Avalon Bayley

(Understudy: Helen and Esther Jane) is a sixth grader at Albert Einstein Academy and has loved being on stage since performing "It's Raining Tacos" in the school talent show in her elementary years. She recently appeared in The Cleveland Opera Theatre production of La Boheme at the Ohio Theatre Playhouse more(Understudy: Helen and Esther Jane) is a sixth grader at Albert Einstein Academy and has loved being on stage since performing "It's Raining Tacos" in the school talent show in her elementary years. She recently appeared in The Cleveland Opera Theatre production of La Boheme at the Ohio Theatre Playhouse Square and as the comedic little sister in Pajama Party at the Clague Playhouse. Last summer she was a dancer for the L-Train Brass Band (the performance ensemble of The Brooklyn Brass Band Collective) in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. She has studied at Tri-C's Vocal Arts Mastery Program, singing in their Community Choir, most recently at Severance Hall with Jason Mraz. A performer in Near West Theater's RISE program & the Detroit Shoreway Youth Chorus, her favorite musical is Hamilton, her favorite movie musical is Singing in the Rain, and she can perform almost any Beatles song start to finish.

Ezra Bernstein

(Ralphie) is thrilled to debut with Cleveland Play House in A Christmas Story. A homeschooled sixth grader from North Canton, his previous acting credits include Winthrop in The Music Man at Porthouse Theatre, Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, and Edgar in Ragtime with Canton’s Players Guild Theatre, and Jackie more(Ralphie) is thrilled to debut with Cleveland Play House in A Christmas Story. A homeschooled sixth grader from North Canton, his previous acting credits include Winthrop in The Music Man at Porthouse Theatre, Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, and Edgar in Ragtime with Canton’s Players Guild Theatre, and Jackie in Cheaper by the Dozen with Carnation City Players. Besides performing, Ezra loves cheering for the Cleveland Browns, Indians, and Cavaliers, practicing magic tricks, and playing baseball. Excited to be part of one of Cleveland’s holiday traditions, Ezra would like to thank his family and friends for all their love and support.

Shane Butler

(Understudy: Randy) is thrilled to be cast in his first official role at Cleveland Play House. In addition to attending Beck Center Junior Theater Camp, he has had two years of training at CPH Theater Academy, where he appeared in two original screenplays: Aunt Leaf and Wildfire and The Birdscouts. more(Understudy: Randy) is thrilled to be cast in his first official role at Cleveland Play House. In addition to attending Beck Center Junior Theater Camp, he has had two years of training at CPH Theater Academy, where he appeared in two original screenplays: Aunt Leaf and Wildfire and The Birdscouts. Shane is a fourth grader at Saint Raphael School in Bay Village. His most important role is that of little brother to his sister, Ryan, and his brother, Gavin. Shane’s long term ambition is to be a professional actor. Randy is his absolute favorite character in A Christmas Story and he feels like this opportunity is a dream come true.

Conor Canning

(Understudy: The Old Man) was born and raised in Alford, Massachusetts. He is a 2016 graduate of Georgetown University where he majored in Political Economy and minored in Theater and Performance Studies. During his time in the CWRU/CPH MFA program, Conor has played Lorzeno in The Merchant of Venice, Simon more(Understudy: The Old Man) was born and raised in Alford, Massachusetts. He is a 2016 graduate of Georgetown University where he majored in Political Economy and minored in Theater and Performance Studies. During his time in the CWRU/CPH MFA program, Conor has played Lorzeno in The Merchant of Venice, Simon Bliss in Hay Fever, Medvenko in The Seagull, and Jed Jenkins in Fifth of July. Other notable credits include playing Joe Cooper in Killer Joe, Stacey Kinsella in The Metal Children, and Angelo in Measure for Measure. Conor would like to thank his family for all their love and support as well as all members of the CWRU/CPH community who have offered their guidance, wisdom, and encouragement over the last three years.

Kaylani Cika

(Helen) is 11 years old and attends Campus International School at Cleveland State University as a fifth grader. She attends Cleveland Play House’s Theater Academy and has performed in a school production of Disney’s The Aristocats in the supporting role of Marie. Kaylani plays viola and piano as well as more(Helen) is 11 years old and attends Campus International School at Cleveland State University as a fifth grader. She attends Cleveland Play House’s Theater Academy and has performed in a school production of Disney’s The Aristocats in the supporting role of Marie. Kaylani plays viola and piano as well as participating in Cleveland's All-City Children's Choir that has performed at Severance Hall and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She enjoys tennis, swimming, gymnastics, dance, and theater.

