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A Christmas Carol |
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| Dec. 7 - 21, 2023 | |||
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Charles Dickens |
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Adaptation by Cynthia Caywood and Richard James |
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Scott Denison |
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Performed in loving memory of Ken Ruta and Wendy Wisely
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
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Cast
Creative Team
Meet the Company
Owen Atteberry is extremely excited to be a part of "A Christmas Carol!" He is 15 years old and a Sophomore at Las Lomas High School. He loves acting and the holiday season.
Addison is honored to be joining "A Christmas Carol" for her second year at Center REP. Some of her past shows include MATILDA (Matilda) at YMTC, ANASTASIA NATIONAL TOUR (Little Anastasia), and A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL (Randy) at Berkeley Playhouse. She is grateful for her dance training at The Ballet School and theatre training at Young REP, YMTC, etc. She also enjoys reading and cuddling with her dog. She thanks all of her teachers, family and friends for their constant encouragement and support. Enjoy the show! @addie_au
 @addie_au |
Michael Barrett Austin is thrilled to return to "A Christmas Carol for" his second year. Most recently, he performed in "The Best of PlayGround" and worked with San Jose Stage. Pre-pandemic theatre appearances include The Kilbane’s musical reinvention of "As You Like It" (SF Shakespeare Festival), "Finks" (TheatreWorks), "The Elephant Man"(Hillbarn), "Boeing Boeing" (SJ Stage), "Project Ahab" (Central Works), "Red Hot Patriot" with Kathleen Turner (Berkeley Rep) and "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" (NY Fringe Festival). He has also worked locally with Cal Shakes, 42nd Street Moon, TheatreFIRST, Symmetry, Berkeley Playhouse, Brava and many more. Michael toured the country with The National Theatre for Children and Italy with Shakespeare at Stinson, and has appeared on television, in film and in countless commercials. He is a member of PlayGround and ARC, an alumnus of Just Theater and TheatreFirst, and is proud husband of Emily and father to Lucille. www.michaelbarrettaustin.com
Heather Kellogg Baumann is happy to be back once again with her Christmas Carol family. Heather was most recently seen in "Clue" with Center REP. Other recent productions include: "Rachel in The How" and the "Why at Lucky Penny Productions", at Town Hall Theatre: Varya in "The Cherry Orchard,'' Charlotte Corday in "The Revolutionists," Margaret/Anne in "Sense and Sensibility," and Hallie in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance." Evelina Bunner in "The Bunner Sisters" (reACT), Liz in "Hilarity" (DIVAfest), and Kristin in Kristin Hersh's "RAT GIRL" (DIVAfest). She is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, and SF Circus Center’s Clown Conservatory. www.heatherkelloggbaumann.com
Stephanie is excited to debut in her first show with Center REP and first time on the stage at the Lesher Center! She has been a hairstylist for 16 years and has owned her business for 8 years. As soon as she became her own boss she got back into theatre after not being involved since high school! She has played Anas in "Jesus Christ Superstar," Justice in "Rock of Ages," Usherette/Eddie/Dr. Scott in "The Rocky Horror Show" (two years in a row), Bj in "Smokey Joes Cafe" and Daniela in "In The Heights," once at City Lights in San Jose and most recently at Berkeley Playhouse. She thanks her family and friends for all their love and support.
Randy is grateful to join the Christmas Carol cast this year. He and his family have seen friends perform in this show many times over the last 30 years. Randy was jolly at the first Lesher Center Santa Experience and has performed in the barbershop quartet at the Chevron Family Theatre Festival. Performances include "Music Man" (CCMT, DLOC, PCRT, and Woodminster), "Something Rotten" (Woodminster), "Newsies" (Woodminster), "Into the Woods" (Woodminster), "Bye, Bye Birdie" (CCMT), "Singin’ in the Rain" (DLOC), "Hello Dolly" (DLOC), "Fiddler on the Roof" (CCMT), "South Pacific" (PCRT and Woodminster) and "Mamma Mia" (Woodminster). He has shared the stage with both of his children and is a board member of Woodminster Summer Musicals in Oakland. Randy sings with the Bear-a-Tones a cappella group (over 30 years) and works as a computer programmer to pay the bills. Thanks to my family for their love and support.
Jeff Collister (Ebenezer Scrooge (12/20))
Jeff has been Production Manager for Center REP since 1995 and has stage managed over 60 productions since starting with the company in 1989. For REP Jeff directed Disney’s "Freaky Friday – The Musical," "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and "Xanadu." He has also directed "Urinetown, The Musical," and "Grease" (2004) for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. He worked as Production Stage Manager for "Dame Edna – The Royal Tour" (1998) in San Francisco. Jeff is a Shellie Award winning actor and director, and a member of Actors Equity Association. Sing a carol or two with a friend and enjoy the holidays!
Jeff has been Production Manager for Center REP since 1995 and has stage managed over 60 productions since starting with the company in 1989. For REP Jeff directed Disney’s "Freaky Friday – The Musical," "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and "Xanadu." He has also directed "Urinetown, The Musical," and "Grease" (2004) for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. He worked as Production Stage Manager for "Dame Edna – The Royal Tour" (1998) in San Francisco. Jeff is a Shellie Award winning actor and director, and a member of Actors Equity Association. Sing a carol or two with a friend and enjoy the holidays!
