A Christmas Carol - 2013 Cast and Crew Bios Welcome to the cast and crew bios for A Christmas Carol. It has been my privilege to assemble the list that follows this introduction. Thanks to all the cast and crew for their patience and understanding during the process. We have 23 people participating for their first time in A Christmas Carol. 4 people have been involved with A Christmas Carol for 20 or more years, and one of those is completing their 28th performance in A Christmas Carol, the only person who has participated from the beginnings of this show, Eric Hillenbrand. We have talent coming from many different backgrounds and theatrical experiences. Some have done Broadway and Off-Broadway, have been seen on television, and appeared in movies. Some have performed all over the world. Local theater groups represented include: 3B Productions, Bedford Community Players, Black Swamp Players, Collingwood Arts Theater, Croswell, Grand Rapids Historical Society, Monroe Community Players, Oregon Community Theater, Orphan Productions, Perrysburg Children’s Theatre, Today Productions, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Opera, The Toledo Repertoire Theater, Valentine Theater, Village Players, and Waterville Playshop. Our cast and crew have been involved in nearly 200 different shows, the actors playing many different characters. Use the bios to network with others who have been in these shows. It is a great way of learning more about a show that you are interested in. I hope you enjoy getting to know everybody better. We are one very talented theatrical family. Merry Christmas, William J Priest Alexis Abou-Arraj (Lexi) - Belle/Dancer (Fezziwig & Waltz)/Adult Chorus Alexis is thrilled to once again be playing the role of Belle and Adult Dancer in this timeless and endearing tale, A Christmas Carol! This is Lexi's 6th time in A Christmas Carol, having previously performed the roles of Belle, Fan, Adult Dancer and School's Out Kid. Alexis is grateful to have been cast in 20 musicals over the last five years, including her most recent roles of: Gingy in Notre Dame Academy's Shrek, Eponine in St. Francis de Sales Les Miserables and Babette in 3B's Beauty and the Beast. Other shows with The Rep, 3B, Waterville Playshop, and Notre Dame Academy include: Once on This Island (Te Moune), Alice In Wonderland (Alice), Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Oberona), Aesop’s Fables (Reporter/Number Bearer), Willy Wonka, Jr., (Oompaloompa), 1000 Cranes (Crane), and three productions of Seussical (Bird Girl, Mindy Lu Who)! Lexi is a sophomore honor student at Notre Dame Academy. She sends her heartfelt gratitude to the entire cast and crew for this amazing show. Jeffrey J. Albright (Jeff) - Jacob Marley This is Jeff's 8th year playing Marley opposite Paul Causman's Scrooge. Most recently, Jeff was in last season's Toledo Repertoire Theatre productions of The Drowsy Chaperone, Death of a Salesman and Hamlet. He directed this season's Lettice and Lovage at The Village Players and will be directing Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie this spring at The Toledo Rep. Bobbi Baranek - Junior Chorus / Select Chorus This is Bobbi's 11th time in A Christmas Carol. The acting bug bit her at the young age of 4 with her first show, The Toledo Rep’s A Christmas Carol, where only the director had faith that a 4 year old would make it on stage on by herself (Want, a role that she had her reprise 5 times) and she didn’t miss a beat once! 52 community theater shows (and 1 high school musical) later, Bobbi proudly takes the Boards for number 54 in this years A Christmas Carol, including 8 plays (5 of which were Shakespearean) and 46 musicals. She was most recently seen as 'Mama Bear' and 'Tapping Rat' in Notre Dame Academy's Shrek the Musical. She has also performed for 3B Productions, The Valentine, Waterville Playshop, OPI, AIE, and Grand Rapids. Bobbi’s Favorite rolls: 3B Productions – Urinetown (Rebel), Titanic (Stewardess); Toledo Rep - Once on this Island Jr. (Asaka, Mother of the Earth), Into the Woods, Jr. (Narrator), A Christmas Carol (Want & Dancing Doll); AIE – Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Tales of 3 (Goldilocks); The Valentine Theatre – South Pacific (Teora, Emile's youngest child) and