A CHRISTMAS STORY 2024
CAST AND PRODUCTION CREW
Cast
Noah Owens
As Ralphie
Noah is overjoyed to join the cast of A Christmas Story the Musical at the Keeton! Of course, he’d be even happier if he could get his hands on a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun—hint, hint. This is Noah’s fourth community theater appearance, with previous roles including Colin in The Secret Garden, Nubb in Smoke
...Smoke (Bell Witch Fall Festival), and Dodger in Oliver!. When he’s not on stage or belting out a tune, Noah loves diving into a good book, hitting the running trails, and planning his next travel adventure. A proud Montgomery Academy homeschool hybrid student, his favorite subject is History (he’s pretty sure acting will come in handy for reenacting all those historic battles someday!). Noah wants to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to Jacob and the whole team for making this dream role come true. He’s beyond grateful to be part of this amazing cast and can't wait to bring a little Christmas cheer to everyone.
Kevin Driver
As The Old Man
Kevin jumped at the chance reprise this fun role again after playing The Old Man five years ago with Centerstage Theatre Company in Lebanon. Some of his most recent roles at The Keeton have been in Footloose, Songwriter Night, Memphis the Musical, Mamma Mia, and Christmas Carol the Musical. As set
...designer, he enjoys the challenge of helping the director’s vision come to life. It’s hard to juggle set building while also doing a large role in the show, and he’s grateful to all the volunteers who helped him and his wife Donna for all her support and encouragement.
Chelsea Ranelle
As Mother
Last seen in The Outsider (Pull-Tight Theatre), is excited to be returning to the Keeton stage in this Christmas classic. Previously seen in the Keeton’s production of Evita, Chelsea’s credits include Maria, The Sound of Music, Chava, Fiddler On The Roof, and Paige Caldwell, The Outsider. Chelsea also has two years of live
...sketch comedy experience, has directed K-12 Musical Theatre, and taught Theatre at the High School level. Chelsea sends her love to each and every audience member who comes to enjoy this story with our phenomenally talented cast this season. To all the mothers here tonight…please enjoy this opportunity to get off your feet and enjoy a nice long sit while someone serves you a dinner that you don’t have to clean up!
Tobias J. Turner
As Jean Shepherd
Tobias is especially thrilled to share the stage again with his daughter, Eleanor. He hopes that Eleanor will one day tell stories full of joy and laughter about her Old Man and Mother. He thanks his gorgeous wife, Elizabeth, for expertly juggling her own busy career and being a loving and caring mom. He also wants
...to thank his own Old Man and Mother for being his biggest fans and supporters from the very beginning. This year, at his day job, he's been working to set up a new digital storage system to help preserve over a century's worth of music and video from the Ryman, Grand Ole Opry, and WSM Radio. He’s honored to be part of saving and passing down the stories of Nashville's contribution to American culture by day and the stories of Jean Shepherd and Ralphie Parker by night.
Ryman Stanton
As Randy
Ryman is honored to perform in his first production with The Keeton. Past Credits include Fun Home (John), Junie B Jones Jr. (Sheldon), Aladdin Jr. (Iago), Frozen Jr. (Olaf), Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Chip), as well as voiceovers and commercials for local organizations. When he isn’t on stage, Ryman can be
...found practicing the art of puppetry, engrossed in the pages of a book, or dreaming about his future chocolate factory. He looks forward to being a part of this classic holiday story and bringing laughter and joy to those who attend. Happy Holidays!
Kimberly Wolff
As Mrs. Shields
Kimberly is so grateful to have the opportunity to choreograph this amazing show, as well as be a part of this incredible cast. She most recently played Eva Peron in the Keeton’s production of Evita, and a “pick a little lady” in The Music Man. Originally from Chicago, Kimberly has been acting, dancing and singing
...almost her whole life. She spent several years performing around the country with her country band. She has been seen on the Food Network’s Buy This Restaurant and Mystery Diners. She has a BA in music performance from St. Ambrose University where she received a music and dance scholarship. She has choreographed for several competitive dance teams and musical theater shows. Kimberly owns a restaurant here in Nashville, 312 Pizza Company, with her husband and mom. She is beyond excited to be on stage again, and wants to thank her husband, Aras, daughter Mimi and Mother Stormy for their continued support!
