A Steampunk Christmas Carol at Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center

Mary is a tax accountant who moonlights as a theatre performer. As a college student, she was a member of the Georgetown Thespians and performed at Stage One in Washington, D.C. From 1983 to 2001 she graced many a kickline during the Hospital Follies. She has appeared onstage at the Carlisle Theatre as a homeless person and The Secretary of Labor in Annie, as a nun in Sister Act, and in the chorus of Guys and Dolls, The Pajama Game, and Once Upon a Mattress. Her most recent roles were as Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden and as Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables. Despite current labor shortages, tonight she has been demoted to cook and charwomen.

William is in the U.S. Army stationed at Carlisle Barracks. He is reprising his role as Jacob Marley and looks forward to helping Scrooge see the light. He has performed in theaters in Michigan, Oklahoma, and Germany. In 2023, he will retire from the Army and move on to new adventures. Hope everyone enjoys the show!

Emily is delighted to make her debut at the Carlisle Theater. Emily is 13 years old and is in 7th grade at the Janus School. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, archery, and spending time with her friends.

Max is extremely happy to perform their first play at the Carlisle Theater. Max is 9 years old and in fourth grade at Mooreland Elementary School. In their free time, Max likes to do karate, Korean sword fighting, and likes to draw.

Piper has been involved in school productions-theatre, musicals, and choir since elementary school but she doesn't just limit herself to the stage. Piper has been an apprentice to the family business, "The Barefoot Historian & Co." since the beginning--helping with large group historical tours, talking to people about historical fashion and being the official "lady's maid" to her fashion historian/costumer mom. Piper has a tough side too though! She studied fencing (with co-director of A Christmas Carol, RJ) and has found her passion in Civil War reenacting as a soldier (and occasionally as a lady--she can even do historical ballroom dances!).

April returns for her second production with Players on High having performed as Mrs. Winthrop, ensemble and singing voice for Ayah in The Secret Garden. She studied Music Education and Performance at York College of Pennsylvania between 1997 and 2004. April is a 1996 graduate of South Western High School in Hanover, PA where she was heavily involved with the Thespian Society, various theatrical productions, orchestra (violin) and choir. She has sung and danced as an ensemble member in various theatrical and musical productions, her favorite being Brigadoon. April sends out a special” thank you” to her family and friends for their life-long support and encouragement of her in theatre, music and dance. She is also grateful for all the encouragement, support and knowledge instilled in her from all the music and theater instructors she has worked with over the years.

Ellen is delighted to be making her stage debut as Young Fan, a Londoner, and a Fezziwig Party Guest. She is a homeschooled 7th grader who loves to read, run, bake, and also act. She wishes all audience members a very Happy Holidays and hopes they enjoy the show!

Kyle is performing in his first community theater production, playing the roles of Old Joe, London Bobby, Warden, and Fezziwig Party Guest. He is a retired Army Officer, former Personal Fitness Trainer, and currently works in the Futures Lab at the U.S. Army War College. An avid Philadelphia sports enthusiast, he also enjoys reading, running, working out, and co-hosts a podcast, Classics You Slept Through, with his sister. (https://linktr.ee/cystpod)

Simon is onstage for the first time, playing a Schoolboy and Londoner, after a successful starring run in multiple home movies with his brother and sister. He loves to climb, run, play, and be generally very silly, as most 2nd graders do.

William has been doing theatre since he was 15 years old. He has been active in theatre for 24 years. He has been in 2 movies and 1 TV show pilot. He would love to be in a big Hollywood movie one day. When not on stage he loves gaming, cosplaying, and spending time with his son Tobin and nephew Jaxon.

Caroline Edwards is excited to be making her Players on High debut. She is in second grade and this is her 4th full-length production. She has previously done performances of Matilda Jr, The Little Mermaid, The Nutcracker, and various musical reviews. When she is not on stage rehearsing for a show, you can find her behind a piano playing the classics, or in a dance studio learning various dance styles. In her free time, Caroline likes watching musicals, reading books, and building lego sets. Caroline‘s goal is to one day play Veruca Salt in Willy Wonka Jr.

Kimberly is returning to the stage after a whole decade! She graduated in 2013 from Kutztown University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre. Upon graduating, she spent the next few years working for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts entertainment department. She assisted with characters, special events, and performances. Kimberly moved back to PA with her daughter and husband, where she became a “Stage Mom.” She would like to thank her daughter Caroline for asking her to audition because this has been a lot of fun. She hopes to do more shows with her daughter.