Chris Contreras is very excited to be back as part of the "A Christmas Carol" cast, one of his favorite productions. Chris is a senior at Northgate High School and has been acting since he was a young boy. He hopes to continue his craft after high school and into college and beyond. Chris plans to study acting and film in college. He hopes everyone enjoys the shows and wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Maeve Coyne is making her Center REP debut in "A Christmas Carol" as part of the ensemble. Maeve is currently in fifth grade and has always loved performing since she was just a toddler. She started acting recently with the Young Actors Studio at the Lareen Fender’s Ballet School and Performing Arts. Maeve has been featured as a principal model for GAP during their Holiday 2015 window display campaign, and has also modeled for Pottery Barn Kids, Gymboree, and Janie & Jack. Lin Manuel Miranda is one of her favorite creatives as she loves musicals like "Hamilton" and the movie La La Land. She hopes to bring joy to others by delighting the audience with her vivaciousness, as well as more diversity in theatre by having more people from all walks of life and identities be represented on stage.
Michael Doppe is excited to be back with Center REP, after being in "Clue," "A Christmas Carol," and "Rock of Ages." Doppe is an actor, director, Projection Designer, Fight Director, graduate of the SCT Actor Training Program, and a theatre educator for The Ballet School Performing Arts, and the Young REP program. Past credits include work across the Bay Area at Theatreworks Silicon Valley, San Jose Stage, Town Hall Theatre, 42nd St. Moon, Lucky Penny, Masquers, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Ray of Light Theatre, Theatre Rhinoceros, and New Conservatory Theatre Center. Visit him at michaeldoppe.com
Jeffrey Draper is so happy to return to "A Christmas Carol" again and spend the holidays with the amazing people in the Center REP and Young REP family. Jeffrey is a teacher at The Harker School in San Jose and is co-Education Director for Young REP with Kerri Shawn. He has loved working in many Center REP’s shows, including "The Man Who Came to Dinner," "A Midsummer Night’s Dream," and "Picasso" at the Lapin Agile. Other credits include Prior in both parts of Town Hall’s "Angels in America," and "Hamlet" for Bus Barn Theater.
Sam, an 8th grader at The Seven Hills School in Walnut Creek, is thrilled to be performing in "A Christmas Carol" here at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Sam has been acting and performing since he was a teeny-tiny preschooler, and counts Winthrop in "The Music Man" and Charlie from "Willy Wonka Jr." as two favorite roles. Sam would like to thank the directors and his parents for all their support and help, which made it possible for him to be a part of this wonderful show.
In his first performance at Lesher Center for the Arts, Alan Kornfeld is excited to portray the character, Tiny Tim in "A Christmas Carol." Alan has appeared locally in Poison Apple Productions’ presentations of "Aladdin" and "Madagascar." A 3rd grade student, Alan’s interests include art, musical theater, karate, song, dance, baseball, math, climbing in trees and playing with his dog, Bullet. Alan has always shown himself to be a dedicated friend and a hard worker who loves mastering new skills.
Scott is so grateful to return to the Christmas Carol family for his eighth time performing with this production. Most recently, he was seen in "Stopping by Stoppard’s Utopia" at San Francisco’s Bohemia Club and in "Bright Star" at Napa’s Lucky Penny Productions. Prior to that, and the rise of the Covid pandemic, he was last seen in CCMT’s production of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" on this very stage. Scott’s directing and choreography credits include Stage 1’s "In the Heights" and "Mamma Mia," Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre’s "Jekyll and Hyde," HDP’s "The Taffetas" and Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre’s productions of "Mamma Mia," "The Last Five Years," "Forever Plaid" and "The Taffetas." Favorite roles include Sebastian (The Little Mermaid), Joseph (Joseph and the Amazing…), Magaldi (Evita), Wrangler (The Will Rogers Follies), Corny Collins (Hairspray), Caleb (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) and Bobby (A Chorus Line). #teamswirl
Michael McCarty is thrilled to be back performing in this holiday classic. Prior to "A Christmas Carol," Michael spent 25 holiday seasons performing in "The Bracebridge Dinners" in Yosemite National Park. Previous performances on the Hoffmann stage include CCMT’s productions of 1776, "Gypsy," "The Music Man," "Les Miserables," and Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast." Michael also appeared in Disney’s ''Freaky Friday" with Center REP and is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble: www.fantasyforum.org. He works for Children First Medical Group, Inc. and resides with his family in Benicia.
Miles Meckling, is a Sacramento native who is excited to be making his Center REP Debut! He is overjoyed to perform "A Christmas Carol." This show is one of his childhood favorites and has been his dream to perform for many years. His recent credits includes Berkeley Playhouse: "In the Heights," "Little Shop of Horrors." Woodminster: "On Your Feet." Sacramento Theatre Company: "Mamma Mia," "HMS Pinafor." Classic Theatre: "The Gift of Magi." Sacramento State: "Sweat," "In the Heights." South Bay Musical Theatre: "Almost Maine." Woodland Opera House: "Sister Act," "Newsies." William Jessup: "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." He thanks his family and friends for the love and support for it has meant the world. Follow his journey on Instagram @Leroi23 & Catch him next in Sacramento Theatre Company’s production of Seussical the Musical In Concert.
| @Leroi23 |
Melinda Meeng is thrilled to be back as Sarah Cratchit! She just finished playing Mama Rose in 42nd Street Moon’s concert production of "Gypsy." She was recently seen on the Center REP stage in "Our Town." Other theatre credits include: "Mamma Mia" (Tanya), "Flower Drum Song" (Madame Rita Liang), "A Chorus Line" (Diana Morales), "Man of La Mancha" (Aldonza), "The King & I" (Lady Thiang), "South Pacific" (Bloody Mary, Shellie Award Winner), and many more! TV: Chance with Hugh Laurie, Film: Americana (2016), Free Byrd (2019). Cheers to my sweet Papa! Love to Todd!
