FOOTLOOSE
STAGE ADAPTATION BY
PITCHFORD AND WALTER BOBBIE
MUSIC BY TOM SNOW LYRICS BY DEAN PITCHFORD
BASED ON THE ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY BY DEAN PITCHFORD
DIRECTOR HUNTER REUM
STAGE MANAGER KENZIE CURRIE
SOUND DESIGNER KOHEN VERRETTE
ADDITIONAL LYRICS BY ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS AND JIM STEINMAN
CHOREOGRAPHER GABY ALEZARD
SCENIC DESIGNER JASON WAGAMAN
COSTUME DESIGNER MARY ANNE M c KERROW
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION JEN PRICE
MUSIC DIRECTOR PETEY BITZEL
LIGHTING DESIGNER DALLAS J. COOK
PROPS DESIGNER AMY HUGHES
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PHILLIP FAZIO
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
FOOTLOOSE (90-MINUTE VERSION) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp. www. concordtheatricals.com
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: CONCORDTHEATRICALS.COM/RESOURCES/PROTECTING-ARTISTS
CAST
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
CHUCK CRANSTON .................................................................................................................... CONNER BROWN
WES ............................................................................................................................................... KALOYAN BUELOW
REV. SHAW MOORE .JAKE BUFFINGTON BICKLE .................................................................................................................................... CADENCE CASTANEDA REN McCORMACK … ......................................................................................................………….NOAH CURRAN*
TRAVIS .......................................................................................................................................... GRAHAM D e FONT
LYLE … ......................................................................................................................................................... TAO HAAS
A COP KIZZIE HART
ETHEL McCORMACK ....................................................................................................................... VIVIAN JONES
VI MOORE …………………. ............................................................................................................... ELLIE KAPISAK* LULU ........................................................................................................................................................ SOFIA LUGO RUSTY……………….. .................................................................................................................... MADISON MANCE* WENDY JO
MARINOV URLEEN ..................................................................................................................................... SCARLETT MULLEN* WILLARD HEWITT .................................................................................................................... MATIAS PISCOYA* BETTY BLAST ................................................................................................................................. KENNA RESOP* ARIEL MOORE ........................................................................................................................ EMERSON ROSCHEK*
COWGIRL BARBARA MIA STURZENEGGER*
DUNBAR JOSH TURNER
PRINCIPAL CLARK ................................................................................................................... SCARLETT YANA* ENSEMBLE ............................................................... .KALOYAN BUELOW, CADENCE CASTANEDA, GRAHAM D e FONT, KENDALL GUERCIO, TAO HAAS, KIZZIE HART, SOFIA LUGO, SLOANE MULLEN*, BRENNA RAY, MIA STURZENEGGER*, JOSH TURNER, BRINLEY WATKINS, SCARLETT YANA*, OLIVIA YASA* * DENOTES ARTIST IS A BAKER DAY SCHOOL OF TNP ACADEMY STUDENT
CREW (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS ALEXANDRIA GOENNER, ALYSSA TURNER
DECK MANAGER ………………………………………………………………………………………………TAYLOR MATTHEWS
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT ......................................................................
