A Christmas Carol

Thomas Adrian Simpson (Scrooge) Tom happily returns to Virginia Rep and A Christmas Carol after playing Nick/Doug in Come From Away and Scrooge last season. This past spring Tom portrayed John Hancock in 1776 at Ford’s Theatre. Other credits include performances at Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre, the demolished East Wing of the White House and six of the theatres inside the recently shuttered John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, among many others. A proud graduate of UNCSA, UMW, and the Stafford County Virginia Public Schools, Tom dedicates this performance to arts education everywhere for everyone.​

Kylee Márquez-Downie (Christmas Past/Caroline) is absolutely elated to soar above the November stage again! 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), Olive in Pete the Cat (Imagination Stage), Eliante in The School for Lies (RTCC award nominee: Best Supporting Actress, Best Ensemble, Best Play), Lucinda in Into the Woods, 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 family for all their support. This performance, as always, is for Adam and Isoke.

Dorothy Dee-D Miller (Ghost of Christmas Present/Char Woman) An award-winning actress, artisan, intimacy coordinator, and choreographer from Richmond, she is thrilled to return to VA Rep’s A Christmas Carol and is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share in this extraordinary experience. Recently, she made her debut at the iconic 54 Below with her portrayal of the legendary Hattie McDaniel in Hi-Hat Hattie. Other stage credits include Ghost of Christmas Present/Charwoman, A Christmas Carol 2025, award-winning musical BRKLYN (Street Singer), and Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle), along with numerous film and theatrical productions throughout the region. Dee D is especially proud of her award-winning work with Richmond Triangle Players, including How Black Mothers Say I Love You, earning the Artsies Award for Best Supporting Performance in a Play and Best Ensemble Acting and Sugar in Our Wounds, Artsies Award for Best Supporting Actor and Best Play.

David Lyve Watkins, he/him, (Jacob Marley/Old Joe) is excited to be amongst the family of A Christmas Carol! Credits include: Off-Broadway, A Harder They Come: Public Theatre;  Regional: Come from Away: VA Rep (Kevin J/Ali), Gabriel the Musical: Atlas (Ditcher), Me and the Devil: Arkansas Rep (Leroy Jonnie), Detroit 67: Firehouse (Lank). T.V/Film: Voices of Fire: (Netflix), Whitney (Lifetime). David is also an accomplished musician as he is the lead singer of the multi-platinum group Ready for the World! David thanks God, Janine, and Justice for the constant blessings and support to continue gracing these stages!

David Janosik (Bob Cratchit) – David is super-stoked to be back on stage with Virginia Rep and to reprise his role in this production! Previous Virginia Rep credits include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mr. Salt), On Air (Radio Voice), Gold: The Midas Musical (Midas), Knuffle Bunny (Dad), and Ferdinand the Bull (Ferdinand). He has also performed with Swift Creek Mill, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond Shakespeare and many others. He has received recognition through a Best Actor Artsie nomination, was named among Richmond’s Top Actors by Style Weekly, and was featured in American Theatre Magazine. He would like to thank Rick for this opportunity, and his Lovely-Laurel for her continued love and support. His performances are dedicated to the loving memory of Joan Maughan. We love you, Lola.

Alia Bisharat Glidden (Mrs. Cratchit/Mrs. Fezziwig) –  Alia Bisharat Glidden is a native of Richmond and returned in 2018 after a nearly nine year stint in NYC.  Her VA Rep credits include Come From Away (Beverley & Others, RTCC winner), 9 to 5 (Judy Bernly, RTCC Nomination), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Mrs. Bucket), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy), Bus Stop (Cherie), Cinderella (U/S Stepmother & Fairy Godmother). NYC/Regional credits include Good Morning America (NYC), Bethlehem on Broadway (NYC), The Days of 98’ Show (Skagway, AK). You can find Alia running around with her kids or helping amazing folks buy and sell houses. Alia would like to thank her family for all their love and support, especially her amazing husband Jimmy, who is chasing their beautiful children so she can participate in today’s performance.  I love you all so much! Always and forever, Free Palestine. James 1:17  Insta: @alia_bisharat_glidden

Aaron Thomas Moore, he/him, (Fred/Young Scrooge, U/S Bob Cratchit) is a director, choreographer, singer, actor, and educator. He holds a Master’s in Theatre from Regent University and a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Valdosta State University. Aaron has had an exciting theatre career spanning from theatre education, sailing the seas performing, regional work directing and choreographing, as well as working as Production Manager at Riverside Center in Fredericksburg, VA. Recent credits include Director/Choreographer of Shrek the Musical TYA (Riverside Center), Come From Away (Virginia Rep), Director/Choreographer of Mary Poppins (Chipla College), and Principal Vocalist onboard Norwegian Cruise Lines. Aaron is grateful to his family and friends for their love and continued support along the journey. aaronthomasmoore.com @aaronthomasmoore