Robin is delighted to return to the land of spirits once again where he has shared the holiday season with cast, crew, and audience of "A Christmas Carol" for more than 20 years running. Favorite roles elsewhere include El Gallo in "The Fantasticks," Lancelot in "Camelot," Rapunzel’s Prince in "Into the Woods," and Smudge in "Forever Plaid and Plaid Tidings." For Robin, "A Christmas Carol" is a wonderful wrap for the school year, when he’s a professor of cognitive science and linguistics. He is grateful as always to Mary and Andrew for their love and support.
Austin Milgram is 10 years old and thrilled to be returning to Center REP’s "A Christmas Carol" for the third time. Austin has been in many shows including "A Goofy Movie," "Lion King," "Encanto," "Broadway’s Back" and many more. He was most recently a part of the 2022 Theater program at Children's Fairyland. Austin has had a passion for acting since he was four years old. He would invite his whole family to watch his self-written and directed productions. In his free time, he creates and edits a wide variety of content on his YouTube channel. Austin is so excited to perform for you and your family this holiday season!
Violet Morris (she/her) is a recent graduate of the School of Theater, Film, and Television at UCLA. A Bay Area native, Violet is so excited to be working with Center REP this holiday season. While at UCLA, Violet was the Artistic Director of the student-run Shakespeare Company at UCLA, where she produced and starred in numerous productions including "Richard III," "Macbeth," and "A Streetcar Named Desire." Violet is a Pisces, bookworm, and younger sister (which seems to be where she learned to take direction). She is immensely grateful to her family for all their love and support. When not wrapped up in discussions about theater and performance, Violet can be found driving her red car to the beach as she is a firm believer that everything is a little more magical after a dunk in the Pacific Ocean.
Marty is more than excited to be participating in this holiday tradition. His favorite part of the show is selling fruit to all of the passersby! His favorite fruit to sell are pears! Marty is a huge San Francisco Forty Niners fan, his favorite fit of jeans is a 541, his favorite holiday movie is Die Hard and his favorite color is brown! Marty would like to dedicate his performance to his dog, LaFred and to the other doggie parents and families in the Holbrook Heights neighborhood! Bah humbug!
Tiana is elated to be making her Center REP stage debut. She is a Bay Area native and has been working in theater since she was 17. Some of her more recent stage credits include "The Pajama Game" at 42nd Street Moon, "Twelfth Night the Musical" with San Francisco Playhouse, "Mamma Mia," "BIG: the musical," and "Dreamgirls" with Berkeley Playhouse. When she isn’t on stage, you can find her enjoying her job as Patron Services Manager for 42nd Street Moon. In her spare time, you can find her reading, baking or cooking at home. Tiana would like to thank her mom, dad, the rest of her family, and friends for their never-ending support. She truly hopes you enjoy the show! Love you, Kevin.
Jeanine is very happy to be returning to her Dickensian family again this year. Being able to spread the love and hope of this story is true gift. Some of her favorite roles she’s performed are Sister Robert Anne in "Nunsense," Madame de la Grand Bouche in "Beauty & the Beast," Sister Mary Lazarus in "Sister Act," & Dolly Levi in "The Matchmaker." Jeanine is a proud member of Fantasy Forum’s Actor Ensemble. Jeanine is also a Certified Arborist and member of the International Society of Aboriculture. She wants to thank her wonderful friends and family; especially Fred, Miranda, Evan & Hensley. You bring so much joy & wonder to my life every day. This year’s performances are dedicated to Wendy Wisely; forever in our hearts. We miss you.
Grace studies ballet and theatre at Lareen Fender's The Ballet School Performing Arts where she is part of the advanced training program, The Ballet Joyeux and Performing Arts Studio. www.theballetschool.org Grace has been a student of the Young REP Summer training program for 7 years. She is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Grace was seen in many CCMT productions, "Matilda," "Billy Elliot," "Gypsy" (Baby Louise) "The Music Man" (Gracie Shinn) "OKLAHOMA!," "Joseph and the Amazing.." and with Center REP, "A Christmas Carol" (Fan, Martha Cratchit).
