| 9:00 pm
Music Man
The Music Man The Music Man is a beloved musical that follows the charming and charismatic con artist Harold Hill as he arrives int the small town of River City. Posing as a traveling music salesman, Hill convinces the townspeople to invest in a boys’ band he promises to organize despite his lack of musical expertise. As Hill’s elaborate schemes unfold, the community experiences a transformative journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Filled with toe-tapping tunes and heartwarming moments, The Music Man is a timeless celebration of the power of music and the magic of redemption. This classic musical has captured audiences’ hearts for generations with its catchy melodies, spirited choreography, and delightful tale of second chances.
| 9:00 pm
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Meredith Willson
(1962). He wrote two other musical plays, including The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). Many of his songs are standards, including “You and I”, “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You”, “It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas”, “Seventy-six Trombones”, and “Till There Was You”, which was a surprising song choice for a hit record by The Beatles. Willson left Mason City, the setting for “The Music Man”, in 1919 to attend Damrosch Institute (now Juilliard) in New York. He played flute and piccolo in John Philip Sousa‘s band from 1921 to 1923 and then joined the New York Philharmonic Orchestra from 1924 to 1929. In 1930 he got a job in radio in California. Radio was his primary source of income over the following twenty-five years. He also composed several orchestral works during the ’30s and ’40s, including symphonies for The Great Dictator(1940) and The Little Foxes (1941). In 1951 the stage producers Martin and Feuer proposed that Willson write a musical comedy about his Iowa boyhood. With his common touch, they said, it was sure to be a hit. After seven years, he finally got what turned out to be his masterpiece onto the stage. “The Music Man”, which Willson said was “an Iowan’s attempt to pay tribute to his home state”, premiered on Broadway in 1957. Robert Preston recreated his most famous role and Willson’s most famous character, that of Professor Harold Hill, in the film production of The Music Man (1962).
Joe Spieldenner
Joe has worked for over 20 years in all levels of theatre, nationwide, but he is best known for originating the role of Grantaire in the national tour and Broadway run of the 25th Anniversary production of Les Misérables. Other notable credits include Joe Cable, in the national tour of South Pacific, and Paul, in Company, at Barrington Stage, with Aaron Tveit. He is the resident director of The Everblue Arts Festival, a brand new equity theater in Fair Hope, AL. He has performed at the Kennedy Center and at Lincoln Center. He teaches audition techniques and repertoire in colleges all over the US, and coaches auditions in NYC, professionally. He can be seen on Netflix in Iron Fist, Investigation Discovery’s Redrum, and performing on America’s Got Talent, with Les Misérables. He’s thrilled to return to the Barbara B Mann, as he performed here in the Night of Stars competition, in High School, and received his AA from Edison Community College on this very stage! He earned his BFA from FSU, post graduation from Edison, before moving to NY two decades ago. All my love to Jason, Jordan, and especially Max Quinlan, and his amazing family, for being the absolute BEST.
Siri Howard
Siri is thrilled to return to GCS! Previous GCS credits: She Loves Me (Amalia), South Pacific (Nellie), Oklahoma! (
Laurey). Broadway/ National Tour: Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Parade, Phantom of the Opera. Other NY theatre: Sweeney Todd: Live From Lincoln Center, starring Emma Thompson. Regional: Into the Woods (Cinderella); Ragtime ( Mother); Something Rotten (Portia); The Music Man (Marian), Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel). Concert soloist: the Nashville Symphony, Detroit Symphony, Omaha Symphony, Florida Orchestra, the Steamboat Symphony. Siri resides in Greenville, SC with her husband, director Max Quinlan, and is mother to their children, Jack & Sofie.
Edward Juvier
EDWARD JUVIER: Broadway/Tour: Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera. NY: Fanny (York) Regional/Stock: STAGES St Louis (Theater Circle, BWW Awards, Judy Award),Tuachan, Riverside, Theatreworks Palo Alto, Allenberry, Ivoryton, Forestburgh. Graduate of Boston Conservatory. Big thanks to Max and Siri.
