The Secret Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol Written by Charles Dickens Adapted by Richard Mazda The Secret Theatre Show Dates: 12/20/2023 - 12/31/2023

A Christmas Carol Directed and Produced by Richard Mazda Stage Managed by Cassandra Gutterman-Johns The Secret Theatre Show Dates: 12/20/2023 - 12/31/2023

CAST (In order of appearance) CHARLES DICKENS/MR. FEZZIWIG/OLD JOE….…………………………………………………………………..*Christopher Romero Wilson BOB CRATCHIT………….…………………………......……………………………………………………………………………….…*Adam Kee EBENEZER SCROOGE….………………………………………………………………………………………………...……….......Richard Mazda CAROLER/TURKEY BOY/ENSEMBLE…………………………………………………………………….…………………..………Delia Keane FRED/GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET TO COME........….……………………………………………………………………..*Christopher Hudson FIRST CHARITY WORKER/MARLEY’S GHOST………………………………………………………………………………Christopher Simcox SECOND CHARITY WORKER/YOUNG SCROOGE.................................................................................................................................Baz Duarte GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST/LILY…………….…...……………………………………………………..……………………..Shawday Mambo BOY SCROOGE/PETER CRATCHIT..……………………………………………………………………………………………..…..William J. Cho FAN/BELINDA CRATCHIT……..……………….…………………………………………………………………………………...........Lilly Fuchs MRS. FEZZIWIG/MRS. CRATCHIT………………………………………………………………………………………..…..………...Susan Walsh BELLE………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…….....Diana Zorek ACCOMPANIST/HUSBAND/CHARWOMAN……………………………………………………………………………………..Zoë Louise Nadal PARTY GUEST/MARTHA CRATCHIT…………...…………………………………………………………………………………...Ella Fasbender GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT/MRS. DILBER………………………………………………………………………..…...Mia Soleil Jacquez WANT/SALLY CRATCHIT………………………………………….………………………………………………...…. Ruby Janger, Ellie Blainey TINY TIM/IGNORANCE…………………………………………….……………………………………………...…. …Alex Janger, Beau Murray *Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 45,000 actors and stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org

CREW STAGE MANAGER………………………………………………………………………………………….Cassandra Gutterman-Johns SET DESIGN TEAM………………………………………………………………………………………………………Richard Mazda LIGHTING DESIGN……………………………………………………………………………………..Alexis Achilles, Richard Mazda CHOREOGRAPHER……………..…………………………………………………………………………..Cassandra Gutterman-Johns VIOLINIST/PIANIST…………………………………………………………………………………….……………....Zoë Louise Nadal COSTUMES/PROPS……………………………………………………………………………………….………….Rianna Incatasciato

Special Thanks to Cindy & Jim of Project for Living Artists! We are grateful for your partnership! We look forward to sharing many more years and many more productions in our wonderful Secret Theatre space!

WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST

*CHRISTOPHER ROMERO WILSON (Charles Dickens/Mr. Fezziwig/Old Joe) is a New York-based actor/director who has been working in theater and film for more than 25 years. He was a 2022 Broadway World Nominee for Best Performance in an Off- Broadway Play, for his portrayal of Fiorello LaGuardia in Tammany Hall at the SoHo Playhouse. Additional New York stage credits include Big Bud Dean/Ram's Dad/Principal Gowan in the Secret Theatre's production of Heathers, Iago in Othello, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Professor Higgins in Pygmalion, Herod in Salome and Uncle Charley in Death of a Salesman, among others. www.ChristopherRomeroWilson.com (*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association)

*ADAM KEE (Bob Cratchit) is an Actor & VO Artist in NYC. He also does Stand Up Comedy and is an active Teaching Artist (Acting, Dialects/Accents, Voice). Adam received his MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio / New School, with additional training from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. NYC Credits include: In the Heat of the Night (Mr. Endicott, 59E59 Theatres), Except Mr. Dickinson (John Dickinson, Arts Committee of 15th Street, NYC), Frankenstein: The Musical & Lili Marlene (St. Luke’s Theatre), Pilo Family Circus (Winston, Godlight Theatre Co).

Regional: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (Mr. Harding, Playhouse on Park CT), On Golden Pond (Bill Ray, Winnipesaukee Playhouse, directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter/playwright Ernest Thompson), The Glass Menagerie (Tom, Winni Playhouse, *NH Theatre Award Best Actor in a Play), A Streetcar Named Desire (Mitch, M & D Productions, NH); Film: The Garden Left Behind (Thomas, Queens Pictures, starring Ed Asner). He is a Member of the Actors Studio, and is a Member of AEA. Represented by About Artists Agency, NYC. (*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association)

RICHARD MAZDA (Ebenezer Scrooge); [Director/Producer/Set & Lighting Design] is a writer, director, producer, actor, singer, filmmaker and musician. Most recently Richard was seen as Fagin in OIiver! Some favorite roles as an actor: Prospero, Shylock, Richard III, Gloucester, Pirate Pete. As a Director: Oliver!, A Christmas Carol, Hair, Othello, MacBeth, Ghosts, & 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. Mazda is also an Award winning writer of several hits including Billboard R&B #1 How Long for which he was given a A.S.C.A.P award, and is a published playwright with over 7 Grand Guignol plays, and numerous Children’s theatre plays. Film roles include Harry Potter, Love Actually and Batman Begins. TV Bad Girls [ITV UK] and Eastenders [BBC UK]

DELIA KEANE (Caroler/Turkey Boy/Ensemble) is excited to be making her Secret Theatre debut. She is in the seventh grade at MS 122. She has been a theater fan for several years and has seen more musicals than she can count. Here's to more theater in 2024!

