Audience ServicesCoordinator

Courtney Egg

Jeremiah VierlingRobert Nolan

Tiffany DelValleJennifer HagaKiersten Jones

Karla KopfhammerBritt Lauer

Caleb NeeperTrevor Owen

Usher CoordinatorPat Rusich

Managing Director - Scott DenisonArtistic Director - Michael Butler

Production ServicesCoordinator

Toni KilcoyneTechnical Staff

Steve PinoJohn Earls

Michael ArlenChris Currie

Kieren McEnteeGarrick SchusterStephen SpleissJosh Stouffer

Costumes Costume ManagerShannon Sigman

Center REPertory Company

Jeff Collister* (Production Stage Manager) is an avid San Francisco Giants fan and is really happy about the recent World Series win! He has been Production Manager for Center REP since 1995 and has stage managed more than 50 productions since starting with the company in 1989. Favorites include Boeing-Boeing, A Number, Almost Heaven – John Denver’s America, Becoming Memories, Suds: The Rockin’ 60’s Musical Soap Opera, Godspell, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood and numerous productions of A Christmas Carol. Jeff directed The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Xanadu for REP and Urinetown, The Musical, and Grease for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. He worked as Production Stage Manager for Dame Edna – The Royal Tour in San Francisco. Jeff is a Shellie Award winning actor and a member of Actors Equity Association. Go Edison!

Alex Logemann (Deck Manager) is celebrating his 48th show backstage with Center REP. Alex has been backstage for eleven seasons and is beyond pleased to be involved with such an amazing group. Alex has also worked backstage for Contra Costa Musical Theatre and with Diablo Theatre Company. Alex is a proud member of the Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. He is very thankful for our community and the fun it provides. “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” James Barrie Michael Butler (Artistic Director) This is Michael’s ninth season as Artistic Director of Center REP, where his directing credits include Clybourne Park, Don’t Dress for Dinner, The Underpants, A Number, Dracula, Boeing-Boeing and To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as the Shellie and BATCC Award-winning productions of Around the World in 80 Days, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, The Marriage of Figaro, How the Other Half Loves, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Enchanted April, and Witness For The Prosecution. His directing work has also been seen at San Jose Rep, Cleveland Playhouse, Seattle Rep, Laguna Playhouse, ACT in Seattle, Marin Theatre Company, Aurora Theatre Company, San Jose Stage, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and The Juilliard School, of which he is a graduate. As an actor, Michael

television, as well as REP’s productions of The Mousetrap, Noises Off and Rumors. He is a published songwriter and the co-writer and composer of numerous music-theatre pieces, which he has directed and performed in NY, LA, and at festivals in India and Morocco. In his career as a performer he has also danced with the Erick Hawkins Dance Company, portrayed the villainous Pierre LeChance on “The Guiding Light”, and played guitar and harmonica in many rock, blues, and country western bands at all the notable dives in NYC.

OUR SPONSORS

Chevron (Season Sponsor) has been the leading corporate sponsor of Center REP and the Lesher Center for the Arts for the past nine years. In fact, Chevron has been a partner of the LCA since the beginning, providing funding for capital improvements, event sponsorships and more. Chevron generously supports every Center REP show throughout the season, and is the primary sponsor for events including the Chevron Family Theatre Festival in July. Chevron has proven itself not just as a generous supporter, but also a valued friend of the arts.

Diablo Regional Arts Association (DRAA) (Season Partner) is both the primary fundraising organization of the Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA) and the City of Walnut Creek’s appointed curator for the LCA’s audience outreach. DRAA’s role in the community is all about building partnerships with the focused goal of enhancing artistic quality at the LCA and providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the arts. Through partnerships with the LCA and its producers, individual donors, corporate and foundation sponsors and the City of Walnut Creek, DRAA plays a vital role in advancing the arts for the betterment of the community. Please visit us online at www.draa.org.

Lesher Foundation (Foundation Sponsor) Since 1994, the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has awarded grants totaling more than $40 million and reaching citizens in all parts of Contra Costa County. True to the original wishes of Dean and Margaret Lesher, the Foundation continues to build on the strengths of the community by supporting organizations and programs that provide help and support to people in need; enhance and enrich the lives of all citizens; and promote a healthy and exciting future for the community. Established in 1989, the Foundation received its principal assets from Dean Lesher’s estate in 1993 and 1995. In 1997, an additional endowment from Dean Lesher’s estate followed the death of Margaret Lesher. A

2003. As a family foundation, support for the Contra Costa community will be carried on by the next generation of family members. Grant-making decisions are based on the vision of Dean and Margaret Lesher who felt quality education, diverse art programs, and healthy children and families are the building blocks of a strong and vibrant

and direction in these critical areas, the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation is investing every day, every week and every year in the health and well-being of this county that Dean and Margaret so loved.

ABOUT CENTER REPERTORY COMPANY

Center REP is the resident, professional theatre company of the Lesher Center for the Arts. Our season consists of eight productions a year – a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies, both classic and contemporary, that continually strive to reach new levels of artistic excellence and professional standards.

