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.
Adrian Aguilar (Rocky Balboa) has performed on stages and screens all over the country in his 20 year career, but he will always call Chicago his home. Born and raised in the burbs, he chose to come back to the midwest to start his career and family, rather than the typical path to NYC. He has been married to the woman of his dreams, Brianna Borger, for nearly 14 years, and they live a quiet life in Evanston, IL with their perfect son, Ian, and their perfectly imperfect meatball of a pittie, Ahsoka Doggo. Adrian considers himself to be the luckiest person on the planet.
Alyssa H. Chase (Adrian) is a Manhattan based actor/singer, mindfulness guide, and communications coach. Favorites: Charles Ludlam’s ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE (Off-Bway, 1st NYC Revival), MOON OVER BUFFALO, DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER (The Theater Barn), PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, P-town Tennessee Williams Fest), THE BIKINIS: A Musical Beach Party (Downstairs Cabaret Theatre), BOSTON MARRIGE (New Century) and many films, TV, commercials, and workshops. Smith College and AMDA graduate. www.alyssahchase.com For Vavo.
Jahmaul Bakare (Apollo Creed) began vocal training at Morehouse College and finished his graduate studies at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Bakare has won prestigious awards for his interpretations of both operatic and musical theater repertoire. Some roles performed include: Agwe (first national Broadway tour of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND), Pinkerton (MADAMA BUTTERFLY), Flick (VIOLET), Enjolras (LES MISERABLES), Wolf/Prince Charming (INTO THE WOODS). @jahmaulb – instagram
Chris Carsten (Mickey) is delighted to be returning to The Fireside! He was recently in New York City performing a workshop production of AFTER PINOCCHIO, a new musical, cast as Gepetto. Since the last time he performed at The Fireside, Mr. Carsten has toured nationally and internationally. Some of his favorite roles include John Adams in 1776, Henry Higgins in MY FAIR LADY, and Jean Shepherd in A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL. Mr. Carsten would like to thank his family for their love and support!
Nick Anastasia (Paulie) Fireside: JERSEY BOYS (Frankie), BEAUTIFUL (Barry Mann). Other: JERSEY BOYS (Frankie**x3, Joey Pesci**), VOCA PEOPLE (Tenoro, Off-Broadway/Nat’l/Internat’l Tours, Lucille Lortel Award), HONEYMOON IN VEGAS (Jack**, Regional Premiere), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Seymour**), HAIR (Claude, International/European Tour), FRIENDS! The Musical (Ross, Off-Broadway/North American Tour), IN THE
HEIGHTS (Sonny, Regional Premiere), Florida Studio Theatre, DCL/ Celebrity/RCCL.**BroadwayWorld Award Nominee. IG: nottherussianprincess
Liz McKendry (Gloria) is thrilled to make her Fireside debut! Broadway: THE PRODUCERS. Off-Broadway: SLEEP NO MORE. Regional: THE RED DRESS (New Phoenix Theatre), THE PRODUCERS (Paper Mill Playhouse), A FUNNY THING…FORUM (Paper Mill Playhouse), BOEING-BOEING (Cape May Stage), MAMMA MIA (The Gateway), TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES (NYTF). Film: CABRINI, THE PRODUCERS. Proud member of Jack Wetherall’s Shakespeare Lab, ANDTheatre’s Anything Goes!, Winterlight Productions, Luigi’s Jazz Centre, Actors’ Equity, SAG-AFTRA. GO BILLS!!!
Lenessa Age (Joanne) is pleased as punch to make her Fireside debut! She’s a BFA MT graduate from AMDA LA/NY. Credits include Laurey in OKLAHOMA! (Ovation Theatre), Suzy in THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (Legendary Productions), Portia in SOMETHING ROTTEN (Ovation Theatre), Woman #1 in I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE (Centenary Stage), and Consuelo in WEST SIDE STORY (North Star Theatre). Huge thanks to her family for their support. @loch_nesssa
Sofia Swensen (Angie, Shirley) is so excited to be making her Fireside Dinner Theater debut! Sofia loves to perform with authenticity, uniqueness, and of course, humor. Credits: THE MATCHMAKER, AS YOU LIKE IT, SWEET CHARITY, A CHRISTMAS STORY. BFA Musical Theater, Syracuse University. Off the stage, Sofia is a personal trainer, dance instructor, and avid cat lover. She would like to thank: Ma, Bro, and her sweet Tiny.
