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As the curtain falls on 2025, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for a remarkable year of growth, celebration, and reconnection.
Last season marked a defining year for The Naples Players—one shaped by purpose, people, and possibility. From record-breaking productions and our largest season ticket base ever to national recognition for our award-winning LEEDcertified facility, our theatre was once again filled with energy, creativity, and connection. More than a milestone year, this was a moment of momentum: expanded education programs, groundbreaking Arts Access partnerships, and unprecedented volunteer engagement reaffirmed our role as both a cultural home and a national model.
with hospitals, schools, and community organizations, we extended the power of theatre far beyond our stages—bringing creativity,
and human connection to where they are needed most. At The Naples
and every applause is part of something
OUR MISSION
At The Naples Players, we build community through exceptional access to the power of theatre.
OUR VISION
We envision TNP as a cultural hub that leads a shift in the national perception of how theatres can impact their communities.
SHOW TIMES
WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY
7:30 p.m. SUNDAY
2 p.m. PRICING*
$55-$57/each
SEASON PACKAGES
$42-$46/each STUDENTS
$25/each
*Prices reflect remaining 2025-2026 shows only.
BOX OFFICE (239) 263-7990
MONDAY - SATURDAY 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. WILL CALL 2 hours before curtain
MONDAY - SATURDAY | Noon & 5 p.m.
Celebrating stories that unite us.
The stories of Season 73 explore what it means to belong, to reach across difference, and to find one another in moments of joy, loss, humor, and hope.
JUN 24 - JUL 26, 2026 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
THE TIMELESS MUSICAL OF HOPE AND HUMANITY A TALE OF FAMILY, FOOD, AND HEARTFELT TRUTH A SERIOUS COMEDY ABOUT SECOND CHANCES
OCT 07 - OCT 25, 2026 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
OCT 21 - NOV 22, 2026 IN THE PRICE STUDIO THEATER
NOV 18 - DEC 20, 2026 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
A TRUE STORY OF EXTRAORDINARY KINDNESS
73 RD SEASON PRESENTED BY
JAN 13 - FEB 14, 2027 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
FEB 03 - MAR 07, 2027 IN THE PRICE STUDIO THEATER ALL ABOARD FOR A LEGENDARY MYSTERY
SPONSORED BY GALLERIE INDIGO
DELICATE HOPES IN A CHANGING WORLD
MAR 10 - APR 11, 2027 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
SPONSORED BY STOCK DEVELOPMENT
PUT ON YOUR SUNDAY BEST & CELEBRATE LOVE, TIME & INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
MAR 31 - MAY 02, 2027 IN THE PRICE STUDIO THEATER
MAY 05 - MAY 23, 2027 IN THE KIZZIE THEATER
SAVING THE STORIES THAT SHAPED THE WORLD
AGA THA CHRISTIE'S
Free
50%
Season Ticket holders have the greatest access at the best prices. Choose as few as three shows with a Flex Package or see the whole season with our Platinum Package. Looking for just the peak season shows in our 450-seat Kizzie Theater? Our Gold Package is built just for that. Pick your seats early, get discounts on additional tickets, save on wine and beer, and level up by adding Elite Perks to your package.
Arts Access FOR ALL
ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES & PROGRAMS
Our Arts Access program provides opportunities and resources for community members of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to participate in our unparalleled, high-quality theatrical arts experiences.
PERFORMANCE ACCESSIBILITY
WHEELCHAIR SEATING & PARKING
ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES
SENSORY-FRIENDLY BOOTH
SIGN LANGUAGE
RESOURCES:
BRAILLE PERFORMANCE GUIDES
LARGE PRINT PERFORMANCE GUIDES
ACCESSIBLE GUIDES
SENSORY BAGS
RELAXED PERFORMANCES
CONNECT YOUR OWN ASSISTED LISTENING
DE VICE
Handheld and headphone devices are available at the Access Concierge desk at Patron Services.
If you have your own Bluetooth-enabled hearing device, you can connect your device directly to our sound by following the steps below.
STEP 1
Scan this QR code to connect to our hearing assist WIFI network.
STEP 2
Scan this QR code to download the ListenWifi App. Open the app and select your theater.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE SEE AN USHER OR VISIT THE ACCESS CONCIERGE DESK AT PATRON SERVICES.
COLLIER COUNTY CULTURE MEANS BUSINESS.
Company of Man of La Mancha Photo by Naples Creative.
Our Mission IN ACTION
2025 was a year of unparalleled growth and impact, not just within our theater walls but in our Southwest Florida community. We launched our full-time Baker Day School of our TNP Academy, had a record-setting season of ticket sales, and created our ArtRx program in partnership with NCH and other community partners.
