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December 7 - 23, 2012 , Allen Theatre

A Carol for Cleveland

a new play by Eric Coble
based on the novella by Les Roberts

directed by Laura Kepley

Advisory: Recommended for ages 8 and up.

A holiday event about Clevelanders, by Clevelanders, for Clevelanders. Brimming with memories and laughter, this heartwarming world premiere is a timeless message of hope, love, and the true meaning of the holidays.

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Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

From left: Charles Kartali and Elliot Lockshine in the Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

Stephen Spencer in the Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

From left: Charles Kartali, Elliot Lockshine, Lena Kaminsky in the Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

Charles Kartali as Ed Podolak in the Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

From left: Mia Knight, Charles Kartali, Bernard Bygott in the Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

From left: John Cugel, Charles Kartali, Anjanette Hall, Madison Wayt in Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

Charles Kartali as Ed Podolak in the Cleveland Play House production of "A Carol for Cleveland," a new play by Eric Coble based on the novella by Les Roberts and directed by Laura Kepley, on stage in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare, November 30

Artists

Therese Anderberg

Therese Anderberg

(Sally/Caroler) Therese appeared at Cleveland Play House as Hadass in Yentl and Sally in the world premiere production of Eric Coble’s A Carol for Cleveland. She also performed in CPH’s Roe Green Award-winning reading of Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Daphne’s Dive. For the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program, she appeared in more(Sally/Caroler) Therese appeared at Cleveland Play House as Hadass in Yentl and Sally in the world premiere production of Eric Coble’s A Carol for Cleveland. She also performed in CPH’s Roe Green Award-winning reading of Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Daphne’s Dive. For the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program, she appeared in Twelfth Night (Viola), The Misanthrope (Célimène), In Arabia We’d All Be Kings (DeMaris) and the ensemble-created Identity Theft. Other credits include a special performance of So Far from God at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Good Death, created in collaboration with Tectonic Theatre Project at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Anderberg received her BA in Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University, where credits include As You Like It and See What I Wanna See. She is the co-recipient of the 2012 Oldenburg MFA Scholarship.

Marinda Anderson

Marinda Anderson

(Well-Dressed Woman/Daisy) was most recently seen at Cleveland Play House in the reading of Fairfield for New Ground Theatre Festival and also in A Carol for Cleveland by Eric Coble. New York credits include Macbeth, Lincoln Center Theatre; Far From Heaven, Playwrights Horizons; Obamaology, Juilliard School; and The Devine more(Well-Dressed Woman/Daisy) was most recently seen at Cleveland Play House in the reading of Fairfield for New Ground Theatre Festival and also in A Carol for Cleveland by Eric Coble. New York credits include Macbeth, Lincoln Center Theatre; Far From Heaven, Playwrights Horizons; Obamaology, Juilliard School; and The Devine One: Sassy Swings Tokyo, her show about Sarah Vaughan, La MaMa E.T.C. Regionally, she has performed at Theatreworks, Chautauqua Theatre, Perseverance Theatre and Playhouse on the Square. Marinda also has a web series, Homegirls, she co-writes and stars in. Marinda is a graduate of Howard University where she received a B.F.A. in musical theatre and NYU’s Graduate Acting Program where she received her M.F.A. in Acting.

Bernard Bygott

Bernard Bygott

(Freddy/Wino) recently portrayed both Antipholus twins in The Comedy of Errors and Posthumus in Cymbeline for Ohio Shakespeare Festival. His performances at Cleveland Play House include Clybourne Park, Yentl, A Carol for Cleveland, Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and The Fagin Effect (reading). He has appeared in CWRU/CPH MFA more(Freddy/Wino) recently portrayed both Antipholus twins in The Comedy of Errors and Posthumus in Cymbeline for Ohio Shakespeare Festival. His performances at Cleveland Play House include Clybourne Park, Yentl, A Carol for Cleveland, Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and The Fagin Effect (reading). He has appeared in CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program productions of Twelfth Night, Identity Theft, The Misanthrope and In Arabia We’d All Be Kings. Bygott originated the role of Calandrino in the opera Decameron at Prince Music Theater. Additional credits include American Shakespeare Center ('Tis Pity She's a Whore, The Comedy of Errors, All’s Well That Ends Well, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and others); Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival; Theater For The New City; Northern New England Repertory Theater Company; Quintessence Theatre Group; Storybook Musical Theatre; Ko Festival of Performance; Mum Puppettheatre; Glimmerglass Opera; International Opera Theater (Italy and U.S.); and The Little Orchestra Society at Lincoln Center. His Bachelor of Arts is from Amherst College, and he is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

