A CHRISTMAS CAROL

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From the Producing Artistic Director

One-hundred and seventy-nine years ago, A CHRISTMAS CAROL hit bookshelves, it was an instant classic!  Forty-one years ago, the Players Guild Theatre (under the leadership of Artistic Director, Jerry Lowe) presented A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and it became an instant classic!  And tonight, we begin a new chapter, with a new production in our new home, here on the beautiful campus of KSU Stark.  

Our thanks to the many people who helped make this production a reality. And I will note, just because we have been presenting A CHRISTMAS CAROL for 41 years, doesn't mean it has ever been an easy production to mount on stage.  The cast, crew, production team, and now the campus faculty and staff, have worked hard to bring this beloved production to the Mary J. Timken Theatre stage.  We are grateful and humbled that you continue to make it a part of your holiday tradition.

Our profound thanks to Dean Seachrist and her staff, and to PNC Bank, presenting sponsor, for their continued and generous support.

From the Players Guild family to yours, Merry Christmas!

-Josh

“Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” -Charles Dickens

Cast

A CHRISTMAS CAROL ORCHESTRA

Conductor/Keyboard: STEVE PARSONS

Keyboard: BRET TASSONE

Clarinet/Bass Clarinet: WILLOW DIGIACOMO

Violin: MARIA VIÑAS/MARY BONTRAGER

Guitar: RYAN McDERMOTT

Percussion: SCOTT THOMAS

THE DICKENS SINGERS

DEBBIE CARDY

JASON COPEN

DAVE PARSONS

Creative Team

Production Team & Front of House

COSTUME TEAM

Kathryn Connair

Kate Joseph

George McCarty

SET CONSTRUCTION

Craig Betz & Family

Ross Carmichael

Marcus Class

Ben Myers

Eric Myers

Michaela Muckelrath

Christian Sanko

Natalie Steen

BACKSTAGE

Anthony Antoniades

Bill Joseph

Mark Conneely

Michael Porter

Cassie Akins

Morgan Brown

Vince Popa

Doreen Tatum

Amanda Tatum

Susan Mullikin

Fran Nichols

Mikal Ford

FRONT OF HOUSE

Ushers:

The Amiot Family

Diana Collum

Julie Connair

Pat Donald

Sam Dorto

Sandy Feilen

Krista Gibson

Ingrid Green

Barbara & Steve Hostetter

Hannah Jolly

Joe Lamancusa

Mary Jane Phillips

Hannah Roberts

Kathy Rogers

Sandy Rosetta

Jo Roten

Jennifer & Tim Rowles

Joyce Ryan

Nancy Shanklin

Carol Warner

Mary Ann White

Judy Whitman

Jill Williams

Karen Wilson

Laurie Zupp

Meet the Company

Gabriel Amiot

TINY TIM/CHILD EBENEZER

is 13 years old and in the 7th grade. He is so excited to be back on the Player’s Guild stage in “A Christmas Carol”. You may have seen him as Wilbur in “Charlotte’s Web” with PGT in February. Gabriel considers himself very new to the stage having only gotten involved with acting a year an a half ago with his debut at Avenue Art’s 24 Hour Theatre. Since then he has played Charlie Bradley in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Musical” and Young Simba in “The Lion King Jr” both at Theatre 8:15, and In addition to theatre, Gabriel is a Tenderfoot Scout with Troop 118 where he currently serves as Quartermaster. In his free time he plays with his numerous pets, makes Minecraft You Tube videos, loves to Program and play games with his friends and family.

Ben Arrington

WILLIAM HALL/COLLECTING MAN/MINER/BUSINESSPERSON 2

is thrilled to be returning to the Players Guild stage for the third time. Previous performances at PGT include Million Dollar Quartet (Johnny Cash) and Titanic (Lightoller). Some other stage credits include Once (Eamon/Emcee) at KSUS, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Man #2) and Dogfight (Fector) at Western Reserve Playhouse, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Leaf/Carl Dad) and All Shook Up (Dennis) at North Canton Playhouse.

