

When you think of a classic Christmas movie, it is hard to not think about White Christmas . I mean what’s not to love? Beautiful dancing, fantastic musical numbers, gorgeous costumes, a feel-good plot; it has everything you could possibly want when you need that feel-good type of holiday movie. So, it is not hard to understand why patrons have been asking for Clear Space to produce this show for several years now.
Well, the time has come; but what a huge undertaking! Think about it. When someone says WhiteChristmas , you instantly have an image in your head of what you are expecting, whether it is the giant red gowns, the huge dance numbers, or maybe you even start to hear the very tune pop into your head. There is a giant expectation and that is a lot to live up to! However, I never cease to be amazed by the tenacity of this creative team and dedicated group of actors (many of whom are making their Clear Space debut!).
I hope that a few moments from now you are whisked away into a world of nostalgia and holiday cheer; that from the moment the show starts until the moment the last actor leaves the stage, we can bring a smile to your face. I hope that we meet your expectations, and furthermore exceed them! We have worked so hard to bring you every moment that you could possibly hope for in this production, and while it has not been easy trying to figure out every detail, my goodness it has been fun! I must admit that I may be biased, but I think the talent that we were able to bring to you in this production, made up of our exceptional locals and amazing Clear Space newcomers, will blow you away. None of this would have been possible without them and our impeccable team here at Clear Space. Putting this show together for you has been an immense honor. Please enjoy the show and remember to count your blessings this holiday season.
Christopher Decker, Director
Music and Lyrics by Book by
Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film Written for the Screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank Original stage production directed by Walter Bobbie
Alice and Alfred Willis Jack Lingo Realtor
Bob Wallace Alec Brashear
Betty Haynes
Phil Davis
Lorraine Leavel
Nicky Kaider
Judy Haynes Sabrina Rudden
General Waverly Dan Carney
Martha Watson
Cheryl Graves
Susan Waverly Zoe May, Fiona Nehrbas
Ensemble Nicole Anupol, Theo Boyd, Liz Culver, Alex DeEmedio, Tyler Dark, Carter Huffman, Dulcena Kemmerlin, Abby Lynne, John Marino, Zach Naar, Brooke Rhue, Kaya Snow, Emily Valdes, Brianna Wittman
Dance Ensemble Theo Boyd, Liz Culver, Ethan Gonzalez, Jymil Littles, Kaya Snow, Emily Valdes
Child Ensemble Zoe Bell, Sam Bouloucon, Greta Craney, Henry Gardner, Lyla Whitcomb
Director
Christopher Decker Music Director
Choreographer
Stage Manager
Set Designer
Properties
Projection
Jim Weber
Autumn Drulis Schneider
Marissa Wheaton
Mike Amory
Christopher Decker
Aleta Thompson
Nick Wass
Liz Culver
Kingsbury, Trisha Decker
Alice and Alfred Willis Jack Lingo Realtor
Happy Holiday (1944)………..……………………………………………………………….…..
Happy Holiday / Let Yourself Go
Love and the Weather
The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing
Act II
ALEC BRASHEAR
is thrilled to be joining Clear Space for the first time! He was seen most recently at Toby's Dinner Theater as the understudy to Franki Valli (perf.). A short list of his other favorites roles include Drew Boley: RockofAgesat Belmont Theater, Frederick Frankenstein: Young Frankensteinat Allenbury Playhouse, and John Jasper: TheMysteryofEdwinDroodat Hershey Area Playhouse. Alec was an ARMY brat for his entire childhood and has traversed most of the US including Alaska. He attended Point Park University majoring in Musical Theatre.
LORRAINE LEAVEL
is thrilled to be returning to the Clear Space stage, having been a part of the company for over a decade. She received her BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory. She teaches drama at the Southern Delaware School of the Arts. Favorite roles include MammaMia (Rosie), Carrie(Margaret White), HelloDolly!(Dolly), SweenyTodd(Mrs. Lovett), Ragtime (Mother), IntoTheWoods(Witch and Bakers Wife), ALittleNightMusic(Charlotte), and Seussical(Gertrude McFuzz). Lorraine also enjoys costuming (a skill she learned from her grandma) and running the summer theatre camp at Possum Point Players.
