Ren Pearson, Leslie Price, Jim Floyd, Cheryl “Coco” McCall
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chair Katie Weiss
Vice Chair Diane Weiss
Secretary Scott Keys
Treasurer Rob McLain
Trustees Michelle Bilsky, Bill Rusling, Es Swihart
ABOUT THE SARA
The Sarasota Players is Sa community theatre, creating over 96 years. We produce contemporary plays and mu talent of all ages. Our educ Players Studio, offers theat and adults — no experienc welcoming, inclusive space encouraged to take part, w backstage or in the audienc
At The Players, you don’t ju become part of it
POLICIES
LATE ARRIVALS Patrons arriving production begins will be seated as can, but may not be able to be seat ticketed seats. No refunds for late a
RECORDING Due to copyright law any kind is prohibited.
NOISE During performances, refrai conversations, unwrapping snacks, phones, tablets, watch alarms and other sound/light-emitting device.
CHILDREN Discretion is advised re appropriate age of children attendin Attendance of children under the ag recommended for most shows. Chi remain seated during the performan
Please note that The Sarasota Play the right to refuse admission to - or disruptive, unruly, or visibly intoxica participants. Patrons or participants leave the theatre upon request by h shall be considered trespassers an to removal by law enforcement.
No exceptions!
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S NOTE
As The Sarasota Players steps into an exciting new chapter, we find ourselves at a powerful moment of reflection and possibility. With new leadership and an energized Board of Trustees who bring both deep roots and fresh perspective, we are standing at the threshold of a renewed vision, one that honors our past while boldly shaping our future. As Artistic Director, I am incredibly proud and excited to help guide this next era as we move toward an extraordinary milestone: 100 years as Sarasota’s oldest theatre.
Our focus is clear. We are committed to strengthening our mission and investing in what has always made The Sarasota Players special. At our heart, we are not simply a building or a stage, we are a community. A community of artists, students, educators, volunteers, audiences, and supporters who believe in the power of storytelling and the transformative impact of theatre and theatre education It is this shared passion that has carried us through decades of change and continues to propel us forward.
This season reflects that belief. It is rooted in connection, creativity, and courage, celebrating voices both familiar and new, honoring tradition while embracing innovation, and creating space for learning, growth, and joy. Whether you are joining us as a lifelong patron or stepping into our theatre for the very first time, you are an essential part of this story.
We are playing on. We are building toward the future with intention and heart. And as we return for our third act, we do so together, grateful for where we’ve been, inspired by where we’re going, and ready to continue telling stories that bring us closer, challenge us, and remind us why live theatre matters.
Thayer Greenberg Managing Artistic Director
The Sarasota Players
uction of
LES MISÉRABLES
SCHOOL EDITION
Performed entirely by students
MUSICAL BY
ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG
BASED ON NOVEL BY VICTOR HUGO
LYRICS BY HERBERT KRETZMER
ORIGINAL FRENCH TEXT BY ALAIN BOUBLIL and JEAN-MARC NATEL
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY JAMES FENTON
School Edition specially adapted and licensed by MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH (OVERSEAS) LTD A
MUSIC BY CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHONBERG
ADAPTED BY TREVOR NUNN and JOHN CAIRD
ORIGINAL ORCHESTRATIONS BY JOHN CAMERON
NEW ORCHESTRATIONS BY CHRISTOPHER JAHNKE, STEPHEN METCALFE and STEPHEN BOOKER
ORIGINALLY PRODUCED BY CAMERON MACKINTOSH
SÉR
The Players Studio presents Brian F. Finnerty
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Debbi White STAGE MANAGER
CREATIVE TEAM
Scenic Design
Brian F. Finnerty
Lighting Design
Ethan Vail
Costume Design
Jill Rodriguez
Costume Shop Manager
Tech Associate DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER
Jill Rodrigu
Costume
Val Rozon
Props
Logan Jun
Jason Ellis
Production Manager
Brian F. Finnerty
Technical Director Scott Schuster
Assistant Technical Director Logan Junkins
CAST
Jean Valjean … Asher Woom
Javert … Arthur Saldanha
Fantine … Grace Suter
Marius … Kegan Gargano
Cosette … Piper Freeman
Gavroche … Minna Montagn
Éponine … Jules Whittemor
Young Cosette … Linnea W
Young Éponine … Ayat Mez
