A romantic musical filled with plot twists and turns, The Fantasticks is an allegorical story that focuses on two young lovers, their meddling fathers, and the journey we all must take through life. “When they first announced that The Fantasticks was happening this season, I was like, ‘if there’s any show I wanna do this season, this is the one.’ I wanted to be cast in the show so badly, so to be cast as one of the leads is surreal.”

Luisa, an 18-year-old girl who falls in love with a boy her father disapproves of, is based on the likes of characters such as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet and Sylvette in Les Romanesques. Despite her tragic star-crossed lover back story, Lorelai is eager to take on this role, and that Luisa is, “girlhood and growing up into the woman personified. I’m lucky I get to play this role, it’s very exciting for me. I relate to Luisa in a lot of ways – it’s not every day that you get to play someone your age. She has complex feelings and is growing into her own person.”

Lorelai herself is an 18-year-old girl who has a love of her own: theatre. First joining TNP’s KidzAct program in 2018, Lorelai has since performed in nearly every KidzAct show and several mainstage productions. “As soon as I joined TNP, I was locked in. From the first show I did, I was like, ‘this is what I want to do.’ I was doing gymnastics and dancing at the same time, and as soon as I did my first show, everything else in my life took a backseat. Nothing was as important to me as theatre. This is my priority and it’s what I want to do.” 

Despite often finding herself during several productions at TNP at once, Lorelai has never found herself growing tired of being here. “Sometimes I catch myself thinking, ‘Am I exhausted? Yes. Am I tired of it? No way.’ I love how no two shows are ever the same. When you’re doing a show, every show’s intention is different, and how the audience reacts is always different. The cast, every acting choice you make – it all changes, even if it’s the same show. I love that when I think of memories from every show I’ve ever done, no two shows feel the same. I just love that and I think it’s so much fun.”

It’s not only the training and shows that keep Lorelai coming back to TNP – the relationships she’s built have been, “unbelievable. I love the people here. I always joke that I’m going to bring in a cot and stay here overnight so that I can be with these people all the time. Everyone is so encouraging and inspiring. Before doing theatre here, I wasn’t sure that performing was something I was good at. I didn’t put in nearly as much work to my auditions and training as I do now, and the people here made me want to put in the work. Everyone here works so hard, and you want to be like them and not let anyone down, you know?”

“I feel like I still have a lot to learn from TNP and about performing in general. I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning something new. I’m in dance lessons and voice lessons all the time, and take acting classes, but I feel like I learn the most when I’m doing a show and by seeing the acting choices other people make. During every show, I feel like I exercise and focus on different aspects of performing whether it be dancing, acting, or singing, and I take my notes, and the notes other performers receive very seriously. I try to be a sponge and soak up every piece of advice I can.”

Moving forward, Lorelai is certain that the lessons she’s learned, and the people she’s met, at TNP have changed the trajectory of her future career in performing arts. “I plan on moving to New York City after I graduate, and the only reason I feel confident enough to take that leap is because of TNP. Everyone I’ve taken a class from or made a connection with has played a massive role in offering me something that I can use in my performances and for the rest of my life. Everyone here has pushed, supported, and challenged me all while having my best interests at heart. It’s a combination of all the people I’ve met that make me feel like my dreams will come true and I will find my path.”

“TNP is my home. I feel the safest when I’m here and so connected to everyone. It’s like a second family. I always find any reason and drop everything to be here. When I’m not at TNP, I want to be here – and it doesn’t matter if we’re downtown or not. Wherever TNP is is where I’m the happiest and whenever I’m surrounded by the people here I’m always having a good time.”

Due to overwhelming demand, The Fantasticks was extended by two additional weeks. From January 18 – February 11, 2024, performances are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, and Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm. The Fantasticks will be performed offsite at Naples United Church of Christ in Beverly Hall while The Naples Players’ historic 5th Ave S building undergoes a $20 million renovation. General tickets are $49, and season ticket holders are offered a price of $39. Those interested can visit NaplesPlayers.org anytime or call the TNP Box Office at (239) 263-7990.

All of our staff and volunteers love to get new volunteers into the mix! If you’re new to the area, or just new to volunteering at TNP, don’t hesitate to join the fun. Test your skills at the next audition or contact Pamela Larkin Caruso at 239-434-7340, ext. 104 to find out what other opportunities there are backstage and front of house!