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November 29 - December 23, 2019 , Allen Theatre

A Christmas Story

by Philip Grecian
based on the motion picture written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown & Bob Clark
directed by John McCluggage

Run time: 2 hours, including a 15 minute intermission

He’s back! One boy. One holiday wish. And a world that seems to be conspiring to make certain it doesn’t come true. The record-breaking show returns to the CPH stage in all its pink-bunny-suit, glowing-leg-lamp, triple-dog-daring glory. The perfect holiday treat for the entire family.

Photos & Videos Download Hi Res Photos

Christopher Gerson (The Old Man) and Anjanette Hall (Mother). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Ezra Bernstein as Ralphie. Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Corlyn Stauffer (Esther Jane) and Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Theo Dengler (Scut Farkas), Kaylani Cika (Helen), Corlyn Stauffer (Esther Jane), Jeff Talbott (Ralph). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie), Demetrius Yarbrough Jr (Schwartz), Chase Oberhaus (Flick). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Christopher Gerson (The Old Man), and Anjanette Hall (Mother). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Ezra Bernstein as Ralphie. Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Corlyn Stauffer (Esther Jane) and Kaylani Cika (Helen). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie), Laura Perrotta (Miss Shields), Chase Oberhaus (Flick). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Luke Stauffer (Randy), Anjanette Hall (Mother), Christopher Gerson (The Old Man), Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Anjanette Hall (Mother), Christopher Gerson (The Old Man), and Jeff Talbott (Ralph). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Standing: Anjanette Hall (Mother) Seated: Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Demetrius Yarbrough, Jr (Schwartz) and Chase Oberhaus (Flick). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Christopher Gerson (The Old Man), Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie), Anjanette Hall (Mother), Jeff Talbott (Ralph), Luke Stauffer (Randy). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Christopher Gerson (The Old Man) and Anjanette Hall (Mother). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Foreground: Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie). Background: Jeff Talbott (Ralph). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Anjanette Hall (Mother), Ezra Bernstein (Ralphie), Christopher Gerson (The Old Man). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Chase Oberhaus as Flick. Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

Artists

Avalon  Bayley

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 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

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 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

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 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

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, 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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.

Philip Grecian

(Adapter) began his career as a ventriloquist and magician at the age of four. He started working at Colorado’s Creede Repertory Theatre at age 18 where his plays continue to be produced and where he has returned as a guest performer. After touring the Midwest in Androcles and the more(Adapter) began his career as a ventriloquist and magician at the age of four. He started working at Colorado’s Creede Repertory Theatre at age 18 where his plays continue to be produced and where he has returned as a guest performer. After touring the Midwest in Androcles and the Lion, Philip became artistic/managing director and resident playwright of the community theatre he founded. He resigned in 1976 to create a professional theatre where he served as producer and artistic director. Philip has also worked as a writer/director in film, video and audio production. His adaptation of A Christmas Carol has become an annual tradition around the U.S., and his radio dramatization of Dracula! is now a staged radio production. Other plays include the widely popular The Velveteen Rabbit, The Dragon of Nitt, and Lion and the Lyre.

Anjanette Hall

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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, 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

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 more(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 in the world premiere of Call of the Void. Other favorite credits include CPH’s New Ground Theatre Festival in Cicada and Christina, and the Oberlin Summer Theater Festival in Romeo and Juliet and Little Women, as well as work with Wellesley Repertory Theatre. Elisabeth holds a BA in Theatre Studies from Wellesley College, a certificate of classical acting from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and a certificate of literature from Cambridge University. She could not be more delighted to join this ensemble in bringing this story to life. www.elisabethyancey.com Insta: @elisabethyancey

Demetrius Yarbrough, Jr.

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 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.