Our mission is to celebrate the power of the human imagination by producing emotionally engaging, intellectually involving, and visually astonishing live theatre, and through Outreach and Education programs, to enrich and advance the cultural life of the communities we serve.

What does it mean to be a producing theatre?professional directors, actors and designers to create our productions at Center REP. These are not touring productions – they’re conceived and developed here, the sets and costumes are built in our shops, and the actors rehearse in our rehearsal hall. Whether the production is a Bay Area premiere or a Shakespearean classic, each is devised to be a one of a kind, artistic creation that will be a unique theatre experience for our audience.

What does it mean to be a professional theatre? It means that all our artists and artisans are career theatre-practitioners. Many of the actors in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association; many of our directors and designers are members of professional unions. All do theatre because it is their profession and their passion.

We are very proud to have the opportunity to produce professional theatre for our community in the beautiful theatres here at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Thank you for your support!

PRODUCTION TEAM

Scott Denison (Director/Managing Director) has been a leader in the arts for 40 years for Walnut Creek and the surrounding communities. For the last 24 years he has been the General Manager of the Lesher Center and oversees over 850 public events each year. He coordinates performing arts activities with over 85 producers and producing organizations. He is also the Managing Director of Center REPertory Company producing 8 professional productions each season; and is the 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. Scott directed CCMT’s hits Les Misérables, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Hairspray, and for the past 16 seasons Center REP’s A Christmas Carol. Denison has directed over 150 productions including REP’s The Lady with All the Answers starring Kerri Shawn. In 1979 he created the Shellie Awards, which annually honors outstanding performing arts achievement in Contra Costa county. In 2007 he created the Chevron Family Theatre Festival bringing adult nationally acclaimed performances together for one day performing to over 7,000 guests of all ages. This coming Spring, he directs The Music Man for Contra Costa Musical Theatre.

Michael Wiles* (Music Director ) has served as musical director/vocal director on over 75 productions including work with the Bay Area Children’s Theater, California Shakespeare Theater, Berkeley Playhouse, Capital Stage Company, Center REPertory Company, Contra Costa Civic Theater, Contra Costa Musical Theater, Cornish

Guild, and the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival. He is the Co-Founder, Co-Director, and Musical Director of Center REPertory Company’s Young REP Musical Theater Conservatory and is also the Resident Musical Director and Casting Director for Berkeley Playhouse. BFA, Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

Kelly James Tighe (Scenic Designer) Off Broadway/National Tours The Great Divorce (World Premiere), The Fantasticks, Almost Heaven, The Time of Mendel’s Trouble, Nunsense (Anniversary production at the Cherry Lane), Movin’ Out, Cats, Shear Madness, Mooseltoe: A New Moosical, 101 Dalmations, TRIUMPH (Las Vegas Hilton). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, San Jose Rep, Laguna Playhouse, Michigan’s Cherry County Playhouse, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Sacramento Theater Company, Diablo Theater Company, Contra Costa Musical Theater, Center REPertory Company, Gateway Playhouse. Several National Television shows and commercials including Disney, KitKat, Oxygen Network, Animal Planet, etc. Online at Kellyjamestighe.com.

Jennifer Perry (Choreographer/Swing/Dance Captain) has been teaching Ballet and Theatre classes for over 25 years. She was lucky to have studied and trained with her grandmother, Lareen Fender at The Ballet School. 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) Choreography Credits include: Sweet Charity, 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. Directing Credits Include: Joseph and the Amazing.., A Chorus Line (BATCCA), OKLAHOMA! (Shellie Award), 42nd Street, and Guys and Dolls all for Contra Costa Musical Theatre. Jennifer is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actor’s Ensemble www.fantasyforum.org and is thrilled to be going into her 20th 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. By day 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

Jeff Mockus (Sound Designer) has designed sound for Center REP’s Life Could Be A Dream, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Old Wicked Songs, Xanadu, Marvelous Party, Cabaret, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Musical of Musicals: The Musical!, Hank Williams Lost Highway, Around the World In 80 Days, and The Marriage of Figaro. Among his recent credits are Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Merry Wives Of Windsor, TheatreWorks’ Sweeney Todd, Once On This Island, Silent Sky, Little Women, Being Earnest, Big River, Of Mice and Men, The Secret Garden, Fly By Night, Superior Donuts, and [title of show]. Mr. Mockus served as Director Of Sound for PCPA Theaterfest from 1990 to 1993, and as San Jose Repertory Theatre’s Resident Sound Designer from 1994 to 2007.

John Earls (Lighting Designer) Real Housewives the Musical (World Premier) Spring Awakening (East Bay Premier), The Lady with All the Answers, A Christmas Carol (Off Center/Center REP), Sunset Boulevard (East Bay Premier), 42nd Street-Shellie Award, Cinderella- Shellie Award (CCMT); On Broadway Gala, Walnut Creek Jazz Series (DRAA), Lesher Speaker Series-Newsmakers; Chevron Family Theatre Festival; ARF Stars to the Rescue; The Shellie Awards; Rocky Horror Show, Let’s Go To The Movies (Town Hall). Thanks to the ACME Theatre Company.

