Chris Carter
(Fred Fitzpatrick)
This is Chris's debut performance. He has dreamed of performing onstage for a long time, so this has been a very exciting and fun experience for him. To finally get an opportunity has been overwhelming to him but at the same time a very humbling experience. Chris has felt very fortunate to work with such talented and funny people. He would like to give a big thank you to the directors for giving him a shot, to his "BFF" Mike Domingo (Solomon) for helping him through the process, and to all his friends and family for their support. "I love you all!!!! Enjoy the show!!!"
Michael Domingo
(Solomon Rothschild)
Michael passed on an opportunity to continue traditionally performing in Theatre Memphis' A Christmas Carol to be with his Playhouse 51 family for a new tradition. He was last seen as Anthony Kirby Jr. in You Can't Take It With You. Other Playhouse 51 performances include A Party to Murder and Rumors. Michael has been onstage at Theatre Memphis and at playhouses in the Pacific Northwest. He currently serves in the U. S. Navy. He would like to thank God, his family, and friends for their continuous support. He sends his love to his fiancé, Traci, and daughter, Harli, and thanks for their love and patience. Special thanks to Dave, Amy, and his best friend Chris "Fred" Carter (Break a leg, bro!). Michael can also be seen as a cop in the film Soul Men and in the upcoming film Losers Take All.
Mike Evans
(Bob Cratchit/Christmas Future)
Mike has been involved in theater for over five years - - all of it with Playhouse 51. He made his debut as Joseph and Bert the Cop in the radio show version of It's a Wonderful Life. He followed that with a “critically” acclaimed performance as Dr. Ernie Cusack in Rumors. His next play was On Golden Pond, where he played Dr. Bill Ray. In Moon Over Buffalo he played attorney Richard Maynard. Mike is a retired Naval Officer who continues to work for the Navy as an operations research analyst. He is currently the Community Relations Director for Playhouse 51. He sings tenor in his church choir, plays guitar at local venues in the group “Just in Case,” and loves to play golf. He is married to Linda and they have four children and four grandchildren.
Jessica Hagewood
(Ghost of Christmas Past,
Fan)
Fan)
Jessica Hagewood was born and raised in Millington. As a child she was in numerous plays and musicals. She works at Applegarth books on Highway 51 in Millington and lives in Shelby Forest with her husband and cat. This is her debut performance with Playhouse 51.
Ken Hippchen
(Ebenezer Scrooge)
Ken has performed in several plays at Playhouse 51, including Barefoot in the Park and It's A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play. He has also performed in other regional theatres in this area, including the Ruffin in Covington and Theatre Memphis, and has been Drama Director at several area churches. He loves playing a variety of characters, but especially mean ones like Potter and Scrooge. (Bah, humbug!)
Rhonda Jones
(Mrs. Cratchet,
Translator)
Translator)
This is Rhonda's fourth production with Playhouse 51. She appeared in It's A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play, Rumors, and You Can't Take It With You. She currently serves on the Playhouse 51 Board of Directors as Finance Director. She wants to thank her family for being absolutely awesome with their support and encouragement. She is very thankful to be part of such a wonderful organization and for all the friends she has made. Merry Christmas, Everyone!
(Mrs. Belenda (Belle) Worthington
Shannon Leonard
Shannon is happy to be back for her second production with Playhouse 51 after appearing in the Odd Couple – Female Version. Her other credits include The House of Blue Leaves and The King and I at Theatre Memphis, Charlotte’s Web and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Germantown Community Theatre, The Match Girl’s Gift at Harrell Theatre, A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur at Chattanooga Theatre Centre, and two independent films. She would like to dedicate her performance to the memory of her grandparents Margaret and Harold Siemer. “Thank you, David and Amy, for allowing me to take part in this unique twist off a classic story and for the respect and encouragement you give to the cast.”
Barry Martin
(Judge Stanchfield R. Pearson
Barry has participated in just about everything involved in putting on a show at Playhouse 51 since its beginning. He is also webmaster for the group's website (playhouse51.com) and is currently the Administrative Director Elect on the Board of Directors. Barry's performances include Barefoot in the Park, The Odd Couple: Female Version, It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play, Opal’s Million Dollar Duck, Rumors, Harvey, and You Can't Take It With You. He is proud of the way Playhouse 51 has grown and happy to have been part of that achievement. Barry lives in Atoka with his wife Cindy, his daughter Bonnie and their two dogs, Ricky and Stinker.