Elliott Winston Robinson
As Santa Claus / Ensemble
Elliott has experienced some great musical moments on this stage, starting with Jekyll and Hyde (John Utterson) and Willy Wonka (Willy Wonka), waaay back in the Circle Players days. His first Keeton musical was Smokey Joes Café, back in 2012 (whoa!). Since then, Elliott has come back for The
...Christmas Carol Musical (Marley’s Ghost); GODSPELL (Judas); The 1940s Radio Christmas Carol (Clifton Feddington); My Fair Lady (Alfred P. Doolittle); BIG RIVER (Jim); ANNIE (Warbucks); MEMPHIS (Delray); and Songwriter Night (George). Another great Keeton memory is playing Hoke Coleburn in Driving Miss Daisy. “It is always a pleasure to come back here; you guys are always such a wonderful and appreciative audience! Thanks as always to my Jessica; the love and support are invaluable. Tonight’s performance is dedicated to two of the greatest Joneses ever; examples that any artist wishes they could keep up with: the late, great James Earl and Quincy.”
Brett Eiffes
As Miss Shields (Thursdays) / Ensemble
Brett is elated to be dusting off her tap shoes and making her Keeton debut alongside this incredibly talented cast! Her favorite roles include Kaylee in The Prom and Margot in Legally Blonde. Growing up, Brett spent her summers at Stagedoor Manor and spent several Thanksgivings in
...in New York City performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Brett lives and breathes a time-stamped to-do list, but in her little free time she enjoys baking gluten free sweet treats and a long FaceTime call with her sister best friend. Brett would like to thank her amazing family (286) and her bf Matty boy for always making her laugh and their constant love and support.
Chloe Beehm
As Mrs. Schwartz / Ensemble
Chloe is overjoyed to be in her first production here at The Keeton! New to Nashville, she’s a recently graduated college student from Ithaca College where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Music, concentration in Voice and Theater. The most recent production she was in at Ithaca was in the ensemble
...for our opera "Le Dernier Sorcier." She’s always loved doing theater and it's her dream to be a singer/performer for her career. She has loved being welcomed into the environment here at The Keeton so far and having the privilege of working with all these amazing, talented people. She hopes with the art she’s able to create with others that she can make a difference in the world and inspire people.
Ayla Carlock
As Flick
Ayla is glad to be back at the Keeton playing Flick in A Christmas Story the Musical. Most recently Ayla received high accolades in her award-winning portrayal of Small Alison in Fun Home at Street Theatre Company. Past credits include Evita (child soloist), and What Scares a Dinosaur (Jessie). Ayla has also starred
...in several commercials and films including Rooms To Go, The Titans and Commerce Bank. Ayla was born in New York City and has always had a deep passion and love for the performing arts. Ayla is represented by The Avenue Agency.
Kedrick “Keds” Liles-Pullen
As Schwartz
Keds is thrilled to once again grace the stage at The Keeton, having appeared in The Music Man Kids Ensemble earlier this year. He's excited to tackle a bigger role as Schwartz. Keds loves to play
...video games, skateboard and create art.
Kash Whitley Mellons
As Scut Farkus
Kash made his stage debut when he was 2 years old singing with his dad at a local Nashville Honky Tonk. At four he was playing a full drum set and picked up acoustic and electric guitar becoming proficient by age eleven. Currently, Kash fronts the "Honky Tonk Day Care Band" and enjoys playing in numerous musical
...groups at school. He landed his first role of the Genie in a local production of Aladdin two years ago which fanned the flames of acting. He is excited to be a part of an amazing cast and to be learning "the ropes" from some of the best.
