Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. |
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The Boss Elf |
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| Introducing Kai Vadivelu as Young Rudolph | ||||
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| Starring Kavan Vadivelu as Rudolph | ||||
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| and Narrated by Chris Logan Carter as Sam the Snowman | ||||
Cast
Meet the Company
Kavan Vadivelu
Chris Logan Carter
Most notable performances include The SpongeBob Musical (SpongeBob SquarePants), as well as Madagascar: A Musical Adventure (King Julien), Cinderella (Pearl), and Bah Humbug! A One-Man Christmas Carol with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. After two years as a carpenter’s apprentice, he has since begun working with set construction, prop design, playwriting, and directing. Chris is currently an Arts Integration Specialist with TCT.
Alex Talbot
Alex Talbot is excited to be making his TCT debut as Hermey the Elf in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR.! He is currently a senior at Milford High School. Some of his favorite past roles include Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Jack Scott), The Addams Family (Pugsley Addams), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (Grimsby), and Shrek the Musical JR. (Lord Farquaad). Alex has participated in TCT’s STAR NKU Summer Intensive program for 4 years and will be a part of the upcoming TCT Junior Theatre Festival competition team for a 2nd year. He wants to thank his voice instructor Kate Krueger, the many instructors & friends he has made at TCT and in Milford High School Drama. An extra special thanks to his parents for their support over the years!
Marlo D'Ascenzo
Marlo is thrilled to be part of this show! She is currently a freshman Musical Theatre student at NKU. Some of her favorite TCT MainStage roles include Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. (Erica), Annie JR. (Kate), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), and Disney’s Descendants: The Musical. Other favorite roles: Heathers: The Musical (Heather McNamara), Awaited (soloist), and The SpongeBob Musical (SpongeBob). Marlo also loves reading, playing piano, and teaching.
Ethan Kuchta
Ethan Kuchta is a Cincinnati native and current Information Technology: Game Design and Simulation major at the University of Cincinnati. Previous credits include Disney’s Newsies (Race) with Cincinnati Landmark productions and Annie JR. (Ensemble) with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. He is extremely thankful for the opportunity to work with the amazing team at TCT and thrilled to be with such an incredible cast.
Douglas Fries
Douglas Fries was last seen in TCT’s Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. (Mr. Wormwood) and is thrilled to return for the 2022–2023 MainStage Season. As a performer for young audiences, his work has been seen in nine U.S. states, five countries, and three continents. A former member of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Resident Ensemble, Douglas also models for Heyman Talent, and coordinates communications for Education and Engagement at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Special thanks to V. www.DouglasFries.com
David Radtke
David Radtke is thrilled to be making his TCT debut. Some of David’s favorite performances include Mamma Mia (Bill), All Shook Up (Jim), Gilligan’s Island, The Musical (Skipper), Putting it Together (Man 3), and Pippin (King Charlemagne). Off stage, Dave has directed Legally Blonde, Sweeney Todd, and The Addams Family and choreographed Rent, Shout, and Les Misérables. Dave would like to give a shout out to his better half, Robin, for putting up with his antics for the last 28 years.
Brandi La'Sherrill
Brandi La’Sherrill is the Company Manager and Resident Artist at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. If you can’t find her at TCT Red Bank or on TCT MainStage, you can catch her on tour January-May 2023 in the one-person storytelling experience, Shirley Chisholm: The Chisholm Trail.
Dorion Fears
Dorion Fears is a native of Cincinnati. He attended and graduated from The School for Creative and Performing Arts in 1997, where he majored in vocal music and musical theater. After he graduated, he joined the United States Navy. Now after 20 years, Dorion has returned home and has begun sharing his talent with all those who are willing to have him on their stage.
