Jayshon Austin

(u/s Schwartz, Flick and Scut Farkus) is thrilled to be making his Cleveland Play House debut. He was previously seen as Curly in Peter Pan (Beachwood Community Theater) and as Santa in his school play, The Twelve Missing Days of Christmas. Jayshon takes acting classes throughout Northeast Ohio. Jayshon is more(u/s Schwartz, Flick and Scut Farkus) is thrilled to be making his Cleveland Play House debut. He was previously seen as Curly in Peter Pan (Beachwood Community Theater) and as Santa in his school play, The Twelve Missing Days of Christmas. Jayshon takes acting classes throughout Northeast Ohio. Jayshon is in the eighth grade and attends Adlai Stevenson School, where he participates in their drama club. Jayshon is also a part of his school’s Safety Patrol and Winning Against Violent Environments (W.A.V.E.) Team. Jayshon is also a member of the Curtain Pullers Ensemble in the CPH Theatre Academy. When he’s not in shows or doing auditions, he likes to listen to his favorite Broadway cast recordings: Once On This Island, Dear Evan Hansen, and Mean Girls. He would like to thank his uncle, brothers, and family for supporting him. Enjoy the show!

Tommy Bilczo

(Flick and u/s Ralphie) is ecstatic to be returning to A Christmas Story and to CPH, his home away from home. This is Tommy's fifth Cleveland Play House production. Tommy's CPH debut role was Ralphie in 2016’s A Christmas Story. After this, he performed on the CPH stages more(Flick and u/s Ralphie) is ecstatic to be returning to A Christmas Story and to CPH, his home away from home. This is Tommy's fifth Cleveland Play House production. Tommy's CPH debut role was Ralphie in 2016’s A Christmas Story. After this, he performed on the CPH stages in Disney's Freaky Friday (Fletcher u/s, performed), Shakespeare in Love (John Webster) and the CWRU/CPH MFA Class of 2018’s production of Macbeth (Fleance). Tommy has also been a member of the CPH Theatre Academy's Musical Theatre Ensemble, performing as Sheldon/Herb in last spring's production of Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Tommy has workshopped in NYC with the Broadway Artists Alliance and A Class Act NY. He has performed in many Cleveland area productions, and has been a featured soloist in a variety of local venues. Tommy would like to thank his family and friends for their never ending love and support. Enjoy the show! Visit tommybilczo.com.

Baird Bracken

(u/s Schwartz, Flick and Scut Farkus) is delighted to be part of CPH’s A Christmas Story! Baird is a middle school student at Garfield Middle School in Lakewood where he enjoys social studies, orchestra and outdoor recess. Previous theatre experiences include Aunt Leaf with CPH Academy, Happily Ever After at more(u/s Schwartz, Flick and Scut Farkus) is delighted to be part of CPH’s A Christmas Story! Baird is a middle school student at Garfield Middle School in Lakewood where he enjoys social studies, orchestra and outdoor recess. Previous theatre experiences include Aunt Leaf with CPH Academy, Happily Ever After at Beck Center for the Performing Arts, and numerous industrial videos. When not on stage, Baird enjoys swimming with the Lakewood Rangers, playing baseball and caring for his cat and fish.

Anais Bustos

(Stage Management Apprentice) is currently the Stage Management Apprentice at Cleveland Play House, having worked on Sweat, A Christmas Story, and Hay Fever, to name a few. As a recent graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles, the majority of her stage management credits are held in southern more(Stage Management Apprentice) is currently the Stage Management Apprentice at Cleveland Play House, having worked on Sweat, A Christmas Story, and Hay Fever, to name a few. As a recent graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles, the majority of her stage management credits are held in southern California. Her recent credits include Gruesome Playground Injuries (Diversionary Theater), The Drowsy Chaperone and The Mother of Us All (Freud Playhouse).

