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.
Jason Simon (Kris Kringle) loves getting to embody the amazing spirit of Christmas known as Santa Claus, even when getting slimed as Nickelodeon’s official Santa Claus on NFL Slimetime, and is very excited to play Kris Kringle! Jason has performed in four operas at the Met, seven National Tours (soon to be eight), over 100 regional productions, has done TV, film, animation, and is a founding member of Festival 56 theatre company; as well as an award winning children’s book illustrator. Love and thanks to my beautiful wife, Tara! For more visit www.jasonEsimon.com
Laura Cable (Doris Walker) believes in Santa Claus! Favorite Fireside credits: WHITE CHRISTMAS (Betty Haynes), THE MUSIC MAN (Marian Paroo), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Wicked Witch), MY FAIR LADY (Eliza Doolittle), HOLIDAY INN (Linda Mason), and THE LITTLE MERMAID (Ursula). Laura is also a motivational speaker who explores living a life of resilience… on purpose! @LauraCableSpeaks. Many thanks to Ed, love to the Cable family, and praise to God for this adventurous life!
Billy Clark Taylor (Fred Gaily) is excited to return to the Fireside stage having previously appeared as Don Kirshner in BEAUTIFUL last spring. Billy has worked at theaters across the country including Maine State Music Theatre, the Fulton Theatre, and North Shore Music Theatre. Stage credits include Vernon Gersh in THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG, Harry Bright in MAMMA MIA, and Sky Masterson in GUYS AND DOLLS. Billy can be seen in the series pilot Carrington’s Rules, the film WTF Am I Doing?, and the Netflix original movie Miles.
Victor Hernandez (Shellhammer) created the role of Henry Barrow in BONNIE & CLYDE on Broadway. 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, The Old Man – A CHRISTMAS STORY, and Gazzo, Jergens – ROCKY The Musical (Fireside Theatre). Check out his bi-yearly posts on Instagram: @thevichernandez – Happy Holidays to all!
Brandon Kallen (R.H. Macy) Ready for a Miracle in Wisconsin! Past credits include THE WIZARD OF OZ tour, MYSTIC PIZZA at the Engeman Theater, LA CAGE at Cygnet, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN with Candlelight Pavilion, NEWSIES, WHITE CHRISTMAS, MARY POPPINS and LES MISERABLES Theatre Royale, PETER PAN and RAGTIME with Performance Riverside, and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES with The Chance Theatre. Brandon graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts from California Lutheran University, and would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support. nottherussianprincess
Brian B. Elliott (Mr. Sawyer) is celebrating his (lucky) thirteenth show here at The Fireside! He previously appeared as Bob Cratchit (SCROOGE), Henry Etches (TITANIC), Cogsworth (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), and Grantaire (LES MISERABLES), among others. At the Mercury Theater of Chicago he’s appeared as Max Bialystok (THE PRODUCERS), and at PlaybyPlay Theater in Green Bay as Lord Capulet (ROMEO AND JULIET). He wishes to thank Mary and Ed. Love to his parents and Skye! Instagram: @belrianpendragon
Steve Watts (Judge Martin Group) Among the 33(!!) Fireside productions since 2003 are ANNIE, 42nd STREET, JOSEPH… DREAMCOAT, and 16 band shows, along with six solo/group concerts. Regional/Int’l: ROCK OF AGES (Mercury Theater, Chicago); TITANIC, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and RAGTIME (Milwaukee Rep); A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Teatro Franco Parenti, Milan). NYC: MACBETH, HAMLET, and the world premiere of the original musical HURRICANE. Thanks to family, friends, and all at The Fireside for continued love and support. Be kind to each other.
