A Christmas Carol

Thomas Adrian Simpson (Ebenezer Scrooge) is overjoyed to be making his Virginia Repertory Theatre debut with this time-honored classic. Favorite roles include Abraham Lincoln in Mary T. & Lizzy K. and Col. Pickering in My Fair Lady at Arena Stage; Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Noah in 110 In The Shade at Signature Theatre; and Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd at The Olney Theatre Center. Tom is a proud graduate of The North Carolina School of the Arts. A product of the Virginia public school system, Tom dedicates this performance to Fred Franklin, arts educator, who led field trips to professional theatre in Richmond during the 1970’s.

David Janosik (Bob Cratchit) David Janosik is super-stoked to be back on stage for Virginia Rep! Previous productions include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mr. Salt) On Air (Radio Voice), Gold: The Midas Musical (Midas), Knufflebunny (Dad), and Ferdinand the Bull (Ferdinand). He has also performed at several other theaters about town including Swift Creek Mill, Firehouse, Richmond Shakespeare, and many more. He was nominated for a Best Actor Artsie, ranked as one of the top actors of Richmond by Style Weekly, and appeared in American Theatre Magazine. Immeasurable thanks to Lucy, Phoebe and the Lovely-Laurel for their continued love and support.

Katrinah Carol Lewis, she/her, (Mrs. Cratchit/Mrs. Fezziwig) is a multifaceted theatre artist dedicated to creating compelling theatre in service of a more empathetic world. Acting Highlights: Detroit 67**, Berta, Berta* and ..the Great Comet… : Firehouse Theatre; A Doll’s House*: TheatreLAB; A Doll’s House Part 2*, A Raisin in the Sun, Intimate Apparel, The Color Purple: Virginia Rep; Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar…**, The Revolutionists*, Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992*: TheatreLAB; The Mountaintop*: Cadence Theatre; and The Light*: YesAnd!. Katrinah is Associate Artistic Director at Firehouse Theatre, SPARC Faculty, and an Artsie nominee (*) and winner (**). She is deeply grateful to do the work of her heart.

Kylee Márquez-Downie (Ghost of Christmas Past/Caroline) is delighted to be back on the November Stage! Recent credits include Dawn in Waitress (RTCC Award Winner – Best Supporting Performance – Virginia Rep), Pipe in Our Dear Dead Drug Lord, Margot in H*tler’s Tasters (5th Wall Theatre), Lucinda in Into the Woods, Eliante in The School for Lies (RTCC Award Nominee: Best Supporting Actress, Best Ensemble, Best Play), Imogen in Cymbeline, Diana in All’s Well… (Richmond Shakespeare), etc. Kylee holds a BFA in Theatre Performance and minors in MT and Marketing from VCU. She thanks her parents for all their support, and Rick for giving her the chance to fly. She dedicates this performance to Adam Turck and Isoke White. @itsmarqymarq   www.kyleemarquezdownie.com

Calvin Malone, he/him (Young Jacob Marley/Topper, Dance Captain, U/S Young Scrooge/Fred) Calvin is thrilled to be back at the Rep! He recently choreographed The Rocky Horror Show at the Richmond Symphony with RTP. Richmond credits: Waitress, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, 9 to 5 (Virginia Rep); Which Way to the Stage and Head Over Heels (RTCC nom) at Richmond Triangle Players. Regional credits include Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Studio Tenn, Virginia Music Theatre, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Kentucky Repertory Theatre, Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, Toby’s Theatre of Columbia, ATMTC, and more. Special thanks to Rick, Lani and Paul for another collaboration. Much love to his family and loved ones for their unconditional support. As always, this is for Mom <3 @calvinsings

Dorothy Dee-D. Miller (Ghost of Christmas Present/Char Woman)

Joe Pabst, he/him, (Mr. Fezziwig, U/S Ebenezer Scrooge) is excited to spend another holiday season with Virginia Rep. He spent his summer on the November stage as Old Joe in Waitress. Past holiday shows include The Silver Belles (Virginia Rep), The Game’s Afoot – Holmes for the Holidays (Virginia Rep at Hanover Tavern), Christmas on the Rocks (Richmond Triangle Players), and directing A Campy Christmas and The Golden Girls – Lost Episodes: Holiday Edition (both for RTP). He shares his life with his beautiful wife, Debra Wagoner, and their fur family. Best wishes to all this holiday season!