any roll that lets her perform with her best friends. When not on a theatrical stage Bobbi is busy with dance, piano, and voice. She is also very involved in Girl Scouts where she has performed at the Ohio State Fair 4 years, winning many medals for singing, dancing, and acting. Bobbi is a Freshman at Notre Dame Academy. Not letting any grass grow under her feet, Bobbi has joined both the choir and speech team at NDA. Kim Baranek – Laundress / Adult Chorus / Sweatshirt Coordinator Kim is proud to be performing in A Christmas Carol for the 10th time. Kim’s favorite roles include: Grand Rapids Historical Society – Annir (Miss Hannigan); Waterville Playshop – Willy Wonka (Mrs. Gloop); 3B Productions – Titanic (Adult Chorus) It was the most amazing SOUND ever!); and any role that lets her share the stage with daughter Bobbi! 24 Shows (1 Play, 23 musicals) Kim has also worked with: 3B Productions, Orphan Productions, Waterville Playshop, and Grand Rapid Historical Society. She was drug into the acting world by a notice on the “Annie Warbuck’s” audition form 9 years ago that said ”parents are not permitted to stay for rehearsals”. Not wanting to leave her 5 year old with people she didn’t know she had her first audition (to carry a plate across the stage….which turned into 2 full dance numbers!) Kim is a Para-Professional at Autism MODEL School and Chauffer Extraordinaire. When not at rehearsals she is shuttling Bobbi between: her rehearsals, voice lessons, piano, dance lessons, auditions, Girl Scouts and speech meets. It ain't always “Easy Street” but it always brings “Joy” to my “World”! Barbara Barkan – Ghost of Christmas Past Barbara has been involved with A Christmas Carol for many years. She is an actress and director, well known in the Toledo area. She just finished the Village Players production of Lettice and Lovage. Ben Berschback – Turkey Boy/Parade Kid/Schools Out Kid/Jr Chorus This is Ben's 4th year in A Christmas Carol. This year Ben is thrilled to have the role of Turkey Boy! Previously he was a Parade Boy and in the Junior Chorus. His on stage theatrical credits include: Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Childrens Chorus). He has appeared in numerous local television commericials. Ben loves playing all sports and loves singing and playing the piano. Ben attends Ottawa Hills Elementary School. Christmas Carol has become such a wonderful tradition in his family! Savanna Bialecki – Schools Out Kid This is Savanna's 7th year in A Christmas Carol. Previously she has been: a Ruffian, a Snowflake, in the Childrens Chorus, and a Schools Out Kid. Previous on stage credits include: Toledo Rep - Aladdin Jr, Suessical Jr, 1000 Cranes, Mid-summers Nights Dream, Aesops Updated Fables, Alice in Wonderland Jr, Suessification of Romeo and Juliet, Its a Wonderful Neverland (Peter Pan), and Guys and Dolls Jr.; Bedford Community Players - 101 Dalmations; Toledo School For The Arts - Oliver and Kaleidoscope. She is also interested in playing volleyball and she is currently on a Junior Roller Derby team called the Frogtown Fallgirls. She is an 8th grader at the Toledo School For The Arts and a member of the National Junior Thespians. Sydney Breeding – Junior Chorus This is Sydney's 1st year in A Christmas Carol. This is Sydney's debut with the junior chorus in A Christmas Carol and her 2nd play with The Toledo Rep. She is thrilled to be part of such a classic production and has learned a lot from the experienced cast. This is her sixth performance in a musical production which includes; Once Upon a Mattress (Rapunzel), Alice In Wonderland (Cheshire Cat), Barnum (Chorus) and two different performances of Guys and Dolls Jr. (Benny Southstreet and Miss Adelaide). Her hobbies are volunteering at The Humane Society and studying the performing arts, she hopes to see a performance on Broadway in New York in the near future. Sydney is in the 7th grade at Gateway Middle School in Maumee, Ohio. Deb J. Brescol - Mrs. Fezziwig / Adult Chorus Deb has appeared in the last 11 years of A Christmas Carol, and has been seen as the Charwoman (twice) and Mrs. Fezziwig (7 times). Deb has appeared in several other Rep productions including The Sound of Music (Sister Bertha), The Full Monty (Susan), All Shook Up (Ensemble), Victor/Victoria (Cosmetic