A Christmas Carol 2024
Cast & Creative Team Bios
Cast & Creative Team bios are Alphabetical by Last Name
CHRIS BARDIZBANIAN (Young Scrooge, Ignorance) is a 6th grader at West Tatnuck Elementary in Worcester. He is excited to return to The Hanover Theatre stage for his second year as Young Scrooge! His favorite roles include Marty The Zebra (Madagascar- A Musical Adventure Jr.) and General Mayhem (Totally Awesome!). He enjoys playing soccer and singing in an Armenian choir. In addition to playing piano and trumpet, Chris takes classes at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory. He is often recognized for his empathy, respect, and compassion for others at school, and received an award for good manners. He would like to thank his family and teachers for their support, and the directors of the show for this opportunity. He hopes you enjoy A Christmas Carol!
GREGORY BOOVER* (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come) he/him is delighted to be home in Worcester for his first show with The Hanover Theatre. Recent credits: As You Like It (Catskill Mountain Shakespeare), Much Ado, Twelfth Night, Merry Wives, Macbeth, 4000 Miles, Midsummer, R&J (Shakespeare & Company); The Old Man and The Old Moon (The Umbrella Stage Company); Mary’s Wedding (Theater at Woodshill); The Feast (Urbanite Theatre). Greg directs in Shakespeare & Company’s education programs, serves on the faculty at Community Access To The Arts (CATA) in Great Barrington, MA, and produces his own music/artwork. Training: S&Co Intensive; (BA) UMass Amherst; UKent Canterbury. Love to his family and his wife, Caroline. www.GregoryBoover.com
GAIL ASTRID BUCKLEY+ (Costume Designer) is happy to return for her 17th year with A Christmas Carol. Recent designs include La Calisto and Die Fledermaus for New England Conservatory, and the 175th Hasty Pudding Show, Heist, Heist Baby! Upcoming work includes the 176th Hasty Pudding Show, 101 Damnations. Gail has received two Elliot Norton Awards and two IRNE Awards for Costume Design. Gail is a proud member of United Scenic Artists.
MELISSA DAROFF* (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be celebrating her 19th production of A Christmas Carol, her 11th with The Hanover Theatre. Credits include Dorset Theatre Festival, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Hangar Theatre, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, Boston College Theater Department, Dallas Theater Center, and Trinity Repertory Company. Most recently, Melissa has been putting her stage management skills to good use as the associate director of Education Outreach at McLean Hospital, where she and her colleagues work to change attitudes about mental health.
LAURA D. DEGIACOMO* (Millie, Fred’s wife) is thrilled to return to The Hanover Theatre for her 16th production of A Christmas Carol. National Tours: Showboat (Kim), Grease (US Sandy/Patty). European Tour: K.Hill’s Phantom of the Opera (Jammes). Select Regional favorites: Jonathan (Moonbox Productions), Mary Poppins (Wheelock Family Theatre), Sisters of Swing (Greater Boston Stage Company), Better off Dead (Village Theatre Project), Marty (Huntington Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof, Anything Goes (Artpark), Babes in Toyland (Shawnee Playhouse). Laura received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College with a secondary concentration in Dance and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. Special thanks to her husband, Michael, daughter Isabella, and her Mom Joanne, for all their love and support!
MAGNOLIA DOLAN (Want, Tiny Tim u/s) is very happy to be cast in her first play at The Hanover Theatre! She is a student at The Hanover Theatre Conservatory and performed in the theatre’s 2024 production of The Nutcracker as The Chestnut Girl’s Assistant. Recently Magnolia was crowned Model Sweetheart in the Shrewsbury Sweethearts Pageant. When she is not on stage, Magnolia can be found shredding the slopes on her snowboard. Magnolia is grateful to have been given this opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!