John is excited to reprise his role as the narrator in A Steampunk Christmas Carol. John plays the role of the story teller and imaginer, Charles Dickens. Recently retired, John spends his time making distressed wooden American flags, catching up on decades of procrastinated reading and whatever else is on his “Honey Do” list. John is the proud father of five amazing, adult children, and celebrates his 40th wedding anniversary with Laurie after our final performance. John thanks Rick Sheffe for getting him started in Community Theatre, Ashley Byerts for her belief in him and vision casting, Catie MO for her example and support, and for the amazing new friends in the Players on High. Community Theatre fulfills his lifelong dream of storytelling via the performing arts.

Janelle is delighted to return to the stage as Mrs. Cratchit and a Fezziwig party dancer this holiday season. Her family’s love of Christmas runs deep, so she’s excited to help others celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Janelle made her debut as Miss Scarlet in last year’s Players on High production of Clue. She’s a homeschooling mother to her two children and designs hats as The Mystical Milliner in Carlisle. Janelle is incredibly grateful to everyone at the Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center for giving her the opportunity to perform with such a wonderful cast and crew. She’s also thankful to her family for supporting her endeavors and each other as she volunteers her time with the theater.

Ben is excited to reprise his role as Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit. This is Ben’s fourth show at the Carlisle Theatre, following his performances as Mr. Green in Clue and Dr. Sanderson in Harvey. Ben also writes and directs. His short play Pagliacci Justice was selected for the first HACC New Works Festival and performed in 2018. The play has been produced twice more since. Ben is currently working on his next performance as Geoffrey in The Lion in Winter, playing at the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg in January 2022. Ben graduated from Shippensburg University in 2019 with a degree in middle-level education and a minor in theatre. He loves his job as a substitute teacher in the Carlisle Area School District. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Juniper is excited to be making her stage debut as Tiny Tim! She is in kindergarten at Crestview Elementary. She lives in Carlisle with her parents and two dogs, Reese and Toby. Juniper has been watching her dad on stage at the Carlisle Theatre since she was born, and is so happy to be sharing this experience with him!

Michael is glad to be back this holiday season, sharing the stage with his daughter for the first time. He has been performing at the Carlisle Theatre since 2015. In addition, his band, Hall Pass Hero, held two trivia concerts at the theatre this past year. During daylight, he mitigates the movement of the spotted lanternfly. He resides in Carlisle with his wife Megan, 5-year-old daughter Juniper (Tiny Tim), and dogs Toby & Reese.

Tanner is a young, but active member of the acting community. His first show was in the 2021 production of "The Wizard Of Oz" for Big Spring High School. He is in the 7th grade and this will be his third show. Steampunk will be his second production with Players on High. His favorite roles have included being "Colin Craven" in "The Secret Garden", and being a "Flying Monkey" in "The Wizard Of Oz". After his experience on the set of 'The Secret Garden', Tanner knew he wanted a future on the stage. He wants to thank all of the people who encouraged him to continue doing theater and helped him get the courage to start doing it in the first place.

Chris’s third-grade field trip to see The Nutcracker inspired an early love of theatre and music. Throughout his youth he participated in church and school choirs and plays, as well as marching band as a drummer which then led him to his lifelong passion for Civil War reenactment. With experience in music competitions at the county, region and state levels and having gathered theatrical experience in such shows as “ Annie”, “The Music Man” and Godspell”, he is happy to make his Players on High debut. When not on the stage, you can find him in his shop, The Barefoot Historian, with his lovely partner Courtney.

David is excited to make his theater debut playing multiple roles: Caroling/Singing Boy and Ignorance. He is the youngest of four children and is in the 4th grade at LeTort Elementary in Carlisle. In his free time, David enjoys playing video games, playing sports, and being outdoors.

Dave is thrilled to be reprising the role of Scrooge. This is his 9th production at Carlisle Theatre and his 52nd production overall. “It warms my heart to be sharing the stage with so many cast members who are new to theater. I hope you see the same magic in their eyes that I do. If you watch the show and it looks like we are having fun – you’re right! I highly recommend giving it a try – it’s an experience like no other.” Dave has also performed locally at Hershey Area Playhouse, Upstart Arts, Forge Theater, Gettysburg Community Theater, The Micro Theatre at Broadway Tavern, and Lebanon Community Theater. He enjoys competitive ping-pong and is an avid board gamer. Dave studies vocal performance at Roger Lentz Studio.

