Rent Playbill

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BOX OFFICE INFORMATION

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CONTACT US

Box Office...............................................941.365.2494

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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

Assistant Director of Operations............Jason Ellis

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 Katie Weiss

Vice Chair Diane Weiss

Secretary Scott Keys

Treasurer Rob McLain

Trustees Michelle Bilsky, 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 require inclusive space where every take part, whether onstage, b audience.

At The Players, you don’t j become part of it.

Learn more: theplay

POLICIES

LATE ARRIVALS Patrons begins will be seated as so not be able to be seated in refunds for late arrivals

RECORDING Due to copy any kind is prohibited.

NOISE During perfo conversations, unwr phones, tablets, wat sound/light-emitting

CHILDREN Discreti appropriate age of c Attendance of childr recommended for m remain seated durin

Please note that The the right to refuse ad disruptive, unruly, or participants. Patrons leave the theatre up be considered tresp removal by law enfo No exceptions!

o Rent — the second production of ota Players’96th season.

ared time with us before, thank you. If this is sit, we’re thrilled you’re here. Each show this rks not just another production, but another hapter defined by honesty, courage, and

rs,The Sarasota Players has been your theatre. We are a space where art and meet, where stories spark conversations, and ple of all ages find their voice. We’ve grown, nd embraced change, just as the characters of d us to do: live authentically, love boldly, and essly.

we were last year, and that’s

m is committed to makingThe compassionate, and ota. Whether you’re here to on, or to learn you belong

ork alone.

nwide, we face real financial tory of decline, oh no, it’s a the belief that art matters ontinue to uplift voices, nd offer a home where ve.

use stories like Rent remind assion we learn from these chosen family, the power of o your art, and the beauty of a community that or one another. When theatres like ours fade, oices, lessons, and opportunities they inspire.

performance moves you, let it Laugh, cry, and then help us keep creating work that he heart.

de and resolve,

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

RENTbeganperformancesOff-BroadwayonJanuary26,1996,attheNewYork TheatreWorkshop—justdaysbeforeitswriterandcomposer,JonathanLarson, passedaway.Bythattime,morethan343,000peopleintheUnitedStateshad alreadydiedfromAIDS-relatedcomplications.Thefirstreportedcasesappearedin 1981,affectinggaymenandleadingtoearly,stigmatizinglabelslike“gayplague” and“gaysyndrome”Fearandmisinformationspreadrapidly,andthoselivingwith thevirusfaceddiscrimination,blame,andsocialisolation.

Againstthatbackdrop,RENTemergedasamodernreimaginingofPuccini’sLa Bohème,exploringlove,poverty,gentrification,community,andtheurgencyofliving fortoday ItwentontowinthePulitzerPrize,multipleTonyAwards,andaplacein culturalhistoryforitsdrivingrockscoreanditsfearless,vulnerablestorytelling.But forme,theheartbeatofRENTisfamily.Theneedforsupport,truth,care,anda placewherewecanbeentirely,authenticallyourselveswithembracementand withoutjudgment Thiscastembodiesthatspirit,andIcannotwaitforyoutowitness theconnection,trust,andcompassiontheybringtothisstory.

I’vealwaysheardthatworkingonRENTwasanexperienceunlikeanyother.It’sa showIdreamedoftacklinginmyyoungeryears electric,emotional,andrebellious Returningtoitasanadult,Iseeitsimperfectionsclearly Let’sbereal:she’s unfinished,unedited,occasionallyinsensitive,andattimestotallyinaccurate.Some lyricsareclunky,somemomentsarecheesy,andthestructureischaotic.The charactersarefarfromperfect,butthatmessinessisitsmagic Itsflawscreate opportunityforreinterpretation,forhonesty,forhumanity,forreinvention Andwhen youhaveacastofartistswhoarecompassionate,fearless,andpassionate,the piecetranscendsandembracesthoseimperfections.Theseperformersapproach thematerialwithsuchtruthandheartthatitsimplyworks.Itbecomessomething beautiful,essential,anddeeplymeaningful,remindingmewhyIfellinlovewiththis pieceinthefirstplace

AtatimewhenthegovernmentisactivelyrollingbackrecognitionofLGBTQ+ history,includingthecurrentadministration’sdecisiontonolongercommemorate WorldAIDSDay,themessagesatthecoreofRENTfeelquiteurgent Theshow remindsusofagenerationwhosevoiceswereignored,whosesufferingwas minimized,andwhoseresilienceshapedtheworldweliveintoday.Tellingthisstory nowisanactofremembrance,defiance,andlove.Itaffirmsthatchosenfamily matters,thatartmatters,andthatqueerhistorycannotbeerased,nomatterwhois inoffice

