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.
Mary Ehlinger (Vivian) happily reprises her role from CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 1. She was recently seen here in CINDERELLA (Queen). Off-Broadway: COWGIRLS, OIL CITY SYMPHONY, RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET. Regional: George St. Playhouse, Old Globe, Arkansas and Tennessee Reps, Actors Theater of Louisville, Barter, Maine State, Florida Studio – to name a few. Prior to the COVID shutdown Mary was a frequent performer at Mountain Playhouse in PA, but as a result of that shutdown, she wrote a musical with her brother.
Nancy Jane Nelson (Mavis) is excited to join the cast of CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 4! Chicago based, her favorite roles include Vickie: THE FULL MONTY, Pennywise: URINETOWN, Lady Capulet: ROMEO AND JULIET, Patsy: ALWAYS PATSY CLINE, Fanny and Director at Tommy Gun’s Garage, and member of Route 66 Female A Capella Quartet. Having done voice-over, industrial, and on-camera work, she was recently featured on Chicago Fire. She thanks her best friend and “bulwark” of a husband Norm Boucher.
Brittany D. Parker (Karin) is thrilled to be at The Fireside! Previous credits include: Ordway Center, Mercury Theater, History Theater, Park Square Theater, Childrens Theater Company, Old Log Theater, Artistry Theater, Stages Theater Company, Troupe America, and more. Brittany has also been in over 70 regional/national commercials, TV shows, and movies. Her own production company, Locally Grown Comedy, a filmed sketch show, launches June 2022. Follow on all social media! “Love to my family, friends, Dajah, and Bear.”
Kaylee Verble (Beverly) is thrilled to return to The Fireside where she was last seen in THE SOUND OF MUSIC (u/s Liesl; u/s Sister Sophia) and ELF! Other favorites: 42ND STREET (Peggy Sawyer), NOISES OFF! (Brooke Ashton), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Zelda; u/s Lina), DAMES AT SEA (Ruby), WHITE CHRISTMAS, and Disney Cruise Line. Later this summer Kaylee will play Sue Ellen in HONKY TONK ANGELS. Love to family and endless gratitude to Ed! @KayleeVerble www.KayleeVerble.com
Joe Lehman (Pastor Gunderson) is delighted to return to The Fireside Theatre where he has appeared in MAMMA MIA!, BUDDY, GREASE, CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES 1 AND 2, SOUTH PACIFIC, and RUN FOR YOUR WIFE. A proud member of Actors’ Equity he has worked at Williams Street Rep, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, First Folio, Creede Repertory Theatre, Classical Kids Live, Shaw Chicago, and Meadow Brook Theatre among others. Thanks for supporting live theatre! www.joe-lehman.com
Caryn Hartglass (Karin/Vivian/Mavis Cover) Fireside Theatre Debut! Favorite roles: CANDIDE (Cunegonde), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (Dot/Marie), PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Mabel), EVITA (Eva Peron), INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella), MAN OF LA MANCHA (Aldonza), SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM, THE MAGIC FLUTE (Queen of the Night). Recording: RECITAL CARYN HARTGLASS. Grand Prize Winner: International Eisteddfod Classical Voice Competition, South Africa; Concours International D’Oratorio et de Lied, France. Love to Gary.
Hollyn Gayle (Beverly Cover) is elated to be making her Fireside debut. National and International Tour: THE WIZARD OF OZ (u/s Dorothy). Select Regional: FOOTLOOSE (Ariel) and HELLO, DOLLY! (Minnie Fay) at Ozark Actors Theatre, SEUSSICAL at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, and CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES at the Playhouse at Westport Plaza. Thanks to Ed and the Fireside team for the opportunity! Love to her husband, Alex, and her family. 1 John 4:16. @hollyngayle HollynGayle.com
Jason Plourde (Pastor Gunderson Cover) After an over two year hiatus, Jason is thrilled to restart his acting career and to be doing it at The Fireside. Past credits here include ANNIE, MY FAIR LADY, ELF, 42ND STREET, and LES MISERABLES. With 20 plus years experience in Opera and Theatre, other favorites include Frank Sinatra (THE RAT PACK LOUNGE) Frank Abignale, Sr. (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN), Tom (THE NORMAN CONQUESTS), Macbeth (Verdi’s MACBETH). Jason would like to thank Ed Flesch for this opportunity and his wonderful wife, Ahlana, for all her love and support.