A Christmas Carol 2024 Bios
Creative Team
Rick Lombardo
Adaptation & Original Lyrics
Original Music
Rick is an award-winning American Stage Director, Artistic Director and Adapter. He is the Director of the School of Theatre at Penn State University where is a Professor of Practice, as well as the Artistic Director for Penn State Centre Stage. He previously served for six seasons as the Artistic Director at San Jose Repertory Theatre (LORT B), as well as the Producing Artistic Director at Boston's New Repertory Theatre for thirteen seasons. For more information, visit www.ricklombardo.net
Anna Lackaff
Original Music
Musical Arrangements
Anna tours nationwide as a member and keyboardist of Mannheim Steamroller. She has served as music director/conductor/pianist at San Jose Repertory Theatre, New Repertory Theatre, Encore Musical Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts, Off-Broadway, Performance Network Theatre, Des Moines Playhouse, and many others. She was formerly voice faculty at Minnesota State University Mankato; adjunct faculty at Drake University, IA; instructor at Simpson College, IA; Resident Music Director of Carousel Theatre, ME; and Program Music Director of Walnut Hill School Theatre Academy, MA. Compositions include the musical Thank You for Being a Friend (Off-Broadway and others); music for public television; pop and art songs; and choral music, including her Ave Maria performed by The Western Wind. As a singer, she has performed with i Sebastiani and Nebraska Chamber Players. A visual artist, she illustrated Virginia Tufte's memoir Pieces with 60+ drawings (Graphics Press), and her work has been cover art for the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Lackaff has performed in 48 states and lives in Iowa with husband Dr. Aaron Santos. Her original score for A Christmas Carol, as presented here, was composed and first produced in 2005. For more information, please visit www.AnnaLackaff.com
Charles Grant
He/Him
Director
Charles is honored to step into the world of this play as the Director. As an artist who wears a number of hats (Director, Actor, Producer, Teacher, Writer), he’s worked with various theatre companies over the years including Portland Center Stage, Many Hats Collaboration, Third Rail, Fuse Theatre Ensemble, Broadway Rose, Confrontation Theatre, and of course Portland Playhouse where he is currently in the role of Producing Director. His most recent Directing Credits include A Christmas Carol (Portland Playhouse 2023), Great Wide Open (co-dir. Jessica Wallenfels, co-production with Many Hats Collaboration & Portland Playhouse) and Assistant Director for What the Constitution Means to Me (Marissa Wolf, Portland Center Stage). Charles is so grateful to the whole cast, creative team, crew, and staff for giving their all to this experience. May we continue to share our stories on our terms. Thank you for being here with us and supporting live theatre! Check out thecharlesgrant.com or IG: @thecharlesgrant to say hello.
Benjamin Tissell He/Him
Music Director
Ben is a Portland-based actor, director and musician, previously seen at the Playhouse in A Christmas Carol, Peter and the Starcatcher and Titus Andronicus. Locally, Ben has also performed at Portland Center Stage, Third Rail Repertory, Broadway Rose and others. Ben currently serves as artistic director of George Fox University Theatre. Ben‘s original music, upcoming performances, and other info can be found at BenTissell.com.