Jennifer Perry has been teaching Ballet and Theatre classes for over 30 years. She was lucky to have studied and trained with her grandmother, Lareen Fender at The Ballet School Performing Arts. Directing Credits Include: "Matilda," "Billy Elliot," "Gypsy" (Shellie Award), "Joseph and the Amazing..," "A Chorus Line" (BATCCA), "OKLAHOMA!" (Shellie Award), "42nd Street," and "Guys and Dolls" all for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. "Red Hot" and "Cole" for Role Players Ensemble. Choreography Credits include: "Matilda," "Billy Elliot," "Gypsy", "The Music Man" (Shellie Award) "Les Miserables" (CCMT) "Freaky Friday," "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Center REP) "Sweet Charity" (Center REP), "Xanadu" (Center REP, Shellie Award) "Joseph and the Amazing." (Shellie Award), "Hairspray" (BATCCA, Shellie Award) , "A Chorus Line"(BATCCA), "Cinderella" (Shellie Award Winner) Disney's "Beauty and The Beast," "Annie," "Sound of Music," "Titanic the Musical "and many other original pieces. Favorite roles include: Cassie (A Chorus Line), Frenchy (Grease), Bonnie Jean (Brigadoon), Louise (Carousel), Mary Warren (Crucible), Jennie Mae (Diviners), Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol) Shellie Nominee, Suzy Hendrix (Wait Until Dark) and Bonnie (Anything Goes, Shellie Award) Jennifer is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actor's Ensemble www.fantasyforum.org and is thrilled to be going into her 27th year of teaching for Center REP's Young REP Acting Training Program, where she serves as co-director of the Musical Theatre Program. Jennifer is the Casting Director for Center Repertory Company. Jennifer is the owner and director of Lareen Fender's The Ballet School Performing Arts which is home to the Performing Arts Studio. www.theballetschool.org #LiveJoyCreateHope
Sadie is so proud to join her sister Grace on stage. Sadie is in the 3rd grade. Sadie studies ballet, piano and theatre at Lareen Fender's The Ballet School Performing Arts where she is part of the ballet training program and Performing Arts Studio. www.theballetschool.org
Some favorite roles include Lt. Jack Ross in "A Few Good Men" with TOOTC. Billy's Dad, Jackie Elliot in "Billy Elliot," Pharaoh in "Joseph and The Amazing," "Les Miserables," "OKLAHOMA!" Sir Evelyn in "Anything Goes," Miles in "Funny Thing Happened..." Boatman in "Sunday in the Park with George," Harry the Horse in "Guys and Dolls," all with CCMT. Harry ("Once Upon A Mattress"), George ("High Society," DLOC) Captain Sloop ("Crimson Pirate," FFAE), Constable and Young Scrooge (Center REP's "A Christmas Carol"). Vincent is a Shellie Award winner and multiple Marty Award winner. He is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actor's Ensemble, www.fantasyforum.org. Vincent is the head of the Music Department at The Ballet School Performing Arts, where he teaches Piano and Voice in Walnut Creek, www.theballetschool.org. Vincent is represented by NYLO Talent Agency.
Antonia Reed is ecstatic to be back working with Center REP to do this wonderful production of "A Christmas Carol." It has been a couple of years since she was in a show, prior to being in DVC's production of the musical "The Addams Family" as Ensemble. Some of her favorite shows she has performed in were "Legally Blonde" as Pilar, "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" as Hippolyta, and "Singin' in the Rain" as Kathy Selden. She would like to thank the casting director and director for bringing her on. She would also like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her and being there. Be joyful and enjoy the show. It’s going to be a fun adventure.
Barbara Reynolds is joyfully celebrating her 25th year in the quartet for "A Christmas Carol." A summa cum laude graduate of UCLA with a degree in music, she performs with local theaters and music groups including South Bay Musical Theatre (Dracula, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Bobbi/Gabby in City of Angels, Kate in Kiss Me Kate, Mother in Ragtime, Amalia in She Loves Me), Tabard Theatre (Queen of the Mist, 1776), and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley (A Little Night Music, Ragtime). She also sings regularly with the San Jose Symphonic Choir.
Nicholas Rodriguez Is filled with gratitude to be back with the CC family at Center REP! A Young Rep Alumni, He’s a recent graduate of UCLA’s TFT program where he received a BA in Theater. As a student he performed in many productions including: "Bent," "Little Shop of Horrors," and "She Kills Monsters" among other performance opportunities. He is a 2 time member of UCLA Spring Sing’s Company, Writer/Director of Woodward the Skate Play, former UCLA Radio Host, as well as a die hard Sacramento Kings fan. He wishes you a Happy Holidays and a big thank you for supporting the arts!! All Love to my family and friends for the constant support and love. @atomicnick @woodwardtheskateplay
| @atomicnick @woodwardtheskateplay |
Tristan Rodriguez is 15 years old and currently a sophomore at Las Lomas High School. Born and raised in Walnut Creek, he has been acting since a young age with different theater companies in the East Bay. This is his first production with Center REP, but hopefully not his last. He would like to take this opportunity to thank his parents for always being supportive and his dog for being a blanket hog.
Center REP’s production of "A Christmas Carol" is performed in loving memory of Ken Ruta.
JonCarlo Salinas-Tognetti is thrilled to be in "A Christmas Carol" at the Lesher Center for the Arts. He just finished performing as Orcus in "She Kills Monsters" at Diablo Valley College. Some of his past roles are Sipos in "She Loves Me" and Fester in "Addams Family" at Clayton Valley High School. JonCarlo wants to thank his friends and family who have always been supportive of his love for the arts. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Ethan Shank is thrilled to be returning for "A Christmas Carol" this year! He is a Sophomore at Las Lomas High School and has been acting his whole life. He would like to thank his family and his community for their infinite support.
