A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Erin Horst
CAST
CREATIVE TEAM & CREW
PHOTOS
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Photography by Heller Images
MEET THE CAST
(ordered alphabetically by first name)
Alana Davis (Susan Cratchit)
Alana has enjoyed musical theater ever since she was Nagi in The Missoula Children’s Theater’s production of The Jungle Book. Her passions include singing, acting and reading. She has been in numerous plays and has enjoyed every bit of them. One of her most fun roles was as the starfish Peach in CRT Kid’s production of Finding Nemo. Her most recent theatrical experience was performing in the first ever all schools play Percy Jackson The Musical, by Inspire High school. Her experience as a singer with Children’s Choir of Chico’s performance choir, Cantiamo and singing lessons with Tori Gillian has grown her as an artist. Each opportunity to be on stage, learning and performing with such amazing talent has inspired Alana to continue to learn, grown and appreciate the arts even more. She is excited to be apart of A Christmas Carol and to be performing on the Laxson stage.
Alice Ahern (Ensemble)
Alice (she/her) is excited to join her Mom and brother in her first stage production. She is a talented artist and emerging storyteller, but really it was the allure of her costumes that got her to fully commit to A Christmas Carol. She looks forward to creating memories with her family and yours this holiday season.
Amy Gordon (Solicitor 1)
Performing in The Nutcracker with her mom are some of Amy’s (she/her) favorite childhood memories, and she’s thankful to be continuing the tradition with her son in this production. She studied theatre at Orange Coast College and was actively involved onstage and backstage with The REP Theatre Repertory. Her previous roles include Mrs. Truckle (Sly Fox), Giacinta (Scapino), Mde. Pernelle (Tartuffe) and Anne (The Diary of Anne Frank). Her life has been molded by her experiences in the performing arts; including, meeting her husband and making longtime friends. She thanks you for supporting the arts and the important role it plays in our community.
Andy Horst (Ensemble)
Andy (he/him) is a second grader at Chico Country Day School, and he’s excited to be in the show with his mom, dad, and brother. He hopes you enjoy it and wishes you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Courtney Barnett (Jane / Belle)
This is Courtney’s (she/her) first show with Legacy Stage and she is so excited! Courtney has done lots of theater in the Chico community for over 10 years with other local theater companies. Courtney also teaches Drama & History at a local high school for work.
Daidree Bear (Belinda Cratchit)
Daidree (she/her) is an 11-year-old who has been acting since third grade. She’s done many plays, but this is her first one with Legacy Stage. Some of her favorite roles have been Marty in Madagascar and Matilda in Matilda. In her spare time, she likes to do crafts and hang out with family and friends. She looks forward to continuing acting and performing on stage.
David Lindstrom (Old Joe)
David (he/him) has performed, directed and designed for the theatre all over Butte County for the last 40 years. He is particularly excited about returning to the Laxon stage.
Elliot Merten (Old Joe)
Elliot (he/him) is a 21-year-old performer who graduated from Inspire with a musical theatre major. Now he attends Butte with an English major. This is his first show with Legacy Stage. Elliot is excited to bring his energy and enthusiasm to this production, and he hopes you all enjoy!
Hayden Hansen (Childhood Ebenezer)
Hayden (he/him) is a fifth grader and is enjoying this opportunity to share the stage with his sister and father. Hayden plays the piano, soccer and baseball. He loves listening to all sorts of music and watching movies. He has filled many sketchbooks with amazing drawings and dreams of being a Disney Imagineer one day.
Henry Hansen (Londoner / Ensemble)
Henry’s first exposure to acting was when he was a student at The University of Arizona. Though a communication major, he was accepted into a production at the school’s repertory theatre and continued in performances through the school’s program. He took acting and film classes in New York, NY while he began his first parish in Ridgewood, NJ. Henry is a full-time pastor and currently the Senior Pastor at Bidwell Presbyterian Church. In addition to loving theatre and movies, he plays piano and guitar, reads lots of books, and spends time with family. Henry is excited to make his stage debut in Chico with his son Hayden and daughter Madeline.