Mary Stout
Mary is a veteran performer, on Broadway and regionally. Broadway shows include Jane Eyre, Beauty and the Beast, Me and My Girl, My Favorite Year, and others. For three years, Mary was Mrs. Santa Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and has been featured in the Disney films Aladdin and Hunchback of Notre Dame. Area residents may have seen her at Gulfshore Playhouse’s productions of Moon Over Buffalo and Leading Ladies. Mary has films and TV to her credits and is most proud of her 4 seasons with American Movie Classics’ Remember Wenn, where she portrayed the organist “Eugenia Bremer.”
Laura Whittenberger
Laura Whittenberger (Woman 1/Ens, u/s Amalia) is happy to return to GCS after previously performing in Show Boat. Laura performs in theatre and classical/concert work across the US. Favorite regional credits: Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance (MD, NJ and ME), Johanna in Sweeney Todd (MD, PA), Cinderella in Into the Woods (DE), and Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde (MD). Selected concert work: soprano solos in Handel’s Messiah, Orff’s Carmina Burana, and recitals in MD, NC and ME, most notably a series of French song recitals with harp. Recording credits: an album of Irish folk/art songs set to the poetry of W.B. Yeats, Words that Sing in the Night. For more information, www.laurawhittenberger.com.
Max Quinlan
MAX QUINLAN made his debut with the Gulf Coast Symphony with their production of Showboat in 2019. He will be directing their productions of Music Man and West Side Story. Max was the Resident Director for the National Tour of The Phantom of The Opera for several years. Previous to Phantom, Max served as the Resident Director for the Broadway Revival of Les Misérables. Favorite Directing credits include: Next To Normal, Detroit, Ragtime, and the film Sammy’s Fedora. Max worked for the Broadway Casting Office Stewart/Whitley and continues to teach musical theatre master classes throughout the country. Performance highlights include Les Miz (Broadway, OBC), Evita (National Tour, Che), Les Miz (National Tour, Marius), The Light in the Piazza (Jeff Award Winner), Jesus Christ Superstar (BWW Award Winner). Max is a proud member of AEA and graduate of CCM. For my newborn son, Jack.
Amy McCleary
Amy McCleary has been working in the arts in SWFL for close to twenty years. Over the past two decades she has performed, choreographed, taught and directed for Broadway Palm, Florida Rep, Big Arts, Naples Performing Arts Center and Alliance for the Arts. She serves as the resident director and choreographer at Broadway Palm where she most recently staged their production of Elf to rave reviews. Other highlights include Mamma Mia, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, White Christmas, Footloose and Escape to Margaritaville. Many thanks to Andrew, Julie and this delightful group of “snowbirds”. Instagram: @directlyamy
Andrew M. Kurtz
Gulf Coast Symphony founder Dr. Andrew M. Kurtz enters his twenty-ninth season as the Symphony’s President & CEO/ Music Director and conductor. His deep rooted commitment to new work, community and education, combined with a vibrant artistic vision has led to creating and nurturing one of the most dynamic arts organizations in the region.
For the Southwest Florida Theatre Company, the newest professional theatre company operating out of the MACC, Kurtz serves as the Producing Artistic Director.
As stage director Kurtz has staged multiple production, including productions of the musical comedy I Do, I Do, which opened the Music & Arts Community Center and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
He was named the 2007 Performing Artist of the Year at Lee County’s Angel of the Arts Awards. Kurtz’s repertoire encompasses a wide range of music styles from baroque to contemporary, and multiple genres including symphonic, opera, ballet, musical theater, jazz, cantorial, and symphonic pops.
Kurtz was the international tour conductor for CANTORS: A Faith In Song, featuring three of the world’s leading cantors, and is currently the tour conductor for the NEW YORK CANTORS and TRINITY: CLASSICALLY IRISH, which debuted on PBS in Feburary 2022. He served as the Music Director of the Florida Jewish Philharmonic Orchestra and as Producing Artistic Director of Synergy Productions, a professional musical theater company in Southwest Florida.
Kurtz is a past-president of the board of the Lee County Alliance for the Arts. An avid arts educator, Maestro Kurtz was Resident Music Director at the Luzerne Music Center. In 2001, he won First Prize in the Dell’Arte di Firenze International Conducting Competition, and made his European conducting debut in Florence. In 1995, Kurtz made his international operatic debut in Tel Aviv while working as a staff conductor at the Israel Vocal Arts Institute. In 1997, he conducted the Metropolitan Opera Guild’s educational tour production of The Best of Puccini. He was a scholarship conducting student at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival, and boasts numerous other conducting credits, including the Pennsylvania Opera Theater, the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Charlotte Symphony, Gonzaga Symphony, and the Ocean City Pops.
