Director of Education & Social Media
BETH KNOX
RICHARD BOCZEK, SUSAN BRANCH TOWNE, JOSHUA ERICHSEN, PAT HEMPHILL, BIL PFUDERER, SUSIE I. SMITH
First performance of this revived production December 3, 2021. Directed by JOSHUA ERICHSEN & MATTHEW HEPPE.
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From The Producing Artistic Director

"Hail, Redemption's Happy Dawn!"
Welcome to the Players Guild Theatre at Kent State University at Stark and our 43rd annual production of Charles Dickens’ timeless masterpiece, A Christmas Carol!
We are truly grateful that you’ve chosen to spend part of your holiday season with us. Tonight, it’s our honor to share this enduring story of redemption and hope with you.
My own journey with live theatre began at the Guild’s third production of this beloved show. To now be a part of this cherished holiday tradition for the past 25 seasons has been an extraordinary privilege. Every year, Dickens’ story speaks to me in new ways, offering fresh and timely insights. This season, I’ve been particularly moved by the theme of new beginnings and the redemptive power they hold.
When Scrooge awakens on Christmas morning, transformed by his journeys through the past, present, and future, he is faced with a choice: remain unchanged or embrace the joy and possibilities of a brighter, kinder future. Dickens reminds us that every day offers us this same opportunity — to reject cynicism, embrace kindness, and lead with empathy. The words of the carol, See Amid the Winter’s Snow, featured in our show, beautifully capture this message:
“Hail, thou ever-blessed morn, Hail, redemption’s happy dawn!”
This holiday season, I wish you and your loved ones a time filled with joy, peace, and the inspiration to embrace the very best versions of yourselves.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone, both onstage and behind the scenes, who helped bring this glorious story to life. Special gratitude to Beth for her loving and faithful adaptation, Steve for his inspired musical compositions, Bart for embracing the challenge of this production, and Jim for delivering such a heartfelt performance night after night for nearly four years! An extra-special thank you to Mom and Dad for taking me to see A Christmas Carol all those years ago—it all started with you!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our presenting sponsor, PNC Bank, for their generous and continued support. Special thanks to Dean Seachrist and everyone on campus for their partnership. Most of all, thank you, our audience, for your passion for live theatre. Your support keeps this tradition alive and thriving in our community.
Thank you, and enjoy the show!
Josh



Cast
Creative Team
JOSHUA ERICHSEN
BETH KNOX
TYRA GRISAK
STEVE PARSONS
ROSS CARMICHAEL
BREANNA ANTONIADES
FRANKIE CASTROVILLARI
BOBBY SEVERNS
GEORGE McCARTY II
KATE JOSEPH
KRISTIAN KORSGAARD
BART HERMAN
DON IRVEN
Production Team & Front of House
COSTUME TEAM
Mulyssa Funk
Kate Joseph
George McCarty II
SET CONSTRUCTION
Craig Betz (Original Set Costruction Foreman)
Ross Carmichael (Technical Director)
Megan Herbert
Michaela Muckelrath (Scenic Charge Artist)
Natalie Steen
BACKSTAGE CREW
Bill Joseph (Fly Chief)
Miriam Joseph (Deck Chief)
Max Lord-Fry
Michael Clark
Carson Peters
Michael Conneely
Amanda Tatum
Doreen Tatum
Elizabeth Domer
FRONT OF HOUSE
Fran Nichols (Event Staff Security)
The Amiot Family
Kayla Amstutz
Kelly Aneshanel
Barbara Berasi
Joe Bosh
Laura Cline
Diana Collum
Marilyn Davies
Michelle Davis
Pat Donald
Samuel Dorto
Jeanette Fatigati
Sandy Feielin
Krista Gibson
Ingrid Green
Karen Halter
Kathy Hinamon
Barb Hostetter
Steve Hostetter
Joan Hudson
Hannah Jolly
Linda Keith
Tim Keith
Geri Lewis
Tina Louise
Anne Martin
Kathleen McClure
Molly Moriarty
Susan Mullikin
Esther Oustampasidis
Mary Jane Philips
Chris Pisanellii
Andrea Raffle
Laura Rich
Hannah Roberts
Chris Roca
Kathy Rogers
Sandy Rosetta
Jo Roten
Jennifer and Tim Rowles
Joyce Ryan
Brian Salinas
Karen Schaaf
Nancy Shanklin
Barb Stephens
Tristan Stutter
Carol Warner
Mary Ann White
Judy Whitman
Jill Williams
Janet Wilcox
Karen Wilson
Cindy Wingerter
Laurie Zupp
HOUSE MANAGERS
Molly Moriarty
Missy Hays
Meet the Company
DANIEL AMIOT
is honored to be in “A Christmas Carol” for the second time and for the third time altogether at the Player’s Guild (Homer Zuckerman in Charlotte’s Web). He is a veteran actor of several local theaters, including North Canton Playhouse (Officer Welch in “Rumors”, Narrator/Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father in “Into The Woods”, and Harry Wormwood in “Matilda”), Theatre 8:15 (Baker in “Into The Woods”, Bob Bradley in “Best Christmas Pageant Ever Musical”), and Avenue Arts (Homer Zuckerman in “Charlotte’s Web”). He teaches acting at Blue Macaroon Theatre and has directed at Theatre 8:15 and Stark’s 24-Hour Theatre.
