dick in 9 to 5, Ernst in Cabaret, and Paul in Big.
Patrick Mounce (Ernst Ludwig) graduated with a B.F.A in acting at the University of Central Florida. You may have seen Patrick at your local theaters in the area such as Sarasota Players, Venice Theatre, and Dingbat. Patrick is happy to be trotting the boards with this talented cast and crew. As the late Mark Brotherton would say, "Have fun, its a play not a serious" Vera Samuels (Fraulein Kost) Previously seen at the Sarasota Players in: Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife), American Idiot (St Jimmy), and Proof (Catherine). This fall you can see her in I Never Saw Another Butterfly at the Sarasota Jewish Theatre and in an all female production of Art at The Off-Central. Vera gives love to her Ma and to her Bee, Dana. “For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing.” Keely Karalis-Valverdi (Rosie) is thrilled to be jumping back into theatre after a 2 year break! Her previous credits include Hunyak - Chicago, Val - A Chorus Line Tantomile - Cats, Babette - Beauty and the Beast, and Peggy - 42nd Street.
Kyle Ramon (Lulu) is excited to be back at the players! Kyle is a graduate of the Booker High School Theatre program and will be attending Texas State University in the fall for a BFA in musical theatre. Favorite credits include Emmett (Legally Blonde), Gomez (The Addams Family), Noel (Ride the Cyclone) and Sky Masterson (Guys and Dolls). He would like to thank his mom for all of her support and Brian, Alisha, Heather, and the entire cast for creating such a special experience that he will never forget.
Yaira Spears (Frenchie/ U/S Kost) is ecstatic to be returning to Players Rep for Cabaret! Last year at the rep., she appeared in American Idiot (Alysha)! She's also recently been in Legally Blonde (Elle) at Booker High School, and Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett) at The Players Studio. This is her first show with her mother! "Shoutout to my amazing Kit Kat sisters and to my momma. This is such an important show right now, and I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. Kisses!" Franki Mobley-Tapley (Texas) is so excited to be back for another summer with The Sarasota Players and is feeling so “rootin and tootin” to be playing Texas in Cabaret! Recently, she has brought magic to life as a cast member at Walt Disney World (which she will always claim is the best thing she’s ever done) where she soared high with Dumbo and told stories with her good friends, Belle and Papa Maurice! She thanks Brian, Heather, Alisha and the rest of the cast/crew for this opportunity and constant love & support!
AJ Trinci (Fritzie) was last seen at The Sarasota Players as Alison Bechdel in Fun Home. Other favorite roles include The Mute (The Fantasticks) and Angel (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas). When not performing, they enjoy writing, sewing, and gentle-parenting their eccentric, 8year-old rescue chihuahua, Phineas. Many thanks to Brian, Alisha, and the whole cast and crew for being your precious selves. "For art to be unpolitical means only to ally itself with the ruling group."- Bertolt Brecht
Shannon Maloney (Helga/ U/S Sally) is invigorated to be part of this impactful story with brutally honest insights on our history, the destruction of denial, and our sense of morality, justice, and empathy. These lessons are particularly meaningful to reflect on now. Shannon recently performed with The Players as Rapunzel in Into the Woods. Other recent roles include Agnes in Agnes of God, Mary Lane in Reefer Madness, and Louise “Gypsy Rose Lee” in Gypsy (Venice Theatre). Thank you for joining us and supporting local art!
Joshua Roberson (Bobby) A Bradenton-based event coordinator by day and sultry Cabaret boy by night, Josh enjoys watching Jeopardy with his boyfriend and their cat, and aimlessly running at Benderson Park. Past credits: VT's The Addams Family (“I liked the gay knight”), Margaritaville as Chadd (“I wanted to punch that guy”). Josh Holds a BFA in Theatre from Texas State University where he staged an immersive production of The Rocky Horror Show. Thanks to God, family, Ashton, & The Sarasota Players team! Graham Boggess (Victor/Customs Official/Sailor/ U/S Cliff) is honored to be able to bring this extremely important story to The Sarasota Players' stage. He is currently an Acting major at Elon University, and most recently played Man with Guitar in The Grapes of Wrath. Last summer, he performed in The Players' production of American Idiot, where he started learning how to play guitar. He hopes to start a career in film and TV acting upon graduation! It is rumored that he can bench 500 pounds. Josh Ogline (Hans) is so honored to be in his first show with The Sarasota Players! He recently performed in original shows at both Squeaky Wheel Fringe (Worthy Souls) and Tampa Fringe (The Common Ground). You will also find him in a multitude of shows at the State College of Florida where he recently performed in their production of Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit). He would like to thank his friends and family for their infinite love and support, and his professors at SCF for their mentorship and guidance! Jose Santana (Herman/Max/ U/S Emcee) is thrilled to be a part of this production. Recent roles include Narrator in Joseph…, Ms. Pennywise in Urinetown, The Witch in Into the Woods, and Fastrada in Pippin. Off the stage, Jose works at Ringling College of Art and Design. Jose would like to thank their family for their constant support, both personally and artistically. Jose also thanks their community of friends and mentors that inspires them to become a better artist and person every day.