Terrance Smith is ecstatic, to once again, bring in the Holidays for his third year of “A Christmas Carol!” He’s had the honor of working at Town Hall Theatre, where he won a Shellie Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Sam in “Brooklyn Bridge.” Terrance also received a Best Actor nomination for his performance as Helena in B8 Theatre’s gender swapped take on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream." This year, in 2022, he performed as a part of the End of Isolation Tour, which sought to spread awareness across ten states about the need for prison reform and ending solitary confinement. He even got to performed at the Eugene O’ Neill Festival in New Ross, Ireland. And if you’re a fan of the hit Netflix cartoon series “Go Go Cory Carson” Terrance provides the voice for the coolest locomotive alive, DJ Train Trax. Follow his Instagram! @yountsmith23
| @yountsmith23 |
Kerri is delighted and grateful to return to her Center REP Christmas Carol family as the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Charwoman. As Co-Director of Center REP’s Young REP Theatre Training Program with Jeffrey Draper, and many roles to her acting credits on the Lesher and Hofmann stages, the Lesher Arts Center has held an important place in Kerri’s heart throughout these past five decades. She has also performed locally with PlayGround, The Marin Theatre Company, Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble, Diablo Actors Ensemble, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, and The Eugene O’Neill Foundation. Kerri wishes all of you in our CC audiences a peaceful and lovely holiday season.
Zoe Alicyn Shipes is thrilled to once again join the cast of Center REP’s "A Christmas Carol" as a holiday tradition! Zoe’s prior training includes seven years in the Young REP program, as well as performances with Standing Ovations and Town Hall Theatre. Zoe also studied music performance for many years in school. Classes at The Ballet School helped round out their training. Zoe was cast as Cheryl in "Evil Dead the Musical" (High School Version) and this remains an all time favorite role to this day. Zoe graduated high school this year, a year early, to have more time to train and work in theatre and would like to thank the DRAA, family, friends and the community for their years of support and wishes everyone Happy Holidays!
Christopher is thrilled to be making his Center REP debut! He was previously seen as Frankie Suzuki in the Peninsula premiere of "Allegiance" at Palo Alto Players. Other favorite credits include "The Steward in Into the Woods" (Berkeley Playhouse), Jamie in "The Last Five Years" (Palo Alto Players) and Beadle Bamford in "Sweeney Todd" (Danville Light Opera). A filmmaker by trade, Christopher is also the Director of Film and Photography for Larry the Musical (Brava Theater). All his love to his wife, Marah, and their furbaby, Pepper. You can find his work at chrisjsotelo.com and on IG @chrisjsotelo.
| @chrisjsotelo. |
Marah is excited to be part of her first Center REP production! Recent Bay Area roles include Louise in "Gypsy"(42nd Street Moon), Cinderella in "Into the Woods" (Berkeley Playhouse), Kei Kimura in "Allegiance," Cathy in "The Last Five Years," and Linda Low in "Flower Drum Song" (Palo Alto Players), Amalia Balash in "She Loves Me" (Mountain Play/Ross Valley Players), Candela in "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" (Town Hall Theatre), and Sally Bowles in "Cabaret" (Pacifica Spindrift Players). Other roles include Mimi in "Rent" and Marta in "Company" (Station Theatre), Lady of the Lake in "Spamalot" and Rosa Bud in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" (Parkland Theatre), Eponine in "Les Misérables," Amneris in "Aida," and Christmas Eve in "Avenue Q" (Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company), and Johanna in "Sweeney Todd" (Danville Light Opera). Hugs, kisses, and all my love to Chris & Pepper! Instagram: @marahsotelo
| @marahsotelo |
Molly Thornton is thrilled to return to the wonderful cast of "A Christmas Carol" for her fourteenth year. Having just completed a run in "Something Rotten!" with West Valley Light Opera, other favorite Bay Area roles include The Witch (Big Fish), Rosie (Mamma Mia!), Aldonza (Man of La Mancha), Anna Edson Taylor (Queen of the Mist), Maggie Jones (42nd Street), Helen Sinclair (Bullets Over Broadway), Morticia (The Addams Family), Mama Rose (Gypsy), Pennywise (Urinetown), Mrs. Walker (The Who’s Tommy), Kate (Kiss Me, Kate) and Betty Blake (The Will Rogers Follies) for which she received a Shellie Award. Love goes to her wonderful husband, James.
Michael Patrick Wiles is proud to have been a part of Center REP's "A Christmas Carol" for the last two decades. Other acting credits include work with the American Conservatory Theater, American Musical Theater, Aurora Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater, California Shakespeare Theater, Capital Stage Company, Magic Theater, Marin Shakespeare Company, Pacific Repertory Theater, SF Shakespeare Festival, and Tacoma Actors Guild. Wiles has served as the Casting Director & Resident Music Director for Berkeley Playhouse for the last decade. Music Directing credits there include "Little Shop of Horrors," "Mamma Mia," "Pippin" (TBA Award nomination), "Dreamgirls" (TBA Award nomination), "Grease," "Sister Act," "Urinetown" (TBA Award winner, BATCC Award nomination), "Peter & the Starcatcher," "The Addams Family," "Hairspray," and "Avenue Q" (TBA Award nomination). Other music directing credits include work with Capital Stage Company, CCCT, Pacific Repertory Theater, SF Opera Guild, and SF Shakespeare Festival. BFA, Cornish College of the Arts.
Jill is excited to make her debut at Center REP. Previous roles include Martha in "The Children’s Hour" (Manhattan Playhouse), Mrs. Malloy in "The Matchmaker" (Manhattan Playhouse), Fleur Stein in "And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little" (Manhattan Playhouse), Villager in "Fiddler on the Roof" (Evergreen Theatre Conservatory), Frau Fahrenkopf in "Night of the Iguana" (Driftwood Theatre) and Alicia in "The Agreement" (Penthouse Theatre). Technical credits include Assistant Stage Manager for productions of "A Little Night Music" (Berkshire Theatre Festival) and "A Delicate Balance" (Berkshire Theatre Festival). She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from University of Washington and completed a Theater Internship at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Jill is an Executive Coach and non-stop volunteer in the community. Most of all, she loves her awesome husband Kevin, amazing kids, Darielle and Shane, and pets Kodi and Nala.