COOPER FOLEY
DANCE CAPTAIN .............................................................................................................................. .. JOSH TURNER
DANCE ASSISTANTS ........................................................................................... BRAXTON CABRERA, KYLIE GUST
DRESSERS …………………………………………………… . TINA CEDRAS, KELSEY COSS, REGINA KUNKLE, NICO WALKER
MONITORS .. HEATHER GOENNER, ERICA JONES
LIGHT BOARD OPERAT0R ……………………………………………………………………………………… COOPER FOLEY
SOUND BOARD OPERATORS ………………………………………………… .. THOMAS HARTLAND, BRADY PATTERSON
AUDIO ASSISTANTS …………………………………………………………………… ESMERALDA ALEO, SARAH GAMBLIN
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE ………………………………………… .. MARY JANE JONES, KATHLEEN KOLACZ, SANDY L o PRESTI, JOHN M c KERROW, MARY SCHMITZ, ESTHER SNYDER, JEAN SNYDER
PROPERTIES ………………………………………………… . MARY JANE JONES, DEBRON M c CARTNEY, BRIDGET POULTER
SCENIC PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION …………………………… .. BOB BOEHM, ROBERTO BRICENO, IAN COCKLIN, THOMAS DURAND, JOHN FELICIANO, JOE FEMIA, LINDA FRIIS, DAVID JOHNSON, SANDY KEELER, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, VINCENT O’BYRNE, JOHN PIAZZA, TRACY ROSEN, LINDA RUSSELL THORNE, JEFF SMITH, SYDNIE SWIFT, MARY TAYLOR, TOM TIERNY, MICHAEL TROOP, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG
ACTS & MUSICAL NUMBERS
TIME & PLACE
The City of Chicago / The Town of Bomont in the 1980’s
“FOOTLOOSE”*/”ON ANY SUNDAY”………………………………………………………………… COMPANY
“THE GIRL GETS AROUND” ** ………………………………………………… .CHUCK, LYLE, TRAVIS & ARIEL
“I CAN’T STAND STILL” …………………………………………………………………………… REN & WILLARD
“SOMEBODY’S EYES” ………………………………………… ..RUSTY, WENDY JO, URLEEN & TOWNSPEOPLE
“HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO” + ………………………………………… RUSTY, URLEEN, WENDY JO & ARIEL
“I’M FREE*/HEAVEN HELP ME” ………………………………………………… .. REN, SHAW, KIDS & CHOIR
15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
“STILL ROCKIN’” ………………………………………………………………… COWBOY BOB & BAND MEMBERS
“LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY” ………………………………………… ..RUSTY, GIRLS & FEMALE DANCERS
“MAMA SAYS (YOU CAN’T BACK DOWN)” ……………………… ..WILLARD, GARVIN, BICKLE & JETER
“ALMOST PARADISE” ++ ……………………………………………………………………………… .REN & ARIEL
“HEAVEN HELP ME”…………………………………………………………………………………………… ..SHAW
“CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOUR HEART?”…………………………………………………………………… .SHAW
“FOOTLOOSE” * (FINALE) ……………………………………………………………………………… .COMPANY
All music by Tom Snow, except: * KENNY LOGGINS; ** SAMMY HAGAR; +JIM STEINMAN; ++ ERIC CARMEN
All Lyrics by Dean Pitchford, except: “FOOTLOOSE” LYRICS BY DEAN PITCHFORD AND KENNY LOGGINS
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
CONNER
BROWN (Chuck Cranston) loves acting and fishing! Born in Chicago, he spends summers at home in Pittsburgh and school months down here in sunny Naples! In his free time, Conner works on crafts such as woodworking and 3D printing. If you see Conner walking his dog Indi, be sure to say hi: he loves meeting new people. You may recognize him from past productions such as Something Rotten! JR, and High School Musical JR. He’s beyond excited to be in this play!
KALOYAN
BUELOW (Wes/Ensemble) is very excited to be a part of this production. This is his 9th year performing with The Naples Players. He started at TNP when he was only 4 years old. His very first production was “The Little Engine That Could” when he was 7. His other roles include Fagin/Oliver, Peter Pan/Peter Pan, Jiminy Cricket/Ever After, Maxie Dean/Ensemble/Beetlejuice JR, Randy Parker/A Christmas Story: The Musical, Zeke/High School Musical JR, and Mason/School of Rock, which was his first audition for a big play. Some of his favorite things to do are playing video games and being with his friends and family. He also enjoys filming commercials when he is called to be a part of one. Thanks for coming and enjoy Footloose JR.
JAKE BUFFINGTON
(Rev. Shaw Moore) is a 14-year-old teen actor, with recent credits including Prince Eric/The Little Mermaid JR, Chad Danforth/High School Musical JR, Charles Deetz/Beetlejuice JR, Lord Clapham/Something Rotten! JR, Schwartz/A Christmas Story: The Musical, and Frankie/Emma JV. This is Jake’s 11th production overall and 6th with TNP, in addition to shows at The Village School and CFTA. Jake discovered his passion for musical theatre at age 10 and has loved it since. He would like to thank Mr. Bret and Ms. Kellie for starting his theatre journey, Mr. Petey as his vocal coach, as well as his dad, Scott, and his siblings Cooper, Emily, and Abbey for their support. He is super excited to perform for you all, and he hopes you enjoy the show!