David Ramirez, he/they, (Ned Wilkins/Sailor #1) was born and raised in the Richmond region. He attended VCU where he earned degrees in both Philosophy & Urban Planning. He’s super excited and grateful to be able to work with Virginia Rep again, after performing in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Swing), 9 to 5 (Ensemble, Detective), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Swing) and in Mamma Mia (Ensemble, Harry u/s). David’s other Richmond theatre credits include: Billy Lawlor in 42nd Street at Dogwood Dell and Freddy in Carrie: The Musical with 5th Wall Theatre company.

Benjamin Reed (Fred/Young Scrooge, U/S Bob Cratchit) Benjamin is a former resident company member of the American Shakespeare Center, where he performed more than fifty-six roles over ten seasons. Favorite roles at ASC include Laertes in Hamlet and Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher. Select regional credits include the title roles in Hamlet (Houston Shakespeare Festival) and Macbeth (Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre), as well as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew (Nashville Shakespeare Festival), Ken in Red (Nashville Rep), and Tom in A Few Good Men (Alley Theatre). Benjamin holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Houston and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Patrick Rooney, he/him, (Solicitor # 1/Sailor # 2) is an actor, singer, musician based in Richmond, VA. Previous credits include: Waitress, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty (Virginia Rep); Buried Child, Roman á Clef (Firehouse Theatre); Straight White Men (TheatreLab). Rooney also performs with the Celtic music ensemble, Poisoned Dwarf, as well as the dream-folk band, The Potted Plants. He’d like to express his profound and deep gratitude to his beautiful wife, Claire.

Justine Ryan (Mrs. Fred’s Sister/Beggar Woman/Tilly, U/S Ghost of Christmas Present/Char Woman) is a recent MFA Acting graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has performed in The Winter’s Tale, Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really, and toured with Montana Shakespeare In the Parks. Her credits include RENT, The Royale, and Notre Dame’s Hamlet 50/50. At TheatreSquared, she appeared in Matilda and understudied in School Girls and FLEX. When she is not acting she is a playwright or planning her next episode of  In The Key of Yumm!, or serving as a board member of the LatinX Theatre Project. Ryan also played Ciera Johnson on TV One’s For My Man. She holds a BFA from Bennett College.

Susan Sanford, she/her, (Mrs. Dilber) is thrilled to be spending the holidays telling this timeless tale! Previous roles at VA Rep include Mrs. Hubbard in Murder on the Orient Express, Mrs. Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Annie Wilkes in Misery and Violet in 9 to 5. Other Richmond roles include Big/Little Edie in Grey Gardens at Richmond Triangle Players, Toni in Appropriate with Cadence Theatre and The Witch in Into the Woods with Richmond Shakespeare, all of which garnered her RTCC awards for Best Actress. By day, Susan teaches Theatre and Public Speaking at The Steward School. As always, she is grateful to her husband Foster Solomon and their kids, Willow and Jordan for their love and support.

Nia Simone (Mrs. Fred/Claire, U/S Mrs. Fezziwig) is a recent graduate of the Acting BFA program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her past credits include Angès in The House That Will Not Stand (Jepson Theatre); Lady in Green in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the rainbow is enuf, Eloise in School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, Mayme in Intimate Apparel (VCUMainStage); and Keisha in Fair View (Modlin Center). Nia was also a part of the First Draft and Bagels stage reading of Dainty at Firehouse Theatre and the pop up premiere workshop of Witch Duck. She is thrilled to be making her professional debut at Va Rep and would like to thank Rick Hammerly for giving her this opportunity and most importantly her mother for always believing in her.