John Cugel

John Cugel

(Eddie Podolak Jr.) most recently appeared as Michael in Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure with Mercury Summer Stock. This is his second performance with Cleveland Play House. He played Eddie Podolak, Jr., in CPH’s world premiere production of A Carol for Cleveland last December. Cugel has also performed in more(Eddie Podolak Jr.) most recently appeared as Michael in Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure with Mercury Summer Stock. This is his second performance with Cleveland Play House. He played Eddie Podolak, Jr., in CPH’s world premiere production of A Carol for Cleveland last December. Cugel has also performed in several Heights Youth Theatre and StageCrafters productions including Princess and the Pea, The Wiz, Pippin and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When not performing onstage, he enjoys playing baseball, traveling and spending time with his friends and family. Cugel is a sixth grade student at Gesu School in University Heights. He also attends St. Vitus Slovenian Language School.

Robert Ellis

Robert Ellis

(Jake Wilkins/Steve Torbic) returns to Cleveland Play House where he has also appeared in Galileo, A Soldier’ Tale, A Carol For Cleveland, and The Little Foxes. Other Northeast Ohio credits include Peter and the Starcatcher; The Norwegians; and Circle, Mirror, Transformation (Dobama Theatre); Of Mice and Men and more(Jake Wilkins/Steve Torbic) returns to Cleveland Play House where he has also appeared in Galileo, A Soldier’ Tale, A Carol For Cleveland, and The Little Foxes. Other Northeast Ohio credits include Peter and the Starcatcher; The Norwegians; and Circle, Mirror, Transformation (Dobama Theatre); Of Mice and Men and Dog Eat Dog (Ensemble Theatre); The Foreigner, Annie Get Your Gun, and The Art of Dining (Porthouse Theatre); and appearances at Cleveland Public Theatre, None Too Fragile, and The Beck Center. Regional credits include Oldcastle Theatre Company in Vermont and The Hippodrome State Theatre in Florida. A proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, Bob has extensive commercial and film credits including; Proximity, Telling Lies in America, Dreaming on Christmas, Mad Town and the upcoming The Last Summer. Ellis is a founding member of Something Dada and Cabaret Dada Improvisational Theatre. For the last 23 years, he has been a Professor of Theatre and Speech at Cuyahoga Community College.

Neely Gevaart

Neely Gevaart

(Ensemble) was most recently seen as Cathy Hiatt in The Last Five Years at Salem Community Theatre. Favorite past roles include Kristy in the Ohio premiere of Texas Chainsaw Musical! at Blank Canvas Theatre, Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme in Assassins, more(Ensemble) was most recently seen as Cathy Hiatt in The Last Five Years at Salem Community Theatre. Favorite past roles include Kristy in the Ohio premiere of Texas Chainsaw Musical! at Blank Canvas Theatre, Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme in Assassins, and Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone. She has a Bachelor of Music from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. This world-premiere production of A Carol for Cleveland marks Gevaart’s first appearance at a professional (LORT) theatre.

Anjanette Hall

Anjanette Hall

(Diane Podolak) is delighted to be a part of A Christmas Story. She previously appeared at CPH in A Carol for Cleveland. Other Cleveland Theatre includes The Pilot in GROUNDED, Dora in An Octoroon, Aimee in The Night Alive, Becky in Becky Shaw, Lisa in The Lyons, and Veronica more(Diane Podolak) is delighted to be a part of A Christmas Story. She previously appeared at CPH in A Carol for Cleveland. Other Cleveland Theatre includes The Pilot in GROUNDED, Dora in An Octoroon, Aimee in The Night Alive, Becky in Becky Shaw, Lisa in The Lyons, and Veronica in The Motherf*$&er with the Hat at Dobama Theatre; Nora in A Doll’s House, Masha in Three Sisters, and Ellie Dunn in Heartbreak House at Mamai Theatre Company; and Ruth in Blithe Spirit at Coach House Theatre. Regional Theatre includes Snow Falling on Cedars at Baltimore Center Stage; Opus at Two River Theatre; and Spring’s Awakening, JB at Red Stage Theatre Company. TV includes Gretchen Huber, NBC’s ED. Anjanette holds an MFA in Acting from Rutgers, Mason Gross School of the Arts. She is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Baldwin Wallace University. Her favorite roles to date are Wife to Krys Perry and Mom to Jack, Sebastian, and Vivianne. Anjanette dedicates her performance to the memory of Chuck Kartali.

