A Look Back at A Christmas Story: The Musical at The Naples Players

As Southwest Florida celebrated the 2024 holiday season, A Christmas Story: The Musical at The Naples Players (TNP) offered more than a heartwarming tale—it served as a testament to the power of community and connection. Behind the scenes and onstage, this production was as much about the relationships it fostered as the story it told, making it a perfect centerpiece for the season.

One shining example of the community spirit at TNP was the Mance family. Jennifer, Brett, and Madison Mance relocated to Naples from Canada three years prior, seeking a fresh start after the loss of Jennifer’s parents. Brett discovered TNP while exploring downtown Naples and immediately knew it could be a home for his wife and daughter.

“I found you a theatre home,” he told Jennifer, sending her a video of the vibrant community he’d found.

Since then, the Mances have become an integral part of TNP. Madison first found her TNP footing in summer camps and youth productions like Seussical Jr. and Newsies Jr., forming friendships that helped ease the transition to her new life in Florida.

During the run of A Christmas Story: The Musical, Madison also starred as Elle Woods in the TNP Academy production of Legally Blonde, Jr., balancing roles in two productions with poise and talent. Jennifer, an accomplished performer and teacher, graced the stage in shows like By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; The Dining Room; and Clue: On Stage.

The holiday season marked a milestone for the family as Jennifer and Madison performed together for the first time in A Christmas Story: The Musical.

“It has been wonderful to do everything together on this show,” Jennifer shared during the production. “Even things like this shared costume fitting were so much more fun together.”

Brett, meanwhile, worked at the TNP bar during performances, completing the family’s full-circle involvement in the production.

The Mances were just one example of how TNP fostered connections. Eleven-year-old Matias Piscoya starred as Ralphie in A Christmas Story alongside his sister, Alessa Vazquez. Longtime TNP volunteer Brad Brenner played the role of Santa while his wife Christine managed front-of house operations nearby, making it a family affair in every sense.

Friendships also took center stage at TNP. Thomas Richardson and Landon Libbey, best friends since high school, worked together in the TNP Box Office while also pursuing their shared passion for performing.

“The community feel and the family of TNP is the reason we both keep coming back,” Thomas said. “Being able to spend so much extra time with our friends all while doing the thing we love most, which is performing, is such a fulfilling and rewarding experience.”

These real-life bonds enhanced the magic of A Christmas Story: The Musical, making it a production that was as much about togetherness offstage as it was onstage.

Directed by Dawn Lebrecht Fornara, with musical direction by her husband, Charles Fornara, this holiday classic was brought to life by an all-local cast of exceptional talent. Iconic elements like leg lamps and pink bunny suits were crafted on-site by TNP’s talented costume and props teams, ensuring every detail delighted audiences young and old.

On stage next, January 15 through February 16, is The Play That Goes Wrong, a hilarious laugh-a-minute farce about opening night of a play where everything that can go wrong – does!

For tickets or more information visit NaplesPlayers.org or call 239-263-7990.

We love getting 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 today at 239-434-7340 ext. 104 to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house.

Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7