Icannotimagineamorefittingensembletobringthesecharacterstolife.This processhasbeenfilledwithjoy,collaboration,andgenuinelove,andI’mprofoundly gratefulyou’reheretoshareintheexperience Thankyouforsupportinglocalartists andlocaltheater—yourpresencegenuinelymatters,nowmorethanever.Ithank yousomuchforbeinghereandforcontinuingtosupporttheworkthathappensat TheSarasotaPlayers.

The Sarasota Players presents The Sarasota Players presents

RENT

Book, Music and Lyrics by JONATHAN LARSON

Musical Arrangements

Steve Skinner

Music Supervision & Additional Arrangements

Tim Weil

Original Concept/Additional Lyrics

Billy Aronson

Dramaturg

Lynn Thomson

RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and the New York Theatre Workshop

DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHY

Brian Finnerty

MUSIC DIRECTOR

William Coleman

CREATIVE TEAM

Lighting Design

Ethan Vail

Sound Design

Michael Cummings

Costume Design

Val Rozon

Costume Shop Manager

Jill Castle

Projection Video Creator

Adrian Van Stee

ASST. DIRECTOR/ STAGE MANAGER

Josh Roberson

Props

Brian F. Finnerty

Production Manager

Brian F. Finnerty

Technical Director

Scott Schuster

Asst. Technical Director

Logan Junkins

Tech Associate

Steve Patmagrian

Scenic Designer

Brian F. Finnerty

Crew

Bryan Rodin

Tahlia Chinault

Sidewalk Artists

Ashton Fernandes, Audrey Phillippi, Divo, Dylan Grantham

Willa Carpenter,

Sammy Calderone, Amanda Heisey, Brooke Candella, Michael Luck, Logan Junkins, Minna Montagna

CAST RENT

Mark Cohen … Ethan Weiss

Roger Davis … Luke Li

Tom Collins … Timarus Foulks Jr.

Benjamin Coffin III … Peterly Baptiste

Angel Dumott Schunard … Jose Santana

Mimi Marquez … Ilana Armida

Joanne Jefferson … Ariana Ajenè

Maureen Johnson … Maliyah Mattis

ENSEMBLE:

Brooke Candella, Andrew Contillo, Ashton Fernandes, Jasmin Graham, Amanda Heisey, Ariella Pizarro Johnston,

Michael Luck, Kevin Maroney, Sean McDaniel,

Maddy Rose Melchione, Briana Wilder, Adrian Van Stee

UNDERSTUDIES:

Mark Cohen … Adrian Van Stee

Roger Davis … Kevin Maroney

Tom Collins/ Benjamin Coffin III … Bryan Rodin

Joanne Jefferson … Jasmin Graham

Mimi Marquez … Briana Wilder

Maureen Johnson … Brooke Candella

ENSEMBLE

Bryan Rodin

SWINGS:

Tahlia Chinault

BAND

Keys 1 & Band Leader: William Coleman

Keys 2: Vincent Titara

Guitar 1: David Labonte

Guitar 2: Andrew Chalaire

Bass: Mojdeh Khoshi

Percussion: Noah Olson

SONGS

ACT I

Tune Up A

Voicemail #1

Tune Up B

Rent

You Okay Honey?

Tune Up - Reprise

One Song Glory

Light My Candle

Voicemail #2

Today For You

You'll See

Tango Maureen

Life Support

Out Tonight

Another Day

Will I?

On the Street

Santa Fe

I'll Cover You

We're Okay

Christmas Bells

Over the Moon

La Vie Boheme

I Should Tell You

La Vie Boheme B

ACT II

Seasons of Love A

Happy New Year A

Voicemail #3

Happy New Year B

Take Me or Leave Me

Seasons of Love B

Without You

Voicemail #5

Contact

I'll Cover You - Reprise

Halloween

Goodbye Love

What You Own

Voicemail #6

Finale A

Your Eyes

Finale B

BIOS

Ethan Weiss (Mark) is a Sarasota native who most recently appeared as Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret at The Sarasota Players. Prior credits include Prince John in The Lion in Winter with The Banyan Theatre Company (Sarasota, FL); Richard II at the JKB Theatre (Saratoga Springs, NY); Detective Tupolski in Pillow Man with The Carriage House Players (Saratoga Springs, NY); and Lysimachus in Pericles, Prince of Tyre with Shakespeare & Company (Lennox, MA). To Kate, Leni, and Sam with all of my love.

