Jonah Broscow

Jonah Broscow* (Ralphie) is excited to perform at SF Playhouse. Prior credits include Jimmy in The Man in the Ceiling (Bay Street Theater), David in Rags (TheatreWorks), Johnnie/Young James in The Speakeasy (Speakeasy), Theo in the National Tour of Pippin, Max in Max Understood (Paul Dresher Ensemble), Mauro in Do I Hear a Waltz? (42nd Street Moon), and Winthrop in The Music Man (Berkeley Playhouse).  Thanks to this great cast/crew, my teachers, past and present, Susi/Bill/SF Playhouse, and Mom, Dad, and Ellie.

Abby Haug

Abby Haug* (Mother) is proud to return to the San Francisco Playhouse this holiday season.  She was on the Playhouse Stage this past summer as a Cagelle in La Cage Aux Folles and summer 2015 as the loving Jenny in Company.  Abby graduated With Honors from Webster University’s Conservatory of Musical Theatre in St. Louis.  Her latest and greatest Bay Area credits include No, No, Nanette, Baker Street and The Boys from Syracuse (42nd Street Moon), Mary Poppins (Hillbarn Theatre) and A Comedy of Errors (Marin Shakespeare) where she helped orchestrate a musical version of the play and accompanied the production on piano.  Don’t put it past her to dress up like a French Cruller in Lifeline Theatre’s (Chicago) adaptation of Arnie The Doughnut (2012 NYMT Festival). She is a very proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. For Mom and Dad who gave me my heart.

Kavan Bhatia

Kavan Bhatia (Randy) is thrilled to be making his debut with San Francisco Playhouse!   Kavan has appeared in several local productions including Mary Poppins(Michael Banks), The Wizard of Oz (Hungry Winkie), Seussical (Cadet), Once Upon a Mattress (Lute Player) with Peninsula Youth Theater (PYT) in Mountain View and Willy Wonka (Alfie) with San Jose Children’s Musical Theater (CMTSJ).  A 5th grader, Kavan wants to thank his family, friends and teachers for their generous and uplifting support — and incredible patience! — for his constant singing and dancing.

Jake Miller

Jake Miller (Randy) is excited to be making his debut performance with the San Francisco Playhouse.  He has performed with TheatreWorks, Rags (David Understudy) and in numerous shows with San Jose Children’s Musical Theater. Some of his favorites include, Willy Wonka (Augustus Gloop), Crazy for You (Jimmy), and A Christmas Carol (Scrooge at 12).  He has also performed at Alta Vista Elementary School in Seussical Jr. (Horton), The Lion King Jr. (Simba), and The Little Mermaid Jr. (Flounder).  Jake is in the 6th grade at Union Middle School in San Jose Ca.  

Ryan Drummond

Ryan Drummond* (The Old Man) A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Mr. Drummond has been making a living at this acting/singing thing for 24 years and counting. In that time, he’s been in a world premiere play written by Aaron Sorkin, made three albums with his acappella group (The A.Y.U. Quartet), became a certified trainer of Polish and French mime, juggled for orcas and otters at Sea World of San Diego, harmonized mid-ocean on Regency Cruise Lines, didn’t make the cheer squad in Bring It On, nearly had his nose blown off by a confetti cannon in Kauai, was the original voice of “Sonic The Hedgehog” in millions of videogames across the world, is a member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and AGVA, and has been doing theatre constantly since 1980 when he was cast in his first show. Google his name for minutes of fun!

David Rukin

David Rukin (Schwartz) is thrilled to be making his San Francisco Playhouse debut. David was last seen as Michael in Billy Elliot at Berkeley Playhouse, a performance that earned him a 2017 Theater Bay Area Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical. Other favorite shows include Peter Pan (Slightly Soiled) and Shrek The Musical (Young Shrek) both at Berkeley Playhouse. David is a 7th grader at Contra Costa Jewish Day School who enjoys acting, singing, dance, soccer, and (yes, really) playing with his Airsoft BB gun.

Mario Gianni Herrera

Mario Gianni Herrera (Flick) is excited to be making his debut in San Francisco at the San Francisco Playhouse. Mario has experience in performing in theater productions in the North Bay with some favorite rolls of past productions being Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Ching Ho in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Scar in Lion King, Jr., and Donkey in Shrek, Jr.  Mario enjoys lap swimming and making YouTube videos. “Thank you to my family for supporting me in following my dreams.”