The numbers below don’t come close to telling the full story but we encourage you to scan the QR code to view our 2025 Mission Report Card online to learn more.
PERFORMANCES
70,000+ tickets sold
272 performances
92% would recommend TNP
2,000+ season ticket holders
EDUCATION & ACCESS
EDUCATION & ACCESS
29 full-time students
1,000+ after school students
46 community partners
$250k in financial aid provided
VOLUNTEERS
30+ positions 850+ active volunteers 87,000+ volunteer hours
388 new volunteers in 2025
A Piece of My Heart Healing the Untold: Veronica Ostroski’s personal mission
in
For Veronica Ostroski, directing Shirley Lauro’s A Piece of My Heart isn’t just a career milestone—it is a reckoning with her own lineage. As the director for The Naples Players’ upcoming production, Ostroski finds the connection to this story of military veterans undeniable.
With both grandfathers serving in WWII, a father who was a captain and fighter pilot in the First Gulf War, and a grandmother who dedicated her life to nursing, the echoes of service and sacrifice have always reverberated through her family home.
When Ostroski saw the play on the schedule, she didn’t just apply; she jumped at the chance to interview with TNP’s Artistic Director Phillip Fazio for the role. “The play is about supporting those who have gone to war—people like those who were in my life,” she explains. It is a tribute to the “untold voices” of the Vietnam War: the women who served with unyielding strength, often returning to a country that offered little more than silence and disrespect.
USAF Capt. Michael Ostroski receiving The Air Medal
The Weight of History
To honor these stories, Ostroski committed herself to an arduous period of historical immersion. “Research is always important—especially for plays involving historical events,” she notes. Before a single actor walked into the audition room, Ostroski was deep in the archives, scouring primary sources from the late 1960s. Alongside a dedicated dramaturgy team, she pored over newsreels, newspaper articles, and the haunting prose of Tim O’Brien, whose work captures the traumatic reality of veterans returning to a conflicted nation.
This deep dive wasn’t just academic; it was the foundation for her casting. Ostroski needed to understand the specific “trauma of war” to identify which actors could inhabit these complex personas. “I needed to have a feel for each personality in the play to select the right actor for each role,” she says. “The research informed who each character was and I knew what I was looking for.”
From the Page to the Stage
The audition process revealed a cast that was as diverse as it was talented. One standout, Celine Evans, demonstrated an immediate, natural instinct for the text’s rhythm. Perhaps most poignant is the casting of Monique Berlinger, a real-life nurse and military veteran. Monique’s personal history brings a level of raw, livedin honesty to her portrayal that Ostroski describes as truly profound.
In the thick of rehearsals, Ostroski guided her ensemble of nine performers through the transition from “polite first table reads” to the visceral reality of the black box theater. For Ostroski, the director’s role is a delicate balance of providing a framework while allowing for discovery.
“I believe the director’s role is to sprinkle in their own taste, flavor, and method, but we really share the process,” she says.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >
Veronica in The Half Life of Marie Curie
“I believe the director’s role is to sprinkle in their own taste, flavor, and method, but we really share the process.”
Veronica Ostroski
“While you give direction, you are really creating an environment that helps actors discover their own moments. I have found it is important to let them play a bit.”
A Community Formed in Conflict
The result is a production that promises to be as intimate as it is expansive. Despite the small stage, the emotional stakes are massive. Ostroski is focused on the “intricacies and nuances” of the performance, smoothing out the rough edges of technicalities like entrances and
exits to let the heart of the story shine through.
Ultimately, A Piece of My Heart serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It is a reminder that while veterans were once forced to “move their life along as quickly as possible” in the face of national neglect, their stories—and the stories of the women who healed them—finally have a place to be heard. Under Ostroski’s direction, this production isn’t just a play; it’s an act of listening.
Veronica performing in Almost, Maine
We are honored to be a part of the renovation team, thank you to The Naples Players for your partnership.
Luxury Residential & Commercial Construction
Making Your Family the Star Today & for Generations to Come
Since 1980, Clarity Wealth has been helping the best families live their best lives today and for generations to come. Thanks to these families who have entrusted their financial confidence to us, Forbes named us the top-ranked wealth management practice in South Florida and the #7 practice in the nation with nearly $6 billion (as of 10/31/25) in assets under management.
Donor RECOGNITION
FEBRUARY 1, 2026 - MARCH 15, 2026
Please join us in thanking these donors who gave between February 1, 2026 and March 15, 2026. Gifts made today will be celebrated in a future issue of TNP Backstage.
