January 5th, 2023. Naples, FL. It’s 2023 and The Naples Players (TNP) is gearing up for the last three shows of the 2022-2023 season, and the last before the renovation of their facility! With the opening of The Game’s Afoot next week (plays Jan 11- Feb 5), TNP begins to prepare for an offsite season as the building on 5th Avenue is renovated. 

Next, to familiarize audiences with the upcoming offsite space, The Naples Players will be producing the comedic play Sylvia before the current season is over in the offsite location (Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Rd) in February (Feb 8 – March 5). This show is a comedic homage to the vital role pets play in our daily lives.

It is no mistake that this play is to be produced around the very holiday that celebrates love in all its forms. In fact, according to Christopher Kelly of NJ.com “‘Sylvia’ is very sweet and very slight – a valentine to dogs and the owners they have wrapped around their paws.”

This unexpected love story will be brought to life by none other than Naples Players favorite, Jessica Walck. Walck is no stranger to the production, having portrayed the role of Sylvia herself over ten years ago; the last time it was on The Naples Players’ stage. “I loved watching my own dogs and finding quirks and characteristics to add to the character,” Walck reminisces, “I’ve always wondered what my dogs would say if they could talk so this is the perfect way to find out!” With her experience on and offstage, Walck is the perfect person to bring fresh eyes to the well-loved story.

Director Jessica Walck will be joined by the following creative team: Scenic Designer, Michael Santos, Props Master, Jillian Feingenblat, Costume Designer, Dot Auchmoody, Lighting Designer, Craig Walck, Co-Sound Designers, Pluto Boll and Bradley Van Houten, and Stage Manager, Esther Snyder. Walck will lead a dynamic cast, featuring both new and familiar faces to The Naples Players stage. The cast includes (in alphabetical order): Pamela Austin as Kate, Robert Ball as Tom/Leslie/Phyllis, Ron Pirrello as Greg, and Samantha Reece making her TNP debut as Sylvia.

The season will end with The Sound of Music (runs March 1 – April 2) in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players, before the building is closed for renovations.

Sylvia runs From February 8 – March 5, performances are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. All performances will be held in McSpadden Hall at Naples United Church of Christ (5200 Crayton Rd). General public tickets are on sale for $47 at the TNP Box Office. Season ticket holders are offered a price of $37. For accessibility seating or any additional questions, please contact the box office at (239) 263-7990. To purchase tickets, call the Box Office or visit NaplesPlayers.org.