The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati - Santa Claus
BECAUSE WHO THEY BECOME IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT THEY LEARN.
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Grantee Spotlight: CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI
In 2024, the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati produced Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella: Youth Edition.”
Image credit: Mikki Schaffner
TCT MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION OF
Music & Lyrics by DAVID CHRISTENSEN AND LUKE HOLLOWAY
Book by NOAH PUTTERMAN
Originally Staged in 2018 by Eric Byrd
Stage Direction & Choreography
Anthony C. Daniel
Lighting Design
Ben Gantose
Technical Direction
Maggie Foley, Andrew Nunley
Associate Artistic Director
Maddie Jones
Original Scenic Design
Jennifer Rhodus
Original Costume Design
Jeff Shearer
Director of Production
Dani Lobello
Graphics & Animation
Sean Van Praag
Roderick Justice
Artistic Director
President & CEO
Kim Kern
Music Direction
Matthew Umphreys
Wig Design
Candace Leyland
Production Stage Manager
Jadi Davis
Associate Lighting Designer
Julie Cowger
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
BOB HERZOG ........................................ Nick
* CLAIRE HUNKLER Dasher
UNDERSTUDIES
DIANA HUTCHINSON .....................Tenchy
* GRACE JEFFREYS Cupid
BETHANY XAN KERR Mrs. Claus
* PARKER M. PATTON Dancer
RYAN J. POOLE Santa Claus
* AUDREY SATTERWHITE Donner
KATE STARK Elf Ensemble
* LISA TAKAHASHI Comet
* MORGAN TRACY Elf Ensemble
ZACH TREINEN ..................... Elf Ensemble
For Punchy, Tenchy, and Chirpy: Morgan Tracy; for Henchy: Zach Treinen; for Nick and Santa: Nick Godfrey; for Bea: Claire Hunkler; for Mrs. Claus: Tina DeAlderete
* Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company
PO P Q U i Z
How much do you know about Santa Claus the Musical, presented this season by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati?
1. Which two countries know Santa as “Pere Noel”?
A. France & Belgium
B. Greece & Russia
C. Spain & Italy
D. Brazil & Chile
2. What do they call Santa Claus in Italy?
A. Santa Canoli
B. Fettuccini Friend
C. Babbo Natale
D. Meatball Man
3. What do Swedish children leave for Santa?
A. Coffee
B. Turnips
C.
D. Soup
4. How many reindeer does Santa have?
A. 5
B. 7
C. 8
D. 9
5. Early illustrations of Santa Claus have him holding what?
A. A Kitten
B. A birch rod
C. A glass of milk
D. A guitar
6. What two US states have a town named after Santa Claus?
A. Idaho & North Dakota
B. Kentucky & Florida
C. Ohio & California
D. Indiana & Georgia
7. Where does Santa Claus live?
A. The North Pole
B. The South Pole
C. Omaha, Nebraska
D. The Moon
8. Which popular holiday beverage is also known as “milk punch”?
A. Hot Chocolate
B. Eggnog
C. Apple Cider
D. Coffee
9. What is Santa called in England?
A. Carl Christmas
B. Mr. Claus
C. Dr. Christmas
D. Father Christmas
10. What year was Santa born?
A. 1957
B. 1893
C. 1756
D. 270 AD
SANTA CLAUS THE MUSICAL CAST
LUCY ARGUETA JUNO BROSAS
CAMMI CALDWELL
HAILEY CHANG
CELIA D’ASCENZO
STELLA D’ASCENZO
TINA DEALDERETE JOSH GALLOWAY
NICK GODFREY
BOB HERZOG
CLAIRE HUNKLER
DIANA HUTCHINSON
GRACE JEFFREYS
BETHANY XAN KERR
PARKER M. PATTON
RYAN J. POOLE
AUDREY SATTERWHITE
KATE STARK
LISA TAKAHASHI
MORGAN TRACY
ZACH TREINEN
SANTA CLAUS THE MUSICAL CAST
LUCY ARGUETA
Blitzen
Lucy has participated in shows such as Honk JR. (Cat), Seussical JR. (JoJo / Ensemble), Winnie The Pooh JR. (Tigger), Disney’s Moana JR. (Ensemble), and Disney’s Descendants JR. (Evil Queen).