Luke Li (Roger) loves music with all of his heart. When not singing in a theater, he is playing with his band OCCASIONS all over FL. You can check them out at OccasionsRock.com (Shoutout to his boys). Recent theater credits include Joseph in ALW's Joseph... at Dingbat Theater Project & Favorite Son in Green Day's American Idiot here at The Sarasota Players. Luke is so grateful for this opportunity, sends love to his lovely wife Rachel, & hopes this show can be a light for those who feel trapped in the dark

Timarus Foulks Jr. (Tom Collins) is glad to be back gracing The Sarasota Players stage. "What makes a show great?? Truly loving, kind and passionate people and this group has it all !! Big big BIG uwu to Brian Finnerty so much love and amazement, and a privilege to work with." Previous Roles include: CharlemagnePippin (Dingbat) , Ensemble - Parade (MPAC) , Whizzer - Falsettos (The Players)

Peterly Jean Baptiste (Benjamin Coffin III) This is Peterly’s debut performance on The Sarasota Players stage. The Haitian born actor studied at the Atlantic School of Acting in New York, class of '21, and has since made Sarasota home. Other production credits include A Soldier’s Play, Dir. by Chuck Smith, The Annihilation of Je$$ie: An Anthology by Hart Fargo, Dir. by Ryan Dobrin, Ten Boys One Girl by Michael Jacobs, Dir. by Nate Jacobs.

Jose Santana (Angel Dumott Schunard) is thrilled to portray the joy and heart of Angel Dumott Schunard. Recent credits include Narrator (Joseph…), Ms. Pennywise (Urinetown), The Witch (Into the Woods), Fastrada (Pippin), and Riff Raff (Rocky Horror). Jose is grateful to the friends, family, and queer communities who fuel their passion for storytelling. Jose dedicates this performance to all those living with HIV/AIDS, honoring their resilience, courage, and the love that continues to move queer liberation and dignity forward.

Ilana Armida Simone (Mimi Marquez) is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, recording artist, and performer. She grew up in theatre, earned a degree in Music Business, and now writes music for herself and others. She is thrilled to return to the stage in her dream role, Mimi. The themes of RENT—love, resilience, and resistance—reflect her mission to create art that empowers people to feel seen and empowered. She is also a very proud aunt to the coolest niece ever. Follow @IlanaArmida

Ariana Ajenè (Joanne Jefferson) This is Ariana’s Sarasota Player’s debut! She is very excited to a part of this production, and very grateful to the cast and crew for welcoming her with open arms. Ariana would also like to thank her friends, family, and mentors for their continued support, encouragement, and guidance. The arts are important now more than ever, and she wants to thank you for supporting live theater. Hope you enjoy the show! instagram: @arianaajene

Maliyah Mattis (Maureen Johnson) is thrilled to be performing as Maureen in Sarasota Players’ production of RENT. Some previous shows of hers include Elvis at the Broadway Palm, Saturday Night Fever at The Belle Theatre and Into the Woods at Cultural Park Theatre. She wants all her cast mates to break legs! and sends love to her directors during this show’s run. She’d also like to thank her family for always supporting and encouraging her throughout her career and she really hopes you enjoy the show!

Brooke Candella (Ensemble/ Maureen U/S) is so excited to make their Sarasota Players debut! Brooke is a former graduate from Western Michigan University earning a BFA in Acting. Previous credits include: Fun Home (Ridgedale Players), Private Lives, Argonautika, The Play That Goes Wrong, and The Flick (WMU). Much love to my partner, friends, family, and pets for all their support <3

Andrew Contillo (Ensemble) After a 10-year hiatus, Andrew is thrilled to return to the stage! New to The Sarasota Players, he has a deep passion for the performing arts, with experience in acting, improv, musicals, straight plays, short film and voice work. Andrew is grateful to share his love of theatre with the community here in Sarasota and is grateful for the opportunity to revive his acting career.

Ashton Fernandes (Ensemble) is thrilled to make his Players and musical theatre debute in the ensemble of RENT. Outside the theatre, Ashton enjoys playing guitar and piano. When he’s not onstage, you can find him making the best New York style pies at Danny’s Pizzeria in West Bradenton. He would like to thank the Players team, his Mom + Dad, family, friends, and his cat Louie for their support. “All my love to Josh. You are the light of my life and I wouldn’t be here without your constant love and encouragement!”

