CHARACTERS AND PLAYERS
(in their familial order)

THE SCROOGES
DAVID COFFEE* as EBENEZER SCROOGE, a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner. MICHAEL KAYNE* as YOUNG SCROOGE, a clever chap, bright of face and filled with great potential, (also Christmas Future). ADAM MONLEY* as FRED, handsome nephew of old Scrooge, with a cheerful voice and a sparkling laugh. JENNIFER D. GOODE* as MEG, Fred's bride, very pretty with a dimpled, surprised look. CARRIE SPECKSGOOR as BELLE, Young Scrooge's betrothed, a fair maiden, beaming and loveable. SAMANTHA ROSE GOOBER as FAN, Scrooge's sister, brim full of glee.

THE CRATCHITS
MICHAEL ARDEN* as NARRATOR , the teller of this ghostly tale. EVAN PAPPAS* as BOB CRATCHIT, a clerk in the service of Ebenezer Scrooge and the loving father of a fine family. MAUREEN BRENNAN* as MRS. CRATCHIT, Bob's wife, poor in possessions but rich in family, (also Christmas Past). EMMA BARBIN as MARTHA CRATCHIT, oldest of the Cratchit daughters, (also Christmas Past's attendant). MILES HARTFELDER as PETER CRATCHIT, poor but gallantly attired. LAUREL McGOFF as BELINDA CRATCHIT, second of the Cratchit daughters. GWYN HIGGINS as TINY TIM CRATCHIT, thoughtful and brave with his little crutch and his goodly heart (also Little Ebenezer).

THE SPIRITS
TOM STAGGS* as JACOB MARLEY, Scrooge's first and only business partner; dead as a doornail. MAUREEN BRENNAN* as THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST, the first of the three spirits, a strange figure-resplendent in stars, (also Mrs. Cratchit). GEORGE DVORSKY* as THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT, a jolly giant, glorious to behold, (also Gentleman 1). MICHAEL KAYNE as THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME, Scrooge's nightmare of himself as a young man, (also Young Scrooge). KATHY MEYER*, ROB FLEBBE* and STANLEY SILVERMAN (violin), as PEARLIES, acrobatic street entertainers who perform for donations to help London's poor. One is a violinist who accents many scenes with underscoring. Pearlies long topcoats were typically covered with pearl buttons, hence the name. In our story, they help the narrator tell the tale by becoming timeless characters who attend the Spirits and help move the action of the play.

THE FEZZIWIGS
WAYNE W. PRETLOW* as MR. FEZZIWIG, voluminous in his great jovial benevolence, (Gentleman 2). CHERYL McMAHON* as MRS. FEZZIWIG, one vast substantial smile, (also Mrs. Dilber).

REVELERS, TOWNSFOLK, PARASITES & OTHERS
CHERYL McMAHON* as MRS. DILBER, Scrooge's housekeeper and therefore a Christian martyr. EDWARD M. BARKER as JOE miller, keeper of the Beetling shop and Poulterer. GEORGE DVORSKY* and WAYNE W. PRETLOW* as GENTLEMAN 1 and GENTLEMAN 2, prosperous London merchants, one portly and one thin. PATRICK BECKMAN and ANTHONY SABATINI as TURKEY BOYS, a couple of poor street urchins. ADAM SOUZA as DICK WILKINS, Scrooge's childhood friend, who died young. Tory Bradlee, Cassandra Chin, Josh Segal and Emily Sheenan as IGNORANCE & WANT, sad stricken things. CÁitlÍn Burke, Jordan Bluth, Andrea Clair, ADAM SOUZA and KELLY BUCK as CAROLERS & BELL RINGERS. Edie Shipley, as REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST. LAURIE SILIPIGNO* as ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER. KATHY MEYER* as DANCE CAPTAIN. TRICIA CRAIG as ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER. Maureen Boudrow and Jolanta Sudbay as ASL INTERPRETERS.

Special Thanks to New York University, Kate Erin Gibson, Professor William Wesbrooks, Dr. Lawrence Ferrara, Matt Castle, Gagnon Shoe Repair, Bethany Berg.

MUSICIANS
JANET GLAZENER ROMA as MUSICAL DIRECTOR and playing KEYBOARDS and STANLEY SILVERMAN playing VIOLIN, (also a Pearlie). ERNEST SOLA III playing WOODWINDS. WALTER BOSTIAN playing TROMBONE. JAY DALY playing CORNET. ALYSSA COFFEY playing FRENCH HORN. JOHN BUMSTEAD playing CELLO. JOSEPH HIGGINS playing BASS. VIRGINIA CRUMB playing HARP. REBECCA WHITE also playing KEYBOARD.

