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November 30 - December 22, 2024 , Allen Theatre

A Christmas Story

written by Philip Grecian | directed by Jackson Gay
based on the motion picture written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown & Bob Clark

Run time: 115min including intermission.
Advisory: Bullying and physical violence among children, use of an air rifle gun, imagination sequences featuring a toy gun, allusions to swearing, fog effects, gunshot effects, and strobe lighting.

Presented by

KeyBank

Cleveland’s favorite holiday tradition is back by popular demand! One boy. One holiday wish. And a world conspiring to make sure it doesn’t come true. The record-breaking show returns to the Allen Theatre in all its pink-bunny-suit, glowing-leg-lamp, triple-dog-daring glory. The perfect holiday treat for the entire family!

Previews: Nov 30 - Dec 5 | Opening Night: Dec 6

Photos & Videos Download Hi Res Photos

Herndon Lackey (Ralph) and Ethan Monaghan (Ralphie) in the 2024 CPH Production of A CHRISTMAS STORY. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Derdriu Ring as Miss Shields in the 2024 CPH Production of A CHRISTMAS STORY. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Ethan Monaghan (Ralphie) and Nicole Sumlin (Mother) in the 2024 CPH Production of A CHRISTMAS STORY. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Evan Graham (Flick) and Declan Robertson (Scut Farkas) in the 2024 CPH Production of A CHRISTMAS STORY. Photo by Mike Crupi.

The cast of the 2024 CPH production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Mike Crupi.

The cast of the 2024 CPH production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Nicole Sumlin (Mother), Ethan Monaghan (Ralphie), Greg Stuhr (The Old Man), and Herndon Lackey (Ralph) in the 2024 CPH Production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Parker Towns (Esther Jane) and Edith Foley (Helen) in the 2024 CPH Production of A CHRISTMAS STORY. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Ethan Monaghan (Ralphie), Louis Guzowski (Schwartz), and Evan Graham (Flick) in the 2024 CPH Production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Nicole Sumlin (Mother) and Ethan Monaghan (Ralphie) in the 2024 CPH Production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Nicole Sumlin (Mother) and Justin Anderson (Randy) in the 2024 CPH Production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Nicole Sumlin (Mother), Ethan Monaghan (Ralphie), and Greg Stuhr (The Old Man) in the 2024 CPH production of A Christmas Story. Photo by Mike Crupi.

Click above to watch the trailer!

Artists

Justin Anderson

Justin Anderson

(Randy) is a great storyteller and loves to entertain. His interests include biking, ninja/Parkour, Greek, mythology, Legos, Pokémon cards, and video games. He loves the Percy Jackson books and enjoys acting out the characters he reads about. He’s a natural leader, who is a good friend to all, and more(Randy) is a great storyteller and loves to entertain. His interests include biking, ninja/Parkour, Greek, mythology, Legos, Pokémon cards, and video games. He loves the Percy Jackson books and enjoys acting out the characters he reads about. He’s a natural leader, who is a good friend to all, and a helpful listener to his friends and brothers. He is very artistic and drawing and painting. His favorite subject in class is history and he loves coming home each day to share what he’s learned.

Madalyn Baker

Madalyn Baker

(Understudy Miss Shields) is an actor, illustrator, and musician originally hailing from Northern California. She earned her BA in Theatre from Fordham University, and spent many years creating and performing in spaces all around NYC. In addition to being an actor, she writes music, and has her own illustrative more(Understudy Miss Shields) is an actor, illustrator, and musician originally hailing from Northern California. She earned her BA in Theatre from Fordham University, and spent many years creating and performing in spaces all around NYC. In addition to being an actor, she writes music, and has her own illustrative art brand called Maddle Baddle. She draws everything from silly cartoons to her own custom deck of playing cards! To learn more about Madalyn, you can check out her work at Madalynbaker.com, or @madmaddybaker.

Luca Brasacchio

Luca Brasacchio

(Understudy Ralphie, Schwartz, Scut) is so excited to be making his debut with Cleveland Play House! Luca has been performing in local and community theatres since 2022. Some of his past roles include: Randolph MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie and Young Simba in Lion King Jr. at Academy for more(Understudy Ralphie, Schwartz, Scut) is so excited to be making his debut with Cleveland Play House! Luca has been performing in local and community theatres since 2022. Some of his past roles include: Randolph MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie and Young Simba in Lion King Jr. at Academy for Dramatic Arts. Other credits include Sven in Frozen Kids and Mike Teevee in Willy Wonka Kids at Cassidy Theatre. Luca loves acting, singing, dancing, and being with family and friends. Luca would like to thank the cast of A Christmas Story for this experience and opportunity!