Kurtz completed his doctoral studies in conducting at the Peabody Conservatory and is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Virginia where he received his master’s degree in music history and a bachelor of arts in music and drama. His theater concentration was in stage directing and play-writing. A native of Philadelphia, Kurtz has called Southwest Florida home for more than 30 years, where he currently resides with his wife, Julie, and their son, Benjamin.
Ryan Belock
Ryan Belock is an interdisciplinary artist based in Manhattan. As a designer, percussionist and actor, his primary work concentrates on integrating projected media with live performance. Off-Broadway: Dogs of Rwanda, A Deal (Urban Stages); Me & Ella (York Theatre). Associate/Assistant: Party People (The Public Theater); Sojourners, Her Portmanteau (New York Theater Workshop); Rags (Goodspeed Opera); The Masked Ball (Austin Opera); Jane Eyre (Center for Contemporary Opera); Are You Now (MetroStage); And Then They Came For Me (Indiana Rep). Regional: Mary Poppins (Stamford, CT); In the Heights, Into the Woods (Austin, TX). World Premieres: Sorin: A Notre Dame Story (University of Notre Dame); Colossal, Re/Connect (Cohen New Works Festival). Ryan has an MFA from the University of Texas-Austin, and a BA from the University of Notre Dame. ryanbelock.com
Tricia Hennessy
Tricia Hennessy is a local performer, choreographer, stage manager, and costume designer. She is the former owner of Empower Dance & Athletic Wear in Cape Coral as well as the custom dance costume designer at Twisted Stitches. She is thrilled to join the production team for Snowbird Follies with Gulf Cast Symphony. Tricia would like to thank Andrew, Julie, and DJ for the opportunity and fantastic experience.
Julie Bearden Carver
Julie Bearden Carver is a professional musical director, voice and acting coach, orchestrator and arranger. Julie made her Broadway debut playing Piano 1 for Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City and has accompanied Actors Equity Association principal and ensemble auditions and classes at New York University and Barnard-Columbia. At the Juilliard School and Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center) and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra (Florida) Julie has played with notable conductors, composers and vocalists that include Andrea Bocelli, Bernadette Peters, Eric Whitacre, and others.
As Founding Artistic Director of The Callback Company, Julie prepares vocalists for a variety of performances, competitions, and college auditions. This consulting service also hosts Broadway talent who provide masterclasses in musical theatre and acting to her students. Her roster of piano and voice students have been accepted to the most prestigious college voice, piano, and musical theatre programs across the country. Julie’s wide experience includes vocal coaching in Chicago, Naples, Florida and New York City with singung actors from the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway, national tours and regional productions.
As a collaborative pianist, Julie has performed concerts with Richard Tucker 2015 Award-winner and 2013 Cardiff Singer of the World, Jamie Barton, world-renown soprano Indra Thomas, and soprano Dr. Jeanie Darnell, the head of vocal studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Julie regularly accompanies the Atlanta SETC/USITT Auditions and judges regional Literary events including solo and ensemble categories as well as dramatic interpretation. As a ballet accompanist, Julie has played for classes at University of Illinois and the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. In Rome, Georgia, she served as the choral master for the February 2017 presentation of Rosini’s La Cenerentola, co-produced by the Rome Symphony Orchestra and Peach State Opera and the future presentation of Bryan Wilbur Grundstrom’s Children of Zeus.
Musical direction credits include her own revue “It’s the Talk of the Town: The Music of Jerry Livingston” at the Laurie Beachman and Triad Theatres in New York City as well as multiple local and regional productions including Berry College Theatre Company’s production of Dogfight, The Fantasticks for the Rome Shakespeare Festival, Matilda and The Spongebob Musical for The Grand Theatre. Former college positions range from Adjunct Instructor of piano and voice to Assistant Professor and Musical Theatre Specialist. Most recently, she was staff accompanist and musical director for Berry College and vocal coach/accompanist for Kennesaw State University’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies in Spring 2021.
