The Miracle on 34th Street was written in 1947. It was, of course, a time to heal and repair after World War ll. Valentine Davies wrote the novel and film that embraced that restoration of faith and family.
And now, we find ourselves in a similar situation. For many, we’ve had a year of separation and a deep desire to return to normal. With Miracle on 34th Street we find ourselves celebrating that return to family, friends and tradition.
Cascades Theater offers you this holiday gift: A time to rejoice, to celebrate your own family traditions, and of course, to BELIEVE.
– Sue Raley Salas
Sue Raley Salas
Director
Sue is new to Cascades Theatrical Company. She is a Theater major from U.C. San Diego, and received her Masters Degree from Central Washington State. As an educator for over 25 years she received First Place from California Educational Theater Association (3 times.), San Diego’s Old Globe Theater Award for Outstanding Mentorship (4 times), and most importantly, Teacher of the Year. She thanks Chris and Howard for their warm welcome at CTC. To her cast and crew: Thank you for being so brilliant, so delightful, and above all, so talented. It’s been an honor to work with you. Love to Daniel and Rob!
Jacquelyn Coleman
Assistant Director
Jacquelyn recently graduated with her master’s in Museology from the University of Washington in Seattle and moved to Bend to work for the High Desert Museum. Jacque made her CTC debut as Dr. Scott/Transylvanian in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and is excited to be asst. directing and stage managing for Miracle! Directing credits include Dancing with Houdini, a museum theatre short virtual play that she wrote, directed, and choreographed for the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton, WI, and is now published in the online journal, MuseumsForward. She has also directed children’s theatre productions such as Alice in Wonderland, Moana, The Little Mermaid, The Lightning Thief, etc., with the kidsActing Studio in Austin, TX, and stage managed The House of Yes in Las Cruces, NM, where she received her B.A. in Theatre Arts. . She would like to thank Director Sue Raley for this opportunity, and always the support of her partner, Chris, and maltipoo, Fozzie.
Diana Behrndt
Assistant Stage Manager
Richard Mueller
Kris Kringle
Richard’s first appearance on the CTC stage was in The Philadelphia Story as “Uncle Willie.” “Now I am blessed to be able to breathe life into “Kris Kringle,” and I am so excited. My greatest hope is that my performance contributes to the beautiful themes of this play in such a manner as to really make this Christmas magical for every one of our audience members. My wish is that the peace, goodwill, joy, and hope that this play portrays, will travel throughout our community and that we can truly touch the hearts of people everywhere. I hope we contribute to record sales of “mistletoe“ as well.”
Avalin Thedford
Susan Walker
Avalin is 12yrs old and enjoys hanging with her friends, going to Jui Jitsu, and snuggling with her cat, Alexander Hamilton. Avalin first performed as Little Princess when she was six 6 for BEAT, and then appeared in Charlotte’s Web at seven. Her favorite role was as the sociopathic child, Rhoda, in CTC’s production of The Bad Seed at age 9. Avalin has a deep passion for the stage and would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her love of theatre.
Ånna Rohrer
Doris Walker
This is Ånna’s first time with CTC and is thrilled to be on stage in this heartwarming story with the community. Ånna took a decade long hiatus from theatre while she pursued her Bachelor’s degree. She also loves to travel and train for ultra-marathons. When the role of Doris opened up, Ånna felt it was a great opportunity to return to one of her greatest passions. She is looking forward to being a part of more productions with CTC (and maybe even some musicals!) in the future.
Jameson O’Connor
Fred Gayley
Inspired by Jim Carrey’s movies, Jameson has been acting most of his life. His most iconic role was as Ali Hakim in the musical, Oklahoma! and his most recent role was as Brad in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Jameson has traded in his high heels and corset from Rocky for a suit and briefcase playing an attorney in Miracle. He thanks his father (also an attorney) for encouraging him to audition for the part of Fred.
Tori Nickles
Shellhammer/Mara
As a new citizen of Bend and a life-long performer, Tori Nickles is excited to make her Cascades Theatrical Company debut. Tori has over 20 years of performance experience, ranging from theatre to film. In 2018, Tori graduated from the American Conservatory Theater Summer Training Congress. Some of her theatrical credits include: The Tempest, Romeo & Juliet, As You Like It, The Secret of Yonder Mountain, Moon Over Buffalo, It’s Only Murder, All in the Timing, A Christmas Carol, and Love, Loss, and What I Wore.