CITY COUNCILBob Simmons, Mayor

Rich CarlstonLoella Haskew

Cindy SilvaJustin Wedel

CITY MANAGERKen NordhoffDIRECTOR

Arts, Recreation and Community Services

ARTS COMMISSIONJane Emanuel, Chair

Glynnis Cowdery, Vice Chair

Joe BolognaPolly Bradbury

Anita Sagastegui

CostumersMichael A. Berg

Katie DowseDresser

Edie Olson Casting DirectorJennifer Perry

MarketingMarketing Director

Gabe MarinMarketing Assistant

Ariel BrewerEducation

Education DirectorsJeff Draper

Kerri Shawn

ProductionProduction Manager

Jeff CollisterTechnical

Technical DirectorJoshua Lipps

Master ElectricianWill Poulin

Additional Special Effects DesignLyle Barrere

CarpentersMatthew HougeyGabriel JohnsonChris Swartzell

Asst. Stage Manager/Props Coordinator

Joe CoeDeck Manager

Alex LogemannQuartet Manager

Barbara ReynoldsProduction Assistants

Lyle BarrereMichael Ghysels

AdministrationAsst. to the Managing

DirectorGail Pfeifer

ProgramLinda Nomura

CENTER REP THANKS :

Shannon and Mike Demers

presents

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United StatesCenter REP is a member of Theatre Bay Area and Theatre Communications Group (TCG), The National Organization for the American Theatre

The Sound Designer is a member of United Scenic Artists Union

CENTER REPERTORY COMPANYMichael Butler, Artistic Director Scott Denison, Managing Director

By Charles DickensAdaptation by Cynthia Caywood and Richard L. James

Directed by Scott Denison

Music DirectorMichael Wiles

Lighting DesignerJohn Earls

Hofmann TheatreDecember 11 - 21, 2014

Lesher Center for the Arts

Scenic Designer Kelly James Tighe

CostumingMichael A. BergStage ManagerJeff Collister*

ChoreographerJennifer PerrySound Designer

Jeff Mockus

Season Partner Foundation SponsorSeason Sponsor

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Tempest (Prospero), Toyer (Maude), Copenhagen (Margrethe), and Titus Andronicus (Nurse/Beast). She is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television. During the summer she teaches junior high and high school students at Center REP’s Young REP Conservatory. Look for her next in Diva Fest’s Hilarity then in Town Hall’s production of Moon Over Buffalo. Iniibig Kita Will.

Britt Lauer (Dorit) is thrilled to be joining, once again, this wonderful cast and crew to present this holiday classic! Favorite roles include: Masha (Three Sisters), Antigone (Antigone), Maureen (The Beauty Queen of Leenane), Crystal (The Women), and Gwendolyn (The Importance of Being Earnest). A former Young REP student, Britt is delighted to be spending her summers as a teacher on the Young REP Staff. Britt has a BA in theatre from Willamette University. She wishes you a Happy Holiday season and a joyful New Year!

Amanda Leigh (Belle) feels honored to be back on stage with her Christmas Carol family and to be a part of such a wonderful story. Amanda was last seen in Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s very successful production of Les Misérables and was also seen in REP’s recent production of Sweet Charity and Contra Costa Civic Theatre’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone where she played her dream role of Kitty. She is a graduate of the San Francisco State Theatre Program where she obtained a B.A. in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in performance. Amanda’s passion lies in teaching and she is happy to be working at The Ballet School Performing Arts where she is the Director of Performing Arts Studio. Amanda is on the teaching staff for Center REP’s young actors training program, Young REP. She is also a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. She would like to dedicate this performance to the new addition to her family, her Goddaughter, little miss Sadie May. Enjoy the show!!

Scott Maraj (Gridley) is ecstatic to be making his Center REP debut with this production! He was last seen at the Lesher Center in the 2013 production of Singin’ in the Rain as the Production Tenor (DTC) and just reprised the same role (and also played the Diction Coach) in PCRT’s production in Pleasanton. Recent roles include Underling (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Frankie (Forever Plaid) with TVRT, Oliver Hix (The Music Man), Monsieur D’Arque (Beauty and the Beast), Corny Collins (Hairspray!) and Cliff Bradshaw (Cabaret) with PCRT, Francis (La Cage Aux Folles) with CCCT and Alexander Grimaldi in 42nd Street Moon’s It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman! alongside current cast members Kyle and Michael (his Grimaldi brothers). Favorite roles include Joseph (Joseph and the Amazing…), Wrangler (Will Rogers Follies), Magaldi (Evita), Bobby (A Chorus Line) and Caleb (Seven Brides…). Special thanks and gratitude to Ryan, Amanda, Jenny, Scott, Kerri and Grace (#teamSwirl).