Julie’s new orchestrations and music for Rome Shakespeare Festival’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona were premiered in 2018. A Shakespeare Cabaret, starring Indra Thomas, Sherri Sutton, and Jill Hames with music compiled and arranged by Julie Carver, was premiered in May 2021.
Julie has recently relocated to Southwest Florida with her husband Bryan, three children, and a furchild named Mochi.
Composers
Guest Artists
Swearingen & Kelli
Swearingen & Kelli
In addition to their successful careers as established songwriters with multiple albums, the duo is also on a mission to share this iconic music with audiences around the country. Both artists were heavily inspired by the great 70s singer-songwriters and their ability to channel the sounds of that era are immediately apparent at when you hear them perform live.
The duo’s brand new album, Cold-Hearted Truth, bridges the gap between folk singers and country rebels. Recorded in a series of live takes with Grammy Award-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, JJ Heller, The Blind Boys of Alabama), this third LP has been featured on Americana Highways, Cowboys and Indians, and Red Line Roots.
Swearingen & Kelli have shared the stage with artists including David Bromberg, Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers. Swearingen’s song “You’re Not Here With Me” was recorded by folk icon Tom Rush featuring Nanci Griffith on his album, What I Know.
More on Swearingen & Kelli: www.swearingenandkelli.com
Hannah Cruz
Hannah Cruz
Hannah is 16 years old and is in her sophomore year at Bishop Verot HighSchool. Performing has always been her passion and her little 3 year-old self would be so proud to see how far she has come! She has done a variety of shows in a variety of places including at school, Florida Rep, Gypsy Playhouse, Fort Myers Theatre, & Broadway Palm. Some of her performing credits include — Miss Jones – How to Succeed in Business… (Verot), Katherine – Newsies Jr (Fl Rep), Little Gloria – On Your Feet (Broadway Palm), & Carmen Diaz – Fame! (FMT). She is beyond excited to be apart of this show! She would like to thank her family, teachers, & everyone who supports her in doing what she loves!
Hope you enjoy the show! 🙂
@hannah.cruz03
Cara Chumbley
Cara Chumbley
Cara is so excited to be here at Gulf Coast Symphony. This is her third time in Nunsense, but her first time playing Robert Anne! Cara recently moved from Chicago to New York City and has been performing regionally for years. She would like to thank her parents, friends and family for all their love and support. All my love to my 20lb cat Guinness. Enjoy the show!
Carachumbley.com
Kiki Sanchez
Kiki Sanchez
The extraordinarily Peruvian producer, composer, arranger, educator and pianist Luis Enrique “Kiki” Sanchez can capture the hearts of many through his variations of skillful and unique style that have filled the airwaves with a distinctive blend of soulful jazz, tropical, and afro-Peruvian fusion. This gifted musician was born and raised in Lima, Peru where he studied piano with Coco Macedo and Edermi Chavez and started playing professionally at the age of 11. He became a well-rounded musician by playing with his father’s band “Orquesta Majestic” doing corporate venues in Lima. Later he moved to Miami, FL where he has worked with several Jazz and Latin Jazz Artists. He continued to expand his knowledge and education at the Florida Atlantic University where Sanchez earned a Master Degree in Music Composition.
As an educator, Sanchez has also released an Educational DVD titled “The Real Latin Piano and Introduction to Afro-Peruvian Rhythms” (2009) published by ADG Productions and the book “The Real Latin Piano Book” published in 2012 by ADG Productions. Kiki has been doing music clinics and workshops in the States and overseas. He is currently a Music professor at Miami Dade College and also he has been teaching music technology courses at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Sanchez is very active as an artist, producer, arranger, educator, and pianist. He performed at the inauguration of the Larry Rosen “Jazz Roots” at the Arsht Center in Miami, FL. He also has been the music director of several musical theaters in South Florida. Kiki also has performed in several Jazz Festivals such as: Montreux, St. Lucia, Grenada, Ohio Jazz and Rib and others. He also has been the music director for “Noches Tropicales” Jazz series at Miami Dade County Auditorium. Recently, Sanchez has been performing locally and overseas, during the summer of 2015, he performed at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, CA, Instituto Cervantes in New York, Centro Cultural Kichner in Buenos Aires, Argentina and several other places. Kiki is also the Music Outreach Director of Beauliere Academy of Music in Haiti, where he goes every summer to provide music education.