Victor Hernandez (Gazzo, Jergens) 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, and The Old Man – A CHRISTMAS STORY (Fireside Theatre). Check out his bi-yearly posts on Instagram: @thevichernandez
Selene Klasner (Linda McKenna) is so grateful to make her Fireside debut! Regional credits include BEAUTIFUL and BUDDY HOLLY at North Shore Music Theatre, JERSEY BOYS (Lorraine) at Theatre by the Sea, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Sister Margaretta/Frau Schmidt) at the ZACH. Selene graduated summa cum laude from the University of Southern California. Love and gratitude to her family! @seleneklasner
Byron Flores, Jr. (Buddy, Spider Rico) is thrilled to be making his Fireside debut! Hailing from the streets of Jersey City, NJ, Byron holds his BA in Music and is on track for his MM in Vocal Performance. Credits include ROCKY (Rocky Balboa), JOSEPH . . . DREAMCOAT (Pharoah), A CHORUS LINE (Zach), SWEENEY TODD (Judge Turpin). Special thanks to the entire Fireside team! Much love to friends and family for their unwavering support <3 IG @byron.floresjr.
Aidan Curley (Mike, Jack) 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 PIPPIN (Ensemble, u/s Pippin), SWEET CHARITY (Dance Ensemble), and CARRIE The Musical (Dance Captain, u/s Billy). Enjoy the show!
@aidanjcurley
Corey Jennings (Apollo’s Manager) is excited to make his debut at The Fireside Theatre! His parents are fans of Rocky 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!
Daniel Pippert (Watchman, Wysocki) is thrilled to return to the Fireside stage, recently appearing in MATILDA, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and SCROOGE The Musical. Past credits include COMPANY, KINKY BOOTS, CAMELOT, BRIGHT STAR, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE…, SPAMALOT, and MAN OF LA MANCHA. He is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University. Many thanks to the Fireside Team and family back in Virginia! @danielpippert www.danielpippert.com
Ivan Bracy, Jr. (Dipper, Ring Doctor) is happy to stay at The Fireside after appearing in MATILDA! Credits include Marquee Productions, The REV Co. (BEAUTIFUL:The Carole King Musical and A CHORUS LINE), Lincoln Park (IN THE HEIGHTS as Bennie) and PCLO. Recently appeared as Mr Beauregarde in Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Ivan’s a proud graduate of Point Park University’s BFA Musical Theatre and resides in Chicago. He also works as a director/choreographer in theatres on the West Coast. Enjoy the show! @ivanbracyjr
Rosemary Shahani (Reporter #1, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Fireside Theatre debut in ROCKY! Rosemary started her career as a ballet dancer with Colorado Ballet and Contemporary West Dance Theatre before moving to NYC and the theater world. Rosemary has been seen in GUYS AND DOLLS (The Heights Players), The Bring About Residency with Jennifer Jancuska, AATMA Performing Arts and as a featured dancer in several short films and music videos. She is grateful for this opportunity and looks forward to a knockout show!
Hailey Cooknick (Reporter #2, Ensemble) is thrilled to be at The Fireside Theatre this fall! Originally from Dallas, TX, she grew up studying classical dance, which led to earning a BFA at Point Park University, concentrating in Modern and Jazz Dance. From the high seas to NYC, Hailey has enjoyed opportunities both on stage performing, as well as creating and re-staging new work. Most recently, she spent her summer as the Associate Choreographer and as Cassandra in CATS at Jean’s Playhouse.
Molly Davison (Apollo’s Girl) is thrilled to be making her Fireside debut in ROCKY! Originally from New Jersey, BBA in Marketing and Healthcare Business, Dance History minor from The University of Oklahoma. Credits: Step One Dance Company (Holland America Line), ROCK OF AGES (Centenary Stage), THE ALL NEW PIANO MEN (Palace Theatre), Dallas Black Dance Theatre: ENCORE! Big thank you to my family and friends, Ed and the Fireside team, and all my mentors for encouraging me to “keep the dream alive”. Cheers! @mollydavo
Kristina Haley (Apollo’s Girl) is thrilled to be back at The Fireside. An Oklahoma native now living in NYC, she is a graduate from the University of Oklahoma (B.S.) and University of Greenwich (M.S.). Previous credits include: CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR (Rand Productions); MARY POPPINS (The Fireside); WHITE CHRISTMAS (The Fireside); Featured Dancer with Norwegian Cruise Line. Special thank you to Ed, Kristyn, the entire Fireside team, my family, and God!
Miya Bass (Apollo’s Girl) is a New York based vocalist and actor seen here earlier this year as Sister Mary Hubert in NUNSENSE. Her most recent accomplishment was filming her very first commercial for Uber. She has also been a contestant on season 14 of The Voice, working alongside celebrity coaches Alicia Keys and Adam Levine. Miya has also performed leading roles in several musical theater productions: AIDA, SISTER ACT, THE LION KING, RENT, MOANA, THE WIZ, and many others. To follow Miya for more, she can be found as MiyaMayoBass on all social media platforms.