Elleon Dobias She/Her
Assistant Music Director
Originally from Colorado, Elleon’s work as an actor, musician, and writer has kept her traveling for a handful of years, and she is grateful to return to Portland for another holiday season. She is especially fond of instrumental improvisation and is always humbled by the opportunity to engage her background in music with her passion for stories and how we choose to tell them. Aside from performing, Elleon is a lover of long walks, backpacking, anything homemade, and everything spread on toast. https://www.elleondobias.com/
Cassie Greer* She/Her
Stage Manager
Cassie Greer received her training in the MFA Acting program at Florida Atlantic University; the BA Theatre, History, and Music programs at Goshen College; and in the 9th Certification group of Fitzmaurice Voicework® teachers. She has worked professionally around the country as an actor, director, designer, stage manager, administrator, educator, and facilitator. In the Portland area, she spent 11 years with Bag&Baggage Productions, working on more than 30 projects and serving as Artistic Director from 2019-2022. She’s been behind the scenes here at the Playhouse for the past few seasons, and is thrilled to be taking a turn on the performing side – huge thanks to the entire Amélie team for letting her play! Find details on her various interests and projects past, present, and future at cassiegreer.com. Love and thanks to the many magical people in her life for their continual love, support, and energy. @cassiegreer
Thyra Hartshorn* She/Her
Director of Production
& Assistant Stage Manager
Thyra is a production manager, stage manager and technical director. Her training includes an MFA in production and design with a concentration in stage management from the University of California, Irvine, as well as almost two decades in ballet production. Thyra has toured and worked with companies around the world including San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and the Bolshoi Ballet. Locally she’s also worked with Oregon Ballet Theatre, Profile Theatre, White Bird, Portland Taiko and Northwest Dance Project. Thyra has taught high school stagecraft as well as college-level stage management locally.
Dayna Lucas
She/Her
Costume Designer
Dayna is an accomplished costume assistant and designer with a passion for bringing characters to life through clothing. She is known for her creative flair and attention to detail. A Fashion Design graduate from FIDM in Los Angeles, Dayna has worked in costume design for both film and theatre over the past nine years. Her most recent theatre collaborations include Argonautika (2019) for A Noise Within Theatre in Pasadena, CA and A Christmas Carol (2022) at the Portland Playhouse. She is excited be a part of Matilda: The Musical and very thankful for such a talented and hardworking cast and crew.
Solomon Weisbard He/Him
Original Lighting Designer
Solomon has created original works in drama, opera, dance, installation, and music across the U.S., Canada, Dominican Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Russia, and Slovenia. New York credits include Macbeth (directed by John Doyle at Classic Stage); The Shape of Things (created by Carrie Mae Weems at the Park Avenue Armory); Duat (Soho Rep); Men on Boats (World Premiere: Playwrights Horizons/Clubbed Thumb); and associate lighting design for the Tony Award-winning Broadway revival of August Wilson’s Jitney. Regionally: Arden, Berkshire Theatre Group, Magic, Merry-Go-Round, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Pasadena Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public, Portland Stage, Quintessence, TheatreSquared, Westport Country Playhouse, Writers, and Yale Rep. Locally: OrpheusPDX, Pickathon, Portland Center Stage, Portland Opera, and Portland Playhouse. Solomon is Associate Director of the School of Music and Theater at Portland State University where he seeks to support the next-generation of diverse theater-makers. He earned his MFA from the Yale School of Drama.
Samantha Kemp She/Her
Lighting Designer
Keela Johnson She/Her
Cultural Competency Consultant
Keela Johnson is a cultural consultant who has dedicated over eight years to working with Portland Playhouse and impacting the community. Her work on numerous productions has created spaces of confidence, accountability, cultural understanding, and connectivity. Inspired by her work with PPH, Keela established a Capstone Course at Portland State University, where she is an instructor. The course is titled Community Healing and Theater. Keela also develops activities to foster connection and resolve conflict, facilitating TalkBacks with the audience and artists. She aims to provide spaces of connectivity and community, encouraging everyone to strive for loving-kindness and empathy. She believes that the arts are a platform for illuminating the human experience and fostering connections of the human spirit. According to Keela, we own our stories, which enable us to connect, and we have the right to share them without apology.
Tabitha Wells-Benitez
She/Her
Rehearsal Child Wrangler
Tabitha is so grateful to be returning to this beautiful production again. Past theater performances include Something Rotten! (Lakewood Theatre Company), Annie Get Your Gun and A Christmas Story: The Musical (Elsinore Theatrical Productions), The Peppermint Bear (Lakewood Theatre Company), Hello Dolly! (Nutz-n-Boltz Theater Company), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Tabitha is also finishing up her senior year majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Family Studies. She would like to thank the artistic team for this opportunity, and her family for their love and support.