* Member, Actors Equity Association

Scenic Designer HOWARD C. JONES
Costume Designer JAY WOODS
Lighting Designer JACK MEHLER
Sound Designer JOHN A. STONE               
Wig Designer GERARD KELLY
Special Effects Designer MICHAEL GOUDZWAARD
Production Stage Manager ERIK E. HEDBLOM
Assistant Director CASEY HUSHION
Assistant Choreographer KATHY MEYER
Music Director JANET GLAZENER ROMA
Directed and Choreographed by GREG GANAKAS

WHO'S WHO IN THE CAST

David Coffee (Ebenezer Scrooge). With NSMT: The Wizard of Oz, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol '92-'02, Phantom '92, '94,  Singin' In the Rain, Grand Hotel, Brigadoon, South Pacific, Evita, Good News!, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Will Rogers Follies, West Side Story '95, '03 Crazy For You, La Cage aux Folles, The Music Man and 42nd Street. Elsewhere: During the recent run of West Side Story, David celebrated his 35th year of acting. After earning his MFA from Texas Christian University, David embarked upon ten years of touring (for seven of those ten years, he appeared as the "perfesser"/ conductor for "Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Concert Band"). Over the past 12 seasons, David has become known as a "New England Tradition" for his portrayal of Scrooge at NSMT. In addition to his work at NSMT, David has been welcomed by audiences at Casa Mañana, the Granbury Opera House, the Goodspeed Opera House, the American Musical Theatre of San Jose, Stages St. Louis, and the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. For more information, community-2.webtv.net/DavidCoffee/THEDAVID
COFFEEWEB. "Happy Holidays to all!"

George Dvorsky (The Ghost of Christmas Present, Gentleman 1). With NSMT: The Wizard of Oz, Secret Garden, 1776, My One and Only, Damn Yankees, Oklahoma!, Brigadoon, On the Town, Grand Night for Singing and 11 years as the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol. Elsewhere: George Dvorsky is glad to be back at North Shore Music Theatre after starring in La Cage aux Folles directed by NSMT's Barry Ivan. In the past year George traveled the country doing concerts, playing his favorite role of Georg in She Loves Me and playing Colonel David Gold in the new musical Suddenly Hope at Denver's Civic Theater. Broadway highlights include the title role in The Scarlet Pimpernel and Henry Spofford in the revival of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Off-Broadway credits include Pete Bartel in Pete 'N' Keely, Dames at Sea and And the World Goes Round.  His solo CD, In the Still of the Night, is available on JAY Records. For more information, go to www.georgedvorsky.com.

Michael Arden (Narrator). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Broadway: Roundabout/ Deaf West's Big River (Tom Sawyer), pre-Broadway workshop of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's The Vampire Lestat (Louis). Regional: Donald Marguiles' God of Vengeance, Where's Charley?, Falsettoland (all at Williamstown Theater Festival), Tom Jones' Harold and Maude, West Side Story, Songs for a New World, The Common Pursuit, As You Like It, The Winter's Tale. Training: Interlochen, The Juilliard School (Drama). Michael is a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. An all-star concert of his new musical Easter Rising will be performed January 25 at Makor in New York City. "TYFEC!"

Maureen Brennan (Mrs. Cratchit/Ghost of Christmas Past). With NSMT: A Christmas Carol '99-'02, Show Boat, My Fair Lady, Penelope. Elsewhere: Maureen has appeared on Broadway in Candide (Tony nomination and Theatre World Award), Going Up, Knickerbocker Holiday, Little Johnny Jones and Stardust. She toured nationally as Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. Regional credits include favorite roles in You Can't Take It With You, Annie Get Your Gun, She Loves Me, Carousel, 42nd Street and I Do, I Do. She has been a featured soloist with many symphony orchestras, including the Boston Pops, Baltimore, Detroit, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Hartford Symphonies. Ms. Brennan can also be heard on the soundtrack recordings of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Last June she played a supporting role in Bel Canto at Wheelock Family Theater, which she originally created at the Sundance Theatre Institute. She is a member of the Theater faculty at Boston Conservatory. Currently, Ms. Brennan conceived and is producing with her partner, Michel Allosso, Sunrise, Sunset-The Songs of Sheldon Harnick. It just completed performances at Jewish Theatre of New England.