DEANNA DUNMYER* (Charwoman) is very merry to join this year’s cast of A Christmas Carol! She last appeared in Worcester as Jean Louise in To Kill A Mockingbird at The Foothills Theatre. Recent credits include Aunt March in Little Women (Greater Boston Stage Company), suffragist Alice Paul in We Did It For You! (Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center) and Mary Moody Emerson in Nature, A Walking Play (TigerLion Arts On Tour). She appeared in Bill W. and Dr. Bob both at The New Repertory Theatre and off-Broadway and on Broadway in I Hate Hamlet.
SHELLY FAWSON (Suzannah) is delighted to spend another holiday season at The Hanover Theatre! This year will be her 7th production of A Christmas Carol. Select credits include Romancing the Throne (Goodspeed Opera House), My Heart in a Suitcase (Artspower National Touring Co), Nunsense (Priscilla Beach Theatre), Crazy for You (Mt. Washington Valley Theatre), Sylvia (Dorset Theatre) Mamma Mia! (Jean’s Playhouse) and Four Legged Fortune (Great American Melodrama). Many thanks to Troy, Annie and Gags. Love to Jim and Thomas!
KATE FITZGERALD (Lucy) is very excited to make her debut in A Christmas Carol at The Hanover Theatre! Select credits include: The Crucible (Bay Street Theater), Double Helix (Goodspeed Opera House Festival of New Musicals, Bay Street Theater), Peter Pan (North Shore Music Theatre), Thirst and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Lyric Stage Company), Pride and Prejudice (Barnstormers Theatre), The Children’s Hour (The Gamm Theatre), Candide (Boston Conservatory), Josh Groban’s Bridges Tour and Harmony Tour (Chorus). Kate is a recent Boston Conservatory graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a specialization in Playwriting/Dramaturgy. Many thanks, as always, to her amazing family. Website: KateFitzgerald.net. IG: @katefiitz
STEVE GAGLIASTRO* (Charitable Gentleman, Mr. Fezziwig, Associate Director, Music Director) is elated to return to A Christmas Carol opposite his wife, Annie Kerins. Steve recently completed work on the James L. Brooks film “Ella McCay” featuring Jaime Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey, Kumail Nanjiani and Albert Brooks. Watch for him in “Spirited”, Pasek & Paul’s retelling of A Christmas Carol starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell and opposite Ben Affleck in “The Tender Bar” (Amazon, George Clooney, dir.). Other Credits-Tours: Cinderella with Lea Salonga; Spongebob Squarepants:The Sponge Who Could Fly (Broadway Asia); The Buddy Holly Story (TOTS); Cabaret (NetWorks). Regional: PCLO, Riverside Theatre, Casa Mañana, Stoneham/GBSC, Flat Rock Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Lyric Stage, La Mirada Theatre, TBTS, Maine State Music Theatre. TV: “Billions” (Showtime), “The Deuce” & “Julia” (HBO), “The Detour” (TBS). Film: “Don’t Look Up”, “American Hustle”, “Eva”, “Ted 2”. Steve holds a BA in Music Education from UMASS, Amherst and is a Professor of Visual and Performing Arts at Worcester State University. Proud member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. 10,000 thanks to the entire staff and administration, Troy, Annie, Ilyse, Jane, Melissa, the company including cast, backstage and front of house crews and to the music and organ team- Sean Redrow, Jim Rice, Marta Rymer, Nick Joyce, Bruce Hager, Jon Anderson, and especially Tim Evans.
SHAHJEHAN KHAN* (Timothy) is a Pakistani-American actor, musician, and media professional from Boston. Recent stage credits include The Wrong Bashir (Fresh Lime Soda Co.), Guards at the Taj (Soho Shakespeare Co.) and Greater Good (CompanyOne/A.R.T.). Shaj’s first TV appearance was as Len in “Succession” (HBO), he’ll soon be recurring on Hulu’s “Deli Boys”, and you’ll also see him on AMC and AppleTV in 2025! An Earphones-Award-winning, Ambie and Webby nominated podcaster, Shahjehan is also the face of the villainous Quan Chi in Mortal Kombat 1, his favorite video game that his parents never wanted him to play.