Peter Lawson Jones

Peter Lawson Jones

(Fez/George) last performed at CPH in A Carol for Cleveland, and is a member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA. He has appeared in over twenty films (White Boy Rick, Alex Cross, Assassin’s Code, Starve), on network television (ABC’s Detroit 1-8-7) and on stages throughout Northeast Ohio. He has also more(Fez/George) last performed at CPH in A Carol for Cleveland, and is a member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA. He has appeared in over twenty films (White Boy Rick, Alex Cross, Assassin’s Code, Starve), on network television (ABC’s Detroit 1-8-7) and on stages throughout Northeast Ohio. He has also performed in staged readings off-Broadway. His play, The Bloodless Jungle, has twice been fully staged at Ensemble Theatre (Cleveland Heights) and has received readings at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Dallas Convention Center, National Black Theatre Festival, and in Harlem. Land of Cleve ranked the most recent production among the best in Northeast Ohio last year. His earlier play, The Family Line, was produced at Karamu House, Ohio University, and Harvard University, where he earned his bachelor’s and law degrees. Peter received the 2016 Indie Gathering International Film Festival Best Ohio Supporting Actor Award.

Lena Kaminsky

Lena Kaminsky

(Helen Torbic) was most recently seen inBlack Pearl Sings! at Portland Center Stage. Selected additional credits include the world premiere of Love and Communication, Passage Theatre Company; Love, Janis, Kansas City Repertory Theatre; Trying, Hartford TheaterWorks; The Pillowman, George Street Playhouse; Morning Star, The Peccadillo Theater Company; Doubt and more(Helen Torbic) was most recently seen inBlack Pearl Sings! at Portland Center Stage. Selected additional credits include the world premiere of Love and Communication, Passage Theatre Company; Love, Janis, Kansas City Repertory Theatre; Trying, Hartford TheaterWorks; The Pillowman, George Street Playhouse; Morning Star, The Peccadillo Theater Company; Doubt and The Taming of the Shrew, Northern Stage; The Weir, Palm Beach Dramaworks; as well as work with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Adirondack Theatre Festival, and others. She also appeared in the series finale of Law & Order. Kaminsky received her training from Emerson College.

Charles Kartali

Charles Kartali

(Ed Podolak) Regional: American Stage, Aspen Theatre in the Park, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Public Theatre, Dobama Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, Mandel JCC, Shadowland, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Syracuse Stage, among others. Recent Credits: Ed Podolak inA Carol for Cleveland, Alexander in Every Good Boy Deserves Favor (with the Cleveland more(Ed Podolak) Regional: American Stage, Aspen Theatre in the Park, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Public Theatre, Dobama Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, Mandel JCC, Shadowland, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Syracuse Stage, among others. Recent Credits: Ed Podolak inA Carol for Cleveland, Alexander in Every Good Boy Deserves Favor (with the Cleveland Orchestra) and Bursar/Cardinal Barberini in Galileo at the Cleveland Play House, Ralph in The Motherf**ker with the Hat at Dobama and The Old Man in A Christmas Story at Syracuse Stage. Select Cleveland Credits: The Man in Bill W. and Dr. Bob, The Old Man in A Christmas Story, Christopher Trumbo in Trumbo (with Robert Vaughn) and Mitch Albom in Tuesdays With Morrie (CPH); Shmuel Berger inPangs of the Messiah and Eric Weiss in Brooklyn Boy (Mandel JCC); Victor in The Price and Johnny in Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Ensemble); Vet in The Book of Grace and Herr Gottfried Swetts in A Bright Room Called Day (CPT) Lockhart in The Seafarer (Dobama). Film & Television: High Spirits and Lost Subs.