Catherine (Cat) Nass
(Mrs. Dilber)
Born and raised in England, Catherine has moved frequently. Her husband served 20 years in the US Navy, retiring in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Once they had enough of the white fluffy stuff, they moved to Tennessee and started an in-home tea party business called The Silly Cow. Catherine has runway and print modeling experience and did a few skits as a student rep in 1997. She volunteered her love for sewing and making things to Playhouse 51 for this play but then was asked to read a part so the directors could hear a "real" English accent. With the encouragement of her son Garrett, she did and was not only surprised but thrilled when offered the role of Mrs. Dilber. She has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Catherine has a wonderful daughter Samantha, who is expecting her first child in April, and two terrific sons, Kevin and Garrett.
Samuel Smith
Bailiff Mr. Connolly
This is Samuel's third production at Playhouse 51. He appeared in It's A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play and You Can't Take It With You and assisted with accent coaching for A Party to Murder. He has been in school, church, and other productions for many years. He would like to thank God and his family. Last, but not least, Sammy wishes everyone a Merry Christmas . . . and "God bless us, everyone
Paul Williams
Jacob Marley
Paul is 22 years old and appearing in his first production with Playhouse 51. In high school he appeared in four plays and worked on six. His four performances were in Arsenic and Old Lace, It's Hard Being Me, Fools, and And Then There Were None. He loves his family and friends and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.
Melissa Wright
Sara Wainwright
Melissa has acted and directed in various shows with Playhouse 51 since the first season in 2005 and has been involved in theater in various capacities since childhood. She currently serves as the Executive Director Elect for Playhouse 51. She has enjoyed being a part of this fun, non-traditional version of the classic short story. Thanks to my family for their support and to the directors, cast and crew for all of their combined efforts.
Director
David McKay
This is David's first time as a director, so he hopes you enjoy the show. He found his passion for theatre early in elementary school where he played Charlie Brown . He then went on to perform in junior high and high school plays. He has performed in five Playhouse 51 productions and was Stage Manager for Moon Over Buffalo. David extends thanks to Playhouse 51 for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful experience. Oh, yeah, he's still single!
Director
Amy Settle
Amy is a native of Millington and a proud MCHS Trojan. This is her directoral debut for Playhouse 51. She earned her stripes by being part of over 60 productions with Theatre Memphis, Harrell Theatre, Playhouse 51, and Theatreworks working behind the scenes for shows like A Chorus Line, 42nd Street, Cats, Hello Dolly, Mame, La Cage Aux Folles, The Sound of Music, and many more. She has appeared at Theatre Memphis in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Kind & I, A Christmas Carol, Robber Bridegroom, A Little Night Music, and East of the Sun, West of the Moon. She also had roles in several movies shot in Memphis: 21 Grams, 40 Shades of Blue, Zombiez, Chosen, Eat and Streaker. Her favorite role by far was Olive in Playhouse 51's The Odd Couple: Female Version. Her first role ever was Mrs. Dilber in Theatre Memphis' A Christmas Carol so she has now come full circle with Scrooge. She has been a Cub Scout Leader for 15 years for Boy Scouts of America Pack 285. She has served in the Nashoba District, Chickasaw Council as Round Table Commissioner, Eagle Scout Advisor, Day Camp Director, National Day Camp Trainer, Training Staff, Unit Commissioner, and is a proud member of the Order of the Arrow. Amy and her husband Chip celebrate their 25th Wedding Anniversary December 16th. She sends a special thank you to her husband for his unconditional support and encouragement in doing something she never thought she was capable of. This one is for you. Happy 25th, Love!
Stage Manager
Jane Lester
In spite of a serious inner ear problem that nearly ended her career, Jane Lester has been performing a highwire balancing act with the Pokeman and Putter Circus for many years. However, she decided to come in off the road just long enough to Stage Manage our holiday show and spend some time with her family, the Roving Gypsy Lesters of Tipsy County. Although she has struggled on, she is mourning the loss of Fred the Lion at the Memphis Zoo as she always consulted with him on her visits home about the proper care and feeding of circus animals. This one's dedicated to you, Fred! Jane would also like to tell all those who have ever given her a hard time, especially Barry Martin, that she doesn't get mad, she just gets even; and bios are a humbug!