ANNIE KERINS* (Mrs. Fezziwig, Associate Director, Associate Choreographer) is proud to be back for her 16th season at The Hanover Theatre. She was last seen in The Crucible (The Hanover Theatre Repertory). Off-Broadway: Looking for Billy Haines (Theatre Row). Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (Majestic Theater), Romancing the Throne (Goodspeed Opera House), Shrek (Wheelock Family Theatre), Thoroughly Modern Millie (GBSC) and The Rocky Horror Show (Foothills Theatre). Film/TV credits: “A Book by Their Cover” (Continental Shoemakers) currently on the film festival circuit, “The Food That Built America” (The History Channel), “Out of Body” available on Amazon, “Central Intelligence” (Warner Brothers/New Line Cinema), and “The Devil You Know” by Jenji Kohan. Annie was the project coordinator for the theatre’s debut album “Holidays at The Hanover Theatre Volume 1”, music directed by her on and offstage husband, Steve Gagliastro. Annie is a graduate of The Hartt School and a proud member of AEA. For Bob MacCallum.
JAMES KRONZER+ (Scenic Designer) His regional credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway, and numerous productions around the country. International design work for companies such as The Hong Kong Ballet and Burn the Floor. He also designed scenery for Disney Cruise Lines (Twice Charmed) and has shows running on thirteen ships on the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet. TV credits include over 200 stand-up comedy specials for Comedy Central, Showtime and Netflix. Mr. Kronzer has been nominated for an Art Director’s Guild award, received eight Helen Hayes Awards (DC) and has received two Barrymore Awards. His work can be seen at JamesKronzer.com
AIDAN LEACH (Topper) is so excited to be returning for his second A Christmas Carol at The Hanover Theatre! He was most recently seen in last year’s performance of A Christmas Carol, The Little Mermaid (Franklin Performing Arts Center) and Little Shop of Horrors (Prescott Park Arts Festival). Aidan is currently writing and recording his debut album set to come out later this year. He sends a huge thank you to his amazing family, girlfriend, and dogs for their constant love and support. Aidan would also like to thank Troy, and The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for having him back and allowing him to partake in a wonderful Christmas tradition. Enjoy the show!
AIDAN LEVINSON (Young Ebenezer) is thrilled to return to The Hanover Theatre for their annual production of A Christmas Carol. A Massachusetts based regional performer, Aidan graduated from Elon University in 2023 with a BFA in Acting and a BA in Music. Recent credits include Spongebob the Musical (Wheelock Family Theatre), Bluey x CAMP (CAMP Burlington), Madagascar: A Musical Adventure (North Shore Music Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof (Monument Arts & Cultural Center), Amélie (Stonehill Theatre Company). This summer Aidan appeared in the independent feature film “Summer Interlude” and will appear in Pippin (Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol) this March. Aidan would like to thank the entire creative team for this wonderful production and hopes you enjoy the show.
JOHN LITTLE* (Scrooge) is delighted to return for his third season at the Hanover Theatre. National and International Tours include Cabaret, A Christmas Carol, and Crazy For You. Off-Broadway credits include King of the Jews, Hamlet, Shadowlands, and Poetic License. Regional credits include My Fair Lady (Pittsburgh Public), Major Barbara (Yale Rep), Noises Off (Portland Stage), Glimmerglass (Goodspeed)and ten seasons at the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Television credits include “Law and Order” and “Boardwalk Empire”. Earlier this year John appeared in Titanic at Surflight Theatre and The Weir at Centenary Stage. He has narrated a series of books for Recorded Books on Audible and the Library of Congress. John is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and lives in New York.
TAKAAKI MATSUMOTO* (Dick Wilkins) is an accomplished musical theatre actor and opera singer. Recent credits include Tarzan and Bright Star, as well as The Little Mermaid (Franklin Performing Arts Company). He also appeared in La Traviata (Opera North), Iolanthe (Arlington Friend of Drama) and The Pirates of Penzance (Marblehead Little Theatre). After graduating from Longy School of Music, Takaaki returned as a guest performer in the school’s opera production of The Little Prince. Takaaki holds a Bachelor of Music from Soai University（相愛大学) along with a Master of Music degree and a Graduate Performance Diploma from Longy School of Music. Before moving to the United States, Takaaki worked as a professional magician in Japan, showcasing his skills in close-up and stage magic. Takaaki enjoys sharing his passion for the performing arts through creating online content.
