As we embark on this journey into the woods, we step into a world where fairy tales collide, where dreams and desires meet consequences, and where the boundary between fantasy and reality becomes delightfully blurred. Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods is a masterpiece that not only challenges our expectations of classic fairy tale narratives but also delves into the complexities of human nature, the choices we make, and the often unpredictable nature of fate.
At its heart, this show is about stories—the ones we tell, the ones we inherit, and the ones we shape through our actions. That’s why our production is set in the Narrator’s home, a space overflowing with books, each containing a life, a lesson, a legend. But as the story unfolds, the woods begin to take over, creeping through the cracks and consuming the space, just as the tales themselves consume him. Like the characters within them, he finds that once a story begins, it takes on a life of its own.
The woods are both magical and menacing, a place of discovery, danger, and transformation. They remind us that life doesn’t follow a neat script—happily ever after isn’t always the end, and every choice leads to another path, winding deeper into the unknown.
As a director, I am drawn to Into the Woods because it provides a unique opportunity to explore the balance between fantasy and reality. It invites us to ask: Are we, like the characters on stage, constantly chasing after something — whether it be love, success, or happiness — without fully understanding the impact it may have on our lives and others? How do we navigate the chaos that follows our decisions?
This production has been a true labor of love. Our talented cast and crew have brought their artistry not just to their performances, but behind the scenes as well—crafting costumes, capturing promotional photos, and even building our beloved Milky White. Their dedication is woven into every moment of this show, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve created together. So, step inside, let the stories pull you in, and remember—once you enter the woods, you may never see fairy tales the same way again.
Brian Finnerty Director
Book
by
James Lapine
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Original Broadway production by Heidi Landesman, Rocco Landesman, Rick Steiner, M. Anthony Fisher, Frederic H. Mayerson, Jujamcyn Theaters
Originally produced by the Old Globe Theater, San Diego, CA
Show Sponsors
$1,000 DIRECTOR LEVEL
CAST
Bill Rusling and Liz Trostli
Mickey and Morgan Bernard
Madeleine Poole
The Witch..............................Jose-Alberto Santana
Costume Team...................Brian Finnerty, Valerie Rozon, Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins, Cory Woomert, Caitlin Ellis, Vera Samuels, Sarah Conte
Scenic Painter................Tony Nordyke & Sophie Rowles
PERFORMER BIOS
Mary Alexander (Cinderella’s Mother, Granny, U/S Jack’s Mom) she/her is happy to be making her Sarasota debut after a 13-year absence from the stage. Before moving to Sarasota in 2017, Mary lived and performed in the Chicago area, appearing in nearly 50 productions, working her way from ensemble to lead. Her favorite roles include Anna in The King and I, Sally in Follies, Pam in Baby, Fiona in Brigadoon, Florence in Chess, Marion in The Music Man, Sr. Mary Amnesia in Nunsense, Ellen in Supporting Cast. Enjoy the show!
Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins (Little Red) she/her is so excited to be back at Players as Little Red in Into the Woods! Rebeca received her Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre from the University of Chichester, in England, and currently works as a High School Theatre teacher. Previous credits include Seussical (Gertrude), Hairspray (Tracy) and Godspell (Anna-Maria). She would like to thank her friends and family for always believing in her and her students for inspiring her to perform again! Enjoy the show!
Maximus Augsburger (Jack) he/him is excited to perform as a lead in his first production with The Sarasota Players. He has previously performed in high school and college theatre productions. He enjoys singing, and loves creating costumes and props.
Sammy Calderon (Rapunzel’s Prince) he/him is thrilled to return to The Sarasota Players’ main stage! He started taking classes at The Sarasota Players Studio in January 2024 and quickly transitioned to auditioning for main stage shows. Recent credits include Officer Barrel in Urinetown (Dingbat Theatre), Mr. John Brooke in Little Women and Ensemble in American Idiot (The Sarasota Players). When not on stage, you can find Sammy working as Mr. Sam at Walt’s Fish Market, slinging fish and smiles! :D
Sarah Conte (Lucinda) she/her is so excited to be working with The Sarasota Players again! Her recent credits include Amy in Little Women at The Sarasota Players and Jennie Mae Layman in The Diviners at Florida Southern College. When she isn’t on stage, Sarah enjoys sewing and working at the Ringling Museum of Art.
Caitlin Ellis (Cinderella) she/her is excited to be back at The Players, having last appeared here in American Idiot (Whatsername). Favorite roles include those in Head Over Heels (Mopsa), Avenue Q (Kate Monster/Lucy), The Toxic Avenger (Sarah), Urinetown (Hope Cladwell), and Rocky Horror (Janet). Love to Jimmy, Mia, and Jas - my most handsome Prince.