Ryann St Julien They/He
Carpentry and Props
Ryann is a theatre technician based in Portland, Oregon. They recently received a B.A. in theater from Lewis and Clark College, where their credits include props master for The Secretaries, (Lewis and Clark College); and Medea (Lewis and Clark College). They were a member of the scene shop crew for Lewis and Clark productions of Medea, Passion Play, The Secretaries, Cabaret, The Christians, Stupid Fucking Bird, and Sweeney Todd. They have worked around Portland on productions such as King of the Yees (Profile Theater), The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Profile Theater), Chicken and Biscuits (Portland Playhouse), and Home/Land (Hand2Mouth). Check out their website at https://www.ryannstjulien.com/
Head Electrician
Audio/Video Engineer
BeiYi Teo^
Scenic Artist
Bei is overjoyed to be back in the Portland Playhouse. She is a scenic artist and propmaker who made her prop design theater debut for Bella: An American Tall Tale! Some of her favorite projects include, Don’t Hug Me and Loch Lomond at Broadway Rose Theater Company, The Found Dog Ribbon Dance at CoHo Theater and Amazon Prime’s Somebody I used to Know. She thanks her husband for being the greatest support in her pursuit of art.
Aariyana Gould+
She/They
Production Apprentice+
Aari Gould is from Salem, New Jersey, and is an alumni of Wilkes University. She is so happy to be a part of the Portland Playhouse family as an Acting Apprentice for the next 10 months! Some of their favorite roles include Ralph in Lord of the Flies, Amy in Little Women, and Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky. You can find out more about Aari at her website, https://aariyanagould00.wixsite.com/aariyanagould
Ciel Pope+
She/Her
Production Apprentice+
Ciel is a theater artist with a passion for performance and movement. After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Ciel moved back to the West Coast to earn her BA in theater from Willamette University. Very much a language and Shakespeare lover, some of her favorite recent roles include Malvolia in Twelfth Night (Willamette University) and Rosalind in As You Like It (Saltfire Theatre).
Ciel would like to thank her family and loved ones for their support, encouragement, and inspiration to be more musical!
Clem Schonfeld
He/Him
Production Intern
Cast
Lester Purry*
He/Him
Ebenezer Scrooge
Lester has been seen at Portland Playhouse and J.P. Madison in What I Learned in Paris, Thurgood at Portland Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center and Penumbra Theatre. August Wilson in How I Learned What I Learned at The Edinburg Fringe Festival. Purry toured nationally as Othello and appeared in The Darker Face of the Earth, The Big White Fog at The Guthrie Theatre. At Penumbra, he played Cory in Fences, Hambone in Two Trains Running. At Baltimore Center Stage he played Marvell Thunder in Thunder Knocking on the Door. Purry's diverse repertoire spans Philadelphia Theatre Company, Children’s Theatre Company and beyond. Recent highlights include Charles Grace in Fireflies at South Coast Repertory Theatre. Cutler in Ma’ Rainey’s Black Bottom and Antonia in Much Ado About Nothing at American Players Theatre.
Benjamin Tissell*
He/Him
Marley, Bob Cratchit, Businessman 1, U/S Ebenezer Scrooge
Ben is a Portland-based actor, director and musician, previously seen at the Playhouse in A Christmas Carol, Peter and the Starcatcher and Titus Andronicus. Locally, Ben has also performed at Portland Center Stage, Third Rail Repertory, Broadway Rose and others. Ben currently serves as artistic director of George Fox University Theatre. Ben‘s original music, upcoming performances, and other info can be found at BenTissell.com.
Delphon "DJ" Curtis Jr.*^
All Pronouns
Present, Mr. Fezziwig, Businessman 2, U/S Marley track
DJ is thrilled to return to Portland Playhouse for this Christmas Classic. Last seen in Crowns as Pit Ensemble and Man Understudy, it is an absolute honor to return to this theatre. They graduated from William Peace University with a BFA in Musical theatre. You may have seen them as the title role in Hedwig (Portland Center Stage), Collins in Rent (Portland Center Stage), and David in Choir Boy (Portland Center Stage). They are so grateful for this wonderful cast and team that made this all possible. Follow their journey @heymr.deejay on Instagram!