JUNO BROSAS
Punchy
Select roles: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Belle), R&H Cinderella: Youth Edition (Cinderella), Legally Blonde (Pilar/Elle u/s), and Footloose (Rusty). Thanks to the TCT team! @junobrosas
CAMMI CALDWELL
Chirpy
Cammi is a 2024 graduate of Point Park University is excited to return to TCT. You may have just seen her as Bea in Something Rotten at CLP!
HAILEY CHANG
Vixen
Hailey is thrilled to be back with TCT after performing in Narnia the Musical (Ensemble). She loves track, soccer, and her supportive friends/family!
CELIA D’ASCENZO
Bea
Celia loves all things TCT. Favorite TCT roles: Nemo (Sheldon) Matilda (Matilda) Rudolph (Elf/Dolly) Annie (Molly) elsewhere: Frozen (Elsa) John 15:13
Credits include Rent (Mimi), A Chorus Line (Diana), Rock of Ages (Sherrie), Chicago (Velma), West Side Story (Rosalia), Carnival Cruises, and national commercial and print work.
JOSH GALLOWAY
Henchy
Josh is so excited to be making his return to The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Previous TCT roles include (SpongeBob SquarePants) from The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition and (Bruce) from Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. He would like to thank his family for their never-ending support throughout the years.
NICK GODFREY
Elf Ensemble
Nick is excited to return to the Taft Theater with the TCT! Nick has been previously seen in Matilda, Jungle Book, Tarzan and more.
BOB HERZOG
Nick
Bob thinks of The Children’s Theatre as a big the company more than 20 years ago and feels incredibly grateful for the relationship between TCT and the place where he does his “regular job,” Local 12, which allows him to continue performing. As an anchor for Good Morning Cincinnati, he enjoys his role
to make people smile both on TV and social media. Bob is a Cincinnati guy. He graduated from Oak Hills High School, Xavier University, and Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. His number one hobby is spending time with his incredible wife
DECEMBER 5-29
Select dates, from 5:30–9 pm
A light and art spectacular featuring some of Cincinnati’s celebrated illumination artists along with children’s activities, live music, shopping, a decorated historic home, and more!
Preregistration required: Scan the QR code to register or visit CincyNature.org
SANTA CLAUS THE MUSICAL CAST
and family. Bob’s TCT credits include:
Disney’s Peter Pan JR. (Captain Hook), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Gaston), Disney’s Aladdin JR. (Genie), Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. (Willy Wonka,) and Disney’s Moana JR. (Tamatoa), just to name a few.
CLAIRE HUNKLER
Dasher
Claire is so excited to be performing in her grader at SCPA and enjoys singing, acting, and dancing.
DIANA HUTCHINSON
Tenchy
Diana is thrilled to back with TCT for her 4th
GRACE JEFFREYS
Cupid
Grace is a current 8th grader at St. John the Baptist and is beyond thrilled to be making
BETHANY XAN KERR
Mrs. Claus
include: Kinky Boots the International Tour (Pat); Kinky Boots the National Tour (Pat); Company (Jenny u/s) at Lincoln Center, starring Neil Patrick Harris; Off-B’way: How The Westons Won (Flute/French Horn/ Ensemble) and Chautauqua! (Ensemble) at The Public Theater.
PARKER M. PATTON
Dancer
Parker, 12, shined with TCT in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Chip) & Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. (Breeze). She is thrilled to continue her acting
RYAN J. POOLE
Santa Claus Ryan is delighted to be reprising his role from our 2018 production! Lubbs & thanks to family & friends for your kind support!
@ryanjpoole
AUDREY SATTERWHITE
Donner
This is Audrey’s MainStage debut! Past shows: TCT’s JTF group, Flat Stanley JR. (Bikini Wahini), Seussical (Wickersham Brother), elsewhere The SpongeBob Musical (Pearl).
KATE STARK
Elf Ensemble
Kate Stark is Cincinnati Ballet’s adaptive dance coordinator. TCT credits: Disney’s Moana JR., The SpongeBob Musical, Annie JR., Elf The Musical JR.
LISA TAKAHASHI
Comet
Lisa was last seen in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. (Ensemble). She has been tap and sings in the All-State Kentucky Choir.
MORGAN TRACY
Elf Ensemble
Morgan is excited to be back for her second show at TCT! A 10th grader at Mason, Morgan loves all things theatre. Past shows, Secret Garden (Mary Lennox), Shrek JR. (princess Fiona) and The Lightning Thief (Annabeth). She hopes you enjoy the show!