Michael McCarty (Mr. Fezziwig) is excited to be making his debut with Center REP. He was last seen on the Hofmann stage as The Bishop of Digne in Les Misérables (CCMT). Other favorite roles include Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (CCMT) and Father in Ragtime (DTC). Michael is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. He works for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and resides with his wife and son in Benicia.

Robin Melnick (Mr. Bagstock - Bass) is delighted to be back sharing in the holiday spirit with cast, crew, and audience of A Christmas Carol. His favorite roles elsewhere have included El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Lancelot in Camelot, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods, and Smudge in Forever Plaid and Plaid Tidings. By day, Robin is a doctoral student in linguistic and cognitive science, having decided that after 20 years in high-tech, what he really wants to be when he grows up is a starving grad student. He is grateful as always to Mary and Andrew for all of their love and support.

Alex Moore (Mr. Tiffey - Tenor) is elated to be making his Center REP debut in this, one of his favorite productions! SF Bay Area credits: Town Hall- Company (David), CCMT- Grease (ensemble), Hairspray (ensemble), Les Mis (Enjolras). San Diego: Urinetown (Bobby Strong), Little Women (Professor Bhaer), The Last 5 Years (Jamie Willerstein). Humboldt Co: Next to Normal (Doctors), Avenue Q (Princeton), Songs...New World. A proud Walnut Creek native, Alex graduated from Northgate High School in 2005, where he was a member of Production Workshop, president of the Madrigals, and a Dance Production captain. Alex studied vocal performance and theatre and holds a BA in Music from PLNU, San Diego. Alex is an assistant

Ryan Cowles (Future/Dick Wilkins) is thrilled to return to Center REP and his 3rd year in A Christmas Carol. Other Center REP credits include Sweet Charity and their upcoming production of Anything Goes in May. Broadway National Tours: Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone, & Hairspray. He has performed with many companies in the Bay Area including CCMT, Fantasy Forum, TVRT & The Willows. Favorite regional credits include: Zanna Don’t (Zanna), La Cage aux Folles (Phaedra), The Who’s Tommy, Lippa’s The Wild Party and numerous shows at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL including Fantasmic! and The Hoop Dee Doo Revue (Johnny Ringo). Ryan is also the co-founder of “OMG, I Love That Show!” Productions who proudly presented the West Coast Premiere of last fall and Godspell this February at the Lesher Center for the Arts.

Max DeSantis (Peter Cratchit/Georgie)

A Christmas Carol! Favorite roles: Harvey Johnson-Bye Bye Birdie (CCMT), Artful Dodger-Oliver!, Kurt-Sound of Music, Ensemble-Spamalot, (TVRT), Peter Cratchit-A Christmas Carol, (Center REP), Ensemble-Music Man (PCRT). Max studies ballet and tap at The Ballet School, piano at The Performing Arts Studio and has spent four amazing summers working with Young REP. He also takes voice lessons and

him recently on the Disney Channel in the commercial: Pass the Plate! He would like to thank his parents for driving him everywhere and his teachers and mentors for making his dream become a reality!

Michael Doppe (Young Scrooge) is overjoyed to be returning to Center Rep after playing Young Scrooge last year. He is an actor, writer, director, musician, and graduate of the SCT “Actor Training Program”. He has been seen working at Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Town Hall Theatre, Missouri Street Theatre, 42nd St. Moon, San Jose Stage, Ray of Light Theatre,

Conservatory Theatre Center, and Solano College Theatre. Come visit “Doppe” at http://michaeldoppe.wix.com/mainix.com/main

Jeff Draper (Mr. Boxer/Marley/Old Joe) is co-Education Director for Center REP with Kerri Shawn, where they run the Young REP summer theater training program, and he is also a teacher at The Harker School in San Jose. He has performed in numerous Center REP productions, and has also performed with Fantasy Forum, Town Hall Theater, CCMT, The Willows, California Shakespeare Theater, San Jose Stage, TheatreWorks, Marin Theater Company, and others.

Ella Dunderdale (Fan) Ella is very excited for her debut with Center REP! Previous rolls include Little Cosette and Little Eponine in Les Misérables and Marta in The Sound of Music with Contra Costa Musical Theatre as well as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Clara in The 13 Days of Christmas and Michael in Wish Upon a Star with The Peter Pan Foundation. She has also performed and trained with Town Hall Theater and Studio L in Lafayette. Enjoy the show!

Trevor Gomez (Thief/Charlie) is grateful to be able to perform with his Christmas Carol family for the sixth year. He is a freshman at College Park High School. Recent shows include Bye Bye Birdie! (CCMT) and Guys and Dolls (DTC). Other roles include Oliver in Oliver! (TVRT), Friedrich in The Sound of Music (CCMT), Young Don in Singin’ in the Rain (DTC), David in Rags the Musical (Willows Cabaret), Rooster in Annie, Jr. (CC Christian Theatre), Malcolm in 13 The Musical (Music Box Theatre) and Little Guido in Nine (CCCT). Trevor studies with Young Rep, performs with Pleasant Hill’s Star Quest and CPHS Choir and enjoys cross country.