Christopher Gerson

(The Old Man) is thrilled to be returning to Cleveland Play House as The Old Man. Some recent credits include Fennyman in Shakespeare in Love and the title role in Richard III at the Great River Shakespeare Festival, Horatio in Hamlet at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Price more(The Old Man) is thrilled to be returning to Cleveland Play House as The Old Man. Some recent credits include Fennyman in Shakespeare in Love and the title role in Richard III at the Great River Shakespeare Festival, Horatio in Hamlet at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Price at Triad Stage, and The Little Prince at The Pearl Theatre in New York. Other NY credits include the Red Bull Theater, Lark Theatre Company, and New Georges. Regional credits include South Coast Repertory, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Pioneer Theatre, Actor’s Gang, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and A Noise Within. Television and Film credits include The Good Fight, Mr. Robot, Younger, Desperate Housewives, Days of our Lives, Chicago Hope, The Language of Kickball, Fort Greene, Echo’s Hammer, Darwin: The Series.

Nathan Hill

(Scut Farkus) is ecstatic to be making his Cleveland Play House debut. Nathan began acting in third grade with Fairmount Center for the Arts in Wizard of Oz. Now in eighth grade at Chagrin Falls Middle School, Nathan has most recently been seen as Oliver Twist in Oliver! at Medina more(Scut Farkus) is ecstatic to be making his Cleveland Play House debut. Nathan began acting in third grade with Fairmount Center for the Arts in Wizard of Oz. Now in eighth grade at Chagrin Falls Middle School, Nathan has most recently been seen as Oliver Twist in Oliver! at Medina County Show Biz Theatre. Other roles he has performed include Chip in Beauty and the Beast (Chagrin Valley Little Theatre), a featured performer in A Whole New World (Mercury Theatre Company), Peter Pan in Peter Pan (Fairmount Center of the Arts), Chad in High School Musical 2 (Chagrin Falls Community Ed Theatre), and a variety of Fairmount Center for the Arts productions. When he’s offstage, Nathan enjoys dirt bike riding, studies voice and dance, is a Boy Scout, plays trombone in the school band, and is a member of his school’s student council and speech and debate team.

Mateo A. Llanos Churby

(Schwartz) is thrilled and honored to make his debut at Cleveland Play House. Mateo began acting in seventh grade with Karamu House’s Youth Repertory Company. He has performed at Karamu House in Boundless Grace, a summer arts theatre production. Now in the eighth grade at Lake Ridge more(Schwartz) is thrilled and honored to make his debut at Cleveland Play House. Mateo began acting in seventh grade with Karamu House’s Youth Repertory Company. He has performed at Karamu House in Boundless Grace, a summer arts theatre production. Now in the eighth grade at Lake Ridge Academy, Mateo enjoyed an ensemble role in the school’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. When Mateo is off stage, he is actively a member of the school’s choir, FIRST Lego League robotics team, and various sports teams. Mateo’s hobbies include fishing, model trains, volunteering, as well as traveling and spending quality time with family and friends both near and far.

Madeleine Maby

(Mother) is thrilled to be back at Cleveland Play House doing A Christmas Story! Favorite NY credits include Weekend at an English Country Estate and The Girl in the Flammable Skirt (The Ateh Theater Group); And to the Republic and The Tragedy of King Arthur (Guerrilla Shakespeare Project); and Alice’s more(Mother) is thrilled to be back at Cleveland Play House doing A Christmas Story! Favorite NY credits include Weekend at an English Country Estate and The Girl in the Flammable Skirt (The Ateh Theater Group); And to the Republic and The Tragedy of King Arthur (Guerrilla Shakespeare Project); and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Atlantic Theater Company). Favorite regional credits include Boeing-Boeing, Witness for the Prosecution, and The 39 Steps at The Barnstormers Theatre in New Hampshire. In addition to being a theater actor, Madeleine is also an award winning audiobook narrator.

