Peach Tea and lemonade combined for a refreshing summer beverage. Light, fruity and topped with a splash of soda for the perfect finish.
Make it a cocktail and add Tito’s vodka!
DIRECTED BY KRISTEN COURY
ONE-OF-A-KIND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS!
Students from 10 to 14 years will receive top-notch performance training from Gulfshore Playhouse staff as they prepare to be featured in our professional production of A Christmas Carol.
AUDITIONS: AUG. 29
Students will prepare a Christmas carol, perform script selections, and participate in a movement call.
REHEARSALS: STARTING OCT. 12
REGISTER NOW
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
At its heart, Newsies is a story about courage, determination, and the power of working together. Inspired by the real Newsboys’ Strike of 1899, it reminds us, just when we need it, that young people can make a difference when they stand up for what they believe in.
There is something especially magical about watching young people tell the story of young people. The authenticity they bring—their energy, optimism, and heartfelt belief in the power of unity and friendship—is what makes this show truly soar. They have spent hours upon hours learning music, choreography, lines, staging, but more importantly, they learned to trust each other, trust themselves and grow as a team. The greatest joy of this production has been watching these young performers grow—not only in talent but also in confidence.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone at Gulfshore for developing this program that instills and deepens the love of musical theatre in the hearts and minds of these young artists. The skills they‘ve learned over these three weeks will serve them well in all other facets of life! We also very much appreciate you, the families, for all of your hard work, schlepping to and fro, and your constant encouragement and commitment to your actors so they have the tools they need to shine onstage!
We hope you enjoy this celebration of resilience, friendship, and finding your voice. Sit back, cheer loudly, and enjoy Newsies JR.!
Janine Merolla Director
Music by ALAN
MENKEN
Scenic Designer
GABRIELA NUÑEZ
Lyrics by JACK
FELDMAN
Book
by
HARVEY FIERSTEIN
Based on the Disney film WRITTEN BY BOB TZUDIKER AND NONI WHITE
Originally Produced on Broadway by DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Costume Designer JENNIFER C. BRONSTED
Stage Manager
DYLAN GELLETT
Lighting Designer ELIZABETH KNUDSON
Assistant Stage Manager CONNOR J. REILLY
COO & Managing Director
JOEL MARKUS
Music Director
KELLIE CULLINAN
Sound Designer OWEN TRUE
Director of Production RAY INKEL
CEO & Producing Artistic Director KRISTEN COURY
Choreographer DANN DUNN
Director
JANINE MEROLLA
Show Sponsor
Disney’s Newsies JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Noah Desamours, Annabelle Rice Hawkins, Nava Hamburger, Caroline Hanlon, Ryker Hawkins, Jackson Rinaldi, Dom Diaz
ENSEMBLE
Zoe Burch, Cassandra Castaneda, Ella Hamro, Kayleigh Maddox, Ava Odell, Max Rinaldi, Catalina Sandoval Oros, Zoia Shipunova, Luca Skelly, Anna Rose Waxman
DANCE CAPTAIN
Taylor Polly
MUSICAL NUMBERS
MUSICAL NUMBERS
“Santa Fe (Prologue)” ............................................................ Jack, Crutchie
“Carrying the Banner” ................................................. ............... Jack’s Gang
“Just a Pretty Face” ...................................... Medda Larkin, Bowery Brigade
“The World Will Know” ................................................ ............... Jack’s Gang
“Watch What Happens” ............................................... ... Katherine Plumber
“Seize the Day (Part 1)” ................................................ .................... Newsies
“Seize the Day (Part 2)” ............................................... .................... Newsies
“Santa Fe” .................................................................... .......................... Jack
“King of New York” ..................................................... ............... Jack’s Gang
“Letter from The Refuge” ............................................ ................... Crutchie
“Seize the Day (Reprise)” ............................................ .................... Newsies
“Once And For All” ..................................................... .................. Company
“Finale” ....................................................................... .................. Company
RUNTIME 1 hour
SETTING
1899 New York City during the Newsboys strike.
SPECIAL THANKS
Barnes and Noble Collier County Public Library
Any video recording made of this performance is authorized for personal, at home, non-commercial use only. The sale or distribution of such recording is strictly prohibited under federal copyright law.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
ALAN MENKEN Theater: God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Little Shop Of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy, Kicks, The Apprenticeship Of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty And The Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap Of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop Of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home On The Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled, and Mirror Mirror. Songs: “Rocky V,” “Home Alone 2” and “Captain America.” Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony® (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London’s Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
JACK FELDMAN has written music and lyrics for theater, film, television and pop records. His vast number of works include: Broadway and Off-Broadway: The Madwoman of Central Park West; Isn’t It Romantic, by Wendy Wasserstein; Beyond
Therapy, by Christopher Durang; Coming Attractions, by Ted Tally; Miami (book by Ms. Wasserstein). Regional: Music for Mr. Durang and Albert Innaurato’s Idiots Karamazov at the Yale Repertory Theatre. Film: Oliver & Company; Tribute; Thumbelina; Newsies; Home Alone 2: Lost in New York; Used People; Life with Mikey; A Goofy Movie; The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride; and 102 Dalmatians. TV: Music and lyrics for the PBSTheatre in America production of Eve Merriam’s Out of Our Father’s House; The Magic Hat; The Little Mermaid (TV special); Polly; “Sesame Street;” “Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss;” and “Out of the Box.” Also many pop songs, including the Grammy Awardwinning “Copacabana,” the top-10 hit “I Made It Through the Rain,” and songs and special material for Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Liza Minnelli, Lily Tomlin, Dionne Warwick, and the Muppets.