Kiki was the Director of Music Department at Hurst Chapel A.M.E Church in Riviera Beach, Florida and currently he is the Director of Music Department at Ebenezer United Methodist Church located in Miami, Florida.
In the near future Kiki plans to release two Latin Jazz singles titled “Sanchez’s Blues” and “It is a Peruvian Thing” by Diola Entertainment. Additionally he will also release two other Gospel singles “I Praise You Lord” and “I Want to Give You My Best”.
Finally, Sanchez is so exciting about his 501C3 Non-Profit Organization “PW (Praise and Worship) for the Arts” where the mission is to help and provide music education to kids from less fortunate families and communities. One of Sanchez' dreams is to make a difference through Arts/Music education and to expose its benefits through “PW for the Arts” journey.
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes is a cellist invested in musical collaboration and innovation. Her playing is characterized by a rich, passionate sound and dynamic interpretations. Currently Ruth is working and studying at Penn State University as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for cello and a Master’s student in cello performance. Originally from Minnesota, she received her Bachelor’s degree in 2022 from Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where she was a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar with the Stamps String Quartet from 2018-2022.
Throughout her undergraduate degree Ruth performed extensively throughout South Florida as well as in New York, South Carolina, and Georgia with the Stamps Quartet. She has spent the summers at music festivals in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, California, and Pennsylvania, as well as overseas in Germany and Poland.
Ruth has been playing as a principal of the Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras at Penn State School of Music and won the 2023 Penn State Concerto Competition playing Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo. She also currently plays with the Altoona and Williamsport Symphony Orchestras, and performs solo, chamber, and outreach concerts. Ruth has taught at Penn State since fall 2022 and teaches outside the school both privately and as a faculty member at the State College Academy of Music. She has also recently given performance classes at Concordia Academy in MN and Altoona Area High School in PA.
Ruth’s recent projects include performing Shades for solo cello by Daijana Wallace for the Penn State African American Music Festival, Tan Dun’s Elegy: Snow in June for solo cello and percussion ensemble, Postludium DSCH by Valentin Silvestrov for a Ukrainian sister city benefit concert, ensemble performances featuring piano quartets and trios by Chausson, Brahms, and Mahler, and premieres of both solo and ensemble works by student composers at Penn State. Ruth is currently at work on a variety of fresh solo and chamber projects.
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer is thrilled to be in her first show at Gulf Coast Symphony! She performs professionally as an actor & singer throughout the east coast, and recently made SWFL her permanent base. Some recent shows include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Players Circle Theatre), Miracle on 34th Street (Beach Street Repertory Theatre), Bright Star and Working: The Musical (Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre), and multiple singing engagements with Brian Gurl Productions. MFA in Acting ‘16 (UNC Greensboro). Big thank you to this wonderful and dedicated cast and crew! Special thanks to MM and her family & friends.
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers is a performer living in the Florida panhandle. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Videography. This is Eliettes first time performing with the Gulf Coast Symphony, and she is so excited to be a part of this show! Some of her credits include touring the U.S with Bright Star Touring Theatre, playing a dancer/combatant in Unto These Hills, Daniela in In The Heights, Anita in West Side Story, and a Dynamite in HairSpray! Special thanks to her faith, family, and friends.
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn is delighted to be performing in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of Gypsy. Recent credits include Susan Waverly in White Christmas, Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, Jr., and Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. She is a 7th grade student and attends Middle School in Cape Coral, FL. Avalyn thanks her family and friends for all their ongoing support.
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece is excited to make her debut on this stage. When not working on a production for theater or her craft as an actress in film and TV, you can find her casting spells as Celestina Warbeck, the “Singing Sorceress” in Diagon Alleyat Universal Studios.
Patrece has co-starred on HBO’s “The Outsider”, portrayed “Delores Van Cartier” in “Sister Act”, portrayed Armelia in “Aint Mis-Behavin”, performed multiple cabarets, and her favorite role to date, portraying the legendary “Billie Holiday” in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at The Dr. Phillips performing arts center. Patrece is grateful to the support of her loving family and friends.