Thénardier & Ensemble …
Madame Thénardier & Ense
Enjolras & Ensemble … Tyl
Grantaire & Ensemble … R
Feuilly & Ensemble … Coop
Prouvaire & Ensemble … M
Combeferre & Ensemble …
Courfeyrac & Ensemble …
Joly & Ensemble … Dillon O
ENSEMBLE
Anna Chop
Addie Riesen
Skyler Gauntt
Lorenzo Quiñones
Eila Chandra
Morgan Kessler
Elizabeth Cole
Gaby Suchan
Lara Cramer-Ekeberg
Eva Korres
Willa Carpenter
Hayley Keigher
Charlotte Toomey
Bailey Letner
Tatiana Moskalenko
SUNDERSTUDIES
Jean Valjean U/S … Tyler Ashlock
Javert U/S … Evan Jarr
Fantine U/S … Lara Cramer-Ekeberg
Marius U/S … Jordan Modjeski
Cosette U/S … Elizabeth Cole
Éponine U/S … Gaby Suchan
Thénardier U/S … Cooper Nielson
Madame Thénardier U/S … Addison Reisen
Enjolras U/S … Cooper Nielson
Grantaire U/S … Mason Chase
SÉRAB
g, Javert, and Valje
Prologue: On Parole – Valjean, Farmer, Labourer, Innk
At the End of the Day – Fantine, The Poor, Foreman, Workers, Factory Girls, and Valjean
I Dreamed a Dream – Fantine
The Docks– Fantine, Sailors, Prostitutes, Old Woman, Crone, and Pimp
Fantine's Arrest – Fantine, Bamatabois, Javert, and Valjean
The Runaway Cart – Onlookers, Valjean, and Javert
Who Am I? – Valjean
The Confrontation – Javert and Valjean
Castle on a Cloud – Young Cosette and Madame Thenardier
Master of the House – Thenardier, Madame Thenardier and Chorus
The Well Scene – Valjean and Young Cosette
The Bargain / The Thénardier Waltz of Treachery – Thenardier, Valjean, Madame Thenardier, and Young Cosette
Stars – Javert
The First Attack Enjolras, Grantaire, Students, Valjean, and Javert Drink with Me – Grantaire, Students, Women, and Marius Bring Him Home – Valjean Dawn of Anguish – Enjolras and Students
The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche) – Enjolras, Marius, Valjean, Grantaire, Gavroche, and Students
The Final Battle – Army Officer Grantaire Enjolras and Students
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
At its core, Les Misérables is a story about revolution. Not just the one that took place in 19th-century France, but the quiet, personal revolutions that happen inside each of us when we decide to stand up for something greater than ourselves. The students on our stage are telling a story born from the unrest following the French Revolution, a time when young people looked at their world and asked difficult questions about justice, poverty, leadership, and equality. They demanded change. They demanded to be heard.
We are living in a time when conversations about inequality, compassion, systemic injustice, and the responsibility of community are everywhere. The barricade in Les Mis is not just a pile of furniture in the streets of Paris; it is a symbol of courage. It represents the bravery it takes to believe in a better future, even when the outcome is uncertain.
What makes this production especially powerful is that it is being told by young artists. The same age as the students who stood at the barricade. They aren’t pretending to understand the stakes; they live in a world where those stakes are real. They know what it means to raise their voices. And they do so with honesty, heart, and extraordinary talent.
Victor Hugo wrote a story that reminds us that mercy can transform a life, that love can endure hardship, and that even in the darkest moments, there is light worth fighting for. Watching these students bring those truths to life has filled me with immense hope. As many of them prepare to head off to college next year, I couldn’t be prouder, and I am confident they will carry that same kindness, empathy, and determination into whatever comes next. Thank you for supporting educational theater.
Thank you for supporting these remarkable kids. Welcome to the barricade!
Brian F. Finnerty Director/Choreographer/Scenic Designer
BIOS
Asher Woomert (Jean Valjean) is a senior in the Booker Highschool VPA Theatre department and so excited to be taking part in his 10th Players production. You may have previously seen him in various roles in Metamorphoses, as well as the Demon Barber in Sweeney Todd. He would like to thank Brian, Debbi, Thayer, and Jason for all the love and support and for this amazing opportunity to grow. “Special thanks to my brother, mom and dad, as well as my dogs for letting me scream my songs at them” P.S If you bring me chocolate pudding I’ll give you a hug.
Arthur Saldanha (Javert) is a Brazilian musical theater and singing student! He has been in some productions such as Hairspray (as Corny Collins), The Addams Family (as Gomez), Beetlejuice, and Metamorphoses! Arthur would like to thank his family, teachers, and friends for all their support!