NICKY KAIDER
is extremely excited to be making his Clear Space Theatre Company debut as Phil Davis in WhiteChristmas! He was recently seen chasing the music as Frankie Valli in JerseyBoys at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia, MD. Other credits include: AChorusLineat Toby’s (Mike), Hunter in [TitleofShow]at Greenwood Lake Theatre, WhiteChristmasat New Bedford Festival Theatre; HappyDays(Chachi) and Spamalotat Arizona Broadway Theatre. Nicky thanks his loving family, friends, and his fiancée, Margaret, for all of their tremendous support, and hopes you enjoy the show! www.nickykaider.com / instagram: @nickykaider
SABRINA RUDDEN
National Tour: Tonyn’Tina’ sWedding,Prophecy:TheMusicofTrans-SiberianOrchestra, BeautyandtheBeast.Off-Broadway: Arlekina,TheHouseWhereNobodyLives,HipHopHigh TheMusical.Developmental: ModelCitizens,FarewellChrisYee,ListentotheWind.Originally from Long Island, NY. She is super excited to be joining the Clear Space family. So much love to her family, friends, teachers, and to this incredible cast and crew. www.sabrinarudden.com - @sabrinarudden
DAN CARNEY
was most recently seen in MyFairLady,TheMousetrap,EstellaScrooge,Young Frankenstein,and KinkyBoots . He also performed in other Clear Space productions including DamnYankees,Elf,OtherDesertCities,9To5,Victor/Victoria,TheSoundofMusic, GuysandDolls,Cabaret,AStreetcarNamedDesire,AChristmasStory,HelloDolly!,Intothe Woods,TheMusicMan,TheGraduate,AChristmasCarol,Heathers,Footloose , and Wit . His credits stretch from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, having performed in the musicals ManofLa Mancha,TheMusicMan,Carnival , and AnnieGetYourGun .
Wishing the best to Clear Space for another successful season! Rick Tedrick, Shawn Wright, and Hunter
is excited to be returning to the Clear Space stage! Cheryl’s association with CS began in 2004 when CS was new to the community. She served on the Board of Directors, ran the CS Cafe, started the CS Thrift Shop and acted in many productions throughout the years. Favorite roles include Latrelle in SordidLives , Miss Betty in TheForeigner , Mrs. Webb in Our Town , Vernadette in DixieSwimClub,and Eulalie Shinn in TheMusicMan . She and her husband, her biggest most supportive fan, Henley, live in Rehoboth and Bethel where she enjoys reading, cooking, traveling the world and, of course, the theater, her happy place!
is a seventh grader at Fred Thomas Middle School who also enjoys field hockey, lacrosse, and playing piano. Past credits include: Clear Space Theatre's Shrek(Ensemble), Second Street Players' JungleBook(Kite 2), Beacon Middle School’s MusicMan(Amaryllis), Milton Theatre’s CharlieandtheChocolateFactory(Mrs. Bucket and Oompa Loompa), Lewes Elementary School’s Beauty&theBeast(Mrs. Potts), Clear Space Theatre's Broadway Bound programs and summer camps, and Milton Theatre’s Triple Threat programs and Summer Camps. Zoe would like to thank her family and friends for their support and hopes you enjoy the show.
Fiona is truly enjoying her time on stage at Clear Space! Fiona loves singing and ringing handbells with her church, and she also enjoys running with Girls on the Run. You would have seen Fiona on stage in this season’s Spotlight production of Shrek, Godspell,The SoundofMusic(Gretl), Joseph,Matilda , and Elf .
is thrilled to be back at Clear Space with such a talented cast! Previous shows include The LightningThief(Amy Winehouse/Ensemble) and TheBodyguard(Backup Vocalist/Ensemble). Nicole recently graduated with her MBA and works in real estate marketing in Rehoboth Beach. She wants to thank her friends and family for all of their encouragement and support!