Corey Jennings (Thomas Mara) is excited to return to The Fireside Theatre! His parents are fans of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET so he’s excited for them to see the musical version. Some of his past credits include OTHELLO (Y. York), AS YOU LIKE IT (Taub), ANYTHING GOES, and SWEET CHARITY to name a few. In his free time Corey likes to teach swim, read a good book, and he is a HUGE movie buff, especially horror movies. He hopes you enjoy the show! @Corey.J.Jennings
Daniel Pippert (Tammany O’Halloran) is thrilled to spend another holiday season at The Fireside after appearing in last year’s production of SCROOGE The Musical. Other Fireside credits include MATILDA (Mr. Wormwood), ROCKY, and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Past credits include COMPANY, KINKY BOOTS, A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Musical, CAMELOT, BRIGHT STAR, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE…, SPAMALOT, and MAN OF LA MANCHA. He is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University. Thank you to the Fireside team for a wonderful year! @danielpippert www.danielpippert.com
Anna Backer (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to The Fireside for MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET! National Tours: MY FAIR LADY (dir. Bartlett Sher), GIRLS NIGHT. Select Regional: MATILDA (Fireside), PIPPIN (STONC), CHICAGO (Big Noise Theater), ANYTHING GOES, PETER PAN, MAME (Music Theater Works), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (WPPAC), BULLETS OVER BROADWAY (NightBlue), The Who’s TOMMY, MY FAIR LADY (Northwestern University). Represented by DDO Artists Agency. Much love to Roux and the fam. @annabackertap
Mathew Blasio (Ensemble) is thrilled to make his debut at The Fireside Theatre! Recently: Original Cast of HIS STORY the Musical – Nicodemus. Disney Cruise Line – Mainstage Dancer. Film – Netflix’s WHITE NOISE. He’s worked at theatre’s such as The Lex, Porthouse Theatre, The Beck Center, Woodstock Playhouse, and Milton Theatre. You may spot him at music events, museums, or parks, wearing plenty of sunscreen. Thanks to Elaine, Gregory, and the parents! mathewblasio.com @blazi0
Aidan Curley (Ensemble) is excited to be back at The Fireside! Originally from San Jose, California, Aidan has spent the last four years in Manhattan, where they received their BFA in Musical Theatre from CAP21/Molloy University. Recent credits include ROCKY The Musical at The Fireside, PIPPIN (Ensemble, u/s Pippin), SWEET CHARITY (Dance Ensemble), and CARRIE The Musical (Dance Captain, u/s Billy). Enjoy the show! @aidanjcurley
Madeline Falco (Ensemble) is an NYC based performer who is thrilled to make her Fireside debut! Favorite credits include: Ursula in BYE BYE BIRDIE (The Argyle Theatre), Topsy in THE KING AND I (Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre), Connie in A CHORUS LINE (Lauderhill Performing Arts Center & Titusville Playhouse) and Olive in PETE THE CAT (TheaterworksUSA). Much love to her family and friends for their endless support! @maddie.falco
Christopher Gallacher (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Fireside Theatre debut alongside this incredible cast. Some favorite credits include: Billy Crocker in ANYTHING GOES, Prince Topher in CINDERELLA, Daniel in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, and Bobby Child in CRAZY FOR YOU. When he’s not on stage, you can find Christopher being the favorite uncle to all his nieces and nephews! Thank you Dad, Mom, siblings, Angela, and Chloe for believing in me. I couldn’t do this without all your support. Love you all! @crgallacher
Parker Joh (Ensemble) is in the holiday spirit returning to The Fireside! He is a graduate from University of South Carolina and the Broadway Dance Center Training Program. Previous Fireside credits include: MATILDA: The Musical, GUYS AND DOLLS, A CHRISTMAS STORY: The Musical, and ANNIE. Other favorite credits include: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, and SPRING AWAKENING. Special thanks to Ed, MJ, Kristyn, Mary, The Klopcic Family, and all staff involved in creating a fantastic experience! @parkerjohact
Madison Pivonka (Ensemble) is originally from Gilbert, Arizona, but currently resides in New York City. She was a competitive dancer for 10 years before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Dance and Arts Management at Oklahoma City University. After graduating, she performed aboard the Regent Seven Seas Splendor where she traveled to over 30 countries throughout Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. She is excited and grateful to be performing at The Fireside Theatre! @maddie_pivonka
Megan Stier (Ensemble) is excited to be back at The Fireside having previously played Liesl in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Patti Simcox in GREASE. A few of her favorite credits include BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story, THE LITTLE MERMAID and CINDERELLA. She is also the bestselling author of “Hatred Is Just Love Gone Wrong” and an advocate for Brain Injury Education with BIAA. Happy Holidays!!! Follow @meganmstier
Emma Vielbig (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Fireside Theatre debut! Favorite past credits include Cassie in A CHORUS LINE, Sheila in A CHORUS LINE, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Sally), BIG RIVER (ensemble), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Helena), and the workshop of BACHELOR GIRLS. Love to the teamwork that is live theater (cast, crew, and creative), and endless, forever thanks to her parents.
Caitlin Wilayto (Ensemble) is delighted to be spreading holiday cheer at The Fireside Theatre! Regional – Goodspeed Opera House, Riverside Theater, NSMT, ACCC, Mac Haydn, Westchester Broadway, Broadway Palm, Monomoy Theater and more! TV – “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.” Thank you to the creative team, PMA, her family, her friends, and her dog Belle for the love and support. She would like to dedicate this production to her students at NYCDA! Enjoy the show! Insta/tiktok @caitwilayt