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One Final Bow

The Legacy of Papa Joe

Volunteer of the Month

As the curtain lifts and the audience is greeted by the I took voice lessons and have done productions in high
clicking euphony of tap dancing feet inviting them into the school, college, and all throughout my life.” Alongside his
dazzling world of Broadway, the kinetic and connected spirit mother, Joe’s father heavily supported her performances
of the ensemble of 42nd Street is evident. through everyone's favorite way to their hearts: food.

Hours of blood, sweat, and tears have been poured into “Food and Italians just go together. It’s always a pleasure to
rehearsing this production, but that is dim in bonding efforts cook for people and to see people enjoying their meal and
compared to the massive final meal prepared by Joseph time together. My father had a tradition that when my
Loiacono, lovingly referred to as Papa Joe at The Naples mother had a final rehearsal, he’d prepare a grand buffet of
Players (TNP), for the entire 102 person team of 42nd Street. food for the cast, creative team, and crew. His theory was
that food brings people together and that’s what makes
“My heart desperately wanted to do my last performance in them happy. I continue that tradition here at TNP every final
the new theater and take my final bow ever on the new Saturday rehearsal. I do it in remembrance of my father, and
stage. My dream has come true!” says Papa Joe. “I love this love doing it because I love the people here. Some people
community. I’ve seen people grow up, I’ve seen babies I’ve been feeding from 8 years old to 29 years old.”
born, I’ve seen marriages and relationships blossom. I have
been so blessed to be a part of this community, and thank Over 28 productions, Papa Joe has seen a lot of change. “I
God every day for all he’s given me. I’m so proud to be a came to TNP at the same time as Dawn Lebrecht Fornara
part of all of these beautiful people’s lives. After many years, [Director and Choreographer of 42nd Street] and Charles
my brain says, ‘I can do it.’ My heart says, ‘you want to do it.’ Fornara [Music Director of 42nd Street], and I love them
My body says, ‘I don’t think so.’ But, even in my retirement, both dearly. They do a phenomenal job on all of their
I’ll have these people and the friendships I’ve created. I hope productions, and have created a safe and creative space for
this theater goes on forever and ever, even without me.” so many people, myself included. And Bryce Alexander
[CEO & Artistic Director] - I am blown away with the
21 years - that’s how long Loiacono has been volunteering at progress he has made and how much he has developed this
TNP. Following two successful careers running an theater.”
advertising and marketing firm in New York City and running
a restaurant in Texas, Papa Joe arrived in Naples and “This has been 21 years of professional-level productions. All
immediately looked for the best community theater in town. the time, people come up to me and say, ‘We went to see
this show on Broadway, and this show was far better than
My wife and I went downtown and saw a production of that.’ We’re producing Broadway-caliber shows for our
Sweet Charity, and were thoroughly impressed by the level community, and I couldn’t be prouder. That’s why we are
of talent. That night I told my wife, ‘this is going to be my one of the best community theatres in the country, and
new home.’” says Papa Joe, “I auditioned for Guys & Dolls - certainly the best in my book. The hard work and dedication
two days later, I got a call, and that started my career and life of everyone from our staff and volunteers is what makes
here at The Naples Players. I can’t tell you how happy I have TNP the best part of my life. TNP has been my family for the
been for the past 21 years. The Naples Players has been the past 21 years. I love you all, God bless you.”
highlight of my life. It’s very sad that 42nd Street will be my
last performance here after 28 shows.”
Papa Joe reflects on his time in the organization as he
“Papa Joe grew up in a talented family that heavily valued prepares to retire, emphasizing the love for his work, the
the arts. “I started performing at the age of 15. My mother importance of cherishing every moment on stage, and the
was an opera singer, so I was always surrounded by music. I gratitude for being part of a family. He encourages others to
had to take piano lessons and practice every day. appreciate the time they have to pursue their passions and
commit to their craft.

66 Life inNaples