Chloe Dalzell

Chloe Dalzell (Ester Jane) is very excited about her first appearance with SF Playhouse.  She has been acting and singing since the 2^nd grade. Chloe is currently a student in the 7th grade at Convent of the Sacred Heart.  In addition to acting and singing, Chloe likes to play the guitar, the piano and to spend time with her friends.  Chloe would like to thank her parents and sister for all of their love and support. 

Mira Shah

Mira Shah (Ester Jane) is delighted to be making her San Francisco Playhouse debut. Favorite roles include Fritz in the Nutcracker (California Academy of Performing Arts, Moraga), Junior Handmaiden and Doll in the Nutcracker (California Academy of Performing Arts, Moraga).  Mira is a 7^th grade student at Joaquin Moraga Middle School. She grew up in Moraga, CA.  Mira enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dancing, shopping, and playing with her adorable dog, Bailey.  She relaxes by listening to music and watching her favorite TV shows, Pretty Little Liars and Gilmore Girls. Mira’s favorite quote: “Art is Music to the Eyes, Music is Dance to the Ears, Dance is Art to the Soul”.

Panita Serizawa

Panita Serizawa (Mary Beth)’s joy and passion for the stage prompted her to take acting, singing and dance lessons at the age of 5.  Her most recent performance was in 42^nd St. Moon’s Scrooge In Love.  She also has performed in over 15 junior productions including The Wizard of Oz, Westside Story, The Music Man, Annie, James and The Giant Peach, and The Jungle Book.  Panita is an 8^th grader at The San Francisco School where in addition to her academic curriculum, she’s developing strong skills in advocacy, peaceful protest, and community organizing.  Her other great passion is playing for a premier-level soccer team. Panita aspires to be a theater and DIY YouTube star.

Matilda Holtz

Matilda Holtz (Farkus) is thrilled to be returning to the San Francisco Playhouse after playing Iris in The Nether. She has previously appeared in Musical Theatre Works’ productions of Seussical the Musical, Legally Blonde, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, as well as multiple shows including Swinging on a Star at the Ruth Asawa School of the Arts where she is in the 10th grade.

Sammy Vernick

Sammy Vernick (Scut Farkus) is brimming with excitement over his SF Playhouse debut in A Christmas Story! As a student at Adda Clevenger School, this Beast has terrorized the castle in Beauty and the Beast and deftly wielded his broom as Drake (the father duck) in Honk!  He has also performed in numerous school choral concerts, productions, and debates. Even after daily tap dancing and hip hop, he has enough energy for violin, circus, and soccer on the side. A native San Franciscan, he lives in the Castro with his parents and 14-year-old brother. He’s itching to bully the other kids as Farkus (and eat his just desserts). Much love to his amazing family, and the people who encourage him to jump off of high things.

Jack Barrett

Jack Barrett (Grover Dill) is thrilled to be making his Playhouse debut. He is currently in 7^th grade and enjoys reading and making movies. Past credits include Walter Cunningham Jr. in To Kill A Mockingbird (Hillbarn Theatre), Richie in 13 the Musical, Prince Dauntless in Once Upon A Mattress, Ike Skidmore in Oklahoma! (Hillbarn Conservatory) and LeFou in Beauty and the Beast (St. Matthew Catholic School). He was also recently seen this past summer as Randolph MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie (Serra Theatre Camp). Jack would like to thank his parents, family and friends for all their love and support. He extends his gratitude to Director Susi Damilano, and to the artistic staff and cast of A Christmas Story. Many thanks to past directors and mentors who have helped shape his path: Alexandra Nemchik, Dawn L. Troupe, Michelle Shannon, Nicholas Garland, Nina O’Brien and Allyssa Palko. Enjoy the show!

Leo Sens

Leo Sens (Grover Dill) is a sixth grader in the classical guitar program at Oakland School for the Arts. He has performed in several after school rock bands as a guitarist and vocalist. As a fifth grader at Peralta Elementary School, he played the title character in a student-produced staging of Hamilton. This is his first appearance in a professional cast. 

Katrina Lauren McGraw

Katrina Lauren McGraw (Miss Shields), a San Francisco native, is thrilled to be back on the Playhouse stage this holiday season. Some past credits include Armelia in Ain’t Misbehavin’ (42nd St. Moon) Sour Kangaroo in Seussical (Bay Area Musicals) Ensemble in She Loves Me (San Francisco Playhouse) BJ in Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Town Hall Theatre Co.) Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (Ray of Light Theater) Kate in Zanna, Don’t! (NCTC), Dynaminte in Hairspray (Woodminster Theater and PCPA Theaterfest) Motermouth Mabel in Hairspray (Allenberry Playhouse) Abuela Clauda in In The Heights (Cohos Music Hall), Trixy/Phantom in The Rocky Horror Show (Merchants Hall and A.C.T’s Strand Theater) Dionne in Hair (Bay Area Musicals) Katrina would like to give a special thanks to her family blood related or not for all of their constant love and support. Thanks fam!!