Bee Love joins Players on High for their role as Martha Cratchit, Fezziwig dancer, Fred party guest, and Londoner. Though this is his first performance at the community theatre, they’ve performed regularly for the Carlisle High School Shakespeare program. She would like to thank her mother for driving them to each rehearsal and to for coming to this performance. Another thanks to Ashley Byerts, our wonderful director, for giving them this wonderful opportunity despite him being new.

Catie celebrates her 43rd year performing on stage. This marks her 4th season with Players on High. She wishes to thank the directors and volunteer crew for all their support and forgiveness! Special shout out to Patience, Deb Cornelius and Erica Gobin. She dedicates this show to Ava McBride – May the power of the season heal her.

Alyanna is a sophomore at Carlisle High School and is simply honored to be playing Belle in Carlisle Theatre’s production of A Steampunk Christmas Carol. Past credits include Peter Cratchit in Christmas Carol (2021), Dirk Vanderflat, Legend of Sleepy Hollow and “Mickie” Mahoney, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Alyanna would like to thank Ashley Schade and RJ Lesch for giving them a chance to play such an amazing character, Greta and Ashley Sheffe, for being their best friends in the world, and all of their family and other friends for always being supportive in everything they do.

Aaron is returning to the Carlisle Theatre and Players on High in his second production after playing the role of Young Ebenezer in last year’s production of A Steampunk Christmas Carol. In his spare time, Aaron loves to play Minecraft, fly RC airplanes, and create model train layouts. In addition, he creates his own youtube videos and can be subscribed to at "Stickfigs Animation and Gaming". He lives in Carlisle with his parents, two sisters, and two cats.

Abby is excited to be a part of her second production on stage with Players on High as the Laundress in A Steampunk Christmas Carol. In her spare time, she enjoys rock climbing and playing video games. Abby would like to thank Ashley Byerts, her family, and everyone in the cast for their support and encouragement throughout the process.

Cathryn is returning to the Carlisle Theatre and Players on High after playing the role of student stage ensemble in The Secret Garden and as Tiny Tim in last year’s production of A Steampunk Christmas Carol. In her spare time, Cathryn loves to sing, dance, play Field Hockey with the Carlisle Sticks, do gymnastics, and play with her friends. She lives in Carlisle with her parents, her sister, her brother, and two cats.

Russ is really excited to participate in his third production with Players on High in a Steampunk Christmas Carol, and for being able to share the stage, for the first time, with his entire family! (Abby, Aaron, and Cathryn on stage and with Amanda behind the scenes!) He was previously seen as Baltus Van Tassel in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and multiple small roles in The Secret Garden with Players on High. Other credits include Doody in Grease for the Wentworth Institute of Technology Theater Troupe, as well as performing in the ensemble for the Regal Players performance of Oklahoma in Waltham, MA. Additional credits include ensemble roles in Godspell, Mame, and The Boy Friend with the Arlington High School Drama Club. He would like to thank his wife Amanda and children Cathryn, Aaron, and Abigail for all of their support.

Elizabeth loves theater, art, dance, and music. She sang, danced, and acted at Gamut Theatre Group in their summer Academy, and appeared in Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet’s production of Balanchine’s The Nutcracker at Whitaker Center and Hershey Theatre. She studied method acting at Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, playing Seagull in The Magic Feather. Elizabeth sings in the Men and Youth Choir at St. John’s Episcopal Church and in the Susquehanna Children’s Chorale (where she was soloist in a performance this fall). Elizabeth is in fifth grade at Mooreland Elementary. She plays piano and saxophone and loves to sing. She is thrilled to debut with Players on High at the Carlisle Theatre!

Hadley is a sophomore at Harrisburg Academy and is excited to be back on stage with the Players on High at the Carlisle Theatre. Some of her recent theatre roles include Mary Lennox, The Secret Garden, Sleepy Hollow Boy 2, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Blanche Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde, Tomika Spencer-Williams, School of Rock, The Ghost of Christmas Past, A Steampunk Christmas Carol (2021), and Anna Warren in Alien8. In her spare time, Hadley enjoys taking voice lessons, baking, playing soccer, and participating in Quiz Bowl competitions. She would like to thank Ashley, RJ, and the cast and crew for their support and dedication.

