The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Cast

Eric Grow (Bob Bradley)
Eric is extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to be in this wonderfully fun production at Avenue Arts Marketplace! Eric is a Hartville, Ohio native and currently works at Akrochem Corporation. He attends Houde School of Acting in Cleveland, Ohio and is no stranger to the stage. Fresh off performing at the DeYor PAC in South Pacific, some other recent credits include THE KING & I (The Kralahome) and ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (Matthew Cuthbert). Eric loves to sing and has done the show, ANNIE, twice.
Rene' Perez (Grace Bradley)
Rene is a Canton native and has degrees from Malone University and Ashland Univeristy and is now a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Past stage credits include AIDA (Female Ensemble), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Aunt Tilly), GODSPELL (Player) and THE MIRACLE WORKER (Annie Sullivan). Rene is a huge Star Wars fan and can't wait for the final episode of The Rise of Skywalker. She has been in nine films as an extra and two films with speaking roles. She is passionate about creative arts and loves to sing and write.
Deanna Egan (Beth Bradley)
Deanna is 13 years old and attends North Canton Middle School where she is in the 8th grade. Previous stage credits include MULAN, JR., MARY POPPINS, JR., SEUSSICAL, JR., Avenue Arts acting classes, choir, select choir and band! For fun, Deanna likes to participate in band, choir, select choir, volleyball, track, piano and ukulele.
Macon Taylor (Charlie Bradley)
Macon is 11 years old and travels to Avenue Arts from Independence, Ohio. Currently a 4th grader at Independence Middle School, Macon spends his free time on stage with past credits including A CHRISTMAS STORY (Randy U/S) at Cleveland Playhouse, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Tiny Tim) at Great Lakes Theater, MACBETH (Sirah) at Ohio Shakespeare Festival, MARY POPPINS (Michael Banks) at Near West Theatre and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Ensemble) at French Creek Theater. Macon is a Cub Scout in Lakewood's Pack 68 and started "Project Band-Aid Helpers" - a charity that collects and donates books to kids visiting the ER at Metro Health Hospital.
Jonny Freetage (Ralph Herdman)
Jonny is 11 years old and is a 6th grader at Jackson Memorial Middle School! Jonny got bit by the acting bug and hasn't stopped since, performing in production such as FROZEN, JR. (Hans) and DOO WOP WED WIDING HOOD (Strong Prince Justin) at North Canton Playhouse. Jonny would like to thank David and Jared for encouraging him and to Katie for giving him the opportunity to be in this production at Avenue Arts!
Jacqueline Dyer (Imogene Herdman)
Jacqueline is 11 years old and attends St. Paul's Catholic School where she is in the 6th grade. No stranger to the stage, you may have seen Jacqueline in production such as HELLO HERMAN (Julia), THE LION KING, JR. (Lioness), LITTLE MERMAID, JR. (Jetsam), SLEEPING BEAUTY, JR. (Merriweather) and 101 DALMATIONS (Jasper). Jacqueline loves volleyball and hopes to be a setter one day. She would like to thank her family and Katie, Jared and David for believing in her and giving her this opportunity.
Sullivan Diss (Leroy Herdman)
Sullivan is 10 years old and a Magnolia native who attends Sandy Valley Elementary School where he is in the 5th grade. Past stage credits include SHREK, JR. (Donkey), WILLY WONKA, JR. (Grandpa Joe), ANNIE, JR. (Rooster Hannigan), SEUSSICAL JR. (Wickersham Brother #1) and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Tommy Bailey). For fun, Sully likes to sing, act, bike, hike, camp, dance and hang out with his family - but mostly acting!
Ashlyn Smith (Claudia Herdman)
Ashlyn is 10 years old and attends Coventry Middle School where she was in the 5th grade. Past stage credits include THE LION KING, JR. (Rafiki), THE KINGDOM CONNECTION (Tour Guide), THE ELMSBURG MYSTERY (Narrator), and NEVERLAND (Chief Tiger Bamboo). Ashlyn has been in competition dance for 5 years before trading in her dance shoes to be more involved in school and the art of theatre. She enjoys school clubs, friends, volleyball, crafts and movies with her family.
Avery Dempsey (Ollie Herdman)
Avery is 8 years old and attends Greentown Intermediate School where she is in the 3rd grade. New to the Avenue Arts stage, Avery's past stage credits include FROZEN, JR. (Snow Chorus), ON THE RADIO (Jivin Judy), DOO WOP WED WIDING HOOD (Dragon), and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Chorus). In her spare time, Avery likes to act, draw, read and play basketball.
Jaycie Freetage (Gladys Herdman)
Jaycie is 11 years old and is a 6th grader at Jackson Memorial Middle School. No stranger to the stage, you may have seen her in production such as ANNIE, JR. (Molly) and WILLY WONKA, JR. (Mrs. Beauregarde/Oompa Loompa) at Avenue Arts as well as FROZEN, JR. (Handmaiden) at North Canton Playhouse! Jaycie aspires to become a paranormal investigator or a dolphin trainer when she grows up. She would like to thank everyone at Avenue Arts, especially David, Jared and Katie for giving her the opportunity to play Gladys in this performance!