Alex Hsu

Alex Hsu* (Villain/ Waiter/Ensemble/Assistant Choreographer)  is thrilled to return to the SF Playhouse stage after appearing earlier this season in La Cage Aux Folles and then heading to New York to appear in National Asian Artist’s Project and Prospect Theatre Company’s concert presentation of Jason Ma’s Gold Mountain. He has appeared all over the country in special productions of Broadway’s Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (dir. Walter Bobbie) and Atlanta Theatre of the Stars’ tour of The King and I (dir. Baayork Lee) starring Stefanie Powers. Regional highlights: Tales of the City: The Musical at A.C.T. (dir. Jason Moore), Miss Saigon (Westchester Broadway Theatre), Gypsy (AMT of San Jose), Pacific Overtures (TheatreWorks). As choreographer, Alex’s work has been most recently been seen in Hillbarn Theatre’s productions of Sweet Charity and Spamalot, as well as SBMT’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Guys and Dolls and 42nd St. Moon’s Strike Up the Band.

Ken Brill

Ken Brill (Santa) is excited to be back onstage at SF Playhouse after last having been seen as Angel City 4/Big 6/Luther/Del in City of Angels, and previously as Sir Lionel in Camelot. Ken also had the distinct pleasure of playing the stage left piano for 13 performances of SFPH’s delightful production of Company .  Ken’s affinity for Xmas productions includes two years at The Bracebridge Dinner, as Zeke Foster\quintet singer\tap dancer for Hillbarn’s White Christmas, and as a musician for the past two years’ productions of 42nd Street Moon’s production of Scrooge in Love!

Gwen Herndon

Gwen Herndon (Nancy) is thrilled to make her San Francisco Playhouse debut! She has appeared with the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival as Mamillius in The Winter’s Tale. Last year she performed with the California Revels. Gwen has taken part in MoonSchool with 42nd Street Moon the last five summers, performing in The Aristocats, The Jungle Book, Schoolhouse Rock, A Year With Frog and Toad and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. She takes tap and contemporary dance classes at Geary Dance Center. She thanks her parents for being the most amazing parents ever. 

Charlotte Ying Levy

Charlotte Ying Levy (Nancy) is thrilled to be making her debut at the San Francisco Playhouse. She has performed in a number of Berkeley Playhouse professional productions, including To Kill a Mockingbird (Scout), Shrek the Musical (Young Fiona) and The Sound of Music (Gretl). Charlotte also played the role of Jerome in the Youth Musical Theater Company production of South Pacific. She has been in a number of youth and teen productions, including Drowsy Chaperone (Trix the Aviatrix), Urinetown (Little Sally), Narnia (Lucy). Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), and Mulan (Mushu). Charlotte is an eighth grader at Piedmont Middle School who enjoys soccer, cross-country and track, piano, and singing. She is dedicating her performance to her biggest fans — her parents, two older brothers Julien and Elijah, and her puppy Hapa.

Kathryn Han

Kathryn Han (Nancy’s Mom/Ensemble) is beyond thrilled to make her San Francisco Playhouse debut!  Favorite credits include Ana Smith in The Book Club Play (Center REPertory Company), Minhee in You For Me For You (Crowded Fire Theater), Aphra Behn in Or, (Dragon Theatre), Christmas Eve in Avenue Q (Los Altos Stage Company), and Gemze in Du Barry Was A Lady (42nd Street Moon) alongside comedian Bruce Vilanch.  She has also worked with Broadway By The Bay, Cal Shakes, Willows Theatre Company, and Hillbarn Theatre, among others. She studied musical theatre and Shakespeare at A.C.T. and dance at Stanford University. Offstage, she practices internet law and dances Argentine tango.

Ozlo Ransom Mitchell

Ozlo Ransom Mitchell (U/S Flick and Schwartz), studies voice and piano with Amy Foote, acting and musical theater at ACT, has taken classes in dance at ODC, and was a member of the SF Boys Choir.  He attends Adda Clevenger School with a full curriculum of the arts including drama, dance, and choir. Ozlo is also a long-running member of Rock Band Land and fronts the band George Washing Machine. 