CADENCE CASTANEDA
(Bickle/Ensemble) is a 6th grader at Naples Microschools. Her most recent role was Veruca Salt in First Baptist Academy’s spring musical. She enjoys singing and acting. Previous musicals include Ensemble/Aladdin JR, Nigel/Matilda JR, Miss Hannigan/Annie Kids, Gertrude McFuzz/Seussical Kids, and Ensemble/Anything Goes Youth Edition. When she is not singing you can catch her reading, being outside, or hanging out with her friends!
NOAH CURRAN (Ren McCormack) is a 6th-grade student at The Baker Day School of TNPA. He was most recently seen as Troy Bolton in TNPA’s High School Musical JR. His favorite past roles have been Bruce/Matilda JR. and Charlie/Willy Wonka JR. Noah’s newest hobby is filming, directing, and editing his own home movie creations with his friends! Most of all, he loves making people smile through entertainment and hopes you all enjoy the show!
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
GRAHAM DeFONT (Travis/Ensemble) is so grateful to be back on stage with The Naples Players. His previous TNPA credits include The Tin Man/The Wizard of Oz as well as roles in No Substitutes, Hard Knock Life and Shrek. Graham is 12 years old and currently in the 6th grade at Royal Palm Academy. When he is not on stage he can be found playing the drums, listening to his record collection or planning his next trip. He wants to give a special thank you to the amazing staff at TNP for all the work they put into making these shows so much fun!
KENDALL GUERCIO (Ensemble) is a 6th grade student at Gulfview Middle. She was recently cast as Dorothy/The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition (TNP), Gertrude McFuzz/ Seussical Kids (TNP), Annie/The Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark (TNP), Winthrop/The Music Man Kids (TNP), and as a Matilda Shadow/Matilda JR (Gulfshore Playhouse). She also performed with the Collier County 5th Grade Honors Choir and as Molly in her school’s cabaret production of Annie. Kendall is so excited to be performing in Footloose JR!
TAO HAAS (Lyle/Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing alongside this talented cast and crew for Footloose JR! He was recently seen in CATS, TNPA’s High School Musical JR, Beetlejuice JR, and played Grover Dill in A Christmas Story:The Musical. Other favorite TNPA credits include: Freddy/School of Rock, Charlie Cowell/The Music Man, Shrek/ Shrek, and Alex/Madagascar. Many thanks to Hunter, Mrs. Julie, Ms. Gabby and Mr. Petey for this great opportunity to learn musical theatre from them. Tao hopes you enjoy this fun, high-energy musical that Footloose JR brings to life!
KIZZIE HART (A Cop/Ensemble) is excited to be in another show at TNPA. Previous shows include Jojo/Seussical, Witch/The Wizard of Oz, Juno/Beetlejuice JR, and Susan/ High School Musical JR. Special thanks to Hunter and the TNP team. Love to Mom, Dad, Riley, Blythe, and Liam.
VIVIAN JONES (Ethel McCormack) is a 12-year-old 6th grader at The Village School where she has studied voice privately for the past three years with Mrs. Andrea DeLadurantey. This is Vivian’s third time performing with TNP; she was previously in Beetlejuice JR and High School Musical JR. Her favorite pastime is performing on cruise ships where you will find her making friends at the front of the line at every Family Karaoke night! Vivian hopes to attend Broadway Bootcamp when she turns 13 and to continue to study Musical Theater. Vivian is also a member of the Competition Team with Angelic Academy of Dance. She is supported by siblings Ella and Colin, Mom and Dad, and her two pugs.
ELLIE KAPISAK (Vi Moore) is so excited to be part of this cast! She is in the 7th grade and goes to The Baker Day School here at TNPA! You may have seen her in past productions as Ensemble/Legally Blonde, Francis Flute/Something Rotten! JR, Ensemble/ Beetlejuice JR, and Ensemble/High School Musical JR. She would like to thank her Mom and Dad for bringing her back and forth everyday, her voice teacher Melissa for helping her get ready for auditions, and all of her friends for encouraging her along the way. Enjoy the show!