Elliot Lockshine

Elliot Lockshine

(Charlie Torbic) has appeared in Willy Wonka, Into the Woods and Oliver! at Near West Theatre, and he has performed at The Beck Center for the Arts, where he recently played Lyncoya in a critically acclaimed production ofBloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. When not onstage, he spends his time playing more(Charlie Torbic) has appeared in Willy Wonka, Into the Woods and Oliver! at Near West Theatre, and he has performed at The Beck Center for the Arts, where he recently played Lyncoya in a critically acclaimed production ofBloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. When not onstage, he spends his time playing soccer, guitar and baritone, and is working on his requirements to become a Boy Scout. He is in the fifth grade at Parkside Intermediate School in Westlake, Ohio.

Brian Mueller

Brian Mueller

(Ensemble) is thrilled to make his professional stage debut, his first appearance at a LORT theatre, with Cleveland Play House! He has been a private instructor of voice, guitar and piano since 2005. Favorite college and community theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Damn Yankees, more(Ensemble) is thrilled to make his professional stage debut, his first appearance at a LORT theatre, with Cleveland Play House! He has been a private instructor of voice, guitar and piano since 2005. Favorite college and community theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Damn Yankees, Seussical, Cotton Patch Gospel, Jane Eyre and Dancing at Lughnasa. He has performed in many choral groups, including The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, where he twice sang The Lord of the Rings Symphony under the baton of composer Howard Shore. Mueller earned his Bachelor of Arts in music from Slippery Rock University in 2009 and recently completed the Master of Applied Politics program at The University of Akron.

Brynn Pierce

Brynn Pierce

(Understudy - Elizabeth) recently portrayed Dorothy in Boulevard Elementary School’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Pierce found her love of acting at The Cleveland Music School when she was just 3 years old. Over the years she has gained a variety of experience by performing in Heights Youth more(Understudy - Elizabeth) recently portrayed Dorothy in Boulevard Elementary School’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Pierce found her love of acting at The Cleveland Music School when she was just 3 years old. Over the years she has gained a variety of experience by performing in Heights Youth Theatre's Midsummer, Annie, Pippin, Seussical the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz and Once on this Island. For the past four years, she has acted in Dobama Theatre’s Marilyn Bianchi Kids’ Playwriting Festival and has played several lead roles there as well. Pierce enjoys modern dance, and she also engages in sports and cultural events. Having a flair for music, she is a member of her school's challenge choirs. Pierce has a solid commitment to entertain and educate through fun, emotional and adventurous performances. She is in the sixth grade at Roxboro Middle School in Cleveland Heights.

Skipper Rankin

Skipper Rankin

(Understudy - Eddie Jr./Charlie) landed the role of Randy in last year’s Cleveland Play House production of A Christmas Story after his debut performance as the understudy in A Carol for Cleveland. Highlights of his favorite performances include playing the title role inOliver! and Ragtime, Near West Theatre; more(Understudy - Eddie Jr./Charlie) landed the role of Randy in last year’s Cleveland Play House production of A Christmas Story after his debut performance as the understudy in A Carol for Cleveland. Highlights of his favorite performances include playing the title role inOliver! and Ragtime, Near West Theatre; Peter Pan, Beachwood Community Theater; andThe Wizard of Oz, The Beck Center for the Arts. Rarely will you encounter Skipper when he is not tap dancing, quoting lines or singing songs from his favorite Broadway shows, such as Kinky Boots, Les Misérables and Hairspray. When he isn’t tapping and singing, he is a middle school student and runs cross country at Lake Ridge Academy.

Stephen Michael Spencer

Stephen Michael Spencer

(This Guy) Regional credits: Yentl, A Carol for Cleveland, and Every Good Boy Deserves Favor at Cleveland Play House, Tartuffe at Triad Stage and The Tempest at NC Shakespeare Festival. Stephen spent the past two summers as a conservatory member at Chautauqua Theatre Company appearing in Clybourne Park, Comedy more(This Guy) Regional credits: Yentl, A Carol for Cleveland, and Every Good Boy Deserves Favor at Cleveland Play House, Tartuffe at Triad Stage and The Tempest at NC Shakespeare Festival. Stephen spent the past two summers as a conservatory member at Chautauqua Theatre Company appearing in Clybourne Park, Comedy of Errors and As You Like It. CPH’s New Ground Theatre Festival credits include readings of Marjorie Prime (by 2013 Roe Green Award winner Jordan Harrison) and The Fagin Effect. CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program credits include Twelfth Night(Feste), The Misanthrope (Alceste), In Arabia We'd All Be Kings(Skank) and Identity Theft. He’s a North Carolina native and toured the East Coast with NC Theatre for Young People as MC Dog in Go, Dog, Go! Spencer received his B.F.A in Acting from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a proud co-recipient of the 2012 Oldenburg MFA scholarship.