"Lily" is delighted to be returning in her second year of this production, appearing as both Felicity and Miss Fezziwig. She is 13 years old and attends middle school in Carlisle. Outside of theater, Lily's hobbies include playing the drums, learning basketball, and spending time with family.

Ashley is excited to be returning to the Carlisle Theater in her second production of A Christmas Carol as Sara! The CHS senior is no stranger to performing and has been in many shows before. Highlights include A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Helena, A Christmas Carol as Belle, and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as Katrina. She would like to thank her family and friends, especially Al, for keeping her head on straight these past few months, as well as her amazing directive crew for allowing this show to be as amazing as it is.

A regular with Players on High productions, on stage and off, Rick played Fezziwig in PoH’s 2021 Christmas Carol, Colonel Mustard in Clue, and the Wolf in CTC’s Into the Woods in 2017. He serves as an active member of the PoH Committee, and remains extremely busy on PoH’s many set builds, including this one. Prior to 2017, Rick had an extended (23 year!) hiatus from performing to be husband and Dad, his favorite roles! As a youngster, Rick was very active in theater playing Charlie Brown in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Oscar in The Odd Couple, Prince Chulalongkorn in The King and I, and various ensemble roles in both school, community, and collegiate theater. Rick loves being part of PoH as it provides a unique way of meeting different people in the community and working with such hidden talent!

Ben spent greater than 35 years in the central Pennsylvania area as a family physician. In his retirement years, he has started to get involved in the world of the arts. His participation in A steampunk Christmas Carol marks his second acting experience. He enjoys working with the other cast members from the PLAYERS on High. He also continues to develop his skills on the piano and loves the game of golf.

Aedan is a student at Carlisle High school. This is his first time performing in community theatre, but he has been in other productions at the high school. Last year, he was Leaf Coneybear in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He also performs with CHS Symphonic Band, Chamber Singers, and Wingin’ it. Aedan would like to thank Alyanna Montgomery and Ashley Sheffe for introducing him to community theatre, and he would like to thank his parents for their support through a hectic schedule.

Brian is happy to return to the Carlisle Theatre after traveling all around Central PA performing this year, to play Young Ebeneezer Scrooge. He is also a member of the Cantate Carlisle Chorus for the last 2 years. Favorite Past Performances include playing Tom Collins in Rent (Bare Bones Theatre Ensemble), Wayne Hopkins in Puffs (Keystone Theatrics), Mungojerrie in Cats (Susquehanna Stage Company), and Perch Perkins in The Spongebob Musical (Theatre Harrisburg). He would like to thank his friends, family and the crew for their love, inspiration, and for supporting the arts in Central PA.

Hank would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas (not just Felicity) and is so happy to be in a theater production for the first time. A 5th grader at Bellaire Elementary, he has recently joined the Carlisle Fencing Club and is an avid gamer who is always looking for some adventure in Roblox or Minecraft.

Livy joins her BFF Kit Cat in this production, which is the first time she has ever been on stage. She is in 3rd grade at Bellaire Elementary, and loves to role-play with her friends, snuggle with her pets (Poppy & Flash), make art with her Mama, and build LEGO models with her Daddy.

Rick is thrilled to make his acting debut with the Players on High in a wonderful cast that includes his kids, Hank & Livy. A social studies teacher at Carlisle High School by day, he has found this experience more rewarding than he could have ever hoped for. He would like to thank his wife Tara for all of her love and support. In remembrance of Dad/Opa, who was an amazing singer and loved the performing arts.

Laurel, 5, is thrilled to perform her second Carlisle Players on High production, reprising the role as Tiny Tim. Laurel will make another stage appearance this season as a Little Mouse in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker with the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet at the Hershey Theater. When not dancing or acting, Laurel loves to create art of all kinds. She loves to spend time with her family, especially cuddling and reading. Laurel thanks her dance teacher, Ms. Rose, Director Ashley Shade Byerts, and her parents for giving her the confidence to perform.

Andy is excited to return to the stage in his second production with Players on High! Previously Andy played the role of Duane Wilson in Harvey. He is very happy to be working alongside both familiar and new faces in A Steampunk Christmas Carol. Andy has recently started substitute teaching in Carlisle School District, designing board games, and is expecting to launch a podcast in the new year. Andy would like to give a special thanks to his wife and son for their understanding and dedication to helping him be the artist he's always been.