Tom Staggs (Jacob Marley) With NSMT: Fiddler on the Roof, A Christmas Carol '99-'02. Elsewhere: Tom is happy to be returning to North Shore again as Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol. NY credits include Solyóny in Three Sisters; Ford Prefect in Don't Panic with Reverie Productions; Don Juan in Dom Juan and Ralph VanDyke in The Woman at The Metropolitan Playhouse; Quince in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cloten in Cymbeline and Mordred in The Death of King Arthur (world premiere) with Gorilla Rep. Other New York appearances include Lovborg in Hedda Gabler, The Doctor in Woyzcek and Jeff in Brigadoon. For television, "Manhattan Crawl," pilot (Stella Nova Productions). Short films include "Es Verdad" and "The Physicists." Tom trained at the University of Illinois and at Drama
Studio London.

Michael Kayne (Young Scrooge, The Ghost of Christmas Future). With NSMT: A Christmas Carol '97-'00, '02. Elsewhere: Michael has performed in the Broadway workshop of Hoopz (choreographed by Savion Glover), The World of Nick Adams (Lincoln Center with Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Newman and Meryl Streep), Brigadoon, Annie Warbucks, The Sound of Music and The Trial of Mrs. Surratt (world premiere). A graduate of NYU, where he performed in Brigadoon, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar and Carousel, Michael is proud to be returning for Christmas at NSMT. Michael is also writing the book for Greg Ganakas' production of the Omaha Symphony Holiday Fanfare. "Many thanks to my family, Greg, the town of Schroon, and of course, Carrie."

Cheryl McMahon (Mrs. Dilbur, Mrs. Fezziwig). With NSMT: A Christmas Carol '89, '91-'93, '95-'02, Sweeney Todd, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Alice in Wonderland, The Student Prince. Elsewhere: Cheryl is indeed privileged and delighted to be appearing in NSMT's A Christmas Carol for a 13th year. Among other credits, Lend Me a Tenor and Beyond Belief (Lyric Stage), Misery (American Stage Festival), Marty (Huntington Theatre), Anne of Green Gables (Wheelock Family Theater) and Cabaret (Cambridge Theatre Co. at the Hasty Pudding). Cheryl has appeared throughout New England in the musical tribute to motherhood, Been There, Done That, Can I Get Directions?, which she co-wrote with actress/pals Sarah DeLima and Leigh Barrett.  Cheryl can also be seen as the murderously minded maid, Mrs. White, in the Parker Brother's video game versions of "Clue."

Evan Pappas (Bob Cratchit). With NSMT: On the Town. Elsewhere: Broadway credits include The Observer in Putting It Together opposite Carol Burnett, Britt Craig in Parade, Benjy in My Favorite Year, Paul in A Chorus Line. Off-Broadway: The Immigrant, I Can Get It For You Wholesale (Outer Critics Best Actor nomination), Pera Palas, The Wound of Love. London's West End: Follies, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday with Sondheim. Regionally: Lucky Stiff (Helen Hayes Award for Best Actor), Falsettos directed by Graziella Danielle (Hartford Stage), The Canterbury Tales (Guthrie Theatre), Marty (Huntington Theatre), The Heidi Chronicles, False Admissions, Cheap Sentiment, Lend Me A Tenor, Boy Meets Girl, Promises, Promises. Tours: Durante (L.A. Dramalogue Award), Dreamgirls, Jesus Christ Superstar. Television: "Ghost of a Chance," "Another World," "One Life To Live," "All My Children," "Guiding Light" and numerous commercials.

Adam Monley (Fred). With NSMT: Mame, A Little Night Music. Elsewhere: Broadway credits include Mamma Mia (original cast, Sky u/s) and South Pacific at Lincoln Center. Off-Broadway credits include A Gingerbread House (Harley) at Playwright's Horizon. Regional credits include Romeo and Bernadette (Romeo) at Paper Mill Playhouse and Coconut Grove, The Baker's Wife (Dominique) at Goodspeed. His television credits include a brief turn as Tristan on "All My Children." He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music. "Much love and thanks to my family."

Wayne W. Pretlow (Mr. Fezziwig, Gentleman 2). With NSMT: Memphis, The Music Man. Elsewhere: Wayne has been seen on Broadway as Exter Thomas in The Civil War and in A Christmas Carol at NY's Madison Square Garden. He was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for his portrayal of Nicely Nicely in Guys and Dolls at Arena Stage. Other favorite regional theatre roles include Tick in Great White Hope, Marcelus Washburn in The Music Man, Bobby in Memphis here at North Shore and Big Moe in Five Guys Named Moe. Concert-goers have seen Wayne performing at New York's City Center, Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.  He has recently been seen on television co-starring on episodes of "The Sopranos," "Law & Order: SVU," "Late Night with David Letterman," "The Chris Rock Show" and "Next Stop Wonderland." 