Edison Gould (Tiny Tim) is excited to be making his stage debut here at Center REP. He even went as far as having a vertebrae removed so he could be the precise height for Tiny Tim. That’s how committed he is. (that statement may not be 100% true) Edison says, “Thank you, Scott for the chance to be a part of this production. Mom, Dad, Uncle Jeff, Clarabell, Paula and Danny for your support. And Lisa and Chris Evans for giving me the idea that I could be an actor.”

Heather Kellogg (Anne) Recent productions include playing Kristin Hersh in Kristin Hersh’s RAT GIRL with Diva Fest, Babies: The Ultimate Birth Control (winner of Best of Fringe), Cat Ladies with All Terrain Theater, Repro Rights! with PCSF. Other favorites include: The Cherry Orchard (Anya), The

CASTCatherine Bartomeo ................................... Catherine HastingsMichael A. Berg ................................................Mr. ApplebaumKathryn Butler ................................................ Martha CratchitDylan Cazin ....................................... Beggar Boy/Turkey BoyRyan Cowles .............................................Future/Dick WilkinsMax DeSantis .........................................Peter Cratchit/GeorgieMichael Doppe .................................................. Young ScroogeJeff Draper ...................................... Mr. Boxer/Marley/Old JoeElla Dunderdale ..................................................................FanTrevor Gomez ...................................................... Thief/CharlieEdison Gould ..............................................................Tiny TimHeather Kellogg................................................................AnneBritt Lauer ........................................................................ DoritAmanda Leigh .................................................................. BelleScott Maraj ................................................................... GridleyMichael McCarty ................................................ Mr. FezziwigRobin Melnick .......................................... Mr. Bagstock - BassAlex Moore....................................................Mr. Tiffey - TenorThomas Moore......................................................Boy ScroogeR. Martin Newton .......................................................... RudgeJeanine Perasso ................................Mrs. Fezziwig/LaundressGrace Perry ..................................................... Fauna FezziwigVince Perry .............................................Constable/UndertakerMark Anderson Phillips* ............................Ebenezer ScroogeBarbara Reynolds ...............................Joel Roster .......................................................... Fred HastingsKerri Shawn .................................................. Past/CharwomanClaire Shepard................................................ Belinda CratchitIsabelle Shepard ................................................Flora FezziwigSuzie Shepard ................................................................. SophyMolly Thornton .......................................Miss Augustus - AltoKyle Valentine....................................................................SilasGinny Wehrmeister ............................................. Mrs. CratchitMichael Wiles* ..................................................... Bob CratchitMichael Ray Wisely* ............................. Mr. Checkers/PresentOlivia Wisely .........................................................Fig FezziwigWendy Wisely .............................................................. LucretiaSpecial thanks to Ken Ruta*, Narrator

CAST BIOGRAPHIESCatherine Bartomeo (Catherine Hastings) is thrilled to be making her Center REP debut! She recently was seen as Cosette in Contra Costa Musical Theatre’s Les Misérables. Catherine holds her master’s degree in opera performance from Wichita State University and her bachelor’s degree in voice from LSU. She was a young artist with Wichita Grand Opera and has performed with Opera Kansas, Forum Theatre, and the Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre. Recent credits in the Bay Area include: The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet van de Graaff) at Contra Costa Civic Theatre; Peter Pan (Wendy Darling), Rocky Horror (Columbia), The Who’s Tommy (Sally Simpson) at Missouri Street Theatre. Other favorite roles: Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Amy (Little Women), Maria (West Side Story), Connie Lane (Good News!), and Gabriella (High School Musical). Catherine is also a choreographer and musical director for Bay Area Children’s Theatre’s youth education program and is on the faculty of The Ballet School. Much love to her husband, Matt.

Michael A. Berg (Mr. Applebaum/Costuming) is happy to be included in this season’s production of A Christmas Carol as Mr. Applebaum, one of the solicitors. Michael is very pleased to be working on the costumes as well. He works full time for Center REP as a stitcher and sometime actor and if he is lucky he gets to design as well! Michael has been seen as the Usher in Center REP’s production of Witness for the Prosecution and as Starveling the tailor in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Michael and Ophelia (his

peaceful holiday season!!

Kathryn Butler (Martha Cratchit) is extremely happy to be back with the cast of A Christmas Carol for her second year! She is currently a student at Oakland School for the Arts with an emphasis in theatre, where she was most recently seen as Natasha in Anton Chekhov’s The Three Sisters. She trains with Young Repertory Company and with the Performing Arts Studio, where she has also assisted with Young Actor’s Studio. She is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actor’s Ensemble and has Assistant Stage Managed for Center REPertory’s Off Center Production of The Real Housewives of Walnut Creek: The Musical. Enjoy the show!

