MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN
BOOK BY DAVID IVES and PAUL BLAKE

Original stage production directed by WALTER BOBBIE

Orchestrations Larry Blank

Vocal and Dance Arrangements Bruce Pomahac

White Christmas is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals www.concordtheatricals.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Production Staff:

Producer/Director: Michael E. Bryce

Music Director: David Thomas

Choreographer: Laura Christian

Stage Manager: Doug Ulmer

Stage Hand: Connor McNutt, Abby Kesner

Costume Design: Mary Esther Braswell,

Sarai Phillips-Dunlap, Rebecca Bryce

Costume Stitchers: Pam Allen

Lighting Operator: Scott Condit, Sharyn Sheffer

Follow Spot Operator: Josh Kim

Media Design: Michael E. Bryce

Media Operator: Joyce Smith

Audio Operator: Bill Wiatr

Music Engineer: David Thomas

Scenic Designer: J. Michael Sanders

Set Construction: Michael E. Bryce, Ed Edwards, Mike Sanders, Olive Kesner, Chloe Kesner, Molly Kesner, Tom Frandsen

Box Office: Reg Hamilton

Usher Captain: Dusty Hamilton

Program Design: Sharyn Sheffer

Concessions: Liz Wiatr

Cast Meals: Nina Johnson, Cassandra Shockley, Wendi Fuller, Tana Kerns, Cheri Johnson, Lynda Thomas, Gayle Groneman, Mara Hover

Cast of Characters:

Bob Wallace: Eddie Kesner
Phil Davis: Chris Fidler
Betty Haynes: Gina Kim
Judy Haynes: Brianne Gobeski
General Henry Waverly: Dan Marburger
Martha Watson: Tina Reynolds
Susan Wavely: Kaylee Forth, Emma Lanning

Ezekiel Foster/Conductor: Stacey Blake

Ralph Sheldrake: George Ellison

Tessie: Mary Esther Braswell

Mickey: Lynn Golden

Rita: Rebecca Bryce

Rhoda: Caitlyn McKell

Snoring Man: Robert Andrews

Announcer: Turner McKenzie

Ensemble: Robert Andrews, Mary Esther Braswell, Rebecca Bryce, Sophie-Leigh Cannoy, Tanner Duncan, Jared Ferolino, Turner McKenzie, Tyler Galley, Lynn Golden, Charlotte Hover-Lashnits, Chloe Kesner, Molly Kesner, Olivia Kesner, Caitlyn McKell, Turner McKenzie, Sarai Phillips-Dunlap, Justin Robinson, Robyn Tye-Lennex, Emma Westberg

Rob is excited to be back at Zao Theatre! Memorable starring roles at Zao include: Houdini in Ragtime (2017), that Old Guy in Beauty and the Beast (2019), and as the Tree in Songs for a New World (2021).

When not acting, Rob enjoys music, lifting, baseball, the outdoors, walking his husky Samson, and long romantic walks to the fridge.

He is thrilled to bring the Christmas joy to the world famous Christmas destination, known for its numerous inches of snow and freezing cold temperatures, Gold Canyon, Arizona. 

He hopes this show be just like the Hallmark card you always dreamed about getting for Christmas (filled with a $100 bill of course).

To my mom and sister, thank you for believing in me, to my girlfriend Cheyenne, thanks for helping me with my dancing, and to my dad, wish you could be here.

MARY ESTHER BRASWELL

Tess, Seamstress, Ensemble

ROB ANDREWS

Snoring Man, Quintet, Ensemble

Mary Esther is thrilled to be joining her Zao family for the second year of White Christmas. She would like to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy holiday schedules to come see this show and she hopes everyone enjoys it as much as she has! Merry Christmas!

STACEY BLAKE

Ezekiel Foster, Conductior

Stacey is thrilled to reprise his role as Ezekiel in White Christmas! This is his seventh production at Zao. Previous shows in the Valley include: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, No Time for Sergeants, Guys and Dolls, Our Town, and Bright Star. He offers his thanks to Mickey, Dave, Laura and the entire cast and crew.