Michael Ray Wisely is honored to share this timeless story with you again. This is his 26th appearance with the company. REP audiences have also seen him as Sam Phillips in "The Million Dollar Quartet," and Petkoff in "Arms and the Man," among others. Recent appearances: Macduff in "Dunsinane," for Marin Theatre Company, Bill in "August: Osage County", for San Jose Stage, and Iago in "Othello" for African-American Shakespeare Company. Well known to Bay Area audiences, he has performed Off-Broadway, regionally and internationally, including : 59e59 Theaters (NYC), Teatro Santa Ana (SMA), Aurora Theatre, SF Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks, The Magic, Marin Shakes, Lucky Penny and others. Michael Ray has starred and guest-starred in film and Television, and recently in 13 Reasons Why on Netflix. He dedicates this performance to his late wife, actress, director, and educator, Wendy McGlothlin Wisely, who was an inspiration to many and forever his and their daughter, Liv’s, champion. You can follow him on social media or at michaelraywisely.com
Center REP’s production of "A Christmas Carol" is performed in loving memory of Wendy Wisely.
Diella is overjoyed to be back with her "A Christmas Carol" family! Theatre credits include CCMT's "Grease," "Gypsy," "The Music Man," "The Sound of Music," "Joseph," "Sunset Blvd," "Oklahoma," "Evita," "Cinderella," "Guys & Dolls," and "Annie," TVRT's "The Sound of Music," and BPH's "Mamma Mia!" She has also performed in numerous Mountain Plays and College of Marin productions. She is very grateful for her friends and family for their support as she pursues her passion for theatre!
Scott Denison has been a leader in the Arts for over 50 years for Walnut Creek and the surrounding communities. He retired as General Manager for the Lesher Center and Managing Director of Center REP in January of 2022. Scott currently serves as director and co-founder of Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble, an adult family performing arts company which presents programs for the young and Young at Heart. For the Lesher Center Scott has directed Lady With All the Answers, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, Les Misérables, and for the past 23 seasons Center REP’s A Christmas Carol. Throughout his career Denison has directed, produced and designed over 250 productions. In 1979 he created the Shellie Awards, which annually honored outstanding performing arts achievement in Contra Costa County through 2020. In 2007 he created the Chevron Family Theatre Festival at the LCA bringing adult nationally acclaimed performances together for one day performing to over 7,000 guests of all ages. Presently, Scott is touring throughout the country with C.S.Lewis and Aruba Productions and has not only been enjoying directing this current production of Center REP’s A Christmas Carol but is also producing and directing Fantasy Forum’s The Biggest Gift in the Lesher Theatre and the North Pole Experience in the Vukasin where Santa and Mrs. Claus have in person visits with families. All here at The Lesher Center!
Kelly Tighe+ (Scenic Designer)
Off-Broadway and national tour credits include "Martin Luther on Trial," "Shadowlands," "The Most Reluctant Convert," "The Great Divorce," "The Fantasticks," "Almost Heaven," "Movin’ Out," "Shear Madness" and "Cats." Other credits: Disney theatrical, Paper Mill Playhouse, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Center Repertory Company, SlowBurn Theater, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Sacramento Theatre Company, Gateway Playhouse, Broadway By the Bay, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Diablo Theatre Company and Ray of Light Theatre. Kelly’s theatrical work is published in the textbook Scene Design and Stage Lighting and his work as an illustrator has been published in Mooseltoe, A Moose and a Dream. Awards and recognitions include the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle, DramaLogue and the Shellie Awards. kjtdesign.com
Off-Broadway and national tour credits include "Martin Luther on Trial," "Shadowlands," "The Most Reluctant Convert," "The Great Divorce," "The Fantasticks," "Almost Heaven," "Movin’ Out," "Shear Madness" and "Cats." Other credits: Disney theatrical, Paper Mill Playhouse, San Jose Repertory Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, Center Repertory Company, SlowBurn Theater, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Sacramento Theatre Company, Gateway Playhouse, Broadway By the Bay, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Diablo Theatre Company and Ray of Light Theatre. Kelly’s theatrical work is published in the textbook Scene Design and Stage Lighting and his work as an illustrator has been published in Mooseltoe, A Moose and a Dream. Awards and recognitions include the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle, DramaLogue and the Shellie Awards. kjtdesign.com
Chris Currie (Lighting Designer)
Chris was born and raised in the Bay Area. He worked for a variety of theatres and theatre companies, and as concert overhire in the Bay Area before getting a job as a full time Theatre Technician at the Lesher Center For The Arts in Walnut Creek. During his 11 years there he moved up in the department to become the Lesher Center's Master Electrician. After leaving the Lesher Center and moving on to Wunder Lighting & Controls, he is excited to return and do "A Christmas Carol" again!
Chris was born and raised in the Bay Area. He worked for a variety of theatres and theatre companies, and as concert overhire in the Bay Area before getting a job as a full time Theatre Technician at the Lesher Center For The Arts in Walnut Creek. During his 11 years there he moved up in the department to become the Lesher Center's Master Electrician. After leaving the Lesher Center and moving on to Wunder Lighting & Controls, he is excited to return and do "A Christmas Carol" again!