Madison

Madison "Madi" Wayt

(Elizabeth Podolak) recently appeared as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka at The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio. Other favorite roles (also at The Beck Center) include Cindy Lou Who in Seussical the Musical, Victoria in Cats, Janet in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,Cassady in Once more(Elizabeth Podolak) recently appeared as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka at The Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio. Other favorite roles (also at The Beck Center) include Cindy Lou Who in Seussical the Musical, Victoria in Cats, Janet in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,Cassady in Once Upon a Decade, and Persephone in All Greek to Me. Wayt performed with Opera Cleveland in The Pearl Fishers at the State Theatre. She is in the third grade at Laurel School. When not onstage, Wayt enjoys travel, snorkeling, rock climbing, soccer, reading, creative writing, and playing the piano.

Faye Carter

(Assistant Stage Manager) most recently worked as assistant stage manager for Cleveland Play House on A Carol for Cleveland. She also worked at CPH on FusionFest 2010, Heaven’s My Destination, and Crime and Punishment. Additional credits include stage managing for Cleveland Public Theatre: Springboard 2012, Danceworks 2012, Darwinii: The more(Assistant Stage Manager) most recently worked as assistant stage manager for Cleveland Play House on A Carol for Cleveland. She also worked at CPH on FusionFest 2010, Heaven’s My Destination, and Crime and Punishment. Additional credits include stage managing for Cleveland Public Theatre: Springboard 2012, Danceworks 2012, Darwinii: The Comeuppance of Man with Brett Keyser, Big [Box] 2012, The Santaland Diaries and The Loush Sisters, Leap/Conceive 2011, and Springboard 2011 among many others. Carter has free-lanced at theatres in the northeast Ohio area for the past three years and is currently the events production manager at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Eric Coble

Eric Coble

(Playwright) plays include The Velocity of Autumn (Tony- and Pulitzer-nominated), Fairfield, These Mortal Hosts, Bright Ideas, and The Giver. Eric’s plays have been produced Off-Broadway, in all fifty states of the U.S., and on several continents, including productions at Cleveland Play House, Manhattan Class Company, The Kennedy Center, Actors more(Playwright) plays include The Velocity of Autumn (Tony- and Pulitzer-nominated), Fairfield, These Mortal Hosts, Bright Ideas, and The Giver. Eric’s plays have been produced Off-Broadway, in all fifty states of the U.S., and on several continents, including productions at Cleveland Play House, Manhattan Class Company, The Kennedy Center, Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival, Denver Center Theatre Company, Arena Stage, South Coast Rep, Dobama Theatre, Cleveland Public Theatre, Alliance Theatre, New York and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals, Habima Theatre (Israel), Pentacion Productions (Spain), Teatr Polski (Poland), Orange Row (Mexico), and the Contemporary American Theatre Festival (U.S.) Awards include two AATE Distinguished Play Awards for Best Adaptation, an Emmy nomination, the Chorpenning Playwriting Award for Body of Work, the AT&T Onstage Award, National Theatre Conference Playwriting Award, an NEA Playwright in Residence Grant, a TCG Extended Collaboration Grant, the Cleveland Arts Prize, two Cuyahoga Arts and Culture Fellowships, and four Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Grants. Twenty-seven of Mr. Coble’s scripts have been published by Dramatists Play Service, Samuel French, Dramatic Publishing, Smith & Krause and others.