President). Deb has been involved in community theatre in this area for over 30 years and has been blessed with many wonderful memories. A special production of A Christmas Carol was in 2010 when Deb had her two (2) granddaughters, Raegan & Ryann, her daughter-in-law Tamara and her grandson Nolan all in the show with her. In 1982 Deb became one of the founding members of Bedford Community Players (BCP) and has served them in many capacities; Board President, Producer, and most duties under that title. Over the 30 years she also danced her way through BCP productions of Guys & Dolls, Cabaret, Chicago, 42nd Street, Anything Goes and Sweet Charity, to name her favorites. Other special productions have been Watherville Playshop - Kiss Me Kate, Monroe Community Players - Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and with the Village Theatre - Cabaret. By day, Deb is the Executive Director of the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program & the Health Van with Bedford Public Schools Community Education. She serves on the board for the Child Advocacy Network in Monroe County and on the board for the Michigan Association of RSVP Directors. Deb is also a board member for the Toledo Repertoire Theatre. Deb wishes love, luck and laughter to this cast, crew & patrons of A Christmas Carol this holiday season! Nolan Brescol – Junior Chorus/Boy around desk/Sheep/Parade Boy This is Nolan's 5th year in A Christmas Carol. Previous roles: Baby chorus at 18 months, 30 months, 3 ½ years and 4 ½ years.. He enjoys singing soccer, baseball, playing outside, and participating in A Christmas Carol. Nolan attends Monroe Road Elementary School in Bedford. Jenna Butler – Junior Chorus This is Jenna's 3rd years in A Christmas Carol. Her previous roles were Want and Childrens Chorus. She has performed at Springfield High School – Seusical the Musical (Who Chorus) and in other small productions with her church and community. Jenna enjoys playing softball for Wizards, plays saxophone, enjoys being with her friends and making rubber band bracelets. She attends Springfield Middle School. Ben Byard – Stage crew This is Ben's 1st year in helping with A Christmas Carol. Ben helped with the stage crew for Forbidden Broadway. Debra Ross Calabrese – Director / Choreographer Deb has been involved with A Christmas Carol for over 20 years. She has previously been the Director, Choreographer, Charwomen, Laundress and Millie. Her previous on stage theater credits include: Chorus Line (Cassie, Sheila), Flea in Her Ear (Yvonne), Reckless (Pooty), Pippin (Fastrada), Annie (Lily St. Regis), A...My Name is Alice (Alice 1 of 5), A...My Name is Still Alice (Alice 1 of 5). Deb has directed and choreographed for The Toledo Rep's since 1986 for the mainstage, Young Rep and Young Rep Roadshow. She also has directed and choreographed for: the Toledo School of the Arts, The Croswell Opera House (Adrian, Michigan) and Central Catholic High School. Deb enjoys dancing, theater, working out, and power walking. After chairing the dance department at Toledo School for the Arts since 1999, she retired in 2007 to resume her theater work full time. Ida Cardenas - Spirit This is Ida's 6th year in A Christmas Carol. She has always appeared in the show as a Spirit Ida has worked backstage or involved with tech in numerous community theater shows. She enjoys running, is an usher at the Stranahan Theater, and is a big, Big, BIG Ohio State fan! Ida is a recent graduate of Bowling Green State University (BGSU). She is a life coach for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. She is employed by Creative Living Services, a company that provides services for individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities. Ida also volunteers with the Seagate Food Bank. Paul Causman - Ebenezer Scrooge This is Paul's 11th year in A Christmas Carol, and is Paul’s eleventh season portraying Scrooge in the Rep’s annual production. Paul received his degree in theatre from Bowling Green State University. Immediately following college he was a long-term resident artist for the Ohio Arts Council at the Hopkins Theatre of the Southern Ohio Museum and Cultural Center. He has been the Artistic Director of the NCOAC Studio Theatre and the Toledo Rep Theatre from 1986 to 