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Production Team
Swearingen & Kelli
Swearingen & Kelli
In addition to their successful careers as established songwriters with multiple albums, the duo is also on a mission to share this iconic music with audiences around the country. Both artists were heavily inspired by the great 70s singer-songwriters and their ability to channel the sounds of that era are immediately apparent at when you hear them perform live.
The duo’s brand new album, Cold-Hearted Truth, bridges the gap between folk singers and country rebels. Recorded in a series of live takes with Grammy Award-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, JJ Heller, The Blind Boys of Alabama), this third LP has been featured on Americana Highways, Cowboys and Indians, and Red Line Roots.
Swearingen & Kelli have shared the stage with artists including David Bromberg, Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers. Swearingen’s song “You’re Not Here With Me” was recorded by folk icon Tom Rush featuring Nanci Griffith on his album, What I Know.
More on Swearingen & Kelli: www.swearingenandkelli.com
Hannah Cruz
Hannah Cruz
Hannah is 16 years old and is in her sophomore year at Bishop Verot HighSchool. Performing has always been her passion and her little 3 year-old self would be so proud to see how far she has come! She has done a variety of shows in a variety of places including at school, Florida Rep, Gypsy Playhouse, Fort Myers Theatre, & Broadway Palm. Some of her performing credits include — Miss Jones – How to Succeed in Business… (Verot), Katherine – Newsies Jr (Fl Rep), Little Gloria – On Your Feet (Broadway Palm), & Carmen Diaz – Fame! (FMT). She is beyond excited to be apart of this show! She would like to thank her family, teachers, & everyone who supports her in doing what she loves!
Hope you enjoy the show! 🙂
@hannah.cruz03
Cara Chumbley
Cara Chumbley
Cara is so excited to be here at Gulf Coast Symphony. This is her third time in Nunsense, but her first time playing Robert Anne! Cara recently moved from Chicago to New York City and has been performing regionally for years. She would like to thank her parents, friends and family for all their love and support. All my love to my 20lb cat Guinness. Enjoy the show!
Carachumbley.com
Kiki Sanchez
Kiki Sanchez
The extraordinarily Peruvian producer, composer, arranger, educator and pianist Luis Enrique “Kiki” Sanchez can capture the hearts of many through his variations of skillful and unique style that have filled the airwaves with a distinctive blend of soulful jazz, tropical, and afro-Peruvian fusion. This gifted musician was born and raised in Lima, Peru where he studied piano with Coco Macedo and Edermi Chavez and started playing professionally at the age of 11. He became a well-rounded musician by playing with his father’s band “Orquesta Majestic” doing corporate venues in Lima. Later he moved to Miami, FL where he has worked with several Jazz and Latin Jazz Artists. He continued to expand his knowledge and education at the Florida Atlantic University where Sanchez earned a Master Degree in Music Composition.
As an educator, Sanchez has also released an Educational DVD titled “The Real Latin Piano and Introduction to Afro-Peruvian Rhythms” (2009) published by ADG Productions and the book “The Real Latin Piano Book” published in 2012 by ADG Productions. Kiki has been doing music clinics and workshops in the States and overseas. He is currently a Music professor at Miami Dade College and also he has been teaching music technology courses at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Sanchez is very active as an artist, producer, arranger, educator, and pianist. He performed at the inauguration of the Larry Rosen “Jazz Roots” at the Arsht Center in Miami, FL. He also has been the music director of several musical theaters in South Florida. Kiki also has performed in several Jazz Festivals such as: Montreux, St. Lucia, Grenada, Ohio Jazz and Rib and others. He also has been the music director for “Noches Tropicales” Jazz series at Miami Dade County Auditorium. Recently, Sanchez has been performing locally and overseas, during the summer of 2015, he performed at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, CA, Instituto Cervantes in New York, Centro Cultural Kichner in Buenos Aires, Argentina and several other places. Kiki is also the Music Outreach Director of Beauliere Academy of Music in Haiti, where he goes every summer to provide music education.
Kiki was the Director of Music Department at Hurst Chapel A.M.E Church in Riviera Beach, Florida and currently he is the Director of Music Department at Ebenezer United Methodist Church located in Miami, Florida.