Theo Dengler

(Scut Farkus) most recently appeared as the lead antagonist in the world premiere of Kristin Idaszak’s Wildfire and the Bird Scouts, directed by Luke Brett and staged by Pamela DiPasquale, at Cleveland Play House’s 2019 Theatre Academy. Theo also appeared in Cleveland Play House’s production of Aunt Leaf. Theo previously more(Scut Farkus) most recently appeared as the lead antagonist in the world premiere of Kristin Idaszak’s Wildfire and the Bird Scouts, directed by Luke Brett and staged by Pamela DiPasquale, at Cleveland Play House’s 2019 Theatre Academy. Theo also appeared in Cleveland Play House’s production of Aunt Leaf. Theo previously performed at St. Paul’s Cathedral School in London, England.

Fergus Donnelly

(Understudy: Schwartz, Flick, and Scut Farkus) is in the fifth grade at Roxboro Elementary School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He is excited to take part in his first production at Cleveland Play House. He has also appeared in productions at Heights Youth Theater and Dobama Theatre. In addition to more(Understudy: Schwartz, Flick, and Scut Farkus) is in the fifth grade at Roxboro Elementary School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He is excited to take part in his first production at Cleveland Play House. He has also appeared in productions at Heights Youth Theater and Dobama Theatre. In addition to participating in theatrical productions, he studies piano with Moss Stanley and saxophone with Kevin Giordano.

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.

Anjanette Hall

(Mother) 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 more(Mother) 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.

Gregory James

(Understudy: Ralph) is excited to be making his CPH and Equity debut. He is a member of the Cleveland sketch comedy duo Flamingo City and is a sketch writing student of Michael Busch. Stage credits: Male Understudy in Clue (Cleveland Play House); Lucio in Measure for Measure, Mercutio in Romeo more(Understudy: Ralph) is excited to be making his CPH and Equity debut. He is a member of the Cleveland sketch comedy duo Flamingo City and is a sketch writing student of Michael Busch. Stage credits: Male Understudy in Clue (Cleveland Play House); Lucio in Measure for Measure, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, and Brooke in Little Women (Oberlin Summer Theater Festival); Bassanio in The Merchant of Venice, David in Hay Fever, Trigorin in The Seagull, and John in Fifth of July (CWRU/CPH). LA theatre credits include Summer and Smoke, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Lend Me a Tenor (Actors Co-Op Theatre Hollywood), and Some Girl(s) (LA Fringe). Gregory was a founding member of the Whitefire Theatre Company in Los Angeles. Film credits include Jilted for Glamour Magazine, Slow Clap Comedy, and the Actors Co-Op Series, The Fur is Gone. All my love to Molly. GregoryJamesActing.com @GregoryJamesActing

Chase Oberhaus

(Flick/Understudy: Ralphie) is in fifth grade at Spring Garden Waldorf School. In October, he performed in The Member of the Wedding (John Henry West) at Beck Center for the Arts. He most recently appeared in School of Rock (Billy) at Weathervane Playhouse (2019). Prior stage credits include Oliver (orphan/pickpocket boy) more(Flick/Understudy: Ralphie) is in fifth grade at Spring Garden Waldorf School. In October, he performed in The Member of the Wedding (John Henry West) at Beck Center for the Arts. He most recently appeared in School of Rock (Billy) at Weathervane Playhouse (2019). Prior stage credits include Oliver (orphan/pickpocket boy) at Medina Show Biz Company (2018). He has been inspired by the many shows he has seen at Cleveland Play House. This is a dream of his to be on the stage here! LOVE to his family, friends, and teachers for all of their support.

Laura Perrotta

(Miss Shields) is a native New Yorker who has called Cleveland home for the last 21 years. She has appeared on television, Off-Broadway, toured nationally, and worked regionally. She’s appeared at Cleveland Play House as Mrs. van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, and as Miss Shields in A more(Miss Shields) is a native New Yorker who has called Cleveland home for the last 21 years. She has appeared on television, Off-Broadway, toured nationally, and worked regionally. She’s appeared at Cleveland Play House as Mrs. van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, and as Miss Shields in A Christmas Story. Last Fall she was Emma Arkadina in Stupid F---ing Bird at Dobama Theater, and in the Spring had the great pleasure to open in KINDERTRANSPORT as Evelyn at Ensemble Theater before the world shut down. She looks forward to returning to the theater soon both onstage and off. laura-perrotta.com

Luke Stauffer

(Randy) is delighted and lucky to have the opportunity to bring this beloved character to life on the Cleveland Play House stage. Luke most recently appeared as child chorus in Frozen Jr. (Renissance Theater) and Napoleon in School House Rock Jr. (82nd Street Theater). Luke enjoys tap and hip-hop dancing, more(Randy) is delighted and lucky to have the opportunity to bring this beloved character to life on the Cleveland Play House stage. Luke most recently appeared as child chorus in Frozen Jr. (Renissance Theater) and Napoleon in School House Rock Jr. (82nd Street Theater). Luke enjoys tap and hip-hop dancing, watching his iPad, and putting on shows for his family. Luke is a proud member of Cleveland Play House Theatre Academy. He is very pleased to share the stage again with his older sister Corlyn Stauffer. Luke is eight years old and in second grade at St. Albert the Great School.

