A Columbus Christmas Carol
December 16 – 27, 2020 | Virtual
Don’t miss this contemporary retelling of Dickens’ timeless classic set in Columbus as bank owner Ebony Scrooge embarks upon a journey of family, redemption, and love.
Includes a brief scene in which people drink alcohol, as well as mentions of death.
Run Time: 55 minutes
SUPPORTING SPONSOR:
A Columbus Christmas Carol
December 16 – 27, 2020 | Virtual
Don’t miss this contemporary retelling of Dickens’ timeless classic set in Columbus as bank owner Ebony Scrooge embarks upon a journey of family, redemption, and love.
Includes a brief scene in which people drink alcohol, as well as mentions of death.
Run Time: 55 minutes
SUPPORTING SPONSOR:
CAST
Christopher Austin
Christopher Austin majored in theatre at Otterbein University and has worked in voice over, film, and stage productions. He has received awards for his stage performances of Othello and The Whipping Man. Christopher has worked with local artists this year to raise anti-racism awareness with virtual performances of Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet,” as the character Shylock from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, and in CATCO’s production of Idris Goodwin’s The Water Gun Song.
Christopher Austin
Ghost #2
Nadja Simmonds
Nadja, a Milwaukee based actor, is excited to be back in her home state of Ohio! After receiving degrees in theater and digital media from Marquette University, she acted in regional theaters around Wisconsin including Forward Theater, First Stage Children’s Theater, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Northern Sky Theater, Summit Players Theatre, and the Children’s Theater of Madison. Recently, she proudly participated in the inaugural Milwaukee Black Theater Festival and is now excited to celebrate the holiday season with this wonderful team. Lots of love goes to her family and those continuously fighting for justice and equality. Black Lives Matter.
Nadja Simmonds
Ghost #1
Andrew Pandolfi de Rinaldis
Andrew Pandolfi de Rinaldis is thrilled to be performing in this production! Andrew is 8 years old, half Puerto Rican and he is in 3rd grade at St. Agatha School in Upper Arlington. He started to act when he was 4 years old and has been in different school productions. Andrews has been in the CCT (Columbus Children Theater) summer program. He enjoys playing soccer, tennis, basketball and swimming. He also plays the piano and likes to learn different languages. Andrew is grateful for his family and friends love and support. He thanks CATCO for this amazing opportunity.
Andrew Pandolfi de Rinaldis
Tiny Tim
Kathy Mendenhall
Kathy Mendenhall is the proud mother of two, works at Columbus Academy, and has always been passionate about Music, Theatre, and Dance. She attended Fort Hayes School of Performing Arts vocational program from 1981-1983. Last year, Kathy returned to the stage after 36 years, in the role of Lena Younger, “Mama”, in A Raisin In The Sun for MTVarts at the Knox County Memorial Theatre. She enjoys singing, teaching, and directing various art forms. Kathy is excited to be a part of the Catco family and looks forward to working with them in the future!
Kathy Mendenhall
Scrooge's Mom
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
Patty is a highly respected actress on the Columbus theatre scene. She has performed with local theatre companies most notably CATCO, Players Theatre, Gallery Players, Red Herring Theatre Ensemble, Short North Stage and PAST Productions Columbus where she is also co-founder and co-producer. She is a proud member of Good Medicine Productions as Doctor Funzi, a healthcare clown. Patty recently performed her one-woman show entitled THANK GOD I LOOK GOOD IN PINK, which chronicled her journey as a breast cancer survivor. She thanks her family for supporting her dreams, especially her husband Truman Winbush Jr.
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
Ebony Scrooge
Frank Ruiz
Frank Ruiz is excited to make his CATCO debut during the most wonderful time of the year! He is a proud Nicaraguan-American Actor & Musician, based in New York City. Originally from Central Ohio, he attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he serves as a member of the Curriculum Review Committee. Select credits include: The International Tour of The Wizard of Oz (Bahrain / Saudi Arabia), Joseph and The Amazing… (Dutch Apple), and Saturday Night Fever (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina).