Linnea Weiss (The Child) is an incoming sixth grader at SSAS and is so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this perfectly marvelous show. Her past shows include Matilda in Matilda; Herald in Cinderella; Peach in Finding Nemo; a duckling in Honk!; and Flotsam in The Little Mermaid. (TWINSIES MR. BRIAN!!!!!) All shows she has been a part of have been at the one and only Players Studio. She wants to thank all of the amazing cast members for opening their arms to her and being so kind and supportive. Happy to see you! Welcome to the Kit Kat Club. Enjoy the show! Thank you to her mom and dad for being the absolute coolest parents EVER.
Laura Grieme (Kit Kat Girl Swing) is excited to be a part of Cabaret! Favorite credits include: Shelby (Steel Magnolias), Tracy (Hairspray), and Becca (Rabbit Hole). “Thanks to Brian for the opportunity and break a leg to the cast and crew! Thanks to Chris for his endless support!”
Adrian Van Stee (Preshow Magic/ U/S for Ernst /Max /Customs Official /Sailor) is delighted to be a part of Cabaret. Adrian last appeared at the players as the Steward in Into the Woods. Other Sarasota credits include Dingbat’s Speakeasy Alice, and Theatre Odyssey’s 2025 10 Minute Play Festival. When not on stage, Adrian is the in-house photographer and filmmaker at Asolo Rep and photographs theatre and editorial projects around Sarasota.
Asher Woomert (Cabaret Boy Swing) is a Senior in the Booker Highschool VPA Theatre Department and is very excited to be a part of his 9th production at The Sarasota Players! Thank you to my Mom, Dad , and Brother for all the amazing help and support! And thank you to The Players for this amazing opportunity to learn and grow! P.S if you bring me chocolate pudding I’ll give you a dollar… or a hug.
PRODUCTION TEAM Brian F. Finnerty (Director/ Choreographer) has spent over 15 years immersed in the theatrical and educational arts as production manager, director, choreographer, instructor, stage manager, costume and scenic designer, and performer. His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including Herald Tribune Handy Awards and BroadwayWorld accolades for Best Costume Design and Best Choreography. Brian has had the privilege of training with celebrated performing arts icons, including the choreographer of Broadway’s Moulin Rouge, Sonya Tayeh and So You Think You Can Dance’s Anthony Morigerato. He currently serves as Production Manager for The Sarasota Players and The Players Studio where he was voted hottest staff member. Select directorial and choreography credits include Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd, American Idiot, Little Shop of Horrors, Head Over Heels, Hello, Dolly!, The Addams Family, YANK: A WWII Love Story, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. A heartfelt thank you to this brilliant and fearless cast who dove into this journey with passion and purpose, embracing something bold, challenging, and meaningful. Special thanks to Helga Melmed at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for sharing her story and reiterating that this story still matters and that history has echoes and empathy has power. All my love to my Sally Bowles and the cats (especially Stanley). William P. Coleman (Music Director) is an award-winning Music Director, a four-time Best Musical Director by The Broadway Stars of the Future, Pippin (2020), Urinetown (2021), Jekyll & Hyde (2022), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2023) which also won for Best Musical . He has also provided local music direction for Avenue Q, Ain’t Misbehavin, Assassins (Handy Award Winner for Best Music Director) Lady Day, Little Shop of Horrors, Mame, Nine, Young Frankenstein (Star Nominee for Favorite Musical Director), Baby, Grey Gardens, Annie Junior, Cabaret, Pirates of Penzance, Spring Awakening, Seussical Junior, My Way, The Color Purple, (Theater Tampa Bay - Outstanding Musical Direction Nominee) Plaid Tidings, Rent, Crowns, Willy Wonka Jr, The Andrews Brothers, and the World Premier productions of Boynton Beach Club and Practically Perfect. William is sought after as a coach and collaborative artist, accompanying the late renowned Flamenco Artist, Shannon Calderon, collaborating with world renowned soprano, Leona Mitchell for the Langston University Master Class and Concert Series, and performing John W Work classical and spiritual pieces with the late Dr. Philip Autry of Fisk University. William earned a BS in Environmental Sciences from Purdue University, and undergraduate work in piano performance from the University of Tennessee. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in piano performance from Middle Tennessee State University and postgraduate study in Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Oklahoma. William’s education and career has spanned a range of music genres, but Musical Theater holds a very special place in his heart. His hope is that you will get to encounter that passion in the production you are about to experience.
