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.
Courtney Brady (Mary Poppins) is thankful for the chance to play this role-of-a-lifetime, after recently being seen at The Fireside playing Judy Haynes in WHITE CHRISTMAS and Miss Shields in A CHRISTMAS STORY. Other favorite credits include the Broadway developmental lab for the revival of CRAZY FOR YOU directed by Susan Stroman, THE PRODUCERS (National Tour, Papermill, Maltz Jupiter), and FUNNY GIRL starring Shoshana Bean (North Shore Music Theatre). Many thanks to Ed and TPG. Love to my family and friends. Glory to God! @cocobrady
Justin Brill (Bert) An MFA candidate at San Diego State University. Credits: Broadway (RENT, ALL SHOOK UP, HIGH FIDELITY), National Tours (Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, WICKED), The Metropolitan Opera, Milwaukee Rep, Indiana Rep and Fireside (HOW TO SUCCEED, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN). As a director and an educator, Justin strives to create a supportive community of artists who feel empowered to bring themselves fully into their work.
Victor Hernandez (George Banks) created the role of Henry Barrow in BONNIE & CLYDE on Broadway. He recently appeared on the Fireside stage as John, in our highly successful run of GRUMPY OLD MEN. Regional credits include B&C (La Jolla Playhouse & Asolo Repertory); Dan – NEXT TO NORMAL (Seven Angels Theatre); Lt. Brannigan – GUYS AND DOLLS (Bucks County Playhouse); and George Banks – MARY POPPINS, Harry Bright – MAMMA MIA, and The Old Man – A CHRISTMAS STORY (Fireside Theatre). Check out his bi-yearly posts on Instagram: @thevichernandez
Leigh Martha Klinger (Winifred Banks) is thrilled to be making her Fireside debut! She was born and raised in Germany, studied Drama in Munich and worked throughout Europe until moving to NYC 12 years ago. Favorite Regional and International credits: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SUNSET BOULEVARD, CURTAINS, CABARET, ROCKY HORROR, MURDER BALLAD, AMERICAN IDIOT, WE WILL ROCK YOU, REBECCA, RUDOLF-AFFAIRE MEYERLING, LES MISERABLES, INTO THE WOODS. Love and thanks to my husband Derrick and my incredible family! @leighmarthaklinger
Stacey Scotte (Miss Andrew) is excited to return to The Fireside as another “meanie,” having last portrayed Miss Hannigan in ANNIE here. Other theatre credits include Off-Broadway and Regional (Goodspeed, Sacramento Music Circus, Riverside Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, Florida Rep) in such shows as LA CAGE AUX FOLLES; HAIRSPRAY; THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO; AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY; COMPANY; and I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE. TV/Film credits include The Blacklist, Succession, 30 Rock, The Practice, Unsolved Mysteries, and Julie & Julia..
Rhonda Rae Busch (Mrs. Brill, Bird Woman) is excited to be back! Previous credits here: MUSIC MAN (Eulalie Mackecknie Shin), LES MISERABLES (Madame Thernardier), CINDERELLA (Stepmother), SOUND OF MUSIC (Sister Bertha), and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Wardrobe). Favorites elsewhere: WHITE CHRISTMAS (Martha), CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES (Mavis), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde), NUNSENSE (Sister Mary Hubert), DEATHTRAP, (Helga ten Dorp), and INTO THE WOODS (Jack’s Mother). Rhonda Rae is the proud wife of Bill and mother of Emily and Adam.
Marcee Doherty Elst (Mrs. Corry, Miss Lark) is thrilled to return to The Fireside after playing Mrs. Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN earlier this year and supercalifragilisticexpialidociously excited to call Cherry Tree Lane home for the summer. Marcee is a Milwaukee-based performer whose Regional credits include Next Act Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theater, Renaissance Theaterworks, and Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. Thank you to Ed, the cast, crew, production team, and the entire Fireside family!
Chris Withers (Robertson Ay, Von Hussler) is thrilled to return to Fireside (Roger in GREASE and Stan in GRUMPY OLD MEN). He knows the power of representation on stage (and off!), so he hopes you see yourself in one of the many talented artists here on stage tonight. Chris’s mission is to inspire and transform the arts so every person feels seen and heard. Find him at www.chriswithers.me for more!
Jason Plourde (Admiral Boom, Bank Chairman) is thrilled to be back. Past credits include THE MUSIC MAN, WHITE CHRISTMAS, THE WIZARD OF OZ, A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR BASEMENT, ANNIE, MY FAIR LADY, ELF, 42ND STREET, and LES MISERABLES. With 25 years experience in Opera and Theatre, other favorite credits have included Henry Higgins (MY FAIR LADY), Frank Abignale, Sr. (CATCH ME IF YOU CAN), Frank Sinatra (THE RAT PACK LOUNGE), and Macbeth (Verdi’s MACBETH). Jason would like to thank his wonderful wife, Ahlana, for all her love and support.