1991. Paul has been on staff at the Ohio Arts Council, a state funding agency for the arts, and he has served on the artistic staff and boards of performing arts companies and service organizations including the executive board of the Ohio Theatre Alliance and the National Committee Arts and the Handicapped Task Force. He has performed in and directed more than one hundred productions. He was the stage director of Jesus Daughter, an original techno/video opera which played in the Dance in Video Festival at the Walter Reede Gallery at Lincoln Center and the Modern Museum of Art in New York City. In addition, it was presented as a series of installations in Italy and Switzerland sponsored by UNESCO and featured on CNN Future Watch. In Toledo he has worked with the Toledo Rep, the Toledo Ballet, the Toledo Opera, the Toledo Jazz Society, the Toledo Symphony and the University of Toledo, Department of Theatre and Film, the Village Players and Ms. Roses Dinner Theatre. Most recently at the Rep he has appeared in: Art (Yvan), Gypsy (Herbie), Our Town (Stage Manager), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (George), and the Rep Edgy Reading of I Am My Own Wife (Charlotte von Malsdorf). He is currently Marketing Director and graphic designer for Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo. It is a highlight of Paul's year to reunite with old friends and to make new ones as part of the family of the A Christmas Carol cast and crew! Rowan Creps - Frances Cratchit This is Rowan's 1st year in A Christmas Carol. Her previous on stage theater credits include: Perrysburg Musical Theater – Annie (Molly), An Evening with Irving Berlin (Soloist), The Sound of Music (Marta), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Chorus). Rowan enjoys dancing (jazz and tap) at Company C Dance Club. She also enjoys reading. She is in the 4th grade at Woodland Elementary in Perrysburg. Heather Dassouki – Adult Chorus This is Heather's 2nd year in A Christmas Carol. She also appeared in the Adult Chorus last year. Heather's previous on stage theatrical credits include: Oregon Community Theater – Les Miserables; The University of Toledo's Department of Theatre and Film – Funnyhouse of a Negro (Queen Victoria Regina), Once on this Island (Erzulie), Fortinbras (Maiden); Toledo Rep – Broadway at the Rep (mulitple numbers), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Dogette, Thorpe singer, Reporter). Her other theater credits include: The University of Toledo's Department of Theatre and Film – As You Like It (Set design), Richard III (Set construction/crew), Desdemona (Make up), The Ferris Wheel (Director). Additionally, she is a play-write, writing False Impression for UT's 24 hour play- writing festival. She enjoy playing the alto-saxophone and going karaoke singing. Heather is a substitute teacher for Toledo School for the Arts. Abigail Davis (Abbie) – Fan / Adult Chorus This is Abbie's 1st year in A Christmas Carol. Abbie's previous on stage theatrical credits include: Notre Dame Academy – Shrek (Humpty Dumpty / Dragon Girl), Seussical (Mackle / Who Singer), Annie (Boylan Sister, Cecil, Star to be); Saint Francis – Les Miserables (Chorus). She has been involved with Interlochen Academy for the Arts (Intensive?????) She is involved with PCT Spirituality, Pep Club, Princess Club, ACA-No- Fella, all of these at Notre Dame Academy where she is a student. Giovanni Michael-Basil DeSantis - Parade Kid/Schools Out Kid/Jr Chorus This is Giovanni's 3rd year in A Christmas Carol. Previous roles: Parade Kid, Childrens Chorus. Giovanni's on stage theater credits include: Honk! (Chorus, Duck); St. Joseph School – Beauty and the Beast Jr (A cupcake). He has been tumbling for 6 years, 8 years of tap, and ballet for 3 years. He enjoys football, basketball, soccer, and baseball. Giovanni is a proud 5th grade student at St. Joseph School, Maumee, Ohio. Isabella Gianna DeSantis (Bella) - Junior Chorus This is Bella's 3rd year in A Christmas Carol. Previous roles: Snow Fairy, Under Desk Girl, Childrens Chorus. She has being involved with competition chearleading for 5 years, 6 years of tumbling, 6 years of tap,and 3 years of ballet. Bella is a 2nd grader at St. Joseph School in Maumee, Ohio. Scott Dibling - Keeper Joe / Adult Chorus / Solicitor