Kay Clements
Doctor Pierce/Al/Elf
Kay Clements is ecstatic to be returning to the stage after an absence of more than five years. Previously, Kay played such roles as Winston Smith in 1984, Julian in Communicating Doors, and Richard in Richard III. Kay looks forward to performing in more productions at Cascades Theatrical Company in the future, and hopes that you enjoy the show!
Michael Somerscales
Judge Harper/Rich Person
My first and only experience in acting was in 1963 with an English theater group. Now in retirement, Michael is spending his time to re-experience the art of acting, and thanks his his family for their encouragement Michael’s other interests includes the visual arts, classical music, literature and physical fitness. “Miracle on 34th Street is proving to be great fun! Many thanks to CTC and our wonderful director, Sue Salas, for this great opportunity.”
Mary Kilpatrick
Sawyer/Foster Mother
“I have been ‘on the boards” for over 60 years professionally and locally. This glorious journey has lasted so long I wouldn’t know how to begin. Yes, I do… My mom put me in my first dance shoes; thanks mom. My dad always said “Be kind, tell the truth and hold onto your own voice”-Thanks Pop. And Howard who keeps me wide-awake. For all of you now smiling through these awful masks –thank you. Remember we can see each other. And yes, always keep your “wishful dreaming alive and imagine all the people living in harmony. Welcome and Merry Christmas.”
Chris Romero
Finley/Bloomingdale/Lou/Johnny’s Dad
Christopher is a college freshman and is passionate about singing, acting, sculpting, and everything related to art. His favorite shows include: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dear Evan Hansen, Les Misérables. Currently obtaining his AAOT he is pursuing a career in the performing arts. Miracle on 34th Street is his fourth experience in production and his first with CTC. He wants to thank Sue and CTC for the opportunity. He looks forward to many more future productions!
Todd Tolces
Charles Halloran/Drunken Santa/Police Officer/Newscaster
A SAG/AFTRA veteran actor for over 30 years, Todd is also a voice over artists and has done thousands of commercials, corporate voice overs, and radio imaging projects. On stage, he played Ronald Reagan, the lead, in Gary Trudeau’s Rap Master Ronnie in Portland. He played the Two Headed Man in Disney’s film, Halloweentown. On TV, he appeared in Grimm, Leverage, and other TV movies. Todd has lent his voice to numerous animation and Emmy Award winning projects from Oscar winning director Will Vinton, including The California Raisins. Todd lives with his wife Cindy and their 20 year old cat, Sierra.
Marcayla Giltnner
Macy/Bag Lady/Duncan/Sharon’s Mom
I am twenty-two and first got involved in theater during my freshman year of high school. Since then, I have been hooked. I have performed in 10 shows, and two musicals. The stage gives me the opportunity to change my personality, and to make all these characters come to life. I thank CTC for the opportunity they bring to all the local actors in the community. I look forward to continuing on the stage for all of you.
Savannah Currie
Elf/Dutch Girl
Savannah Currie is 13 years old. Miracle on 34th St will be her 6th show, and her second with CTC. She has been doing theater for nearly 3 years and loves every second of it! Her previous shows include, Anne of Green Gables (Marilla), Fiddler on the Roof (Shprintz), and Theory of Relativity (Mira). Savannah enjoys painting, reading, writing music, and spending time with her amazing and supportive friends and family. Savannah is very excited to be a part of and share this wonderful show with you! She would like to thank you for coming to the show and supporting Cascade Theatre!
Evangeline Mohr
Janet/Sharon
Evie is a first grader who loves math and science. She loves listening to the Mamma Mia soundtrack or Kidz Bop and frequently asks Alexa to play What Does the Fox Say? She is also proud to be a Girl Scout. This is her first ever on-stage production and she hopes you enjoy it!
Bryce Mohr
Johnny
Bryce Mohr is finally four years old and very proud to be! He loves dancing around the living room to We Will Rock You or Storybots. He is a master storyteller and is great at telling jokes. He believes the funniest punchlines are “Boo Boo Butt” or “Eyeball!” This is his first time on stage, but most certainly not his last!