is thrilled to be making his Clear Space Theatre debut in WhiteChristmas . Theo has previously performed at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH, in Beautyandthe Beast(Beast), Frozen(Kristoff), PeterPan(Mr. Smee), MammaMia , and AChristmasCarol . Graduate of AMDA’s Integrated Conservatory Program. Big love to my family and friends for always inspiring me to believe in myself and keep going! @theoboyd_
is excited to be returning to Clear Space for their fifth show of the 2024 season. Previous credits include Ensemble in Clear Space Theatre Company’s RockofAges , JerseyBoys , and TheProm , Dancer in TheBodyguard , Ensemble in a workshop of Psyche , Know-It-All and Dancing Chef/Elf in Warner Bros. PolarExpressTrainRide , Big Stone in Eurydice , and Ivubala in InAmerica;ThatIsToSayNowhereat the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Sending warm thoughts and well wishes to you and yours, happy holidays!
is so excited to be a part of this show! Most recently with Clear Space Theatre, Alex was in TheSpongebobMusical , Matilda , and TheLittleMermaid(Scuttle), but has been performing with Clear Space for eleven years. She also is active in her school’s drama program, with some of her favorite productions being Carrie(Sue Snell), MammaMia! (Sophie Sheridan), and The25thAnnualPutnamCountySpellingBee(Olive Ostrovsky). She has also worked with Possum Point Players and Milton Theater. She has loved working with such a fun cast and hopes you enjoy the show!
is excited to be back at Clear Space. He was previously seen in TheBodyguardas The Stalker and SweeneyToddas Jonas Fogg, however he has been performing regionally for over 25 years. As a youth, he was a student at Stagedoor Manor and Baltimore School for the Arts as an Acting major. He has also been performing stand-up comedy for over a decade, sharing the stage with some of the world’s biggest acts all over the Mid-Atlantic. He lives in Rehoboth Beach with his wife and their three cats.
is delighted to be making his Clear Space debut in WhiteChristmas ! He is a performer, director, and choreographer based out of NYC, but he’s originally from Texas, where there is no such thing as a “White Christmas.” Select performer credits: AChorusLine(Paul), SisterAct,TheLittleMermaid(Flounder), and WestSideStory . Select director/choreographer credits: Anastasia:YouthEdition,Grease , and The WizardofOz! Proud AMDA alum!!!! Many thanks and love to mom and dad and the rest of the family, my family in NYC, and God, for listening. Jeremiah 29: 11.
CARTER HUFFMAN
is a junior at Sussex Academy. Some of his past credits include TheLightningThief (Percy Jackson), Carrie(Tommy Ross), MammaMia , 25thAnnualPutnamCounty SpellingBee(Chip); LegallyBlondJr.(Emmet), ShrekJr . (Shrek), TheLionTheWitch AndTheWardrobe(Edmund), and MatildaJr.(Bruce); WizardOfOz,SoundOfMusic (Friedrick); Seussical(Horton), Ragtime(Edgar), SomethingRotten(Francis Flute); and Descendants(Chad). He would like to thank all his family for their support.
DULCENA KEMMERLIN
is a retired teacher from Milford where she taught in the District for 27 years. She has participated in many shows with Milford's Second Street Players, Possum Point Players and Clear Space. Her appearances include BigRiver(Alice), Elf,GuessWho’ sComingtoDinner (Mary), ToKillaMockingbird,NightattheOscars,HelloDolly,Ghost:TheMusical, Footloose , and Victor/Victoria . She was most recently seen in KinkyBoots,MyFairLady, and TheMusicMan . Dulcena has been married for 47 years to her husband R. Anthony. They have two sons, Ralph, Jr.(aka Doc) and Prince and four beautiful grandchildren, Zoe, Mia, Luka and Caden.
JYMIL LITTLES
is an artist of great prowess from Philadelphia, PA. A graduate of The American Musical Dramatic Academy (AMDA) located in New York City. Aspiring to inspire, his theatre credits include TheWiz(Ensemble), JosephandtheAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat (Isaacher/ Butler), New Bedford Festival Theatre;PassingStrange(Terry/Christophe/Hugo), Seacoast Repertory Theater; AChristmasStory(Ensemble), Woodstock Playhouse Theatre; CourtesyProfessionalRespect(Tyquan Payne), Theater for the New City. He has starred in several short films, and is anticipating the release of his EP entitled “Heartcry”. Jymil is beyond excited to be joining the Clear Space family.