Rob Flebbe (Pearlie). With NSMT: Cats. Elsewhere: Rob could not be happier to be back with the NSMT family. Other shows include Pirates of Penzance (Frederic), Hello, Dolly! (Barnaby), The Sound of Music (Rolf), Singin' in the Rain (Cosmo), Chicago, Damn Yankees, Scrooge, West Side Story (national tour) and the New York Metropolitan Opera production of War and Peace. Rob is also featured in the national commercial for the new DVD version of "Trivial Pursuit" which is currently airing. "May we all enjoy a peaceful holiday season filled with the light of Truth."

Kathy Meyer (Pearlie, Assistant Choreographer, Dance Captain). With NSMT: West Side Story, Cats, Mame, Chicago, Footloose, Carousel, Sweet Charity, Grease, Victor/Victoria, Kismet, A Christmas Carol ('96, '98-'02), West Side Story '95, '03, 42nd Street. Elsewhere: Kathy most recently completed performing in West Side Story as Anybodys. Her favorite roles include Kathy in Company, Louise in Carousel and Anybodys in West Side Story. She is honored to be part of the 15th anniversary production of A Christmas Carol. Earlier this summer she choreographed the premiere of Ragtime: School Edition for NSMT's Education Department. After the holidays, she will be assisting director/choreographer Barry Ivan on Miss Saigon in Akron, Ohio. "Love and thanks to Greg, Casey and Vonnie."

Edward M. Barker (Joe). With NSMT: Memphis, Ragtime. Elsewhere: Millenium Man (w/Andre De Shields), It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues (Mississippi), Parade (Jim Conley), Side Show (The Boss), Art (Yvan), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Adrian), The Complete Works...(Daniel), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas, Jesus), Floyd Collins (Reporter #2), Pippin (Leading Player), A New Brain (The Minister), Man of La Mancha (Sancho), Evita (Che). This marks Edward's seventh different production of A Christmas Carol. "Thanks to Greg, John and Jon for this opportunity."

Jordan Bluth (Caroler/ Bells). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Jordan is pleased to be making his first appearance with NSMT. He is currently pursuing a BM in vocal performance at Indiana University, where he has had the pleasure of portraying the role of Archibald Craven from The Secret Garden last July under the direction of Greg Ganakas.  Jordan has also played the roles of Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls and Emile De Beque in South Pacific.

Andrea Clair (Caroler/ Bells). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Andrea is currently a senior majoring in vocal performance at NYU. She was most recently seen in Craig Carnelia's musical play Three Postcards (K.C.), put on by a student-run organization in the Steinhardt School of Education.  This fall she performed in the workshop production of God Lives In Glass at the Provincetown Playhouse. Andrea is thrilled to be a part of this magical production. "Thanks to all involved in A Christmas Carol for giving me this opportunity."

Cáitlín Burke (Caroler/ Bells). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Cáitlín is happy to be working at NSMT for the first time, and again with Greg Ganakas after working with him this summer on The Secret Garden. Other credits include Master Class at Meadow Brooke Theatre, West Side Story, Into The Woods, Tony and Tina's Wedding, Rock 'N' Roll Lysistrata and Cosí fan tutte. Film credits include industrials for Eli Lilly Corporation.  Cáitlín received a B.M. from Oakland University where she studied piano and voice, and is completing a M.M. in vocal performance at Indiana University.

Jennifer D. Goode (Meg). With NSMT: My Fair Lady, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Elsewhere: Broadway: Baz Luhrmann's La Bohème (Musetta u/s & perf.). Regional: George M! (Fay Templeton) and The Pajama Game (Babe Williams u/s & perf.) at Goodspeed Opera House; Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene) at Shreveport Opera.  BM: NYU productions of Carousel (Julie Jordan), Brigadoon (Fiona Maclaren) under the mentoring of Greg Ganakas. MM: Manhattan School of Music. 2001 Grand Prize, Kurt Weill Foundation's Lenya Theatre singing competition.