J. ‘Doc’ Sandiford (Ebenezer Scrooge)
Since 8th grade drama class, ‘Doc’ has acted and directed across the nation in summer theatre, regional tours, 13 musicals in L.A., 13 musicals in Chico to now, A Christmas Carol as Ebenezer Scrooge. In addition to theatre, ‘Doc’ has been a Chiropractor for 42 years.
James Horst (Turkey Boy)
James (he/him) is thrilled to be part of this special production! He loves playing sports and enjoys music in his free time. He hopes you enjoy this original adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Jocelyn Ahern (Laundress / Ensemble)
Jocelyn (she/her) is thrilled to be back onstage in Chico. It’s been 10 years since she’s been under the lights, and now she gets to share the magic of live theatre with her children, Alice and Reno. Over the summer she thought about that family audition notice and how much fun it would be to create long lasting holiday memories with them in a different way, and this is what we got. From her family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season.
John Crosthwaite (The Ghost of Christmas Present)
John Crosthwaite (he/him) is an actor, improvisor, and fight choreographer living in Paradise, CA. John has worked on several Legacy Stage productions in the past including Macbeth, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Taming of the Shrew (Kate’s Version). John completed his MFA in Acting at DePaul University in Chicago and is currently a lecturer and director in the Theater Department here at Chico State University.
Keith Herritt (Solicitor 2)
It’s been fifty years since Keith Herritt (he/him) set foot on a theatrical stage! His history as a young actor included some Shakespeare and other plays, mostly in supporting roles.In the years since 1974-75, he participated as performer and administrator of numerous musical groups and events. From 2004-2016 Keith was the manager of the North State Symphony.
Kyle Horst (Narrator / Bob Cratchit)
Kyle (he/him) is happy to be back with Legacy Stage for his fourth show. During the day, Kyle plays the role of Dr. Kyle Horst – Professor of Psychology at Chico State and coordinator of the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program. He is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol and hopes all of you have a magical holiday season. Cheers!
Lea McCleary (Ensemble)
Lea (she/her) immigrated from the UK 40 years ago. She’s always enjoyed attending and performing in live theatre in England and the US. Lea has performed at most of the local theatres over the years including the very first Shakespeare in Park show in 1991, playing Escalus, Prince of Verona, in Romeo and Juliet. This will be the third time she’s performed in A Christmas Carol. Lea played The Laundress and Ensemble in A Rock and Roll Christmas Carol in 1990 at the old Ice House in Chico. In 2016 she played Mrs Dilber, Mrs Fezziwig and Ensemble in the performance at The Blue Room. She is excited to be taking part in her first performance with the Legacy Stage. A Christmas Carol is such a great story by one of Lea’s favorite authors. The message still holds true today.
Madeline Hansen (Fan)
Madeline “Maddie” (she/her) is a fourth grader and is excited to have her Chico theater debut be with her brother and father. Maddie plays piano, softball and loves gymnastics. She takes voice lessons and has many favorite musicals, plays and musical artists. Maddie loves animals, especially her two dogs Maeby and Mando. She hopes to add a tortoise, rabbit and axolotl to her family of pets. When she grows up, she wants to be a lawyer or detective.
Maria Saniel-Banrey (Lucy)
Maria (she/her) is making her theatrical debut, in Chico, as a member of Legacy Stage’s Community Company! She was last seen on stage in 2012 as The Narrator in James and the Giant Peach and in 2013 as Ensemble in Guys and Dolls. Outside of theatre, Maria works as an Archaeologist for the US Forest Service and would like to thank Charnneé for reintroducing her to theatre.
Marquita Goodman (Mrs. Cratchit / Ghost of Christmas Past)
Marquita (she/her) is thrilled to play with Legacy Stage once again. Theater has been such a blessing and an exciting part of her life since moving to Chico. She is especially excited to share the stage with some of her favorite people in Chico, The Hansens. The local theater community is something special and she is grateful to have been a part of many amazing casts and crews throughout Chico for the past eight years. Some of her favorite roles you may have seen her in are Titania and Hippolyta in A Misummer Night’s Dream and Duchess Frederick in As You Like It, both with Legacy Stage; Chris in POTUS and most recently, Ilsa Lund in Casablanca, both with Theatre on the Ridge. Welcome and enjoy this holiday spectacular with Legacy Stage!