ALYSSA MORALES (Production Assistant, Baker u/s, Martha Cratchit u/s) is beyond excited to be returning for their third year as a production assistant on this year’s A Christmas Carol. Their favorite credits include The Crucible (Mary Warren), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal), Rock of Ages (Justice Charlier), and The Seagull (Nina Zarietchnaya). When not performing, she spends her free time knitting, designing clothes and playing with her many pets. As always, she dedicates this show to her grandmother.
CHARLIE MORRISON+ (Lighting Designer) National/International tours: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (NYC, Grand Ole Opry, US Tour), A Chorus Line (U.S., Japan, and China), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Miss Saigon, Aida (U.S. and Asia), The Producers, Man of La Mancha, Guys and Dolls, Groovaloo (N.Y.C., L.A., U.S. Tour), Hello, Dolly!, My Fair Lady, The King and I (U.S. and Korea), Spelling Bee, Gypsy, 42nd Street (U.S. and Japan), Smokey Joe’s Cafe, The Who’s Tommy (Europe and Japan), Titanic, The Music Man and many others. Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Guthrie Theater, Shakespeare Theatre Company (D.C.), Goodspeed Musicals, Seattle Repertory, Seattle 5th Avenue, Broadway Sacramento at Music Circus, Theatre Under the Stars, Dallas Summer Musicals, Kansas City Starlight, Pittsburgh CLO, George Street Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory, Tulsa Opera and many others. TV: “Finding Magic Mike” for HBOMax. Charlie is the recipient of two Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lighting Design. www.cmlighting.com
ALKA NAYYAR* (Mrs. Cratchit, South Asian Cultural Consultant) Selected work: Bhangin’ It (La Jolla Playhouse); A Christmas Carol (The Hanover Theatre); The Jungle Book (Goodman Theatre, Huntington Theatre); The Secret Garden (Court Theatre); A Christmas Carol (Central Square Theater); Oslo, Master Class, A Disappearing Number (TimeLine Theatre), Merchant On Venice (Vitalist + Rasaka 2018; Silk Road 2007); The Masrayana – Jeff Award-nominated choreography, A Widow Of No Importance, A Nice Indian Boy (Rasaka Theatre); Great Expectations (Remy Bumppo + Silk Road); TV: Hulu’s “The Bear”, NBC’s “Chicago Fire”, “Chicago P.D.”, and “Chicago Med”; Film: “Hala”, “The Miseducation Of Bindu”; Web Series: “Code-Switched”. Alka teaches Indian dance and promotes South Asian cultural awareness as Co-Artistic Director of Chicago’s Chitrahar Cultural Academy, and at the Old Town School of Folk Music. A University of Chicago alum and a PR consultant, she also serves as Asian ensemble Token Theatre’s Communications Director. With thanks to ma, pa + family. @alka.selza
JERMAINE L. PEARSON* (Charitable Gentleman, Ghost of Christmas Present) is thrilled to return to The Hanover Theatre for this year’s production of A Christmas Carol. Regional theatre credits include: Little Shop of Horrors, (Audrey II; The Grange Theatre), Sweat, (Evan; The Gamm Theater), The Color Purple (Mister; Roxy Regional Theatre), A Raisin in the Sun (Walter Lee; Barker Playhouse) & Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sweeney Todd u/s; Trinity Repertory Theatre Co.). Jermaine is a proud alumnus of Columbia College Chicago. He is an avid writer, actor, singer, preacher, spoken word artist who can be seen around New England and Chicago using his artistry to advocate for social justice. IG: Jermaine_from_Chicago.