Edith Foley

Edith Foley

(Helen) is a sixth grade student in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and previously performed the leading role of Elsa in a Disney Musicals in Schools production of Frozen. Two summers ago she performed the role of Little Ti Moune in Once on This Island at Beck Center’s Senny more(Helen) is a sixth grade student in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and previously performed the leading role of Elsa in a Disney Musicals in Schools production of Frozen. Two summers ago she performed the role of Little Ti Moune in Once on This Island at Beck Center’s Senny Theater Main Stage and this past winter Edith portrayed the roles of Miss Abigail and Belinda Cratchet at the Ohio Theater here at Playhouse Square in Great Lakes Theater Company’s production of A Christmas Carol. Edith plays the viola in chamber orchestra and studies ballet and contemporary dance. When she isn’t making music and dancing Edith loves to read and spend time with her friends, and she is overjoyed to perform in the Allen Theatre and make her debut with Cleveland Play House.

Evan Graham

Evan Graham

(Flick) is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story with Cleveland Play House, marking another exciting step in his budding acting career. Evan has built a strong foundation in theatre with MAD Factory where he has performed in Matilda, Descendants, Moana, Elf, The Sound of Music, and more(Flick) is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story with Cleveland Play House, marking another exciting step in his budding acting career. Evan has built a strong foundation in theatre with MAD Factory where he has performed in Matilda, Descendants, Moana, Elf, The Sound of Music, and The Lion King. Most recently, he took on the role of Grimsby in The Little Mermaid. When not on stage, Evan enjoys playing soccer, diving into video games, and exploring new ways to express his creativity. He is deeply grateful to his parents for their support and sacrifices, allowing him to pursue his passion for theatre. He also sends a heartfelt thanks to his Nana for sparking his love of live performance through their frequent trips to Playhouse Square. Evan is excited to continue growing as an actor and bring memorable characters to life.

Louis Guzowski

Louis Guzowski

(Schwartz) debuted as Mayor of Munchkin Land at the Beck Center for the Arts production of The Wizard of Oz in the spring of 2024. Louis quickly took to the stage and is honored and thrilled to star as Flick/Schwartz in A Christmas Story. When not performing, Louis enjoys more(Schwartz) debuted as Mayor of Munchkin Land at the Beck Center for the Arts production of The Wizard of Oz in the spring of 2024. Louis quickly took to the stage and is honored and thrilled to star as Flick/Schwartz in A Christmas Story. When not performing, Louis enjoys creating comic books, playing drums, collecting coins and shells, and being with his friends. Louis thanks his family for their love and support, especially his sister, Penny, who encouraged him to pursue acting.

Herndon Lackey

Herndon Lackey

(Ralph) Broadway credits include Erich Geibel in LoveMusik, Hugh Dorsey in Parade, Tom Davenport in Inherit the Wind, The Warden in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Inspector Javert in Les Miserables, Neville Landless in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and the Squire of Dinidan in Camelot. Off-Broadway he has more(Ralph) Broadway credits include Erich Geibel in LoveMusik, Hugh Dorsey in Parade, Tom Davenport in Inherit the Wind, The Warden in Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Inspector Javert in Les Miserables, Neville Landless in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and the Squire of Dinidan in Camelot. Off-Broadway he has been seen in Forbidden Broadway, Sarah Plain & Tall, Richard Cory, Bloomer Girl, and The Audience. His Regional Theatre experience includes: the London production of Paradise Found at the Menier Chocolate Factory; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Into the Woods and Kinky Boots at The Hangar Theater; The Opposite of Sex at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Bounce at the Goodman and Kennedy Center; The Tavern at Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and 3hree at the Ahmansan Theatre.