SOFIA LUGO (Lulu/Ensemble) is an outgoing 7th grader with a passion for acting, singing and dancing. Previous TNP credits include Taylor McKessie/High School Musical JR, Ensemble/Beetlejuice JR, Troupe/Something Rotten! JR, Brooke Wyndham/Legally Blonde JR, Shonelle/School of Rock and Lucinda/Into The Woods JR. Offstage, Sofia enjoys dance, volleyball, and piano. Sofia is grateful to be part of TNPA as a performer, volunteer, and member of the Jr. Leadership Council. She would like to thank her family, Hunter, Petey, and the entire team at TNP. Enjoy the show!
MADISON MANCE (Rusty) is originally from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and has called Florida home since February 2022. She is an 8th grade student fulfilling her dreams at the brand new Baker Day School here at TNPA! She is having a blast working with this wonderful cast! Madison was most recently seen in TNPA’s production of CATS as Tantomile and SIX: Teen Edition as Katherine Parr. Other roles include Shakespeare/ Tobias/Something Rotten! JR, Mary Beth/A Christmas Story: The Musical, Elle Woods/ Legally Blonde JR, and Patty/School Of Rock at TNP, as well as Young Bonnie/Bonnie and Clyde at Theatre Zone. A HUGE thank you to Jen, Hunter and Petey, and to her family & friends for being so supportive. Everybody cut Footloose!
ADRIANA MARINOV (Wendy Jo) is thrilled to be part of this wonderful production! Ever since she was little, she has loved to dance and sing. Previous TNPA credits include: Cathy/Dance Captain/Ensemble/High School Musical JR, Ensemble/Something Rotten! JR, and Ensemble/Legally Blonde JR. Adriana is honored to learn and grow alongside all the amazing professionals at TNP who make these shows unforgettable! While not performing, she takes pleasure in dancing, enjoying the outdoors, and socializing with friends. Adriana would like to thank her loving family and friends for always supporting her. Cut Footloose!!!
SCARLETT MULLEN (Urleen) is a seventh grader at The Baker Day School and a dedicated performer at TNP. At TNPA, she has appeared in Legally Blonde JR, Something Rotten! JR, and most recently High School Musical JR, where she played Mrs. Darbus. Scarlett has also performed in productions at other theaters, including playing the title role in Peter Pan and the Genie/Aladdin, along with many other shows. She loves being part of the theater community and enjoys bringing characters to life on stage. Scarlett looks forward to continuing to grow as a performer and taking on exciting new roles in the future.
CAST BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
SLOANE MULLEN (Ensemble) is an eighth grader at The Baker Day School and a performer at TNP. Her first role at The Naples Players Academy was in the ensemble of High School Musical JR. She has also performed in several productions at other theaters, including Ensemble/The Wizard of Oz, Indian/Peter Pan, and Bird Girl/Seussical, along with many other shows. Sloane is kind, hardworking, and loves being part of the theater community.
MATIAS PISCOYA (Willard Hewitt) is excited to be part of Footloose JR. At 12 years old and a proud student at The Baker Day School, Matias has a deep love for musical theatre and is grateful for every chance to learn and grow on stage. He recently appeared as Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story: The Musical and Tobias Ragg in Sweeney Todd with The Naples Players, two roles that deepened his passion for storytelling on stage. He was also honored to perform his solo “Not While I’m Around” at this year’s annual Front & Center Gala. Other favorite roles include Zack/School of Rock and Ryan/High School Musical JR. A proud member of TNPA’s Junior Student Leadership Council, Matias would like to thank his directors, coaches, teachers and family for their endless support.
BRENNA RAY (Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of Footloose JR. Her past stage credits include the Evil Queen/Rotten Apples, the Cowardly Lion/When Bad Things Happen To Good Actors, Abu/Ensemble/Aladdin JR, Ensemble/The Lion King JR, and Ensemble/ Elf The Musical JR. Brenna loves the energy and creativity that live theater brings and is grateful to share the stage with such a talented cast and crew. She thanks her family and friends for their continued encouragement and support.
KENNA RESOP (Betty Blast/Ensemble) is a seventh grader who loves being on stage and performing. She has participated in many theater productions and enjoys dance. Most recently, Kenna performed with The Naples Players as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical JR. She is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and TNPA teachers and looks forward to continuing her passion for theater.