Kayla Arrington

BELLE/EMMA

is very excited to be back at the Players Guild after last being seen as Dyanne in Million Dollar Quartet. Kayla graduated from the University of Mount Union with degrees in Public Relations and Theatre and has been an active arts administrator, actor, and choreographer since graduating. Past favorite credits include- PGT: Ghost (Molly), Cassidy Theatre: Addams Family (Wednesday) & Sister Act (Sister Mary Robert), UMU: Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), and Western Reserve Playhouse: Little Women (Meg).

Kathleen Bachtel

MRS. FEZZIWIG/LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER/CHARWOMAN

is excited to return to The Players Guild and be a part of this heartwarming show for a second year. Kathleen has accumulated experience on stage and behind the scenes in several productions over the years. Some of her favorite recent productions include: Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett u/s, Ensemble) at Weathervane Playhouse; A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania), Simply to Die For (Narrator), and The Mousetrap (Mollie Ralston) with Roving Rogue Productions. She would like to extend her thanks to the PG team for this wonderful opportunity and wish a very Merry Christmas to one and all!

Abigail Connair

ENSEMBLE

makes her PGT theatrical debut with A Christmas Carol. In previous shows, Abby has helped with costuming and makeup for Pippin, Newsies, Beauty & the Beast, and Steel Magnolias. Abigail is a Sophomore at Lake High School, who plans to engage in the cosmetology program at Glenoak, and continue schooling to receive a license in Funeral Services and Mortuary Science. Abigail is excited to be a part of the show and is thankful for all of the people who are in attendance. She hopes that you enjoy the show and will begin to feel the spirit of Christmas flowing all around!

Julie Connair

UNDERTAKER/FEZZIWIG GUEST/ENSEMBLE

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Nadolig Llawen! Welcome to this Dickens story! Ms. Connair is a Music Shop owner, wife, mother, and creative who loves to sing, play, compose, and act. Past fav shows include: Pippin (BERTHE), (FANNIE) Amish Country Theater, Steel Magnolias (TRUVY), Quilters (SARAH), Beauty & the Beast (MRS. POTTS), Sister Act (MARY PATRICK), and Assassins (SARA JANE MOORE). Ms. Connair hopes you enjoy A Christmas Carol, beloved tradition of the Players Guild Theatre in its new home at KSU Stark. May you have a joyous holiday season and may God truly bless us - everyone!

Makennah Cugini

FEZZIWIG GUEST

Is so excited for this year's “A Christmas Carol.” This is her first year doing this production and anything with PGT! She has done Shrek, and helped with costumes, Makeup, and set for A Little Mermaid. She loves to sing, and be on stage. Some of her all time musicals are Hairspray, Legally Blonde, and Les Mis. She can’t wait to see where musical theater and performing takes her!! She wants to thank her mom Holly for always believing in her, as well as her family and friends. Thank you for all the love and constant support!

Tyler Ferrebee

EDWARD CHAPMAN/COLLECTING MAN/SAILOR/BUSINESSPERSON 1

Is very happy to be making a return to the Players Guild after a multiyear hiatus, especially in the new space! He has been seen on the Guild’s stage as Sheldon Potts in Junie B. Jones, Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid, and The Collecting Man role in A Christmas Carol, among others! Tyler would like to thank Steve and the production team, Drake, and his parents for this opportunity.

Nicole Graham

MRS. COOPER/MRS. DILBER/MINER

is so excited to do her fifth year of A Christmas Carol! She has been in many shows at many theaters, including Little Theatre of Tusc. County, Trumpet in the Land, The Player’s Guild, and many more! Some favorite credits are Sister Act (Sister Mary Patrick), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Narrator), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), and Footloose (Rusty) She has also been behind the scenes in many shows as a stage manager and music director! She wants to thank her family and friends for believing in her.

