Celebrating Baby Boomers
March 18, 2021
How TNP’s upcoming production is just one of the many ways we’re highlighting this glorious age group…
There are so many stellar Baby Boomers involved with The Naples Players. Volunteers, students, patrons, and donors; we are extremely fortunate to serve this part of the community. When we chose Calendar Girls for our season, we couldn’t wait to showcase these individuals.
Baby Boomers have been a critical generation of arts supporters, and The Naples Players is lucky to benefit from the amazing talents and passions of these local performers. From adult education to volunteering, outreach to partnerships, we’re happy to serve such an important sector of our community.
Click Here to Buy Tickets!
Coming Full Circle
Peggy Monson & Bryce Alexander in RehearsalAn unexpected return to the stage…
Peggy Monson is no stranger to theatre. In her early 20’s, she had double majored in Theatre and English Literature and went on to grad school to study Communications. Her dream was to be a writer; possibly a theatre or movie critic. However, upon arrival in NYC, Peggy realized it “wasn’t in the stars.”
Around the same time, life happened and she needed to be the provider. This led her straight to Wall Street and investment banking. Even this move, which some might call a drastic career change, she points out still runs parallel to theatre: “In sales it’s all about telling a story.”
After 20 years in NYC, Peggy retired and moved to sunny Naples 5 years ago. She initially wasn’t sure what she would do with all of her time. Luckily, Peggy was invited to The Naples Player’s Annual Gala by a friend. “I was hugged and kissed by Frankenstein!” (TNP was performing “Young Frankenstein” that season). She was impressed with the fabulous gala and the young artists from KidzAct who performed that night.
Peggy was hooked and immediately thought “how can I get more involved?” and marched straight down to 5th Avenue to fill out a volunteer form. She quickly started her board advisory relationship with TNP and simultaneously started taking TNP’s Readers Theatre classes. “These classes are designed for those who want to be involved in a production but maybe don’t want to be on stage.” She loved her experiences with the TNP faculty and had the feeling that her life was “just starting” when she returned to her youthful acting passion.
Peggy appreciates how well TNP connects with other organizations in the area. “Bryce has really improved those links,” speaking about TNP’s Executive Artistic Director Bryce Alexander, “and even COVID brought everyone in the community closer together.” She is amazed at how The Naples Players was able to adapt and find safe, sensitive, and creative ways to power through COVID.
As far as Calendar Girls goes, Peggy will be tackling one of the leading roles, Chris Harper, and she’s most excited to work with this team of talented women to bring this inspiring story to life. “This play has everything: comedy, passion, and 6 crazy old ladies!” The overarching theme of love and friendship in the story always comes back into the forefront; “Even when the women disagree and fight, their love for each other is huge.”
This will be Peggy’s very first ‘big’ performance with The Naples Players so she is looking forward to seeing it from the other side. “I’ve been involved in this capacity with volunteering; being an audience member, and donating and now the lens is totally turned around! I get to see everything from this new perspective and feel like I’m fulfilling that overall experience about what the theatre is all about.” She’s also hoping she doesn’t have any costume malfunctions…
For more information about the story of Calendar Girls, check out the most recent article in Florida Weekly!
Proud Sponsor of Calendar Girls
We partner with local community organizations throughout the season to deepen the ways that the arts benefit our community directly. One important partnership is with the Naples Senior Center, who support and enrich the lives of seniors and their families including dementia respite support, geriatric case management, emotional support services and a food pantry. Through our partnership, we’ve been able to provide seniors Improv Therapy during COVID to help relieve the impacts of isolation. We have also continued our other programs to support those impacted by dementia.
“The arts have always been an important part of what we offer at Naples Senior Center” says Naples Senior Center Executive Director Dr. Jaclynn Faffer. “Our partnership with The Naples Players is a natural! TNP has worked with our dementia respite groups by using improv in our programs for our caregivers and their family members with dementia. Like the rest of the world during the pandemic, we have turned to the arts on a virtual platform to help our seniors combat isolation and loneliness. As time goes on and we begin to plan for opening up once again, I know there will be many opportunities for Naples Senior Center to partner with The Naples Players for the good of our wonderful community!”
Click to learn more about The Naples Senior Center
Wellness Through The Arts For All Ages
Our Wellness Outreach programs at TNP focus on providing health and wellness benefits to our community through the arts. From high school transition programs for teenagers with learning disabilities, to movement and improv classes for senior citizens with Parkinson’s – our classes and programs serve a wide variety of people in our community.
If you, or someone you know, would benefit from theatre therapy, please let us know! We work with a variety of community partners to serve those who need it most.
Learn More About Our Wellness Programs
Sponsored by Bruce & Robin Bache Gray, this amazing season features many of the popular shows that were postponed due to COVID19. But we can’t do it without your support.
With a 94% reduction in earned revenue during the COVID shutdown, The Naples Players kept programs running. With no layoffs, no stoppage of education programs, and no delay, The Naples Players has solely continued to serve the community day-in and day-out.
Please consider a tax-deductible donation to The Naples Players today. We’re counting on your support.
Click Here to Make a Contribution to TNP
Or text “TNP” to (239) 349-3001 to donate from your phone.
Please stay safe and healthy, and we look forward to seeing you back in the theatre for an amazing 68th Season!
