Trustees ....................................................Michelle Bilsky, Rob McClain, ...................................................................Bill Rusling, Es Swihart
ABOUT THE SARAS
The Sarasota Players is Sara community theatre, creating over 96 years. We produce c contemporary plays and mus talent of all ages. Our educa Studio, offers theatre training adults no experience requ welcoming, inclusive space w encouraged to take part, whe backstage or in the audience
At The Players, you don’t jus you become part of it
POLICIES
LATE ARRIVALS Patrons arriving a begins will be seated as soon as the not be able to be seated in their ticke refunds for late arrivals.
RECORDING Due to copyright law, r any kind is prohibited
NOISE During performances, refrain conversations, unwrapping snacks, u phones, tablets, watch alarms and ot sound/light-emitting device.
CHILDREN Discretion is advised reg appropriate age of children attending Attendance of children under the age recommended for most shows. Child remain seated during the performanc
Please note that The Sarasota Playe the right to refuse admission to - or to disruptive, unruly, or visibly intoxicate participants. Patrons or participants w leave the theatre upon request by ho be considered trespassers and are s removal by law enforcement.
No exceptions!
Welcome from The Players Studio
Welcome, and thank you for joining us for the first production of The Players Studio season! Metamorphoses is a fitting way to begin — a show about transformation, empathy, and the shared humanity that connects us all. At The Players Studio, we believe the performing arts have the power to do the same for our students: to build confidence, compassion, collaboration, and creativity.
Theatre offers young people a space to explore emotion, develop communication skills, and learn to see the world through someone else’s eyes lessons that extend far beyond the stage. That’s why we’re deeply committed to keeping this space inclusive, supportive, and safe for every student, regardless of background or experience. Here, students can take risks, be vulnerable, and discover their voices surrounded by mentors who value their individuality and growth.
We’re also proud to ensure that no student is ever turned away due to financial need. Through scholarships and community support, The Players Studio remains open to all who wish to learn, create, and belong. By investing in these students, you’re investing in the next generation of artists, leaders, and empathetic humans who will carry these lessons into every part of their lives.
Thank you for being here, for believing in the power of theatre, and for helping us continue to foster the performers — and people — of tomorrow.
The Players Studio Staff
The Players Studio presents The Players Studio presents
ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
SCENES
Opening: Shake It Out, Florence+The Machine
Midas
Song: Long Long Time, Linda Ronstadt
Alcyone and Ceyx
Song: The Water, Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling
Erysichton
Pandora’s Box
Song: End of the World, REM
Orpheus and Eurydice
Narcissus
Song: You’re So Vain, Carly Simon
Pomona and Vertumnus
Song: Una Aura Amorosa, Mozart, Cosi Fan Tutte
Phaeton
Song: Fade Into You, Mazzy Star
Eros and Psyche
Song: If We Try, Don Mclean
Baucis and Philemon/Midas
Closing
Song: Have You Ever Seen the Rain, Creedence Clearwater
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses invites us to step into the world of Greek mythology, looking at different variations of famous myths but not as something ancient or distant Instead, it weaves modern language, humor, and emotion through these classic tales, reminding us how close we still are to the hearts of these old stories. The myths of Midas, Orpheus, Psyche, and so many others are centuries old, yet the themes they explore, love, greed, loss, forgiveness, transformation, remain profoundly human and deeply present in our world today. The stories may come from another time, but the emotions are timeless.
This production has been a true collaborative journey, with actors helping to choose music, shape scenes, and lend their many talents to the process. In every show I direct, it’s the actors who inspire me and the direction of the production, creating moments of fierce connection and deep commitment to each scene and character we bring to life. I feel so lucky that, in this cast of both new and seasoned performers, each person has given a piece of themselves to what we’ve created together.
Here comes the sappy...This year feels a little heavier as we prepare to send off so many of you Evan, Kegan, Mason, Asher, Arthur, Grace, and Gabi. This show feels like a perfect metaphor for you. You’ve each transformed over the years, finding your voice, your confidence, and your artistry. Watching you grow has been one of my greatest joys. Whether I have known you for years, or our journey together is newer, I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of your journey in some way. As you move into your next chapter, may you continue to seek wonder, embrace change, and remember that transformation, like theater itself, is what keeps us alive.
Thayer Greenberg Director
BIOS
Addison Riesen is so excited to have the opportunity to perform in this amazing play! In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at Mote Marine, singing, wearing way too many colors, laughing at her own jokes, and spreading kindness! Addison is so happy to share this experience with her senior friends (love you guys xo). She would like to thank Thayer for being her teacher, one of her biggest supporters, and a friend. She also wants to thank her mama for always supporting her even when things get a little out there. On that note, enjoy the show!
Anna Chop is thrilled to be a part of this production of Metamorphoses. She is a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High and has been seen onstage in many productions her favorites include Beetlejuice, The Little Mermaid, The Good Doctor, and Peter and the Starcatcher. A former gymnast, Anna also loves music She would like to thank her friends, family, and directors for all their support.
Arthur Saldahna is happy to be part of his second production at The Sarasota Players. He was recently seen in Beetlejuice as an ensemble member and Charles understudy. Arthur is a Brazilian-born actor who has spent much of his life performing in shows such as Hairspray (Corny Collins) and The Addams Family (Gomez). He would like to send a special thanks to his girlfriend, friends, and especially his family for all their love and encouragement!