Frank Ruiz
Cratchit
Ernaisja Curry
Ernaisja Curry is excited and blessed to be making her CATCO debut! Since completing Cincinnati Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Internship, the Florida native has performed on stages across Cincinnati/Northern KY and signed with Heyman Talent Agency. When not on stage or screen, she is teaching, directing, and choreographing students as a Teaching Artist. Her favorite recent credits include The Ballad of the Dying Body from Missing Front Plate Productions, Skeleton Crew at Ensemble Theatre, and Lawbreakers at StageOne Theatre. She is eternally grateful to her family, friends, and mentors for their continuous love, faith, and support.
Ernaisja Curry
FannyCREW
Caroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids’ Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Production Coordinator
Rowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Production Coordinator
Tabitha Abney
Tabitha Abney is an independent costume designer and wardrobe supervisor/stylist. She received her education at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and in 2010, she moved to Columbus to create a new life for herself. She lives in Groveport, OH with her partner, Mark, and youngest son, Daniel. Fashion has always been at the heart of what she does, and it has taken her on an incredible journey – from an independent fashion designer, showcasing several collections at Columbus’ Alternative Week presented by The Alternative Fashion Mob, to creating costumes for zombie contestants for Ms. Living Dead Columbus. Tabi has also worked with Awalkonwater Entertainment as costume designer/wardrobe supervisor on their films Holy Hustle and A Family Affair. Working on films helped her to discover her love for costume design and working with actors to bring characters to life through clothing. Her aptitude for quick thinking on the spot and problem solving has given her the nickname “Miracle Worker” on any set where she’s worked. Her motto is “We’ll Make It Work.”
Tabitha Abney
Costume Design
Shelby Holden
Shelby V. Holden studied fashion design in Atlanta, GA and went on to earn her BA from Capital University in performing arts and education. She is excited to work with CATCO once again. Recent shows with CATCO include Life Sucks., Holmes and Watson, My Way, and Home. Away from the stage you can find her creating something, writing, or teaching students throughout the Columbus, OH area.
Shelby Holden
Costume Designer
Chris Leyva
Chris Leyva writes and directs plays and is a frequent collaborator with CATCO, CLIMB Theatre, and Hixon Dance. Chris also works in graphic design and video editing. He received an MFA from the Playwrights Workshop at The University of Iowa, a BA in directing from Coe College, and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.
Chris Leyva
Digital Designer
Reh Heine
Rachel Heine is excited to make it through her first full CATCO production. National Tours: Rock of Ages 10th Anniversary Tour, The Illusionists, 42nd Street, Once. Off-Broadway: The Body of an American, Daddy Long Legs. Other NYC Credit: The Flea Theatre, NYC Fringe Festival. Regional: Alley Theatre, Columbus Children’s Theatre. Education: Otterbein University.
Reh Heine
Stage Manager
Julianna Gonzalez
Julianna Gonzalez is a playwright and theatre-maker living in Detroit, MI, where she works with Black and Brown Theatre. She holds a BFA in Drama from Vassar College, and her work has been produced in Portland, New York City, and at Vassar College. She served as the assistant director for the world premiere of Óye Óya at Portland’s Milagro Theater.
Julianna Gonzalez
Playwright
Leda Hoffmann
Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Director) became CATCO’s Artistic Director in August 2020. Previously, Leda was Artistic Director at Strawdog Theatre Company in Chicago. Before that, Leda served on Milwaukee Rep’s artistic staff for seven years, working in the Education and Literary departments and founding Milwaukee Rep’s Community Engagement Department. Also in Milwaukee, as the Artistic Director of Luminous Theatre, Leda produced and directed site-specific productions of Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and The Penelopiad. Leda’s work as a director has been seen across the country at Milwaukee Rep, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, University of Miami, Door Shakespeare, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Northbrook Theatre, The Alchemist Theatre, Max and Louie Productions, and Riverside Theater Iowa City. Leda has also been a teaching artist for over ten years, directing youth and teaching with Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Mudlark Theater, Northbrook Park District, and Skyline Studios. Leda is a proud graduate of Grinnell College, a former Milwaukee Rep directing resident, Hartford Stage apprentice, SDCF Observer and a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.