REBECCA BRYCE

Rita, Ensemble

Becca is delighted to return to Zao's cast of White Christmas! She was most recently seen in Nunsense (Sister Amnesia), Godspell (Lindsay), and The Music Man (Marian). Some of her other Zao favorites include Beauty and the Beast (Belle), The Sound of Music (Maria), and The Marvelous Wonderettes (Cindy Lou). She also directed and performed in Zao's fundraising concert, It's Just Music! Becca holds a degree in Music Theatre Performance from ASU. Many thanks to this talented cast and crew for all your hard work on this show!

SOPHIE-LEIGH CANNOY

Ensemble

Sophie-Leigh is thrilled to be a part of this incredible show again! Recent roles include Vi Moore in Footloose (AYT), Rona in Spelling Bee (AYT), and dance ensemble in White Christmas (Zao). Huge thanks to the sensational cast and production team for their hard work and dedication!

TANNER DUNCAN

Ensemble

Tanner is glad to be doing this show again for the holidays after doing it last year! He’s a musical theater major at MCC. His past shows include Seussical, Mamma Mia, Kiss Me Kate, Jane Eyre, A Man of No Importance, Sweeney Todd, Lamb of God, and The Addams Family, Bright Star, The Music Man, and Oliver! He thanks God, family friends for support and the company for the given opportunity! Check him out on his YouTube channel on Tanner’s Channel!

JARED FEROLINO

Ensemble

Jared is excited to be returning to Zao Theatre in the iconic "White Christmas". He previously debuted in "The Music Man" as an Ensemble member. He also regularly performs with Mesa Encore Theatre, having recently played Captain Scott in "Peter and the Starcatcher". His other credits with MET include "9 to 5", "The Addams Family", "Grease", and "The Best of Broadway". He has also performed with both Mesa and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. As always, Jared thanks Mickey and Dave for letting him join and perform with Zao Theatre.

CHRIS FIDLER

Phil Davis

Chris is thrilled to be back at Zao Theatre to reprise his roll of Phil Davis from last season's Zao production of White Christmas. Audiences have recently seen him in Zao's award winning production of Frost/Nixon (David Frost), Yo're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Linus), Guys and Dolls (Nicely, Nicely), and The Music Man (Jacey Squires),

Since age 15 this Zoni winner has performed on stage, film and television. A special thank you to the cast and crew of this wonderful show. It's an honor to share the stage with you all.

KAYLEE FORTH

Susan Waverly

Kaylee is so excited to return back to white Christmas. She had so much fun last year and can’t wait for audiences to see it! Past credits have included Brigitta in Sound of Music (Phoenix Theatte), Marta in Sound of Music (Zao Theatre), dance ensemble in Footloose (CHS theatre), Gavroche in Les Mis (Limelight) and Alice in Matilda (Greasepaint). She would like to thank everybody that has helped her especially her parents and papa.

BRIANNE GOBESKI

Judy Haynes

Brianne is excited to be reprising her role of Judy Haynes in her fourteenth show at Zao Theatre! You may also recognize her from some of her favorite roles, such as Lucy Van Pelt in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Zao), Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense (FHT - Zoni nominee), Woman 2 in Songs for a New World (Zao), Caroline Cushing in Frost/Nixon (Zao), Mayzie La Bird in Seussical (Zao) and more! When Brianne isn't on stage performing, she designs costumes for various shows in the valley, including the dresses worn for the Sisters number in this show! Her recent favorite designs were seen in Always, Patsy Cline (FHT), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Zao), Scapin (FHT), and Bright Star (Zao)!

