The Naples Players Announce Cast for Distracted
January 20, 2014
NAPLES, FL- The Naples Players have finalized the cast of Distracted, written by Lisa Loomer, which will be performed in the Tobye Studio at The Naples Players March 26 – April 19.
In Distracted school officials recommend moving nine year-old Jesse to a special education classroom because of suspected ADD. His dad says he’s just being a boy, but Mama is on a mission to find out what is going on with her son.
Ethan Brendel will star as Jesse, in his debut adult show performance. Brendel has performed in several KidzAct productions, including Rock Around the Block and The Nutcracker Goes Pop.
Ellice McCoy appears as Mama, the concerned and overwhelmed mother of Jesse. She last performed with The Players as Meg in the 2012 production of Leading Ladies.
Dad and Jesse’s voice will be performed by Byron Wigfall. Distracted will be Wigfall’s first show with The Naples Players. Previous acting experience includes Johnny Appleseed with Virginia Repertory Theatre and Uncle Tom Reconstructed at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Carol Clarke takes on the role of Vera, the hyper, well-meaning friend of Mama’s with a severe case of OCD. This is Clarke’s first time on stage with The Naples Players as well, although she has been active backstage in set painting, and as a dresser for several previous musicals. Clarke has previous performance experience with the Island Players and at The Theatre of Western Springs outside of Chicago.
Kathleen Peace will perform as Sherry, one of Mama’s friendly neighbors whose troubled daughters run the gamut of pharmaceutical abuses. Peace is a newcomer to The Naples Players. She previously originated the role of Mama Bear in the Red Barn Theatre premier production of Mavis and the Three Bearsand she was seen in the Red Barn production of Steel Magnolias as Truvy.
Kaitlyn Caplette will play the role of Natalie, Sherry’s troubled teen daughter who has her own multiple diagnosis issues. This will be Caplette’s debut performance in Naples. She has been acting since the age of 4 and performed in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Nutcracker and Seussical The Musical in school.
Aricka Shuck will play Dr. Zavala, one of the professionals consulted, as well as the roles of Carolyn and the Waitress. Her latest performance was at Oakland University where she played Helen in The Cripple of Inishmaan; other roles include Libby in Blue Window, Hermione in The Winter’s Tale and Marge in Picnic.
Denise Villarreal will play Dr. Waller, Mrs. Holly and the Nurse. Denise is an active volunteer with the Naples Players, having worked on a number of backstage crews and was last seen in Our Town.
Stan Zawatsky will perform as Dr. Broder, Dr. Jinks and Dr. Karnes. Previously Zawatsky played the role of Ken German in the 2011 Naples Players production of Rumors.
Distracted will be directed by Charles Kolmann and performed Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students 21 and under, and can be purchased at the box office, by calling 239.263.7990 with credit card information, or by visiting naplesplayers.org. Sugden Community Theatre is located at 701 5th Avenue South on the Plaza in downtown Naples.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Shallies
mshallies@naplesplayers.org
(239) 495-0007