Tommi Harsch
Tommi Harsch is absolutely elated to be a part of her third production with TCT! Previously seen on the Taft stage as Lily St. Regis in Annie JR. and as Miss Honey in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR., Tommi has performed for audiences far and wide, on land and sea. After earning her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Wright State University, she went on to work for Cedar Fair Entertainment, Dublin Worldwide Productions, and Royal Caribbean International. Tommi now sings with several bands around the Cincy area, as well as spending her days teaching at the brand-new Reading Community Arts Center. Follow along with her on social media, @tommileasings, or on her website: tommilea.com. Much love to the FamJam. Enjoy the show!
Henry Howland
(us: Santa, Sam) Henry is a recent graduate of AADA in New York City. Also, he recently choreographed Singin’ In the Rain at St. Xavier High School. Some of his past credits include Elmer in Disney’s Newsies (Cincinnati Landmark Productions), Ensemble/Jean Michel u/s in Cinderella (Shenandoah Summer Theatre), and Blake in Cornelia Street (The Actor’s Studio).
Kai Vadivelu
Kai is so grateful to be on TCT’s MainStage for the first time. He is currently a fourth grader at The Seven Hills School and is an avid soccer player and loves to dance. His previous stage credits include Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Mowgli), Willy Wonka JR. (James), and Madagascar the Musical JR. (Rico). He would like to thank his brother and sister for all their love, guidance, and support.
Issiah Current
After his MainStage debut as Bruce in TCT’s Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR., Issiah is grateful to be welcomed back into the 2022–2023 season! He lives to entertain with his signature style of overacting and hopes viewers will get a laugh out of his performance. He thanks his family, as well as the many teachers who have helped him hone his craft.
Elli Maddock
(us: Rudolph, Clarice) Elli is ecstatic to be back at the Taft Theatre performing with TCT. She previously appeared on the Taft stage in TCT’s Elf the Musical JR. (Elf #4). Some of Elli’s favorite roles include Incident at our Lady of Perpetual Help (Becky O’Shea) with Playhouse in the Park, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical (Mal), Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (Matilda) and Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Gabriella). When Elli is not on the stage she enjoys making art or hanging out with her cat.
Mackenzie Cook
Mackenzie Cook is ecstatic to be in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. Some of her favorite credits include Legally Blonde the Musical JR. (Paulette), Heathers: High School Edition (Martha Dunnstock), Disney’s Aladdin JR. (Ensemble), and Chicago: High School Edition (Annie). Mackenzie is extremely grateful for all of her family and friends, without whom she wouldn’t dream of being here (Hi mom!). She would also like to give a shout out to her Papa for starting her love for acting.
Brinley Culver
Brinley is thrilled to return to the MainStage this season. She most recently appeared in TCT’s Elf the Musical JR. (Elf ensemble) and Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. (Amanda Thripp). Her other favorite roles include: Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Sharpay), Annie JR. (Annie), Seussical (JoJo), and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Flounder). Brinley has trained for the past six years with TCT’s STAR NKU Intensive. She is a sophomore at Lakota East High School. Offstage, she likes to tap dance and play piano.
Celia D'Ascenzo
Celia is overjoyed to be bringing stories to life with TCT. Last year, she lived her dream playing Matilda in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. She is an avid singer, dancer, actress, tumbler, and storyteller. Her favorite TCT credits include Elf the Musical JR. (Ensemble), Annie JR. (Molly), and The Velveteen Rabbit (Robot). Other credits include Awaited, Once Upon a Mattress JR. (Lady Larkin), Pirates Past Noon (Jack/Jane), and Disney’s Cinderella KIDS (Fairy Godmother.) Celia loves adventures and spending time laughing with her sisters and friends.
Stella D'Ascenzo
Stella is delighted to be back in her happy place telling stories with TCT. As a 10-year-old homeschooled student, Stella has a passion for storytelling, singing, acting, and dancing. Stella’s previous credits include Elf the Musical JR. (Ensemble), Awaited, Once Upon a Mattress JR. (Minstrel), Pirates Past Noon (Annie), and Disney’s Cinderella KIDS (Gus.) Stella loves spending the month of July enrolled in TCT’s STAR Program. She also loves to tumble, play soccer, and spend time with her friends and sisters.