Adam Souza (Dick Wilkins/ Caroler/Bells). With NSMT: A Christmas Carol '02. Elsewhere: Adam is happy to be back at NSMT for the holiday season.  Off-Broadway: Summer of '42 (pre-recorded soloist); regional: George M!, Brigadoon (Goodspeed). A senior at Boston Conservatory pursuing his B.F.A., he was seen in Rags, The Secret Garden, The Captains Daughter, The Screams of Kitty Genovese and performed as a soloist with the Boston Pops in their salute to Richard Rogers. Adam has also served on the music staff with Goodspeed Musicals for four years.

Carrie Specksgoor (Belle). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Most recently Carrie appeared as Hero in the New York Classical Theatre's production of Much Ado About Nothing. Regional and other credits include Madge in Picnic, Kathy in Vanities, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, Susan in Once in a Lifetime, Chris in Dancing at Lughnasa, and Dainty Fidget in The Country Wife. Film: Deadly Surrender. TV: "All That." Carrie is a recent graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts where she received a BFA in acting. "Thanks to my family and love to Michael."

Emma Barbin (Martha Cratchit). With NSMT: The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol '01, '02. Elsewhere: Emma is thrilled to once again be part of the holiday season here at NSMT.  A sophomore at Beverly High School, she loves to sing, act, and is an avid dancer. Musical credits include Cinderella, The Pajama Game, The Scarlet Pimpernel and an upcoming production of Sweeney Todd.  "Thanks to my family and friends for all their support, and thanks once again to the NSMT staff for giving me this wonderful opportunity."

Patrick Beckman (Turkey Boy). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Beaky in Colonial Chorus Players production of Honk!. Also appeared in Five Stars production of 42nd Street and is currently in Working with CCP.  Patrick is a fourth grader from Reading who dedicates his performance to Mom, Dad, Mary, Caitlin, his friends and teacher.

Tory Bradlee (Want). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Tory is a Pre K student at Little Theatre in Lynn. Tory has done TV and modeling and takes weekly dance and drama classes. She enjoyed her first theatre performance in a production of Alice in Wonderland. Tory is very excited to be performing onstage for the first time with NSMT. Tory enjoys swimming, drawing and bike riding. "Special thanks to my sister, Breanna, and brother, Ryan, for all your support."

Kelly Buck (Teen Caroler). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Kelly has been acting since the age of five and she is thrilled to appear in her first professional production. Some of her credits include Nancy in Oliver Twist and Mable in The Pajama Game with NAMS. Also, Kelly is in her 12th year of dance with Nancy Chippendale's Dance Studios and she loves to attend classes at Broadway Dance Center in New York City.

Cassandra Chin (Ignorance). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Cassandra is currently a kindergartener at the Harylee Cole Elementary School in Boxford. She enjoys dancing at Nancy Chippendale's in North Andover, playing soccer and spending time with her brother Taylor. "Love to Mommy, Daddy, Taylor, Bubbi, Papa, Goong and Pau."

Samantha Rose
Goober (Fan). With NSMT: Ragtime, Honk! Jr, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, A Christmas Carol '01, '02. Elsewhere: Recent performances include: A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas Past-Stoneham Theatre); Gypsy (Baby June-Publick Theatre and Fiddlehead Theatre). Samantha has won top honors in regional dance competitions. She has appeared in regional and national commercials. "Thanks to my family, Greg, Casey and John La Rock for
this opportunity."

Miles Hartfelder (Peter Cratchit). With NSMT: Honk Jr., Dear Edwina Jr., Godspell Jr., The Phantom Tollbooth. Elsewhere: Along with his first love, theatre, Miles is a piano and saxophone player. This is his fifth production at NSMT, and he is very excited to be part of the cast. Miles lives in Salem, Mass., with his parents, his brother and his dog, Alice. "Thanks for all the support from my parents and teachers, especially Paul."

Gwyn Higgins (Tiny Tim Cratchit). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Gwyn (a Welsh name meaning ‘blessed') is making his theatrical debut. A second grader from Marblehead, he is an active member of Bell School Chorus and Old North Church youth choir. Gwyn enjoys math and piano lessons as much as soccer and climbing trees with his younger brother. He is very excited to be here! "A heartfelt thanks to everyone at school."

Laurel McGoff (Belinda Cratchit). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Laurel recently appeared as Annie in the Charlestown Working Theater's production of Annie. She also played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Theatre, Music and More in Saugus.

Anthony Sabatini (Turkey Boy). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Anthony lives in Hamilton with his Mom, Dad, sister Lilly and dog Lucky. He is a sixth grader at Miles River Middle School. He snowboards, plays hockey, lacrosse and the guitar. He currently plays for the AAU baseball team, the Lightning. This is his acting debut. "Special thanks to Mr. Robert Lassonde at Cutler Elementary."