Matt Stone (Ensemble)
Matt Stone is a musical theatre graduate of Chico State from the class of 2022. His previous credits include Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers, Monsieur D’Arque in Beauty and the Beast, Terry Connor in Side Show, Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Grandpa Vanderhof in You Can’t Take It With You. In addition to theatre Matt enjoys studying computer animation, building/playing board games with friends, and playing piano.
Melodie Ellison (Caroline)
Melodie Ellison (she/her) is a Chico State Theatre Arts Alumna. She has been doing theatre locally since 2001. Her recent credits include Sally Brown in Curtain Up! (CTC), Sandy Lester in Tootsie (CRT), and Cinderella in Game of Tiaras (TOTR). This is Melodie’s second time performing with Legacy Stage, the first being the 2021 production—“All Together Now!” She is excited to be working with Legacy again and ecstatic to be performing on the campus of her alma mater. Melodie would like to thank her husband and best friend—Ira.
Michael Anthony Cermeño (Fred / Young Ebenezer)
Michael Anthony Cermeño (he/him) is an actor and writer based out of California. This is Michael’s second appearance with Legacy Stage. His most recent theater credits, include Ziggy, (Young Frankenstein, CTC), Lucentio, (The Taming of the Shrew, Legacy Stage), and Jason (Sweat, Cabrillo Theatre). When not on stage Michael enjoys spending time with his dog, Roscoe, and his beloved partner Jasmine.
Nick Anderson (Jacob Marley / Fezziwig)
Nick Anderson (he/him) is very pleased to be returning for his second show with Legacy Stage, the first being 2019’s Macb…Shakespeare’s Scottish play. He has been acting since childhood and has done nearly four score of shows over the years including musicals, plays, ballets and living history. He spent over 20 years in Radio as well as playing Chico founder John Bidwell for the Bidwell Mansion Association of which he sits on the board. He would like to thank everyone reading this for coming to the show, his magnificent girl Christine Buckstead for her love and support. Marc Edson, Joe Hilsee, Craig Blamer, David Bristow, Martin Chivara, Phil and Sue Ruttenburg and Jack Fritz for giving him so many opportunities to do what he loves. Everybody at Legacy Stage, especially Charneé and his wonderful Director Erin Horst for making all of this come to life. And lastly “Doc” for not only being a sublime Ebineezer Scrooge, but for your input and kindness. Thank you.
Samantha Shaner (Mrs. Fezziwig / Ghost of Christmas Future)
Samantha Shaner (she/her) is an actress that hails from Chico, Ca. Along with an impressive Shakespearean resume playing Bottom in A Midsummer Nights Dream Gremio in Taming of the Shrew (Kate’s Version) for Legacy Stage and Helena in Shakespeared & Stirred for Sacramento Theatre Company, she can be seen in various television shows on Amazon Prime, NBC and FOX.
Reno Ahern (Tiny Tim Cratchit)
This is Reno’s (he/him) first ever stage production. He is elated to share his love and joy of the Christmas season with each and every one of you. Thanks to his mom for auditioning to do this. Thanks to his sister, Alice, for hanging out with her kid brother when she really just wants to be with her friends.
Stryder Gordon (Peter Cratchit)
Stryder (he/him) is extremely excited to be in this production with his mom. He is a Lego Specialist, gamer and Pokemon Master. He listens to at least 50 audio books a year in a variety of genres. Stryder is a Scout Rank in Chico Troop 31 and has been on many camping trips. He hopes you enjoy the show.