Jason Ellis (The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince) he/him is excited to return to The Sarasota Players alongside some of his favorite artists & friends. He has been seen locally as Bobby Strong [Urinetown], Johnny [American Idiot], Musidorus [Head Over Heels], Mark [RENT], Brad [Rocky Horror Show], and Jimmy Harper [Reefer Madness: The Musical]. “All my love to Cait, Jimmy, & Mia - the only reason I am continually able to make it through the woods.”
Scott Keys (Narrator/Mysterious Man) he/him is a freelance theatre artist. Previous directing credits: Fun Home, Ruthless, Godspell, Falsettos (Sarasota Players), The Mousetrap (VT), and Parade (MPAC). In 1997, he directed the award-winning Sarasota premiere of Into The Woods for The Players. He is happy-ever-after to be on stage in Into The Woods, directed by former student, Brian, who he directed once-upon-a-time as The Baker. Thanks for the journey. Trust your “Into-WISH-un,” it will always lead you home.
Lexi Lowther (Florinda) she/her is so happy to be working with her friends at The Sarasota Players again! In December, she played Jo in Little Women and over the summer, Heather in American Idiot. She would like to thank the wickedly talented Mr. Brian and her crusty white dog, Teddy.
Shannon Maloney (Rapunzel) she/her is thrilled to be letting her hair down in her debut with the Sarasota Players! It’s been a special experience to play with Sondheim’s magic alongside such a talented cast. Other local credits include Agnes of God (Agnes), Gypsy (Louise), and Reefer Madness (Mary Lane) at Venice Theatre. She is proud to work at the Child Protection Center in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. Thank you for supporting local theatre and artists!
Luke Manual (Jack’s Mother) they/he is excited to be back at The Players after a two-year hiatus. By day, he is the Producing Artistic Director of Dingbat Theatre Project down the road, where they most recently directed Joseph… Dreamcoat. At The Players, Luke has performed as Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors, “Bless the Lord” in Godspell (also co-scenic design), Pythio in Head Over Heels, Barnaby in Hello, Dolly!, and they directed Always… Patsy Cline and the Players Studio production of We Will Rock You. Love to Gretchen!
Kevin Moroney (Milky White) he/him is thrilled to be returning to theatre with Into the Woods at The Sarasota Players! Previous credits include Curly McClain in Oklahoma! and Nick Sakarian in Baby. Kevin studied musical theatre at State College of Florida and the University of Tampa. Kevin is so grateful to the cast, crew, and everyone else who made this production possible!
Ariella Pizarro Johnston (U/S Stepmother/Stepsisters) she/her is always grateful for an opportunity to be with her chosen theatre family. Her last show at The Sarasota Players was American Idiot. Getting to watch this cast grow as artists and create magic has been a true honor for her. “All my love to Jake!”
Vera Samuels (The Baker’s Wife) she/her Last seen on the Players’ stage in American Idiot (St Jimmy), Vera apparently doesn’t understand the concept of a break because she has since been seen in Agnes of God (Dr Livingstone) at Venice Theatre and in Urinetown (Little Becky Two Shoes) at Dingbat Theatre Project. “Love to my Ma and my Bee, Dana.”
Jose Santana (The Witch) they/them is thrilled to be making their Sarasota Players debut. Favorite credits include Narrator in Joseph… and Pennywise in Urinetown. Off the stage, Jose works at Ringling College in their Student Volunteerism unit. Jose would like to thank their family for their constant support. Jose would also like to thank Cory Woomert, Luke Manual, Amanda Heisey, and Brian Finnerty for giving them chances to become a better artist. Jose loves highland cattle, 90s RnB, and their newfound community.
Adrian Van Stee (Steward u/s Jack) he/him is delighted to be making his Players debut. New to Sarasota, Adrian was highly involved in improv and theatre projects growing up in Chicago and now works as a photographer and filmmaker at Asolo Repertory Theatre. After a few years of focusing his creative efforts primarily on film, he was most recently seen in Theatre Odyssey’s 2025 10 Minute Play Festival and could not be more excited to be back on the stage.
Heather Weiskerger (Stepmother) she/her has really enjoyed spending more time again at The Players! Two years ago, she played Judas in Godspell, and has since helped music direct Tick...tick...BOOM! and Little Women. Thanks to the team of Into the Woods for letting me play, and all my love to Craig and Loki.