KATHLEEN BACHTEL
is excited to return to The Players Guild and be a part of this heartwarming show. Kathleen has accumulated experience on stage and behind the scenes in several productions over the years. Some of her favorite recent productions include: Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts) at The Players Guild, Romeo & Juliet (Benvolio) with Twilight Theatre, Pride & Prejudice (Mrs. Bennet) with Millennial Theatre Project; and Sweeney Todd (Mrs. Lovett u/s) at Weathervane Playhouse. She extends her thanks to the PG team for this wonderful opportunity and wishes a very Merry Christmas to all!
PEYTON CHEVRAUX
Peyton Chevraux is excited to be returning to the stage of the Canton Players Guild. He has previously been seen at The Player Guild theater as Michael Banks in Marry Poppins and Edmund in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. He has also been Squirt in the North Canton Playhouse performance of Finding Nemo Jr. and was Macbeth in his school performance. Peyton is a 6th grade student at North Canton Middle School where he participates in the school choir and plays trombone. Peyton would like to thank his parents for bringing him to all of his practices and doing so much for this performance.
TYLER FERREBEE
is overjoyed to be able to portray some of his favorite characters in his return to the Player's Guilds stage in this year's rendition of A Christmas Carol. Other roles Tyler has notably played in the past include The Ghost of Christmas Present In A Christmas Carol, Sheldon Potts in Junie B. Jones, Lefou in Beauty and the Beast, Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd, Patrick Star in The SpongeBob Musical, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, and George Banks in Mary Poppins, among others. He would like to thank the cast and crew, as well as Bart, Steve, Justin, Tess and his parents for this opportunity. Happy Holidays!
JIM GRAYSMITH
Jim’s theatrical resume includes performances with The Kent Acting and Touring Company, Theatre Kent, The Akron Children’s Theater, Blossom Festival Theatre, Contract Players, The Player’s Guild of Canton and Kent State Stark Theater. Among many others, he has been seen in starring roles in The Fantasticks, Company, Tartuffe, South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, 1776, The Robber Bridegroom, The King & I, American Buffalo, Royal Hunt of the Sun, They’re Playing Our Song, I’m Not Rappaport, Sweeney Todd, Pirates of Penzance, A Little Night Music, Romeo and Juliet, Assassins, Candide, October Tales, All In The Timing, Working, Antigone, Les Miserables, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Newsies and Titanic.
DANNY HEADLAND
This will be his fifth show for the Players Guild, Sweeny Todd, Ragtime, Jekyll and Hyde, Marry Poppins and now A Christmas Carol; what a whirlwind. He loves playing these characters and working with a vast array of actors for each show. He's having the time of my life at 65 years young, and keeps preaching that it is not too late to get back on the boards, just do it. There's a role for you out there. "Join me at the Players Guild and thank you for your patronage."