Corlyn Stauffer

(Esther Jane) is humbled and thrilled to be part of her first production at Cleveland Play House. She recently appeared as Matlida in Matlida the Musical and Young Anna in Frozen Jr. (Renissance Theater). Corlyn stepped away from the stage recently and shot an episode for season 22 of Ghost more(Esther Jane) is humbled and thrilled to be part of her first production at Cleveland Play House. She recently appeared as Matlida in Matlida the Musical and Young Anna in Frozen Jr. (Renissance Theater). Corlyn stepped away from the stage recently and shot an episode for season 22 of Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel as an Illegitimate Child. Other credits include Street Child in A Christmas Carol (Great Lakes Theater), Les in Newsies (Near West Theatre), and Mouse in A Year with Frog & Toad (82nd Street Theater). Corlyn has been dancing competitively for 9 years and is a proud member of the Cleveland Play House Theatre Academy. Mega thank you to everyone at CPH for this unforgettable experience. Corlyn is twelve years old and in seventh grade at St. Albert the Great School. Follow on Instagram @corlynmarie

Courtney Stennett

(Understudy: Miss Shields) is a native of Eagle, Idaho. She graduated with her BFA in Performance from Baylor University. Prior to making the move to Cleveland, Courtney enjoyed living and performing in Chicago. She most recently appeared onstage at Cleveland Play House in Into the Breeches! She spent the more(Understudy: Miss Shields) is a native of Eagle, Idaho. She graduated with her BFA in Performance from Baylor University. Prior to making the move to Cleveland, Courtney enjoyed living and performing in Chicago. She most recently appeared onstage at Cleveland Play House in Into the Breeches! She spent the summer at Chautauqua Theatre Company in One Man, Two Guvnors; A Midsummer Night's Dream; and in the New Play Workshop production of Agent 355. She has been seen in the CWRU/CPH productions of Hay Fever as Judith Bliss, The Seagull as Masha, and Fifth of July as Sally Friedman. Summer of 2018 she appeared internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Call of the Void. Additional recent professional credits include Agnes of God (Aleatoric Theatre), A Little Princess (Windy City Music Theatre), and Seminar (Spartan Theatre Company). Courtney is delighted and humbled to be working toward her MFA in the CWRU/CPH Acting program and thrilled to be part of this ensemble!

Jeff Talbott

(Ralph) is full of Christmas cheer and happy to be back sharing it with his family at CPH after opening the season in Into the Breeches! 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 more(Ralph) is full of Christmas cheer and happy to be back sharing it with his family at CPH after opening the season in Into the Breeches! 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

Elisabeth Yancey

(Understudy: Mother)

was most recently onstage with Cleveland Play House as Yvette in Clue and Grace Richards in Into the Breeches!. Other credits with CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program include The Merchant of Venice, Hay Fever, The Seagull, and Fifth of July. Internationally, Elisabeth performed at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Demetrius Yarbrough, Jr.

(Schwartz) is very proud to be a part of the production of A Christmas Story at CPH. Demetrius was born in Cleveland and lives here with his family. He is the second of five children and enjoys being a big brother to his younger siblings. Demetrius is a very energetic more(Schwartz) is very proud to be a part of the production of A Christmas Story at CPH. Demetrius was born in Cleveland and lives here with his family. He is the second of five children and enjoys being a big brother to his younger siblings. Demetrius is a very energetic and fun loving nine year old and he plans to channel that energy into his role on stage. He also enjoys video games, riding his bike with friends, and has recently taken up playing the trumpet. Demetrius has been training in the arts for 3 years, and this will be his first big production. He would like to thank his family for support and the CPH production team for the opportunity.

Laura Kepley

(Artistic Director) became Artistic Director of Cleveland Play House in 2013 and has directed numerous CPH mainstage productions including Every Brilliant Thing; Into the Breeches!; Tiny Houses (world premiere); Sweat; The Diary of Anne Frank; Shakespeare in Love; The Crucible; Steel Magnolias; The Good Peaches (world premiere); Fairfield (world premiere); more(Artistic Director) became Artistic Director of Cleveland Play House in 2013 and has directed numerous CPH mainstage productions including Every Brilliant Thing; Into the Breeches!; Tiny Houses (world premiere); Sweat; The Diary of Anne Frank; Shakespeare in Love; The Crucible; Steel Magnolias; The Good Peaches (world premiere); Fairfield (world premiere); How I Learned to Drive (also at Syracuse Stage); The Little Foxes; Venus in Fur; Good People (also at Syracuse Stage); A Carol for Cleveland (world premiere); In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; My Name is Asher Lev and CPH readings of Roe Green Award-winning plays Tiny Houses; The Chinese Lady; Soups, Stews and Casseroles: 1976; Marjorie Prime and Daphne’s Dive. 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 directed for The Alliance Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Chautauqua Theater Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, 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.

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!