Emelie Faith Thompson, she/her, (Mrs. Fred/Claire, U/S Mrs. Fezziwig, Dance Captain) is thrilled to be back at the Rep! Audiences may remember her from Waitress (Jenna) and Come From Away (Bonnie & others), as well as Curious Incident (Siobhan) and MAMMA MIA! (Donna). Her regional credits include Countess Lily in Anastasia (Virginia Musical Theatre), Mother in Ragtime (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), and Reno in Anything Goes (Barter Theatre). Off-Broadway: Night Games and A.A. Milne’s The Ugly Duckling (Marvell Repertory Theatre). National tours: A Christmas Carol and Miracle on 34th Street.  Emelie is especially delighted to be performing alongside her children, Violet and Theo, for the first time! IG: @emeliefaiththompson.

James Scales (Fezziwig/ US Scrooge) is delighted to return to Virginia Rep following last summer’s Come From Away (RTCC award–Best Musical). He is the business manager of UVA’s Drama Department and has been acting in the Charlottesville area for thirty years. Favorite shows include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, My Fair Lady, Gypsy, Carousel, Sweeney Todd, 1776, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story, Middletown (Virginia Theatre Festival); Stage Kiss, Uncle Vanya, Violet, Follies (Live Arts). James hosts a weekly radio show on WTJU devoted to musical theatre. A figgy pudding to Kate, Ash, and Atlas for their invaluable support.

Jianna Hurt (Clara/Beggar Woman/Tilly, U/S Ghost of Christmas Present/Char Woman) is so excited to be a part of the cast of A Christmas Carol. Some of their theatre credits include: Sara U/S in Confederates (Firehouse), Hannah/Janice Swing in Come From Away (Virginia Rep) ,  Wanda/Tina Turner in Beehive: The 60s Musical (RTCC nominee for Best Supporting Performance)(Virginia Rep), Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Richmond Shakespeare),  Delia u/s Gabriel (Atlas Partnership), Lead Shirelle in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Regional Theatre of the Palouse), and Ti Moune in Once On This Island (The Lynn Theatre at Brightpoint Community College). They thank the whole production and you!. 

Matt Shofner (Topper/Young Jacob Marley, U/S Fred/Young Scrooge) is a performing artist, director, and producer who has been fortunate to play in theatres throughout Richmond, NYC, Japan, and other random places including a canyon and the open sea. Some favorite stage roles include Dennis/Perkins (The Play That Goes Wrong, VA Rep), Willy Wonka (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, VA Rep), Jeff (Which Way to the Stage, RTP), Hedwig (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, TheatreLAB), Bobby Strong (Urinetown: The Musical, TheatreLAB), Aldolpho (The Drowsy Chaperone, Swift Creek Mill Theatre), and a handful of classic characters on Disney Cruise Line. Directing credits include Venus In Fur, Significant Other (TheatreLAB), Urinetown (SPARC), and the upcoming summer production of Avenue Q at Richmond Triangle Players. Matt is a graduate of VCU Arts and a co-founder and current Executive Director of Yes, And! Theatrical Company (@yesandrva). 

Susan Sanford, she/her, (Mrs. Dilber) is thrilled to be returning to this classic story for the second year. Previous roles at VA-Rep include Sarah in Little Bear Ridge Road, Beulah in Come From Away and Mrs. Hubbard in Murder on the Orient Express. Susan has also worked with many other theatre companies in 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. All love and gratitude to her husband, Foster and her two kids, Jordan and Willow. Proud AEA member since 2004.

Kendall Walker, she/her, (Belle, U/S Mrs. Cratchit) works as an actor, dramaturg, director, and educator, earning her MFA in Theater Pedagogy & Performance from VCU in 2023. In the past year she was seen as Witch #3 in Macbeth (Richmond Shakespeare), as Bobbi in The Three O’Clock Briefing (Richmond Triangle Players), as Rosalind in As You Like It (Richmond Shakespeare), as Creator/Performer in FIVE: A Ritual for What Remains (Dragonfly Physical Theatre), and as Carmilla in Carmilla (Richmond Triangle Players). She is thrilled to return to the world of A Christmas Carol once again!