Leda Hoffmann
DirectorCAST
Christopher Austin
Christopher Austin majored in theatre at Otterbein University and has worked in voice over, film, and stage productions. He has received awards for his stage performances of Othello and The Whipping Man. Christopher has worked with local artists this year to raise anti-racism awareness with virtual performances of Malcolm X’s “The Ballot or the Bullet,” as the character Shylock from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, and in CATCO’s production of Idris Goodwin’s The Water Gun Song.
Christopher Austin
Ghost #2
Nadja Simmonds
Nadja, a Milwaukee based actor, is excited to be back in her home state of Ohio! After receiving degrees in theater and digital media from Marquette University, she acted in regional theaters around Wisconsin including Forward Theater, First Stage Children’s Theater, The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Northern Sky Theater, Summit Players Theatre, and the Children’s Theater of Madison. Recently, she proudly participated in the inaugural Milwaukee Black Theater Festival and is now excited to celebrate the holiday season with this wonderful team. Lots of love goes to her family and those continuously fighting for justice and equality. Black Lives Matter.
Nadja Simmonds
Ghost #1
Andrew Pandolfi de Rinaldis
Andrew Pandolfi de Rinaldis is thrilled to be performing in this production! Andrew is 8 years old, half Puerto Rican and he is in 3rd grade at St. Agatha School in Upper Arlington. He started to act when he was 4 years old and has been in different school productions. Andrews has been in the CCT (Columbus Children Theater) summer program. He enjoys playing soccer, tennis, basketball and swimming. He also plays the piano and likes to learn different languages. Andrew is grateful for his family and friends love and support. He thanks CATCO for this amazing opportunity.
Andrew Pandolfi de Rinaldis
Tiny Tim
Kathy Mendenhall
Kathy Mendenhall is the proud mother of two, works at Columbus Academy, and has always been passionate about Music, Theatre, and Dance. She attended Fort Hayes School of Performing Arts vocational program from 1981-1983. Last year, Kathy returned to the stage after 36 years, in the role of Lena Younger, “Mama”, in A Raisin In The Sun for MTVarts at the Knox County Memorial Theatre. She enjoys singing, teaching, and directing various art forms. Kathy is excited to be a part of the Catco family and looks forward to working with them in the future!
Kathy Mendenhall
Scrooge's Mom
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
Patty is a highly respected actress on the Columbus theatre scene. She has performed with local theatre companies most notably CATCO, Players Theatre, Gallery Players, Red Herring Theatre Ensemble, Short North Stage and PAST Productions Columbus where she is also co-founder and co-producer. She is a proud member of Good Medicine Productions as Doctor Funzi, a healthcare clown. Patty recently performed her one-woman show entitled THANK GOD I LOOK GOOD IN PINK, which chronicled her journey as a breast cancer survivor. She thanks her family for supporting her dreams, especially her husband Truman Winbush Jr.
Patricia Wallace-Winbush
Ebony Scrooge
Frank Ruiz
Frank Ruiz is excited to make his CATCO debut during the most wonderful time of the year! He is a proud Nicaraguan-American Actor & Musician, based in New York City. Originally from Central Ohio, he attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where he serves as a member of the Curriculum Review Committee. Select credits include: The International Tour of The Wizard of Oz (Bahrain / Saudi Arabia), Joseph and The Amazing… (Dutch Apple), and Saturday Night Fever (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina).
Frank Ruiz
Cratchit
Ernaisja Curry
Ernaisja Curry is excited and blessed to be making her CATCO debut! Since completing Cincinnati Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Internship, the Florida native has performed on stages across Cincinnati/Northern KY and signed with Heyman Talent Agency. When not on stage or screen, she is teaching, directing, and choreographing students as a Teaching Artist. Her favorite recent credits include The Ballad of the Dying Body from Missing Front Plate Productions, Skeleton Crew at Ensemble Theatre, and Lawbreakers at StageOne Theatre. She is eternally grateful to her family, friends, and mentors for their continuous love, faith, and support.