Jeff Mockus+ (Sound Designer)
Jeff Mockus returns for his 15th Christmas Carol, and his starring role as the spirit voice calling Jacob Marley back from whence he came. CenterREP credits include: Murder For Two, Mamma Mia! Disney’s Freaky Friday, Women In Jeopardy, Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical, Old Wicked Songs, Sweet Charity, Xanadu, Noises Off, A Marvelous Party, Cabaret, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Nixon’s Nixon, Musical of Musicals: The Musical, Hank Williams Lost Highway, Around The World In 80 Days, and The Marriage of Figaro. Mr. Mockus currently serves as Resident Sound Designer and Sound Supervisor for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, where his (very) recent work includes Little Shop of Horrors, Ragtime, Sense and Sensibility, and Lizard Boy (BATCC award).
Jeff Mockus returns for his 15th Christmas Carol, and his starring role as the spirit voice calling Jacob Marley back from whence he came. CenterREP credits include: Murder For Two, Mamma Mia! Disney’s Freaky Friday, Women In Jeopardy, Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical, Old Wicked Songs, Sweet Charity, Xanadu, Noises Off, A Marvelous Party, Cabaret, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Nixon’s Nixon, Musical of Musicals: The Musical, Hank Williams Lost Highway, Around The World In 80 Days, and The Marriage of Figaro. Mr. Mockus currently serves as Resident Sound Designer and Sound Supervisor for TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, where his (very) recent work includes Little Shop of Horrors, Ragtime, Sense and Sensibility, and Lizard Boy (BATCC award).
Steve Channon+ (Video Designer)
Design credits include the 2021 off-Broadway revival of "Assassins" (dir: John Doyle); the first international production of R&H’s "Cinderella," in Moscow; "A Bed and a Chair" for New York City Center Encores!; Pauly Shore’s "Pauly~tics" (Showtime); and "The Nutcracker and I" at George Street Playhouse. Steve has also worked as animator and associate designer on Broadway for "The Mountaintop" and "Colin Quinn: Long Story Short;" as well as "Old Jews Telling Jokes" (off-Broadway), "The History of Invulnerability" (Cincinnati Playhouse), Frank Wildhorn’s "Tears of Heaven" (National Theatre of Korea), and "Empire the Musical" (La Mirada Playhouse). Online: Channon.TV
Design credits include the 2021 off-Broadway revival of "Assassins" (dir: John Doyle); the first international production of R&H’s "Cinderella," in Moscow; "A Bed and a Chair" for New York City Center Encores!; Pauly Shore’s "Pauly~tics" (Showtime); and "The Nutcracker and I" at George Street Playhouse. Steve has also worked as animator and associate designer on Broadway for "The Mountaintop" and "Colin Quinn: Long Story Short;" as well as "Old Jews Telling Jokes" (off-Broadway), "The History of Invulnerability" (Cincinnati Playhouse), Frank Wildhorn’s "Tears of Heaven" (National Theatre of Korea), and "Empire the Musical" (La Mirada Playhouse). Online: Channon.TV
Thomas Judd (Past Dress Lighting Programmer)
Tom moved to Southern California 27 years ago to join the cast of the Disneyland Resort as a Stagehand working on many shows including "Fantasmic," "Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and "Blast." For the last 14 years, Tom has been a Technical Director for Disney Creative Entertainment working on Wintertime Enchantment, Avengers Campus, Frozen and Disney Junior. Tom was one of the Opening Stagehands at the LCA in 1990.
Tom moved to Southern California 27 years ago to join the cast of the Disneyland Resort as a Stagehand working on many shows including "Fantasmic," "Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and "Blast." For the last 14 years, Tom has been a Technical Director for Disney Creative Entertainment working on Wintertime Enchantment, Avengers Campus, Frozen and Disney Junior. Tom was one of the Opening Stagehands at the LCA in 1990.