Blake Littlefield
As Grover Dill
Blake is making his acting debut (outside of school plays) here in The Keeton's A Christmas Story the Musical! He is a 6th grader at Donelson Christian Academy. He enjoys music, soccer, bowling, and playing with his friends. Blake would like to thank all of the hardworking staff here for their
...patience, encouragement, and training they have given him over the past few months.
Abby Bauman
As Esther Jean
Abby is happy to be back at The Keeton in her second show, after playing Amaryllis in The Music Man. As a Junior at Green Hill High School, Abby has also recently been Mogpin in Ghostlight and in the ensemble of Shakespeare in Love. Abby would like to thank her parents, her brothers, and her theater buddy Rich Moses
...for encouraging her to continue her love of acting.
Linley VanSickle
As MaryBeth
Linley is a 7th grader and has performed as Mrs. Heron in Mean Girls, Jr., Hannah in the WWMS and MJHS joint production of Puffs, Cecco, a pirate, in Peter Pan Jr., and she is the 2023 4th place national winner in Group Performing Arts in Beta Club with her performance of “The Greatest Showman”. Linley loves playing
...piano, performing on stage, playing tennis, all things Harry Potter (including her dog named Luna Lovegood), traveling to national parks, running, and reading. She wants to give special thanks to her family and friends for supporting her and encouraging her in all she does.
Alazare Atlaw
As Ensemble
Alazare is beyond honored to be part of the Keeton's production of A Christmas Story, the Musical. You may have recently seen Alazare as Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Gomez Addams in The Addams Family, or Wadsworth the butler in CLUE. He’d like to thank the cast and crew for being wonderful people to work
...with and for all the good memories in rehearsals. Alazare would also like to thank his family for being there for him every step of the way and his friends who have supported him - he’s forever indebted to them.
Fiona Barrett
As Ensemble
Fiona is ecstatic to be returning to The Keeton for her second production! You may have seen her on this stage a few short months ago as Cherie in The Keeton's production of Bus Stop. Her other theatrical credits include Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain, Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors (Chattanooga Theatre
...Centre - 2019 Miss Annie Award Recipient for Best Debut Actress in a Musical), Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Miss Harcourt in Anything Goes. She’d like to thank her family and friends for continuing to encourage her to grace the stage, and everyone at The Keeton for allowing her to keep doing what she loves. Enjoy the show!
Brenda Brannon
As Ensemble
Brenda is a native Nashvillian who spent over seven seasons performing at Opryland, USA. She has acted with The Keeton, Playhouse 615, Circle Players, Hendersonville Performing Arts Company, and Lakewood Theatre Company where she has also directed. She was most recently seen as Lady Valonia Wendrew
...in I Shot My Rich Aunt at HPAC, Maud Dunlop and ensemble in The Music Man at The Keeton, and Reneé in The Odd Couple (Female Version) at Lakewood Theatre. She is delighted to be back working with The Keeton family once again.
Lynne Carlock
As Ensemble
Lynne is thrilled to be performing at The Keeton in A Christmas Story the Musical. Lynne lived in New York City for over 20 years where she appeared in several off-Broadway plays, commercials, films, and sang on numerous commercials including lead vocals on the Generation Girls Barbie campaign for Mattel. Lynne is
...also a singer/songwriter and has three full length albums available on all music streaming platforms. Lynne is represented by The Avenue Agency.
Rome Carlock
As Child Ensemble
Rome is thrilled to be making her stage debut at The Keeton in A Christmas Story the Musical. Rome is seven years old and has been acting most of her life. She most recently won “Best Young Actress” for her portrayal of Young Virginia Hawkins in the feature film RIDE. (Available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime). Rome has
...also appeared in several commercials including her most recent commercial for Rooms To Go. Rome is represented by the Avenue Agency.
Liz Cornicelli
As Ensemble
Liz is excited to be back performing in her third show at The Keeton. Past shows include Footloose and The Music Man. She’d like to thank the production team for the opportunity to perform with such a talented group and hopes
...you enjoy the show!