Josh Segal (Want). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: Last spring, Josh sang in the Marblehead Middle School's production of Kids on Broadway.  And last fall, he appeared in the Marblehead Little Theatre's production of Oliver. Josh is a sixth grade honor student at the Marblehead Middle School.

Emily Sheenan
(Ignorance). With NSMT: Debut. Elsewhere: 5-year-old Emily recently made her theatrical debut portraying Frank Jr. in Merrily We Roll Along, with Theatre To Go of Stoneham. A kindergarten student at Woodville Elementary School in Wakefield, Emily also participates in dance, piano, gymnastics, skating, skiing and soccer.

Greg Ganakas (Director/Choreographer). With NSMT: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, How to Succeed In Business..., Brigadoon, A Christmas Carol '93-'02, Good News!, Oklahoma!, On the Town, Crazy For You, The Music Man, Annie. Elsewhere: Greg is on the faculty at New York University's Steinhardt School of Education. "Happy Holidays to one and all and a special thank you to Jon, Casey, Kathy, Howard, Jack, Janet, Jay and the supportive NSMT staff."
 
Casey Hushion (Assistant Director). With NSMT: Fiddler on the Roof, Hair, Secret Garden, A Christmas Carol '98-'02. Elsewhere: Casey is always delighted to be at NSMT and especially proud to be a part of A Christmas Carol for the fifth year. She has performed/assistant directed with Greg Ganakas at theatres such as: Goodspeed Opera House, Papermill Playhouse, Opera Omaha, American Music Theatre of San Jose and Stage One. Most recently, Casey has directed and choreographed regional productions of Pippin, Little Shop of Horrors, World Goes 'Round and Honky Tonk Angels. Up next, she is looking forward to performing with the Omaha Symphony with her new husband, Marc. Casey will be directing a production of The King and I at the North Carolina Theatre this summer. "Happy Holidays!"
 
Janet Glazener Roma (Music Director). With NSMT: Phantom '92, A Christmas Carol '00-'02 Elsewhere: Janet Roma is happy to be back for her fourth season with A Christmas Carol. Her national tour credits include Jerry's Girls with Carol Channing (music director; conducted the original cast album), Cats (music director) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Sam Harris (music director). On Broadway, Janet was music director for Jerry's Girls with Chita Rivera and Dorothy Loudon. She was the associate conductor for the national tours of Aspects of Love, A Chorus Line, The King and I with Hayley Mills, and Sunset Blvd. with Petula Clark. In Boston, Janet was the musical director for the critically acclaimed Sweeney Todd at the New Repertory Theatre this past season, where she also conducted Moby Dick: An American Opera. Regional credits include Jacques Brel... at Santa Fe Stages. She conducted three musicals for Boston Conservatory: Rags, Chicago and Crazy For You. She lives in Cohasset with her husband, drummer/percussionist Gene Roma.
 
Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer). With NSMT: Cats, Chicago, Footloose, Carousel, Sweet Charity, Student Prince, Victor/Victoria, Annie, The Will Rogers Follies, City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, Camelot, South Pacific, Nunsense 2, Show Boat, Crazy For You, Brigadoon, How to Succeed..., A Christmas Carol. Elsewhere: Howard has been working as the designer for A Christmas Carol since 1992. One of these days he hopes to get it finished. Mr. Jones has been a member of the faculty of the North Carolina School of the Arts for the past seven years. Before that he was founder and owner of Cobalt Studios, an apprentice-painting studio in upstate New York, doing commission work for Broadway, off-Broadway and regional theatres across the country. Mr. Jones has designed extensively in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, where he was the resident scenic designer for Starlight Theatre for 10 years. Other design credits include Goodspeed Opera, Missouri Repertory Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Weston Playhouse, Merrimack Repertory Theatre and American Heartland Theatre. He received the Elliot Norton Award in 2001 for best designer in the Boston area for his production of Cloud Tectonics.
 
Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer). With NSMT: scenic design for West Side Story '03, lighting design for Ragtime, The Wizard of Oz (with Kendall Smith), A Little Night Music, Children of Eden. Elsewhere: Jack's work has also been seen at Albuquerque Civic Light Opera, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, American Place Theatre, Body Politic/ Seanachai, Buglisi/Foreman Dance, Capital Rep, Chamber Dance Project, Cleveland Play House, Crossroads Theatre, Donald Byrd/The Group, Freedom Theatre, INTAR, The Joyce, Manhattan Theatre Club, Merrimack Rep, Museum for African Art, 92nd Street Y, The New Victory, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pit & Balcony, Seacoast Rep, Seattle Rep, Stage One (Wichita), Syracuse Stage, Theatre By The Blind, Trollwood Performing Arts School, The Working Theatre and the WPA, among others.
 