HARVEY FIERSTEIN is the Tony Award winning author of Torch Song Trilogy and La Cage Aux Folles. His other theater writing includes Kinky Boots (Tony nominated), Newsies (Tony nominated), Casa Valentina (Tony nominated), A Catered Affair (12 Drama Desk nominations), Safe Sex, Spookhouse, and Legs Diamond among others. His rewrite of the classic musical Funny Girl
was produced in London’s West End, on Broadway and is currently on tour in North America. He wrote the teleplays of Hairspray Live and The Wiz Live, both for NBC. For HBO he’s written On Tidy Endings (Ace Award), The Sissy Duckling (Humanitas Award) and Common Ground. He’s written political editorials for The NY Times, Huffington Post, TV Guide and PBS as well as authoring the beloved children’s book The Sissy Duckling. Beginning his acting career in Andy Warhol’s Pork at LaMama ETC, Mr. Fierstein is also well known for his theater performances in Torch Song Trilogy (Tony Award), Hairspray (Tony Award), Fiddler on the Roof,
La Cage Aux Folles, Gently Down the Stream, A Catered Affair as well as film performances including Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, Mulan, Bullets Over Broadway and Bella Bella! TV audiences know him from shows like “The Good Wife,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Cheers” (Emmy nomination), HAIRSPRAY LIVE! and recognize his voice from appearances on “BoJack Horseman,” “Family Guy,” “The Simpsons,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Sesame Street”, and from his narration of the Academy Awardwinning documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk. His memoir, I Was Better Last Night, is published by Knopf.
ABOUT THE CAST
CLAIRE VAROSKI (JACK KELLY) is thrilled to be a part of Newsies JR. at Gulfshore Playhouse! She has previously appeared in The Little Mermaid JR. (Sebastian), Beauty and the Beast JR. (Lumiere), and Matilda JR. (Matilda). Claire thanks her family and friends for all of their love and support!
BRECKEN VISHIO (DAVEY) is very excited to be in one of his favorite shows, Newsies JR. This is his fourth performance at Gulfshore Playhouse. His most recent roles include Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, The Bishop in Frozen, Hades in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, and Theo in Pippin. Enjoy the show. Newsies Forever!
DUNCAN
POLIFRONI (LES) is beyond excited to be in Newsies JR. This is his first show with Gulfshore Playhouse. Previous shows Duncan has been in include: Finding Nemo JR., Cinderella JR., Aladdin JR., in which he played Kassim, and Beauty and the Beast JR. in which he played
Lefou. Duncan hopes you enjoy the show!
CAROLINE COLEMAN (KATHERINE PLUMBER) is thrilled to take on Newsies JR. for the 3rd time in her acting career! Her most recent role was Anne Boleyn in Six: Teen Edition. She is grateful for the training and education here at The Conservatory. Let’s “seize the day!”
LUKE-ANTHONY LEE (CRUTCHIE) had such a blast performing as Squirt in Finding Nemo and the Seahorse in The Little Mermaid! Newsies was one of the first plays he ever got to experience live with his Meme & he is overjoyed that he gets to play a part in this production. Enjoy the show!
NICHOLAS
RADOSTI (PULITZER) is thrilled to be in this production of Newsies JR! Some of his favorite past performances include Adam in Freaky Friday: A New Musical, Romeo in Romeo + Juliet, Peter in Peter Pan, Elisha Whitney in Anything Goes: Youth
Edition and Miss Trunchbull in Matilda JR. His other interests include fishing and snorkeling. Nicholas is about to enter Saint John Newman High School as a freshman this fall. Thank you always to Gulfshore Playhouse! Enjoy the show!
CAYLEE VALENCIA
(MEDDA LARKIN) is delighted to be back for her third production of Newsies! Her favorite credits include Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief, Anne of Cleves in SIX: Teen Edition, Lady Capulet in Romeo + Juliet, Harriet in Emma: A Pop Musical, and Oaken in Frozen. Thank you so much for supporting live theatre, and enjoy the show!