Michael Boll

(Lighting Designer) is a Cleveland-based Lighting Designer. His Cleveland Play House designs include Where Did We Sit on the Bus?, Pipeline, Native Gardens, An Iliad, The Invisible Hand, The Good Peaches, The Little Foxes, Venus in Fur, Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, In the Next Room or the more(Lighting Designer) is a Cleveland-based Lighting Designer. His Cleveland Play House designs include Where Did We Sit on the Bus?, Pipeline, Native Gardens, An Iliad, The Invisible Hand, The Good Peaches, The Little Foxes, Venus in Fur, Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, In the Next Room or the vibrator play, and Stew and the Negro Problem. Productions with the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program include Macbeth, Metamorphoses, The Winter's Tale, An Orchard, and Angels in America: Millennium Approaches. Other Cleveland lighting design work includes Cleveland Public Theatre, Karamu House, Cain Park, Cleveland Museum of Art, Dobama Theatre and Beck Center for the Arts. Off-Broadway credits include The Moliere Cycle (Classic Stage Company), Songs for a New World (George Street Playhouse), Dog Sees God (SoHo Playhouse) and The Moonlight Room (Associate Lighting Designer, Beckett Theatre). His work has also been seen at the N.Y. Fringe Festival, La MaMa E.T.C., HERE Arts Center, and Yale Cabaret.

Kyra Button

(Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be returning to Cleveland Play House for her sixth season. At CPH, she has worked on Antigone, Where Did We Sit On The Bus?, Tiny Houses, Into The Breeches, and Pipeline, to name a few. Her previous credits also include ABCD (Barrington Stage more(Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be returning to Cleveland Play House for her sixth season. At CPH, she has worked on Antigone, Where Did We Sit On The Bus?, Tiny Houses, Into The Breeches, and Pipeline, to name a few. Her previous credits also include ABCD (Barrington Stage Company), Dreamgirls (Virginia Stage Company), Hurricane Diane (Dobama Theatre), Baby Camp (Leviathan Labs), Resistance (Semicolon Theatre), The Heart’s Impatience (Shufflefoot Theatre Company), A Streetcar Named Desire (St. Ann’s Warehouse), Medea and Dreamgirls (Red House Arts Center), This Day Forward (The Vineyard Theatre), and The Intergenerational Project (Rose Bruford, London). Kyra is proud to hold a BFA in Stage Management from Syracuse University’s Department of Drama and is overjoyed to be working on this production.

John Godbout

(Stage Manager) was Cleveland Play House's resident stage manager from 2001 to 2008 and returned to CPH in the fall of 2011. "Most recently, John stage managed A New Brain at Barrington Stage Company. John has also stage managed at North Shore Music Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, The more(Stage Manager) was Cleveland Play House's resident stage manager from 2001 to 2008 and returned to CPH in the fall of 2011. "Most recently, John stage managed A New Brain at Barrington Stage Company. John has also stage managed at North Shore Music Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, The Weston Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Northern Stage, Seaside Music Theatre, and Porthouse Theatre.

Laura Kepley

Laura Kepley

(Artistic 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, more(Artistic 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.

John McCluggage

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, 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!

David Kay Mickelsen

(Costume Designer) returns for his 23rd production at Cleveland Play House, having recently designed costumes for The Diary of Anne Frank; All the Way; A Christmas Story; Bell, Book and Candle; and In the Next Room, or the vibrator play. He has designed more than 400 productions at regional more(Costume Designer) returns for his 23rd production at Cleveland Play House, having recently designed costumes for The Diary of Anne Frank; All the Way; A Christmas Story; Bell, Book and Candle; and In the Next Room, or the vibrator play. He has designed more than 400 productions at regional theatres across the country including Guthrie Theater, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Arizona Theatre Company, Geffen Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis; Seattle, Tennessee, Missouri, San Diego, and New Mexico Repertory Theatres, Sundance Theatre Festival; Oregon, Utah, Colorado, and Illinois Shakespeare Festivals. Originally from Canby, Oregon; David now makes his home in Long Beach, California. David is the Vice Chairman of The Western Region of United Scenic Artists 829.

Kevin Moore

(Managing Director) is in his thirteenth season at Cleveland Play House, recipient of the 2015 Regional Theatre Tony Award. During his tenure, CPH made its historic relocation to the Allen Theatre in partnership with Playhouse Square and Cleveland State University. He serves on the Board of Directors of Theatre more(Managing Director) is in his thirteenth season at Cleveland Play House, recipient of the 2015 Regional Theatre Tony Award. During his tenure, CPH made its historic relocation to the Allen Theatre in partnership with Playhouse Square and Cleveland State University. He serves on the Board of Directors of Theatre Forward, Arts Cleveland, and the Commission on Economic Inclusion. From 1998 to 2007, Kevin was Managing Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. where he helped lead the funding and construction of an award-winning new theatre facility. Previous positions include Director of Marketing at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California. He is a former president of both the National New Play Network and the League of Washington Theatres. Kevin teaches theatre management at Cleveland State University and is an adjunct professor in the Department of Theater at Case Western Reserve University. He is a graduate of Moorhead (MN) State University, holds a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Indiana University, and is a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2009.