Heather Weiskerger (Music Director) has enjoyed helping music direct shows here such as INTO THE WOODS, LITTLE WOMEN and TICK, TICK… BOOM! She also has music directed at MPAC, Dingbat Theatre Project, as well as Cardinal Mooney High School, Riverview High School, and JUMP Dance Company. She is a soprano section leader at Church of the Redeemer and Key Chorale, Sarasota’s leading choral group. She’s so proud of this team for putting together such an important show. Love to her husband Craig, and their biological dog, Loki. Alisha Tyler-Lohr (Stage Manager) is honored to be working with The Sarasota Players again! After leaving Penn State, she has spent the past seven years working in the area. Favorite credits include; Reefer Madness (Random Acts), Little Women, Sweeney Todd, American Idiot, Into the Woods, All Shook Up (The Sarasota Players), To Kill a Mockingbird, Yard Sale (Venice Theatre) Fun Home and The Little Mermaid (Millbrook Playhouse). She’d like to thank the entire creative team and cast for a magical process. Ethan Vail (Lighting Designer) Credits include: The Sarasota Players: Little Women, Into the Woods; Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe: Ruby, Dreamgirls, Broadway in Black; Urbanite Theatre: Westminster, That Must be the Entrance To Heaven, At The Wake of A Dead Drag Queen, Asolo Repertory Theatre: Grand Horizons, Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer, Camelot; Significant Productions located at the Villages: Angel Street; Manatee Players: Parade; Millbrook Playhouse (Mill Hall, Penn.): 65 productions, including the regional premiere of Fun Home. He was the 2013 recipient of the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology’s Young Designers, Managers & Technicians Award, sponsored by Barbizon Lighting Company, for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a production he designed for Purdue University. He is also the Production Manager and Resident Lighting Designer for the Sarasota Ballet. His work with the ballet has been seen internationally including at the Royal Opera House in London. Michael Cummings (Costume Designer) is a designer whose work has been seen throughout the East Coast. Michael currently works as the Technical Theatre Manager at Manatee School for the Arts, mentoring students in all aspects of technical theatre. Sound design credits include Beetlejuice Jr. (Sarasota Players), She Kills Monsters Young Adventurers Edition (MSA). Select lighting design works include Fun Home, Twelfth Night, The Good Doctor, Happy Dale, The Addams Family (Sarasota Players), Diary of Anne Frank (MSA), Prevail (CAC), Kunstler (FST), Light My Fire (FST), February Dance 2019 (UIUC), Jesus Christ Superstar (Salisbury University), La Bohème (UIUC). He obtained his M.F.A. in Lighting Design & Technology from the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. @mcummingsdesign
Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins (Costume Design) is so excited to return to The Players, this time as the Costume Designer for Cabaret! As the Head of the Theatre Department at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School, Rebeca has always loved designing costumes for productions and telling a character’s story through costuming. She has previously been seen at The Players as Little Red in Into the Woods and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical. Rebeca has thoroughly enjoyed the creative and thought-provoking process of designing for Cabaret, especially collaborating with the exceptionally talented Creative Team and Cast. She would like to thank Brian and Jill for this opportunity, and a special thank you to Peter Centeno for his unwavering dedication, friendship, and support. Rebeca hopes that audiences enjoy this timely production and recognize that, beneath all the costumes, makeup, and wigs, we are all the same.
Peter Centeno (Costume Design) is thrilled and honored to be working on this important piece! This is his second time designing costumes, and he's excited to bring his artistic vision to life in Cabaret. With plans to study Fashion and Textile Design at NC State University in the fall, Peter sees Cabaret as a vital and visually spectacular production that challenges and inspires. He's had the honor of working alongside Rebeca Arrigall - Watkins as co-costumer, sharing ideas and expertise. Peter hopes you enjoy this gripping piece of theatre and thanks The Players for their warm welcome and unwavering support.
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REBELS AND DREAMERS A SEASON OF BOLD VOICES
Together, these productions create a season that is bold, thought-provoking, and undeniably powerful. Whether they’re fighting for love, justice, recognition or survival, these rebels and dreamers demand to be heard. Will you listen?