The Stage Whispers (Carolers)
The Stage Whispers – Kellen Staub (she/her), soprano; Julia Thomson (she/her), alto; Paul Wrona (he/him), tenor; Gerald Thomson he/him), bass – is a local a cappella quartet whose members are embedded in Chico’s theater community as performers, directors and theater board members. Make sure to catch The Stage Whispers next weekend at Theater On The Ridge in a cabaret-styled Christmas concert featuring their signature a cappella sound, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM & CREW
(ordered alphabetically by first name)
Alyssa Jade (Marketing)
Alyssa (she/her) is happy to returning to Legacy Stage, having worked recently on The Revolutionists. Other credits include Lizzie: the Musical (Legacy Stage, Bridget, 2023), Tootsie (CRT, Julie, 2024) She Kills Monsters (Theater on the Ridge, Agnes, 2023) and more.
Amelia Kellogg (Wardrobe Crew)
Amelia (she/her) is thrilled to be joining Legacy Stage for her first production with the company! She is currently a senior at CSU Chico, studying theater with an emphasis in costume design. Previous wardrobe experience includes: One Acts Festival (Fall 22), Wizard of Oz (Spring 23), Head of Wardrobe for Stop Kiss (Spring 24), and Wardrobe Swing for The Prom (Spring 24).
Charnneé (Stage Manager)
Charnneé (she/her) is the Production Associate for Legacy Stage and has been working as a professional Stage Manager since 2014. Legacy Stage credits include: The Revolutionists 2024 (Stage Manager), LIZZIE 2023 (Stage Manager). Other credits include: Kinky Boots 2023 (Stage Manager), Stage Kiss 2020 (Assistant Stage Manager), Cabaret 2019 (Assistant Stage Manager) at City Lights Theater Company, and Witch 2022 (Stage Manager) at Southwestern University.
Chris Mueller (Scenic Design)
This is Chris’ (he/him) first production with Legacy Stage. Chris has worked as the Resident Scenic Designer and Scenic and Lighting Lecturer at CSU, Chico since moving here in 2021. Before that, he taught at The University of Alabama where he was the Scene Design Instructor and Head of Paints and Props. Chris received his BFA in Theatre Arts Design and Technology from The University of Idaho in 2011, and his MFA in Scenic Design from Indiana University in 2020. Before going to Grad School, Chris spent five years working at Flat Rock Playhouse in North Carolina, where he was the Associate Scene Designer and Intern Director. While there, he had the opportunity to design numerous shows as well as assist on over 30 more. Chris has had the privilege to work across the nation at theatres including Patel Conservatory, Idaho Repertory Theatre, Theatre West, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and more. Chris is originally from Portland, Oregon and is excited to continue to explore this beautiful area with his amazing wife, Kristin and loving rescue dog Maleficent. For more information, you can visit his website at chrismuellerdesigns.com.
Delisa Freistadt (Prop Designer)
Delisa (she/her) is excited to help bring A Christmas Carol to life with Legacy Stage! She has been active in the Chico community theater scene for over 20 years in various capacities. She would like to thank her wife Betty for being the best support system a girl could ask for.
Elizabeth Grace Davis (Costume Designer)
Elizabeth Grace Davis (she/her) is excited to be back with Legacy Stage for A Christmas Carol. Lizzy, a seasoned Costume Designer and Crafts Artisan, earned her MFA in Costume Design from Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana) and her BA from Ashland University (Ashland, Ohio). For the past five years, she has been the Costume Shop Manager and resident Costume Designer at Chico State. Her recent costume design work includes The Revolutionists (Legacy Stage), Taming of the Shrew (Legacy Stage), Escape to Margaritaville (Las Positas Chabot Community College), The Prom (Chico State), Mamma Mia (Santa Rosa Junior College Summer Repertory Theatre), Cheery Docs (Jewish Theatre of Bloomington), Big Fish (Indiana University), among others.
Ella Andrew (Children’s Ensemble Supervisior)
Ella Andrew (she/her) is a fourth-year Biology and Theatre Arts student at CSU Chico. After graduation, she plans to spend two years serving in the PeaceCorps before getting credentialed as a Biology teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys writing music, reading, playing cards, and doing crosswords.