LYNN GOLDEN

Mickey the Stage Manager

Lynn is thrilled to return to Zao for this, her fourth show. Lynn was previously seen here in the Zao Benefit Concert, Hello Dolly! and The Sound of Music. Other favorite credits include Damn Yankees, Holmes & Watson (DBFRT), Play On! (DFT), The Spongebob Musical, Godspell (SCT), and Spider's Web (AriZoni winner) and Sidekicked (one-woman show) at DST. Lynn is a Grant Officer, Sr. at ASU. Stage kisses to Bear, Abby, Brad, Dan, Renee, Ted, Heather & Kristi. Always dedicated to my Momma, who loved Zao. Thanks, Mickey and Team for inviting me to the party!

CHARLOTTE HOVER-LASHNITS

Ensemble

Charlotte is thrilled to be back at Zao. She was recently seen in EVCT’s Sleepy Hollow as the Shaman. She is a 14 year old 8th grader at Elite Performance Academy. When she’s not performing, Charlotte enjoys spending time with friends and family and her dogs Jake, Raja, Banshee and Lulu. She hopes you enjoy the show!

CHLOE KESNER

Ensemble

Chloe (14), is thrilled to be part of this beautiful production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and loves performing in Zao shows! She has been performing in musical theater for eight years and loves acting, dancing and singing along side her sisters Molly and Olivia and her dad, Eddie. When she’s not singing and dancing, Chloe loves to hang out with family and friends, spend time in God’s word and swim. Chloe is always looking for ways to help other people and make people smile. Chloe wants to give a big thank you to Mickey, Dave, and Laura for making this show possible.

EDDIE KESNER

Bob Wallace

Returning to the Zao stage again, Eddie is elated to be a part of this fantastic production! Recent Zao credits include: Music Man (Mayor Shinn), You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown (Schroeder), Guys and Dolls (Lt. Brannigan). Other favorite credits include: The Secret Garden (Archibald Craven) and The Crucible (Reverend Hale). A special thanks to his fantastic colleague, David Buerhle, and his personal dance instructor/daughter, Chloe. Working with Mickey & the Zao crew has been a blast, but more so, sharing the stage with his three lovely daughters...that’s a million dollar proposition! “Most importantly, a heart of gratitude to my real life Betty Haynes, Jennifer. Thanks for being my sunshine in all types of weather!"

MOLLY KESNER

Ensemble

Molly is delighted to be on the stage again in her 5th Zao production! She is a Senior in high school and is looking forward to where God will lead her in this upcoming year. One of her favorite parts of the show is being able to experience it with her Dad (Eddie Kesner) and her sisters (Olivia and Chloe Kesner). Some of her past credits are: Lefou (Beauty and The Beast Jr.), Timothy Lion (Velveteen Rabbit), and The Little Match girl (Little Match Girl). Molly would love to give a shout out to Mickey, Dave and Laura for making this an unforgettable experience!

OLIVIA KESNER

Ensemble

Olivia is excited to be in the cast of White Christmas. This will be her fifth show with Zao Theatre. When she is not onstage Olivia enjoys dancing, skateboarding, and having a good time. Olivia is thrilled to join her dad and sisters onstage for this production. She would like to thank Mickey, the director, Laura, the choreographer, and Dave, the music director for putting the show together.

GINA KIM

Betty Haynes

Gina is thrilled to reprise the role of Betty Haynes again this Christmas season at Zao.

Favorite credits Include: The Marvelous Wonderettes (Missy) -AriZoni Winner, Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), West Side Story (Maria), The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy/Glinda), The Magic Flute (The First Lady), The Mikado (Yum-Yum), Iolanthe (Phyllis). Gina thanks the director, Mickey Bryce for this wonderful opportunity, the fantastic cast and crew for their talent, support, and dedication....and a special thank you to the super cute spotlight man, Josh Kim!

EMMA LANNING

Susan Waverly

Emma is thrilled to be making her Zao Theatre debut as Susan Waverly. Her favorite past roles include Young Anastasia (Anastasia), Anna (Frozen Jr.), Matilda (Matilda Jr.) and Gertrude McFuzz (Seussical Jr.) When she’s not singing or dancing Emma loves hiking, playing board games and spending time with family. She’s so grateful to everyone at ZAO for this opportunity and would like to thank Kathleen Richards, Allison Houston and especially her parents for their support and guidance.