Jasmin Graham (Ensemble/ Joanne U/S) excited to perform her very first show with The Sarasota Players! Her most recent credits include The Lightning Thief and Spitfire Grill at Venice Theatre. By day, Jasmin is a shark scientist and combines her love of the arts and storytelling with her love of science to teach people about sharks. She recently directed and hosted a PBS Digital show called Sharks Unknown with Jasmin Graham and was featured in National Geographic SharkFest’s Shark Beach with Anthony Mackie Gulf Coast.

Amanda Heisey (Ensemble) is excited to tell this story with a fantastic group of people. Favorite roles include: Sally BowlesCabaret (Sarasota Players), Velma Kelley - Chicago, YitzhakHedwig... (Dingbat) Magenta - The Rocky Horror Show (Venice) and Extraordinary Girl - American Idiot (Sarasota Players). Her burlesque persona Karma Kandlewick has allowed her perform across the state and country, and she is co-producer of Hard Heart Burlesque. “All my love to Brian (and our furry children) always.”

Ariella Pizarro Johnston (Ensemble) As always, Ariella is grateful to be doing another show with her theater family. “Times are shitty, but find your people, so you don’t have to go through the shitty shit alone. All my love to Jake.”

Michael Luck (Ensemble) has been performing on stage since childhood, and is very excited to have the opportunity to perform in this show! Other favorite performances include The Secret Garden at the State College of Florida (Lt. Wright) and Heathers at Dingbat Theatre Project (Beleaguered Geek/J.D. U/S). He would like to thank his mom and partner for making this possible, his friends for always supporting him, and the cast and crew of the show for making a wonderful experience!

Kevin Moroney (Ensemble/Roger U/S) is beyond thrilled to be a part of this wonderful production of RENT! Previously Kevin was seen on The Players stage as Sammy in The Wedding Singer, Paolo in Happy Endings Wedding Chapel, and Milky White in Into the Woods.

Sean McDaniel (Ensemble) is very happy to be working with The Players for first time. He has been seen in productions such as Smokey Joes Cafe, Little Shop Of Horrors, Crazy For You, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Reefer Madness. He's truly honored to reprise his role as the Seasons of Love soloist for the second time in a production of Rent. This is Sean's first production with The Players and he would like to thank Brian, the production team and the entire cast for their joy, kindness and very warm welcome.

Maddy Rose Melchione (Ensemble) has just graduated from SCAD. Trained in singing, dancing, acting, and modeling. She’s so excited to be back on the stage after focusing on film for the past 4 years. She vividly remembers singing Seasons Of Love in her grammar school recital. This is her first show with The Sarasota Players and it is an honor to be a part of this amazing cast. She’s extra excited to perform because this is the first time her Nonnie and Papa, long time Sarasota residents are seeing her in a musical.

Briana Wilder (Ensemble/ Mimi U/S) has been performing on stage since the age of 8 and has performed in theatre festivals from New York to Los Angeles. She is a psychology major at Lynn University and beyond excited to be making her Players debut with Rent as well with this absolutely remarkable and talented cast. Thank you for this beautifully gracious opportunity. Also thank you to the woman who pushed her to pursue this passion in the first place; Joi Chapman. Hugs and kisses!!!!

Adrian Van Stee (Ensemble/ Mark U/S) is delighted to be part of Rent He recently appeared at The Players as the magician in the pre-show of Cabaret and dialect coached that production. Other Sarasota credits include: Heathers (Dingbat), Speakeasy Alice (Dingbat), and Into the Woods (Players). When not on stage, Adrian is the in-house photographer and filmmaker at Asolo Rep and photographs a variety of theatre and editorial projects around Sarasota, including the key art for this production. @adrianvanstee

Tahlia Chinault (Ensemble Swing) is just happy to be here! This iconic show feels like a fever dream, getting to live out these harmonies and this storyline in real-time with this Dream Cast. She'd like to thank Brian for allowing her to experience his incomparable vision from the inside, out. "Ivo, this one is for you." #ActualReality #ACTUP #FightAIDS!

Bryan Rodin (Swing/ Benny U/S) is so thrilled to be a part of his first show at The Sarasota Players, and is proud to be a part of such a fabulous cast! By day, he is the Director of Bands at Booker Middle School and teaches students in grades 6-8 to play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Bryan is also an avid knitter and fiber artist in his spare time. He would like to give a big thank you to his friends, colleagues, and especially to his parents for always believing in him. Thank you!