RYLIE PENNINGTON (Fan) is a 6th grader from Manchester, CT. She is thrilled to make her debut at The Hanover Theatre. Rylie studies piano, voice, guitar, and acting at Fox Hill School of Music in addition to vocal coaching with Laura Mehl from NYC’s Broadway Artists’ Alliance. She also practices various styles of dance. Most recently, Rylie played Matilda in Matilda the Musical (Chestnut Street Playhouse). She would like to thank her family for their constant love and support as well as the teachers and friends who always cheer her on. Congratulations to the cast and a very special thanks to the creative team of A Christmas Carol for this incredible opportunity.
ABBY RAY* (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be working on their fifth production of A Christmas Carol and her second show at The Hanover Theatre. Credits include Curious George and the Golden Meatball, A Christmas Carol, Kinky Boots, Little Shop of Horrors, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Cinderella, Smokey Joe’s Café, A Year with Frog and Toad, and Mamma Mia! (North Shore Music Theater). They received a BFA in Theater Arts with a concentration in Stage Management from Salem State University in 2020. Abby is delighted to share this beautifully haunting tale about the true spirit of Christmas with you all this holiday season. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to the world of theatre, and to her family for their endless love and support.
DANIEL REARDON* (Fred) returns for his second year in this role and fourth year in this production, in which he also previously played “Young Ebenezer” and “Mr. Topper.” Daniel has also played the role of “Fred” at Syracuse Stage as well as the role of “Young Ebenezer/Ghost of Christmas Future” at North Shore Music Theatre. Select theatre credits include: Nigel u/s in Something Rotten! (Marriott Theatre), Bert in Mary Poppins (Wheelock Family Theatre, Sierra Rep), Bobby C in Saturday Night Fever. Television: recurring on “The Gilded Age” (HBO), “Daredevil: Born Again” (Upcoming on Disney+). BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University. For mom, always. DanielReardonOnline.com. Let’s connect on IG @daniel.j.reardon
SEAN REDROW (Organist) grew up in Worcester County and graduated from Holy Cross before getting a Master’s from Boston Conservatory, and a doctorate in organ performance at Boston University. He was the music director at St. John’s Church in Worcester. He’s thrilled to be working with the amazing directors, cast, and crew and performing on the Mighty Wurlitzer at The Hanover Theatre.
BRAD REINKING* (Ghost of Jacob Marley) is ghoulishly delighted to haunt The Hanover Theatre for his 7th season in this beautiful show! Most recently, Brad appeared as Jacob in La Cage Aux Folles (Trinity Repertory Company), King Julien in Madagascar (North Shore Music Theatre), and Lumiere in Beauty & the Beast (Rochester Opera House). Additional regional credits include Lyric Stage Company, Commonwealth Shakespeare, Wheelock Family Theatre, Moonbox Productions, and many others. Brad is also an award winning director, choreographer, and theatre educator. He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Brad lives in Boston with his partner, Drew, and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Belle. This one’s for you, Grammy! For more information, please visit bradreinking.com
CHANNING RION (Belle) is delighted to reprise her role for a third season at the magical Hanover Theatre. This May, she earned her Master’s in Dramatic Arts from Harvard University, and soon after launched Cloverstone Productions to produce retro-romantic films and musicals set in Boston. Recently, she starred in Library Lion (Adam Theatre), a musical adaptation of the New York Times bestselling children’s book, which premiered at the Boston Public Library. Each stage bow is dedicated to her irreplaceable family, friends, and teachers who have cheered her on and brought her light along the way. You can find her original music and other creative updates on Instagram @channingtruly.