David Ramirez,  he/they (Ned Wilkins/Sailor #1) is extremely excited for the opportunity to reprise the role of Ned Wilkins, and to help tell this very special story on the November Stage through yet another holiday season with an exceptional group of artists. Select Credits include: Come From Away (Swing, VA Rep), Waitress (Ensemble, VA Rep), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Swing, VA Rep), 9 to 5 (Ensemble, VA Rep), Mamma Mia (Ensemble/Harry u/s, VA Rep), Carrie the Musical (Freddy, 5th Wall) – David is a devout Localist, especially as a Richmond Native. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy & B.S. in Urban Planning from VCU, and considers it a privilege to work for such a beloved Richmond institution like Virginia Rep.

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.

Eddie Webster, he/him, (Solicitor #2, U/S Jacob Marley/Old Joe) is delighted to be back for another holiday season on the November stage. Most recently seen as Kevin T. in Come From Away, Eddie’s credits include Macbeth (Richmond Shakespeare), Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 (Firehouse), The Diary of Anne Frank (SCM), 9 to 5 (Virginia Rep), Lonely Planet (5th Wall), Head Over Heels (RTP), The Inheritance (RTP, RTCC nominee – Best Supporting Performance in a Play), Grey Gardens (RTP), 1776 (Virginia Rep), and Parade (JFT). Thank you to Rick for the opportunity and thank you to my friends and family for the love. @itseddiewebster

Bianca Bryan, she/her (Swing) After 17 years in NYC, she now happily calls Richmond home, y’all. You may know her voice long before her face—whether she’s saying “Support for VPM…” on 88.9 or shouting “Have Funn, Go Nuts!” as the PA Announcer for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Now a full-time audiobook narrator with a national voiceover career, her first love remains the stage. Roles include Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Lockstock (Urinetown), Patrick Henry (Remember The Ladies! A Women’s Liberty Or Death Reenactment), December (After December), Emily (Wings), Petruchio (Taming Of The Shrew), Yitzhak (Hedwig And The Angry Inch), Sarah Jane Moore (Assassins), and Rose (Caroline, Or Change). She is a two-time RTCC Best Actress winner with 10 nominations. MFA Brooklyn College, BM Manhattan School of Music. Love to my fam, parents, and she hopes that everyone finds joy this holiday season.

Anna Longenecker, she/her, (Swing) – is thrilled to make her Virginia Rep debut with this magical show! Previous credits include Frankenstein (Richmond Shakespeare), Tomás and the Library Lady (Imagination Stage), Galileo (PlayMakers Repertory Company), and Aladdin – Dual Language Edition (Creative Cauldron). Anna previously completed a year-long Artist Residency with English Musicals Korea in Paju, South Korea, and has choreographed numerous productions in the DMV area. She is currently completing her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance and Pedagogy at VCU. Keep arts in schools!

Mark Persinger he/him, Swing (Fezziwig/Solicitors/Sailors) is thrilled to join the cast of A Christmas Carol again this year. Other shows with Virginia Rep include Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Beautiful, The Carole 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 Richmond Triangle Players. Love to Caryn and Lorelei for their endless support!

Austin Rose, he/him, (Swing) is a NYC based actor, singer, and recording artist with a limitless passion for their art. Regional credits include Jersey Boys (Nick Devito), Legally Blonde (Nikos Argitakos), Children of Eden (Seth/Shem), 42nd Street (Pat Denning), Christmas Carol (Young Ebenezer), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), and Nevermore (Player 1). Austin is the proud owner of a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University. Additionally, Austin has written, recorded, and produced their own pop album titled “Self-Employed” available to stream on all streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

Emmett Alley he/him, (Tiny Tim) Emmett is super excited to be returning to perform the role of Tiny Tim. He has performed with City Singers Choir for four 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, & Chicago. Emmett is a 4th grader and his favorite subjects are Math and History. Outside of performing Emmett likes playing basketball & football, takes Hip Hop Dance lessons & loves everything Marvel. Emmett will be performing in the VCU’s production of “Merrily We Roll Along” as Frank Jr.

Darren Coston, he/him, (Turkey Boy, Scrooge as a boy) Darren is thrilled and grateful to be in his first professional performance. He has performed with Character Works Theater for 5 years and has recently wrapped up a run of Disney’s Aladdin. His favorite role so far has been Oliver in Oliver! Darren is an 8th grader in Hanover County. He would like to thank the artistic team for this opportunity and his friends and family for their support. Jeremiah 29:11

Kylan Dowdy, he/they/she, (Peter Cratchit) is thrilled to be back on stage with Va Rep this season again as Peter Cratchit. As a freshman at Appomattox Regional Governors School this year, theater continues to be a magical place of joy and acceptance for Kylan regardless of the size of the stage. They are grateful to their mentors and cast mates along the way at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, Albert Hill Middle, and here at Virginia Rep. From the innocence of Charlie Bucket to the mischief of Lawrence (Beetlejuice) to the dreams of Peter Pan, Kylan loves discovering more of themselves with each new production.