TAYLOR POLLY (RACE/DANCE
CAPTAIN) is very excited to be a part of the Gulfshore Playhouse production of Newsies Jr. as Race! She has been with the company for going on six years and has been in many productions including: Junie B. Jones: The Musical (May), Annie (Pepper), Frozen (Olaf), Chicago: Teen Edition (Ensemble), Puffs (Various Characters), Anything Goes: Youth Edition (The Captain), Six: Teen Edition (Catherine of Aragon),
and most recently Freaky Friday (Katherine Blake). Taylor has also been in productions within her school theatre program at Barron Collier High School, including: Fame! (Ensemble), Clue (Mrs. Peacock), and Chicago High School Edition (Roxie Hart). She is proud to be starting her senior year this fall and is excited to have one last year of shows with Gulfshore!
NAT NORVELL (ALBERT) is elated to be in a full production of Newsies JR. as their first show at Gulfshore Playhouse, after doing a group vocal and dance performance of “King of New York” that competed regionally and won a platinum award. They also performed in a school production of Fame JR. They’ve been a competitive dancer and singer for many years, winning awards including “Beautiful Vulnerability” and “Emotional Excellence”. They hope you enjoy the show!!
BELLA MEISTER (MURIEL) is 12 years old and is returning to Gulfshore Playhouse for her third production. Previous credits include Anything Goes (Estelle), Matilda, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and
ABOUT THE CAST
A Christmas Carol. She has appeared in television commercials, danced for eight years, including competitively, and has vocal training. Bella thanks God, her family, and the wonderful director, staff, and classmates.
NAOMI JOY
NORVELL (HAZEL) is thrilled to be back at Gulfshore Playhouse for Newsies JR! Playing Amanda Thripp in Matilda JR. as well as Alice 4 in Alice in Wonderland were highlights for her last year, and she’s more committed to theatre than ever before! She’s bringing an award studded resume including “Star Quality,” “Born to Perform, “Most Entertaining”, and “Broadway Bound.” Can’t wait to see what comes next, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
BROOKE HUNTER (SPECS) is beyond excited to be in Newsies JR! This is my 8th production with Gulfshore Playhouse! Some of her favorites roles have been: Freaky Friday (Hannah), Willy Wonka (Augustus Gloop), Seussical (Wickersham Brother), Anything Goes: Youth Edition (Dippy), Annie (Pepper), Matilda (Minnie) and Romeo + Juliet (Tylbalt)! Brooke is a 6th grader at
CSN. She loves to hang out with her friends, go shopping, play with her dog, Gwen and of course singing and dancing! She would like you to sit back, relax and enjoy Newsies JR!
OLIVIA RADOSTI (PIGTAILS) is beyond excited for this production. She has been involved in theatre with Gulfshore Playhouse since 2021. Her favorite role thus far has been playing Fletcher in Freaky Friday. She is very passionate about acting, dancing, and singing. Olivia is also a competitive Irish dancer. She is about to enter the seventh grade at Saint Ann Catholic School. Olivia is a true blessing to anyone she encounters!
ELIZABETH
WILSON (NANCY) is very glad to be part of this production! In the past, she has done school musicals such as Moana, The Little Mermaid, and Frozen. Elizabeth has additionally done a production of Annie at the YMCA and has two years of dance experience.
LOANNA SANDOVAL OROS (JOJO) is thrilled to be part of the Newsies JR. cast!
She previously performed in three productions at Gulfshore Playhouse: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Glinda), Matilda (Ensemble), and Alice in Wonderland (Alice). She is so grateful for the opportunity to be on stage again and hopes you enjoy the show!
BELLA POOMPANA (ROMEO)
is thrilled to be part of Newsies JR., one of her favorite musicals! She recently appeared as Monster #2 in Disney’s Monsters Inc. pilot production and has performed in more than 15 youth theatre productions. She thanks her family and friends for their endless love and support.
CADENCE CASTANEDA
(TOMMY BOY)
is thrilled to be in Newsies
JR.! Cadence is going into 7th grade at Naples Microschools. You might have seen her in Freaky Friday: A New Musical (Ellie Blake), Willy Wonka JR. (Veruca Salt), Annie Kids (Miss Hannigan), Seussical Kids (Gertrude McFuzz), and much more! She would like to thank her wonderful family, all of her amazing friends, and the cast and crew of Newsies JR.
SOFIA
RUSTICE (BUTTONS) is very excited to perform Newsies JR. this summer! Last summer she did Matilda JR. with Gulfshore Playhouse, and it was a blast! She can’t wait for the outcome of the performances of Newsies JR. and she hopes you enjoy the show!
EVIE SHINAL (MUSH) is thrilled to be making her Gulfshore Playhouse debut this summer in Newsies JR.! Most recently, she performed with The Naples Players as Annie in Annie Kids, Lucy in A Charlie Brown Christmas, and the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. She hopes you enjoy the show!