Jennifer Matheson Collins

(Stage Manager) stage managed Cleveland Play House productions of The Good Peaches, Luna Gale, Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors, Fairfield, Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, Informed Consent, Breath and Imagination, A Christmas Story, Woody Sez, Rich Girl, The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, more(Stage Manager) stage managed Cleveland Play House productions of The Good Peaches, Luna Gale, Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors, Fairfield, Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life, Informed Consent, Breath and Imagination, A Christmas Story, Woody Sez, Rich Girl, The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, A Carol for Cleveland, A Night With Janis Joplin (at both CPH and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.), The Trip to Bountiful and This Wonderful Life. Other recent credits include: Angels in America (Millennium Approaches and Perestroika), A Christmas Carol, The Santaland Diaries, and The Who and the What (Kansas City Repertory Theatre). Previously, she was a full-time faculty member at Northwestern University, overseeing the stage management program. From 2000 to 2007, she was a resident stage manager at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, where selected credits include Passion, Marionette Macbeth, Hamlet, Seussical the Musical, A Flea in Her Ear, Kabuki Lady Macbeth, A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George and Pacific Overtures. Other Chicago credits include Death of a Salesman, Waiting for Godot, Floyd Collins, Jitney, The Odyssey and A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre). She earned a Bachelor of Science, Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology from Kansas State University and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Antje Ellerman

(Scenic Designer) designed My Name is Asher Lev at Cleveland Play House. Regional theatre designs include The Syringa Tree(directed by Laura Kepley) at Trinity Repertory Theatre; Long Day' s Journey into Night, Actors Theatre; and Abigail 1702, New York Stage and Film; as well as productions at Philadelphia Theatre more(Scenic Designer) designed My Name is Asher Lev at Cleveland Play House. Regional theatre designs include The Syringa Tree(directed by Laura Kepley) at Trinity Repertory Theatre; Long Day' s Journey into Night, Actors Theatre; and Abigail 1702, New York Stage and Film; as well as productions at Philadelphia Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Huntington Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, Denver Center Theatre Company, Geffen Playhouse, Seattle Rep, Mass MoCA’s Bard Summerscape, and Pittsburgh Opera Center. New York City designs include The Broken Heart and Hamlet, Theatre for a New Audience; Dancing at Lughnasa, Irish Repertory Theatre;Invasion, The Play Company; Liberty City, New York Theatre Workshop; andNine Parts of Desire, Manhattan Ensemble Theater. She has been nominated for a Helen Hayes Award, an Ovation Award and a Lucille Lortel Award for Nine Parts of Desire and for an Emmy Award for Becoming American, The Chinese Experience on PBS.

Laura Kepley

Laura Kepley

(Director) (she/her) became Artistic Director of Cleveland Play House in 2013, and has directed numerous CPH mainstage productions, including The Crucible; Sweat; The Diary of Anne Frank; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Into the Breeches!; Every Brilliant Thing; and the world premieres of Tiny Houses, The more(Director) (she/her) became Artistic Director of Cleveland Play House in 2013, and has directed numerous CPH mainstage productions, including The Crucible; Sweat; The Diary of Anne Frank; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Into the Breeches!; Every Brilliant Thing; and the world premieres of Tiny Houses, The Good Peaches, Fairfield, and A Carol for Cleveland. She joined CPH in 2010, having arrived from Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island, where she was Resident Director and Artistic Associate for four seasons and Interim Director of the Brown/Trinity Rep M.F.A. in Directing Program for one. She has also at Playhouse Square clevelandplayhouse.com 25 directed for The Alliance Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Chautauqua Theater Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Syracuse Stage, Trinity Rep, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, among others. A native Ohioan, Laura received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and her Master of Fine Arts from Brown University/Trinity Rep. She is a Drama League Fellow, a recipient of the 2009– 2011 National Endowment for the Arts/Theatre Communications Group Career Development Program for Directors, and a member of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2021. Locally, she has been recognized with multiple Outstanding Director commendations from The Cleveland Critics Circle, a Cuyahoga Community College Smart Business Smart Women Award, and a Crain’s Cleveland Woman of Note designation.