Jim Graysmith

SCROOGE

brings a wealth of experience in theater to his role of Mr. Scrooge. His previous incarnations in this wonderful holiday story were as Fred, Jacob Marley and Old Joe. Recently, Jim has been seen at the Players’ Guild in Titanic (Capt. Smith), Newsies (Joseph Pulitzer) and Hunchback of Notre Dame (Claude Frollo), as well as many past productions. My love and gratitude to my supportive (and talented) family and my wish that we all embrace our “reclaimed Scrooge” as we face the challenges presented to us this Christmas and every day. May God bless us...everyone!

Chandler Green

CRATCHIT/TURKEY BOY

This is his first role in a play and he is very excited to have the opportunity! Chandler is in the seventh grade and plays trumpet and euphonium in the North Canton Middle School band. When he grows up he aspires to be an actor.

Drake Harbert

DICK WILKINS/TOPPER/YET-TO-COME

is elated to be back again in A Christmas Carol! Drake has performed mostly with The Player’s Guild but also Trumpet in the Land as well. Some of his favorite roles are as Pablo (Sister Act), Victor (Cabaret), and Collecting Man/Dick Wilkins (A Christmas Carol). Drake appreciates his work, family, and girlfriend for working with his schedule and believing in him.

Rayme Henninge

MARTHA/FEZZIWIG GUEST

is very excited to be joining the cast in this production. Rayme attends North Canton Middle School where she is active in Social Justice and Student Council. She has participated in other performances such as , Charlotte’s web and Frozen Jr and Beauty and the Beast. Rayme has a passion for the stage and is thankful for the love and support from her family and friends.

Matthew Heppe

BOB CRATCHIT

This is Matthew’s ninth season in A Christmas Carol with the Players Guild Theatre and he is so happy to return to the stage with this story! This year, he has been seen onstage in The Hello Girls (Cpt. Riser) with Carnation City Players and in Hamlet (Guildenstern) with Shakespeare at the Castle in Alliance. In May, he directed our last show at our downtown location, Ghost the Musical. When not performing in theatre, you can find him working in the Admissions Office at KSU’s Kent Campus or completing a project for his home in Randolph.

Lucy Kessel-Hunter

CRATCHIT/ENSEMBLE

This is Lucy’s first performance with the Players Guild. Not a stranger to the stage as she has had a leading role in “Understanding your pets with Dr Marla Brett” and a supporting role in “Girl on the Moon” both with The Luminescent Moon Theatre. In addition Lucy has been performing on stage as a solo and team competition dancer since the age of 5 with Starlight School of Dance. Lucy wants to say thank you to all her directors and dancer teachers throughout the years, and her friends and family for being so supportive.

Brian Krebs

CHARLES DICKENS/SAILOR

is happy to be playing the part of Charles Dickens in his first show with The Players Guild. By day, Brian is a computer programmer for Progressive Insurance. He is excited to be sharing the stage with his daughter, Lily, who is playing the role of Fan. Brian wishes that you, like Scrooge at the end of our tale, will honor Christmas in your heart and try to keep it all the year.

Lily Krebs

CHILD SINGER/FAN/WANT/MINER

is excited to perform on The Players Guild stage for the first time! Lily is a competitive ice skater at Center Ice Skating Club and recently performed as the Gingerbread Girl in A Wickedly Green Icecapade. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, drawing, and sewing. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and hopes you have the best time, ever, watching the show!

Ashley Luli

PAST/MRS. CRATCHIT

is thrilled to be celebrating the Christmas season by performing in A Christmas Carol at the Players Guild after growing up with the tradition of seeing the show as a birthday present from Grandma Carter. Last year, Ashley returned to the stage after a 9 year hiatus, and is so thankful to be back! A few of her past credits include: Into the Woods (Rapunzel), Spring Awakening (Thea), and White Christmas (Susan). She would like to dedicate her performance to Grandma Carter, who always knew how to bring people together in the spirit of Christmas. Shout out to her family, friends, and “youthies” for their love and support!