DAN MARBURGER

General Henry Waverly

Dan is Clinical Professor of Economics at ASU. This is his third production at Zao, having last appeared as Big Jule in Guys and Dolls Dan has appeared in over 70 shows in Arkansas and Arizona. Favorite roles include Lumiere (Beauty and the Beast), Igor (Young Frankenstein), Arnold Wiggins (The Boys Next Door), and Ed Boone (Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime). All my love to my daughter, Katie, and to my mom and dad.

CAITLYN MCKELL

Rhoda, Mrs Snoring Man, Ensemble

Caitlyn is thrilled to be making her debut at Zao Theatre. Some of her favorite past roles include Ursula Merkle in Bye Bye Birdie and Mary in Savior of the World. She is deeply grateful to her mother, who taught her how to sing, and to her father, who inspired her to pursue her dreams with passion and determination. Caitlyn looks forward to many more opportunities to share her love of the performing with audiences.

TURNER MCKENZIE

Announcer, Quintet, Ensemble

Turner is honored to reprise his roles as several characters in White Christmas with his theatre friends old and new. His top shows at Zao include Seussical, Hello Dolly, Guys and Dolls, White Christmas (2023), and Music Man. A big thanks to the staff and cast, as well as his folks for their support. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

SARAI PHILLIPS-DUNLAP

Secretary, Ensemble

Sarai is an ariZoni award winning costume designer who is thrilled to be back at ZAO Theater For her 15th show. She was last seen in Music Man as a Pick-a-little Lady, and costumed Godspell and Nunsense. She has been a part of Zao's Hello Dolly, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Ragtime. She performed at Meredith College and with the Opera Company of North Carolina

TINA REYNOLDS

Martha Watson

Tina is absolutely thrilled to be on the Zao stage for the first time. Some of her favorite roles in the past are: (Mother Superior) Nunsense, (Rosie) Mamma Mia, (Madame Thénardier) Les Miserables, (Alice Beinke) Addams Family and Zoni nominated for (Mother Superior) Sister Act. Tina considers herself to be blessed to have married her high school sweetheart, Dan, they have 3 children and 13 grandkids. When she is not performing on stage, Tina also sings with the Chordialaires Barbershop Chorus, and with her St Mary Magdalene church choir in Gilbert, and because she can’t stop herself, you may also see her out at karaoke. She would like to thank her husband for being her biggest cheerleader, and Mickey, Dave and Laura for having faith in her and giving her this awesome opportunity.

JUSTIN ROBINSON

Ensemble

Justin is thrilled to be making his theatrical debut with Zao Theatre. He would like to thank Mickey and Dave for this opportunity, to Laura for her patience with his dancing, and the entire cast and crew for welcoming him to the Zao family. 

EMMA WESTBERG

Ensemble

Emma was blessed to marry her wonderful husband Richie in May 2023! She is a classically trained dancer. She danced with the MCC Dance Company for a year and Studio R Ballet for 11+ years with roles like Aurora from Sleeping Beauty and Snow Queen in the Nutcracker. She has been in 4 Shakespeare plays, including playing Puck in A Mid Summer Nights Dream. Emma has also sung in many choirs and performed in small groups and as a soloist for local events. This is Emma's second show with Zao theater and she is happy to be back!

ROBYN TYE-LENNEX

Ensemble, Dance Captain

Robyn is thrilled to be back at Zao, reprising her role in the ensemble. Zao patrons most recently saw her portray Sister Mary Leo in Nunsense. Favorite roles include Hunyak (Chicago), Arabian Coffee (The Nutcracker), Dawn (All in the Timing), and Witch 1 (Shakespeare's MacBeth). Robyn is also a dancer and choreographer with MAC & Co., a Valley dance company. An abundance of gratitude to Mickey, Laura, and Dave for the opportunity to revisit this show. Love and thanks to Matt, Mom & Dad, CW, The Gallaghers, and so many other friends and family for their continued support!

