About the Creative Team John Perine (Playwright) is a director, performer, playwright, and educator originally from the Nashville, Tennessee area, and is now a full-time Education Associate at Gulfshore Playhouse. Since relocating to Naples, John directed Willy Wonka JR., Finding Nemo JR., and Winnie the Pooh KIDS for the Conservatory at Gulfshore Playhouse. Previous directing: Peter and the Starcatcher (top three finalist for Best Director of the Decade and Best Musical of the Decade by BroadwayWorld Birmingham), Kate DiCamillo’s Flora & Ulysses (North Carolina Theatre for Young People) and the world premiere of his play icarus x apollo for University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Centennial celebration. Additional teaching artistry: The Rose Theater (Omaha, NE), The Virginia Samford Theatre (Birmingham, AL), and Lexington Children’s Theatre (Lexington, KY). Education: Theatre for Youth at Samford University (BFA) and UNC Greensboro (MFA). More about John’s work can be found at www.johnperine.com Mary McGough (Director) is a passionate and energetic actor, director, and educator originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. She holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. Mary played an instrumental role in establishing the Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where she served as Social Media Coordinator and later as Associate Artistic Director. She has directed both staged readings and full productions, with her most cherished experience being working as the assistant director of the world premiere of the young adult play The Romantic Movement. Mary has extensive experience working with children as a theater camp counselor, music instructor, choreographer, tutor, and nanny. In the summer of 2023, she toured the country with Missoula Children’s Theatre, acting with and directing hundreds of amazing children. Since joining Gulfshore Playhouse’s education team, Mary has helped develop and execute numerous educational programs, camps, classes, and productions. She looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of the Naples community through theatre education and the performing arts. Emilie Baartman (Stage Manager) is excited to revisit this fun story, since her first few times of visiting Oz in 2016 and 2019 (latter at Gulfshore Playhouse!) A graduate from Southwest Minnesota State University, she has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, and a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting. After graduating, she worked as a teaching artist, actor, and director for Black Hills Playhouse Education, as well as an actor for The National Theatre for Children, an Interactor for the Washington Pavilion, and an actor for Mighty Corson Art Players. She recently moved to Naples, FL in 2019 as the company’s Education Assistant, along with stage managing the company’s touring production, Remember: The Story of Abe Price. She can also be seen performing here in Southwest Florida in multiple productions, along with assisting backstage. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support!
C as t of C ha r a cte r s
Dorothy ....................................................... Reagan Rieckelman Scarecrow .................................................................. Lucy Subia Tin Man ............................................................ Sullivan Kollmer Lion ................................................................... Caroline Hanlon Aunt Em/Glinda/Ensemble ........................... Loanna Sandoval Uncle Henry/Oz/Ensemble ........................................ Rocket Smith Wicked Witch/Ensemble ............................ Miabella Mambuca Munchkin 1/Winkie 1/Ensemble ..................... Baylee Diapella Munchkin 2/Winkie 2/Ensemble .......................... Chuck Smith Munchkin 3/Stork/Ensemble .............................. Jacob Radosti Munchkin 4/Guard 1/Ensemble ........................... Madison Lee Munchkin 5/Guard 2/Ensemble ................... Reagan Goldhorn Flying Monkey/Ensemble ............................... Sunday Hawkins Flying Monkey/Ensemble ................................ Claire Rozansky Flying Monkey/Ensemble .......................................... Peachy Smith Flying Monkey/Ensemble .......................................... Pepper Smith
Baylee Diapella
Reagan Goldhorn
Caroline Hanlon
Sunday Hawkins
Sullivan Kollmer
Madison Lee
Miabella Mambuca
Jacob Radosti
Reagan Rieckelman
Claire Rozansky
Loanna Sandoval
Chuck Smith
Director’s Note I am thrilled to welcome you to our production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, marking Gulfshore Playhouse’s inaugural education performance in our brand new Baker Theatre and Education Center! My wonderful colleague, John Perine, has beautifully adapted this story to highlight these talented young actors, and you are all in for a real treat. This show has always been a favorite of mine, and I am overjoyed to be sharing it. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for over a century. Its themes and characters have inspired many adaptations across various media. The story’s ability to resonate with every generation time and time again speaks to its endearing appeal and universal truths. L. Frank Baum’s masterpiece isn’t just about adventure; it’s about self-discovery, friendship, and finding the courage to face our fears. Each character that Dorothy meets along the way embodies something we all search for: a sense of home, wisdom, love, and bravery. As you watch the story unfold, I hope you find yourself reflecting on your own journey and remembering the magic that happens when you believe in yourself. Often, the things you seek can already be found within you. I couldn’t be prouder of this cast. It has been inspiring to see this dedicated group develop confidence and teamwork over the past three weeks—a reminder that what you are about to see was achieved in just about 20 hours of rehearsal! Their energy, enthusiasm, and love for theatre has created a show that I hope will inspire and delight you as much as it has us. Thank you for joining us and supporting the arts. Enjoy the show!
Peachy Smith
Pepper Smith
Rocket Smith
Lucy Subia
Special thanks to the following students who participated in our new play development workshop, collaborating with playwright John Perine on the script to bring this story to life: Cadence Castaneda Jia Cinnamon Jillian Cinnamon Samantha Craparo
Lucy Mullin Nicholas Radosti Olivia Radosti
Mary McGough Director
Gulfshore Playhouse Steven Calakos, Director of Education Joel Markus, COO & Managing Director Kristen Coury, CEO & Producing Artistic Director