BRODHI VISHIO (BUNSEN/BILL)
is very excited to be in Newsies JR. He is nine years old and is going into fourth grade at The Village School of Naples. Brodhi’s first performance was as one of the 101 Dalmatians in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians JR. He then was a Candy Kid and Oompa Loompa in the Gulfshore production of Willy Wonka JR. Brodhi is excited to share the stage with his big brother Brecken.
ABOUT THE CAST
ADDISON HERRING (HANNAH)
is proud to be performing in her first production at Gulfshore Playhouse. She is a freshman at Barron High School. She has previously performed in First Naples Church Christmas choir. Outside the theater she enjoys volleyball and swimming. Addison hopes you enjoy Newsies JR!
SCARLETT
MCDONNELL (SEITZ)
This is Scarlett’s first show at Gulfshore Playhouse. She has been in two productions at her school in Oak Ridge Middle School. She has a passion for theatre and is excited to get this opportunity.
MYRA GRACE BUGEANU (SPOT CONLON) is 10 years old and has a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. She previously appeared in Matilda JR. at Gulfshore Playhouse and is thrilled to now be part of the cast of Newsies JR. She hopes you enjoy the show!
LUCY BROSTEK (ADA/BROOKLYN) is overjoyed to be part of Newsies JR.! She has done many productions including, Frozen (Young Anna), Beauty and The Beast (LeFou), Annie (July), Storybook Court: Full of Beans (Jack),The Little Mermaid (Grimsby), and many more. She has never done a production at Gulfshore and is very excited!
MIABELLA MAMBUCA (OLIVE/ BROOKLYN) is a home schooled 5th grader who is excited to take the stage in her seventh theater production. Her past productions include Beauty and the Beast, Matilda JR., The Wizard of Oz (twice!), Seussical Kids, and Willy Wonka JR. When she’s not performing, Miabella enjoys singing, reading, swimming, playing volleyball, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
SULLIVAN
KOLLMER (ETHEL/ BROOKLYN) is so excited to be part of Newsies JR., her fifth production at Gulfshore Playhouse!
She loves singing, dancing, and making new friends on stage. When she’s not performing, you’ll find her dancing at Dynamic Dance Factory or playing sports with her brothers. She hopes you enjoy the show!
SUNDAY
HAWKINS (DOLLY/ BROOKLYN)
is thrilled to be back on the Gulfshore Playhouse stage for her third production! She previously performed at Gulfshore Playhouse in The Wizard of Oz and Matilda JR. Sunday has also appeared at Saint Ann Catholic School as Sally in A Charlie Brown Christmas, Carol in Christmas Unwrapped, and Narrator 1 in WOW: A Christmas Nativity. Sunday loves performing and feels at home on stage. She is so excited to be part of Newsies JR. this summer!
BAYLEE
DIAPELLA (MITZY/ BROOKLYN) is happy to return and work with Gulfshore Playhouse in Newsies JR (and this year with her cousin!). She has been in over 20 theatrical performances in various capacities since she was young. Baylee is a creative, fun, and passionate child who enjoys
basketball, Disney, and performing.
RILEY NOEL (BEBE/ BROOKLYN) is so excited to be a part of Newsies JR. Riley has been in many Broadway Bootcamps and also did Alice in Wonderland, here at Gulfshore playhouse, where she played Alice. She is happy you are here and hopes you enjoy the show.
SLOANE WESTER (CLARA/ BROOKLYN) is excited to be in Newsies JR. this summer, her first experience with Gulfshore Playhouse. She has previously performed in Frozen JR. and has started vocal training within the last year. She hopes everyone has a wonderful production!
LEIGHLA RIGSBY (GOLDIE/ BROOKLYN is excited to be performing in Newsies JR! She has been pursuing her passion for singing through voice lessons since age five and continues building her stage experience through local theater classes, including Broadway Bootcamp at Gulfshore Playhouse. She hopes you enjoy the show!
ABOUT THE CAST
JOYCE BLEVINS
(WIESEL) has been in the performing arts since 2023. She has done a dance recital with Tracee’s Dance Impact in 2023 (along with Estero Mustangs cheerleading in that same year), Descendants JR. and Moana JR. at Arts Bonita in 2024, NAM Pageants in 2024 and 2025, a choir concert with Hashtag Sharps in 2026, and now leads the youth worship team at her church. Joyce is also a published author of The Adventures of Caleb and Pinky: The Enchanted Journey (Book One), which reflects her love of storytelling and creativity. This is her first show with Gulfshore Playhouse; she hopes you enjoy it!
ALLISON KIRCHHOFF-
LYON (OSCAR DELANCEY) is excited to return to the Gulfshore stage, having previously been in Willy Wonka JR., Matilda JR., and Trolls. In addition to theater, Allie is in the Oak Ridge Middle School chorus and loves to play volleyball.