ILYSE ROBBINS^ (Choreographer) is happy to be back at The Hanover Theatre with some fresh choreography for this lovely show. Ilyse was most recently seen on stage in The Drowsy Chaperone (Lyric Stage Boston), White Rabbit Red Rabbit (Umbrella Stage), and as the Narrator of the BYSO’s sold-out production of Peter and the Wolf. Directing credits include: Move on the Cha Cha’s (United Solo Festival NYC), Noises Off (Lyric Stage Boston), 46 Plays for America’s First Ladies (Hub Theatre), Mr. Popper’s Penguins (Wheelock Family Theatre), Lizzie the Musical (Umbrella Stage), Tell Me on a Sunday (Peterborough Players), All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 (GBSC, Elliot Norton Award winner for Outstanding Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (GBSC, Elliot Norton Award winner for Outstanding Director of a Musical), Marry Me a Little (New Rep). Choreography credits include: Rocky Horror (Central Square), Assassins (Lyric Stage), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Front Porch, Central Square, GBSC – Elliot Norton Award winner for Outstanding Musical); Swan Lake in Blue: A Jazz Ballet (GBSC – Elliot Norton Award winner for Outstanding Choreography), The Scottsboro Boys (SpeakEasy Stage, Elliot Norton Award winner for Outstanding Musical/IRNE award for Best Choreography). Ilyse is the recipient of multiple Elliot Norton and IRNE Awards for direction, choreography, and production. BS in Communication/Theater – Northwestern; Theater certification – BADA; Ed.M. – Harvard. Upcoming: A Man of No Importance (SpeakEasy, choreography), The Spitfire Grill (Umbrella, direction), Hello, Dolly! (Lyric Stage, choreography). Love, as always, to Glen and the kids. Website: www.ilyserobbins.com
LILLIAN ROGERS (Ghost of Christmas Past) is honored and excited to reprise this role for her fourth production of A Christmas Carol at The Hanover Theatre. She is a junior and recently played Belle in Chelmsford High School’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Other favorite roles include: Anya (Anastasia), Winnie Foster (Tuck Everlasting), Sophie Sheridan (Mamma Mia!) and Gretl Von Trapp (The Sound of Music). Lillian is a board member of her high school’s theatre guild and choreographer of their competitive acapella group. She is grateful to Troy, Annie, and Steve for this magical opportunity! She would like to thank her family and friends for their never-ending love and support while she follows her musical theatre dreams.
MARTA RYMER* (Fiddler, Laundress) she/her, is overjoyed to spend another holiday season at The Hanover Theatre! Recent credits include, National Tour: Once (Apex Touring). Regional: American Mariachi (Two River Theatre), Five on Fire (Oregon Cabaret Theatre), American Mariachi (PCPA), Once (CCAE Theatricals), The Gift of the Magi (Studio Theatre Worcester), The Tempest (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company), The Spitfire Grill (Oregon Cabaret Theatre), Once (Speakeasy Stage), West Side Story (Fiddlehead Theatre), The New Electric Ballroom (The Acktor’s Table), and A Tale of Two Cities (York Theatre). Marta is a graduate of AMDA. With love and thanks to Mike, mom, Shawn, and all her loved ones for their support! www.martarymer.com
JACOB SEAMAN (Newsboy) is thrilled to debut at The Hanover Theatre in A Christmas Carol. He is an eighth grader at the Charles Barrows Stem Academy in Windham Connecticut, where he enjoys singing in his school chorus, especially when he gets the chance to accompany his fellow students on the piano. Some of his most recent credits include Matilda (Arts at the Capitol Theater), A Christmas Story (Bradley Playhouse), and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Little Theater on Broad Street). He is a self-described cat aficionado who loves a good snuggle with his favorite one, Oreo. He would like to thank his entire family, but most of all his parents for their boundless love and enthusiasm while he pursues his passion for performing.
SAMARTH SHENOY (Tiny Tim) returns to the role of Tiny Tim after his stage debut in the 2023 production. He is a nine-year-old student at the Floral Street School in Shrewsbury who likes eating cake! He participates in a variety of activities including soccer, karate (advanced green belt), and colored paint brushes are his favorite medium this year. Samarth studies dance at Arya Dance Academy in Westboro and practices chorus with Mrs. Martino at Floral Street School. Samarth has fond memories of seeing Clifford at The Hanover Theatre, but ultimately, he finds performing onstage is an even better memory.
