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giving back to the community

By The Way, Meet Vera Stark By The Way, Meet Vera Stark

Jennifer Mance

“I couldn’t help but miss being on stage, so I auditioned, and was “Whether or not you’re a fan of Clue, if you enjoy Agatha Christie
cast in By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. I love performing. I just want to like murder mysteries, then you’ll appreciate the story and all of its
perform and enjoy being on stage and be happy. I feel so accomplished twists and turns. The audience will immediately be drawn into the story,
after creating a character, going through the whole rehearsal process, and, if you’re paying attention, then you might even be able to find the
and entertaining an audience. The people you’re working with, you murder all on your own. This is the type of play that can be enjoyed by
become quite close with. It takes everybody to make a show successful. anyone.
Everyone has a stake in it. Most of my gratification and love of From May 1-19, 2024, Clue: On Stage will be TNP’s final offsite
performing comes from everyone working together to create something production before they move back home to their newly renovated
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so much greater than ourselves.” theater on 5 Ave S. Performances of Clue: On Stage are Wednesdays &
“There’s something special about TNP and the magic that’s created Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays &
here. You don’t just meet talented people, but lovely and nice people on Sundays at 2 p.m. General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders are
top of that. The people here are all so genuinely nice and supportive. offered a price of $39.
Community is especially important when your family is involved, and In addition to performing in the final show offsite, Jennifer will also
you are looking to expand upon it. Finding the right place to land is get to perform in the first show in the Kizzie Theater. “It’s really cool
important -people you can count on and are willing to help in any way that I get the opportunity to be a part of the last offsite production at
possible. There’s something for all of us -Brett, Madison, and myself. I’m TNP and the first show in the newly renovated theatre. It’s going to be
very proud to be a part of TNP, and am very grateful to be here.” exciting being back downtown. There’s nothing like the electricity of
During this time of transition for Jennifer and her family, she sought being right there on Fifth Avenue. I feel blessed to be able to be in back
a community to anchor her during her green card and residency process. to back shows and be a part of something so special on both ends. I was
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“I just became legal again. I had a green card 23 years ago and had to thrilled to be cast in 42 Street getting to work with Dawn and Charlie
surrender it in 2010. I thought the process would be easier the second is like a dream come true.”
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time around, but no it wasn’t. I had to do everything again. I haven’t 42 Street will be on stage June 26 - July 21, 2024 in TNP’s newly
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been able to leave Florida for the last two years, and TNP has helped renovated Kizzie Theater on 5 Ave S. Season tickets for TNP’s 71
me through this time of limbo.” Season in historic downtown Naples are on sale now. Performances
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Jennifer has since gone on the perform in The Dining Room, and will of 42 Street are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays &
be in TNP’s upcoming productions of Clue: On Stage and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. General tickets are $50-$55,
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42 Street. “I auditioned for Clue: On Stage because I wanted to work and season ticket holders are offered a price of $41-$45.
with James again. Actors make great directors because they know what We love getting new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to the area or
to tell you to achieve their vision. The cast is so talented, and we work just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills
well together. The rehearsal room is always filled with lots of laughs, and at the next audition, or contact Pamela Larkin Caruso today at 239-434-
it has been great watching other seasoned actors do their thing. 7340 ext. 104 to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and
The show is very physical and the blocking is crazy. The show is really front of house. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or
fun and full of movement.” callthe TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.

Life in Naples | April 2024 67