Samuel Marazita

FRED/YOUNG EBENEZER

is pumped to reprise his role as Fred and is ready to spend another year spreading holiday cheer! He is currently studying theatre at Kent and works as a home health aide when not on the stage. His favorite past shows include The Fish Must Die (Tom), Three Tall Women (The Boy), and Ghost (Subway Ghost).

Guinevere Rhoads

BUSINESSPERSON 3/FEZZIWIG GUEST/MINER

A special needs teacher at Rebecca Stallman Southgate school by day, and actor by night, Guinevere is elated and humbled to be a part of this year’s A Christmas Carol. She has performed with the Players Guild in the past and took a break from performing. She is very excited to be back on stage with such amazing people. Guinevere thanks the director, cast, crew, musicians, friends and family for all their support.

Henrick Sawczak

MARLEY/OLD JOE/SAILOR

Henrick is honored and thrilled to be returning to the stage and making his debut here at the Players Guild Theatre in a dream role. Originally from Cleveland, OH, and a proud Buckeye from The Ohio State University, Henrick moved to New York City where he studied craft with many greats from both Broadway and film. “I would very much like to thank Director Steve Parsons for giving me this gift of such a legendary role. As well as my dear family and friends who never give up on me. It feels so good to be back!” www.henricksawczak.com

Robert Trushel

PRESENT/FEZZIWIG

Is so happy to be a part of Players Guild's production of A Christmas Carol! Previous acting roles include: Players Guild: Charlotte’s Web (Gander/Uncle/Announcer).Kent State at Stark: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfee). Kent State at Stark: The Nerd (Warnock Walgrave). Kent State at Stark: Of Mice and Men (Lenny). Players Guild: A Christmas Carol (Counting Man). And a podcast, available now, by Roving Rogue Productions: Simply to Die For (Mayor Eddie Bull). Robert is excited for everyone to see all the hard work put into the show. Special thanks to the family and friends that supported him!

Madison Witte

FEZZIWIG DAUGHTER/SARAH

This is her 3rd performance with Players Guild Theater and 2nd year participating in “A Christmas Carol”. She has previously been seen in “Charlotte’s Web” (Sheep)- Players Guild, “Into the Woods” (Stepmother) - North Canton Playhouse, and “MATILDA the Musical “ (Miss Honey) -Theater 8:15. She is grateful for once again having the opportunity to perform with Players Guild Theater,and wishes to thank everyone for attending and hope you enjoy this classic Christmas story!

JOSHUA ERICHSEN

Producing Artistic Director

Father of two amazing daughters, the oldest studying architecture, the youngest on her way to taking over his job. Husband to his dream girl wife for twenty years - they met at the PGT! Sibling to a brother and a sister, and son to parents, who, lucky for him, chose to take their children to live theatre and expose them to this amazing world of storytelling. Blessed beyond measure to have this amazing job and to be able to call the Players Guild Theatre his home for twenty-three years! During that time he has had the privilege of producing, directing and designing countless productions.  Favorite credits include, Players Guild: Titanic, Next To Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, Ragtime, Hunchback…, Assassins, Cabaret, Les Miserables, A Christmas Carol (’04-present), The Full Monty, A Few Good Men, 1776 and Jekyll & Hyde.  Ohio Shakespeare Festival: Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest.  Other credits include: Romeo and Juliet (Magical Theatre Co), Joseph… Dreamcoat (Natl. Tour), and served as producer for An Evening with George Takei, starring Mr. Takei.  Additionally, Josh is a magician/illusionist who created his own show. Josh is a graduate of Kent State University, and is a recipient of the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre. Love to my family and my beautiful wife and daughters for their unconditional love and never-ending support!

BETH KNOX

Managing Director

Beth is in her tenth season at the Players Guild Theatre.  She earned her degree in Business Management and Marketing from the Ohio State University.  Beth spent the majority of her career in management in the cosmetic and fashion industry in the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and NYC markets for brands including Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Yves St. Laurent, Paloma Picasso, and Giorgio Armani.  Her background also includes grant writing, event planning, and fundraising. Beth is a co-founder, Executive Producer, and playwright for Red Fig Productions.