understudy This is Scott's 6th year in A Christmas Carol, and he hopes it not his last. It is such a fun and beautiful project. Two years ago he had the privilege of playing the ghost of Jacob Marley, which meant that he sat alone in the dressing room a lot of the time while everyone else was upstairs singing and dancing. Other Toledo Rep shows include: Mornings at Seven, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Pass the Butler, Harvey, Light Up the Sky and Auntie Mame. Hobbies: (He could use a few) working out, rollerblading, TAKING NAPS when he can get one, and watching movies with Jeff. Scott is a registered nurse at the University of Toledo Medical Center (UTMC) in the Cardiovascular Unit. He looks forward again to working with everyone, both old and new. Scott wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Eggnog! (hahaha) David Driver (Dave) – Adult Chorus This is Dave's 8th year in A Christmas Carol. His previous roles include: Adult Dancer, Adult Chorus, Man 2. Dave has been involved in theater for many years, both on stage and behind the scenes. His most recent performance was in Les Miserables as Fauchelevant (aka the man who is run over by a cart) and various other minor roles. Besides A Christmas Carol, in the past few years he has performed as a singer and dancer in Hello Dolly, played Jacob in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Mr. Fagin in Oliver!. He has also been the treasurer of Today Productions, a high school age community theater group. Dave would like to thank his wife Bonnie for all the love and support in his theatrical endeavors. When not at the theater, Dave is a computer consultant, and plays guitar for the contemporary worship service at All Saints Lutheran Church. Erin Duffey – Adult Chorus This is Erin's 1st year in A Christmas Carol. Her previous on stage credits include: Toledo Rep – Fiddler on the Roof (Shandel); Sylvania Southview – Beauty and Beast (Mob solo, chorus), Anything Goes (Chorus); Timberstone Junior High School - The Lion King (Zebra). Her other credits include: Sylvania Soutview – The Crucible (Stage Manager), Couga Review 2013: Sleuths, Soul and Rock and Roll (Run/Set Crew), and The Greek Mythology Olympiaganza (Set/Run Crew). Erin is a Junior at Sylvania Soutview High School and a member of Select Ensemble and the International Thespian Society. Alana Eddy – Dancer (Fezziwig & Waltz) / Adult Chorus / Select Chorus This is Alana's 6th year in A Christmas Carol. Her previous roles include: Adult Chorus and Select Chorus. Alana's previous on stage theater credits include: Bedford Community Players – Hello Dolly! (Minnie Fay), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Ruebens wife, Chorus); Grand Rapids – Bye Bye Birdie (Kim MacAfee). Alana is a member of the Toledo Opera in the Adult Chorus and has appeared in Turandot, La Boheme, Aida and opera galas. Her other interests include sewing, historical hat making, playing the piano and reading British literature. Alana plans on attending classes at Bowling Green State University next fall. Eileen Eddy – Charwoman / Adult Chorus / Dickens Singer Coordinator This is Eileen's 4d year in A Christmas Carol. She has previously been in the Adult Chorus. Eileen has been in productions in Ontario Canada, Bedford Community Players and Grand Rapids. Her on stage theater credits include: Grand Rapids - Bye Bye Birdie (Gloria Rasputin). She has directed for Bedford Community Players - Into the Woods; she was the costumer for BCP's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; and has directed for the Toledo Rep, and is the Rep Ed Director. Eileen is a member of the Toledo Opera Chorus and most recently appeared in Aida. She has served as member of the Board of Directors of Bedford Community Players. She enjoys antique collecting, vintage cars and British history. William Francis (Will) - Peter Cratchit This is Will's 1st year in A Christmas Carol. His previous on stage theater credits include: 3B Productions – Beauty and the Beast (Doormat/Towns boy); St. Joseph Maumee – The Little Mermaid (Jetsam); Next Stage Studios – Romeo / Juliet Modern Musical; St. Joan of Arc – Peter Pan (Michael); Everything’s Groovy (Peter); Pied Piper (Bongo); Children’s Theatre Workshop – Stone Soup (Peter). He enjoys