Dylan Cazin (Beggar Boy/Turkey Boy) is thrilled to be making his debut with Center REP. Over the summer, he trained with Young REP’s acting program. Dylan discovered acting at the age of 10 and has been performing for over 4 years. This is his 9th performance. Some of his favorite productions include Shrek the Musical and Oliver! (TVRT). Dylan also enjoys singing with his school choir and playing sports. Theatre is Dylan’s passion and he would love to continue it throughout the rest of his life. He would like to thank Center REP for this amazing opportunity, and his family and friends for their continued encouragement.

teacher and music director at The Ballet School’s Young Actor’s Studio and a proud member of FFAE! Look for him as Judas in OMG... Production’s Godspell in February 2015. Thanks and love to his wife, Erin.

Thomas Moore (Boy Scrooge) Thanks to his second grade teacher, Ms. Herrman, Thomas got his start in musical theater two years ago as Paul Bunyan in his school’s version of America’s Tallest Tales. Thomas has also played in The Aristocats, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan, Annie, and he starred as Aladdin in Aladdin. Thomas studies voice and piano locally. He also participates in local singing performances

and he is thrilled to be a part of the cast of A Christmas Carol.

R. Martin Newton (Rudge) is thankful to be a part of such a talented cast and even more thankful for a San Francisco Giants World Series win! Marty’s recent audience credit include CCMT’s Tarzan and Les Misérables. Marty enjoys eating, sleeping and beer! Skål!

Jeanine Louise Perasso (Mrs. Fezziwig/Laundress) Joy, friendship and family; that’s what being in A Christmas Carol means for Jeanine who feels privileged to be a part of the cast for her 16th year. Being able to create magic on this stage and whisk people away for a moment of wonder makes this a truly spectacular experience. Recently Jeanine has been seen as Jack’s mother in Ray of Light’s Into the Woods, performed at the SF Fringe Festival and is a proud member of FFAE. She’d like to thank her wonderful family for all their love & support. Fred, Miranda & Evan, you bring such happiness to my life. A shout out to her family on the water too; go EBRC!

Grace Perry (Fauna Fezziwig) has appeared in OKLAHOMA! and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for CCMT. This is Grace’s 7th year joining her Christmas Carol family with Center REP! Grace is a proud student of Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School Performing Arts, where she studies ballet and tap. She takes theatre classes with the Performing Arts Studio all held at The Ballet School. Grace is in the fourth grade and loves to take Kung-Fu with her Dad at the Concord Kung-Fu Academy. She is most proud of being the older sister to Sadie May.

Vince Perry (Constable/Undertaker) Some favorite roles include: Student (Les Mis,CCMT) Pharaoh (Joseph and The Amazing, CCMT, SHELLIE AWARD), Harry (Company, Town Hall) Cord Elam (OKLAHOMA!, CCMT) Sir Evelyn (Anything Goes, CCMT), Constable and Young Scrooge (Center REP’s A Christmas Carol), Miles (Funny Thing Happened, CCMT), Boatman (Sunday in the Park with George, CCMT) Harry (Once Upon A Mattress), George (High Society, DLOC) Captain Sloop (Crimson Pirate, FFAE), Harry the Horse (Guys and Dolls, CCMT). Vince is a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actor’s Ensemble www.fantasyforum.org, and a multiple Marty Award winner. Vince teaches Piano, Voice and Improv at Performing Arts Studio at The Ballet School in Walnut Creek. www.theballetschool.org. Grace and Sadie are Vince’s biggest accomplishments.

Mark Anderson Phillips* (Ebenezer Scrooge) Regional/International: Ideation, Abe Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party (SF Playhouse), As You Like It, Merry Wives of Windsor (Santa Cruz Shakespeare), A Christmas Carol, Witness for the Prosecution, Rumors, Noises Off, The Mousetrap, How the Other Half Loves, Midsummer Night’s Dream (Center REP), The Big Meal, The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus, The Weir, Long Day’s Journey Into Night (SJ Rep), Hir, True West (Magic Theatre), Good People, Waiting for Godot, Tiny Alice (Marin Theatre Company), Clybourne Park (Rep of St. Louis), Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Arizona Theatre Company), Double Indemnity (ACT Seattle), Salomania, Miss Julie, Salome, Small Tragedy (Aurora Theatre), Time Stands Still, The 39 Steps, Opus, Theophilus North (TheatreWorks), “Joan Rivers, a Work in Progress” (Edinburgh Fringe). Film: “Joan Rivers, a Piece of Work”. TV: “Nash Bridges”, “This is Macbeth, This is Hamlet”, “Flummox and Friends”. Directing: Sleuth, The 39 Steps (Center REP). www.markandersonphillips.com For Eddy.