Paul Miller

(Lighting Designer) designed lighting for Lost in Yonkers at Cleveland Play House. Broadway credits include Legally Blonde, Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only, Of Thee I Sing and Music in the Air (Encores!). Off-Broadway includes Nunsense, Vanities: The Musical, Waiting for Godot (50th Anniversary Production), Addicted and Balancing Act. Regionally more(Lighting Designer) designed lighting for Lost in Yonkers at Cleveland Play House. Broadway credits include Legally Blonde, Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only, Of Thee I Sing and Music in the Air (Encores!). Off-Broadway includes Nunsense, Vanities: The Musical, Waiting for Godot (50th Anniversary Production), Addicted and Balancing Act. Regionally he has worked with Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Bay Street Theatre, Lookingglass, Chicago Shakespeare, Goodspeed, Paper Mill Playhouse, and others. International credits include Legally Blonde, West End;Race for Love, China; Cinderella, Asia; West Side Story, La Scala; and 42nd Street, Stratford Shakespeare Festival. He has also designed numerous national tours. Television includes Camelot (Live from Lincoln Center), Clairol on Broadway (A&E), This American Life, A Celtic Christmas Sojourn, Broadway Under the Stars, The Holiday Spectacular from Bryant Park, Broadway Bares,Gypsy of the Year and Broadway Backwards. For the past 13 years, Miller has been lighting director of the internationally televised New Year’s Eve Celebration in Times Square.

Nathan Motta

(Musical Director) is the artistic director at Dobama, Cleveland’s off-Broadway theatre, where he’s directed award-winning productions of An Octoroon, The Flick, and Peter and the Starcatcher, among many others. At CPH, he acted as assistant director for Brecht’s Galileo and Stoppard’s Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and music director more(Musical Director) is the artistic director at Dobama, Cleveland’s off-Broadway theatre, where he’s directed award-winning productions of An Octoroon, The Flick, and Peter and the Starcatcher, among many others. At CPH, he acted as assistant director for Brecht’s Galileo and Stoppard’s Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and music director for A Carol for Cleveland, Steel Magnolias, and Shakespeare in Love. Credits include Great Lakes Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Oberlin College, Baldwin Wallace, John Carroll, Cleveland State University, Ohio Light Opera, Cain Park, Cleveland Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Mercury Opera Rochester, Civic Light Opera (Pittsburgh), and Opera Cleveland. He has composed two original musicals, Little White Gloves and Midsummer, with a third, The Land of Oz, set to premiere in December 2022. Motta is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the Eastman School of Music.

Sven Ortel

(Projections Designer) works internationally creating projections and imagery for theatre, opera, dance, and beyond. His credits on Broadway include Deuce, Faith Healer, Jumpers, The Woman in White (projection realization and system design), The Little Mermaid, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Wonderland and Newsies. In London’s West more(Projections Designer) works internationally creating projections and imagery for theatre, opera, dance, and beyond. His credits on Broadway include Deuce, Faith Healer, Jumpers, The Woman in White (projection realization and system design), The Little Mermaid, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Wonderland and Newsies. In London’s West End, Ortel’s work includes The Sea, Marguerite, As You Desire me, Jumpers and Hitchcock Blonde (projection realization). He has designed projections for theatre and opera companies around the world including the award-winning A Disappearing Number (world tour); Measure for Measure (National Theatre, U.K. and world tour); the musical Rebecca (Vienna; Stuttgart, Germany; and St. Gallen, Switzerland); The Three Musketeers (Berlin and Stuttgart); Richard II for the Old Vic (Recklinghausen, Germany and London); Swan Lake for San Francisco Ballet; Tiefland (Zurich and Barcelona, Spain); Theatre for a New Audience’sHamlet; Carrie off-Broadway; and The Ring Cycle (St. Petersburg, Russia). His recent work on Newsies received a Tony Award nomination.

Elissa Myers Casting, Paul Fouquet, CSA

(Casting) credits include Poisoner’s Handbook, Becoming Helen Keller, and Mystery of Matter, PBS. Other PBS projects include The Abolitionists, Dolley Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin (Emmy Award), Liberty (Peabody Award), God in America, People vs. Leo Frank, Louisa May Alcott, Great Performances (Artios Award in more(Casting) credits include Poisoner’s Handbook, Becoming Helen Keller, and Mystery of Matter, PBS. Other PBS projects include The Abolitionists, Dolley Madison, Alexander Hamilton, John and Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin (Emmy Award), Liberty (Peabody Award), God in America, People vs. Leo Frank, Louisa May Alcott, Great Performances (Artios Award in Outstanding Achievement in Casting), and Murder Of A President for American Experience. Feature films include Hank and Asha (Audience Award at Slamdance 2013) and The Union. Theatre credits include seven Broadway shows, including Tony nominated Having Our Say, as well as 26 Off-Broadway shows. Regional theatre casting in the past two years includes Denver Center, Geva Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Magic Theatre, Arena Stage, Alley Theatre, George Street Playhouse, and Arizona Theatre Company. The office has so far received 16 nominations and has won three Artios Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Casting.