EMERSON ROSCHEK (Ariel Moore) is so excited to be back with the junior shows after finishing the teen show CATS as Coricopat. Her past roles include Delia/Beetlejuice JR, Anne Boleyn/SIX: Teen Edition, Ensemble/Dance Captain/Something Rotten! JR, and Margot/Legally Blonde JR. She’s so beyond excited to get to have this experience with some of her best friends. She wants to thank her voice teacher, Ms. Kelly for inspiring her in this role!!! She would like to thank Hunter, Petey, and Gaby for giving her this opportunity to do such an amazing show. She hopes you enjoy the show!!!
MIA STURZENEGGER (Cowgirl Barbara/Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in Footloose JR at The Naples Players. Previous favorite roles include Mrs. Wormwood/ Matilda JR, Sharpay/High School Musical JR, Nemo/Finding Nemo JR, Pepper/Annie, the Candyman/Willy Wonka JR, and Anna of Cleves/SIX: Teen Edition, along with ensemble roles in Newsies JR, Frozen JR, and Something Rotten! JR. Mia has trained with Broadway professionals and continues voice and dance lessons. She attends Baker Day School at TNPA and hopes to perform on Broadway one day. Mia is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and teachers. Enjoy the show!
JOSH TURNER (Coach Dunbar/Ensemble/Dance Captain) is an 8th grade student who has recently discovered his love for theatre This will be his first junior production. Outside of theatre Josh likes embroidery, cooking, and art. He has always had a fondness for musicals and is extremely excited to be a part of Footloose JR. He thanks his family for supporting his passion in theatre. He also thanks his vocal coach, friends, and everyone else who has helped him along the way.
BRINLEY WATKINS (Ensemble) absolutely loves acting, singing and performing. She is currently in 6th grade at The Village School where she’s been actively involved in their theater classes. Most recently, Brinley was cast as Young Anna in The Village School’s production of Frozen JR. Prior to that, she performed as part of the ensemble in TNPA’s The Wizard of Oz and looks forward to many more TNP productions in the future! Brinley wants to thank her family, friends and teachers for all their love and support and she hopes you enjoy the show!
SCARLETT YANA (Principal Clark/Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the stage for her second show at The Naples Players. She has always loved creative expression and bringing characters to life. Scarlett is a full-time student at The Baker Day School of TNPA, where she continues to grow as a performer. In addition to acting, she is a dedicated competitive equestrian, spending much of her time training and competing in the sport she loves. Scarlett is incredibly grateful to the TNP staff and her wonderful castmates for making this experience so special, and she sincerely hopes you enjoy the show!
OLIVIA YASA (Ensemble) is thrilled to be part of Footloose JR in the ensemble. She is currently in 8th grade at Baker Day School at TNPA and is passionate about musical theatre. Some of her previous roles include Breeze in Finding Nemo JR., Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Kratnoff/Ensemble in High School Musical JR. Her favorite part of this production has been the choreography and highenergy dance numbers. She dreams of performing on Broadway one day. She would like to thank her whole family for supporting her throughout her theatre journey, especially her mom and dad for always being there and taking time out of their day to support her in doing what she loves.
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
GABY ALEZARD (Choreographer) is so grateful to be part of Footloose JR and this wonderful creative team. A recent graduate of the University of Tampa’s Musical Theatre program, she’s especially happy to return to TNP after her time in Something Rotten! She’s incredibly proud of this cast and deeply thankful for the staff, crew, and volunteers who helped bring this show to life as well as her family for their unconditional love and support. Enjoy the show!
PETEY BITZEL (Music Director) is a versatile music director and performer. He has starred in leading roles in several award-winning films and theater productions, showcasing his impressive range and talent. Many accolades come from his work behind the scenes, where he has earned awards for his original music and sound design in numerous film productions. Petey has studied music his whole life and has been a vocal coach to multiple students. He specializes in post-production and audio, bringing a unique perspective to his work as a music director. He is thrilled to return to The Naples Players for Footloose JR after music directing Legally Blonde JR, Something Rotten! JR., and Beetlejuice JR
DALLAS
J. COOK (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to return to The Naples Players as this season’s lighting intern. He recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts. As TNP’s summer 2024 intern, DJ designed School of Rock and co-designed 42nd Street. In Charlotte, he has designed Peter and the Starcatcher, Measure for Measure, and Welcome to Our Village, Please Invade Carefully, as well as countless dance pieces. This season, he designed High School Musical JR and CATS, and was the ALD for And Then There Were None, Little Women, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and 9 to 5. He hopes you enjoy Footloose JR!