singing, acting, magic, science projects and camping. Will attends St. Joseph Maumee Preparatory School. JR Fray – Ghost of Christmas Future / Adult Chorus This is JR's 2nd year in A Christmas Carol. He previous appeared as: Dancer (Fezziwig & Waltz) / Adult Chorus. His previous on stage theatrical credits include: Merry Christmas Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), Little Mermaid (Sebastian the Crab). He enjoys woodcraft, painting, artistic welding. He is employed by Budweiser. Lucas Frost – Young Ebby This is Lucas' 2nd year in A Christmas Carol. He was in the Junior Chorus and a Parade Boy in 2011. He played Nicely Nicely Johnson in the young Reps production of Guys and Dolls in Aug 2013 and was a whokid in Seussical the Musical in may of 2012. His hobbies are all types of art, playing piano, singing and magic . He is 11 years old and a fifth grader at Beverly Elementary School. Elizabeth Gozdowski – Junior Chorus This is Elizabeth's 2nd year in A Christmas Carol. She loves doing musical theater at the Rep and at her school. She has done many musicals including: Annie, Guys and Dolls, Once on This Island, and Alice in Wonderland. Elizabeth would like to thank her parents for always believing in her, her music teacher Todd Schreiber, and her vocal teacher Crystal Weiler. Isabel Haack (Bella) – Junior Chorus This is Bella's 2nd year in A Christmas Carol. Previous role: Adult Chorus. Bella’s on-stage theater credits include: Toledo Opera – La Boheme (Youth Chorus); Toledo School for the Arts – 13 The Musical (Charlotte), Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Rowena), Oliver (Chorus); 3B Productions – Urinetown (Rebel), Beauty and the Beast (Chorus); Waterville Playshop – Seussical the Musical (Chorus); The Toledo Rep – It’s a Wonderful Neverland (Earl), Alice in Wonderland (Chorus); Center Stage Studios – The Sound of Music (Brigitta); Downriver Acting Guild: Beauty and the Beast (Wolf/Feature Dancer/Chorus); Show Biz Kidz - 101 Dalmatians (Narrator); Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center – A Christmas Carol (Fan), Wizard of Oz (Lullaby League Munchkin), Sleeping Beauty (Red Bird) and several other variety shows in the downriver Michigan area. Bella is a member of the Junior Thespian Society. When not on stage, Bella’s hobbies are singing, playing piano, reading, and anything pertaining to Dr. Who or Harry Potter. She is a Toledo ZooTeen and also enjoys volunteering as an Ambassador for the Toledo School for the Arts. Bella is a freshman at Toledo School for the Arts. Shane Hackett - Parade Kid / Junior Chorus This is Shane's 4th year in A Christmas Carol. His previous roles were: Young Ebby, Schools Out Kid, Toy Soldier, Parade Kid, Ignorance, Joseph, and Junior Chorus. Some of his many hobbies include photography, building tree forts and rockets, & playing the guitar. Shanes other interests would be going to his grandmothers cottage to do water sports as well as playing Mine Craft. This is his first year at The Toledo School for the Arts & so far is really enjoying the change. Emily Hayman - Dancer (Fezziwig & Waltz) / Adult Chorus This is Emily's 7th year in A Christmas Carol. Previous Roles: Adult Dancer, Fiddler, Snowflake, Adult & Children's chorus. Emily's on stage theater credits include: Toledo School for the Arts- Legally Blonde (Sorority girl, Dancer), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Chorus, understudy for Gloria); Toledo Rep- 1000 Cranes (spirit dancer, chorus), Pirates of Penzance (pirate, police), Alice in Wonderland (chorus). Other theater credits include: Toledo School for the Arts – Oliver (Prop Master). When not on stage, Emily's hobby is dance. She had danced for 6 yearqs focusing in jazz, contemporary and tap. She also plays guitar. Emily is a sophomore at Toledo School for the Arts. She is president of the TSA Ambassadors and a member of Students in Action. Kenneth Charles Herrmann (Charlie) – Want / Junior Chorus / Parade boy This is Charlie's 1st year in a A Christmas Carol. He has previously appeared in Guys and Dolls Jr. (Police officer) and was a student in a WGTE “Anti-Bullying” commercial. Charlies hobbies and interests include: soccer, Cub Scouts, and computer gaming. He is in the 4th grade at Beverly Elementary School in Toledo.