Les Roberts

(Author) has written 23 novels, nearly a dozen short stories, eight screenplays and countless newspaper articles and reviews. He started out as an actor in Chicago and doing summer stock in Taos, New Mexico. He then moved to New York, where he began writing for classic television fare such more(Author) has written 23 novels, nearly a dozen short stories, eight screenplays and countless newspaper articles and reviews. He started out as an actor in Chicago and doing summer stock in Taos, New Mexico. He then moved to New York, where he began writing for classic television fare such as Candid Camera and The Jackie Gleason Show. From there he journeyed to Hollywood, California where he wrote and/or produced over 2,500 half-hours of network and syndicated television, including The Hollywood Squares, The Lucy Show, The Andy Griffith Show, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Roberts’ introduction to Cleveland came when he created the Cash Explosion Double Play lottery game show. He later created similar shows for Michigan and Illinois, but couldn’t forget Cleveland. He moved here in 1990 and refers to this city as his spiritual home. Roberts writes regular book reviews for The Plain Dealer and has also written for Washington Post Book World, Northern Ohio Live, Cleveland Magazine andChagrin Valley Times. With Ann Elder, he co-hosts the radio show Greenlight Reviews. He is past president of the Private Eye Writers of America and the American Crime Writers League. He’s been twice nominated for the Shamus and the Anthony Awards and has several times been voted “Cleveland’s Favorite Writer.” He’s won a Cleveland Arts Prize for Literature, a Sherwood Anderson Literary Award, and a Cleveland State University honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. You can actually call him “Doctor Roberts” – if you really want to.

Jane Shaw

(Sound Designer) for Cleveland Play House: Sweat; The Royale; Shakespeare in Love (original music); All the Way; Steel Magnolias; The Crucible; The Little Foxes; Grounded; A Carol for Cleveland; and In the Next Room, or the vibrator play. Her credits include Engagement Party (Hartford Stage), Actually (MTC), Annie Get more(Sound Designer) for Cleveland Play House: Sweat; The Royale; Shakespeare in Love (original music); All the Way; Steel Magnolias; The Crucible; The Little Foxes; Grounded; A Carol for Cleveland; and In the Next Room, or the vibrator play. Her credits include Engagement Party (Hartford Stage), Actually (MTC), Annie Get Your Gun (Bay Street), They Promised Her the Moon (Old Globe), Oo Bla Dee (Two River), and productions at Theatre for a New Audience, New York Theatre Workshop, the Mint Theater, Asolo, Northern Stage, Dorset Theater Festival, and American Repertory Theater. Ms. Shaw’s sound designs have earned a Drama Desk, Bessie Award, Henry Award, Connecticut Critics Circle Awards, Premios ACE 2012, Meet the Composer grant, Theatre Communication Group's Career Development Program and nominations for two Lortels, Henry Hewes and Elliot Norton awards. She was born in Kansas and lives in Brooklyn.

Jeffrey Van Curtis

(Costume Designer) is Cleveland Play House’s Costume Shop Manager. CPH design credits include A Carol for Cleveland, My Name is Asher Lev, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Doubt, I Am My Own Wife, Rounding Third, Proof, Dinner with Friends, and Art. CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program design credits include Angels more(Costume Designer) is Cleveland Play House’s Costume Shop Manager. CPH design credits include A Carol for Cleveland, My Name is Asher Lev, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Doubt, I Am My Own Wife, Rounding Third, Proof, Dinner with Friends, and Art. CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program design credits include Angels in America, Fifth of July, She Stoops to Conquer, A Philadelphia Story, The Winter’s Tale, An Orchard, and others, along with several CPH Theatre for Children productions. Other design credits include Singin’ on the Ohio and The Goblins Will Git You at The Lantern Theatre, productions at Coconut Grove Playhouse and Studio Arena Theatre, and work on the film Kansas City. He has also created wigs for a number of CPH productions. He holds his Master of Fine Arts, Costume Design and Technology from University of Missouri–Kansas City. Jeffrey thanks CPH's Costume, Wardrobe and Wigs staff for their creativity, enthusiasm and support.

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