TaylorRae Carter (Toy Soldier, Ensemble) is ecstatic to be back at The Fireside! She is a recent graduate from the Manhattan School of Music where she studied musical theatre. She was last seen at The Fireside as Zaneeta in THE MUSIC MAN. Some of her favorite past credits include CAROUSEL (Louise), and THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy). She greatly thanks the cast, crew, directors, and family for making her theatrical dreams possible. Break a leg, everyone! @taylorrae1625
Rex Glover (Neleus, Ensemble) is over the moon to be in this practically perfect dream show! Regional: The Fireside Theatre, Atlanta Lyric Theatre, and The Countess of Storyville workshop, choreographed by Denis Jones. He’s traveled the world dancing with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The University of Alabama BA Musical Theatre/BA Dance. Gus Giordano Dance School. Love to Mom, Dad, and Kat. A special thanks to Ed, Kristyn, Mary, MJ, and all of the Fireside friends! @rexdaflex
Kristina Haley (Glamorous Doll, Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at The Fireside and to be a part of this amazing cast. Previous: WHITE CHRISTMAS (Fireside Theatre), Norwegian Cruise Line. Love and gratitude to my family, friends, teachers, and God.
Evan Hussey (Ensemble) is delighted to be making his Fireside debut! National Tour: ELF The Musical. Regional: A CHORUS LINE (Swing, City Springs Theatre), ELF (Ensemble, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Chantal, Little Theatre on the Square), SOMETHING ROTTEN (Ensemble, Victory Productions), MAMMA MIA (Ensemble, Little Theatre on the Square). Proud Marymount Manhattan Musical Theatre Alum. Many thanks to Brian at Hell’s Kitchen Agency, Mom and Dad, MC, and WM.
Austin Iovanna (Park Keeper, Northbrook, Ensemble) Fireside debut! Regional credits: DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, (Engeman Theatre), JOSEPH (Maine State Music Theatre), SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Phoenix Theatre), KISS ME, KATE (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), WIZARD OF OZ (The Palace), CHICAGO, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and THE MUSIC MAN (Theatre By The Sea). Other credits: THE PECULIAR TALE (Goodspeed), HURRICANE JIMMY (Recording). Proud BFA Boston Conservatory. Gratitude to the company and the Daniel Hoff Agency. @austiniovanna
TJ Kubler (Valentine, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to The Fireside for MARY POPPINS! Last seen here in THE MUSIC MAN, he is an NYC native and proud AMDA alum. Some of his favorite credits include: ELF The Musical (Ensemble) National Tour, KINKY BOOTS (Swing/Angel) at The Engeman Theatre, NEWSIES (Elmer) at Westchester Broadway Theatre, and THE LITTLE MERMAID (Jetsam) at The Palace Theatre. Big thank you to his friends and family for their love and support, his rep at Ann Steele Agency, and to this cast/crew/creative team for all the hard work! IG: @tj_kubler
Kayelin Leon (Katie Nanna, Ensemble) is thrilled to make her Fireside Theatre debut in this magical show. Recent professional credits include Disney Cruise Line (Mary Poppins, Cruella De Vil, and Madame de Garderobe), A CHORUS LINE (Cassie, Bebe, swing), XANADU (Erato), and CHICAGO (Velma Kelly). Kayelin would like to thank Ed for this opportunity and her family for their support. kayelinleon.com
Dana Orange (Policeman, Ensemble) is excited to be making his Midwest debut here at The Fireside! Dana is a Philadelphia based performer, associated with companies such as Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Lantern Theatre Company and the Media Theatre. Other credits: KISS ME, KATE (Sacramento Music Circus), SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Florida Studio Theatre), IN THE HEIGHTS (Park Playhouse), and RAGTIME (Eagle Theatre). All my love to my big supportive family back home, both blood and chosen! www.danaorange.com
Stephanie Staszak (Ensemble) This is Stephanie’s first production with The Fireside! A Milwaukee native, Stephanie has performed with various local theatres, most recently seen at Skylight Music Theatre in MAMMA MIA! and Dennis DeYoung’s HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. Stephanie also does commercial and film work, which has included starring alongside four adorable puppets in the award-winning short film ANGELAAA in the 2017 Milwaukee Film Festival. When not performing, Stephanie choreographs and creates mini movies with her little cousins.
Shanna VanDerwerker (Ensemble) is thrilled to come back and perform on the Fireside stage after choreographing over a dozen shows. Favorite performing credits include: Broadway and first national touring companies of WICKED (dance captain and swing), EVITA (Drury Lane Oakbrook), SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Fireside Theatre), H2$ (Fireside Theatre) KISS ME, KATE (TUTS Houston), dre.dance company (NYC), and Kids of the Kingdom at Walt Disney World. BA from Point Park University currently teaching and choreographing in Chicago. AEA member. shannavdance.com