Lauren Steele* She/Her
Mrs. Cratchit, Young Scrooge, Edna
Lauren Steele is a multidisciplinary artist from Portland, Oregon with a BFA in Theatre from Southern Methodist University. Some of her favorite roles to date include: Susan in Tick…Tick…Boom! and Jeannie in Hair at Portland Center Stage, Ann in What I Learned in Paris with Penumbra Theatre and Portland Playhouse, Desi in Passing Strange at Portland Playhouse and Letitia in Clyde’s at Syracuse Stage and Portland Center Stage. And Hey! She also makes music! Check out her music under the name Lo Steele, available on all streaming platforms.
Claire Rigsby
She/They
Fred, Molly, Businessman 3
Claire Rigsby is thrilled to be back in A Christmas Carol with this truly wonderful cast and creative team again. When not trapped in a British accent loop at Portland Playhouse between Matilda: The Musical and A Christmas Carol, you’ll find Claire Associate Directing PCS’s Sweeney Todd with Chip Miller, facilitating the Between You and Me devising course through Portland Experimental Theater Ensemble, or making experimental theater (or a sweater) in a sea of yarn. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Claire has called Portland home for the past eleven years. Claire is a graduate of Emory University, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and the Institute for Contemporary Performance. Previous credits include: Artists Repertory Theatre, The Alliance Theatre, Profile Theatre, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Broadway Rose Theatre Company, B Street Theatre and more. Thank you Charles, for your huge heart and genuine love and care. And thank you to all of my loved ones for the endless support and love. I couldn’t do it without you.
Tessa May
She/Her
Belle, Hermione, Old Joe
Tessa is excited to return to Portland Playhouse after her powerful performance as Belle/Hermonie/Old Joe in last years production of A Christmas Carol. A versatile artist, Tessa has showcased her talents in productions such as She Presisted (Harriet/Flo Jo, OCT), Once on this Island (Papa Ge, World Stage Theatre), Matilda (Hair and Make-up, Portland Playhouse), and Black When I'm Singing, Blue When I Ain't (U/S, Third Rail Repertory). Her other notable credits include Blink (Sophie, Third Rail Repertory). An alumna of the American Musical and Dramatics Academy (AMDA) in NYC, Tessa is also a proud Owner of TrapSrep PDX and serves as a Teaching Artist at Portland Drama Club. She thanks her grandmother for her steadfast support throughout her journey. Connect with her on Instagram: @tessamay22
Anthony Michael Shepard^
He/Him
Collecting Man 1, Dick Wilkins, Topper, U/S Present track
Anthony Michael Shepard is honored to put it in reverse and return to Portland Playhouse for A Christmas Carol. His credits include Fucking A/Blood Wedding at Shaking the Tree, American Fast at Artists Repertory Theater, Great Wide Open at Portland Playhouse and more. Catch him in NYC being silly in the crowd or playing piano at Hehe with Gigi, reconnecting with old friends, and stepping into a higher version of self. As always Anthony gives thanks to his homies, his family, his community, and to all of you for supporting the arts.
Elleon Dobias She/Her
Collecting Man 2, Mrs. Fezziwig, Elizabeth, Future, U/S Past track
Originally from Colorado, Elleon’s work as an actor, musician, and writer has kept her traveling for a handful of years, and she is grateful to return to Portland for another holiday season. She is especially fond of instrumental improvisation and is always humbled by the opportunity to engage her background in music with her passion for stories and how we choose to tell them. Aside from performing, Elleon is a lover of long walks, backpacking, anything homemade, and everything spread on toast. https://www.elleondobias.com/
Tabitha Wells-Benitez
She/Her
Fan, Ensemble
Tabitha is so grateful to be returning to this beautiful production again. Past theater performances include Something Rotten! (Lakewood Theatre Company), Annie Get Your Gun and A Christmas Story: The Musical (Elsinore Theatrical Productions), The Peppermint Bear (Lakewood Theatre Company), Hello Dolly! (Nutz-n-Boltz Theater Company), and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Tabitha is also finishing up her senior year majoring in Psychology with an emphasis in Family Studies. She would like to thank the artistic team for this opportunity, and her family for their love and support.
