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 five 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 six 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…