Broadway’s Wicked and Annie pianist, Garrett Taylor, will join The Naples Players December 1-9, 2018 as a Special Guest Artist Conductor to lead the orchestra of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Mr. Taylor is a multi-faceted performer and conductor who has performed with symphonies in the U.S. and Europe, concerts at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Washington D.C.’s Constitution Hall. He was praised by The New York Times for his “bravura vocals” in Gateway Playhouse’s production of CATS starring Ken Page and was on the Broadway National Tour for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Grease, Disney’s Beauty & The Beast, and Sweet Charity. CBS-TV appointed Taylor as the Conductor for A New York Christmas to Remember. Taylor was the Former Conductor at The Cape Playhouse, The John W. Engeman Theatre at Northport, Theatre of the Stars, and Music Director at Flat Rock Playhouse. A musical graduate from Millikan University, Garrett Taylor has also worked at NYU, Manhattan School of Music, Marymount, Queens College and AMDA.

“Naples Players’ Resident Musical Director, Charles Fornara, has handed over the reins of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas for the week of December 1-9^th, so that he can also support the students at Community School of Naples as they perform Fame, and TheatreZone’s production of Home for the Holidays,” shares Bryce Alexander, The Naples Players’ Executive Artistic Director.  “We are so proud that Charlie is working to support other arts organizations and students in our community. The arts community is a singular family, and such cooperation between theatres is important. It’s one of the reason’s we love Charlie!”

Garrett Taylor shares, “Community theater is where I had my start. It is also where I met the most wonderful people, developed my skills, and discovered my passion for theater. Growing up, I would have been lost without the wonderful arts programs in which I was lucky enough to be involved. The arts foster creativity, unity, and a sense of community and teamwork that is so important in our world today.”

Alexander continues, “Having Garret conduct in Charlie’s short absence is not only an incredible opportunity for our performers, but a great representation of The Naples Players’ growing reputation with artists from around the country.  We constantly strive to provide the highest caliber experience, and this is just another example of that commitment to our local community.”

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas performs at The Naples Players Sugden Theatre in Blackburn Hall November 28 – December 23, 2018. A limited number of tickets are still available, www.NaplesPlayers.org or contact the Box Office (239) 263-7990 to inquire.