ABBY LYNNE
Abby is in 11th grade and aspires to a career in musical theatre! Some of Abby’s favorite past credits in Clear Space Theatre’s Mainstage and Spotlight credits include TheProm, JerseyBoys,MyFairLady,and EstellaScrooge(Sissy Jupe/Dawkins), Descendants (Maleficent), Godspell,Matilda(Mrs. Wormwood), and Frozen(Elsa). Abby has previously performed in AndThenThereWereNone(Vera), TheLightningThief(Clarisse), Carrie (Carrie), MammaMia(Tanya), SpellingBee(Marcy/Choreographer), and NoisesOff(Brooke) with the Sussex Academy theatre program. Abby has also performed in TheWizardofOz at Milton Theatre.
JOHN MARINO
has performed at CST for over a decade, from Scroogeto Elf , with stops along the way at OurTownand MeetMeinStLouis . Also at CST: TheCrucible,TheSoundofMusic , and Miracleon34thStreet . He appeared Off-Broadway in Joe DiPietro’s OvertheRiverand ThroughtheWoods,as well as in that shows premiere at the Belmont Italian-American Theatre on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. He lives in Lewes and wants to give a special thank you to his most supportive wife, Lorraine.
ZACH NAAR
is thrilled to be back on the Clear Space stage after appearing in MyFairLadyand The Bodyguardthis year. He is a sophomore Elementary Education major at Delaware Tech. When not on stage, he teaches Preschool at Delaware Tech’s Child Development Center. Some of his recent credits include Matilda:TheMusical(Agatha Trunchbull), and RadiumGirls(Edward Markley), Ragtime(Ensemble), and TheLittleMermaid(Prince Eric). He wants to thank all his family and friends for their endless love and support.
BROOKE RHUE
is a 17 year old high school senior. She has appeared in shows such as Seussical,Honk!, Frozen,Emma!,TheLittleMermaid(Sebastian), Matilda,Godspelland Descendants . Other performances include, Spongebob,YoungFrankenstein,EstellaScrooge,MyFairLady , and The Promall with Clear Space. Brooke has done theatre at school with the shows Grease,Radium Girls,Matilda,and PrideandPrejudice . Brooke is also involved in dance and has studied with Tatiana Akinfieva Dance Academy and is currently with Dance Alley. She loves performing and hopes to continue musical theatre through college.
is thrilled to be back on the Clear Space stage after debuting in TheBodyguardthis spring! She has also worked as a Character and Parade Performer at Disneyland Paris, performed on ThePolarExpressTrainRide(Travel Elf, u/s Hero Child), and appeared in Rowan’s BeUnstoppablecommercial as well as an episode of ImpracticalJokers . She is also a passionate dance educator and choreographer in her home state of New Jersey. Kaya thanks her friends and family for their unwavering support and Clear Space Theatre Company for the opportunity to perform in a dream show! @kaya.snow
is absolutely elated to be back at CSTC.. Emily graduated from Dance World Academy (Clifton,NJ) and became a dancer and Entertainment Company Manager on 4 cruise ships with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. She then performed at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in their winter production DecktheHalls . Regional credits include ensemble roles in TheProducers(Palace Theatre, NH), EscapetoMargaritavilleand A ChristmasCarol(Little Theatre on the Sqaure, IL), AnythingGoes(Milton Theatre, DE), and most recently right here at CSTC, the role of Rory and Dance Captain for The Bodyguardlast spring. Lots of love to Mom, Dad, Andrew and Hector.
is produced through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Music Theatre International.