Jennifer Perry (Choreographer)
Jennifer Perry has been teaching Ballet and Theatre classes for over 30 years. She was lucky to have studied and trained with her grandmother, Lareen Fender at The Ballet School Performing Arts. Directing Credits Include: Matilda, Billy Elliot, Gypsy (Shellie Award), Joseph and the Amazing.., A Chorus Line (BATCCA), OKLAHOMA! (Shellie Award), 42nd Street , and Guys and Dolls all for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Red Hot and Cole for Role Players Ensemble. Choreography Credits include: Matilda, Billy Elliot, Gypsy, The Music Man (Shellie Award) Les Miserables (CCMT) Freaky Friday, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Center REP) Sweet Charity (Center REP), Xanadu (Center REP, Shellie Award) Joseph and the Amazing. (Shellie Award)., Hairspray (BATCCA, Shellie Award) , A Chorus Line(BATCCA), Cinderella (Shellie Award Winner) Disney's Beauty and The Beast, Annie, Sound of Music, Titanic the Musical and many other original pieces. Favorite roles include: Cassie (A Chorus Line), Frenchy (Grease), Bonnie Jean (Brigadoon), Louise (Carousel), Mary Warren (Crucible), Jennie Mae (Diviners), Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol) Shellie Nominee, Suzy Hendrix (Wait Until Dark) and Bonnie (Anything Goes, Shellie Award) Jennifer is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actor's Ensemble www.fantasyforum.org and is thrilled to be going into her 27th year of teaching for Center REP's Young REP Acting Training Program, where she serves as co-director of the Musical Theatre Program. Jennifer is the Casting Director for Center REPertory Company. Jennifer is the owner and director of Lareen Fender's The Ballet School Performing Arts which is home to the Performing Arts Studio. www.theballetschool.org #LiveJoyCreateHope
Jennifer Perry has been teaching Ballet and Theatre classes for over 30 years. She was lucky to have studied and trained with her grandmother, Lareen Fender at The Ballet School Performing Arts. Directing Credits Include: Matilda, Billy Elliot, Gypsy (Shellie Award), Joseph and the Amazing.., A Chorus Line (BATCCA), OKLAHOMA! (Shellie Award), 42nd Street , and Guys and Dolls all for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Red Hot and Cole for Role Players Ensemble. Choreography Credits include: Matilda, Billy Elliot, Gypsy, The Music Man (Shellie Award) Les Miserables (CCMT) Freaky Friday, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Center REP) Sweet Charity (Center REP), Xanadu (Center REP, Shellie Award) Joseph and the Amazing. (Shellie Award)., Hairspray (BATCCA, Shellie Award) , A Chorus Line(BATCCA), Cinderella (Shellie Award Winner) Disney's Beauty and The Beast, Annie, Sound of Music, Titanic the Musical and many other original pieces. Favorite roles include: Cassie (A Chorus Line), Frenchy (Grease), Bonnie Jean (Brigadoon), Louise (Carousel), Mary Warren (Crucible), Jennie Mae (Diviners), Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol) Shellie Nominee, Suzy Hendrix (Wait Until Dark) and Bonnie (Anything Goes, Shellie Award) Jennifer is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actor's Ensemble www.fantasyforum.org and is thrilled to be going into her 27th year of teaching for Center REP's Young REP Acting Training Program, where she serves as co-director of the Musical Theatre Program. Jennifer is the Casting Director for Center REPertory Company. Jennifer is the owner and director of Lareen Fender's The Ballet School Performing Arts which is home to the Performing Arts Studio. www.theballetschool.org #LiveJoyCreateHope
Alyssa Tryon (Props Designer)
Alyssa Tryon (she/her) has been the Resident Properties Designer for Center Repertory Company since 2019. Originally from New Jersey, she worked in NYC for six years prior to moving to the Bay Area. Her work has been featured in NYC, Santa Fe, Sacramento, and all over the Bay Area. She has a BA in Theatre Performance & Theatrical Design from Marymount Manhattan College. She would like to thank her family, friends, and fellow creatives for all their support! www.alyssatryon.com
Alyssa Tryon (she/her) has been the Resident Properties Designer for Center Repertory Company since 2019. Originally from New Jersey, she worked in NYC for six years prior to moving to the Bay Area. Her work has been featured in NYC, Santa Fe, Sacramento, and all over the Bay Area. She has a BA in Theatre Performance & Theatrical Design from Marymount Manhattan College. She would like to thank her family, friends, and fellow creatives for all their support! www.alyssatryon.com
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
+ United Scenic Artists Union
CENTER REPERTORY COMPANY
Carolyn Jackson - Managing Director
Matt M. Morrow - Artistic Director
Markus Potter - Artistic Producer
Patrick Klein - Production Manager
Del Medoff - Master Electrician
Sophia Blake, Simon Butcher, Kira Daugherty, Bella Jacobs, Ana Vazquez - Follow Spot Operators
Sylvia Lubman - Associate Producer
Liesl Buchbinder - Costume Shop Manager
Izzi Fleury - Wardrobe Supervisor
Evan Rodriguez - Costume Shop Helper
Suzanne Brandt - Child Wrangler/Dresser
Stephanie Weldon - Production Assistant
Michael Borg, Tyler Clark, Kira Daugherty, Jessa Dunlap, Rylyn Groves, Emily Haynes, Stephanie Pope-Weldon, Evan Rodriguez, Vanessa Root-Fitzgerald, Ana Vazquez, Linda Wu - Wigs/Dressers
Jeff Draper, Kerri Shawn - Education Directors
Jennifer Perry - Casting Director (Supported by Casting Collective: Dori L. Jacob, CSA)
LESHER CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Toni Kilcoyne - Production Services Supervisor
Daniel Aldrich, Alex Bull, Terry D'Enidio, Alex Howard, Chris Joe, Theo Neeno, Steve Pino, Matthew Roberts, Garrick Schuster, Josh Stouffer, Josh Yarnell, Steve Young - Technical Staff
Jeremiah Vierling - Interim Audience Services Supervisor
Ohemaa Asare, Maddy d'Angelo, Hali Loyd, Alyssa Montany, Marie Montany-Campbell, Robert Nolan, Jeremiah Vierling, Aurora Wassmuth - Ticket Office Staff
Pat Rusich - Usher Coordinator
Linda Nomura, Sarah Wilcox - Office Specialists
CITY OF WALNUT CREEK
Matt Francois - Mayor
Cindy Silva - Mayor Pro Tem
Sarah Baltazar, Glynnis Cowdery, Jill Dresser, Iasmine Klauber, Anne Meridith - Arts Commission
Kevin Safine - Arts+Rec Director
Cindy Darling, Loella Haskew, Kevin Wilk - City Council
Dan Buckshi - City Manager