ZACH TREINEN
Elf Ensemble
Zach is so excited to be on stage with TCT! He wants to thank his family and friends for their endless love and support! He hopes you love the show!
We treat your kids like our kids!
Small practice by design with caring and compassionate staff ensuring quality patient centered care from birth to adulthood.
Kim is a native Cincinnatian and graduate of the Cincinnati Country Day School (’87) and Vanderbilt University (’91). Kim joined (TCT) in
Under Kim’s leadership, TCT’s staff and budget have doubled and TCT completed renovation of their facility on Red Bank Road with eight, costume shop, MainStage rehearsal space, and a small theater. Kim now leads the $51M project to “reimagine” the Emery Theater as TCT’s new MainStage home. In 2021, and received the Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize in 2024.
RODERICK JUSTICE
Artistic Director
A Tony-recognized Arts Educator, Roderick is an award-winning director, choreographer, costume designer, playwright, actor, and Broadway producer (How to Dance in Ohio). This season he celebrates 19 incredible years with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT). A mentor to hundreds of young performers, he has been an arts educator and has produced theatre-for-youth for nearly two decades. Roderick was recognized as one of Cincinnati’s 40 Under Forty in 2020, was named BroadwayWorld.com’s Arts Educator of the Decade in 2021, and Honorable Mention for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award presented by Carnegie Mellon at the Tony Awards in 2024. Since assuming the role of Artistic Director in 2015, he has launched over 25 world-premiere works and adaptations of theatre for young audiences (TYA). Roderick also serves as guest artist with many local and national arts organizations, is involved with several
Pink Campaign”, where for the past 6 years, he’s helped to raise nearly two million dollars for the American Cancer Society. www.roderickjustice.com
ANTHONY C. DANIEL
Director / Choreographer
As a Director/Choreographer: Regional credits include The Sound of Music (starring Emilie Kouatchou), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Kinky Boots, Sister Act, Mary Poppins, Tick, Tick…Boom!, Million Dollar Quartet, The Little Mermaid, Murder For Two, The Marvelous Wonderettes, and more. National/International Tours: Associate Director - The Sound of Music, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cheers! Live on Stage, the American Premieres of The Boy Who Loved Batman, Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, A Complicated Woman, and The Witches of Eastwick. As an Educator, Anthony has worked with numerous collegiate institutions across the country and for the Broadway Dreams Foundation. www.anthonycdaniel.com
Last season, TCT gave over $900,000 in ticket subsidies to schools, providing what is for most students their first experience with live theatre. TCT’s cost per student to attend a MainStage performance is $30. No school ever pays
TCT has exposed my students to many ideas and stories they might not have encountered otherwise, helping them to think of the world more broadly and more inclusively.
- CINCINNATI EDUCATOR
Our kids always look forward to seeing The Children’s Theatre productions. They empower their imaginations and spark creativity.
Our kids always look forward to seeing The Children’s Theatre productions. They empower their imaginations and spark creativity.
- CINCINNATI EDUCATOR
- CINCINNATI EDUCATOR
Our students love the experiences and over half of our population has never been to a live performance.
Our students love the experiences and over half of our population has never been to a live performance.
-CINCINNATI EDUCATOR
-CINCINNATI EDUCATOR
CONSIDER MAKING A GIFT TO SEND A STUDENT TO THE THEATRE 1 STUDENT ($30) | 10 STUDENTS ($300) | AN ENTIRE CLASS ($750)
SANTA CLAUS THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION TEAM
MADDIE JONES
Associate Artistic Director
Maddie is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. She also has her Masters in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. She has been performing with TCT for 16 years, where she has appeared in shows such as Disney’s Peter Pan JR. (Tigerlily), Santa Claus: The Musical (Punchy), and Seussical JR. (Bird Girl). She choreographs national award-winning tap, musical theatre, hip hop, and contemporary, and has also won numerous National Championships in Tap and Musical Theatre. She was a member of the award-winning, all-female acapella group, the Baby Grands with SCPA, performing for audiences around the U.S. and China.
