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by Jillian Keith, TNP, Marketing Coordinator

rom Liesl in The Sound of something new. I’m in dance lessons and voice
Music to Scrooge’s past lessons all the time, and take acting classes, but I
F girlfriend in A Christmas feel like I learn the most when I’m doing a show
Carol (The Musical), Lorelai Vega is no and by seeing the acting choices other people make. During
stranger to gracing the The Naples Players every show I feel like I exercise and focus on different aspects
(TNP) stage in romantic tragedies. Now, of performing whether it be dance or acting or singing, and I
Lorelai is taking on, ‘one of her biggest
challenges yet’ playing Luisa in TNP’s
upcoming romantic fable, and the longest-
running musical in the world,
The Fantasticks.
A romantic musical filled with plot twists and turns, The
Fantasticks is an allegorical story that focuses on two young
lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take
through life. “When they first announced that The Fantasticks
was happening this season, I was like, ‘if there’s any show I
wanna do this season, this is the one.’ I wanted to be cast in the
show so badly, so to be cast as one of the leads is surreal.”
Luisa, an 18 year old girl who falls in love with a boy her
father disapproves of, is based on the likes of characters such
as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Sylvette in Les Romanesques.
Despite her tragic star-crossed lover back story, Lorelai is eager
to take on this role, and that Luisa is, “girlhood and growing up
into the woman personified. I’m lucky I get to play this role, it’s take my notes, and the notes other performers
very exciting for me. I relate to Luisa in a lot of ways - it’s not receive very seriously. I try to be a sponge and soak
every day that you get to play someone your own age. She has up every piece of advice I can.”
complex feelings and is growing into her own person.” Moving forward, Lorelai is certain that the lessons she’s
Lorelai herself is an 18 year old girl who has a love of her learned, and the people she’s met, at TNP have changed the
own: theatre. First joining TNP’s KidzAct program in 2018, trajectory of her future career in performing arts. “I plan on
Lorelai has since performed in nearly every KidzAct show and moving to New York City after I graduate, and the only reason
several mainstage productions. “As soon as I joined TNP, I was I feel confident enough to take that leap is because of TNP.
locked in. From the first show I did, I was like, ‘this is what Everyone I’ve taken a class from or made a connection with has
I want to do.’ I was doing gymnastics and dance at the same played a massive role in offering me something that I can use in
time, and as soon as I did my first show, everything else in my my performances and for the rest of my life. Everyone here has
life took a backseat. Nothing was as important to me as theatre. pushed, supported, and challenged me all while having my best
This is my priority and it’s what I want to do.” interests at heart. It’s a combination of all the people I’ve met
Despite often finding herself during several productions at that make me feel like my dreams will come true and I will find
TNP at once, Lorelai has never found herself growing tired my path.”
of being here. “Sometimes I catch myself thinking, ‘Am I “TNP is my home. I feel the safest when I’m here and
exhausted? Yes. Am I tired of it? No way.’ I love how no two so connected to everyone. It’s like a second family. I always
shows are ever the same. When you’re doing a show, every find any reason and drop everything to be here. When I’m
show’s intention is different, and how the audience reacts is not at TNP, I want to be here - and it doesn’t matter if we’re
always different. The cast, every acting choice you make - it all downtown or not. Wherever TNP is, is where I’m the happiest
changes, even if it’s the same show. I love that when I think of and whenever I’m surrounded by the people here I’m always
memories from every show I’ve ever done, no two shows feel the having a good time.”
same. I just love that and I think it’s so much fun.” Due to overwhelming demand, The Fantasticks was extended
It’s not only the training and shows that keep Lorelai by two additional weeks. From January 18 - February 11, 2024,
coming back to TNP - the relationships she’s built here have performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.,
been, “unbelievable. I love the people here. I always joke that Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays
I’m going to bring in my own cot and stay here overnight so at 2 p.m. The Fantasticks will be performed off-site at Naples
that I can be with these people all the time. Everyone is so United Church of Christ in Beverly Hall while The Naples
th
encouraging and inspiring. Before doing theatre here, I wasn’t Players’ historic 5 Ave S building undergoes a $20 million
sure that performing was something I’m actually good at. I renovation. General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders
didn’t used to put in nearly as much work for my auditions and are offered a price of $39. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.
training as I do now, and the people here made me want to put org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.
in the work. Everyone here works so hard, and you want to be All of our staff and volunteers love to get new volunteers into the
like them and not let anyone down, you know?” mix! If you’re new to the area, or just new to volunteering at TNP,
“I feel like I still have a lot to learn from TNP and about don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills at the next audition or
performing in general. I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning contact Pamela Larkin Caruso at 239-434-7340, ext. 104 to find
out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house!

NaplesPlayers.org TNP Box Office at (239)263-7990
66 Life in Naples | February 2024