The Fireside auditions and hires professional singers, dancers and actors from all over the United States. Many come with Broadway and National Tour experience. All of them come with great talent and a passion for their craft. They'll be looking forward to meeting you too - at The Fireside!
Whit Reichert (Kris Kringle) is thrilled to make his Fireside debut in a role he truly loves. Favorite roles include Ben Franklin in 1776, Lion in WIZARD OF OZ, Biggley in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, Top Banana in SUGAR BABIES, Psuedolus in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, Boolie in DRIVING MISS DAISY, Judge Wargrave in TEN LITTLE INDIANS, Heck Tate in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and half the townspeople in GREATER TUNA and A TUNA CHRISTMAS. Whit has been a proud member of AEA for 35 years.
Kelly Shook (Doris Walker) of Hudson, NY, is happy to be spending the holidays at The Fireside. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Wagner College with a degree in Theatre and Speech. Previous credits: Anytime Annie in 42ND STREET (Broadway-in-Moscow), Kathy Selden in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (U.S. Tour) and principal singer for Oceania Cruises through South America and the Mediterranean. Regional: Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, Louise in GYPSY, and Judy Haynes in WHITE CHRISTMAS.
Corey James Wright (Fred Gaily) is very thrilled to be joining the Fireside family in debut with HERE'S LOVE. Born and raised in Alaska, Corey is now a New York based actor. Past credits include: THE FULL MONTY (Jerry), ASSASINS (Leon Czolgocz), THE WHO'S TOMMY (Captain Walker), URINETOWN (Bobby Strong), and CHICAGO (Billy Flynn).
Natalie Hershman (Susan Walker) feels extremely blessed to be performing again here after appearing as Marta in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and two previous Fireside Christmas shows. Natalie, 9, loves being homeschooled, swimming, biking, skating, playing softball, piano and cello, socializing, and being around any animals especially her dog, Pippin, but will forego any of these to sing, dance, and act on stage.
Chance Blakeley (Marvin Shellhammer) a Texas native, attended Oklahoma City University where he earned both a B.M. in Musical Theater and a B.F.A. in Costume Design. Chance has performed all over the U.S.A. including Lincoln Center in Victor Herbert's BABES IN TOYLAND. His favorite credits include The Sergeant in PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Snail in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, and Busby Berkley in the Ginger Rogers musical BACKWARDS IN HIGH HEELS.
Michael Haws (R.H. Macy) is very happy to be returning to The Fireside for another great Christmas show. He has done numerous shows on this stage, including hosting eight Fireside Christmas shows. His most recent performance was that of Max in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Other theatres include Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Evergreen Park, and Light Opera Works in Chicago, Beef & Boards in Indianapolis, Fulton Opera in Lancaster, Broadway Palm in Mesa, and The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois.
John Baker (Mr. Sawyer) Tours (National, Europe, Asia): THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Max), PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Stage Manager), 42ND STREET (Bert). Other favorites: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Ghost of Present), PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Samuel) at the Fulton Opera House, THE SECRET GARDEN (Archie), BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (Velasco), SHOW BOAT (Captain Andy), CAMELOT (Merlin), JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Jacob/Potiphar), THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Melvin), 1776 (Franklin), ANYTHING GOES (Evelyn Oakleigh) and RAGTIME.
Dan Marrero (Judge Martin Group) has spent much of the last decade in Chicago, working at Navy Pier and in TONY N' TINA'S WEDDING. Most recently, Dan performed at The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, IL in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS and as Coach Bolton in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. An accomplished playwright, Dan's play Lowe Self Esteem . . . has received staged readings in Chicago and New York. Dan's first love is performing, however, and he is pleased to be onstage in his Fireside debut!
Ariane Reinhart (Ms. Theresa Mara) is thrilled to make her Fireside debut! Regional: SWEENEY TODD (Beggar Woman/Lucy), THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Cathy), A CHORUS LINE (Sheila); THE MERRY WIDOW (Lolo/Choreographer), HMS PINAFORE (Hebe/Asst. Director). NYC: PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Edith) and GONDOLIERS (Vittoria); GALLANTRY (Announcer); ANDRU'S HEAD (the Assistant); evening of solo works by Martha Clarke, Mark Haim, Shen Wei and Doug Varone. Borad of Directors of the Paul Taylor Dance Co. and proud member of AEA.
Mathew Schwartz (Tammany O'Halloran) is proud to be doing his ninth show at The Fireside. Recently he was seen in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Disney HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, THE FANTASTICKS, THOSE FABULOUS FIFTIES - Part 2, A FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS and HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING. Past roles include Cosmo Brown in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Nathan Leopold in THRILL ME - SE Premiere, and Willy in THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS - USA and Germany.
Alexander Arroyo (Bailiff) is thrilled to return to The Fireside for another Christmas show. Professional credits: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT National Tour (Dan/Joseph US), BROADWAY'S RISING STARS (at Town Hall), UNLOCK'D (NY Musical Theatre Festival), WEST SIDE STORY (Lyric Stage - directed by Grover Dale), and A FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS (The Grinch). Alex is a proud graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
Also appearing in this production: Kashanna Brown, Danielle Dickert Fuhrmann, Jill Ginsberg, William Nash, Brittany Nicholas, Doug Reed, Angela Sauers, Mallorey Wallace, Emily Newmark, Erica Anderson, Sierra Sawyer Freeland and Aidan Buckingham-Taylor. The production was directed by Ed Flesch with Musical Direction by Mary Ehlinger and Choreography by Ann Nieman.