Jonathan Spivey, he/him, (Jacob Marley) lives in NYC. First National Tour: Clue, first Professor Plum. Broadway: The Front Page, Act One (Lincoln Center). Off Broadway: Summer and Smoke, Morning’s At Seven, King Of The Jews, Smart Blonde. Virginia Rep: Souvenir, Cyrano…, Anything Goes, The Magic Flute. Regional favorites: Arcadia (Yale), Picasso…Lapin Agile (Long Wharf), Indecent (Denver Center), His Girl Friday (Barrington), Thanksgiving Play (Rep…St. Louis), Milwaukee Rep, Syracuse Stage, Maltz Jupiter, Cape Playhouse, Geva, many more. TV/Film: “The Gilded Age,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Blue Bloods,” “Blacklist,” “East New York,” “WeCrashed,” A Complete Unknown, Paradise. MFA: Old Globe. www.jonathanspivey.com

Kendall Walker, she/her, (Belle, U/S Mrs. Cratchit) works locally as an actor, dramaturg, director, and adjunct professor in the theatre department at Virginia Commonwealth University. Kendall came to Richmond in 2021 to achieve a Master of Fine Arts in Theater Pedagogy & Performance from VCU. She teaches Movement for the Actor at VCU and serves as Community Engagement Manager on staff at Richmond Triangle Players. Local acting credits include Airswimming and 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche (Richmond Triangle Players); Dial M for Murder (Virginia Rep); The Diary of Anne Frank (Swift Creek Mill), and Smoke (Cadence Theater). She is delighted to make her November Stage debut with this holiday classic.

Eddie Webster, he/him, (Solicitor #2, U/S Jacob Marley/Old Joe) is thrilled to spend the holidays back on the November stage!  Most recently seen as Bolkonsky/Andrey in Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Firehouse), some of Eddie’s favorite credits include Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne Frank (SCM), Dick/Tinsworthy in 9 to 5 (VA Rep), Jody in Lonely Planet (5th Wall), Henry Wilcox in The Inheritance (RTP, RTCC nominee – Best Supporting Performance in a Play), and Leo Frank in Parade (JFT). Thanks to Rick for the opportunity, and, as always, thank you to my friends and family for the constant love and support.  Follow Eddie’s adventures at @itseddiewebster.

Elijah Griles (Swing) is thrilled to make his professional theatre debut with Virginia Rep and this incredible cast to tell one of his favorite stories, understudying Topper, Young Jacob Marley and Ned Wilkins. A proud Virginia Tech Hokie and theatre alum, Elijah brings stories to life offstage as the host of Virginia Farm Bureau’s Real Virginia television show, traveling across the Commonwealth to share the story of agriculture. He is beyond grateful to his wife, Jamie, for her constant support and wouldn’t be here without many mentors who have guided him along the way. Enjoy the show, and Merry Christmas!

Mark Persinger, he/him, (Swing) was most recently seen on the November Theatre stage in Murder on the Orient Express. Other shows with Virginia Rep include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, Santa Clues, Mary Poppins, Croaker, Gypsy, South Pacific, My Fair Lady, White Christmas, Guys and Dolls, Seussical, Honk! and She Loves Me. Additional local credits include Gabriel: The Musical with Firehouse Theatre; Shrek: The Musical at The Lynn Theatre; She Stoops to Conquer, The Taming of the Shrew and A Servant of Two Masters with Richmond Shakespeare; and It Shoulda Been You and La Cage aux Folles with RTP. Love to Caryn and Lorelei for their endless support!

Audrey Kate Taylor, she/her (Swing) is thrilled to be spending the holidays with her VA Rep family. She has enjoyed performing in VA Rep shows since she was nine years old, most recently in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. She recently graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Her favorite MSU credits include Violet (Violet) and Bright Star (Alice). She wishes everyone a joyful holiday season filled with music and cheer!