KENZIE CURRIE (Stage Manager) currently serves as the Chief of Staff at The Naples Players. She holds a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications and Theatre Arts from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and has previously contributed her skills at renowned institutions like Children’s Theatre Company in Minnesota, Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Illinois. Kenzie is passionate about continuing to demonstrate the way theater can change the foundations of a community - and is honored to serve Collier County by doing so.
ALEXANDRIA GOENNER (Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to be part of the backstage crew for this production of Footloose! She’s starred in previous TNPA productions including Legally Blonde JR, Something Rotten! JR, SIX: Teen Edition, CATS, and more! This is her first time working crew. She hopes that you sit back, relax, and enjoy Footloose JR!
AMY HUGHES (Props Designer) is excited to be propping such an amazing production. Amy is mostly known for her credits on stage in shows such as Marian/The Music Man and Mona/Chicago. She is excited to step into the role of a lifetime as the properties director for The Naples Players and looks forward to an amazingly creative future.
MARY ANNE McKERROW (Costume Designer) been a vital part of The Naples Players since 2005, where she has served as the costume designer and a teacher for the youth theatre program. In this role, she educates, enriches, and empowers young actors, helping to develop talent in the local community. Beyond her work behind the scenes, McKerrow is a seasoned performer who has appeared in numerous TNP productions. Her notable stage roles include: Donna/Mamma Mia!, Elizabeth Benning/Young Frankenstein, Momma Rose/Gypsy, Madame Thenardier/Les Misérables, and Mrs. Lovett/Sweeney Todd. McKerrow’s multifaceted career, spanning performance, education, and costume design, highlights her deep commitment and significant impact on the performing arts scene in Southwest Florida.
HUNTER REUM (Director) is excited to be making his TNPA directing debut with Footloose JR and he couldn’t have asked for a better team to have put this show on with. Outside of the production he has served as the 25-26 full season Education/Directing intern working as the Assistant Director for Ada and The Engine and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, as well as the Assistant to the Director for Little Women: The Musical and 9-5: The Musical.
ALYSSA TURNER (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freshman at Aubrey Rogers High. This is her first time being an ASM and she is excited to work on this production!
KOHEN VERRETTE (Sound Designer) After being hired as TNP’s Director of Sound in July 2025, Kohen is extremely excited to be a part of his fifth design project with TNPA. In the midst of relocation from New Orleans, Kohen is thrilled to be a part of this lively community. From working with legendary musical acts such as Ivan Neville and George Porter Jr. to mixing in some of the nation’s historical theaters, Kohen is ready to share his knowledge and have some fun with The Naples Players this season!
CREATIVE TEAM BIOS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
JASON WAGAMAN (Scenic Designer) graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology. This is his fourth year as the Technical Director at TNP. Dabbling in scenic design, his most recent credit is Beetlejuice JR . Originally from Minnesota, Jason is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to bring his craft to life in Naples. He is thrilled to be working in this facility, collaborating with an exceptional group of volunteers and staff whom he is proud to call friends. Jason would like to extend his deepest thanks to all the scenic volunteers for their tireless dedication and effort in bringing this production—and many others—to life. Their hard work and passion have made him feel truly at home.
CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED BIOS
DEAN
PITCHFORD Born and raised in Hawaii and graduated from Yale University, Dean Pitchford performed off- and on-Broadway (Godspell; Pippin) before turning to songwriting, screenwriting and directing.
Dean was nominated for four Academy Awards (winning the 1981 Best Song Oscar for “Fame,” co-written w/ Michael Gore), three Golden Globes (winning for “Fame”), eight Grammys and two Tonys; his songs - recorded by such artists as Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, Cher, Peter Allen, LL Cool J, Kenny Loggins, Hugh Jackman, Dolly Parton, Bette Midler and Martina McBride - have sold over 70 million records.
The musical stage adaptation (with Walter Bobbie) of his original screenplay for Footloose ran for more than 700 performances on Broadway and is now seen all over the world. Dean also provided the lyrics for Carrie: The Musical, which was produced in 1988 by the Royal Shakespeare Company -- first in England and then on Broadway -- and was revived in 2012 by New York’s MCC Theater.