Ciel Pope+
She/Her
Mrs. Dilber, Ensemble, U/S Future
Ciel is a theater artist with a passion for performance and movement. After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Ciel moved back to the West Coast to earn her BA in theater from Willamette University. Very much a language and Shakespeare lover, some of her favorite recent roles include Malvolia in Twelfth Night (Willamette University) and Rosalind in As You Like It (Saltfire Theatre).
Ciel would like to thank her family and loved ones for their support, encouragement, and inspiration to be more musical!
Imani Hill
She/Her
Martha, Fezziwig Guest, Ensemble
Imani Hill is a 14 year old artist with the heart of a giant. She loves to sing, dance, and bring joy to others. She was blessed to begin acting at the age of 6 with World Stage Theatre, who assisted in developing her gift through various roles in their annual stage play Who I am, Celebrating Me and Vanport. Imani has also been cast in the Portland Playhouse production of Fences; this will be her 5th year appearing in A Christmas Carol. In addition to acting, Imani is the worship leader at House of Healing PDX, and an entrepreneur who started her own cookie business, Synai's Sweets LLC, in May of 2020. Imani continues to be excited about the opportunities she is blessed with, and looks forward to future endeavors.
Zahara Beamer
She/Her
Martha, Fezziwig Guest, Ensemble
Mia Roman
She/Her
Belinda, Want, Fezziwig Guest, Ensemble
Mia is excited to be part of A Christmas Carol as this was the production that sparked her interest in being part of theater. Mia performed in Matilda the musical (Bruce). Mia is a 6th grade student who loves music, riding her bike, swimming, wrestling, playing basketball, and hanging out with her brothers, cousins and friends.
Margot Weaver She/Her
Belinda, Want, Fezziwig Guest, Ensemble
Margot has been performing since the age of five. You may have seen her in A Christmas Carol, Titus Andronicus or Matilda. She has studied Theatre in multiple countries. When not in the theater, you can find her on the soccer field or reading.
Dorian Baxter
He/Him
Carol Child, Peter, Turkey Child, Ensemble
Dorian Baxter is a 7th grader at Skyridge Middle School in Camas, Washington. Dorian had a wonderful experience with the Portland Playhouse last spring performing with the cast of Matilda as an understudy for the part of Eric. Dorian has always been a busy and musical kid who loves to sing and play piano. He has taken piano lessons for 10 years and has recently completed his second year with the Oregon Repertory Singers Youth Choir. He plays french horn in band, piano in jazz band, and participates in track and gymnastics. He loved seeing A Christmas Carol last year at Portland Playhouse and is excited to be part of this year’s cast and sharing the joy of the holiday season!
James Lovely
He/They
Carol Child, Peter, Turkey Child, Ensemble
James loves running, reading, playing video games like Super Smash Bros on his switch, and splashing in puddles with his bike. He believes in Santa, and Sonic the Hedgehog, and that when he grows up he'll become an engineer, an astronaut, and will do and discover great things. James plans on moving to Florida when he's 23 which will be his Golden Birthday.
Ellis Robinson
He/Him
Willie, Ignorance, Fezziwig Child, Ensemble
Mingus Smithingham
He/Him
Willie, Ignorance, Fezziwig Child, Ensemble
Mingus Smithingham is a 6th grade student and excited to be performing in A Christmas Carol for the third time this year. He is an active kid who also plays soccer with The Saints, Ultimate Frisbee with Portland Ultimate, and looks forward to trying track & field for the first time after being inspired by the Paris Olympics.
Inara Elorreaga
She/Her
Tiny Tim, Boy Scrooge, Fezziwig Guest
My name is Inara and I'm so excited to be Tiny Tim again this year and share this story of the spirit of Christmas with you. I enjoy spending time with my friends and making crafts. I love adventures with my family and they are my world. I love being in nature and I am learning so many cool things about my beautiful surroundings.