Mateo Medic

Mateo Medic

(Understudy Randy, Flick) is thrilled to make his debut with the Cleveland Play House in a Christmas Story. Mateo has been performing since he was four years old with the American Zagreb Junior Tamburitzans. He sings, dances, and plays traditional Croatian instruments. He has performed throughout more(Understudy Randy, Flick) is thrilled to make his debut with the Cleveland Play House in a Christmas Story. Mateo has been performing since he was four years old with the American Zagreb Junior Tamburitzans. He sings, dances, and plays traditional Croatian instruments. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada, and Croatia. Mateo is currently a fourth grader at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Mateo’s long term ambition is to be a professional actor

Calder Meis

Calder Meis

(Understudy The Old Man) Calder is excited to be going into his second year in the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program. He was last seen as John Dodge in the CWRU/CPH production of Middletown. Other favorite credits include The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Peachy Weil) and Abigail/1702 (John Brown). BFA, more(Understudy The Old Man) Calder is excited to be going into his second year in the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program. He was last seen as John Dodge in the CWRU/CPH production of Middletown. Other favorite credits include The Last Night of Ballyhoo (Peachy Weil) and Abigail/1702 (John Brown). BFA, Baylor University - Sic 'Em Bears! He would like to thank his girlfriend, Payton, for being his rock in this life. caldermeis.com ... “Cleveland, this is for you!”- LeBron James.

Ethan Monaghan

Ethan Monaghan

(Ralphie) is so thrilled to be making his Cleveland Playhouse debut! He is an 8th grader at Saint Paschal Baylon school in Highland Heights. Favorite roles at the the Heights Youth Theatre include Scuttle (The Little Mermaid), Lafou (Beauty and the Beast), Carlos (Descendants), Randolph (Bye Bye Birdie) more(Ralphie) is so thrilled to be making his Cleveland Playhouse debut! He is an 8th grader at Saint Paschal Baylon school in Highland Heights. Favorite roles at the the Heights Youth Theatre include Scuttle (The Little Mermaid), Lafou (Beauty and the Beast), Carlos (Descendants), Randolph (Bye Bye Birdie) and Michael Banks (Mary Poppins), as well as Mason (School of Rock) at Cain Park. A proud member of SAG, Ethan has appeared in Manhunt; Deadly Games (Netflix), Kotaro Lives Alone (Netflix) and Baggage Claim (Independent Film). He also originated the role of Kyle on the Disney Jr. animated show, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, and recently booked the lead role in a new animated series, currently in production. Ethan would love to thank the amazing production staff, cast and crew of A Christmas Story, and his family and friends for all of their love and support. “Enjoy the show! Thank you for coming!”

Derdriu Ring

Derdriu Ring

(Miss Shields) is elated to return to CPH where she got her first Equity role 24 years ago. A graduate of The Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin and University College Cork, Derdriu has performed across North America at The Guthrie Theatre, Hartford Stage, Geffen Playhouse, Geva Theater, Pittsburgh Public, more(Miss Shields) is elated to return to CPH where she got her first Equity role 24 years ago. A graduate of The Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin and University College Cork, Derdriu has performed across North America at The Guthrie Theatre, Hartford Stage, Geffen Playhouse, Geva Theater, Pittsburgh Public, Kinetic Theatre etc. Memorable roles include; Martha/ Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf (Beck Centre), Slippy Helen/ The Cripple Of Inishmaan (The Geffen Playhouse), Catherine/Proof (CPH), Josie/ Moon For The Misbegotten (Great Lakes Theater), Pegeen/The Playboy Of The Western( Irish Rep.Off-Broadway), Rosie Redmond/The Plough & The Stars (The Guthrie Theatre), Narrator/Wassail! (Apollo's Fire), Emma Brookner/ The Normal Heart (Ensemble Theatre), Charlotte/Something Clean (Dobama Theatre). Sister Aloysius/Doubt (Beck Center). TV: Law&Order CI, Hope & Faith. Film: The Yank, Dump. https://www.derdriuring.com. All my love to Vince, Rosie & Henry.

Declan Robertson

Declan Robertson

(Scut Farkus) is thrilled to be involved in his first professional production here at Cleveland Play House! Declan has been acting in local youth and community theatre productions since age 9. Favorite credits include (but are not limited to): Newsies the Broadway musical (St. Edward HS), School of Rock more(Scut Farkus) is thrilled to be involved in his first professional production here at Cleveland Play House! Declan has been acting in local youth and community theatre productions since age 9. Favorite credits include (but are not limited to): Newsies the Broadway musical (St. Edward HS), School of Rock the musical (Cassidy Theatre), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (It’s a Madhouse), Wizard of Oz (Beck Center for the Arts), and Infamous the Musical (staged workshop at OSR productions/David Owen Michaels productions). Declan loves performing, travel, American football, baseball, video games and biking with his friends. Declan would like to thank the directors and production team at Cleveland Play House for this opportunity! He blames Tony for the inspiration to perform, thanks his Mother for her transportation/bio writing services, his friends and cats for their support, and thanks the Administrators and Teachers at LCA for their constant support and enthusiasm.