Barbara Reynolds ( ) is delighted to return for her 18th season with the Christmas Carol quartet. She is a summa cum laude graduate of UCLA, with a degree in music, and sings regularly with the San Jose Symphonic Choir. Favorite theatrical appearances include this fall’s Kiss Me, Kate (Kate) at South Bay Musical Theater, where she has also appeared in Ragtime (Mother), The Music Man (Marian), and She Loves Me (Amalia); 1776 (Abigail Adams) at Tabard Theater of San Jose; Little Women (Marmee) and City of Angels (Bobbi/Gabby) at Sunnyvale Players; H.M.S. Pinafore (Josephine) with the Lamplighters; A Little Night Music (Mrs. Nordstrom) and Ragtime with TheatreWorks; and Show Boat for Foothill Music Theatre (Dean Goodman Choice award as Magnolia).

Kyle Valentine (Silas) Kyle is thrilled to be back with his Christmas Carol family. He was last seen in Bye Bye Birdie with Contra Costa Musical Theatre (CCMT). Other credits include: Shrek (Berkeley Playhouse); It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Superman (42nd Street Moon); Singin’ in the Rain (Diablo Theatre Company); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hairspray, Oklahoma! (CCMT); Big River (Contra Costa Civic Theater). Look for him next in CCMT’s The Music Man and then Hairspray with Berkeley Playhouse. He’s worked backstage for many Center REPertory shows including Assistant Stage Manager for Spring Awakening. A high school senior, he trains with Young Repertory, studies dance at Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School, and studies voice with Chad Runyon. He thanks his family for all their love and support.

Ginny Wehrmeister (Mrs. Cratchit) is delighted to be returning to the Christmas Carol family. Most recently Ginny was a part of the amazing ensemble in CCMT’s production of Les Misérables. Other favorite roles include Eliza Doolitle in Town Hall’s production of Pygmalion and Rita in DAE’s Educating Rita (opposite L. Peter Callender). Ginny is a three-time East Bay “Shellie” award recipient, honored for Best Actress for her work in Pygmalion, Role Players Ensemble’s Bus Stop (Cherie) and DAE’s Same Time, Next Year (Doris). She expresses her thanks to the amazing cast and crew for this wonderful opportunity; and ever lasting love and gratitude to her family and friends for their constant love and support!

Michael Wiles* (Bob Cratchit ) returns for his 14th production of A Christmas Carol at Center REP, where he was also seen in Dracula, and The Glass Menagerie. Regional credits include American Conservatory Theater (Edward 2, A Christmas Carol), American Musical Theater (Big River), Aurora Theatre Company (The Persians), Berkeley Rep (Master Class, The Oresteia), California Shakespeare Theatre (Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It, Edward II), Capital Stage Company (The Real Thing, Hedda Gabler, Fat Pig), Magic Theater (Starry Messenger), Marin Shakespeare Company (King Lear, Macbeth, Much Ado(Doubt, Betrayal, All My Sons The Winter’s Tale, Julius Caesar, A Number, Eurydice), San Francisco Shakespeare Festival (Pericles, Love’s Labours Lost), and Tacoma Actor’s Guild (Twelfth Night). www.michaelwiles.com.

Michael Ray Wisely* (Mr. Checkers/Present) 2014 marks his 19th appearance with the company. REP’s audiences may remember him as Petkoff in Arms and the Man and as Mr. Gilmer in To Kill a Mockingbird. Well known to Bay Area audiences, Michael Ray has performed locally and at other West Coast theatres for over 20 years, most recently as Ted in the critical hit IDEATION at the SF Playhouse, Director in The Letters at Aurora Theatre and as the Scottish King in the Scottish play for SF Shakespeare. Other credits include: Berkeley Repertory Theatre, TheatreWorks, Magic Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, San Jose Stage, San Jose Repertory, American Musical Theatre, Marin Shakespeare and others. Michael Ray has starred and guest-starred in television movies and series. A Director

production company. www.3andahalfegos.com

Olivia DelRay Wisely (Fig Fezziwig) looks forward to making her 9th appearance in A Christmas Carol. She began her performing career in the womb as “a sonogram in a commercial for Sutter Hospital. 12 years young, her other credits include: Horatio in Hamlet, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Trinculo in The Tempest and Oliver in As You Like It for California’s Shakespeare Theatre’s conservatory. Other shows include Nickel and Dimed, The Imaginary Invalid and Metamorphoses at Las Positas College in Livermore. She has appeared in a video for San Jose’s Tech Museum as well as creating several episodes of “Liv’s World”, a travel show she created with her father to chronicle her adventures living abroad. Currently she

birthday. Olivia is a 7th grader at Summit K2 in El Cerrito.