DAVID THOMAS

Music Director

David holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Music Education. He taught music in New York in both public and private settings for over 40 years. His theatre work in NY includes “Guys and Dolls”, “The Boyfriend”, “Anything Goes”, “Cinderella”, “The Pajama Game” and “Gatsby: The Musical”. Here at Zao, he was previously the Music Director for “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Nunsense”. He feels very blessed to be able to work with all of the talented cast and crew members at Zao.

LAURA CHRISTIAN

Choreographer

Laura is excited to be involved with Zao once again! Laura has previously choreographed Zao’s productions of Godspell, Music Man, Marvelous Wonderette’s (AriZoni Award nomination), Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ragtime, Nunsense, and 1776. She has been choreographing, directing, and performing around the valley for the past 20 years. Favorite credits include A Chorus Line (Kristine), Grease (Frenchy), White Christmas, Mary Poppins, The Producers, Crazy For You, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Bye Bye Birdie, and Joseph … Dreamcoat (National Youth Arts Award for direction). Laura spends her days teaching math and her evenings playing with her 3 children. Thanks to my supportive hubby Matt, kiddos Max, Luke, and Katie, Mom and Dad, and to Mickey and all the amazing people at Zao!

MICHAEL E. BRYCE

"MICKEY"

Producer / Director
Zao Artistic Director

Throughout his extensive theatrical career, Mickey has received multiple Zoni awards as director, music director, set, media, and lighting designer, and actor. Over the past ten seasons as Artistic Director for Zao Theatre, Mickey has guided Zao's many production teams, casts of actors, technical crews to an award winning level of performance. A few of his favorite shows include: Beauty and the Beast, Godspell, Ordinary Days, The Sound of Music, 1776; The Musical, Ragtime; The Musical (AriZoni nominee), Hunchback of Notre Dame (AriZoni Best Musical Award), and The Marvelous Wonderettes (AriZoni Best Musical Award). As an actor, Mickey's most recent Zoni award was for his portrayal of Richard Nixon in Zao's Zoni award winning production of the play, Frost Nixon. Mickey holds degrees in music education, church music, and conducting. Mickey is also the pastor of Zao's parent organization, Centerstage Church in Gold Canyon.

Based Upon the Paramount Pictures Film
Written For the Screen by Norman Krasna,
Norman Panama and Melvin Frank

Zao Theatre

6338 S. Kings Ranch Rd, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

(480) 924-5122 shows@zaotheatre.org

Meet the Players:

GEORGE ELLISON

Ralph Sheldrake

George is thrilled to be working with Mickey Bryce, Dave Thomas, Laura Christian and Zao. George spent years acting in many Chicago theatres. George’s acting training included acting classes with William H. Macy, David Mamet and Patti LuPone at the St. Nicholas Theatre in Chicago, improv classes at Second City, and intensive acting classes with coaches Sara Mornell (People Like Us) Kurt Naebig (Road to Perdition) and Robyn Coffin (Chicago Fire.)

TYLER GALLEY

Ensemble

After serving as assistant director for The Music Man and Godspell, Tyler is excited to be back to reprise his ensemble role in White Christmas. Tyler has been in many Zao shows since his debut in 2016 as Lamar in Zao's first musical, Godspell. Other roles included: The Courier in 1776: The Musical, Pvt. Louden Downey in A Few Good Men, Howie Newsome in Our Town, LeFou in Beauty and the Beast, Wickersham 1 in Seussical, Max Detweiler in The Sound of Music (Zoni Nomination), Bob Zelnick in Frost/Nixon (Zoni Nomination) and John/Judas in Godspell 2024.

Tyler spent a year touring with "Up with People", learning and performing international songs and dances, and spreading the joy of performing across the globe!!