A Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical Cast

Shane Sowa (Fred Gaily)
Shane is thrilled to break a 23-year retirement to perform with ASoB for the first time. He was last seen in South Pacific in 1995 at Kenwood High School. By day he is a DSM for Unifirst. He is married to Ronilyn, coaches Warrior baseball for Ryder, and tried out for "Miracle on 34th Street" to hang with his daughter, Kendel. "Thanks for helping the old guy get back into it."
Sarah O'Hara (Doris Walker)
Sarah is thrilled to be working with Artistic Synergy of Baltimore for the first time playing the role of Doris Walker. Sarah was actively into theater in high school and after a 15-year hiatus, decided to audition for Archangel Players’ "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in 2016. You may have seen her in Just off Broadway’s productions of "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Company", "Dear Friends" and "Once on this Island" or Suburban Players’ "Beauty and the Beast." This is her 7th production since coming back to theater in 2016 and is her first with her children, Gabriel and Abigail. She’d like to remind all of the parents in the audience that you never can tell when a fairy tale might come true.
Gracie Roberts (Susan Walker)
Gracie is thrilled to be working with ASoB for the first time. Gracie has previously performed with CPM, DCT and CIC. Previous roles include Young Kangaroo in “Seussical Jr,” Molly in “Annie Kids,” Abigail in “Dear Edwina Jr,” and ensemble roles in “Lion King Jr,” “Elf Jr the Musical,” “Scrooge the Musical,” “Aladdin Jr,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.” She is in 4th grade and enjoys going to church, playing with friends, reading, singing, and being on stage. Gracie would like to thank Ms. Melissa for giving her this fantastic role.
Wayne Ivusich (Kris Kringle)
Wayne is thrilled to be a part of his third show at Artistic Synergy. Celebrating his 46th year in the Baltimore community theater world, he most recently was in the Chorus Ensemble of Chess: The Musical (Tidewater Players). Recent roles include the King in Spotlighter’s world premiere of Judy and the General, Isidor Strauss in Titanic: The Musical (Scottfield Theatre Company), Maurice in Beauty & the Beast (Tidewater Players), Professor Plum in Clue: The Musical (Artistic Synergy), Ensemble in Shrek: The Musical at DCT, Jacob/Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Artistic Synergy), and the Narrator in Into the Woods (RTP). Wayne is the Manager of Education and Technical Services for a manufacturing firm in Sparks. He lives in Joppatowne with his beautiful wife Maggie and has two grown and gone children (Kelsey and Adam) who insisted they be mentioned in this program!
Bill Bisbee (Marvin Shellhammer)
Bill is thrilled to be returning to perform at Artistic Synergy of Baltimore. His past appearances here include roles in Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Much Ado About Nothing. Bill can often be seen running the sound board for ASoB productions. Most recently, he debuted as Director for "Once Upon a Mattress." Outside of theater, he is an IT leader for a national non-profit organization and a member of Mosaic, a Christian praise band here at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Bill would like to thank his family for making room in an otherwise busy home life for him to pursue his theatrical endeavors.
Michael Zellhofer (R. H. Macy)
Dr. Zellhofer is the Exec. Dir. for Third Wall Productions (TWP). Before TWP he spent 8 years as the Asst. Dir. of MD Performing Arts Institute at Towson University. He has performed nationally with the San Marcos Theater and the Vista Area Players, as well as locally with Baltimore Actors’ Theater, Baltimore Playwright’s Association, Central Maryland Performing Arts Center, Charm City Players, Curtains Up Productions, Just Off Broadway, Drama Learning Center, and Red Branch Theater. Some of his favorite roles are Don Quixote in “Man of La Mancha,” Fermin Richard in “Phantom…Opera)”, and Sir Danvers Carew in “Jekyll & Hyde.” Mike was recognized by DC Metro Theater Arts for “Best Featured Actor in a Musical” for his role as the Cowardly Lion in CCP’s production of “The Wizard of Oz”. He is a 3-time winner of National University’s “Leadership Scholarship” for work in community theater. Mike also served in the US Marine Corp and is a decorated combat veteran.