KALLEN ROBBINS (MORRIS DELANCEY) is ecstatic to be a part of Newsies JR. He has been in a handful of school productions like Frozen JR. and Emma: The Pop Musical. Now, he is ready to expand the horizon to community theatre. He hopes you enjoy the show.
JOSEPHINE LAM (SNYDER) made her stage debut last summer in Annie JR. at Florida Rep. She recently completed the Musical Theater Intensive at Gulfshore Playhouse. She also likes to bake, play with her dog, and read fantasy series like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Keeper of the Lost Cities.
LUCY SUBIA (MARCY) is thrilled to perform in Newsies JR. this summer! She has appeared as JoJo in Seussical JR., Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and Matilda JR. When she’s not on stage, she enjoys reading, singing, creating art, and spending time with her family.
SERENITY DESAMOURS
(DARCY) is ecstatic to be in Newsies
JR. Her first show at Gulfshore Playhouse was Hocus Pocus, and she starred in Alice in Wonderland. She has participated at Centerpoint Church Choir for 5 years. She enjoys gymnastics and acrobatics from Citrus Circus. Come fall in love with her performance!
EMILY CAMERON (DOROTHY)
is thrilled to be making her Gulfshore Playhouse debut! Recent credits include Little Cosette in Les Misérables and Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka JR. She thanks her family, teachers, and friends for their love and encouragement, and hopes you enjoy the show!
CAROLINE HANLON (PAT, STAGE MANAGER/SCAB)
is a rising sixth grader at Oak Ridge Middle School. Her previous shows at Gulfshore include Finding Nemo, Seussical, Jungle Book, The Wizard of Oz, Matilda and most recently Alice in Wonderland as Queen of Hearts.
She is excited for this show and would like to thank the cast and crew.
DOM DIAZ (POLICE CHIEF/ GOVERNOR ROOSEVELT/ SCAB)
is excited to be
performing in his fourth production, Newsies JR. He loves being on stage and enjoys every opportunity to learn and grow as a performer. Previous credits include Freaky Friday, Matilda JR., and Willy Wonka JR. When he’s not performing, Dom enjoys playing piano, spending time with friends, and going to the beach. He would like to thank his family and the Gulfshore Playhouse team for their encouragement and support. He hopes you enjoy the show!
RYKER HAWKINS (OFFICER BERGER/SCAB)
is excited to be back on the Gulfshore Playhouse stage for his second production! He previously appeared at Gulfshore Playhouse in Matilda JR. and also performed as a pirate in The Pirates of Penzance at Saint Ann Catholic School. Ryker is going into 7th grade and loves being on stage, performing, and bringing stories to life. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform on the main stage again this summer with
ABOUT THE CAST
the cast of Newsies JR. He hopes you enjoy the show!
JACKSON RINALDI (OFFICER MAC/ SCAB) is excited to make his Gulfshore Playhouse debut in Newsies JR.! An incoming 6th grader at Pine Ridge Middle School, he was a member of the Honors Chorus at Sea Gate Elementary and has always loved musicals. When he’s not on stage, you’ll probably find him on the baseball field or trying a new skateboard trick. Thanks for being part of this special performance, we’re so glad you’re here!
NOAH DESAMOURS
(SCAB) aspires to act and play soccer. His first performance at Gulfshore Playhouse was Now That’s What I Call Broadway. He has sung with the choir at Centerpoint Church and acrobats at Citrus Circus. He has practiced piano, and he is a proud owner of an electronic drum set.
ANNABELLE RICE
HAWKINS (SCAB) is a rising 6th grader and musical theatre lover. Her past
roles include ensemble/chorus for Beauty and The Beast (2024), Orphan in Annie and Old Lady in Christmas in July (2025), and Bloat in Finding Nemo (2026). She loves every role she’s played, especially comedy roles.
NAVA HAMBURGER
(SCAB) has performed in many of her school plays the most recent two she was Flounder in The Little Mermaid and this year she was Alice in Alice in Wonderland. Nava also loves music and is learning to play guitar.
ZOE BURCH (ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to make her Gulfshore Playhouse debut! She has previously appeared in Seussical Kids, Frozen Kids, Aladdin JR., and Annie JR. Zoe loves performing, making new friends, and being part of the magic on stage. She thanks her family, friends, and directors for their support.
CASSANDRA
CASTANEDA (ENSEMBLE) is excited to be in her second production with
Gulfshore Playhouse. Last summer, she was also in Matilda JR. She is going into third grade at Naples Microschools and loves to follow in her sister’s footsteps onstage. She hopes you enjoy the show!!
ELLA HAMRO (ENSEMBLE)
is an incoming third grader, is thrilled to be part of Newsies JR. this summer! She previously appeared in Matilda JR. (Summer 2025), Alice in Wonderland, and Popstars (Fall 2025 & Spring 2026). Inspired by her cousin, Caylee V., and after watching her perform for years, Ella is excited to finally share the stage with her.