Fred Acker
Kristin Adams
John M. Alfonso
Ward A. Alles
Steven Allex
David & Marcia Anderson
The Ann Childrens Fund, Inc
Bob & Nancy Anthony
Adiadne Argent
David Aufderhaar
Patty & Jay Baker
Roy Bateman
Stephen & Michelle Bebis
Lisa Behnke
Bert Rapowitz Family Fund
Laurie Biagetti
Ted & Lisa Bill
Theresa Bill
Ashley Blacketer
Donald & Linda Blauvelt
Joel Bleier
Jeff & Christianne Bohr
Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan
James Y. Brame
Remy Branstetter
Art & Hazel Brisker - W.E.Cross
Foundation
Pamela Brooke
Robert & Ruth Brown
HL & Kerry Burkley
Robert Butcher
William Caire
Gisselle & Jorge Calleja
John & Linda Cardillo
Margaret Cardillo
Cory Carlson
Anne Carr
Jeff & Ginette Carrier
Janet Casey
Dorothy Clarkson
Christine Cole
Brian P. Collins
Joan Conroy
Jim Corsica
Jeffrey Cory & Hina Sanghvi Cory
Richard & Virginia Craven
Robert & Pamela D’Amore
Bob & Christy Daggett
David McElrath, Esq. & Gale M. Sinkiewicz
Michael & Sharon Davidian
Diane Davis
Elysia Dawn
Shauna Dee
Adam & Sally DeFrancesco
Ted DeGroot
Mike & Dawn DelDuca
Dolores & Manny Di Teresi
Femke DiCesare
Colleen & Doug DiGiorno
Rocco & Joan DiLillo
Mary Dix
Carol Dlouhy
Doren Danis
Sandi Druley
Kerry & Maegan Dustin
Janis M. Edwards
Mark Eichengreen
Steven & Shelley Einhorn
Patti Erwood
John & Catherine Estey
Carole Fenstermacher
Suzette Fernandes
G Pizzuto Finn
Florida Department of State
Richard & Elizabeth Flury
Eileen Forde
Peter & Ginny Foreman
Charles & Dawn Lebrecht Fornara
Mark Fossee
Jeffrey Frommelt
Marcus & Julie Fuller
Barbara Garfold
Patricia T. Girard
Brian & Kim Glaeser
Tanya & Denny Glass
Jack Goggin
Bruce & Joanie Graev
Gordon & Sigrid Graves
Bruce Gray & Robin Bache Gray
Teresa A. Gusmus
Lisa Hale
Jennifer W. Hamilton
Jean Hartman
Renee & Robert Hatlelid
Russell Hawker
Harriet Heithaus
David & Jerri Hoffmann
Gary Injaian
David G. Ireland
Sherri Jablon
Keith & Shannan Jacoby
Alan & Liz Jaffe
Ronald Janus
Pat & Steve Jean
David Johnson
Russell Jones
Lisa Kahn-Allen & Phillip Allen
John Kamp
Merrylee Kandel
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Carin Keane
Margaret Keane
Jackie Kernaghan
Tammy Kipp
Amy D. Kopelan & Robert Davidson
Melanie Kover
Sarann & Stan Kraushaar
Herbert Kuebler
Terry Kurth
Dawn L Larson
Richard LeBer
Richard & Laura Lehrich
Frances Lester
Stuart Levy
Terry Libby
Liddy Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Liddy
Phyllis J. Liebman
Mary Lisowski
Peter Lobona
Robert & Theresa Lombardo
Joan T. Loos
Paul & EJ LoPresti
Frank J. Lupacchino
Donnna L. Macaulay
Randi L. MacKeil
Margaret L. MacKenzie
Tim & Kristen Martin
Jacqueline & William Masterson
Nancy McDermott
Bettina McKee
Laura McMahon
John & Lisa McNichol
Scott & Louise Root Melby
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Robert Milewski
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Patrick & Terry Miller
Sydney Miller
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Diane Mitchell
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Joseph & Krys Mortellaro
Jackie Mortman
Amy Moses
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Robert Nardi & Jeff Larkin
Rosanne Nave
NCM of Collier County, Inc
Timothy Newmann
Paul Nick
Frank Nigro
Norbert S. Norkus
Richard & Diane Norwood
Scott & Jennifer O’Dell
Wendy G. OConnell
Bob & Judy Odell
Barbara & Emery Olcott
Bek Osborne & Karen Jankowski
Frank Panzer & Karen
Quinn-Panzer
Joe Pascoe
Francesca L. Passidomo, Esq.