Lennon Rosiar

Lennon Rosiar

(Understudy Esther Jane, Helen) began her theatrical career two years ago when she debuted in Honk! Jr. She is a member of the Caryl Crane Youth Theater company and competition team. She is a solo award winner at NYTE. Her community works include: Finding Nemo, Alice in Wonderland, A more(Understudy Esther Jane, Helen) began her theatrical career two years ago when she debuted in Honk! Jr. She is a member of the Caryl Crane Youth Theater company and competition team. She is a solo award winner at NYTE. Her community works include: Finding Nemo, Alice in Wonderland, A Year with Frog and Toad, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, and Dear Edwina Jr. She has participated in many theatre camps. Lennon is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Story.

Greg Stuhr

Greg Stuhr

(The Old Man) Broadway credits include Tracy Letts’ The Minutes, Larry David’s Fish In The Dark, David Mamet’s November, Elaine May’s Taller Than A Dwarf, and the Tony Award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other notable theater work includes world premieres by Ethan Coen, Rolin Jones, more(The Old Man) Broadway credits include Tracy Letts’ The Minutes, Larry David’s Fish In The Dark, David Mamet’s November, Elaine May’s Taller Than A Dwarf, and the Tony Award-winning musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other notable theater work includes world premieres by Ethan Coen, Rolin Jones, Keith Reddin, and Bruce Norris for the Atlantic Theater Company, Yale Rep, South Coast Rep, and Steppenwolf, respectively, and many plays with director Jackson Gay at Hartford Stage, Dorset Theatre Festival, Studio Theatre, and Geffen Playhouse, among others. Greg frequently collaborates with cowriter/director Jenna Ricker on projects including the acclaimed indie film The American Side, hailed as "stylish, tense, witty, and exhilarating,” by the San Francisco Chronicle, and on the award-winning ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, Qualified, which premiered at SXSW. Along with Adam O’Byrne and Rolin Jones, Greg created the comedy series Luba’s Lot for Fox Television Studios. For Delaney, Beau, and Eliza.

Nicole Sumlin

Nicole Sumlin

(Mother) is an actor, singer, director, and arts educator based in Cleveland. NYC: Medusa (Medusa), Zu (Project Tiresias), Judge Jill Joyce (How to Be a Winner), and Columbiner (ReB+VoDkA+Me). Regional: Children of Eden at French Creek Theatre (Eve/Mama Noah); The Music Man at Cain Park (Marian Paroo); Caroline, or more(Mother) is an actor, singer, director, and arts educator based in Cleveland. NYC: Medusa (Medusa), Zu (Project Tiresias), Judge Jill Joyce (How to Be a Winner), and Columbiner (ReB+VoDkA+Me). Regional: Children of Eden at French Creek Theatre (Eve/Mama Noah); The Music Man at Cain Park (Marian Paroo); Caroline, or Change at Tantrum Theater (The Washing Machine); The Nolan Williams Project (2017) at CPH; Lines in the Dust at Cleveland Public Theater (Denitra Morgan); Bourbon on the Border at The Maltz Museum (May); Songs for the Asking at Playhouse Square; Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play at Cleveland Public Theatre (Jenny/Bart); Violet at Lakeland Civic Theatre (Lula Buffington); Elizabeth Keckley in A Civil War Christmas at Dobama Theatre. She has also been seen at The Fine Arts Association, Orchard Arts Project, Near West Theater, Mercury Theatre Company, MOCA-CLE, Bop Stop, Nighttown, and Severance Hall. Vocal training: Wheaton College Conservatory of Music. Proud AEA member. Praise to God for His faithfulness, and for Eugene, Easton, and August

Parker Towns

Parker Towns

(Esther Jane) recently appeared as Annie this past summer at Porthouse Theater. Other performances include: Pippin (Theo) at Baldwin Wallace University, Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim) with Great Lakes Theater, and performed as Gretl in The Sound of Music at Blossom Music Center as her stage debut in 2022. more(Esther Jane) recently appeared as Annie this past summer at Porthouse Theater. Other performances include: Pippin (Theo) at Baldwin Wallace University, Christmas Carol (Tiny Tim) with Great Lakes Theater, and performed as Gretl in The Sound of Music at Blossom Music Center as her stage debut in 2022. Parker has many people to thank and appreciates all the support from both her friends and family. Parker would like to give shout-outs to: Brian Marshall, Amber Michalak, Valerie Gould, Ivy Artist Management, and Eris Talent Agency for coaching her along the way. Follow her on instagram @parkerpie_official.

Sponsors

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