SHRIRAM SHENOY (Peter Cratchit) is a 13-year-old student at Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury. He is excited to return to the role of Peter Cratchit for a second year opposite his real-life brother, Samarth. Shriram enjoys cross country, basketball, and karate (advanced blue belt). While he considers himself a “big sports person”, he also enjoys musical theatre and most recently appeared onstage at his school. Shriram likes singing Hindustani classical style. He can’t wait to hear the audience reactions to this year’s production of A Christmas Carol. Shriram is especially looking forward to reuniting with his friends from last year’s cast and hearing the voice of Jacob Marley backstage.
CHARLOTTE SIEBELS (Youth Ensemble) a student at Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury, enjoys being a part of the theatrical community, and is looking forward to performing again. Returning for her second consecutive year as youth ensemble, she also appeared in A Christmas Carol in 2019 playing the role of Fan. She has participated in the Youth Summer Program with The Hanover Theatre Conservatory for the past five years, most recently in Legally Blonde as Kate. She is also a part of the Worcester Children’s Chorus and her school’s drama club!
JANE SIEBELS* (Production Stage Manager) is excited to return to A Christmas Carol, having worked on it with Troy in several venues off and on since 1996! As THT Rep’s resident Stage Manager, performing next door at the JMAC, recent shows have included The Crucible and the Edgar Allan Poe Double Header, which also toured to Gloucester Stage Co. Past theaters include Portland Stage, SpeakEasy Stage, Stoneham Theatre, American Stage Festival, Florida Studio Theatre, the Asolo, and the Huntington. Jane is also Co-Chair of the Shrewsbury Cultural Council and, by day, a Children’s Librarian at Shrewsbury Public Library.
TROY SIEBELS (Director) serves as president and CEO of The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, having led the organization’s development and staff since 2005. The theatre presents more than 140 performances to audiences of more than 180,000 annually and has welcomed more than two million visitors to date. In its first decade the theatre became an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric and a key catalyst to the city’s revitalization with more than five hundred million dollars in development in and adjacent to Worcester’s Theatre District. The theatre expanded to add a Conservatory for the Performing Arts in 2016, which now serves more than 600 students throughout the year with classes in dance, acting and technical theatre production. Troy led the formation of the Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District and serves on its Board of Directors; as well as on the Boards of Discover Central Massachusetts, and MassCreative. Troy also served as a member of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, to which he was appointed by governors Patrick and Baker. Troy served as producing director at Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham, MA and managing director of American Stage Festival in Milford and Nashua, NH. Troy’s favorite directing credits include Artist Descending a Staircase, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Wait Until Dark and more than sixteen productions of his adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
RIANA SUKHIJA (Belinda Cratchit) is beyond excited to make her Hanover Theatre debut! Some of her previous work includes The News Done Spread, “Surreal”, and a middle school original play. Besides acting, she also enjoys figure skating, creating art, and dancing! She’s looking forward to growing from this experience!
ALEXIS ANU THAKKALLAPALLI (Martha Cratchit) is a student at Mount Saint Charles Academy. She is thrilled to be coming back for a fourth year in A Christmas Carol at The Hanover Theatre, having played Belinda Cratchit in previous years. Lexie has also performed in productions at Apple Tree Arts and Skyrise Theater, most notably as Cruella Deville in 101 Dalmatians. She is a proud member of the competitive dance team at Jo Ann Warren Studio and is represented by Model Club Inc.
LEVIN VALAYIL* (Bob Cratchit) is so excited to be making his debut at The Hanover Theatre this holiday season! His recent theater roles are, Vigneshwar Paduar in The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Next Act Theatre), Neville Landless in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Goodspeed Opera House), John Smythe/Abdul Karim in The Case of the Missing Jersey Lilly (Alley Theater), Matt in The Fantasticks (Cape Playhouse), Fakir in Secret Garden (Broadway Sacramento), Mowgli in Jungle Book (North American Tour), Sir Lionel/Tom in Camelot (Asolo Rep), cover/swing in Bhangin It (La Jolla Playhouse), Dharun Ravi in Poster Boy (Williamstown Theater Festival) and Lottery in Monsoon Wedding (Berkely Rep). Film: Aladdin in “Descendants Rise of Red”, Disney +, Disney Channel. www.levinvalayil.com @lvalayil