Pelican Landing Community Association
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Ashley Pettit
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Sharon Poole
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Sreepada Rao
Sue Rapanos
Tom Ray & Lorena Aguirre
John Reusch
Nancy Ribordy
Joseph Rocco
Lori & Mark Roman
Don Romoser
Barbara Rossetti
Royal Wood Master Association
Martha Rozman
Cynthia Ruddy & John Aliberti
MaryLee Ryan
Kenneth Rzeszutko
Tim & Stephanie Savage
Marilyn Scanlon
David Scharf
Melissa & Raymond Schrader
Michael Schroeck
Stephanie Schwetz & Tad Connerton
Scoville Familiy Charitable Fund
Judy Scribner
Bill Shade & John Pochopin
Rebecca & Larry Silber
Sirius Fund, c/o Kim Poulter
David B. & Vicky C. Smith
Jeff & Sue Smith
Peter & Deborah Smith
Sam & Karen Smith
Shirley M. Smith
William & Judith Smith
Harold Solomon
Pete & Saundra Spilotro
John & Judith Stang
Bill & Linda Stavropoulos
Joseph Stinson
Ron & Stephanie Stovash
Eva Sugden Gomez
Peter & Janet Swinburn
Mary Jane Tarabocchia
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Andrea & Joel Threlkeld
Norman & Ilona Toback
Joan & Richard Toder
Carol Tomer
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Vicki Tracy
Donald Troy
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Ginny A. Veras
Village Green Management Corporation
Giselle Wagner & Paul Myerson
Jim & Diana Wagner
Brian & Tami Walker
Michael Wall
Eric & Daria Wallach
Judy & Paul Wayland-Smith
Beth Weber
Greg & Claudine Wetzel
Katherine Wildman
Roger & Joanne Williams
Wilson & Johnson Private Foundation
Joan & Tom Wilson
Nancy Woolf
Anita & Bill Wright
Bruce & Deborah Yarde
Ron & Kathryn Zagel
Ann T. Zogbaum
The Naples Players observes a fiscal year that runs from January 1 - December 31 of the calendar year, and includes gifts that support our operating budget. Capital Campaign donors are greatly appreciated, and their gifts are honored in publications specifically related to the progress of the campaign.
Capital Campaign DONORS
With major gifts and support from these donors, we completed a $22 million renovation in 2024 that allows us to expand the reach and impact of our mission. Thank you to these donors.
$3,000,000+
Jay & Patty Baker
$2,500,000+
Jay R. Paul
$1,500,000+
Rocco & Joan DiLillo
$1,000,000+
Denny & Tanya Glass
Henry Price
$500,000+
John & Joanne Fisher
Claire Skinner
David B. & Vicky C. Smith
David & Jerrilyn Hoffmann
$250,000+
Muffy Clark Gill
George D’Angelo & Laura St. Clair
Theresa Bill
Diane & Sid Davis
Bruce & Robin Bache Gray
$100,000+
Peter & Janet Swinburn
Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan
John & Catherine Estey
NBH Family Foundation
$50,000+
Nancy Woolf
Steven & Shelley Einhorn
Kevin & Dorota Kilstrom
Ken Krier
Terry Libby
Peggy & James Monson
Alan & Liz Jaffe
$25,000+
Robert & Ruth Brown
Jack & Debera Millstein
Jeff & Judy Kane
Patti Hepburn (The STEP Fund)
Kathryn & Ronald Zagel
Bruce & Joanie Graev
Sarann & Stan Kraushaar
Kathleen Azzariti
Shideh & Shahab Bina & Family
Jim & Linda Mizeur
$15,000+
Elizabeth Rountree
Brit & Marilyn Bartter
Audrey & Vaughn Pengelly
Nancy Ribordy
$10,000+
John P. & Linda B. Cardillo
Robert W. Uek
Ted & Lisa Bill
Tony & Wynne Ridgway
Alyssa Haney
Paulette Oliva/Oliva Family
Charitable Trust
Mark & Darlene Miller
The Claremont Family
The Betsey Harris Fund (Alan & Elizabeth Harris)
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >
Capital Campaign DONORS
$5,000+
Lake Michigan Credit Union & Finemark Bank & Trust
The Nancy Peery Marriott Foundation
Barbara & George Davin
Donald & Victoria Strumillo
Debbie & Tim Wesolowski
Otto & Jennifer Immel
The Hastings Fitzgerald Family Fund
$2,500+
Carla Grieve
Janet Showers & Day Patterson
Vic & Patti Caroli
Pat Pollok
Dede & Robert Brownlee
Cheryl & Trent Waterhouse
$1,000+
Steve Purcell
Sue Rapanos
John & Pamela Meehan
Charmaine & Adrian Banky
Pengelly Family Fund
Arlene & Terry Riegel
Linda Fikes
Linda Benedict Colvin
Jo Ellen Atkinson
Bill & Carol Rohde
David & Terry Whalley
Tom Ray & Lorena Aguirre
Up to $1,000
Joel & Noel Bleier
Carole Fenstermacher
Patricia Rutzler
Scott & Louise Root Melby
Hildegard Carney
Mary Lisowski
Jim Corsica
Joel & Arlene Banow
Ellen Prokopow & Zane Hollingsworth
Dean Corrow & Francis Feltault
Pamela & Steven Caruso
Mary Connone
Linda Reymann
Diane Thompson
Margot Kenzie
Eleanor S. Dobbin
Debra Sundin
A PIECE OF MY HEART
A PLAY BY SHIRLEY LAURO
DIRECTOR
VERONICA OSTROSKI
LIGHTING DESIGNER
JEFF BROWN
SOUND DESIGNER
TYLER JENNINGS
SCENIC & PROPS DESIGNER
AMY HUGHES
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PHILLIP FAZIO
PRICE
STAGE MANAGER
SHERLAY CAJUSTE
COSTUME DESIGNER
GWEN BETTINI
DRAMATURGS
RICKI BAKER & PATRICIA PUIA
EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BRYCE ALEXANDER
STUDIO THEATER | APR 01 - APR 26, 2026
“A Piece of My Heart” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. 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: https:// concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
Sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts & Culture and the Florida Council on Arts & Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).