MATTHEW HEPPE
Is back for his 11th production of A Christmas Carol with the Players Guild Theater. This year with the PGT, Matthew directed the season opening production of Jekyll and Hyde and was seen onstage in Sweeney Todd (Anthony Hope). Previous favorite acting credits include Bright Star (Billy) with Carnation City Players, It Shoulda Been You (Brian) with Weathervane Playhouse, and SpongeBob the Musical (SpongeBob) at the PGT. Matthew works on the Kent campus of Kent State University as an Assistant Director for University Orientation and earlier this year, he graduated with his master’s degree in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs.
MADISON KEARNEY
is so excited to perform at the Guild again! Previous PGT credits include Mary Poppins (ensemble), Winnie-the-Pooh (Christopher Robin/Piglet), Beauty and the Beast (Le Fille/Napkin), Sweeney Todd (Tobias), and Junie B Jones (Junie B). She would like to thank Bart, Annabeth, Steve, the cast, crew, her supportive family, and the countless individuals who make the show possible for such an enjoyable experience. Happy holidays, and enjoy the show!
SAM MARAZITA
is ecstatic to return to A Christmas Carol for his fourth year. He is grateful to not only reprise his role as Fred, but to also don the shroud of Christmas Future for the first time. Some of his other notable performances include The Fish Must Die (Tom), Three Tall Women (The Boy), and Ghost (Subway Ghost).
TESS MARIE
is thrilled to be reprising her role in this season's rendition of A Christmas Carol! Some of her recent favorites here include Beauty and the Beast (Babette), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble) Junie B. Jones The Musical (Lucille/José). Tess would like to thank her mama and friends for all of their encouragement and the incredible cast and crew for all of their hard work on this timeless story! Happy Holidays!
ANDERSEN MYERS
is thrilled to be reprising the roles of Young Cratchit and Turkey Boy in A Christmas Carol at the Players Guild! This fall, Andersen was also in the PG production of Elf Jr. as Matthews and Walter (U/S). Over the past year, he has had background roles in the movies Takedown and Called and a supporting role in the television series Aftermath. Andersen is an 8th grader at Malvern Middle School, where he has joined the high school productions of Willy Wonka Jr. and SpongeBob the Musical. Andersen would like to thank the cast and crew for their friendship and support!
ZACHARY RUSK
is thrilled to be back on the Players Guild stage! Zachary holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Baldwin-Wallace University. Some past roles include Man in the Yellow Suit from Tuck Everlasting, Leon Czolgosz from Assassins, Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof, Teen Angel in Grease, Major General Stanley in Pirates of Penzance, and Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore. Zachary has also served as the music director for outdoor theater company Trumpet in the Land for seven years, leading productions of Les Miserables, Hairspray, Sound of Music, and more.
SAMMY SAWYER
is a high school junior, and is excited for his second performance in the Players Guild’s production of A Christmas Carol, after his debut in the show five years ago. Other performances with the Guild include the Newsboy in Jekyll and Hyde; the Young Prince, and Salt Shaker, in Beauty and the Beast; and the Constable, Chimney Sweep, and Ensemble in Mary Poppins. Sammy can also be seen in two upcoming movies by JC Films.
Off stage, he enjoys music, sketching, and spending time with friends.
Sammy thanks the directors, cast, and crew for another amazing experience, and hopes you all enjoy the show!
JUSTIN SEVERNS
is incredibly excited to be back on The Player’s Guild’s stage. His past roles at the Guild include Aslan in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Winnie-the-Pooh in Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends, Ensemble in Beauty and the Beast, and Harry K. Thaw in the Guild’s collaboration with the Canton Symphony Orchestra for Ragtime: The Symphonic Concert. Justin would like to thank his amazing friends and family for the support as well as Bart and the production team for the opportunity to portray such an incredible role. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!
JACKSON SHREINER
Jackson made his debut at The Players Guild Theater last year in A Christmas Carol, and he is thrilled to reprise the role of Tiny Tim again this year! Jackson is a 4th grader at Plain Local Schools where he has participated in musical theater enrichment classes for the past three years. In November, he performed in Elf, Jr. here at The Players Guild. Jackson would like to thank Ms. Sima-Dirham and Ms. Jabri from PLS, and Miss Carie, Miss Emily, and Miss Elizabeth for all they have taught him. He would also like to thank his Mom and Dad for all the hours and miles they put in to enable him to get to do this! God Bless Us, Everyone!