Mike Birr

Mike Birr (U/S Old Man/Santa/Villian/Waiter) is excited to be working at San Francisco Playhouse for the first time! Mike has acted at theatres across both coasts and his most recent credits include 42nd Street (Andy), The Wild Party(Eddie), West Side Story(Action), The 39 Steps, and Shakespeare’s The Tempest(Ferdinand). Mike has been an actor and/or choreographer at theatres including The San Jose Stage Company, The Northern Sky Theatre, and 42nd Street Moon. Mike graduated from Viterbo University with a B.F.A. in Acting. Mike wants to thank his family, friends, and Bay Area Theatre Community for their love and completely overwhelming support. www.mikebirr.com.

Krista Joy Serpa

Krista Joy Serpa (U/S Shields/Nancy’s Mom/Ensemble) is happier than a kid at Christmas to be joining the San Francisco Playhouse family! A Modesto native, she joined the Bay Area theatre community in 2015 after studying music at the University of Central Missouri and performing throughout the Midwest and central California, and made her San Francisco debut this summer in Seussical with Bay Area Musicals. She was most recently seen as Kate Keller in The Miracle Worker with the brand new Gallo Center Repertory Company. Other favorites include The Sound of Music (Sierra Repertory Theatre,) Pump Boys and Dinettes (Central Missouri Repertory Theatre,) A Streetcar Named Desire (Stage 3 Theatre Company,) City of Angels (Cinnabar Theatre,) Urinetown (Los Altos Stage Company,) and Into The Woods (Theatre-At-Large; SFBATCC nominee for Best Supporting Actress.) A million thanks to Jeff & Rosie, the San Francisco Playhouse team, and Ken, and all love to Adam. Philippians 4:4!

Sophia LaPaglia

Sophia LaPaglia (Ensemble) could not be more pleased to be joining the SF Playhouse family for the first time in The Christmas Story. She regularly performs locally on The Magic Bus by Antenna Theater, which is a time-traveling tour through 1960s San Francisco! Currently she is also directing an international tour of a modern adaptation of Annie Sprinkle’s one-woman show The Post-Porn Modernist called Reveal All Fear Nothing starring Madison Young.  She was trained at the Circle in the Square Theater School in NYC, and earned her bachelors degree at the University of Vermont where she studied Film, Directing for the Stage, and Music.  She hopes to start a theater company in the LA area and continue to create works that blur the lines between theater, performance art, and activism. She would like to send a special thanks to Sally Dana, Susi, and her fabulous assistant Lil J! 

Christopher Reber

Christopher Reber (Jean Shepherd) returns to SF Playhouse after playing Dindon in La Cage aux Folles last summer. Previously for the Playhouse, Chris was in Jerusalem (Wesley) and Company (Harry). New York credits include Betty & the Belrays (Joe) at Theater for a New City and The Time of Mendel’s Trouble (Murray) at the Beckett Theatre at Theatre Row. For TheatreWorks, SV: Peter and the Starcatcher (Alf), Cyrano (Raganeau) and Rags (Jack); for San Jose Repertory Theatre: A Christmas Carol 2.0; for Jewel Theatre in Santa Cruz: Pump Boys and Dinettes (Jim), Arcadia (Chater), Gunmetal Blues (Sam), Guys and Dolls (Nathan), Talley’s Folly (Matt), Next to Normal (Dan), and The Book Club Play (Alex). This spring, Chris will be seen in Hillbarn Theatre’s The Full Monty as Dave. His film and TV appearances include The Tiger Woods Story and 18 Wheels of Justice. Mr. Reber earned his MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School and is a proud member of Actors Equity.

“Syrupy sweet production full of gosh-darn bits of yesteryear and musical production numbers that will delight the young-at-heart — and especially the young-of-age.” –Eddy Reynolds, Theatre Eddys

“Family-friendly musical endeavors to fill the cold season with a warm glow of hope and love.” – Jennifer Jeong, The Daily Cal

“Perfect holiday play for kids and adults of all ages ” – Anne Wenzel, Book Your Imagination

“Adding comfort and joy to the Nutcracker-Messiah-Christmas Carol season” – Janos Gereben, San Francisco Classical Voice

“A good old-fashion feel-good show with plenty for all.” – Kedar K. Adour, TheatreWorld Internet Magazine

“A Christmas Story: The Musical is joyful, at times touching, it will make you smile – and laugh out loud.” – Gilly Lloyd, ArtsPreview

“While it’s truly a retro classic, there is something very current and fresh about the show” – Kevin M. Thomas, Progressive Pulse