BRIANNA WITTMAN
has participated in many shows at her school’s theatre program including MammaMia! (Ali), The25thAnnualPutnamCountySpellingBee(Logainne) Shrek:The Musical(Fiona), HighSchoolMusical(Sharpay Evans), LegallyBlonde:TheMusical(Brooke Wyndham), Big River(Maryjane Wilkes), TheLion,theWitch,andtheWardrobe(Mrs. Beaver), TheWizard OfOz,Seussical , and AliceInWonderland . She made her Clear Space debut last summer in JesusChristSuperstarand Spongebob. She has also appeared in YoungFrankenstein and Godspellthis season. Brianna would like to thank her family for supporting her in everything she does!
CHRISTOPHER DECKER (Director/Costume Designer)
is extremely excited to have another opportunity to direct at Clear Space after last season’s YoungFrankenstein and 2024’s TheBodyguard . He is also one of Clear Space’s resident Costume Designers and has designed and created the costumes for Victor/Victoria,JosephAndTheAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat,DamnYankees, Matilda,Spongebob,KinkyBoots,RockofAges , and JerseyBoys . He has also assisted and created pieces for shows like Seussical,GuysandDolls,and PriscillaQueenofTheDesert . He hopes you enjoy the creativity coming to life on stage.
AUTUMN DRULIS SCHNEIDER (Choreographer)
has choreographed for theatres, schools, commercials and industrial events including but not limited to New Candlelight Theatre, Three Little Bakers, Delaware Ballet, The Grier School, Sussex Academy Theatre program, and Blue Moon Legends. Over the years, Autumn has been a faculty member for several studios, as well as a guest teacher and choreographer. She’s had the privilege of teaching for Rock School West, Delaware Dance Company, First State Ballet Theatre, Central Delaware Dance Academy, TADA, and Delaware Dance Festival. She resides in Lewes with her husband John and children, Dru and Natalie.
JAMES WEBER (Musical Director)
Has had an active and varied career performing music for over 25 years. Trained at Westminster Choir College, Weber conducted a highly successful High School choral program for 12 years. He has been the choral contractor for both Mid-America Productions and DCINY for concerts in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and others. Weber made his Carnegie Hall vocal solo debut in 2001, and his conducting debut in 2005. An active composer, his pieces have been recorded and performed by choirs at Westminster Choir College, among many others. On faculty at Rider University, Weber teaches classes in musical theatre and coaches students privately.
ZOE BELL
Making her theatrical debut, Zoe Bell is overjoyed to join the production of White Christmasand help spread holiday cheer to live audiences. A fourth grader at Rehoboth Beach Elementary, Zoe loves reading almost as much as she loves cats, and often expresses herself creatively through singing, music, and art. Zoe is learning to “tickle the ivories” during piano lessons and has participated in Clear Space Theatre’s Broadway Bound program for several years. It’s show time!
is so excited to be returning to the stage after his Clear Space debut in Shrek! He has spent the last two years attending Broadway Bound and nearly any camp that the company offers. He has a true love of musical theatre and everything about it. When he is not enjoying the stage, Sam attends Lord Baltimore Elementary School and lives in Ocean View with his mom and dad and their two rescue dogs Charlotte and Jim.
GRETA CRANEY
is a 7th grader in Cape District and just celebrated her 13th birthday! Past Clear Space performances include: Matilda,Godspell , summer camps (Footloose,Six ) and she was cast in the summer children’s series ThreeBearosand RescuefromtheSnowQueen . Greta enjoys swim team, jr. beach lifeguarding, and her school choir.
is thrilled to be performing in his first big production! A creative 5th grader, Henry loves acting, singing, and movement and brings that same enthusiasm to his roles on stage. When he's not rehearsing, Henry enjoys creating worlds in video games and written stories, practicing karate, and diving into Robotics and Odyssey of the Mind challenges. He also loves to travel and explore new cultures. Henry thanks his friends, family, and Clear Space teachers for their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
is a middle school student at Sussex Academy. She has participated in numerous CST Arts Institute programs since 2020. Her favorite summer musical intensives include Madagascar,FindingNemo , and Six . Lyla was thrilled to be a part of the Shrekcast this past fall because Shrek is one of her Pop Pop’s favorite movies. Thank you Mom, Mom Mom, Sydney, The Reynolds, The Manos, and Abby for chauffeuring her to CST throughout the year! And lots of love to Mabel, Steve & Margo.