Jocelyn Enis, she/her, (Martha Cratchit) is thrilled to return to Virginia Rep in A Christmas Carol! She’s a senior at Henrico High School’s Center for the Arts, where she studies Musical Theatre and Theatre. Some of her recent credits include Chris Gorman in Rumors, Mary Girard in The Insanity of Mary Girard, Hermes in Hadestown: Teen Edition and Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. She’s also heavily involved in her school’s Show Choir and the arts at her church. Jocelyn thanks God for this opportunity to spread some holiday cheer and hopes you enjoy the show!

Na’Zyia Espana (Belinda Cratchit/Schoolgirl) Na’Zyia is a bubbly, fun-loving 14-year-old who loves making people laugh and bringing joy to those around her. She has enjoyed participating in plays and singing at her church, and she is excited to continue growing her love for performing. She would like to thank her parents, grandmother, aunt, and everyone who has encouraged and supported her along the way. A special thank-you to Virginia Rep for this wonderful opportunity. She is so excited to be part of this production! This is just the beginning!

Sylvia Hogan (Belinda Cratchit/Schoolgirl) is thrilled to make her Virginia Repertory Theatre debut in A Christmas Carol! An 8th grader, Sylvia has performed in nine theatrical productions and continues to pursue her passion for the performing arts. She embraces every opportunity to grow as an actress, explore new characters, and bring stories to life. Beyond the stage, Sylvia enjoys creative writing, script development, animation, illustration, singing, playing piano and violin, and reading. She is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented cast and creative team and looks forward to sharing this beloved holiday classic with audiences!

Andrew Langley, he/him, (Turkey Boy/Scrooge as a Boy) is excited to make his professional debut at Virginia Rep! He is no stranger to the stage however, with acting credits such as Dewey in When Bad Things Happen to Good Actors, Kyle in Legally Blonde Jr. and The Candy Man from Wonka Jr. just to name his faves. Andrew has spent three summers with SPARC. For fun, he likes to play video games and pickleball. Andrew would like to thank Mom, Dad and Carter for supporting him.

Destin Scott (Peter Cratchit/Schoolboy) he/him, is ecstatic to be given this opportunity. He is a ninth grader and an academic standout. His favorite subject is English. He serves with the Choir, Mime Ministry and Drama Ministry at Cedar Street Baptist Church, where he’s a faithful member. Destin is fourteen years old. He’s attended SPARC, Character Works and Expressions RVA. He has performed in Virginia Rep, The Emperor’s New Clothes (Flannel), Hypocrite the Musical (Will), Annie (Frick), Matilda (Bruce), and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Charlie Bucket). Destin wholeheartedly loves singing and theatre. His favorite, and most admired artist is the late-great, Aretha Franklin. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, quality time with his family and playing The Sims 4. Destin is always grateful for his family and friends unwavering support. 

Eleanor Shaw (Fan) is thrilled to return to the November Theater stage this year! In addition to her Virginia Rep debut as Fan in 2025’s A Christmas Carol, Eleanor has loved performing in dance recitals, school performances, and summer productions with local theater organizations like SPARC and Cadence. She is thankful for the support of her family, friends, and fellow cast members, and is excited to celebrate another holiday season with Virginia Rep.

Kyrie Smith, she/her, (Martha Cratchit) Kyrie is so excited to be back at the Virginia Rep to reprise her role as Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol. Recent credits include Cheshire Cat in Alice and Wonderland and Grandma Georgina in Willy Wonka (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!

Theo Whitmer, he/him, (Tiny Tim/Schoolboy) is a first grader from Bon Air. He is very excited to be making his professional debut alongside his mom and big sister! Theo loves reading, drawing, and playing with his friends and sisters.

Violet Whitmer, she/her, (Fan) is a fourth grader from Bon Air. She is very excited to return to A Christmas Carol for a second year, this time with her mom and little brother! Violet loves writing music, playing soccer, reading, and participating in her school choir. 

Rick has worked as an award-winning actor, director, filmmaker, and arts manager with more than three decades of experience, formerly based in Washington, DC.

Since relocating to Richmond and joining the leadership team at Virginia Repertory Theatre, he has directed Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (for which he received an RTCC Award for Best Direction of a Musical), Murder on the Orient Express, Waitress, Misery, Martha Mitchell Calling, After December, adapted and directed VA Rep’s A Christmas Carol, Come From Away, and Little Bear Ridge Road.

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