KAYLEIGH MADDOX (ENSEMBLE)
is thrilled to be involved in the production of Newsies JR. She has been part of Matilda JR., and Alice in Wonderland with Gulfshore Playhouse. She wishes everyone a fantastic time at the performance.
AVA ODELL (ENSEMBLE)
This will be Ava’s second performance at Gulfshore
Playhouse and she is so looking forward to the experience! When she’s not practicing for Newsies JR., you’ll find her on a tennis court hitting her awesome backhand, creating a beautiful piece of art or making the world sweeter with her kind and thoughtful heart.
MAX RINALDI (ENSEMBLE)
is thrilled to be back at Gulfshore Playhouse for Newsies JR. after appearing in the ensemble of Matilda JR. in 2025. He is an incoming 3rd grader at Sea Gate Elementary who loves baseball, running, and performing. He’s excited to be part of this talented cast and can’t wait to share the magic of Newsies JR. with you!
CATALINA SANDOVAL OROS (ENSEMBLE)
is excited to be in Newsies JR.! Catalina is 7 and loves playing with her dog. She previously appeared in Alice in Wonderland (Dormouse), and Matilda JR. (Library Kid) and attended the Happily Haunted House and Scooby-Doo Story Explorers. She hopes you enjoy the show!
ABOUT THE CAST
ZOIA SHIPUNOVA (ENSEMBLE) made her stage debut a year ago in Matilda JR. Since then, she has taken nearly every class at Gulfshore Playhouse and is thrilled to return to the stage in Newsies JR.
LUCA SKELLY (ENSEMBLE)
is so excited to make his Gulfshore Playhouse debut in Newsies JR. He has loved performing from a young age, starting with hip-hop dance classes at age five and appearing in several youth productions at The Naples Players. When he’s not on stage, Luca loves building with Legos, dancing, and using his imagination to create adventures with his little brother. He is grateful to the cast, crew, and everyone at Gulfshore Playhouse for this amazing opportunity, and hopes you enjoy the show!
ANNA
ROSE
WAXMAN
(ENSEMBLE) is ecstatic to join Newsies JR. This is her first show on the big stage, but has participated in Alice in Wonderland, Candy Land, and Zootopia. This spring, she had the lead in her 2nd grade production of Go Fish. Anna would like to thank her many supporters and hope you love the show!
ABOUT THE CREATIVES
JANINE MEROLLA (DIRECTOR)
is so excited to return to Gulfshore Playhouse after the wonderful experience last summer that was Matilda JR! Janine has her Masters degree in Theatre Education from Emerson College and has worked with professional and regional educational theatres throughout the Philadelphia area since 2013 including Delaware Theatre Company, The Wilma Theatre, Theatre Horizon, Philadelphia Young Playwrights and is currently the Artistic Director at Wolf Performing Arts Center, a non-profit children’s theatre organization in Bryn Mawr, PA. She couldn’t be happier to rejoin this community and the staff at Gulfshore for a great July!
KELLIE CULLINAN (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is an AEA classically trained singer/actress and voice teacher known for her cheerful and encouraging teaching style. With a B.M. and M.M. in Vocal Performance and an Outside Field in Musical Theater from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, she specializes in building strong vocal technique for aspiring and emerging performers. With over 14 years of experience in private voice instruction, Kellie serves as the music director for the Middle and Upper School Choirs at The Village School and music directs productions
throughout the Southwest Florida community. A proud member of AEA, NATS, and FMEA, she is passionate about inspiring the next generation of performers to “Step into their Greatness!” As a performer, Kellie is equally excited to appear in concert work, new works, and musicals nationwide. Her credits include Carnegie Hall, Fenway Park, and Southwest Florida venues such as Artis—Naples and TheatreZone. During her time in New York City, she worked as a NY PopsEd Teaching Artist and performed with the nonprofit Concerts in Motion. She is thrilled to join Gulfshore Playhouse this summer! For more information, please visit kellie-cullinan.com.
