When McKenna and Brayden moved to Naples, it was important to McKenna to find her space in the art community here. “My grandparents have lived here for 30 years and they’ve always loved seeing shows in the area. When I came into town and was driving down Fifth Avenue, I asked them about The Naples Players because it is such a beautiful theater. When I ended up moving here and working at a nearby theater, I realized that The Naples Players is wonderful! I auditioned and was really excited to get involved in community theatre. This community is very accepting and open. There’s a lot of word around town about how loving and welcoming TNP is and the quality of productions being put on here. It brings you in, and keeps you coming back because once you’re a part of the community, it’s so wonderful.”

For McKenna, acting has been a massive part of her life since she was two years old. “My dad was an actor and my mom was an artist, so they brought me into the world really young. I remember being a toddler and hanging out backstage passing them props. I then went to school for dramatic classic theater, and ended up acting all day, every day, and loving it.” Like so many, McKenna’s life was impacted by the COVID pandemic. “My health got really bad, and I had to embark on the journey of halting something that I loved and had been doing for so long. It’s really great coming back to theatre and getting to do something like this again.”

Brayden has used this opportunity to rediscover his love for performing through his marriage and this show. He’s grown especially fond of scenes when Arthur tries to connect with Mary. “I love all of those moments. They’ve been really key to my character development because I put a lot of myself into Arthur. He’s very similar to me, and I realized during the rehearsal process that that is the case in more ways than I thought. Those scenes remind me of how I thought I was doing a good job flirting with McKenna, and she had no idea I was even interested in her. It’s like I’m getting to relive falling in love with McKenna all over again, but through someone else’s script and words.”

McKenna admits that she was both excited and nervous to share the stage with her partner. “You know what they say, ‘if you don’t have chemistry on stage, that means you’re great together in real life. But if you do have chemistry on stage, that means you’re horrible and in real life, you can’t be a couple.’ When we walked into the callbacks our audition was so awkward. I walked out thinking that there was no way we were getting cast together. But we did! It’s made our relationship closer, and we’ve seen a lot of great growth as a couple and actors. He’s a natural talent with great impulses, so working with him in this new way has been really fun.”

For McKenna, being cast as Mary Bennet was a “full-circle moment. I was a dresser for Mary when I was in college, and ever since then, I’ve wanted to do it. It’s one of my favorite shows. Lauren Gunderson is such a good writer. It’s a really heartwarming story that will leave you with such a good feeling. The message, while in alignment with Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, really touches on how to be a part of a family when you’re all different. One of my lines, ‘she deserves as much kindness and patience as anyone,’ is reflected in how despite getting angry and hurting each other, the sisters learn to come together and put their bond first. The show also emphasizes never giving up on finding the right person. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. Growing up, I always thought, ‘the perfect guy for me doesn’t exist,’ and I think Mary and a lot of others think that too. But then, I met Brayden, and it just instantly clicked – he’s the perfect guy for me. That person does exist for people. You should never give up on finding family or relationships that are perfect for you.”

After three weeks of rehearsals, both Brayden and McKenna are blown away by how much fun the rehearsal process has been. “The rehearsal process has been fun, lighthearted, and productive. This cast is like a family. We started hanging out before we started rehearsal. The cast bonding has been effortless, which is rare, and has allowed us to play off each other a lot. The team here at TNP is like no other – the costumes, the sets, the stage management and direction, the lights and sound – it’s just as professional as a professional company. And more,” says McKenna. “If you know nothing about Pride and Prejudice, you’re going to have a great time. If you know everything about Pride and Prejudice, you’re going to have a fabulous time. Lauren Gunderson was the number one most-produced playwright in 2019 for a reason. The show is hilarious and I’m proud for my family and friends to come and see it, and I don’t say that about every show.”

Congratulations on your first production together, Brayden and McKenna! Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley will be performed at Naples United Church of Christ in McSpadden Hall from November 1 – 19, 2023.

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!

The Naples Players (TNP) builds community through exceptional access to the power of theatre. Voted “Favorite Local Theatre” by Broadway World in 2023, TNP is the best community theatre of its kind for musicals, dramas, children’s productions, educational programs, and more. Learn more on our website: naplesplayers.org.