Chenoa Johnson
She/Her
Tiny Tim, Boy Scrooge, Fezziwig Guest
Chenoa Johnson is a passionate young artist known for her creativity and compassion. She has starred as Lavender in Matilda and the Matilda Remount, both productions of Portland Playhouse, and appeared as young Amélie in a teaser trailer for Amélie. Most recently, she was featured in an Oakley Sunglasses commercial with Stept Productions and has modeled for The Lamb Boutique, her mother’s boutique. She likes soccer, is an aspiring cheerleader, an enthusiastic leader at her school, and serves as an interpretive dance worship leader for her children’s church. Chenoa has been around the arts from a young age, with her parents, Phillip and Ambrosia, being creatives and entrepreneurs. As the second oldest of four siblings, she’s inspired by her older sister Lyric (19), her only brother Titus (6), and her baby sister Aaliyah (2).
Ayokaye Taree Slizewski
She/Her
Tiny Tim, Boy Scrooge, Fezziwig Guest
Ayokaye Taree Slizewski is happy to join the cast of The Christmas Carol for a second year. Ayo loves being a student at Menlo Park Elementary, performing tap and ballet in the STEPS BiPOC dance performances, and exploring science experiments with the SUN program. Ayo loves to travel and explore the world.
Madeleine Tran
She/Her
U/S Mrs. Cratchit track, U/S Topper track
Quinci Freeman-Lytle
She/Her
U/S Belle track
Quinci Freeman-Lytle is a Portland based actor and vocalist who has performed in theaters across Oregon including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Prince Edward/Ensemble in Bring Down the House Parts 1 & 2) and the Oregon Cabaret Theatre (Riff Raff in Rocky Horror Picture Show; Gary Coleman U/S in Avenue Q). She recently moved back to Portland from Los Angeles where she worked at Disneyland as a seasonal performer in the Festival of Holidays. She is so happy to be back at Portland Playhouse after many years away! https://quincifreemanlytle.wixsite.com/website
Aariyana Gould+
She/They
U/S Mrs. Dilber track
Aari Gould is from Salem, New Jersey, and is an alumni of Wilkes University. She is so happy to be a part of the Portland Playhouse family as an Acting Apprentice for the next 10 months! Some of their favorite roles include Ralph in Lord of the Flies, Amy in Little Women, and Henrietta Leavitt in Silent Sky. You can find out more about Aari at her website, https://aariyanagould00.wixsite.com/aariyanagould
Divine Crane
She/Her
U/S Fan track
Divine Crane is currently a student at Portland State University studying Theatre Arts. She is ecstatic to return to Portland Playhouse understudying Fan/Belinda after last year's season of A Christmas Carol. Divine is from Portland, Oregon and loves to be a part of a booming ensemble. One of her favorite works includes performing as the Young Debater in What The Constitution Means To Me at Portland Center Stage. She encourages everyone to indulge in their art form whatever that might be. Her instagram handle is @divinesoncloud9.
Mila Kashiwabara
She/Her
U/S Belinda and Peter tracks
Mila (she/her) is thrilled to be back at the Playhouse, this time as an Understudy for the roles of Belinda Cratchit and Peter Cratchit. This season you can also see her in the role of Astrid in the Portland Revels Midwinter Revels production Norse Fire. Recent credits include Sammy in Blue Marigold (Northwest Children’s Theatre), Rosita in Borderline (Milagro Theatre), Peter Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Portland Playhouse, 2023), Hortensia in Matilda (Portland Playhouse, 2023 and 2024 reboot), Pipe’s Little Sister in Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Crave Theatre, 2023) and Dog in Dragons Love Tacos (Oregon Children’s Theatre, 2023). When she isn’t acting, she can be found dancing (especially hip hop), researching fashion trends and drawing. She thanks Charles Grant and the entire creative team for this opportunity, as well as the cast and crew for being so incredible to work with. She also thanks her family for their love and support.