Cory Woomert (The Baker) he/him is very excited to be returning to The Players stage for his favorite show of all time, Into the Woods. This has been a dream come true for him. Cory played the Dentist in TSP’s Little Shop of Horrors. Other favorite roles include, Bobby in Company, Fred in Kiss Me, Kate, Frollo in Hunchback, Shrek in Shrek, and Frank in Merrily We Roll Along. Cory would like to thank Darah, Judah, and Asher for all of their love and encouragement. Also, thanks to Brian for giving him this role of a lifetime.
Neil Kasanofsky (Cinderella’s Father) he/him is pleased to be back at The Players with this amazing cast and production team led by Brian Finnerty, Michelle Kasanofsky and Heather Weiskerger. Neil has appeared throughout SW Florida for the past 32 years after relocating from Queens. He has most recently appeared in Venice Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol and Manatee Player’s production On Golden Pond as Norman Thayer Jr. Some of his other favorite roles were Mushnik in The Players production of Little Shop of Horrors, Tupolski in The Pillowman and Franz Liebkind in The Producers. Neil and Michelle share 6 adult children and 10 grandchildren to date.
PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS
Brian Finnerty (Director) has worked in the theatre and educational arts for 15 years as a production manager, director, choreographer, instructor, stage manager, costume & scenic designer, and performer. He’s won numerous awards for his direction, choreography, costume design, and performing including Herald Tribune Handy Awards and Broadway World’s Best Costume Design and Choreography. Brian has trained under performing arts icons such as the choreographer for Broadway’s Moulin Rouge, Sonya Tayeh and So You Think You Can Dance’s Anthony Morigerato. He’s the Co-Artistic Director for Dingbat Theatre Project and has worked artistically on many original works such as Big Red Nose Burlesque and Plump Sisters Productions. Favorite directorial/choreography credits include Sweeney Todd, American Idiot, Little Shop of Horrors, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Head Over Heels, and Hello, Dolly! MAJOR thanks to Val, Alisha, Michelle, Heather, Ethan, Logan and Scott for their support and talent. Love to my beautiful, passionate wife, Amanda, and our three lil’ stinkers. Thank you for being here and supporting local theatre! You’re in for a treat.
Michelle Kasanofsky (Music Director) has been playing piano for 60 years and is a professional musician as well as a music educator. Michelle received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston and studied jazz piano there as well as classical at Boston University. She has a B.A. cum laude from Dowling College, a Master of Science in Music Education from C. W. Post Long Island University and an Education Leadership Specialist degree from Nova Southeastern University. Michelle is originally from New York and spent most of her life on Long Island. While in New York she music directed many off-Broadway productions which included Always, Patsy Cline and has performed all over the world in Europe, Japan and Korea. Since moving down to Florida in 1998, Michelle has taught chorus, drama and dual enrollment music classes at Port Charlotte High School. In 2014, she was selected as Charlotte County’s Teacher of the Year. Since 2000 Michelle has performed and music directed at Venice Theatre. Her productions have included Hair, Mamma Mia, Cabaret, Toxic Avenger and Dreamgirls to name a few. She has also Music Directed at Sarasota Players, Manatee Players, Charlotte Players and the Dingbat Theatre Project. Michelle has played for national touring companies at venues such as Barbara B Mann, Van Wezel, Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Straz Center for shows including A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, West Side Story, Video Games Live and Batman 1989 as well as accompanying artists such as Bernadette Peters and The Irish Tenors. In 2021 Michelle became the resident music director at Venice Theatre.
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 (The Sarasota Players), To Kill a Mockingbird, Yardsale (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: Head Over Heels, Little Shop of Horrors; 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.
Val Rozon (Asst. Stage Manager/Costume Shop Assistant) is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful creative team behind this exciting production of Into the Wood as the assistant stage manager and assistant costumer. With a passion for both the technical and creative aspects of theater, she is excited to support this team in bringing this vibrant musical to life. Previously, she has worked as the Costume Designer for Fun Home and Assistant Costumer for Little Women. Val’s theater journey began with an ensemble role in the sold-out summer hit American Idiot, where she had the pleasure of meeting, Brian Finnerty, who through his brilliant direction, has been a great influence on her career. Val would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Brian for his guidance and support.