DANN DUNN (CHOREOGRAPHER)
has created and maintained professional works as a Director, Choreographer, and Live Events Producer around the world with Tony, Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning Artists. NYC: Miracle On 34th Street, Sesame Street On Broadway! (Madison Square Garden), The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Symphony Space). National Tours: CATS, The Music Man, Sesame Street Live!, First Date (revival workshop). International: The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber, La Traviata. Regional highlights: Walnut Street Theatre, Bucks County Playhouse, Delaware Theatre Company, The Fulton, Arden Theatre,
ABOUT THE CREATIVES
Kennedy Center, Riverside Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse. Contributing Choreographer: Norwegian Cruise Line, The Red Cross, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Merck Pharmaceuticals, The National Liberty Museum, Radio City Music Hall, Disney, The Jimmy’s, Siegfried and Roy, Macy’s, and The X Games. Dancer: Mariah Carey, Anastacia, Mark Kanemura (Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson, “So You Think You Can Dance?)”. TV: “Good Morning America,” “The Today Show,” PA Cardiovascular Health Project (Emmy Award), Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, “Sesame Street Workshop.” Dann was honored to join the Fosse legacy training under Gary Flannery, dancing back-up for Chita Rivera, and working beside Ann Reinking on the National and International companies of CHICAGO. Also an Educator, Dann is Faculty alumni of NYC’s famed Camp Broadway, teaching musical theatre around the world, has been on Guest Faculty at eight universities, and is the Co-Founder and former Artistic Director of Music Theatre Philly, an award-winning professional training ground in Philadelphia. Dann is currently the Associate Artistic Director at Gulfshore Playhouse, having directed this season’s White Christmas and choreographed Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. @thedanndunn.
GABRIELA NUÑEZ (SCENIC DESIGNER)
is a NYC based designer and artisan. Design credits include: Arts Up! L.A. (Off Key), Target Margin Theatre (Anatomy of Melancholy), Costume Design at Gallery Players (Romeo and Juliet). Assistant/Associate Regional Theater: Gulfshore Playhouse (Beautiful), The MUNY (Meet Me in St. Louis, Bring It On, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, Little Mermaid), Syracuse Stage (Relentless, Primary Trust), Goodspeed Musicals (Crazy for You, Chorus Line), Brooklyn Starr (Rheology), Stages St. Louis (Newsies, Murder for Two, Guys and Dolls). TV/Misc. Design: Jay-Z 30 Experiential (Art Director), Saturday Night Live Film Unit (Assistant Art Director)
JENNIFER C. BRONSTED (COSTUME DESIGNER)
started at Gulfshore Playhouse in Fall 2012, she is currently the Costume Shop Manager. She has designed, built costumes and run wardrobe for Gulfshore Playhouse. Favorite credits at Gulfshore Playhouse include Junie B. Jones, Annie Jr. and The God Game. She has worked with Florida Gulf Coast University, American Shakespeare Center, Gooseberry Park Players, Grossmont Community College, Alabama Shakespeare College, and Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Jennifer graduated from the University of Alabama with a Master
of Fine Arts in Costume Design/ Production.
ELIZABETH
KNUDSON (LIGHTING DESIGNER) has been with Gulfshore Playhouse since Fall 2019. She has a BFA in Theatre from Emporia State University. Some of her favorite lighting design work at Gulfshore Playhouse includes The Lightning Thief and Six: Teen Edition. She has also worked as L1&2 for corporate events, concerts, and small tours. elizabethlkennell.wixsite.com/ portfolio
OWEN TRUE (SOUND DESIGNER) is a sound designer and audio engineer, and has been with Gulfshore Playhouse since January 2024. He graduated from the Western Michigan University with a degree in Theatre: Design and Technical Production with a focus in Sound, in 2021. Since then he’s mixed and sound designed shows in the US Midwest and Southwest Florida area. Recent credits include: Beautiful: The Carol King Musical (A1 Gulfshore Playbouse), Sweet Charity (A1 Gulfshore Playhouse), Man of La Mancha (SD The Naples Players), Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (ASD Gulfshore Playhouse), and She Loves Me (A1 Gulfshore Playhouse). Owen would like to thank his family and cat Pebble for all their support.
DYLAN
GELLETT (STAGE
MANAGER)
is a graduate of the University of South Florida Theatre program with a Bachelor in Theatre Arts. He has been working with Gulfshore in the production department for three years, going into his fourth. Recent credits include: Beautiful, Sweet Charity, Anything Goes as a PA and Lehman Trilogy, Importance of Being Earnest as PA/ASM with Gulfshore, Jersey Boys (Mountain Theatre Company). and Rock of Ages (Mountain Theatre Company).
CONNOR J. REILLY (ASSISTANT STAGE MANGER)
Grand Rapids, MI; Off-Broadway: Little Match Girl (Production Stage Manager), Regional: Freaky Friday (Production Stage Manager), Beautiful (Stage Management Swing), Gulfshore Playhouse, Waitress, Saugatuck Center for the Arts (Production Assistant, Intimacy Captain), Thirst, Williamston Theatre (Asst Stage Manager), Fools Summer Circle Theatre (Production Stage Manager). Young Playwrights Festival, Wharton Center for Performing Arts (Production Stage Manager, Intimacy Director). Connor is thrilled to continue his work with Gulfshore Playhouse this Summer! connorreillytheatre.com.