Hannah Zold (Swing) In times not too distant, Hannah devoted over twenty years to the art of performance, gracing stages in children’s shows, grand musicals, and tours far and near. Most recently, she shone as the Evil Stepmother in Richmond Shakespeare’s Into the Woods, proving that wickedness can indeed be quite merry. In this present age, she balances her theatrical pursuits with her beautiful family, and extends heartfelt thanks to her most patient husband, whose steadfast support keeps the curtain ever rising. Exceedingly glad to be “swinging” back at VA Rep, she looks toward a future overflowing with song, dance, and good delight.

Emmett Alley, he/him, (Tiny Tim/Schoolboy) Emmett is super excited to be performing the role of Tiny Tim in his first professional play. He has performed with City Singers Choir for 3 years and has spent many years performing with SPARC in classes and camps. His favorite role was as Hans in Frozen Jr. Raised in the theatre, Emmett loves musicals. His current favorites are Hamilton, Little Shop of Horrors, and Into the Woods. Emmett is a 3rd grader at Chimborazo Elementary and his favorite subjects are Math and Spanish. Outside of performing Emmett plays basketball, takes hip hop dance lessons and builds worlds in Minecraft.

Ethan De Las Casas (Tiny Tim/Schoolboy) Meet Ethan De Las Casas, the seven-year-old ready to light up the stage as Tiny Tim in his acting debut with A Christmas Carol! As a second grader, Ethan is not just about books and numbers. He is a budding artist who loves to paint, sing, and dance his heart out! Ethan’s artistic journey began with “Dancing with Little Stars” at age five and continued through the Virginia Repertory Theatre summer camp. In his free time, Ethan enjoys biking with friends, playing soccer, and swimming.

Kylan Dowdy, he/they/she, (Peter Cratchit/Schoolboy) is thrilled to be back on stage with VA Rep this season as Peter Cratchit. Theater continues to be a magical place of joy and acceptance for Kylan regardless of the size of the stage. Last season they lived the dream, playing Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory here at VA Rep followed by Beetlejuice in the school musical. This upcoming Spring they are excited to play another Peter in Peter and the Starcatcher. They would like to thank everyone who has supported and believed in them as they continue to pursue this dream, including their friends and family, the production staff and teachers at Pine Camp Cultural Arts and Community Center/Albert Hill Middle School, and the wonderful cast and crew here at Virginia Rep.

Jocelyn Enis, she/her, (Martha Cratchit) is thrilled to make her professional theatre debut with Virginia Repertory Theatre! She is a junior at Henrico High School’s Center for the Arts, where she studies Theatre and Musical Theatre and is dance captain of the school’s show choir. Some previous credits include Katalin Hunyak (Chicago), Tybalt (Romeo & Juliet), Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol), and Dance Ensemble (Sister Act). Jocelyn thanks God, her family, her friends, and all her performing arts teachers for their endless love, support, and guidance. She hopes everyone enjoys the show and wishes all a happy holiday!

Jack Esplin (Turkey Boy/Scrooge as a Boy) is thrilled to be making his Virginia Rep debut in this production of A Christmas Carol. His previous credits include Charlie in Willy Wonka, Dodger in Oliver, Gavroche in Les Miserables, Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol, and Tommy in Matilda, all with CharacterWorks Theater here in Richmond. He would like to thank the artistic team for this amazing opportunity and his family for their loving support.

Jack George, he/him (Peter Crachit/Schoolboy) is very excited to make his Virginia Rep debut in A Christmas Carol. He is a current junior at Henrico High School in the Center for the Arts program, specializing in Musical Theatre. Some of Jack’s favorite stage credits include Theo in Pippin (Cadence), Michael in Peter Pan (Richmond Catholic Theatre), and Stokes in Carrie (Cadence). Film credits: The Seaway (Lead). Web credits: Civics Connects Educational Series (Lead). Jack would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support. He hopes you enjoy the show. Happy Holidays!

Farrah Monte (Belinda Cratchit/Schoolgirl) is a creative and energetic 13-year-old performer and proud Army brat who has lived in five states and traveled to 42 states and five countries. Her passion for the performing arts shines through in her love for acting, singing, and playing piano. She also brings discipline and physicality to the stage through her training in taekwondo and gymnastics. With a strong spirit of curiosity and a drive to take on new challenges, she’s always eager to grow as an artist and storyteller.