EMMA SMITH
is a 6th grader at Northwest Middle School. She is very excited to be back with her Players Guild family. She has been acting since she was in kindergarten for her school plays. In 2022, she started private acting lessons and has continued those acting lessons at the Blue Macaroon Theater in Doylestown. Emma has performed at the Blue Macaroon Theater for their productions of Another Chance: The Story of Jonah (2023), as Petra, the villain in Clara’s Journey to Queen (2024), and as Templeton in Charlotte’s Web (2024). She was also cast at Sts. Peter and Paul School's productions as Duffy in Annie Jr. (2023) and Glinda the witch in Wizard of Oz (2024). Emma has performed in skits and sings for variety shows as well. She hopes you enjoy the performance!
MCKENNA STOFFER
is excited to be in her fourth show at the Players Guild Theatre. Previous Players Guild credits include: Jekyll and Hyde (Emma Carew), A Christmas Carol (Martha Crafchit), and Mary Poppins (Fannie/Ensemble). She would like to thank her friends and family for their continuous support, and the incredible cast and crew for such a fun experience!
MADISON WITTE
This is Madison’s 4th year performing in Players Guild’s “A Christmas Carol” and is very happy to keep the tradition going! Last seen on stage as one of the Red Rat Girls in the Guild’s production of “Jekyll and Hyde”. She has performed in a small handful of Players Guild productions, but also has appeared at The Blue Macaroon Theatre as Charlotte in “Charlotte’s Web” this summer. She will also be directing her first show there “The Elephant Man” opening March 2025. She has also been seen in other productions at North Canton Playhouse and Avenue Arts years ago. When not on stage she works on her other artistic hobbies such as crochet, sketching, writing (“The Quiet Artist” Blogs), and even modeling. She has been featured in several magazines and has even been a cover model. “A huge thank you to my friends and loved ones for their support, and I hope that you the audience enjoy this classic Christmas story!”
JOSHUA ERICHSEN
Father to two incredible daughters: the eldest, an aspiring architect, and the youngest, a budding fashion designer. Husband to his dream girl and wife of 22 years, whom he met at the Players Guild Theatre (PGT). Grateful beyond measure to have an amazing job and the privilege of calling the Players Guild Theatre his home for 25 years.
Before being appointed Producing Artistic Director for the PGT in 2007, Josh served as the Production Designer, where he has had the honor of producing, directing, and designing countless productions. Some of his favorite works at the Players Guild include Titanic, Next to Normal, Jesus Christ Superstar, Memphis, Ragtime, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Assassins, Cabaret, Les Misérables, A Christmas Carol (2004–present), The Full Monty, A Few Good Men, 1776, and Jekyll & Hyde. His credits with the Ohio Shakespeare Festival include Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors, and The Tempest. Other highlights from his career include Romeo and Juliet with Magical Theatre Company, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (National Tour), and producing An Evening with George Takei, starring the legendary Mr. Takei.
In addition to his theatre work, Josh is a magician and illusionist, a passionate Christopher Nolan film enthusiast, and a devoted fan of all things Charles Dickens. A graduate of Kent State University and recipient of the Spotlight Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre, Josh attributes his success to the unwavering love and support of his family—especially his beautiful wife and daughters.
BETH KNOX
Beth is in her twelfth 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
Tyra will be celebrating her 10th anniversary with the Players Guild this season, during which she has developed numerous meaningful relationships with various patrons. Her greatest fulfillment from her role as guest services manager is seeing the joy that live theatre generates among our audience and everyone involved in the theatrical process. She takes great pride in leading the front of house volunteer team, which continues to grow and thrive. How grateful she is to be where she is in her personal life, and in her professional life with the PGT!
STEVE PARSONS
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.
ROSS CARMICHAEL
graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Theatre. Since then, he has worked professionally as an actor, a director, and in technical theatre. Technical credits: Technical Director (Gamut Theatre Group) Scenic Designer (Gamut Theatre: Hamlet; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Every Christmas Story Ever Told; Pericles; A Streetcar Named Desire; TYA) Production Manager (Gamut Theatre, Powerhouse Apprentice Company); Carpenter (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre, York College of PA) Lighting Designer (Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Gamut Theatre) Directing credits: FoodPlay Productions.