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 forThe Sarasota Players andThe Players Studio Select directorial and choreography credits include Cabaret, 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. Brian wants to deeply thank William Coleman and Joshua Roberson for their kindness, creativity and determination. Working with these two is always a positive and rewarding experience. Love to myAmanda. Enjoy the show!

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.

Josh Roberson (Asst. Director/Stage Manager) is excited to be Stage Managing for the very first time! Initially serving as Assistant Director for RENT, he has stepped into the Stage Management position and is trying his best. Josh holds a BFA in Theatre from Texas State University. Previous production credits include: Heathers (Asst. Choreographer, Stagedoor Manor), Assassins (Choreographer, SDM), The Old Man & The Old Moon (Asst. Choreographer SDM), The Rocky Horror Show (Dir., TXST), Into the Woods (Asst. Dir., TXST), The International Stud from Torch Song Trilogy (Dir., TXST), and Teen Dad (Asst. Dir., TXST). You may have also seen Josh performing locally as Eddie in The Rocky Horror Show (Venice Theatre) and Bobby in Cabaret (Sarasota Players). Josh hopes to one day open a pizzeria dinner theatre with his boyfriend, Ashton. He would like to thank Brian for the opportunity and for trusting him during this process; his boyfriend, Ashton, who is making his performance debut in this production; his family and friends; the team at the Players; and Lisa, for helping him prepare for this unexpected journey into stage management.

Ethan Vail (Lighting Designer) Credits include: The Sarasota Players: Cabaret, 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 (Sound 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 Cabaret, Beetlejuice Jr. (Sarasota Players), She Kills Monsters Young Adventurers Edition, Little Shop of Horrors, Joseph ….. Dreamcoat (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), Jesus Christ Superstar (Salisbury University), La Bohème (UIUC). He obtained his M.F.A. in Lighting Design & Technology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. @mcummingsdesign

ABriefhistoryofAIDS

Scientists believe that HIV originally came from a virus particular to chimpanzees in WestAfrica during the 1930s, and originally transmitted to humans through the transfer of blood through hunting. Over the decades, the virus spread throughAfrica, and to other parts of the world.

However, it wasn’t until the early 1980s, when rare types of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses were being reported to doctors that the world became aware of HIV and AIDS. This timeline highlights some of the major events and discoveries in HIV and AIDS since this time

1981-TheDiscovery

TheFirstCaseofAIDS-1982

ThediseaseisrenamedAcquiredImmune DeficiencySyndrome(AIDS) Canadareportsits firstcaseofAIDSinMarch.Itisrealizedthatthe infectioncanbesexuallytransmittedand causedbyHIV Casesarereportedinblood transfusionrecipients

ShockingStatistics-1986

TheUS CenterforDiseaseControl(CDC) reportsthatmorepeoplewerediagnosedwith AIDSin1985thaninallearlieryears combined The1985figuresshowan89% increaseinnewAIDScasescomparedwith 1984 OfallAIDScasestodate,51%ofadults and59%ofchildrenhavedied Thenewreport showsthat,onaverage,AIDSpatientsdie about15monthsafterthediseaseis diagnosed.Publichealthexpertspredicttwice asmanynewAIDScasesin1986

IntheUS,reportingofunusuallyhighratesof therareformsofpneumoniaandcancerin younggaymenbegins.Thediseaseisinitially calledGay-RelatedImmuneDeficiency(GRID) becauseitisthoughtitonlyaffectsgaymen. CasesarealsoreportedinInjectionDrugUsers bytheendoftheyear.

1983-WomenCanBecomeInfected Itisdiscoveredthatwomencanbecomeinfected withAIDSthroughheterosexualsex.

TheU.S.PublicHealthServiceopenstheNational AIDSHotlinetorespondtopublicinquiriesaboutthe disease.ByJuly28,thehotlinehastobeexpanded fromthreephonelinestoeight,because8,00010,000callersarephoningdaily

1987-Anti-retroviraldrug,AZTApproved

TheU.S.Food&DrugAdministrationapprovesthe firstanti-retroviraldrug,AZT

WorldAIDSDay-1988

ThefirstWorldAIDSDayisheldonDec.1,1988.

1990-PeopleLivingWithHIV

Between8-10millionpeopleareestimatedtobe livingwithHIVworldwide.