*CHRISTOPHER HUDSON (Fred/Christmas Yet to Come) is making his NYC theater debut here at the Secret Theater! Favorite Credits: The Laramie Project as Andy Paris and others (Arvada Center), All Shook Up as Chad, Into the Woods as the Baker (Little Theater of the Rockies). He hopes you enjoy our show!

Happy Holidays! (*Appears courtesy of Actors Equity Association)

CHRISTOPHER SIMCOX (First Charity Worker/Marley’s Ghost) is very happy to be performing again at The Secret Theatre in the production of A Christmas Carol! Favorite roles include The Baker in Into the Woods, Daddy Warbucks in Annie, Nostradamus in Something Rotten, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors.

Christopher is currently a freshman at NYU in the Tisch Drama program. Christopher has appeared on TV in an episode of Evil Lives Here and has appeared in the movie Eileen.

Christopher was a member of the Keystone State Boys Choir and toured with them in Germany, Prague, Poland, and Lithuania. It is so much fun to be on stage with so many great actors! Thanks to the Secret Theatre for giving us this opportunity!

BAZ DUARTE (Boy Scrooge/Second Charity Worker) has been in several shows at the Secret Theatre including A Christmas Carol last year.

Previous roles include Heathers (Ram Sweeney), High school Musical (Zeke Baylor), Macbeth (Banqou) and being the coolest person in the world. Hope you enjoy!

SHAWDAY MAMBO (Ghost of Christmas Past/Lily) Recent Credits: The Wiz, Disney Cruise Line, Belle and Tiana). Psalms 37:4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. What an answered Prayer from my Amazing God to be able to do my art in A Christmas Show that I love so much .

Thank you to my Husband Gabriel Mambo who I love with all my being, my Church family and agents at SW Artists.

WILLIAM CHO (Boy Scrooge/Peter Cratchit) This is William’s second year in A Christmas Carol at the Secret Theatre. He is excited to play Boy Scrooge and Peter Cratchit again. He has lots of fun at summer camps and classes at the Secret Theatre Academy.

Previously, his roles included Einstein in Time Door, Mayor in Witch of the Blue Bell Woods, and Glue Master in Super Mutant Kids at the Secret Theatre Academy. He enjoys creative endeavors including singing in the school chorus, playing the piano, and reading fantasy novels.

LILLY FUCHS (Fan, Belinda Cratchit) is excited to be in this year’s production of A Christmas Carol. She has been in previous plays with The Secret Theatre including Matilda, and as Milky White in Into The Woods. Lilly would like to thank her family for their support, and her cast members for making this show fun and memorable.

SUSAN WALSH (Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Cratchit) is

delighted to spend the 2023 holiday season as Mrs. Cratchit and Mrs. Fezziwig. She returned to the stage earlier this year after a long break. Prior credits include numerous roles in classic plays, original works, and a children’s theater tour. She has enjoyed rehearsing with the very talented cast of A Christmas Carol. Many thanks and much love to her daughter, Nora, and husband, Art, for encouraging her artistic endeavors.

DIANA ZOREK (Belle) is so excited to be in her second Secret Theatre show after playing Martha Dunstock in Heathers! Other credits include NYC: Into The Woods (Community Chorus) at NYCC; Arts In Action Festival at New World Stages. PPAS: Love Of The Nightingale (Hippolytus, The Captain, Male Chorus); Roe (Emily, Helen, Uma, Ensemble, Assistant Dramaturg) ; Royal Blood (Run Crew) ; King John (Assistant Director).Television: AT&T It's Not Complicated, Thor: The Dark World Promos, Every Town For Gun Safety PSA.

ZOË LOUISE NADAL (Accompanist/Husband/Charwoman) is

thrilled to be a part of the Secret Theatre’s A Christmas Carol for the second time! If you like the music in this show, come back in April to see an original musical she co-wrote and musical directed! You should follow her on instagram (@zoew1ththedots)

ELLA FASBENDER (Martha Cratchit/Party Guest) is a sophomore at Professional Performing Arts High School. She has been at The Secret Theatre for 5 years. Previous credits at The Secret Theatre include Heathers (Heather Duke), High School Musical: On Stage (Taylor McKessie), Oliver (Charlotte/ensemble), Matilda Jr. (Big Kid Chorus), and Into the Woods Jr. (Lucinda). This Summer Ella was in the original cast of Hello, World! (Bailey). She is so excited to be doing this show and wants to thank her parents, the cast, and the crew.