Erin Horst (Director)
Erin (she/her) is honored to direct Legacy Stage’s A Christmas Carol. She is a co-founder and the board president of Legacy Stage. Erin cultivated her professional theatrical experience in the Kansas City theatre community working at Starlight, The Unicorn, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Coterie Theatre, Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park, The Barn Players, and Gladstone Theatre in the Park. She is passionately dedicated to Legacy Stage’s mission to create sustainable and professional theatre in Butte County. Erin earned a Master of Arts in Theatre History and Dramaturgy from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from Chapman University in Orange, California. Local credits include Blue Room Theatre, California Regional Theatre, California State University Chico, and Inspire School of Arts and Sciences. Southern California credits include La Jolla Playhouse and The Performing Arts Society at Chapman (PASC). Erin is a music, theatre, and dance faculty member at Chico State. She lives in Chico with her spouse, Kyle, and two children, James and Andrew, who you can also enjoy in this production. She’d like to extend special gratitude to her mother, Peggy, for supporting all of the hours of rehearsal, and to her father, Donald, and stepmother, Debbie, who offered such generous financial and creative support for the production!
Hannah Kuiper (Front of House Manager)
Hannah (she/her) is so excited to work with Legacy Stage for the first time! She has worked in local theater directing and producing children’s shows. Hannah is a Chico native who was raised in the arts as her father was an art professor at Chico State University and her mother who also was a professor of photography and art. Hannah looks forward to the opportunity to be the front of house manager for this show. You can find her laughing and spreading joy in the lobby!
Jacob Fender (Scenic Carpenter)
Jacob (he/him) is a co-founding member of the Legacy Stage Board of Directors, and is excited for everyone to see A Christmas Carol.
Jarrah Myles (Technical Director)
Jarrah Myles (she/her) created the dance and theatre programs at Inspire School of Arts & Sciences and has directed numerous shows including: The Wizard of Oz, Chicago, Into the Woods, The Addams Family, & Anything Goes since the school opened fifteen years ago. Jarrah serves as Production Director for all Inspire performing arts events and is excited to direct Les Miserables performing next March and coordinate the Dance and Choreography Showcase this May. She directs the Chico Community Ballet Pre-Company Division, and stage manages productions such as The Sleeping Beauty and A Very Chico Nutcracker. Jarrah has a degree in Business Administration and Musical Theatre from CSU, Chico. She did her master’s and additional teaching credential work at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Education in Dance Education and Administration. Jarrah has a CTE credential in Arts, Media, and Entertainment and is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Jarrah loves to spark the interest of students interested in all areas of the performing arts and is excited to support the mission of Legacy Stage.
Joseph Hidde (Sound Design / Scenic Carpenter)
Joseph (he/him) is thrilled to be sound designing A Christmas Carol at Legacy Stage. While he currently works as an archaeologist for the US Forest Service, Joseph is no stranger to the theater biz. He has worked extensively in the South Bay Area for City Lights Theater Company serving as their Master Electrician, Light Designer for their production of Silent Sky, and as a stage manager for numerous other productions such as Stage Kiss, Cabaret, Eurydice, Frankenstein, and Green Day’s American Idiot. He has also served in technical roles for many other theaters working in opera, ballet, and youth theater.
Kevin White (Lighting Designer)
Kevin White (he/him) is a seasoned Lighting Designer with nearly two decades of experience in live event production. His journey in the industry is marked by a distinctive blend of technical expertise and creative vision. Kevin has worked on a myriad of events, excelling in the visual aspects of concerts, theater, dance, film and corporate events. Throughout his career, Kevin has mastered advanced technical skills including operation and programming sophisticated control systems for lighting, lasers, and rigging. His creative approach to lighting design aims to create memorable experiences for audiences. As he brings his talents back to the stages of Chico, Kevin is eager to illuminate each production with his unique artistry.
Lennon Nickels (Wardrobe Crew)
Lennon Nickels is a Chico State student, who is looking forward to being apart of wardrobe on A Christmas Carol. He has worked wardrobe in the past and is glad to be earning new experiences with Legacy Stage.