Benjamin Abes-Feldman
Benjamin is a 6th grader at Cincinnati Country Day School and is thrilled to make his TCT debut in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR.. Prior stage roles have been with the Cincinnati Ballet where he has performed in Sleeping Beauty (King’s Paige), Wizard of Oz (Wizard’s Apprentice, Little Guard), Snow White (Dwarf), and Bold Moves-Our Story (Boy); with The School for Creative and Performing Arts: The Nutcracker (Spanish doll); and with TCT: he has performed in Disney’s Moana JR. (Chorus), Winnie the Pooh JR. (Pooh), and STAR Camp.
Griffin Hatfield
Griffin glows with excitement to return to TCT’s MainStage. He made his debut last year in Elf the Musical JR. (Michael). Griffin has performed in many school productions including Les Misérables (Ensemble) and The Man Who Came to Dinner (Richard) as well as performing with The Carnegie, CAST NKY, and TCT’s STAR program. He recently received arts instruction in Kentucky’s GSA program this past summer. This junior at Newport Central Catholic appreciates the support from family and friends. Stay on the nice list!
Keya Vadivelui
Keya Vadivelu is honored to be back with TCT since her roles in Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. (Lavender/Matilda Understudy) and Elf the Musical JR. (Elf #1/New Yorker) last season. Her other favorite roles include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Belle), 13 the Musical (Lucy), and Madagascar the Musical JR. (King Julien). Keya is an eighth grader at The Seven Hills School. She would like to thank Maddie Jones, Roderick Justice, and Nate Bertone for being such good role models and teachers to her.
Christian Arias
(us: Clarice's Father / Spotted Elephant) Christian is ecstatic to be performing with TCT again! He is from NKY and is a teaching artist and assistant dance teacher at Expressions Dance Theatre. He also studies with his wonderful Vocal Coach Catherine Keen. Christian has performed with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra as a lead vocalist and has worked all around Ohio and Kentucky. Favorite credits include: Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical JR. (Rudalpho/Escapologist/U.S. Mr. Wormwood), Disney’s Newsies (Finch), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), and On The Town (Ozzie). Enjoy!
Caroline Rakestraw
(us: Mrs. Donner / Mrs. Claus / Toys) Caroline Rakestraw is a recent graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a degree in Theatre. Her favorite credits there are The Mystery Of Edwin Drood (Ensemble/Succubae), Edges (Woman #1), and Godspell (Celisse). Other recent credits include Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. (Acrobat/Big Kid) and Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS (Jungle Dancer/Puppeteer) with TCT, Variety! (Molly) with The Story Collective, and Awaited (Dancer/Actor) at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Enjoy the show!
Edrico Evans-Pritchett
Edrico is an alum of SCPA. He has had many opportunities as a young artist to embrace his passion. He’s grateful to be a part of Lachey Arts under the leadership of Drew and Lea Lachey. Edrico currently travels and sings with National Gospel Recording Artist Ricky Dillard & New G. Edrico acknowledges Cincinnati Black Theatre Company as his foundation and is honored to serve as the Youth Director. He is very excited to return to the stage for TCT’s production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR.!
Kasey Johansen
Kasey is excited to be debuting in her first show with TCT! She has received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance. Working nationally and internationally as a professional opera singer, Kasey is excited to be cast in more musical theater roles! She has been seen in such work as The Phantom of the Opera, Cinderella, The Producers, Chicago, and Working: The Musical. Kasey lives in Cincinnati with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
JT Langlas
JT is so excited to be making his TCT debut in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. with such an incredible cast and crew! He recently made his professional debut at Parallel 45 Theatre in Cabaret (Bobby, u/s The Emcee). Favorite productions include In the Heights (Benny) and A Chorus Line (Richie Walters). JT is currently pursuing a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He’d like to thank his family, friends, and everyone who supported this spectacular production! Instagram @jtlanglas
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