Cast & CREW
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER ......................................................................... CHRISTINA SKIBICKI
DECK MANAGER ..................................................................................................... TORI KERSHAW
BACKSTAGE CREW ............ MONISHA CHARLES, PATRICIA M c CULLOUGH, KEY TEETERS, KELLEY WATSON
ELECTRICIANS .................................................................................
LIGHT BOARD OPERATORS .........................................................
LLOYD ADAMS, DALLAS J. COOK
LLOYD ADAMS, DENISE ALEXANDER
ASSISTANT PROPS DESIGNER ............................................................................
BRIDGET POULTER
PROPERTIES ..................................................................................................
DEBRON M c CARTNEY
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION & CARE ..................... SANDI DRULEY, STEPHANIE FOWLE, OLGA GOLOVAN, JOAN LAUGHLIN, SANDY L o PRESTI, LISA M c NICHOL, BETH RATHEY, JEAN SNYDER, CAROLYN VELECHKO
SCENIC PAINTING & CONSTRUCTION ................................................... BOB BOEHM, ROB BRICENO, SYLVIA CONGER, JOHN FELICIANO, JOE FEMIA, LINDA FRIIS, JIM GAYEUSKI, DAVID JOHNSON, STEVE LEE, RUSS LOYET, RAY MARASCO, TOM M c CULLOUGH, VINCENT O’BYRNE, DAVID ORTH, PAUL PENNISI, JOHN PIAZZA, BOB RATH, TRACY ROSEN, LINDA RUSSELL THORNE, JEFF SMITH, WAYNE STRANGWAYS, MARY TAYLOR, TOM TIERNY, MICHAEL TROOP, MJ WANN, FRED WILLIG
Acts & SCENES
SETTING & TIME
In Vietnam during the Vietnam War, following six women before, during, and after their service. It explores their lives in the 1960s-70s, culminating with them visiting the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
ACT 1
SCENE ONE: OUTSIDE, SOMEWHERE NEAR THE WALL IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
SCENE TWO: THE PAST
ACT 2
SCENE ONE: THE PAST
SCENE TWO: OUTSIDE, SOMEWHERE NEAR THE WALL IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Meet THE CAST
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
WYNNE ZELEN BARUCH
Martha
MONIQUE BERLINGER
Leeann
CELENE EVANS
Steele
SARAH GAMBLIN
Whitney
TOM GREGUS
The American Men
MELODY LABRIOLA Mary Jo
MARY SESLAR Woman
LYNNELLE ST. ALBORD Woman
WENDY WICK
Sissy
WYNNE ZELEN BARUCH (Martha) is thrilled to return to the stage after a brief hiatus—of only about 35 years. A lifelong lover of theatre, Wynne trained at The Player’s Workshop of Second City and Acting Studio Chicago. She recently reignited that passion through acting classes in Naples. She has appeared here at The Naples Players in Readers Theatre and Diane Davis’s Showcase performances. A Piece of My Heart marks her first full-length production with TNP. Wynne is grateful and overjoyed to be part of this cast and crew. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she’s enjoyed rediscovering her passion. A special thank you to her favorite line-learner, David.
MONIQUE BERLINGER (Leeann) A Hoboken, NJ native, Monique is a registered nurse stepping into this style of acting for the first time. Nursing has shaped her ability to listen deeply, respond with compassion, and stay present in vulnerable moments—qualities reflected in the nurses of A Piece of My Heart. She approaches this role with humility & respect. Running , tennis, and yoga keep her energized & recharged with culinary experiences. Endless gratitude to her husband of 24 years for his steady support and encouragement throughout this journey.