Ernaisja Curry
FannyCREW
Caroline Dittamo
Caroline Dittamo has worked in opera, theater, and music as a stage manager, master electrician, and lighting designer, both in Ohio and Kansas. Her favorite recent shows include CATCO/Evolution’s Breaking the Code, CATCO is Kids’ Babe, The Sheep Pig, and Evolution’s The Turkey Men.
Caroline Dittamo
Production Coordinator
Rowan Winterwood
Rowan Winterwood is a designer, technician, stage manager, and occasional actor and director. She holds a dual degree in cognitive & linguistic sciences and theatre studies from Wellesley College, where she was a member of the Wellesley College Shakespeare Society. She is an ensemble member of Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, where recent credits include Romeo & Juliet (stage manager), Mystery-Bouffe (director, staged reading), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (sound board operator). Recent CATCO credits include sound design for Babe and The Christmas Schooner, and lighting design for Sunshine.
Rowan Winterwood
Production Coordinator
Tabitha Abney
Tabitha Abney is an independent costume designer and wardrobe supervisor/stylist. She received her education at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, and in 2010, she moved to Columbus to create a new life for herself. She lives in Groveport, OH with her partner, Mark, and youngest son, Daniel. Fashion has always been at the heart of what she does, and it has taken her on an incredible journey – from an independent fashion designer, showcasing several collections at Columbus’ Alternative Week presented by The Alternative Fashion Mob, to creating costumes for zombie contestants for Ms. Living Dead Columbus. Tabi has also worked with Awalkonwater Entertainment as costume designer/wardrobe supervisor on their films Holy Hustle and A Family Affair. Working on films helped her to discover her love for costume design and working with actors to bring characters to life through clothing. Her aptitude for quick thinking on the spot and problem solving has given her the nickname “Miracle Worker” on any set where she’s worked. Her motto is “We’ll Make It Work.”
Tabitha Abney
Costume Design
Shelby Holden
Shelby V. Holden studied fashion design in Atlanta, GA and went on to earn her BA from Capital University in performing arts and education. She is excited to work with CATCO once again. Recent shows with CATCO include Life Sucks., Holmes and Watson, My Way, and Home. Away from the stage you can find her creating something, writing, or teaching students throughout the Columbus, OH area.
Shelby Holden
Costume Designer
Chris Leyva
Chris Leyva writes and directs plays and is a frequent collaborator with CATCO, CLIMB Theatre, and Hixon Dance. Chris also works in graphic design and video editing. He received an MFA from the Playwrights Workshop at The University of Iowa, a BA in directing from Coe College, and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.
Chris Leyva
Digital Designer
Reh Heine
Rachel Heine is excited to make it through her first full CATCO production. National Tours: Rock of Ages 10th Anniversary Tour, The Illusionists, 42nd Street, Once. Off-Broadway: The Body of an American, Daddy Long Legs. Other NYC Credit: The Flea Theatre, NYC Fringe Festival. Regional: Alley Theatre, Columbus Children’s Theatre. Education: Otterbein University.
Reh Heine
Stage Manager
Julianna Gonzalez
Julianna Gonzalez is a playwright and theatre-maker living in Detroit, MI, where she works with Black and Brown Theatre. She holds a BFA in Drama from Vassar College, and her work has been produced in Portland, New York City, and at Vassar College. She served as the assistant director for the world premiere of Óye Óya at Portland’s Milagro Theater.
Julianna Gonzalez
Playwright
Leda Hoffmann
Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Director) became CATCO’s Artistic Director in August 2020. Previously, Leda was Artistic Director at Strawdog Theatre Company in Chicago. Before that, Leda served on Milwaukee Rep’s artistic staff for seven years, working in the Education and Literary departments and founding Milwaukee Rep’s Community Engagement Department. Also in Milwaukee, as the Artistic Director of Luminous Theatre, Leda produced and directed site-specific productions of Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play and The Penelopiad. Leda’s work as a director has been seen across the country at Milwaukee Rep, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, University of Miami, Door Shakespeare, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Northbrook Theatre, The Alchemist Theatre, Max and Louie Productions, and Riverside Theater Iowa City. Leda has also been a teaching artist for over ten years, directing youth and teaching with Hartford Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Mudlark Theater, Northbrook Park District, and Skyline Studios. Leda is a proud graduate of Grinnell College, a former Milwaukee Rep directing resident, Hartford Stage apprentice, SDCF Observer and a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab.