Brooke Cunningham
As Ensemble
Brooke returns to The Keeton stage after appearing in the ensemble of The Music Man this past summer. Eager to get back on stage, she is thrilled she gets to lace up her tap shoes this time! She would like to thank the production team for allowing her to help bring her favorite holiday story to life alongside this talented
...cast! She’d like to thank her mom for supporting her by caring for Goose in her absence.
Robert Hatter
As an Ensemble
Robert has been pursuing vocal performance for the past two years. He has a background in musical performance and theatre. He is currently attending Trevecca Nazarene University to pursue a degree in Vocal Performance. He’s been in several Keeton shows, including: The Music Man, Singin’ in the Rain, Newsies, Once
...Upon a Mattress, and Damn Yankees. Robert thanks his mother for allowing him to pursue his goals, as well as everyone involved in the cast for accepting him as a part of their family.
Ryan Hawtrey
As an Ensemble
Ryan is incredibly excited to join the cast of A Christmas Story! This is his first professional theatre venture, but he has enjoyed roles in various high school productions, such as Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Professor Plum in Clue, Sky in Mamma Mia, and more. He's incredibly thankful to his friends and family for their endless
...support in his passion for theatre. He also thanks Mr. Jacob Waid, who has been an incredible teacher and mentor to Ryan for years now and deserves all the best. We made it, Alazare. Enjoy the show!
Kim Kinsley
As Ensemble
Kim holds a BBA from Belmont University’s Music Business program and is also a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. A theatrical chameleon, she performs a wide range of role types: From Dwarf in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, to Sister Amnesia in Nunsense, to Lucy Bell in
...Spirit, Madame Dilly in On the Town, Chelsea in On Golden Pond, Joy Grisham in Shadowlands, and Meg Boyd in Damn Yankees. She has enjoyed sailing the seven seas as a Singer/Dancer aboard Holland America Cruise Lines and loves film acting, voice over work, fitness directing, and playing her ukelele. She sends a special thanks to her family and God for his incredible blessings.
Crystal Liles
As Ensemble
Crystal has been involved in theater and stagecraft since a very early age and is returning to the stage after many years. Previous shows include Alice in Wonderland, The Music Man, Annie, Prelude to a Kiss and many others. She is the very proud momma of Kedrick "Keds" playing Schwartz. Crystal is so grateful
...for the love, support and encouragement of her family and friends.
Crystal Martillo
As Ensemble
Crystal is a 2024 and 2022 graduate of Concordia University Chicago with her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership and Bachelor of Music Education. She is thrilled to join The Keeton for her second show in Nashville. You may have previously seen her in The Keeton’s Evita. Crystal has performed in the
...Chicagoland area as Olive in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Concordia University Chicago and Attina in The Little Mermaid at North Central College. Crystal would like to thank her family and friends for encouraging her to be a part of this production.
Josh Mertz
As Ensemble
Josh is a Nashville native and recent graduate of MTSU with a degree in Theatre Performance and Musical Theatre. This is his third show at The Keeton. Some recent credits are David in Company (MTSU), Travis in Footloose the musical (Keeton) and most recently Bo Decker in Bus Stop (Keeton). He would
...like to thank his family for their constant support of his pursuit of his dreams and his wonderful girlfriend Julia for always being by his side!
Julia Mowry
As Ensemble
Julia is delighted to be a part of such a talented cast and crew for this production of A Christmas Story the Musical. Recently seen as Marian Paroo in The Music Man and Wendy Jo in Footloose, Julia loves spending her time at The Keeton. Julia has played roles over the years such as Amalia Balash (She Loves Me), Maria
...Rainer (Sound of Music), and Jo March (Little Women.) These days, she can also be found practicing Social Work in Middle Tennessee as an advocate for survivors of human trafficking. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love, her boyfriend Josh for sharing the stage with her, and her Keeton family for their acceptance and support.