Wendy McGlothlin Wisely (Lucretia) is so happy to be joining her family for the 8th year in A Christmas Carol. Her previous Center REP appearances include The Diviners, The Night Hank Williams Died, and Room Service. She is a member of the theatre arts faculty of Las Positas and Santa Rosa Junior Colleges as well as for the California Shakespeare Theater. Wendy was awarded the opportunity to teach 2 semesters abroad: 2011 in London and 2014 in Florence. As a director she has worked throughout the Bay Area including San Jose Stage Company, Town Hall Theater, The Western Stage, Contra Costa Civic Theater, City Light, The Willows, Children’s Theater Workshop, DEO Ireland in San Francisco, and

Joel Roster (Fred Hastings) is honored to return to his Christmas Carol family for this, his 12th consecutive year with the production. Over his 15 years acting in the Bay Area, he’s performed with such companies as SHN, Ray Of Light Theatre, CCMT, DTC, CCCT, Diablo Actors Ensemble, and many, many others. He currently serves as the Artistic Director for Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette, where he will next be directing Angels In America: Millennium Approaches with Christmas Carol alums Jeffrey Draper, Kerri Shawn and Ginny Wehrmeister, opening in February of 2015.

Kerri Shawn (Past/Charwoman) serves as Education Director for Center REP’s Young REP Theatre Training Program with Jeffrey Draper. She has performed with Center REP, Contra Costa Musical Theatre, Marin Theatre Company, PlayGround, and is a resident actress with Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble. Kerri recently played Helga Ten Dorp in REP’s Deathtrap and looks forward to her role as Hannah in Town Hall’s Angels in America. She is deeply grateful to be a part of this marvelous cast and wishes all of you a very Merry Holiday!

Claire Shepard (Belinda Cratchit) is more than merry to appear for a third time as, Belinda Crachit in Center REP’s holiday tradition! Favorite roles include: Teen Fiona/Ugly Duckling, Shrek, The Musical (TVRT), Belinda Cratchit/Fan, A Christmas Carol (Center REP) Marta, The Sound of Music (TVRT) and Molly, Annie (DTC), Ensemble in CCMT’s Joseph and Bye Bye Birdie. She has appeared in over 10 shows with Barrett Lindsay-Steiner’s Standing Ovations children’s theatre program and currently spends her summers attending Center REP’s, Young REP Conservatory improving her skills as an actor, singer and dancer. In her free time, Claire is a violin player. Hugs to Dad.

Isabelle Shepard (Flora Fezziwig) is giddy to be appearing as Flora Fezziwig again this holiday season with Center REP’s magical A Christmas Carol. Favorite roles include: Little Red, Shrek, The Musical (TVRT), Gretel, Hansel and Gretel (Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble), Flora Fezziwig, A Christmas Carol (Center REP), Brigitta, The Sound of Music (TVRT), and Kate, Annie (DTC) and Ensemble in CCMT’s Joseph and Bye Bye Birdie. She has appeared in over 10 shows with Barrett Lindsay-Steiner’s Standing Ovations children’s theatre program and currently spends her summers attending Center REP’s Young REP Conservatory where she continues to develop her skills and passion for singing, dancing and acting! Izzy spends her free time following indie singers and learning to play and sing their songs! Love to Dad!

Suzie Shepard (Sophy) is ready to spread second hand joy by returning to Center REP’s stunning production of A Christmas Carol! She last appeared on the Hoffman Stage as Mrs. MacAfee in CCMT’s, Bye Bye Birdie! Favorite roles include: Veronica Novak, God Of Carnage, (Town Hall Theatre), Amy, Company, (Town Hall Theatre), Belle/Little Mermaid, Disenchanted, (OMG, I Love That Show!), Ellen, Over The Tavern, (CCCT), Female Authority, Hairspray (CCMT) Velma, Hairspray (TVRT), Elsa Schraeder, The Sound of Music (TVRT), Elle’s Mom/Whitney, Legally Blonde (DTC), The Wicked Witch, The Wizard of Oz (DTC) and Mrs. Tottendale, The Drowsy Chaperone (CCCT). She is most proud to have performed alongside her daughters in A Christmas Carol (Center REP), Shrek, The Musical (TVRT), Annie (DTC), The Sound of Music (TVRT) and in CCMT’s Bye Bye Birdie! Suzie holds a BA in Theatre Art/Acting from San Jose State University. Couldn’t live the artist’s life without my other half! Love you Michael!

Molly Thornton (Miss Augustus - Alto) is pleased to making her seventh appearance in this wonderful holiday tradition. Having just completed a portrayal of Mrs. Harcourt in Anything Goes at Broadway By the Bay, her other recent credits include 1776 (All Female Version/Dickinson), Little Women (Aunt March), Grand Hotel (Raffaela), Nine (La Fleur), Urinetown (Pennywise), The Who’s Tommy (Mrs. Walker), Chicago (Mama Morton), and Man of La Mancha (Aldonza). Next year, Molly will be seen as Velma Von Tussel in South Bay Musical Theatre’s Hairspray. She wishes to extend love and gratitude to her wonderful husband for his continued support of her theatre passion.

THANK YOU TO OUR OPENING NIGHT DINNER SPONSORS:

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarOi-C Bowl

Scott’s Seafood Grill and Restaurant

Next up for Center REP:The Book Club Playby Karen Zacarías

Jan 30 - Feb 28, 2015