BREANNA ANTONIADES
is excited to be back for her seventh season at the Players Guild 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 has been given many titles throughout her fourteen plus years working in theatre, but her favorite title continues to be Production Stage Manager. She could not be happier that she gets to work in a career she is so passionate about! In her free time, she loves playing board games, throwing themed parties, and cuddling with her three adorable cats. She would like to thank her husband Anthony, her family, and her friends for all of their support over the years. Enjoy the show!
FRANKIE CASTROVILLARI
joined the Players Guild family in the summer of 2019 with Rock of Ages and has been around ever since. In addition to his role as lighting designer here at Players Guild Frankie also serves on the Board of Directors for the Brecksville Theatre. Frankie’s work can also be seen at Cassidy Theatre and Magical Theatre Company, to name a few.
BOBBY SEVERNS
With a passion for enhancing the theatrical experience through sound, Bobby brings a wealth of expertise this production of Jekyll and Hyde. In now his third season as resident sound designer, Bobby has been instrumental in crafting immersive audio environments through sound effects, atmospheric beds, and original musical compositions that elevate storytelling and engage Players Guild audiences. Memorable projects include A 360-degree soundscape incorporated into the 2023 production of Stephen King’s Misery, and several original compositions for the environments and battle scenes of 2024’s The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Bobby has an extensive background in music and live sound, having worked on a diverse range of projects including running his own DJ and Live Sound Reinforcement company (Pro Party DJ) for 25 years, performing hundreds of shows as a solo musician, and developing his own sound effects applications for the Apple iOS platform. Throughout his career, Bobby has collaborated with numerous community and professional theater groups both onstage as an actor/performer and in artistic, technical, and video production capacities. In addition to his work in theater, Bobby is actively involved mentoring through the Scouting America program, teaching K-5th Sunday school, and playing on the church worship team at Passion Hartville. By day, you will find him as a Senior Corporate Trainer for DRB Tunnel Solutions, a company that provides point-of-sale and tunnel control to the car wash industry. Outside work, Bobby is a proud father of three children and devoted husband of more than 25 years to his lovely wife Emily. Bobby is dedicated to using sound and music as powerful tools to bring stories to life and create memorable experiences for audiences. He hopes you find tonight’s performance a testament to that fact. Enjoy the show!
GEORGE McCARTY II
KATE JOSEPH
KRISTIAN KORSGAARD
received his training at Marymount Manhattan College where he earned a BFA in Dance, Magna cum Laude. Kristian spent the next 12 years teaching dance in both Brooklyn and Queens while performing extensively in regional theater. Some favorite shows include A Chorus Line, Nunsense…Amen, Carousel, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Sweet Charity, The Will Rogers Follies, 42nd Street, Crazy for You and Annie as well as traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal performing for Holland America Cruise Lines. He also had one glorious year working as a dresser for Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. Having retired his dancing shoes, Kristian stayed in NYC for another 6 years working for a hedge fund group before moving closer to home in 2010 to open a gift shop in Hudson with his husband, Eric. Happy to be back for another show at the Guild!
BART HERMAN
Bart is thrilled to be back at the Guild. At the Guild Bart has directed and choreographed Mary Poppins, Junie B Jones and Winnie the Pooh.
Some other favorite shows he has directed include, Disaster, Dear Ruth, Anything Goes, Legally Blonde, Gypsy, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Bart has worked professionally as an actor, singer, and dancer all over the US and Europe.
He would like to thank The Players Guild Theatre staff and crew for all of the support, and a big thank you to the cast and crew of A CHRISTMAS CAROL!
DON IRVEN
is thrilled to be making holiday theatre happen at the Guild! He has been directing and managing shows for over 30 years in Ohio including Canton, Dayton and Cleveland. He was first seen at the Guild directing the world premiere of Rumpelstiltskin. Don worked 13 years as a professional stage technician at the KSU Performing Arts Center in New Philadelphia, and loves all aspects of technical theatre and design. He is the managing director and founder of Black Box Ensemble Theatre, and during summer months enjoys creating outdoor theatre at Trumpet in the Land. This spring he is directing The Sweet Delilah Swim Club at the Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County. He would like to thank the Players Guild Theatre staff and crew for their incredible support especially Frankie, Ross, Bill, and Elizabeth.