Audrey Morrison

(Esther Jane) is ecstatic to be making her Cleveland Play House debut! She is twelve years old and is in seventh grade. Audrey has most recently been seen as Ella in Cinder-Ella at the Beck Center and Narrator in Into the Woods Jr. at Olmsted Performing Arts. Her past credits more(Esther Jane) is ecstatic to be making her Cleveland Play House debut! She is twelve years old and is in seventh grade. Audrey has most recently been seen as Ella in Cinder-Ella at the Beck Center and Narrator in Into the Woods Jr. at Olmsted Performing Arts. Her past credits include Periwinkle in Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Baby Bear in Shrek the Musical, Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka Jr., Annie in Annie Jr., Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland Jr. (Olmsted Performing Arts); Salty Sal in Aargh!, Spiffy in Happily Forever After, and Nora in A Little Princess (Beck Center for the Arts). When Audrey is not on stage she enjoys taking ballet, voice lessons, singing in her school’s show choir, and baking.

Laura Perrotta

Sam Spencer

(Randy) is thrilled to reprise his role as Randy at Cleveland Play House. He got to know the character as understudy in 2016, and made his Randy stage debut last season. Other credits include: Ensemble in Gypsy (Beck Center for the Arts), Ensemble in The Music Man in Concert (Cain more(Randy) is thrilled to reprise his role as Randy at Cleveland Play House. He got to know the character as understudy in 2016, and made his Randy stage debut last season. Other credits include: Ensemble in Gypsy (Beck Center for the Arts), Ensemble in The Music Man in Concert (Cain Park), and Arthur in Princess Diana the Musical (Geauga Lyric Theatre). Sam has trained with CPH Theatre Academy and Chagrin Valley Little Theatre. He is happy to be playing little-brother to his real-life big-brother, Jake. Sam is a third grader at Timmons Elementary in Bainbridge, Ohio, and likes wrestling, Legos, video games and food.

Jake Spencer

(Ralphie) is honored to be returning to Cleveland Play House and his holiday home on “Cleveland Street,” with the cast and crew of A Christmas Story. He appeared as Ralphie in the production last year, and was previously seen as Flick and Randy. Jake is a sixth grader at Kenston more(Ralphie) is honored to be returning to Cleveland Play House and his holiday home on “Cleveland Street,” with the cast and crew of A Christmas Story. He appeared as Ralphie in the production last year, and was previously seen as Flick and Randy. Jake is a sixth grader at Kenston Middle School and has been performing since age six. Theatre credits include Fleance in Macbeth (Great Lakes Theatre), Dill in To Kill a Mockingbird (Brecksville Theatre), and Michael Banks in Mary Poppins (Geauga Lyric Theatre). Film credits include The Autumn Prince, which was selected for the 2018 Cleveland International Film Festival. Jake has received training through CPH Theatre Academy and Chagrin Valley Little Theatre. He is proud to be sharing the stage with his real-life brother Sam. In his free time, Jake likes playing video games, shoe shopping and testing out hot sauces.

Ella Stec

(u/s Helen and Esther Jane) is extremely delighted to be a part of the A Christmas Story cast! Favorite theatre credits include Aunt Leaf (Annabelle) at Cleveland Play House’s Theatre Academy, Gypsy (Children’s Ensemble) at Beck Center, Annie (Orphan Kate) at Aurora Community Theatre, To Kill A Mockingbird (Scout) at more(u/s Helen and Esther Jane) is extremely delighted to be a part of the A Christmas Story cast! Favorite theatre credits include Aunt Leaf (Annabelle) at Cleveland Play House’s Theatre Academy, Gypsy (Children’s Ensemble) at Beck Center, Annie (Orphan Kate) at Aurora Community Theatre, To Kill A Mockingbird (Scout) at Weathervane Playhouse, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Windward, Ensemble) at Weathervane Playhouse. Ella, age 11, is also a member of Ohio’s All-State Children’s Chorus. Ella thanks Mr. McCluggage for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this production, a family favorite and one that is on her performing wish list! A special shout out to her very own supporting cast of family and friends who love her on stage and off! Love ya right back!