Dean’s middle-grade novels, The Big One-Oh and Captain Nobody, are published by Putnam/Penguin; his performances of their audiobook recordings (Listening Library/ Random House) were both nominated for Grammys. His third novel, Nickel Bay Nick, was published to acclaim in 2013, and Dean voiced that audiobook for Audible.com.
In 2019, the musical adaptation of his first novel, The Big One-Oh!, premiered at New York’s Atlantic Theatre with lyrics by Dean, music by Doug Besterman and a libretto by Timothy Allen McDonald. www.deanpitchford.com
WALTER BOBBIE directed the New York productions of Bright Star, Venus in Fur, The Landing, Golden Age, School for Lies, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Chicago, The Submission, Cabin Pressure, The Savannah Disputation, New Jerusalem, High Fidelity, The Other Woman, The Marriage of Bette and Boo, Sweet Charity, Twentieth Century, Footloose, Durang/Durang, For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls, and A Grand Night for Singing. He was artistic director of City Center Encores!, where he also directed Fiorello!, Chicago, Tenderloin, Golden Boy, No, No, Nanette, and Zorba! as well as the Carnegie Hall concerts of South Pacific and Carousel. Mr. Bobbie served for 12 years on the Board of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He is the recipient of Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Tony Awards.
STAFF & LEADERSHIP 2025-2026 SEASON
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ROBIN BACHE GRAY President
DENNY GLASS Vice President
OTTO IMMEL Secretary
BOB UEK Treasurer
ALAN JAFFE
Immediate Past President
TED BILL
BOB BRADY
GEORGE D’ANGELO
JOAN DiLILLO
TNP STAFF (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
BRYCE ALEXANDER
Executive Artistic Director/CEO
MOLLIE BERMAN Director of Costumes
EMILY BETTINI
Director of Patron Services
JULES BRANCHE
Volunteer Manager
COLE BUTCHER
Artistic Director of Production/ Internship Director
PAMELA LARKIN CARUSO Director of Volunteer Advancement
STEVEN CARUSO Chief Education Officer
CHRISTIAN CONN Front of House Associate
JOHN COOPER Assistant Box Office Manager
EIMEAR COULLS Marketing Coordinator
KENZIE CURRIE Chief of Staff
DOREN DANIS Chief Financial Officer
JAMES DUGGAN Artistic Associate
PHILLIP FAZIO Artistic Director
CINDY FINEGAN Assistant House Manager
BRUCE GRAEV
TERRY LIBBY
KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
DEBBIE SMITH
GLENN VANGOLEN
CHARLES FORNARA Artistic Director of Music
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Artistic Director of Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
LUKE JACONIS Director of Donor Relations
TORI KERSHAW Backstage Manager
LANDON LIBBEY Front of House Associate
JENNIFER MANCE TNPA Faculty
TAYLOR MATTHEWS Company Stage Manager
JOHN McKERROW Food & Beverage Manager
MARY ANNE McKERROW Resident Costume Designer
JULIE MEDRANO Assistant Director of Education
DAN MILLER Assistant House Manager
DANA PETEROY TNPA Faculty
SUMMER PLISKOW Director of Arts Access
CRAIG PRICE Director of Community Enrichment
All emails are first initial, last name at naplesplayers.org
GINNY VERAS KAT ZAGEL
JOHN KROL City Liaison
JEN PRICE Director of Education
DAN RAMIREZ Front of House Associate
CHRIS RILEY Director of Lighting
DAYNE SABATOS Lead Draper/Costume Shop Foreman
GAETJENS (SCOTT) SIMEON Accounting Assistant
ESTHER SNYDER Executive Assistant to the CEO
KOHEN VERRETTE Director of Sound
JASON WAGAMAN Technical Director
LACEY YAKLIN Director of Development
2025-26 SEASON INTERNS
DALLAS J. COOK Lighting Intern
NICO WALKER Costume Intern
KENZ HODGE Scenic Intern
TORI KERSHAW Stage Management Intern
BRIDGET POULTER Props Intern
HUNTER REUM Education/Directing Intern
TNP OFFSTAGE: (239) 434-7340 | 700 Fifth Avenue South #200 | Naples, FL 34102
OUR MISSION: We build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.