Asher Woomert is incredibly excited to be making an appearance in his 9th Players show! You may have seen him in The Good Doctor and as Sweeney in Sweeney Todd. He is a senior in the Booker High School VPA Theatre program. Following his rejection from Juilliard, he plans to pursue a career in the growing industry of what his father calls “rotting away playing video games.” He would like to thank his father, the Son, and his dog, Willow, for this amazing opportunity to grow and learn through this incredible production. P.S. Chocolate pudding is not required but is encouraged in exchange for a dollar.
Charlotte Toomey is in 9th grade at Booker High School’s Theatre VPA program and serves as an Advisory Board Member of The Sarasota Players. She was most recently seen in The Secret Garden (Colin Craven), 13: The Musical (Lucy), Frozen(Elsa), Honk (Ida), and Fun Home (Child Swing).
Dylan Grantham is a sophomore in Booker High School’s VPA and AICE programs. She has been in several Players productions; her most recent role was Lydia in Beetlejuice Jr. Performing with her peers brings her great joy, and she is so grateful to be part of such a talented cast. Thanks to Thayer for another great opportunity!
Evan Jarr is a senior at Booker High School and is glad to be participating in his 7th production at The Players. He has previously been seen in Beetlejuice Jr. (Beetlejuice), Sweeney Todd (Judge Turpin), The Good Doctor (Various roles), and many others. He would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him, and Ms. Thayer for seven amazing years of productions
Gabriela Enoiu is a senior at Providence Community School. She is a passionate actress who is always ready to learn and grow. She has been in two Players Studio showcases, performing a monologue in one and a group theater piece in another. Gabi loves film and expressing herself in everything she does. She is very thankful for her family’s love and support and is excited to work with her amazing castmates!
Grace Suter is so thrilled to be a part of this production of Metamorphoses! She has loved working on these complex and unique stories and is especially excited about the pool embracing all the creativity (and challenges) that come with performing in water. Grace was recently seen in Sweeney Todd as the Beggar Woman and in last year’s high school play, The Good Doctor, in various roles. Outside of the theater, she volunteers with Dogs Inc., where she has been raising a service puppy, and has loved bringing her to the studio to share with the cast! She would like to thank her mom Jennifer and Ms. Thayer for all their support and encouragement!
Henry Mills is excited to be part of the Metamorphoses cast! Past Players shows include The Addams Family (Cousin It, Ancestor Choir), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), and Beetlejuice (Priest/Ensemble). He is a junior in Booker High’s VPA Theatre program and was seen last year in Godspell (Ensemble) and Legally Blonde (Sundeep Padamadan). Henry is in his 12th year of piano at Serenity Piano Studio with Ms. J. Huge thanks to Ms. Thayer for this amazing opportunity, and love to Mom, Dad, and his delightfully annoying sister, Alice.
Irene Bailey is a student at Booker High School and is excited to be performing in her 5th show at The Players Studio. She has appeared in several productions, including Honk Jr. (The Bullfrog), The Little Mermaid (Grimsby), and The Lightning Thief (The Oracle, U/S Sally). In addition to theater, Irene has performed in various dance showcases. She is incredibly grateful to be part of this cast and would like to thank Thayer Greenberg, her cast members who have supported her along the way, and her family for encouraging her dream of performing. Enjoy the show!
Jordan Modjeski is a sophomore at Pine View School and is ecstatic to be part of another Players production! You might have seen him as the Beadle Bamford in Sweeney Todd or as Mal in The Addams Family. Offstage, Jordan gigs around Sarasota as the pianist for the Pine View Jazz Combo. He’d like to thank the crew, cast, and his wonderful family for their unwavering support.
Kegan Gargano is so excited to be involved in yet another show at The Players! Some of his previous credits include Anthony in Sweeney Todd, multiple characters in The Good Doctor, and Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher. He is a senior at The Outof-Door Academy, where he also performs. He would also appreciate Papa John’s as a gift after each show night. Kegan would like to thank his directors, cast, family, and friends for their constant support, and he hopes everyone enjoys this amazing show!
Mason Chase is a senior at the Out of Door Academy and has been in many productions both at school and the players, including playing the parts of Panch in Spelling Bee, Ensemble in Sweeney Todd, and The Doctor in The Good Doctor. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support.
Piper Freeman is 16 years old and a junior in Booker High School’s VPA Theatre Department This is her 5th production with The Sarasota Players. Some of her favorite roles include Barbara in Beetlejuice, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Maria in The Sound of Music. She would like to thank her friends, family, and directors for all their support She hopes you enjoy the show!!
Savanna Vest is a junior at Booker High who lives a life intertwined with theater and madness. Blessed by Dionysus, she has a penchant for the arts, as seen in her roles like Maxine in Beetlejuice, Girl in The Good Doctor, and Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda. She offers up ambrosia and nectar to the wonderful patrons who continue to come see her work and wants to thank her loving family and friends, who support her as fiercely as Spartan soldiers.
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
STUDIO SHOW SPONSORS
We’re raising money to keep The Sarasota Players a safe, inclusive space for local performers, students, and audiences Your donation helps us produce amazing shows, provide affordable theatre education, and ensure that no one is ever turned away due to cost. By giving, you’re doing so much more than just supporting a theatre.
Interested in becoming a donor?
Contact our Director of Development, Amy Gorman at amyg@theplayers.org or call 941.365.2494. DONATE