ABOUT THE CREATIVES
JOEL MARKUS (COO & MANAGING DIRECTOR) is thrilled to be in his ninth season as Gulfshore Playhouse’s COO & Managing Director. Joel enjoys working side by side with Kristen to produce Broadway caliber theatre while focusing on cultivating a great staff and culture. In his time at Gulfshore Playhouse, Joel has helped grow and quadruple the theatre’s budget and staff, has co-managed the design and construction of the new $72M Baker Theatre and Education Center, the new 25,000 sq ft production center, and now our new admin offices and guest artist housing. Joel has been instrumental in joining LORT, most recently being appointed to the Board of Directors, and the negotiating committee for LORT and Actors’ Equity Association). Joel was recently recognized as one of the top COOs in SWFL by the Community Foundation. Joel’s thirty-year career has taken him to some of our nation’s leading professional regional theatres. He most recently spent seven seasons at America’s oldest theatre, Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Joel has played integral roles in the production of hundreds of plays over ten seasons at the Indiana Repertory Theatre,four years at Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY, five summers at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont, American Players Theatre in Spring Green,
Wisconsin, and North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts. Some of Joel’s favorite professional experiences so far include Gulfshore Playhouse’s production of Native Gardens, taking Gregg Coffin’s Five Course Love Off-Broadway with Geva, producing Indiana Rep’s world premiere of James Still’s Amber Waves, working with Adam Guettel on Weston Playhouse’s NETC Moss Hart award-winning Floyd Collins, and managing North Shore Music Theatre’s Jekyll And Hyde. One of his favorite contributions has been establishing co-productions between regional theatres that are states apart, making efficient use of resources to enrich the cultural landscape and exchange for both communities. Joel was awarded with a Creative Renewal Fellowship by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and Eli Lilly to study the production values of Cirque du Soleil. Teaching credits include Butler University, Franklin College, Indiana University, Nazareth College, Washington College, SUNY Brockport, and SUNY Oswego. Joel is a graduate of Indiana University and originally from Miami, Florida. Over these many years, Joel has had a front-row seat to the complex work of extraordinary theatre professionals. He is passionate about excellence in his role leading collaboration with everyone on the team – directors, designers, playwrights,
administrators, educators, technicians, artisans, musicians, choreographers, and actors in pursuit of shared artistic vision.
KRISTEN COURY (CEO & PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR)
is the Founder, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse. She founded the Playhouse in 2004, and shortly thereafter started producing with no staff and virtually no funding. Under her leadership, the Playhouse has grown to a staff of 83 people with an annual budget of $14.5M with no long-term debt. Kristen led the charge to create the iconic $75 state-of-the-art Baker Theatre and Education Center at the gateway to downtown Naples, which opened on November 1st, 2024. As part of this project, Coury ignited one of the largest public/private partnerships in City of Naples history, initiating a land-swap with the Wynn family and subsequently donating over an acre of land to the City upon which to build a public parking garage. While in New York, she worked on Broadway for Walt Disney Theatrical Productions and for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s company, The Really Useful Group, and made her feature film directorial debut with an independent film entitled Friends and Family. Kristen is also a frequent investor in Broadway productions, most
recently A Beautiful Noise: The
Neil Diamond Musical. Kristen has directed nearly 50 productions for the Playhouse. Most recently, she directed the inaugural show in the Baker Theatre and Education Center, Anything Goes. This season, she also directed Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Kristen was named one of the Men and Women of the Year by Gulfshore Life in 2013 and again in 2024. She also received the Murray Hendel Award for Civic Achievement in 2023. She served two terms on the board of Theatre Communications Group, the national advocacy group for professional theatre and is currently a member of the board of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. Kristen is very honored to have been appointed to Florida Council for arts and culture by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. She was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Business Leaders in Collier County by Naples Illustrated for the last four years, and, this year, was listed in the 2025 Edition of Florida Trend Magazine as one of the 500 Most Influential Business Leaders in the State of Florida.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We gratefully acknowledge the dedication and leadership of our Board of Directors.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Steve Akin
VICE-CHAIR
Rich Struthers
BOARD MEMBERS
Patty Baker
Jim Bosscher
Kristen Coury
David Drobis
Gary Gregg
Tim Habbershon
Mitch Hertz
Jason Hunter Korn
George Kraus
Vince Maffeo
Sandi Moran
EMERITUS
Don J. Gunther
Bob Harden
Dave Wilson
LIFETIME TRUSTEES
Tom Gallagher
Jenny Housh
Don McCulloch
Gerry Moss
Jack Nortman
Tony Panzica
Gail Kern Paster
Susan Regenstein
Rick Rondinelli
Cynthia Scholl
Tennille Sevigny
David Shockley
Pat Sweet
Joanne Wyss
OUR STAFF AND LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
Kristen Coury, CEO & Producing Artistic Director Joel Markus, COO & Managing Director
ARTISTIC & EDUCATION
CEO & Producing Artistic Director .............. Kristen Coury
Associate Artistic Director .............................. Dann Dunn
Line Producer ..................................... Audrey Zielenbach
Director of Education ..................................... John Perine
