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.
Alan Ball (J. Bruce Ismay) is delighted to return to The Fireside, where he most recently played Grandpa in GRUMPY OLD MEN. His 40-plus years as an actor/singer (including 13 as an Artistic Associate of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival) have taken him to all 50 states and 30+ countries around the world. He is grateful to Ed for his trust, to his wife, Joan, and their cat, Ginger, for their love, and to YOU for attending LIVE theatre! www.alanball.biz
Noah Barnes (Charles Lightoller, John Thayer) is thrilled to be making his Fireside debut aboard the Titanic! Rochester native and SUNY Fredonia graduate. Thanks to the Fireside team, Daniel Hoff Talent, and my wonderful family. Instagram: @noah_royalb
Jamiel T. Burkhart (Frederick Fleet) is the Producing Artistic Director of MilkyWay Theatre Company as well as a familiar face in the NYC theater and music scenes, and a regional favorite. Credits: HIP HOP CINDERELLA (U/S Prince, Runka/Dance Captain), COMEDY OF ERRORS (Dromio), ROCK OF AGES (Ja’Keith Gill/Mayor), INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella’s Prince/the Wolf), RENT (Angel Dumonte Shunard), PIPPIN (Pippin/Lewis), and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Caiaphas). Feeling blessed to make his Fireside debut. @jamielburkhart jamieltburkhart.com milkywaytheatrecompany.com
Rhonda Rae Busch (Ida Straus) is excited to be back! Previous Fireside credits include THE MUSIC MAN (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn), LES MISERABLES (Madame Thernardier), CINDERELLA (Stepmother), and MARY POPPINS (Mrs. Brill and Birdwoman). 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.
Joey Chelius (Charles Clark, Geo. Widener, J.H. Rogers) is thrilled to be sailing on his first Fireside voyage! A Milwaukee native, Joey’s favorite Regional credits include Dennis DeYoung’s HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Phoebus), THE FULL MONTY (Malcolm), and Disney’s A JOLLY HOLIDAY. He recently made his Chicago debut in HAIR (Claude) under Jeff Award-winning director Derek VanBarham. Joey gives special thanks to Ed, Susan Varela, and the Fireside team. His performance is dedicated to Teagan Maureen with love. IG: @joey.chelius
Kelliann DeCarlo (Mme. Aubert) National Tour: CATS (Grizabella u/s, Jellylorum u/s). New York: THE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR starring The Radio City Rockettes (Singer). Regional: MISS SAIGON (Ellen), SOPHISTICATED LADIES (Terri), CATS (Grizabella), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Belle u/s), and HELLO DOLLY! (Irene Molloy u/s). Readings/Concerts: Delaware Valley Symphony BM, Rider University. Thanks to Brian at HKA. @kellianndecarlo @shewakesupatfiveampodcast kellianndecarlo.com
Emily Kate Decker (Kate Murphey, Madeleine Astor) is thrilled to be setting sail in her Fireside debut! Previous credits include Lorraine (JERSEY BOYS), u/s Miss Honey/Ensemble (MATILDA), Candi (A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS), and Sandra (BIG FISH). When she’s not on stage, Emily loves getting outside on a hike, baking, trying new foods, a good road trip, and her dog. She’d like to thank her family and friends for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show! @emilykatedecker
Brian B. Elliott (Henry Etches) is so happy to be back at The Fireside! He previously appeared as Teddy Roosevelt (NEWSIES), Cogsworth (BEAUTH AND THE BEAST), Uncle Billy (A WONDERFUL LIFE), Grantaire (LES MISERABLES), among others. At the Mercury Theater of Chicago he’s appeared as Max Bialystok (THE PRODUCERS) and Oskar (THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER), and at PlaybyPlay Theater in Green Bay as Lord Capulet (ROMEO AND JULIET). He wishes to thank his parents, Mary, Ed, and Skye!
Cody Gerszewski (Harold Bride) Happy as always to be “back home” in Fort! Recent Fireside favorites: GREASE and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Off-Broadway: ON THE RIGHT TRACK (AMT Theater), RIO UPHILL (The York). Select Regional: JANE EYRE–revised premiere (New City MT), SUNDAY IN THE PARK (Sierra Rep), GREAT COMET, SHINING IN MISERY: A King-Size Parody-world premiere (Capital City), GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE (The Engeman). Hugs to Mom, Dad, Tyler and Grandma. Special thanks to Ed and the Klopcics. Love you, Juliebird! @CGerszewski
Michael Haws (Captain E.J. Smith) Recent favorite roles: Mayor-MUSIC MAN; General Waverly-WHITE CHRISTMAS; Wizard-WIZARD OF OZ; Max-SOUND OF MUSIC; King-CINDERELLA; Arvide-GUYS AND DOLLS; Pickering-MY FAIR LADY; Clarence-WONDERFUL LIFE; Jim-ALL SHOOK UP; Doc-WEST SIDE STORY; Thenardier-LES MISERABLES. Other theatres: Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane E.P., Beef & Boards, Fulton Musical Theatre, Little Theatre. Ship motto: Be shore of yourself, avoid pier pressure, sea life’s beauty, don’t get tide down, make waves!