Robert Mark Morgan

(Scenic Designer) designed Into the Breeches!, Sweat, The Diary of Anne Frank, All the Way, A Christmas Story, The Whipping Man, The Glass Menagerie, Emma, and Bill W. and Dr. Bob for Cleveland Play House. Other credits include Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, West Side more(Scenic Designer) designed Into the Breeches!, Sweat, The Diary of Anne Frank, All the Way, A Christmas Story, The Whipping Man, The Glass Menagerie, Emma, and Bill W. and Dr. Bob for Cleveland Play House. Other credits include Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Misérables, West Side Story, Billy Elliot, and Seussical The Musical (The Muny in St. Louis); exhibit designer for Avatar the Exhibition (Experience Music Project in Seattle); Fallen Angels (Asolo Repertory Theatre); Joshua's Boots (Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Amarillo Opera); The Rainmaker, A Moon for the Misbegotten (2007 Prague Design Quadrennial); The Dazzle (A.C.T. San Francisco); The Giver, The Diary of Anne Frank, Jesus Hates Me, and House of the Spirits (Denver Center for the Performing Arts); Saint Joan, Jekyll & Hyde, Ordinary Nation, Rabbit Hole, Fall of Heaven, and 4000 Miles (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis); The Subject Tonight is Love (Alliance Theatre Company); Just Stopped by to See the Man and The Whipping Man (The Old Globe); and numerous Utah Shakespeare Festival productions in the 2012/13 season. Robert is a Teaching Professor at Washington University in St. Louis and Director of the Beyond Boundaries Program in interdisciplinary education. morgansetdesign.com

Jean Shepherd

(Author/Screenwriter) was a radio, television and film personality, writer and actor. For almost three decades, he told stories — culled from his youth in Indiana, his adventures in the Army Signal Corps, and tales of the obscure and infamous — to eager radio audiences. He was on the air more(Author/Screenwriter) was a radio, television and film personality, writer and actor. For almost three decades, he told stories — culled from his youth in Indiana, his adventures in the Army Signal Corps, and tales of the obscure and infamous — to eager radio audiences. He was on the air in Cincinnati from 1950 to 1954 and on WOR in New York from 1956 to 1977. Acting credits include The Goodman Theatre, on Broadway in Leonard Sillman's New Faces and Voice of the Turtle, and the film The Light Fantastic. He also did baseball sportscasts for the Toledo Mudhens and Armed Forces Radio. He created humorous narratives for PBS television collectively called Jean Shepherd's America, which later continued on PBS’ New Jersey Network as Shepherd's Pie. PBS/WGBH's American Playhouse teleplay credits include The Phantom of the Open Hearth, The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters, Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss, and The Star-Crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski. He is best known for co-writing and narrating the film A Christmas Story (1983). He also wrote a number of novels including The America of George Ade, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash; Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories and Other Disasters, The Ferrari in the Bedroom, and A Fistful of Fig Newtons. Jean Shepherd died on October 16, 1999.

James C. Swonger

(Sound Designer) has designed sound for many Cleveland Play House productions including The Good Peaches (world premiere), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Breath and Imagination, Good People, The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, Bell, Book and Candle, The Game’s Afoot (world premiere), Bill more(Sound Designer) has designed sound for many Cleveland Play House productions including The Good Peaches (world premiere), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Breath and Imagination, Good People, The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, Bell, Book and Candle, The Game’s Afoot (world premiere), Bill W. and Dr. Bob, Heaven’s My Destination (world premiere), Noises Off!, Gee’s Bend, and I Am My Own Wife. CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program credits include The Fifth of July, The Philadelphia Story, The Three Sisters, Twelfth Night, and An Orchard. Additional credits include Cleveland’s Lyric Opera Company, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, Pioneer Theatre Company, Centerstage Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Yale Repertory Theatre, and premiere productions of why i had to dance, The Tragic Demise of the Whaleship Essex and Swinging on a Star: A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Burke.

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Eight Scenic Designs in Two Minutes

Eight Scenic Designs in Two Minutes

Our friend Robert Mark Morgan, Scenic Designer (Into the Breeches!, Diary of Anne Frank, The Whipping Man) created a fun video showing all of the uniq...

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