Grace Suter (Fantine) is ecstatic to be a part of this production of Les Miserablé, she has wanted to be a part of this show since she first saw it 9 years ago. She is so incredibly grateful for the chance to have such a special role. She was recently seen in Metamorphoses as various roles, Sweeney Todd as Beggar Woman, and last year’s high school play The Good Doctor as various roles. She would like to thank Mr. Brian for this incredible opportunity, Ms. Thayer, for all the vocal training, and her mom Jennifer for all the love and support.
Kegan Gargano (Marius) is so excited to be in another show at the Players! Some of his previous credits include Anthony in Sweeney Todd, The Good Doctor, and Metamorphoses. He is a senior at the Out-of-Door Academy where he continues to perform on the stage! Kegan would like to thank his directors, cast, family, and friends for supporting him. He would appreciate a Papa John's cheese pizza after each show, but whether you bring one or not, he hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Tyler Ashlock (Enjolras/Convict 1) is a senior at Booker High School and is more than ready to blow this popsicle stand! After a five-year residency at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, he’s thrilled to be making his debut here at The Players. When he’s not on stage, Tyler enjoys long walks on the beach, fried chicken, and watching the 2005 film Nanny McPhee. He plans to pursue a BFA in Musical Theater at whichever school gives him the most money. Tyler dedicates this performance to Juliane Teauge. See you after the show for a hug!
Piper Freeman (Cosette) is 16 years old and a level 3 in the Booker High School VPA Theatre Department. She has been studying voice with various different teachers for nearly 12 years and can be caught backstage searching desperately for bobby pins. Some of her favorite roles include Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Barbara in Beetlejuice, Janet in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Maria in The Sound of Music. She’s grateful for every chance to grow, perform, and be part of the theatre community that feels like home. She would like to thank her friends and family as well as caffeine for its continued support. Enjoy the show!
Jules Whittemore (Eponine) has only “Dreamed a Dream” of being in the production of Les Mis “In her Life”. She is a Junior at The Out-of-Door Academy and has been seen in many productions including: Shrek: The Musical, Puffs, The Curious Savage, and Spelling Bee: The Musical. She can’t wait for you to watch these “Lovely Ladies” and gentlemen and everyone who fills these “Empty Chairs” will feel as if they’re floating with the “Stars” when you see this production. So “Do You Hear the People Sing?” You sure will soon, and “At the end of the day” you won’t regret it.
Linnea Weiss (Young Cosette/Gavroche Gang) is a sixth-grade student at SSAS. She loves performing in Players shows and her favorites she’s performed in thus far include Annie, Cabaret, and Matilda. Linnea is thrilled to be in Les Miserablé (her favorites show!). Thanks to Mr. Brian and Thayer for their training, encouragement, and kindness.
Ayat Mezroub (Young Eponine/Gavroche Gang) is thrilled to join this high school production at 9 years old and is grateful for the chance to learn from such talented older performers! Ayat is especially excited for the opportunity to be directed by Mr. Brian and sends him a huge thankyou for giving her this unique experience. Her previous roles include Peter in Peter Pan, Molly in Annie, Jetsam in The Little Mermaid, Downy in Honk Jr., and Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr. Ayat wants to give a very special thank you to Aunie for all her love, support, and rides to rehearsal!
Minna Montagna (Gavroche) is an 11-year-old home school student who loves to sing, dance, act, make art, and play outside. Her favorite place is in the theatre - especially in the amazing Sarasota Players community! Minna's recent roles include those in Annie (Pepper), Fun Home (Small Alison), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Chef Louis), and Cinderella Jr. (Fairy Godmother). Minna would like to thank her wonderful friends, family, cast mates, and teachers for all of their support and guidance.
Dylan Grantham (Madame Thenardier/Claquesous) is a sophmore in the VPA program at Booker High School, and she is so excited to be a part of her 10th show at Players!! She was recently Lydia in Beetlejuice, and Male Passerby in Sweeney Todd. She would like to thank her family, Brian, and Asher for always being an annoying theater brother.
Evan Jarr (Thenardier/Convict 2/ Foreman/Javert US) is currently a senior at Booker High School. He has previously been seen on the Players' stage as Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice Jr.), Erysichthon and others (Metamorphoses), Judge Turpin (Sweeney Todd), and others. He would like to thank his friends, family, and directors for always supporting him.
Robert Heath (Grantaire/Sailor 2) is a senior at Booker High School and has played Paris in Romeo and Juliet and Simon Stimson in Our Town. Outside of school, he has performed in Heathers the Musical as Ram's Dad and has written and directed Victoria & Steve. He'd like to thank his supporters and this incredible team, and he hopes you enjoy the show.