Pressley Grzybowski (Alice Wendleken)
Pressley is 11 years old and attends Glenwood Intermediate School. Past stage credits include CHARLOTTE'S WEB (Narrator #1), BROADWAY BOUND (Cast/Narrator), MYSTERY IN THE LIBRARY (Robin Hood) and BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS - CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT (Louisa). Pressley would like to thank her mom for always supporting her and encouraging her to be creative and have fun.
Manuel Halkias (Mrs. Armstrong)
Manuel holds a Bachelor's in Education from University of Akron and is licensed to teach English, Speech, Theatre, and Journalism. When not on stage, Manuel works as an educator and the director of the speech and debate team at McKinley High School. Previous stage credits include IT"S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Clarence Odbody), SCREWTAPE (Wormwood), THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Various), AGATHA CHRISTIE'S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (General Mackenzie) and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Narrator). Manuel has done stand up comedy and is a published writer that, in his spare time, has done 26 5K Races after surviving Stage 4 Cancer!. Manuel would like to thank the audiences -- the incredible supporters of theatre in this area and the wonderful actors, directors, and creative individuals who make these shows happen.
Alison Troyer (Mrs. Slocum)
Alison is 20 years old and is a Uniontown native. Alison is a Theatre Major at Kent State Stark and works at Marc's in Hartville. Some of her favorite stage credits include THE MUSIC MAN (Mrs. Paroo), 42ND STREET (Miss Jones), IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Miss Andrews) and CHARLOTTE'S WEB (Charlotte). Alison would like to thank Avenue Arts for all the fun they've shared together. She is so glad for this opportunity and more to come.
Madison Witte (Mrs. Clausing)
Madison is native to Canal Fulton and currently works for Everhard Products following her schooling at Wayne County Career Center & Wooster High School. No stranger to the Avenue Arts stage, you may have seen Madison in productions such as HELLO HERMAN (Marsha/Susan), CHARLOTTE'S WEB (Mrs. Zuckerman), and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Mrs. Martini). On the side, Madison dresses as some of your favorite Princesses for Spectacular Party Entertainment. She would like to send a huge thank you to Avenue Arts for, once again, choosing her to be a part of another story.
Kitty Burgett (Mrs. McCarthy)
Carmen Yoder (Maxine)
Carmen comes to Avenue Arts from Millerburg, Ohio where she currently works as a retail clerk. Past stage credits include THE HIDING PLACE (Mrs. Weilmakker), LIFE IN THE SPIRIT MARATHON (Sprinter Sally), THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS (Lilly), and I'VE GOT A SECRET (Macie). Carmen would like to thank her family for supporting her in so many ways and most of all, her Heavenly Father for giving her the skills to do what she loves.
Sawyer Carr (Elmer Hopkins)
Sawyer is 10 years old and attends Greentown Intermediate School where he is in the 5th grade. Relatively new to the stage, you may have caught Sawyer in Avenue Arts' recent production of HELLO HERMAN as Young Herman. Sawyer enjoys writing and playing the drums. He would like to thank the cast and crew of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for their guidance and encouragement.
Charlotte German (Hobie)
Charlotte is 12 years old and attends Glenwood Intermediate where she is in the 6th grade. Past performance experience includes ANNIE JR. (Grace Ferrall) and LES MISERABLES (Young Cosette). For fun, Charlotte likes to do anything creative including drawing, painting and crafts. She also enjoys reading and playing with her cats.
Gracie Brady (Dana)
Gracie is 10 years old and is a 4th grader at Barr Elementary. This is Gracie's first official theatre production. She is very excited to learn more about theatre the performing arts. She is also involved in softball, Tae Kwon Do, gymnastics, and church youth group. She also loves to cook and maker her own funny videos. Gracie would like to thank her family for their support.
Zoey Kandel (Beverly)
Zoey is a Louisville native and is currently a 4th grader at Louisville Elementary School. This is Zoey's first time on stage and we are so excited to welcome her into the Avenue Arts family. Zoey loves to sing, perform and be creative.
Chris Wolshlager (Fireman)
Chris is a native of Barberton, Ohio and currently works as an electrician at Speelman Electric. This is Chris' first time on stage and we are so excited to have him joining the Avenue Arts family. Chris would like to thank Avenue Arts for giving him the opportunity to be in his first production as well as Alison Troyer for convincing him to audition for the show with her.
Alivia Perez (Shirley)
Alivia is 10 years old and is currently a 5th grader at Glenwood Intermediate School. Alivia is a part of her drama club at school and was part of BEHIND BLIND EYES (Talia) with Audio Drama. Alivia has been playing violin for over 2 years and plays in the String ensemble at school.
Alexa Francis (Juanita)
Alexa is 13 years old and currently attends North Canton Middle School. Alexa could recently have been seen in Avenue Arts production of SEUSSICAL, JR. (Mrs. Mayor) as well as Tech Crew for MARY POPPINS, JR. at NCMS. Alexa plays the trumpet, violin, piano, ukulele and she sings and dances.
Charles Hayward (Reverend Hopkins)
Charles holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Toledo and currently works for Here For You Child Development Center. Past stage credits include MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (Various), FATHER OF THE BRIDE (Father), GOD'S FAVORITE (Joe Benjamin), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Bob Ewell), and LEADING LADIES (Reverend). Charles would like to thank his family and friends who support him in his theatrical endeavors!!! “I hope that you all enjoy this performance. I’m sure that you will”.