TYRA GRISAK

Guest Services Manager

Tyra is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this exciting season!  This is Tyra's seventh season with the Players Guild Theatre.  With a career in the Cosmetics Industry as a special event manager, make-up artist, and account coordinator, Tyra couldn't be prouder to be a part of the Players Guild Theatre staff as Guest Services Manager. The arts and dance have always been a passion of hers, and it is her sincere pleasure getting to know the numerous talented performers in our community, and the incredible Volunteers that give a hand towards the theatre's success.

STEVE PARSONS

Resident Musical Director/Director

Steve is the Resident Musical Director at the Players Guild of Canton, having served in the same capacity at Carousel Dinner Theatre from 2004-2009, where his work received the 2006 Cleveland area Times Newspapers “Outstanding Musical Direction” award. Other credits include The Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, Florida, The Ohio Shakespeare Company, Carnation City Players, and the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Additionally, he provided new arrangements for Dean Pitchford’s official revised version of FOOTLOOSE, created new versions of the NUNSENSE scores for creator Dan Goggin, wrote original music and fight song arrangements for the hit video game COLLEGE SLAM, and performed in the “Tickestra” for the FOX animated television series THE TICK. Steve was also the arranger for the Grateful Dead musical CUMBERLAND BLUES, which was presented at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and orchestrated the regional musical IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. An active composer, Steve has a Master’s degree in composition and numerous published symphonic pieces and choral works. His original musical version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL is published by Steele Spring Stage Rights, and has received an NYC Off-Off Broadway production, a fully staged production in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, numerous regional theatre performances across the United States, and is presented annually at The Players Guild. Steve arranged and orchestrated the hit LA musical LIFE COULD BE A DREAM and is a consultant and contributor to Defying Gravity, the biography of legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz. He presently serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kent State University – Stark Campus in the areas of Musicology, Piano, Ensemble Direction and Conducting, and is a proud member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild of America.

BREANNA MORTON

Production Manager/Stage Manager

Breanna Morton is starting her fourth season at the Players Guild and is excited to take on her new role as Production Stage Manager for the theatre! Prior to her work here, Breanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies with a concentration of Theatre Production and a minor in Theatre Performance from Kent State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She also worked as a theatre technician, stage manager, assistant director, and even performed in a few of the shows during her time at Kent State. While she has worked at a few other theaters in the area, the Guild has become her second home and she could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about. 

JAEMIN PARK

Lighting Designer

He is a lighting designer and an assistant professor at Southern Illinois University. He is a native of South Korea and began his career as a lighting designer in 2005 by designing the opera "La Traviata" in South Korea. He has designed more than 100 productions in various genres such as plays, musicals, operas, and dances. While he was in South Korea, he worked as a full-time lighting supervisor and resident designer in the national theatre with about 1,200 seats in Daegu, South Korea. His unique background in studying vocal music during his undergraduate courses has given him a keen ear for analyzing and expressing music. He has directed opera and loves musical works. He had the honor of being nominated for Best Lighting Design of A Play Or Musical at the 2022 Broadway World Cleveland Awards for all seven shows he designed during the 2021-2022 season. He was also nominated for both the 2023 Rising Star Award and the Barbizon Lighting Company Jonathan Resnick Lighting Design Award at the same time from USITT, making him a prominent designer. He enjoys working with the Player Guild Theatre as a lighting designer at A Christmas Carol. If you want to know more about him, please visit his website. jparkbest@com

NICK NONNO

Sound Designer/Board Engineer

Nick is a musician and visual artist from Canton Ohio. He is a graduate of Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Audio Recording. He plays bass for multiple local theatres as well as original bands. He is the owner & artist at Comet Wanderer Studios, a collaborative multimedia outlet that specializes in projection mapping, installation art, and sound design.