Cooper Nielson (Convict 3/ Sailor 1/ Feuilly/Enjolras US/Thernardier US) is a senior at Booker High School in the VPA program and is planning to pursue a BFA in musical theatre. This will be Coopers third production at Players and was previously seen as Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd. Cooper loves food and he will do a Jennifer Coolidge impression for you if you ask kindly. He would like to thank the entire creative team behind this production of Les Mis and Elizabeth Cole for being by his “day one.” (And his parents I guess)
Manuel Gaspar (Convict 5/Prouvaire) is a rising junior at Booker Highschool. Manny has most recently been seen as Cinderellas Prince in Into The Woods Jr. and Anything Goes as Ensemble. Manny would like to thank Dylan Grantham for making rehearsal such a fun place.
Mason Chase (Bishop of Digne/Hustler/Combeferre/Major Domo/Grantaire US) is a senior at the Out of Door Academy and has been in many Players’ and school shows, including playing Vertumnus in Metamorphoses, Panch in Spelling Bee, and Narrator in The Good Doctor. He would like to thank his director, friends, family, and cast members for their continued support.
Jordan Modjeski (Factory Worker 1/ Fauchelevant/Courfeyrac/Marius US) is a sophomore at Pine View and has been part of many productions here at Players. He is thrilled to join the barricade! Recently, he has played The Beadle in Sweeney Todd and was part of the ensemble of Metamorphoses. He’d love to give a big thank you to his Mom and Dad (and his big brother too) for always supporting him, as well as to everyone involved in this incredible production.
Dillon O’Callaghan (Bystander 1/Solo Urchin/Jolly) is very excited to be playing Joly in Les Mis at The Players. Dillon has done many shows at The Players, including Matilda the Musical (Bruce), 13: The Musical (Evan), Honk! (Ugly), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Walter), The Little Mermaid Jr. (Prince Eric) and more. Dillon is also an active actor in Out-of-Door Academy’s Fine & Performing Arts Department. He has done Shrek the Musical, Alice in Wonderland, Curtains, Frozen Jr., 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Mamma Mia! Dillon would like to thank Mr. Brian and the cast for making this show great.
Anna Chop (Constable 2/Brujon) is a freshman at Lakewood Ranch High. She was previously seen on stage in Metamorphoses, The Little Mermaid, Beetlejuice, and many others. She is on her school’s cheer and wrestling teams, and she was also a competitive gymnast in the past. Anna enjoys music and art. She is thrilled to be a part of this production and would like to thank her friends, family, Thayer, and Brian for their support.
Addison Riesen (Farmer/Old Woman/Madame Thenardier US) is homeschool student and has been preforming with the players since she was 7! You may have most recently seen Addison in Metamorphoses and in Beetlejuice as Delia! In Addison’s free time when she’s not being the studios mascot, she's at the beach looking for Macro algae or is volunteering at Mote Marine!! Addison is currently directing a play for homeschoolers at the studio called 10 Ways to Survive The Zombie Apocalypse. Come see us in April! Thanks for joining us at the barricade and ENJOY THE SHOW!!
Skyler Gauntt (Convict 4/Bamatabois/Sentry) is a senior who attends Riverview High School. He has appeared in three of RHS’s theatre productions one of which being this school year as he played Shane Gray in Disney’s Camp Rock. Skyler also has gathered a newfound interest as it is his first (and sadly last) year in RHS’s choir program. Skyler is extremely grateful and thrilled to be a part of his first studio theatre production, and he thanks the Sarasota Players for giving him the opportunity for this first! Skyler is giving a major shoutout to his family and friends for always supporting him!
Lorenzo Quiñones (Factory Worker 2/Babet/Lesgles) is a Freshman at Manatee School for the Arts and is excited to begin his journey as a performer in the high school productions at The Players Studio. He and has been seen on the stage in their productions of Matilda Jr. (Sergei/ensemble), Rock of Ages (Franz), Cinderella (ensemble), 13 Jr. (Brett), and most recently in HONK! (Greylag). When Lorenzo is not on stage he enjoys playing soccer, working out, making/editing videos, playing percussion in band, and spending time with his friends. He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support and the wonderful directors and teachers at The Players Studio for helping him grow as a performer.
Eila Chandra (Factory Girl 2/Lovely Lady 3) is a 12th grader at Pine View High School. She's been a part of several productions, including The Drowsy Chaperone, Matilda Jr., and Sweeney Todd at The Players Studio, and Descendants the Musical, The Addams Family, and Beauty and the Beast at school. She's spent the last two summers at the 6week Musical Theatre Production program at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Eila is passionate about songwriting, musical theatre, and especially singing! She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and her cast members for being so incredible to work with.