TroublingStatistics-1999

TheWorldHealthOrganizationannouncesthat AIDSwasthefourthbiggestcauseofdeath worldwideandthenumberonekillerinAfrica.An estimated33millionpeoplewerelivingwithHIV, and14millionpeoplewererecognizedtohave diedfromAIDSsincethestartoftheepidemic.

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SEASON SPONSORS

Please join The Sarasota Players for a fundraiser benefitting the transformation of our new theatre

Saturday February 7, 2026 at 6pm Payne Park Auditorium 2100 Laurel St, Sarasota, FL 34237 Learn more A Celebration of theatre, community, and our new home in Payne Park

Step into an Art Nouveau-inspired evening of food, drink, dancing, performances, and fundraising games.

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NOV.

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$1,000+ ASSOCIATE

$500+

CONTRIBUTOR

$100+

1, 2024 - NOV. 1, 2025

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The Montagna Family

Amy Ferrell

Brian Finnerty Painting

Alfonso Giordano

Bruce Kalt

Inessa Kozinets

Ellen Kramer

Richard Lambert

Lyle and Dan Landon

Julie and Brock Leach

Keren Lifrak

Lois and Rudy Lucek

Maureen Maguire

E James & Linda Morgan

Elizabeth Nason

Kathleen and James Osterberg

Andrew Quirk

Nancy Roucher

Paul Scholl

John and Pat Scibak

Jerry and Maralyn Segal

Elise Friedman Shapiro

Carol Wood

Peggy Daitch

Donors like you are the driving force behind everything we do. Your generosity uplifts local talent, and keeps the spirit of live theatre alive on the Cultural Coast. Because of you, we’re not just telling stories —we’re cultivating a vibrant, inclusive arts community where everyone has a place. Thank you for being part of our story.

FRIENDS

$25+

Nancy Bushnell

Barbara Eisenberg

Dennis and Suzanne Dudley

Judy Stewart

Betsy Hills

Shannon Maloney

Alison Schlinger

Amy Komarin

Bruce Burbage

Ina Kirstein

Emily Weitekamp

Thomas Wilda

Bill Bozzone

Annice Kronick

Michael and Bruce O'Connor

Marcella Trotta-Monitto

Susan Ritzer

The Teague Family

William Waggener

Carol Johnston

Barbara Komarin

Kimberly Rosebrok

Jennifer Ammirati

Vaughn Guertin

Annamaria Juhasz

Averie and Ayat Mezroub

Susan O'Callaghan

Shawna Riddle

Alliance Francaise

Steven Combs

Lauren and Andrey P Ebner

IN-KIND

PARTNERS

Alan and Lyn Goldbloom

Christine Harrington

Steven Kaye

Donna Labik

Lynn Maille

Michael Nash

Judith O'Callaghan

Dixie Platt

Irwin Press

Kenia Rivas

Diane Samuels and David Sufrin

Andrea Tricarico

Phyllis and Joel Tropp

Michele D Urbancic

F Joseph Wilson

Mike Wilson

Michael Phillippi

Ann Gundersheimer

Mason Maddox

Charles Scneeberger

Ingrid Bookbinder

Marilyn Lapidus

John Michaels

Ben Turoff

Jeanne Bereznicki

Michele Lewis

Shannon O'Callagan

Susan Skovronek

Barbara Brownell

Mary Howell

Myra Lyons

Frosted Pink

Palm Printing

Pineapple Kitchen

99 Bottles Taproom

SRQ Magazine

Karen Manion

Larry and Sue Miller

Eli Rochlin

Norm Stimers

Zoe White

Jill Berg

Patricia Bissonnette

Carol Borsello

Darlene Brigham

Barbara Chase

Bette Lou Cookson

Rose Dalsandro

Madeline Dario

Edmee Geis

John Goldener

Julie Jackson

Thekla Kahn

Kim Livengood

Michelle Martin

Mike and Viv Pietrunti

Barbara Pill

Joan Rachlin

Jean Rosenblum and Richard Evans

Ellen Sagalov

Lee and Dana Scher

Philip Shacter

Michael Shaugnessy

Frank Sullivan

Anne Vose

Barry Weissberg

Gregory White

Gregory Winokur

Adrian Van Stee

Beneva Flowers

Carrabba's-Stickney Point Road The Observer Media Group The Herald Tribune

We apologize for any donor name omitted.

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

*Deceased

ADRIAN VAN STEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Theatre

Portrait Editorial

.com | @adrianvanstee

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