In the near future Kiki plans to release two Latin Jazz singles titled “Sanchez’s Blues” and “It is a Peruvian Thing” by Diola Entertainment. Additionally he will also release two other Gospel singles “I Praise You Lord” and “I Want to Give You My Best”.
Finally, Sanchez is so exciting about his 501C3 Non-Profit Organization “PW (Praise and Worship) for the Arts” where the mission is to help and provide music education to kids from less fortunate families and communities. One of Sanchez' dreams is to make a difference through Arts/Music education and to expose its benefits through “PW for the Arts” journey.
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes is a cellist invested in musical collaboration and innovation. Her playing is characterized by a rich, passionate sound and dynamic interpretations. Currently Ruth is working and studying at Penn State University as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for cello and a Master’s student in cello performance. Originally from Minnesota, she received her Bachelor’s degree in 2022 from Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where she was a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar with the Stamps String Quartet from 2018-2022.
Throughout her undergraduate degree Ruth performed extensively throughout South Florida as well as in New York, South Carolina, and Georgia with the Stamps Quartet. She has spent the summers at music festivals in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, California, and Pennsylvania, as well as overseas in Germany and Poland.
Ruth has been playing as a principal of the Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras at Penn State School of Music and won the 2023 Penn State Concerto Competition playing Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo. She also currently plays with the Altoona and Williamsport Symphony Orchestras, and performs solo, chamber, and outreach concerts. Ruth has taught at Penn State since fall 2022 and teaches outside the school both privately and as a faculty member at the State College Academy of Music. She has also recently given performance classes at Concordia Academy in MN and Altoona Area High School in PA.
Ruth’s recent projects include performing Shades for solo cello by Daijana Wallace for the Penn State African American Music Festival, Tan Dun’s Elegy: Snow in June for solo cello and percussion ensemble, Postludium DSCH by Valentin Silvestrov for a Ukrainian sister city benefit concert, ensemble performances featuring piano quartets and trios by Chausson, Brahms, and Mahler, and premieres of both solo and ensemble works by student composers at Penn State. Ruth is currently at work on a variety of fresh solo and chamber projects.
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer is thrilled to be in her first show at Gulf Coast Symphony! She performs professionally as an actor & singer throughout the east coast, and recently made SWFL her permanent base. Some recent shows include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Players Circle Theatre), Miracle on 34th Street (Beach Street Repertory Theatre), Bright Star and Working: The Musical (Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre), and multiple singing engagements with Brian Gurl Productions. MFA in Acting ‘16 (UNC Greensboro). Big thank you to this wonderful and dedicated cast and crew! Special thanks to MM and her family & friends.
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers is a performer living in the Florida panhandle. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Videography. This is Eliettes first time performing with the Gulf Coast Symphony, and she is so excited to be a part of this show! Some of her credits include touring the U.S with Bright Star Touring Theatre, playing a dancer/combatant in Unto These Hills, Daniela in In The Heights, Anita in West Side Story, and a Dynamite in HairSpray! Special thanks to her faith, family, and friends.
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn is delighted to be performing in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of Gypsy. Recent credits include Susan Waverly in White Christmas, Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, Jr., and Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. She is a 7th grade student and attends Middle School in Cape Coral, FL. Avalyn thanks her family and friends for all their ongoing support.
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece is excited to make her debut on this stage. When not working on a production for theater or her craft as an actress in film and TV, you can find her casting spells as Celestina Warbeck, the “Singing Sorceress” in Diagon Alleyat Universal Studios.
Patrece has co-starred on HBO’s “The Outsider”, portrayed “Delores Van Cartier” in “Sister Act”, portrayed Armelia in “Aint Mis-Behavin”, performed multiple cabarets, and her favorite role to date, portraying the legendary “Billie Holiday” in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at The Dr. Phillips performing arts center. Patrece is grateful to the support of her loving family and friends.
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Tentative Program
In 1957, the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for 1,375 performances. The cast album won the first Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album and spent 245 weeks on the Billboard charts. The show’s success led to Broadway and West End revivals, a popular 1962 film adaptation and a 2003 television adaptation. The Music Man is frequently produced by both professional and amateur theater companies and is a popular choice for high school and college productions.
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