Morgan Kessler (Factory Girl 4/ Women 1/Cosette US) is a junior at Booker Highschool in the VPA program she has been seen in many productions across the area. These include, A Chorus Line (Judy), Hadestown (Fate 3), Mamma Mia! (Ensemble/ Tanya U/S), Mean Girls (Gretchen), SIX (Anne Boylen), and The Addams Family (Alice). She would like to thank her mom for always encouraging her to keep going. Thank you to her friends Dylan and Piper for getting her to audition for this incredible show and always being there for her. Thank you to Elizabeth and Lara for being absolutely amazing and so kind to her. Thanks to Cooper and Evan for always making her laugh and lastly, she would like to issue a warning: Asher Woomert advertises that if you bring him chocolate pudding he will pay you a dollar. This is not true. Do not let him scam you how he scammed me.
Elizabeth Cole (Factory Girl 4/ Women 1/Cosette US) is a senior at Booker High and is so excited to be in her first production at The Players! She would like to thank all her amazing friends who are in this cast!
Gaby Suchan (Factory Girl 5/Women 2/Eponine US) is a junior at Booker High school. She has been performing for 10+ years and her most recent credits are Mrs. Wormwood (Matilda) and Ensemble (Beetlejuice Jr.). She is so excited to be a part of one of her favorite shows and would like to thank her directors for this opportunity. She hopes you all enjoy!
Lara Cramer-Ekeberg (Lovely Lady 1/Fantine US) is currently a senior at Booker High School in the VPA theater program and has been involved in many productions across Sarasota such as portraying Sandy (Grease) at Rise above performing arts as well as Sophie (Mamma Mia) at Booker High. She would love to thank her family for the endless support and encouragement!
Eva Korres (Constable 1/Lovely Lady 2) is a sophomore at Riverview High School and has been involved with educational and recreational theatre in the community for a while. Last year, she played Lady Larken in Riverview High School’s production of Once Upon a Mattress. Eva loves to perform and has since 5th grade. Eva would like to thank her family, friends, and mentors for their constant support.
Willa Carpenter (Factory Girl 1/Sick Lovely Lady/Army Officer) is a 10th grader at Booker High School and is so excited to be in her 2nd players show! Just this past summer she was in Beetlejuice Jr. as Miss Argentina. She enjoys spending time with her friends and is the theatre VPA program at her school. Willa would like to thank her parents for driving her to rehearsal, and The Players Studio for this wonderful opportunity!
Hayley Keigher (Laborer/Sailor 3/Judge/Sentry 1) is a freshman at Venice High School. Some shows she has been seen in are Alice in Wonderland (Queen of Hearts), Something Rotten (Nostradamus), Into the Woods (Jacks Mother), and Footloose (Betty Blast). In her spare time, she loves spending time with friends and family. She would like to thank her mother and father for always driving her and supporting her in everything she does.
Charlotte Toomey (Bystander 2) is in 9th grade in the theater VPA program at Booker High School and has been in over nine shows at The Players in the past three years, including two main stage productions (Fun Home and The Secret Garden). She was most recently in Metamorphoses and also played Lucy in 13 The Musical Jr., Elsa in Frozen, and Ida in Honk Jr. Charlotte wants to thank her family and friends for all the support and encouragement.
Bailey Letner (Women/Onlooker 1 & 3/ Women 3) is a junior at Booker High School and is absolutely thrilled to be a part of her first show at The Players! She would like to thank her family for making this possible and her friends and cast mates for making it awesome!
Tatiana Moskalenko (Onlooker 2 & 4) ‘27 is thrilled to be a part of Les Miserablés! She is in 11th grade and this will be her second show with The Players, her previous show being Beetlejuice. Her last notable role was as Fairy Mae in Curious Savage at ODA. She would like to thank her family, friends, and cast for being such an amazing support system.
Thank you to our incredible donors—your generosity fuels every spotlight, every story, and every standing ovation. Because of you, we’re able to inspire, entertain, and build community through the power of live theatre. We are deeply grateful for your continued support!
SEASON SPONSORS
LeafandAngeWanless
STUDIO SHOW SPONSORS
We’re raising money to keep The Sarasota Players a safe, inclusive space for local performers, students, and audiences By giving, you’re doing so much more than just supporting a theatre Your donation helps us produce amazing shows, provide affordable theatre education, and ensure that no one is ever turned away due to cost.
Interested in becoming a donor?
Contact our Director of Development, Amy Gorman at amyg@theplayers.org or call 941.365.2494.