Shivansh Purohit, he/him,(Turkey Boy/Scrooge as a Boy) is excited to make his VA Repertory Theater debut as Scrooge as a Boy and Turkey Boy, and he is honored to share the stage with such talented cast. Shivansh loves to read fiction and some of his favorites are “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson”. Last year, he visited New York City to watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway and developed a keen interest in theatre craft. He loves being on stage and performing arts. Off stage, Shivansh loves to play the piano and also plays the organ at church. Outside of middle school and his artistic pursuits, Shivansh loves to ski with his little sister and especially enjoys the terrain park.  He is grateful to the VA Repertory Theater team and the directors for this opportunity and all the guidance.

Eleanor Shaw (Fan) is a fifth grader from Richmond, VA and is thrilled to be performing in her first show at Virginia Rep! Eleanor loves to be onstage and has enjoyed participating in dance recitals, school performances, and talent shows in recent years. She is thankful for the support of her family and friends, and can’t wait for them to see her bring Fan to life in A Christmas Carol.

Kyrie Smith, she/her, (Martha Cratchit) Kyrie is thrilled to make her debut with Virginia Repertory Theatre as Martha in A Christmas Carol. Recent credits include Grandma Georgina in Willy Wonka and Children’s Choir in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (both with CharacterWorks), and Morticia in The Addams Family. She is passionate about performing and grateful for the chance to bring this story to life. Thanks to her friends, family, and mentors for their love and support. I hope you enjoy the show and God bless everyone! 

Anna Paul (Belinda Cratchit/Schoolgirl) is excited to be making her stage debut at Virginia Rep in the role of Belinda Cratchit / Schoolgirl.  A 6th grader in RPS, she has always enjoyed performing and has grown up with the Rep as a central focus in her life. In her free time, Anna enjoys singing, reading, biking, and playing the viola / cello / guitar / piano and cuddling with her pups Walter and Alex.  Anna would like to thank her mom, dad, Uncle Joel, Auntie Jess, her best friends Iris, Annie, Josie, and Lela, her grandparents, all her school teachers, and her drama teacher Mrs. Vollmer.

Violet Whitmer, she/her, (Fan) is a third grader from Bon Air. She is very excited to be in her first professional play and follow in her parents’ footsteps at Virginia Rep! Violet loves reading, making music, and playing with her friends. She sends lots of love to her brother Theo and her sister Lulu!

Rick has worked as an award-winning, DC-based actor, director, filmmaker, and arts manager for over three decades.

He received a 2018 Helen Hayes Award for his direction of Lela & Co. and a 2020 Helen Hayes Award nomination for his direction of Agnes of God, both for Factory 449. Other directing credits include Dizzy Miss Lizzie’s Roadside Revue’s The Brontes (New York Musical Theatre Festival), Reykjavik (Rorschach Theatre), Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight (WSC Avant Bard), Driving Miss Daisy featuring Karen Grassle (Riverside Center for the Performing Arts), Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook (Adventure Theatre MTC), Dead Man Walking (American University) and Closet Land (Factory 449).

As an actor, he has performed Off-Broadway and regionally, receiving a Helen Hayes Award for his turn as Hedwig in Signature Theatre’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as well as nominations for his work in Angels in America (Signature Theatre), Me and Jezebel (MetroStage) and Oliver! (Adventure Theatre MTC).

His debut film, signage, which he wrote, directed, and produced, has screened in over 60 film festivals worldwide, receiving 6 film festival awards and was subsequently licensed by MTV’s LOGO Channel.

He is a founder and the current Producing Artistic Director of Factory 449, the recipient of multiple Helen Hayes Awards, including the John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company, and the Executive Director of the Washington Area Performing Arts Video Archive (WAPAVA).

As Virginia Rep’s Artistic Director, he provides leadership of our programming, including our strategic planning processes. He is also our key liaison with the national theatre industry.

804-783-1688 ext. 1262