A Christmas Carol 2025

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.​

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.

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 (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.

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) 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.

Joe Pabst (Clay & Others) has been directing and performing in the Richmond Theatre Community for more than 35 years. Over the holidays, he played Mr. Fezziwig in Virginia Rep’s A Christmas Carol, and directed The Golden Girls: Lost Episodes – Holiday Edition for Richmond Triangle Players. He also played Old Joe in Waitress last summer at Virginia Rep. Other recent directing work includes The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) for Richmond Shakespeare, for which his cast received the Richmond Theatre Community Circle award for Best Ensemble. He shares his life with his beautiful wife, Debra Wagoner, and their fur family.

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.

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 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.

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 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!

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

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 (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!

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) 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.

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) 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!

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 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!

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 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