Carl Hulden (William Murdoch. Benj. Guggenheim) is honored to be joining the crew of the Titanic! A Minnesota native turned New Yorker was previously seen in THE MUSIC MAN, LES MISERABLES, and A FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS. Also: Dr Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (National Tour), ANNIE (WBT), DAY OF WRATH (NYMF), LES MISERABLES (LTOTS) and Disney’s TANGLED and FROZEN. Thanks to Ed. Love to Théo and Vincent. Dedicated to Grandpa Leo. Carl holds a BM from WCC and teaches voice…come sing with me! www.carlhulden.com
Sophie Jones (Kate McGowan, Eleanor Widener) is absolutely thrilled to be making her Fireside debut! Select credits: Off Broadway: FINDING MADAME CURIE (Celine/u/s, Marie/Swing). Regional: INTO THE WOODS (Cinderella), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Maria Rainer), CABARET (Fraulein Kost/u/s Sally Bowles), A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (Sibella). Thanks so much to Ed and everyone at The Fireside Theatre for this opportunity! Much love to her family for all of their support. Socials: @sofathecouch2. More at www.sophie-jones.com!
Sam Joseph (Jim Farrell, Frank Carlson, Mr. Latimer) is so excited to be making his Fireside debut! Previous credits: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Don Lockwood), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Prince Eric), ORDINARY DAYS (Jason), SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (Man 2). Proud BM NYU Steinhardt. Thanks Ed for this amazing opportunity! Love to Mom, Dad, Molly, Justin, Kate and Chloe for their endless support. samjosephofficial.com
Olivia Koukol (Caroline Neville) is thrilled to be back in the theatre for the first time in several years. Based in NYC, her credits include roles such as Belle (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and Sarah Brown (GUYS AND DOLLS). TV/Film: Blue Bloods, Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game. Much love to Jim, Jackie, Julia, family and friends (Michael & Courtney). Love you!
Margaret J. Leisenheimer (Kate Mullins, Marion Thayer) is thrilled to be making her Fireside debut! An NYC based actor, Margaret has performed at New York and Regional houses. Previous roles include Frances in FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS (Citygate Productions), Darlene in HONKY TONK ANGELS (Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre) and Beth in LITTLE WOMEN: THE MUSICAL (Festival 56). Margaret attended Binghamton University where she received her BA in Theatre and Performance. Love and gratitude to her family and Jack.
Melody Lieberman (Alice Beane), a NJ native, is excited to be back after playing Mrs. Squires in THE MUSIC MAN! National Tour: Ice Queen (CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE). Notable Regional: The Mayor (THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, Arizona Broadway Theatre), Magenta (ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, Roxy Regional), Sara Jane Moore (ASSASSINS, Roxy Regional), Minnie Marx (MINNIE’S BOYS, Broward Stage Door). Two-time Winner, NY Mets National Anthem Search (2007 and 2016). Much love to Mom, Dad, Jeremy, and Rachel for their constant support. @miss__melody
Matthew Liu (Wallace Hartley, Herbert Pitman) Fireside debut! Recent acting: Song Liling in M. BUTTERFLY (Woodstock Playhouse), NIGHTCLUB CANTATA (the cell theatre), Stephen Sondheim’s YOU’RE GONNA LOVE TOMORROW (Theater 2020). Music Directing: Nederlander Worldwide, Off-Broadway and Regional. Training: The Juilliard School. So much love to all family, friends and mentors – couldn’t have done it without you! To this epic cast: “Sail on, sail on, great ship – Titanic!” youtube.com/c/MatthewLiu Insta/TikTok: @hithereitsmattliu
Kate Mazza (Charlotte Cardoza) is delighted to be making her Fireside Theatre debut! Previous Credits: THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Paper Mill Playhouse), CAMELOT (Guenevere u/s), KINKY BOOTS (Lauren u/s), RING OF FIRE (Trenna u/s), TITANIC (Caroline), A CHORUS LINE (Sheila). Montclair State University BFA Musical Theatre. kate-mazza.com Instagram: @katemazza
Jason Plourde (Isidor Straus) Past credits include MARY POPPINS, 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 to his wonderful wife, Ahlana, for all her love and support.
Andy Tighe (Thomas Andrews) is honored to be making his Fireside Theatre debut in one of his favorite shows. Andy recently lead the first ever Off-Broadway revival of A CLASS ACT. NYC: SEESAW (Jerry Ryan, Theatre Row). Favorite Regional: CABARET (Cliff, Argyle Theatre & Ivoryton Playhouse); A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Fred, North Shore Music Theatre); THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Jimmy, Reagle MT); JEKYLL & HYDE (NSMT) and many more. Love to my family! Follow along @andytighe42 and www.andytighe.com.
John Vessels, Jr. (Edgar Beane, Boxhall) is thrilled to return to The Fireside after 21 years! Most recently he was seen at Beef and Boards Dinner Theater in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Cogsworth), CLUE (Professor Plum), and THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Mal Beineke). Other favorite roles include Sylvia St. Croix (RUTHLESS), Durdles (THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD), The Old Man (A CHRISTMAS STORY), and Edgar Beane (TITANIC – right here at The Fireside in 2001). Love to Jay.
Rhys Williams (Frederick Barrett, John Jacob Astor) Fireside debut! National Tour: A BRONX TALE. Favorite credits include Nick Massi in JERSEY BOYS (Mill Mountain), Tony in WEST SIDE STORY (Tibbits Opera House), BEAUTIFUL (The REV), MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, ALMOST HEAVEN (Infinity Theatre), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Alabama Shakespeare), and MAME (Greater Boston Stage). Much thanks to Ed for the opportunity; Katie and Violet at PMA; his family and Matty for their continued support. @rhyswilliamsnyc