Mike DeNicolis (Ensemble)
This is Mike's 16th show overall, and 11th with Artistic Synergy. His previous shows were a "Oklahoma!" as Ike Skidmore, various parts in "Scrooge", "Bye Bye Birdie" as a Shriner, Harvey Johnson, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" as Judah, and "Harvey" where he played the right hand man of Doctor Chumley. He'd like to thank the cast and crew. "I've had a great time with you guys and I definitely hope to work with all of you again. I'd lastly like to thank the cast and crew of 2011 PHHS production of "42nd Street", without whom, I wouldn't be here performing."
Ellie Fuhrman (Ensemble)
Ellie is a 15-year old high school sophomore in the Environmental Science magnet program at Sparrows Point High School. Ellie has had previous acting experience as background characters for other performances at Artistic Synergy and played to role of Pinocchio in "Shrek the Musical" at Sparrows Point. Thank you to all of the cast members who have helped Artistic Synergy in so many ways!
Jim Driver (Ensemble)
Jim is a former acting student at CCBC Essex. While there, he performed as Robert in "Proof," Jeffrey Bank in "Love's Fire," and Father and Fellowship in "Everyman." This is his third show with ASoB. He previously performed in "Oklahoma" as Andrew Carnes and "Much Ado About Nothing" as George Secole and Friar Francis. He most recently performed with Just off Broadway in the ensemble of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Jim credits the success of his acting career to his mentor, Professor Zach Hartley.
Emma Hawthorn (Ensemble)
Emma is delighted to be back at the place where her community theater journey began, ASoB. Since then she has enjoyed her role as SM, Props Mistress and Actor in shows, “Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat” at ASoB, “Heathers the Musical” at HDYLMN, “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Third Wall, and most recently, “Once Upon A Mattress” at ASoB. Emma considers it a privilege to work with this brilliant cast and crew. Thank you, Melissa, Bill & Brittany. Break legs all!
H. Ray Lawson (Ensemble)
Ray is pleased to return to the Artistic Stage. He directed “Oklahoma” in March and joined the cast of “Once Upon a Mattress” in October. He is an accomplished director, stage manager, and performer in Harford and Cecil counties and the Baltimore area for the past 42 years. He has also taught young people’s theater for over 10 years. Ray serves on the Board of Directors for Cockpit in Court Summer Theater. By day Ray is a Staff Accountant. Enjoy the show!!!!!!!
Isabella Macdonald (Ensemble)
Isabella is a homeschooled junior in high school and is a part of the parallel enrollment program at CCBC. This is her second show at ASoB, the first being "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Her hobbies include stressing about school, playing piano, and listening to the same songs over and over. She is very excited to be apart of "Miracle" and wants to thank the cast and crew for making such a great show happen!
Addie Malkowski (Ensemble)
Addison is thrilled to be in her third show at ASoB. She has appeared in 15 shows overall, including the junior versions of "High School Musical," "My Son Pinocchio," "Best Little Theater in Town," "Bugsy Malone," "James and the Giant Peach," "Aladdin," "Elf," "Willie Wonka," "Dear Edwin," "Into The Woods," and "Xanadu," as well as the recent ASoB productions of "You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown" and "Once Upon a Mattress." She would like to thank everyone who gave her this opportunity.
Abigail O'Hara (Ensemble)
Abigail is 6 years old and happy to be performing in her first musical. She is shy, but very much enjoying her new friends, singing and dancing. Abby enjoys playing pretend, animals, and arts and crafts. She is playing the role of Fleur, one of the Dutch girls and she is excited to be doing a musical with Mommy.
Gabriel O'Hara (Ensemble)
Gabriel is 7 years old and he is very excited to be performing in his first musical. He is playing the role of Harry Finfer and thinks his lines are hilarious. Gabe enjoys anything having to do with martial arts, cub scouts and science. He loves to be outdoors, he loves to sing and he is so ready for the stage!
Bill Pheil (Ensemble)
"Miracle on 34th Street" is Bill’s second show with Artistic Synergy. Other roles have included: Arvide Abernathy, "Guys and Dolls" (SP); Caesar Rodney, "1776" (C-I-C and DCT); Andrew MacLauren, "Brigadoon" (C-I-C and PFT); Mr. Gorsuch, Father, Lookout, "O’er the Ramparts" CCBC; Franklin Pierce, Chester Arthur, Herbert Hoover, "West Wing Follies" (FP), Frank Baviello, "The Lucky O’Learys" (LGVP) and the Interpreter, "The King and I" (C-I-C). He performed in over 20 operas (supernumerary) with the Baltimore Opera Company at the Lyric and three concerts with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at Merriweather Post Pavilion. His college choir sang with Dinah Shore in a concert for charity. Bill is a retired mathematics teacher.