BENJAMIN GANTOSE
Lighting Design
Benjamin is an Ohio native. He grew up in Berea, Ohio, and attended the CollegeConservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, where he studied theatrical design and production with an emphasis on lighting design. Benjamin has been involved in both scenic and lighting design for works spanning ballet and modern dance, scripted and devised theatre, musical theatre, opera, and theme parks. He is Resident Lighting Designer at Cleveland Public Theatre and an Associate Designer at the Cincinnati Ballet and Kansas City Ballet. Benjamin’s work has been seen recently at Cleveland Playhouse, Ballet Hawaii, Beck Center For The Arts, Cleveland Musical Theater, Verb Ballets, and Inlet Dance Theatre. As an Associate Designer, Benjamin’s work includes lighting and scenic designs at Louisville Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Cain Park, and Lakeland Civic Theatre. This is Benjamin’s 11th season with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.
• Students Earn Their H.A.L.O. Everyday by Being Honest, Accountable, and a Leader to Others
• Earned Distinction as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
• All Students Participate in our Halo Bell Program, Providing Enrichment Services for ALL Students
• Opened New Makerspace Lab in 2022
• Mental and Physical Health Services Provided by a Full-Time School Counselor & Full-Time School Nurse
• Teachers Guide Students to Develop Spiritually, Academically, Emotionally, and Physically
• Technology Integrated into Every Classroom
• All K-8 Students Participate in Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education Weekly
• Extra-Curricular Activities Include Athletics, Music, Drama, and More
• EdChoice Program Provider
DON MOORE
Audio Engineer
Don Moore has worked on production projects for Pepsi, PlayStation, and the Cincinnati Bengals. More recently, Don Moore was featured on Bootsy Collins 2011 song, “Hip Hop @ Funk U,” alongside rap legends Ice Cube and Chuck D. He was also featured on Bootsy
JADI DAVIS
Production Stage Manager
Jadi is excited for his fourth season with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. He has previous Stage Management experience for the Henry Mancini Academy, the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Busch Gardens Entertainment, Kings Island Entertainment, and the Hamilton City School District. He was also a Theatrical Project Manager for Vincent Lighting Systems, and a Lighting Director for Riverfront Live, the Madison Theater, the Fitton Center for the Creative Arts, and the Greater Hamilton Civic Theatre.
Hiromi Platt Photography
SANTA CLAUS THE MUSICAL PRODUCTION TEAM
THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI STAFF
President & CEO..........................................................Kim Kern
Artistic Director ................................................Roderick Justice
TCT Academy Director...............................Miranda Bohannon
Starting Our Adventure Right (SOAR) program, CCHMC/ Cincinnati Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, Autism Society of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute, Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, The Point Arc of Northern Kentucky, Best Point
Education & Behavioral Health, Jenn Jordan of Q102 Graphic Design ................Cal Harris and Cincinnati Magazine
Gregory L. Adams, Jeanette Altenau, Nick Binkley, Justin Brookhart, Peter Brown, Sarah Anne Campbell, Grant Cooper, Maris Croswell, Jennifer Dakers, Darcie D’Ascenzo, Daniel M. Driehaus, Libby Galvin-Brock, Molly Garber, Paul Griscom, Sarah Haines, Peter Horton, Katherine O. Jarnigo, Ken Jones, Dr. Rajan R. Kamath, Ph.D., Leanne Langdon, Kick Lee, Rana Schiff, Meghan Sullivan Nelson, Bethany R. Smith, Jeremy Smith, Jennifer Spieser, Scott T. Stubbins, Marcus Thompson, Diana Victoriano, Owen J. Wrassman
Emeritus Board ................................................Edyth B. Lindner, Fran Carlisle, Chris Stubbins
Honorary Board .......Vicki Herche, Carol Hilsinger, Skip Merten
To learn more about the production, please visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.
Find us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and TikTok @TCTCincinnati
Special thanks to…. Troy Malmstrom, SCPA, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, University of Cincinnati’s CollegeConservatory of Music, And Cincinnati Stage Employees
Local 5
Backstage Employees are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (or I.A.T.S.E.).