August Sumlin

(Helen) is ecstatic to return to CPH in A Christmas Story. She was last seen as Mary in Minton's Place during New Ground Theatre Festival in the spring of 2018. Favorite roles include: Storyteller in Children of Eden (French Creek), Reporter in James and the Giant Peach (Heights Youth Theatre), more(Helen) is ecstatic to return to CPH in A Christmas Story. She was last seen as Mary in Minton's Place during New Ground Theatre Festival in the spring of 2018. Favorite roles include: Storyteller in Children of Eden (French Creek), Reporter in James and the Giant Peach (Heights Youth Theatre), Lillian in The Music Man (Cain Park), Child in I Spy (Dobama Theatre), Lead Spy Carrot in Veggie Mayhem (Dobama Theatre), and Mally in Trouble for Four (Dobama Theatre). August has been taking ballet for six years and she loves to write original songs on the piano, sing, and read. She enjoys all things pink. August loves spending time with babies and wants to be an obstetrician when she's older.

Jeff Talbott

(Ralph) is thrilled to be back at CPH with George Brant's spectacular play. He has been on Broadway (Sly Fox, Fortune’s Fool); Off-Broadway (Abundance, Such Good Friends, Home of the Brave); and has extensive regional credits, including his most recent: the regional premiere of Oslo. Other regional credits: The 25th more(Ralph) is thrilled to be back at CPH with George Brant's spectacular play. He has been on Broadway (Sly Fox, Fortune’s Fool); Off-Broadway (Abundance, Such Good Friends, Home of the Brave); and has extensive regional credits, including his most recent: the regional premiere of Oslo. Other regional credits: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Odd Couple, Race, circle mirror transformation, Frost/Nixon, and Doubt at theatres including Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Pioneer Theatre Company, Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera House, Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, and Yale Repertory Theatre, among many others. He has been on film (Julie & Julia) and TV (The Blacklist, Orange is the New Black, Unforgettable, Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, all the Law & Orders, One Life to Live, and As the World Turns). As a writer, his plays include The Submission (Laurents/Hatcher Award, Outer Critics Circle’s John Gassner Award; off-Broadway at MCC Theater); The Gravedigger’s Lullaby (Off-Broadway at TACT); i (Pioneer Theatre Company) and Civics and Humanities for Non-Majors (commissioned and produced by Montclair State University). He writes musicals with composer Will Van Dyke. They have written Imagine Harry, Wintersong, Seven Broken Hearts, and The Circle and the Wheel. They have also released an EP of their songs called A View of the River (available on iTunes). Jeff is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama. jefftalbott.com

Macon Taylor

(u/s Randy) is ten years old and a fourth grader from Independence. He is happy to be making his debut with Cleveland Play House and working with such a wonderful director, cast and crew. Favorite previous roles include: Michael Banks, Mary Poppins (Near West Theatre); Children of Eden, and Joseph more(u/s Randy) is ten years old and a fourth grader from Independence. He is happy to be making his debut with Cleveland Play House and working with such a wonderful director, cast and crew. Favorite previous roles include: Michael Banks, Mary Poppins (Near West Theatre); Children of Eden, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (French Creek Theatre); Sirrah, Macbeth (Ohio Shakespeare Festival); Tiny Tim/Master William, A Christmas Carol (Great Lakes Theater); Alice in Wonderland, BIG The Musical, A Little Princess, Oliver! (Beck Center for the Arts). He is a proud Cub Scout (Webelo) with Pack 68 in Lakewood. When not performing, Macon loves playing with his Hot Wheels cars and Minecraft. Many thanks to Mom and Dad, family, friends and teachers for their love and support.

John McCluggage

(Director) is delighted to return to Cleveland Play House and A Christmas Story. He has directed, taught, and performed throughout the country over the past 30 years. Credits include Enchanted April, Cyrano, A Flea in Her Ear, Phantom, Fiddler on the Roof, Old Wicked Songs, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As more(Director) is delighted to return to Cleveland Play House and A Christmas Story. He has directed, taught, and performed throughout the country over the past 30 years. Credits include Enchanted April, Cyrano, A Flea in Her Ear, Phantom, Fiddler on the Roof, Old Wicked Songs, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, and The Pajama Game. Theatres include San Jose Repertory Theatre (associate artistic director), The Barnstormers Theatre, Studio Arena Theatre, Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts, Cabrillo Stage, Children’s Musical Theatre of San Jose, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, the Clurman, and Beckett Theatres in New York and Seacoast Repertory Theatre (artistic director). Like Buck Hill Productions on Facebook!