Brian Reagan (Ensemble)
Brian is excited to begin his acting career with ASOB and his role in "Miracle on 34th Street!" When not acting, Brian is busy working with "MD Affordable Housing Alliance" at http://NowHelpMeown.com to help Marylander's achieve their dream of owning a home. Brian and his wife, Sandy, have a cute little dog "Buggles", 2 cats and "Victor" their horse who Sandy trail rides. "Thank you, Melissa, and ASOB for giving me this opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream." "Enjoy the show everyone!"
Colton Roberts (Ensemble)
Colton is excited to be in his first show with ASoB. His favorite past role was as Tiny Tim in “Scrooge the Musical.” He has also been an ensemble member in “Seussical Jr,” “Dear Edwina Jr,” “Lion King Jr,” and “Elf Jr the Musical.” Colton is in 2nd grade and has previously performed with CPM and CIC. He enjoys making people laugh, performing magic tricks, being involved in church, drumming and aspiring to be a Blue Man! Colton loves being on stage.
Chloe Scully (Ensemble)
Chloe is very excited to make her debut with not only ASoB, but also in professional theater. Having recently graduated from University of Maryland, Baltimore County, she performed in various school productions including “An Addams Family Musical” and several student-written ones, such as “Possibly A Musical” and “An Entirely Accurate Portrayal Of Events That Have Actually Happened on the UMBC Smoke-free Campus, I Promise”. When not on stage, she is busy binge-listening to her favorite musicals and working at the Pikesville library. She thanks her fellow cast and crew, as well as her friends and her father and sister for all the support they have shown her. Break a leg, everyone!
Myla Seummalavanh-Johnson (Ensemble)
Myla is 9 years old and in the 4th grade at Elmwood Elementary. She loves school, dancing, and singing. She wants to be an archeologist when she grows up. Myla has been singing since she was 3 years old, but "Miracle" will be her first appearance on stage.
Kendel Sowa (Ensemble)
Kendel is excited to be in her first ASoB production. She is 13 years old and attends Golden Ring Middle School. She has been seen in CCP's "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast." She lives in Rosedale with her Mom, Dad, Brother and 2 cats. Her MomMom also supports her in all she does. "Thanks for letting me join ASoB and let's have fun!!!"
Hope Standish-Pallanck (Ensemble)
Hope Standish-Pallanck has been doing theater since she was 6 years old. She was most recently seen in Charm City Players' "Shrek." She has also performed in "Joseph...Dreamcoat", "The Little Mermaid", "Annie", "Beauty and the Beast", "Hairspray", and "Mary Poppins" to name a few. She would like to thank her family for all of their love and support.
Maryjane VanBlargan (Ensemble)
Maryjane is excited to perform in her first show with ASoB. She has also portrayed the Prince in "Snow White" during her school's drama club production. Mj thanks you for coming, enjoy the show!
Steven VanBlargan (Ensemble)
Steven is new to acting and excited to be doing his second show with ASoB. Inspired by his children and their love for performing, he is excited to have his journey continue!
Cheryl Vourvoulas (Ensemble)
Cheryl is excited to be in her third production with Artistic Synergy. She was last seen in “Little Shop of Horrors.” In the fall of 1987, (yes, last century), she appeared in CCBC Essex's production of “Here's Love.” So, returning to this show 31 years later is a thrill for her. She’d done no performing since high school and when cast, considered it her "coming out of retirement" show. Fast-forward to 2018 and she is “kinda coming out of retirement again” to the same show. YAY! Her other favorite roles have been Emma Goldman in “Ragtime,” Miss Hannigan in “Annie,” Ms. Darbis in “High School Musical,” and Jack’s Mother in “Into the Woods.” She is a retired early childhood specialist who still loves to be in a classroom as a substitute teacher.
Kenz Walker (Ensemble)
Mackenzie is super excited to be in this production. This is her 3rd production with ASoB. She has performed in “The Wedding Singer” as ensemble, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” as the Little Red Haired Girl, "Once Upon a Mattress" as Princess #12/Lady Beatrice and with her Improv troupe. She thanks her cast and crew and is excited to keep pursuing her dream of acting through ASoB.