Maggie Mulholland (Scenic Artist)
Maggie Mulholland (she/her) is a recent graduate of CSU Chico and has just concluded working for the Utah Shakespeare Festival as the paints apprentice for their 2024 season. She has been a scenic artist for the past 5 years but has loved working as a technician since high school. This is Maggie’s first production with Legacy Stage!
Maria Saniel-Banrey (Assistant Stage Manager)
Maria (she/her) is making her theatrical debut, in Chico, as a member of Legacy Stage’s Community Company! She was last seen on stage in 2012 as The Narrator in James and the Giant Peach and in 2013 as Ensemble in Guys and Dolls. Outside of theatre, Maria works as an Archaeologist for the US Forest Service and would like to thank Charnneé for reintroducing her to theatre.
Olivia Cerullo (Music Director)
Olivia (she/her) is a local music director, musician and educator. She is honored to be back for her second show with Legacy, after working as the vocal and instrumental director for Lizzie the Musical last October. Other recent credits include; Anything Goes (Inpsire High School), Amy Amy Amy (Belladonna Collective), All Is Fair In Love and War (Trinity Cabaret) Into The Woods (California Regional Theater), The Lightning Thief the Percy Jackson Musical (Inspire High School and Chico Performances), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (California Regional Theater and Paradise Symphony Orchestra). Thank you for supporting the arts and enjoy the show!
Sarah Shoemaker (Choreographer)
Sarah Shoemaker (she/her) was raised in Napa, CA. She has over 20 years experience choreographing for professional, educational, and community theatre throughout California. Sarah has been on staff at Inspire School of Arts and Sciences since 2014, where she teaches dance and theatre performance courses. She is a tap dance instructor for Chico Creek Dance, and is an alumnus of Karida Griffith’s Tap Teacher Lounge. Previously, she founded the dance program at Maranatha High School in Pasadena, CA, and served as its director for seven years. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Azusa Pacific University and M.Ed. in Secondary Education from National University. Sarah received the 2023 Broadway World Sacramento Award for Best Choreography for her work on Lizzie: The Musical with Legacy Stage. Other recent choreography credits include The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Inspire/CARD/Chico Performances); Anything Goes (Inspire), and West Side Story (California Regional Theatre). Sarah resides in Chico with her husband Andy and two sons, Rowan and Ezekiel, all of whom are also active in local performing arts.
Will Langley (Producer / Graphic Design)
Will Langley (he/him) has served as a co-founding member of the Legacy Stage Board of Directors since 2019 and is thrilled to be a part of A Christmas Carol as a first-time Producer. Will is a member of the Legacy Stage Artistic Committee, and also serves as the Marketing Director and Graphic Designer. He has been in the graphic design industry for around twenty years, and has crafted design work for hundreds of clients; most notably, television personality RuPaul, actor Jake Weber, musician Ricky Martin, Emmy Award winner Chi Chi Rones, and Tony Award winning actor/singer/songwriter, Levi Kreis. Will’s favorite work has been with Legacy Stage. “Legacy Stage is everything to me. Our co-founders, directors, production team, cast – everyone involved. This team is strong – everyone brings their a-game, and they all deserve attention. My goal is to highlight it, support it and promote it as best I can. I couldn’t be more proud of not only this company, but even more so, the amazing people behind the scenes, the creative vision, and the unexpected friendships curated along the way.”
SPECIAL THANK YOU’S
The Lupine Legacy Foundation
Chico Performances
Inspire School of Arts & Sciences
Chico State Costume & Properties Shop
Meagan Heller
The Theide Family
Second Cousin Art Gallery
Travel Chico
Rachel Aqualina
Donald & Debra DeSeure
Adele Fosen
Nan Miner
Chico Community Ballet
Nalani Lemmerman
Hazel Roy
Jesse Meyers
Jeff Shaner
Jaxon Strausbaugh
Phoebe Parks
Olivia Steele
Claire Dent
LEGACY STAGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Erin Horst (President)
Lara Tenckhoff (Vice President)
Kate Ory (Treasurer)
Jake Fender
Marquita Goodman
Will Langley
Jami Witt Miller