DAVID BUTTON (Artistic Director)
is the Artistic Director of Clear Space Theatre and teaches as a member of the Arts Institute faculty, founding multiple classes including the Spotlight on Young Performers program and co-founding the Summer Acting and Musical Theatre Summer Stock Intensives. He received his B.A. in Theatre with a focus on Acting and Directing from DeSales University. David has worked regionally with the Main Street Theatre, City Theatre, the Chojinyobiko Theater Group, The Milton Theatre, and the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival. He directed this season’s TheMousetrap,MyFairLady,JerseyBoys , and TheProm ; and will direct SweeneyToddin the fall Past directing credits include: Carrie,FunHome,IntoThe Woods,JesusChristSuperstar,NextToNormal,Clue,Misery,Baskerville,SteelMagnolias,TheOdd Couple,Heathers,MammaMia!Priscilla,TheWeddingSinger,Cabaret,LaCageAuxFolles,Seussical,A ChorusLine,TheFullMonty,LittleShopOfHorrors,SpellingBee,KinkyBoots,Ghost,SisterAct,Joseph andtheAmazingTechnocolorDreamcoat,TheSpongebobMusical,Footloose,TheRockyHorrorShow, and many more.
JOE GFALLER (Managing Director)
joined Clear Space Theatre Company as Managing Director in late 2023. A seasoned performing arts professional, Joe has held leadership positions, as well as roles in marketing, development, and community engagement with such varied organizations as the Alliance Theater, the American Repertory Theater, Opera Theater of Saint Louis, 7 Stages, and Metro Theater Company. As a consultant, he has worked with the National Blues Museum, the documentary Flint:ThePoisoningofanAmericanCity , the Utah Symphony, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. He has taught arts management in Webster University’s MFA arts leadership program and has taught acting at Berry College. His resume as a stage director includes over two dozen productions, including regional premieres by Caryl Churchill, David Mamet, Peter Sinn Nachtreib, and Addae Moon. He was a member of the Leadership St. Louis Class of 2013 and the LEAD Atlanta Class of 2006, and he graduated with honors from Harvard University. He is thrilled to have relocated to the Rehoboth Beach area to become part of the team at Clear Space.
David Button
Joe Gfaller
Artistic Director Managing Director
Sydney Gray
Company Manager
Christopher Decker
Resident Costume Designer
Lorraine Leavel
Resident Costume Designer
Brendan Smith
Resident Lighting Designer
Todd Espeland
Director of Development & Community Engagement
Lara Bellistri
Box Office Manager
Evan Hrivnak
Digital Marketing Manager
Jadine Pilotti & Kirk Schneck
House Managers
Clear Space Theatre Company, a 501(c)3 cultural organization founded in 2004, is committed to teaching, producing and presenting the performing arts. The term “clear space” refers to a focus on the process, knowledge, and humanity of arts performance: the idea that we find ourselves in what appears on the stage.
Our Mission is to create memorable experiences that unite and enrich our community through live theatre and arts-based learning. Our Vision is to be a beacon for artistic endeavors of integrity and risk, inspiring joy across a diverse audience.
Megan Nehrbas, Chair Joe Sterner, Vice Chair
Laura Howard, Secretary
Jay Allen
Alfred Willis, Treasurer
Richard J. Perry, Jr.
Jess Bain Ida Rowe
James Berry
Lisa Schlosser
John Cullen Mindi Moore Tunnell
Mike Moreland
The Producers Circle serves as ambassadors for Clear Space Theatre Company to deepen its engagement within the community and to steward critical existing relationships in support of the organization. If you are interested in serving, please contact co-chairs Liz Leshine or Alice Willis or Managing Director Joe Gfaller.
Liz Leshine
Jeffrey and Ida Rowe
Peter Keeble
Peter Pizzolongo
Linda Wolf
Alice and Alfred Willis
Mary Jo Tarallo
Carl Schloegel
Judy Rayner
Jay Allen
Mary Kay Ryan, Founder