MIA SOLEIL JACQUEZ (Ghost of Christmas Present/Mrs. Dilber) is a stage and screen actor as well as a Drama Major at Professional Performing Arts HS (PPAS). This is Mia’s 2nd year playing Present and Dilber in the Secret’s production of A Christmas Carol.

Recent credits include lead roles in the Waterwell production of Roe and C.O.R.E., an educational series pilot produced by Joel Bruno. Performances with The Secret Theatre, include Heathers (Heather Chandler) High School Musical (Gabriella); Oliver the Musical (Nancy); Matilda (Agatha Trunchbull); and, Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife). Mia would like to thank Richard Mazda and her Secret family who has supported her for the past 10 years. https://www.backstage.com/u/MIAJACQUEZ Johnny

ELLIE BLAINEY (Sally Cratchit/Want) is very excited about her acting debut in A Christmas Carol as Sally Cratchit and Want. Ellie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and helping the community as a Girl Scout.

RUBY JANGER (Sally Cratchit/Want) Ruby Janger is performing again as Sally Cratchit. Like her brother Alex, she really enjoyed her experience in last year’s A Christmas Carol at The Secret Theatre. She has also performed in several ballet productions with the Long Island City School of Ballet. In addition, she has been doing Irish dancing and gymnastics. At her school, she is President of the Student Council, and in her free time she loves to teach sign language and draw clever and whimsical art sketches.

ALEX JANGER (Tiny Tim) This is Alex Janger’s second time performing as Tiny Tim in The Secret Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. He enjoyed his acting debut last year so much that he’s excited to do it again. He is a voracious reader, Greek mythology and history buff, Pokemon fanatic, and budding breakdancer. He is fluent in ASL and enjoys learning Mandarin. And he’s proud to say that he jumped off a cliff into the ocean for the first time, in Cancun, Mexico!

BEAU MURRAY (Tiny Tim) is a student at PS17 in Astoria. He loves acting, video editing, and his family. He is also a student at The Secret Theater. This is his debut.

ABOUT OUR CREW

CASSANDRA GUTTERMAN-JOHNS [PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER] is a Stage Manager, Production Technician, and Writer. She is a graduate of Oberlin College, where she studied Stage Management. Her recent Stage Management credits include Conch Shell Production’s New Play Festival, Access Granted, Antigone, and Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties. She has previously worked with Conch Shell Productions, Gingold Theatrical Group, and the National Women’s Theatre Festival, and is excited to be a part of the team at The Secret Theatre.

RIANNA INCATASCIATO [ASSISTANT COSTUMER & PROP MASTER] is a local artist with expertise in multimedia illustration and certain fiber arts. She is currently working towards her Associates degree in Sociology, but also enjoys selling her handmade garments and jewelry to friends, family, or other local artists. Rianna has been working with the Secret for over a year as Box Office Representative and Prop Assistant. She is absolutely thrilled to be working with Richard Mazda as Assistant Costumer and Prop Master on this production of A Christmas Carol.

A NOTE ABOUT THE SECRET THEATRE The Secret Theatre is an Off-Off-Broadway theatre that was started in 2007 by Richard Mazda a writer, director producer, actor, singer, filmmaker, and musician who settled in Queens after leaving his home in the U.K. Recognizing the importance of the arts to the development of children and communities, Richard established the theatre at the Long Island City Arts Center where it thrived up until 2022.

Much like the rest of us, Richard suffered the economic effects of the global pandemic and had no choice but to close the doors of the theatre’s LIC home shortly after quarantine was mandated. With kids learning from home and being restricted from engaging with their peers, the need for the Secret Theatre was more important than ever so Richard switched to an online only platform and was able to continue to provide classes in acting, music, and dance to his students.

In June 2021 Richard partnered with Project for Living Artists to obtain a new space and the Secret Theatre planted new roots in Woodside. In addition, Richard was able to secure space in Sunnyside for the Secret Theatre Academy for kids and teens ages 4-17. The Academy continues to offer group and individual classes in Acting, Musical Theatre, and dance as well as holiday and summer camps.

Since its physical re-opening in 2021, the Secret Theatre has presented adult and children’s shows including Oliver the Musical, Matilda, Jr., High School Musical and, Into the Woods, Jr. The theatre also hosted its annual Queens One Act Festival in 2022 which brought talent from all over the US and a boost to the Woodside economy! In addition, the Secret continues to present Princess Particular and Pirate Pete’s Parrot, the longest running children’s shows in Queens!

We are proud of our little theatre, but we are most proud of the relationships fostered by it. A home away from home, the Secret theatre has created an environment that promotes socialization, camaraderie, and long-lasting friendships on and off stage. We need Secret to continue this work, however, the current economy is hurting us. A decrease in enrollments for camps and classes has made it almost impossible to get the funds we need to continue our wonderful productions.

Thank you for your support!

Please note many of the items used in the set including the hanging wall art will be available for purchase after the last show please contact richard@secrettheatre.com if you are interested in purchasing an item(s)

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SECRET ACADEMY AND THE SECRET THEATRE, VISIT www.secrettheatre.com

Theatre: 38-02 61st Street, Woodside, NY 11377 Academy: 50-12 Skillman Ave, Queens, NY 11377 Program Designed by Rosa M. Jacquez, 2023