Addy Peery
As Ensemble
Addy has been involved with theatre since she was seven years old, and she can definitely say that this is one of her favorite shows she has been a part of. This is her first show with The Keeton! She wants to thank our director Jacob Waid for being a wonderful mentor, and to the wonderful cast for being so welcoming
...and kind. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Emma Reinbold
As Ensemble
You may have recently seen her in the ensemble of both The Music Man and Evita or as Mollie Ralston in Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. She’s grateful for the opportunity to be involved in a show with so many wonderful friends both new and old! Finally, greatest thanks go to her family for always being
...her biggest supporters.
Milly Roth
As Child Ensemble
Milly has learned so much about musical theater these past few months and is thrilled to be part of the Child Ensemble! When not rehearsing for a show or belting songs for the fun of it, Milly loves softball, climbing, swimming, playing with friends, sitting by a fire, and re-reading The Land of Stories series. She sends her
...love and gratitude to her parental units, sibbos, doggos, and Netflix.
Eleanor Turner
As Child Ensemble
Eleanor is very happy to be in her second play, ever. She hopes you like "Somewhere Hovering Over Indiana" because that is her favorite song in the show. During her days as a second grader, she is trying to decide between being a herpetologist, paleontologist, or engineer when she grows up. She thanks everyone for
...coming to see the show!
Julia Walker
As Ensemble
Julia is a graduate from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a BA in Theatre. Her favorite credits include Rita in White Christmas, #00 in The Wolves, Bombalurina in Cats, and as
...a featured role in Footloose the Musical.
Production Team
Jacob Waid
Director
Jacob is thrilled to be directing at The Keeton and working with this amazing cast. As a director and actor, he has helmed may beloved productions, including Romeo and Juliet, Mamma Mia, The Addams Family, The Music Man, Frozen, Shrek the Musical, Sweeney Todd, South Pacific, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray, Sister
...Act, Fiddler on the Roof, Evita, and The Music Man. His operatic credits include Le Nozze di Figaro, Roméo et Juliette, Falstaff, La Bohéme, and Don Giovanni. Jacob is currently serving as the Director of Fine Arts and Enrichment at Valor Collegiate Academies in Nashville, TN, where he also founded a thriving high school theatre program - now in its fifth successful year. In his earlier years, Jacob toured the country with numerous Broadway shows and productions, spending nearly three years in residency with Sight and Sound Theatres in Branson, Missouri. He has also worked with prestigious institutions like Houston Grand Opera, Seagle Music Colony, Chautauqua Opera, and several esteemed symphony orchestras, building a reputation for excellence in theatrical direction and performance. In New York City, Jacob premiered two Off-Broadway shows and produced a third. Jacob holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University. He’s deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, Kate. To learn more about Jacob or his upcoming projects, please visit jacobwaid.com.
Kevin Driver
Technical Director
Kevin jumped at the chance reprise this fun role again after playing The Old Man five years ago with Centerstage Theatre Company in Lebanon. Some of his most recent roles at The Keeton have been in Footloose, Songwriter Night, Memphis the Musical, Mamma Mia, and Christmas Carol the Musical. As set
...designer, he enjoys the challenge of helping the director’s vision come to life. It’s hard to juggle set building while also doing a large role in the show, and he’s grateful to all the volunteers who helped him and his wife Donna for all her support and encouragement.
Roger Hutson
Music Director
Roger is excited to be music directing another production at The Keeton! Previous credits include The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Little Women (pre-production), The Last Five Years (pre-production), Nunsense & Nunsense A-Men (pre-production), Young Frankenstein, White Christmas, The Best Little Whorehouse
...in Texas (pre-production), May We All, The Music Man, Footloose. As a Pianist, show credits are: Freaky Friday and Into the Woods. All my love to Michael, Carley, Carys and my amazing parents!