Jay Woods (Costume Designer). With NSMT: West Side Story '03, Cats, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Christmas Carol '02, Dracula: A Chamber Musical, Miss Saigon, Honk Jr. Elsewhere: Jay is thrilled to be designing A Christmas Carol on its 15th Anniversary. This is Jay's fourth year at NSMT as the costume director. Before coming to NSMT, Jay was the resident costume designer for the Peterborough Players, where he designed Educating Rita, Wait Until Dark, Light Up The Sky and The Wind in the Willows. Other design credits include Joseph and the Amazing..., Steel Magnolias, Sister Mary Ignatius... and Fools. In addition to theatre, Jay finished his first two television pilots in 2002: "Rags to Bitches" and "Empire."  He is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Jay is a member of United Scenic Artists. "Merry Christmas!"
 
Gerard Kelly (Wig Designer). With NSMT: West Side Story '03, Memphis, Cats, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Mame, A Christmas Carol '02, Chicago, Dracula: A Chamber Musical, I Sent A Letter To My Love, The Wizard of Oz, Ragtime, Zorba, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof. Elsewhere: Prior to Memphis Gerard was in his new NYC studio building the designs of Jon Jordan for the new musical Laughing Room Only premiering at The Helen Hayes Theater Company. Gerard has also just finished working on La Vie En Bleu for The Walnut Street Theater. Gerard's New York City credits include The New York Shakespeare Festival, The Joseph Papp Public Theater, Jewish Repertory Theater, The Illyria Theater and New York University. Regionally, Gerard has worked extensively for The Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia and The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. He has also designed for Main State Music Theater, The Williamstown Theater Festival, San Francisco's TheaterWorks, San Diego Repertory Theater, Sacramento Theater Company, the New Jersey and Idaho Shakespeare Festivals, The Carousel Dinner Theater in Columbus, Ohio, Philadelphia's New Freedom Theater, The Northern Stage Company in Vermont, the Westchester Broadway Theater (including its production of Cats), The Downtown Cabaret Theater and The Geva Theater in Rochester, New York. Gerard has also created wigs for performers such as the B-52's for their recent tour. Some of his designs can be seen in the November 2002 issue of Vanity Fair. Some of his most glamorous and dramatic creations have graced performers Sandy Duncan, Jennifer Holliday, Lypsinka and Brini Maxwell. Gerard's wigs can be seen in the soon-to-be released film Girls Will Be Girls on the celebrated performer Varla Jean Merman.
 
John A. Stone (Sound Designer). With NSMT: West Side Story '03, Memphis, Pacific Overtures, Cats, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Mame. Co-designed A Midsummer Night's Dream (1996), designed A Grand Night for Singing and the 1997-2002 Shakespeare productions and musical seasons. Elsewhere: John received his Bachelor's degree in physics and music at St. Lawrence University. He came to NSMT as an intern in 1995 and is now the sound supervisor and resident designer. John has also designed Bed and Sofa, The Fever and Mere Mortals for the Nora Theatre Company in Cambridge. He now owns and runs Addison Audio, an equipment rental and design business intended to provide services to many area schools and organizations. He would like to thank his wife Nancy and step-daughter Dalya for their love and support.
 
Erik E. Hedblom (Production Stage Manager). With NSMT: West Side Story '03, Memphis, Pacific Overtures, Cats, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Mame, Taming of the Shrew, 1997-2002 musical seasons. Elsewhere: A graduate of Castleton State College in 1995, Erik attended grad school at University of California, Irvine for three years working on a Masters in stage management. In 1997, he started as an intern, worked as deck manager for the 1998 and 1999 season and for 2000 and 2001 he served as assistant stage manager. "Thank you to my wife Ginger for her friendship, love and support and thanks to the Hedblom and Hegler clans for their continuous love and encouragement."
 