CELENE EVANS (Steele) is a Chicago-trained actor whose work spans Shakespeare, comedy, and film. A former member of The Shakespeare Repertory of Chicago, she performed leading roles including Juliet/Romeo and Juliet, Viola/Twelfth Night, and the Witches/Macbeth. She earned a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Best Actor for her performance as Elsa in Meetings at Northlight Repertory Theatre. In SWFL, Celene appeared as Margaret/ FLOTUS/POTUS at The Laboratory Theatre, and as Lottie/Carmen/By the Way, Meet Vera Stark at The Naples Players. Additional credits include work with The Charlotte Players and a screen appearance in Next of Kin alongside Patrick Swayze and Liam Neeson. She is passionate about fearless storytelling, complex female roles, and the magic of live theatre.
SARAH GAMBLIN (Whitney) is excited to return to The Naples Players’ stage after volunteering backstage and acting as the female swing in The Play That Goes Wrong in January 2025. She was most recently seen as Sylvia/The Cottage produced by The Studio Players. Sarah’s love of theatre has only grown since she moved to Naples. Her journey began when she auditioned for TNP’s production of The Sound of Music (Ensemble) in an effort to make friends and she was thrilled to find not only individual friends, but a thriving, welcoming community. She wants to thank her local theatre community for reintroducing her to the joys of theater as well as her family for their energy, love and support. She hopes you enjoy this heartfelt show and come back for the next!
TOM GREGUS (The American Men) is absolutely thrilled to once again return to The Naples Players’ stage for this production of A Piece of My Heart! You may have seen him in other productions here in the Price Studio Theatre as either Lord Lovelace/Ada and the Engine or as Pete/Jimmy/Almost, Maine. Tom has also performed with Stage 2 Improv numerous times, but when he’s not performing, he spends his days as a Scenic Carpenter building sets for Gulfshore Playhouse. While studying theatre at East Carolina University, Tom also became a certified Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. Outside of the theatre, Tom will often spend time at emo nites, karaoke, or playing board and video games with his friends.
MELODY LABRIOLA (Mary Jo) is beyond excited to be making her mainstage debut with The Naples Players! She was most recently seen at TNP as Emmy in A Doll’s House, Part 2 as part of the Readers Theatre Actors Studio Series. Her previous credits include a variety of roles at the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville, Florida. Melody extends her heartfelt thanks to the incredible community that has welcomed her so warmly into the TNP family. Much love to her parents for that very first guitar, and to her husband, who is always ready to jam out with her.
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Meet THE CAST
MARY SESLAR (Woman) is a Naples native who discovered her love for theater through the youth program at The Naples Players. After making her stage debut in Rumors, she is excited to return to the stage for her second production and continue exploring the world of theatre.
LYNNELLE ST. ALBORD (Woman) God first, family second, theatre third. Theatre has always been one of Lynnelle’s greatest passions. Ever since her first audition in grade school, she knew the stage was where she belonged. It has become a second home and a much-needed creative outlet. Hailing from Hollywood, Florida, Lynnelle is honored to be part of this production as a supporting performer and understudy for Steele. Community and high school theatre helped shape the woman she is today.
The words, movement, and emotions that artists bring to life on stage continue to inspire her from production to production. While she doesn’t know what imitated what first — art or life — she loves that we are inspired by what is before us and we inspire what is after us.
WENDY WICK (Sissy) With strong Northern roots, Wendy Wick is excited to make her Naples Players debut as Sissy in A Piece of My Heart. Having recently graduated high school, Wendy is thrilled to be part of such a powerful and meaningful production and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside such a talented cast and crew. Passionate about storytelling, she is honored to help bring this important show to life and hopes this marks the beginning of a long journey in theatre.
Collier County Needs Club Kids
In 2025 we served over 4,300 youth with opportunities to explore ballet, ceramics, improv and learning that their dreams are within reach.
Meet THE CREATIVE TEAM (IN
GWEN BETTINI
TYLER JENNINGS Sound Designer
VERONICA OSTROSKI Director
BRIDGET POULTER Assistant Props Designer
GWEN BETTINI (Costume Designer) is a Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) educated clothing designer, professional seamstress, and retired small business owner who ‘fell into’ costume design while her children were in school. This led to 11 years as the Costume Director for the Warwick Valley Middle School in New York. Once moving to Naples, she found an outlet for her passion by volunteering with TNP beginning in August 2022. Past design credits include And Then There Were None, The Hallelujah Girls and Almost, Maine. It has been a pleasure working with the creative and supportive crew at The Naples Players, director Veronica, and the very talented cast of A Piece of My Heart. Gwen would also like to thank her husband, Bill, for his constant encouragement; and her daughter, Emily, for her support and input.