Kimberly Wolff
Choreographer
Kimberly is so grateful to have the opportunity to choreograph this amazing show, as well as be a part of this incredible cast. She most recently played Eva Peron in the Keeton’s production of Evita, and a “pick a little lady” in The Music Man. Originally from Chicago, Kimberly has been acting, dancing and singing
...almost her whole life. She spent several years performing around the country with her country band. She has been seen on the Food Network’s Buy This Restaurant and Mystery Diners. She has a BA in music performance from St. Ambrose University where she received a music and dance scholarship. She has choreographed for several competitive dance teams and musical theater shows. Kimberly owns a restaurant here in Nashville, 312 Pizza Company, with her husband and mom. She is beyond excited to be on stage again, and wants to thank her husband, Aras, daughter Mimi and Mother Stormy for their continued support!
Becca Morrison
Stage Manager
Becca is a Nashville based stage manager with a love for putting the fun back into theater! Some of their favorite projects include Cats, Love and Information, and The Wolves with UTC Theatre Company. She has also worked with Obvious Dad, the Roxy Regional Theatre, 2nd Theatre Company, and most recently
...Hauteboys & Co.. Becca would like to give a special thanks to her family for supporting her theatre dreams, and her buddies for their endless love! “This cast and team has been such a joy to work with. I am so excited to present A Christmas Story the Musical and hope you enjoy the show! Happy Holidays!”
Denese Rene' Evans
Costumes
Denese is thrilled to return working at The Keeton after costuming Evita and The Music Man earlier this year. She works full time as Costume Technician for Nashville Repertory Theatre. In addition, she is a Nashville-based costume designer and master seamstress. She has recently designed costumes for Springhouse
...Theatre, The Bell Witch Festival, Hendersonville High School, Hendersonville Performing Arts Company, Middle Tennessee State University Theatre & Dance Department, Circle Players, Act II and Adonai Arts Academy. She loves the creative collaborative process that comes with designing for both theatre and film. She also accepts private commissions (Labyrinth Ball Gowns, Reba Iconic Red Dress, etc.) Denese has four amazing children and four adorable grandchildren.
Steve Love
Sound Engineer
Steve is a native of Nashville, Steve has been involved in Audio, Video, Network engineering and consulting for many years. Previous work includes projects for Dick Heard Television Productions, Entertainment Tonight, Ezell-Harding Christian School, Belmont University, Nashville Music Academy, Nashville
...Philharmonic Orchestra, Music City Brass, weddings and other events. Steve is the owner of Out of This World Productions and co-produced a weekly livestream, Music Saving Musicians, which gave musicians, who were out of work due to the COVID crisis, a platform to perform and earn money. More than $25,000 was raised that went directly to the performing musicians over two seasons.
Brooke Sanders
Lighting Design and Operation
Brooke just graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a major in Theatre Education and appeared in their fall production of A Year With Frog and Toad. She’s designed lights for The Keeton’s productions of Singin’ in the Rain, Songwriter Night, White Christmas, Evita, Noises Off! and The Music Man. She’s
...extremely grateful to be part of this community.
Allan Stokes
Sound Assist
Allan is a native of Ohio, Allan has been a sound engineer at The Keeton for many years. He is the proud owner of Stoke Productions, LLC, producing video
...content for events.
As a dinner theatre, we serve the same meal for every performance of each show. The only food options are the listed Menu which is available on the website and upgrade of the entrée to a salmon filet for an additional cost. We are unable to accept ANY special food requests. Those with special food needs may want to consider our SHOW ONLY performances on Thursday nights. We apologize for any inconvenience. No outside food is allowed in the theatre. For recommended attire, smart respectful attire is encouraged for all guests. Gentlemen, shirts with sleeves are required -- no tank tops or cut-off shirts.
CONTACT US
OPENING HOURS
Thursdays: Doors 6:30pm / Show 7pm (Show Only)
Fridays: Doors 5:45pm / Dinner 6pm / Show 7pm
Saturdays: Doors 5:45pm / Dinner 6pm / Show 7pm
Sundays: Doors 12:45pm / Dinner 1pm / Show 2pm
DINNER SERVICE ENDS 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO CURTAIN FOR ALL PERFORMANCES