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October 19 & 20
Being Somebody
Growing up Brooklyn, a Father/Daughter Tale by Dr. Howard Mase and Marla Mase
January 29-February 9
Visiting Mr. Green by Jeff Baron, directed by Gus Kaikkonen
February 3
The Catskills
The Rise and Fall of the Borscht Belt Screening and discussion of documentary film by Lex Gillespie
March 19-30
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon, directed by Carole Kleinberg
April 30-May 11
Bad Jews by Joshua Harmon, directed by Gus Kaikkonen
LowResProof
$2,500+ PRODUCER’S
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March 18, 2024 - March 18, 2025
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REBELS AND DREAMERS
A SEASON OF BOLD VOICES
This season, The Sarasota Players brings you five electrifying productions. From dreamers chasing love to rebels challenging society’s rules, each show in our 96th Season is a story of resilience, ambition, and the fight to be heard.
Together, these productions create a season that is bold, thoughtprovoking, and undeniably powerful. Whether they’re fighting for love, justice, recognition or survival, these rebels and dreamers demand to be heard.
Will you listen? The Crossings at Siesta Key 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
A season like this deserves a front-row seat—yours! With five bold, unforgettable productions, Rebels & Dreamers: A Season of Strong Voices and revolution.
From the high-energy romance of heartwarming charm of our holiday musical, the raw Rent , the gripping drama of The Crucible , and the provocative brilliance of Assassins , this is a season you don’t want to miss.
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Secure your subscription today and experience a yea r of theater that dares to dream, defy, and inspire!
RENEWALS START - APRIL 9
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6-WEEK MUSICAL 6-WEEK MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP THEATRE CAMP THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. FOR AGES 10-16 FOR AGES 10-16
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E cient Building = A Colorful Tomorrow
Southface’s GoodUse program provided a matching grant to the Sarasota Players this year to help increase the resource e ciency of their warehouse building, dubbed “The Shop.” With new lights, plumbing, proper insulation, ENERGY STAR appliances, and more, the Sarasota Players are significantly reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact. The utility savings from these upgrades free up more funds that can be used to continue building their legacy in the Sarasota art community.
62% average energy use reduction
$7,862 in yearly savings
Get Involved
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That’s enough to provide almost an entire season‘s worth of costumes!
The increase of extreme weather in our area underscores that it's more important than ever to prioritize energy e cient buildings. See how your donation to Southface can help provide a sustainable future for nonprofits in your area at southfacefund.org.
Arts Advocates preserves Sarasota’s cultural legacy by making our historic collection of works by Sarasota Art Colony and other Florida artists accessible to the public. Our gallery is open every Saturday from 2:00-4:00 pm. Free docent-guided tours are available.
We raise awareness of arts organizations through a variety of
and tours, and we promote arts education by awarding scholarships to local students pursuing careers in the arts.
by Syd Solomon
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SARASOTA INSTITUTE OF LIFETIME LEARNING
SILL will expand your knowledge about a wide variety of subjects from the arts to contemporary global issues.
JOIN US IN 2025 for Our LECTURE SERIES
in Sarasota • Venice • Lakewood Ranch Stay Informed with complete program details by visiting: sillsarasota.org
GLOBAL ISSUES lecture series features experts with commentary and insight on major issues, policy choice and conflicts affecting our world.
MUSIC MONDAYS offers both musical performances and conversations with a wide range of artists.
UNIQUE V OIC E S 24 25
These four featured events are part of an extraordinary season-long exploration of Jewish identity and culture through film, provocative speakers, visual arts, literature, and learning!
OCTOBER 29
7PM • The Ora As CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, a national group of 52 member organizations representing a wide cross-section of American Jewish life, Daroff is uniquely qualified to share how the upcoming election will impact our Jewish community, no matter who wins the White House.
NOVEMBER 10
3PM • The Ora Join us as we commemorate Kristallnacht and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Memorial Scrolls Trust. This is a unique opportunity to view torah scrolls collected by the Jewish community in Prague during the Nazi invasion. Musical performances, speakers, and a torah scroll processional will honor these witnesses to the atrocities of the Holocaust.
HEN MAZZIG
NOVEMBER 6
7PM • The Ora Hen Mazzig is a globally recognized speaker, educator, author, and digital influencer. He has gained 600k across his social media platforms, and over 100 million users have interacted with his content. He has appeared as an expert on Jewish issues in media on four continents, including BBC, CNN, The Washington Post, SkyNews, LA Times, Haaretz, and more. Mazzig is founder of the Tel Aviv Institute, a social media outlet providing resources, data and proven strategies to fight online antisemitism.
KLEZMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
DECEMBER 28
7PM • The Ora Celebrate the rich tradition of this joyful Eastern European Jewish and Yiddish music! Dance along to lively, energetic tunes, featuring Sarasota’s own Yiddish Cowboys, one of Florida’s only professional Klezmer bands!