JEFF BROWN (Lighting Designer) is the owner of BrownKnows Design, a design and fabrication studio in Duluth, MN. After earning a technical theater degree, Jeff spent nearly 20 years as a lighting and scenic designer, technical director, and production manager for theaters across Minnesota and Arizona before taking a year off to consult on and fabricate the learning environment and exhibits for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota. That unique opportunity ignited a new passion and focus. Although still heavily involved in theater (including more than 175 lighting designs), Jeff and his BrownKnows Design team design and fabricate a wide array of permanent exhibits and play spaces for children’s museums and cultural organizations throughout the Midwest.
Costume Designer
AMY HUGHES Scenic & Props Designer
SHERLAY CAJUSTE Stage Manager
CHRISTINA SKIBICKI Assistant Stage Manager
JEFF BROWN Lighting Designer
SHERLAY CAJUSTE (Stage Manager) was born and raised here in Naples, FL. She came back home in 2022 after graduating from FSU looking to delve more in the film/theatre world and found Naples Players. Having lived here her whole life, she did not know this wonderful community theatre was in her vicinity. Sherlay immediately signed up as a volunteer and her first show was Blithe Spirit where she met the kindest and most amazing community she could ask for. She couldn’t stop coming back after that. After a couple years of trying out different roles backstage, Sherlay finally mustered up the courage to take the stage management class offered by TNP. She is now joining A Piece of My Heart as a Stage Manager.
AMY HUGHES (Scenic & Props Designer) This is Amy’s first scenic design and she is excited to be designing such an powerful piece of theatre. 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.
TYLER JENNINGS (Sound Designer) is originally from Wisconsin, now residing in Minneapolis. Tyler has found a love of sound design while working both theater and live music events. Through his career he has worked with well known theaters in the Twin Cities including designing The Pajama Game and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Artistry Theater. After sound designing 9 to 5, The Half-Life of Marie Curie, and Southern Comforts, Tyler is very excited to be returning for his fourth show with The Naples Players.
VERONICA OSTROSKI (Director) is an actor, director, and teaching artist based here in Naples. She holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Belmont University and an MFA in Directing from the Actors Studio Drama School. She is thrilled to be directing her first production at TNP. Selected directing credits include La Musica Deuxieme (A/ Park Prod.); Seussical JR (Gulfshore Playhouse); Fefu and Her Friends, Neighborhood 3 (ASDS Rep); IKIGAI (Ren Gyo Soh). When she is not in
a darkened theater, she can be found playing tennis or with a good book on one of our local beaches. For a complete resume and teaching credits: veronicaostroski.com
BRIDGET POULTER (Assistant Props Designer) is the full season props intern at The Naples Players and she is thrilled to be working with TNP for this season. Bridget was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado and she is a recent graduate from Colorado State University where she obtained her B.A. in Theatre Design and Technology with a concentration in Scenic Design with a minor in Film Studies. She has previously worked as the prop designer for Beau Jest and 9 to 5 (TNP), the scenic designer for Into the Woods (Colorado State University, ACTF nomination) and the props designer for Peter and the Starcatcher (Colorado State University). She is looking forward to continuing her props career here and hopes that you enjoy the show!
CHRISTINA SKIBICKI (Assistant Stage Manager) started volunteering at The Naples Players almost 2 years ago as an usher. Since then she has volunteered for several shows doing various backstage roles. Christina is excited to be assistant stage manager for A Piece of My Heart.
A PIECE OF MY HEART ORIGINS
Shirley Lauro’s 1991 play is based on the 1986 oral history book A Piece of My Heart: The Stories of TwentySix American Women Who Served in Vietnam by journalist Keith Walker. It tells the true stories of women who served in the Vietnam War— primarily nurses, but other military and civilian personnel as well. Walker compiled firsthand interviews with 26 American women who served in Vietnam.
Lauro subsequently conducted additional interviews to create her composite script that features six characters (plus one actor playing multiple supporting male roles) to represent the broader experiences of real women veterans.
Lauro worked directly from these accounts and often preserved their words verbatim, creating for her audiences a kind of documentary drama. Though the characters in the play are composites (each represents multiple real women), their experiences are faithful to the actual events they experienced.
Shirley Lauro
Actors Theatre of Louisville, one of America’s most prominent regional theatres, is known for launching powerful contemporary plays. It was here in 1991 that the premiere of A Piece of My Heart took place, directed by Jon Jory, a major figure in American regional theater and Artistic Director of Actors Theatre.
