When Betsy Greenblatt and Mitch Frank moved to Naples in 2020, they were searching for sunshine, simplicity—and maybe something new to share. What they found was community, creativity, and connection through The Naples Players.

The couple, married for over 40 years, are performing together in The Hallelujah Girls, their first mainstage production at TNP. Though both had theatrical roots—Mitch from high school and college, Betsy from law school reader’s theater—they didn’t initially realize they shared a passion for the stage.

Mitch and Betsy in Slow Food

“We met through family connections,” Betsy recalled. “My mother mentioned I was single, Mitch’s uncle said the same. Mitch got my number… and waited six months to call me!” she laughed. “Our first date was Dracula the Musical. We were engaged three months later.”

While raising their family in Montclair, New York, Betsy joined their local community theater after their son was born. When she wasn’t cast, she worked backstage—eventually landing roles. Mitch returned to the stage after a 15-year break, and they began performing together, one or two shows a year. After retiring from legal careers, they relocated to Naples. A casting call from The Naples Players reignited their theater journey. Though Mitch’s first TNP role in It’s a Wonderful Life was canceled due to illness, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Soon, both joined TNP’s Reader’s Theatre and its Traveling Road Show—bringing performances directly to senior communities across Naples.

“We take theatre to people who might not otherwise experience it,” Mitch said. “Some even join us in performing. It’s theatre as connection—and as service.”

Mitch now directs the Road Show, while both continue to perform regularly. The work is meaningful and accessible, even for those not ready to commit to full productions.

Betsy and Mitch in a recent Readers Theatre performance at TNP

In The Hallelujah Girls, Betsy plays Nita, a sweet, romantic woman seeking connection and second chances. “She’s like Rose from The Golden Girls—loving, hopeful. I was drawn to her immediately,” Betsy said.

Mitch plays one of the few male roles in the show. “It’s about women’s friendships—how they support each other through life’s highs and lows,” he said. “It’s warm, funny, and full of heart.”

Though their children and grandchildren won’t be in the audience, Betsy and Mitch say the Naples theatre community has become their extended family.

“When we arrived at TNP, we thought it was a professional company,” Betsy said. “The Kizzie Theater is incredible, and the people are even better. Passionate, welcoming, serious about the work—it’s a gift to be part of it.”

“We’re not into pickleball,” Mitch added. “This is what we love. It’s a lot of work, but when the audience laughs or claps, that’s the reward.”

Through TNP, Betsy and Mitch have found more than just a stage—they’ve found belonging.