WARNING
The photographing or sound recording of any performance or the possession of any device for such photographing or sound recording inside this theater, without the written permission of the management, is prohibited by law. Violators may be punished by ejection and violations may render the offender liable for money damages.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Wishes to Thank the Following Royal Supporters
INDIVIDUALS
Crown Jewels
(Gifts of $10,000 and above)
Anonymous
Kings and Queens
(Gifts of $5,000 and $9,999)
The Garber Family*
Princes & Princesses
(Gifts of $2,500-$4,999)
Kristina & David Crowley*
Teresa Hoelle & Scott Provancher
Dukes and Duchesses
(Gifts of $1,000-$2,499)
Dr. Ratee Apana & Dr. Rajan Kamath*
Libby & Tony Brock*
Kate & Pete Brown*
Jacklyn & Gary Bryson
Sarah Anne & Michael Campbell*
The Coggins Family
Meg & Grant Cooper*
Maris & Robby Croswell*
The D’Ascenzo Family*
Emilie & David Dressler Family*
Beth & Dan Driehaus, Driehaus
Insurance Group*
Griscom Family*
The Jarnigo Family*
Allison Kropp*
Priya & David Rolfes
Andi & Andrew Simon*
The Spence Family
Anne & Eric Venters
Earls & Countesses
(Gifts of $500-$999)
Rob Blust
Ali, Jeremy, Charli & Andi Cantor
David Boyles & David Castillo
Jennifer & Michael Dakers*
Melinda & Matt Davis*
Sarah & Justin Haines*
Leanne & Matt Langdon*
Jamie, Allie & Jeremy Mack
CL Mayer & JA Langley
Tara & Zac Noland
Debra Savage
Angela Wetherington Stutz
Lords & Ladies
(Gifts for $250-$499)
The Patel-Curran Family
Karen & Robert Ripp
Jennifer & Eric Spieser*
Knights
(Gifts of $100-$249)
Anonymous
Julie Albright in honor of Angelo
Cerniglia
In honor of Mike Ellison
Lisa Hezlep
Logan Hines
Haus of Hughes
McKenzie & Gavin Kosier
Michele Meyer
Sharon Park
Drs. Michael & Zane PlattFaulkner
Diana Victoriano* & Frankie Vassil
Philip Wenger
CORPORATIONS
Deloitte**
Dinsmore & Scholl LLP
Duke Energy**
Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors**
KeyBank
The Kroger Co.
PayPal Fund PNC
FOUNDATIONS
Arts Career Educational (ACE) Fund of GCF
ArtsWave
Bank of America Foundation
Educational Theatre Foundation
Interact for Health
Louise Taft Semple Foundation
Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation
PNC Foundation
Scripps Howard Fund
The Charlies H. Dater Foundation
The Harold C. Schott Foundation in honor of Allison Kropp
The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Foundation
The Susie and Jack Louiso Foundation
The TAS Foundation*
Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation
GOVERNMENT
Ohio Arts Council***
National Endowment for the Arts***
IN-KIND
Jim Carroll & Marie
Gemelli-Carroll
Cincinnati Parks Foundation
Dewey’s Pizza
GBBN
Joseph Beth Booksellers
King Arthur’s Court
Koch Sporting Goods
Learning Resources, Inc.
Penn Station
Piada Italian Street Food
Krista, Rodger & Charlie Pille
Seven Hills School
Terrex Development & Construction
The Capital Grille
SPONSORS
Community Trust Bank
Gold Star
Graeter’s Local 12
Macy’s Q102
The Summit Hotel
Time Timer
TriHealth
EVENT
SPONSORS
altafiber
ArtsWave
Barnes Dennig
Neil Bortz
Bricker Graydon
Robert H. Castellini
Cincinnati Museum Center
Frost Brown Todd
Kay & Jack Geiger
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Beth & Louis Guttman
Hills Properties
Katz Teller
Mariner Institutional PNC Bank
Christine & Charlie Schiff*
Terrex Development & Construction
The Harold C. Schott Foundation
UBS Financial Services & Libby & Tony Brock*
Western & Southern Financial Group
This list reflects all gifts of $100 or more made between 06/01/2024 to 11/06/2024.
*TCT Board Member **Company that matches employee giving. ***The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.
If you would like to make a gift, please see page 21. Our mission is to educate, entertain, and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming.
We have made every effort to be as accurate as possible in compiling our list of wonderful supporters. If your name has been incorrectly listed or omitted, please contact Olivia Suttles at (513) 569-8080, x14.
MAKE HISTORY WITH A $500 GIFT! Dedicate a seat in the new Emery commemorate a special milestone.
Your signature and family name will be engraved on a seat at the Emery, creating a lasting tribute for future
SCAN QR CODE TO DEDICATE A SEAT IN THE EMERY THEATER
