As Southwest Florida gathers to celebrate the holiday season, A Christmas Story: The Musical at The Naples Players (TNP) offers more than a heartwarming tale—it’s a testament to the power of community and connection. Behind the scenes and onstage, this production is as much about the relationships it fosters as the story it tells, making it a perfect centerpiece for the season.

One shining example of the community spirit at TNP is the Mance family. Jennifer, Brett, and Madison Mance relocated to Naples from Canada three years ago, seeking a fresh start after the loss of Jennifer’s parents. Brett discovered TNP while exploring downtown Naples and immediately knew it could be a home for his wife and daughter. “I found you a theatre home,” he told Jennifer, sending her a video of the vibrant community he’d found.

Since then, the Mances have become an integral part of TNP. Madison first found her TNP footing in summer camps and youth productions like Seussical Jr. and Newsies Jr, forming friendships that helped ease the transition to her new life in Florida. Jennifer, an accomplished performer and teacher, has been teaching summer camps and classes with KidzAct (now TNP Academy) since 2022, and has taken the stage in recent productions including By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, The Dining Room, and Clue: On Stage. This holiday season marks a milestone for the family as Jennifer and Madison perform together for the first time in A Christmas Story: The Musical.

“This has been wonderful to do everything together on this show,” Jennifer shared. “Even things like this shared costume fitting are so much more fun together.” Brett, meanwhile, works at the TNP bar during performances, completing the family’s full-circle involvement in the production.

The Mances are just one example of how TNP fosters connections. Eleven-year-old Matias Piscoya stars as Ralphie in A Christmas Story alongside his sister, Alessa Vazquez. Longtime TNP volunteer Brad Brenner plays the role of Santa while his wife Christine manages front-of-house operations nearby, making it a family affair in every sense.

Friendships also take center stage at TNP. Thomas Richardson and Landon Libbey, best friends since high school, now work together in the TNP Box Office while also pursuing their shared passion for performing. “The community feel and the family of TNP is the reason we both keep coming back,” Thomas said. “Being able to spend so much extra time with our friends all while doing the thing we love most, which is performing, is such a fulfilling and rewarding experience.”

These real-life bonds enhance the magic of A Christmas Story: The Musical, making it a production that’s as much about togetherness offstage as it is onstage.

Let’s not forget the husband-and-wife dynamic duo, Director Dawn Lebrecht Fornara and Musical Director Charles Fornara, who lead an all-local, all-star cast of exceptional talent.

Ending December 22, A Christmas Story: The Musical is reaching its final week in production soon and has become the must-see show this holiday season. Whether you’re a longtime patron or new to TNP, this show promises laughter, joy, and a chance to celebrate the connections that make the season bright.

Tickets are available at naplesplayers.org or by calling the box office at (239) 263-7990. Join The Naples Players this holiday season to experience the magic of community, family, and friendship—all wrapped up in one unforgettable production.