Laurie Silipigno (Assistant Stage Manager). With NSMT: West Side Story '03, Memphis, Pacific Overtures, Cats, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Mame, 2002 musical season (production stage manager for Ragtime), The Legend of Tom Dooley (stage manager-New Works Workshop). Elsewhere: Most recently Laurie served as production stage manager at Stoneham Theatre (Stoneham, Mass.), production manager for New Repertory Theatre and production manager at Stoneham. She has worked as an assistant stage manager with Shakespeare and Company, Lyric Stage Company of Boston, New Repertory and The Publick Theatre (Boston). Laurie is proud to have been involved with the Boston premieres of Assassins, When Pigs Fly and Das Barbecu. Laurie is a graduate of Bridgewater State College. "God bless my family. My warmest and most sincere thank you to the NSMT family. Happy Holidays everyone."

Jon Kimbell (Artistic Director/Executive Producer). Since 1983, Mr. Kimbell, in partnership with NSMT's dedicated Board of Trustees and superior staff, has created one of the finest musical theater companies in the country. Recognized for his commitment to musical theater, Mr. Kimbell has received the New England Theatre Conference Award for Outstanding Achievement in The American Theatre, Salem State College's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 38th Annual Moss Hart Award for NSMT's adaptation of A Christmas Carol. NSMT also received the Actors' Equity Association's Rosetta LeNoire Award in 2003 for the theater's outstanding commitment to non-traditional casting. Mr. Kimbell is responsible for the artistic direction, administration and long range planning of NSMT, as well as the commissioning and development of new musical theater works with associate producer John La Rock. Throughout his career, he has directed and produced many critically acclaimed musicals, Shakespearean works, and, as a passionate believer in developing new musicals, the premieres of 21 new musicals. An active member of the theater community, Mr. Kimbell has served as an evaluator and panelist for the NEA's Access and Musical Theater Panels, the New Hampshire Commission on the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Ohio Arts Council.

James K. Polese (Executive Director) has served as the general manager of NSMT since 1983, overseeing all fiscal operations. He was a vital force in planning and implementing the expansion of NSMT in 1988-89 to a state-of-the-art facility for the creation of classic and new musicals. An active member of the theater community, Mr. Polese is the past president of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT). Under his leadership, NAMT membership steadily grew and the new works program flourished. Mr. Polese also served on the National Endowment for the Arts' Theater and Musical Theater Creation and Presentation Panel. Locally, Mr. Polese is a member of the corporation of Beverly Hospital and serves on the board of directors of the Essex National Heritage Commission and the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. With his wife Adeline, four children and 10 grandchildren, Mr. Polese has made the North Shore his home for nearly 40 years.

John E. Alexander (Director of External Relations). With an extensive background in the arts, John joined NSMT in 2002 to develop and implement a funding campaign to help support NSMT's long-term artistic vision. He is also responsible for supervising public relations, internal communications and branding for the theater. Prior to coming to NSMT, John served as associate director of development at The Globe Theatres in San Diego, where he led a team in substantially raising annual fund contributions. He also toured the world as the regional marketing director for Up With People, an international performing group and student program. Active in the local community, John is the co-chair of artsnorth, and serves on the board of the Beverly Chamber of Commerce

David James (Director of Audience Development) is responsible for generating 85 percent of North Shore Music Theatre's annual operating revenue. He is grateful to lead an outstanding team which makes his job both doable and pleasurable. A native of Maine, David has spent most of his 25-year career in arts marketing at NSMT. He left NSMT in 2000 to pursue his interest in the relationship between marketing and fundraising, studying at Indiana University's Institute for Philanthropy and receiving his certification from the Association of Fundraising Professionals in June, 2002. Most recently, he spent 14 months as general manager at Plano Repertory Theatre in Plano, Tex., during which time annual revenue nearly tripled and attendance doubled. He is delighted to rejoin NSMT at this exciting period in its history.

Marty Johnson (Director of Education) has been working in the field of theatre for young audiences for over 15 years. Mr. Johnson works closely with the Music Theatre International staff to assist on the creation of new musicals for the Broadway Jr. program, including Honk Junior in 2002, Godspell Junior in 2003 and Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Junior in 2003 and 2004. Before joining NSMT he served as director of education for Virginia Stage Company, director of theatre for Youth at Karamu House in Ohio, and the assistant director of education for the Berkshire Theatre Festival. He holds an MFA in theatre for youth from the Univ. of N.C. at Greensboro.

John La Rock (Associate Producer). At NSMT since 1998, supervises musical, Shakespeare and new musical development programs, along with the Celebrity Concert Series. Before NSMT, he served as assistant production manager and stage manager at the Houston Grand Opera. At HGO, he helped produce over 70 operas, including an international tour of Porgy & Bess and world premiere productions of The Passion of Jonathan Wade