The play ran Off-Broadway at the Manhattan Ensemble Theatre also in 1991. It has since been produced frequently across the U.S., especially in regional theaters, college drama departments, community theaters, and military-affiliated groups.
A Piece of My Heart has been endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America and is often performed at VA hospitals, veterans’ conventions, and military events. Veterans—including women who served—have publicly affirmed the emotional and factual truth of the portrayals.
The play has been used in therapy and veteran reintegration programs, which rely on truthful representations to help healing. And it resonates deeply with audiences who lived through the war and their families – further validating its authenticity.
For years, A Piece of My Heart has had a huge impact for its poignant, realistic portrayal of a group often left out of war narratives: women veterans.
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Life in Naples Life in Naples
Our VOLUNTEER HEART
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION | 2025
Thank you to these amazing volunteers who continued to give of their time and talents this past season. We could not have done it without you.
500+ HOURS
Gwen Bettini
Braxton Cabrera
Sherlay Cajuste
Christian DeSalvo
Edison Filner
Linda Friis
250 - 499 HOURS
LJ An
Leo Benander-McKay
Lisa Bill
Ladd Boris
Alyssa Bradshaw
Maddie Brendel
Dede Brownlee
JamieLynn Bucci
Jody Cameron
Lexi Camina
Peter Caporal
Robert Cappetta
Patti Caroli
Tina Cedras
Lexii Clemons
Grace Condit
Katharine Condit
William Condit
Lisa Gunn
Thomas Hartland
Nancy Hayer
Maria Hernandez
John McGonigle
Frank Messana
Peggy Monson
Brady Patterson
Patricia Puia
Matthew Schwabauer
Christina Skibicki
Jean Snyder
Abigail Spiker
Michael Troop
Alessa Vazquez
Jack Weld
Fred Willig
Belinda Conigliaro
Christian Conn
James Corsica
Thomas Currie
Jon Declet
Vivienne Engelmann
Joseph Femia
Cindy Finegan
Kady Finegan
Kit Gorritz FitzSimons
Stephanie Fowle
Kaila Francois
Mitch Frank
Noah Garcia
Alexander Garciarena
Tammy Harris
Jeannine Hedberg
Naphtaisha Jean Charles
Ruth Johnson
Kip Jones
Kristina Kavalov
Kevin Kenneally
Steve Lee
Terry Libby
Russel Loyet
Karen McGonigle
John McKerrow
Sydney Mixon
Brian Muniz
Sydney Ott
Joyce Perl
Matias Piscoya Fernandez
Victoria Rinaldi
Isabella Rosato
Kelly Rossberg
Vanessa Rossberg
Roseann Ruggiero
Hannah Schumacher
Judy Scribner
Olivia Silverio
Eric Sivertsen
Jeff Smith
Marjorie Smith
Mila Stanisic
Colton Townsend
Landon Townsend
Malena Tucker
Alyssa Turner
Dylan Turner
Aseem Upadhyay
Lynne Vela
Perry Ventro
Carter Zgonina
GET INVOLVED
Departments and activities for friendly folks of all ages and abilities
PERFORMERS
Come audition for a show! All of our performers are volunteers, with each cast being a mix of veterans, newcomers, and novices.
BACKSTAGE CREW
Fly rail, audio assistant, backstage crew, spotlight operator, board operator... the behind-the-scenes opportunities at TNP are endless!
COSTUME SHOP
Assist with repairs, alterations, sewing, ironing, steaming, buttons, hems... you name it! Costumes for every performance are made on site!
SCENE SHOP
Lend a hand with set construction, demolition, painting, and the occasional prop fabrication. Get your hands dirty and have fun doing it!
USHERS
Greet patrons, scan tickets, work concessions, hand out programs, and escort patrons to their seats. Be the first friendly face patrons see and experience!
All of our staff and volunteers love to get new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to the area, or just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills at the next audition or contact Pamela Larkin Caruso to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house!
Staff & LEADERSHIP
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 House Manager
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
BRUCE GRAEV
TERRY LIBBY
KELLEY GERAGHTY PRICE
NANCY RIBORDY
DEBBIE SMITH
GLENN VANGOLEN
Assistant House Manager
CHARLES FORNARA
Artistic Director of Music
DAWN LEBRECHT FORNARA Artistic Director of Dance
AMY HUGHES Props Director
LUKE JACONIS Director of Patron Services
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
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
All emails are first initial, last name at naplesplayers.org TNP OFFSTAGE: (239) 434-7340 | 700 5th Ave S. #200 | Naples, FL 34102
HELPING DREAMS TAKE Center Stage
Sponsors & ADVERTISERS
Bob Brady & Kathleen Callahan