Leda Hoffmann
Director
Continue the Conversation
Continue the Conversation
KEEP EXPLORING
CATCO revisits ‘A Christmas Carol’ with fresh perspective
Columbus Dispatch | December 15, 2020What is a “Digital Designer?”
CATCO Connections Blog | December 10, 2020Julianna Gonzalez Reflects on her Columbus-Based Play
CATCO Connections Blog | November 23, 2020The Show Must Go On: Local holiday theater productions go virtual
614 Now | November 23, 2020CATCO Announces Virtual Holiday Play
CityScene | November 18, 2020
“I’m incredibly excited to make my CATCO debut during the most wonderful time of the year! This is my first show in Columbus since I’ve graduated college, so it feels very special to come home (virtually) this holiday season.”
“I’m grateful to be part of this production and perform Tiny Tim! I am excited to follow in my moms footsteps in theater. I like to act and make people happy. Theater helps me to be confident and is a good discipline for my future.”
“It is exciting to bring a classic story to life with a contemporary and close-to-home spin. We can all use something relatable in this unusual year.”
“I’ve missed collaborating on theatre projects. This project, while digital, still retains the spark of a group of people problem-solving and exploring together. We’ve laughed and enjoyed our time together, even though this is, in very many ways, the most bizarre rehearsal process I’ve ever been a part of! It’s a fun challenge to rethink what makes theatre special, so we can keep that essence even while doing a prerecorded production.”
“While I can’t wait to get back on stage with a live audience, working on this production is helping me understand this new way to perform. And believe me, it is very different from film work!”
“Theatre is one of my passions! I am excited that even in a pandemic, the Arts has found a magical way to transcend geographical boundaries, and local restrictions. The power of the Arts cannot be denied…”
“I love the diversity of the cast!!! I’m also excited to be a co costume designer because this is such a fun story to tell through costuming!!!”
“I am so happy and grateful that theatre is still happening, even virtually! A Christmas Carol is a timeless story, but I am loving this modern-day adaptation especially because of all the beautiful BIPOC people working on this production.”
KEEP EXPLORING
CATCO revisits 'A Christmas Carol' with fresh perspective
Columbus Dispatch | December 15, 2020What is a "Digital Designer?"
CATCO Connections Blog | December 10, 2020Julianna Gonzalez Reflects on her Columbus-Based Play
CATCO Connections Blog | November 23, 2020The Show Must Go On: Local holiday theater productions go virtual
614 Now | November 23, 2020CATCO Announces Virtual Holiday Play
CityScene | November 18, 2020
“I am so happy and grateful that theatre is still happening, even virtually! A Christmas Carol is a timeless story, but I am loving this modern-day adaptation especially because of all the beautiful BIPOC people working on this production.”
“I love the diversity of the cast!!! I’m also excited to be a co costume designer because this is such a fun story to tell through costuming!!!”
“I’m grateful to be part of this production and perform Tiny Tim! I am excited to follow in my moms footsteps in theater. I like to act and make people happy. Theater helps me to be confident and is a good discipline for my future.”
“It is exciting to bring a classic story to life with a contemporary and close-to-home spin. We can all use something relatable in this unusual year.”
“Theatre is one of my passions! I am excited that even in a pandemic, the Arts has found a magical way to transcend geographical boundaries, and local restrictions. The power of the Arts cannot be denied…”
“I’m incredibly excited to make my CATCO debut during the most wonderful time of the year! This is my first show in Columbus since I’ve graduated college, so it feels very special to come home (virtually) this holiday season.”
“While I can’t wait to get back on stage with a live audience, working on this production is helping me understand this new way to perform. And believe me, it is very different from film work!”
“I’ve missed collaborating on theatre projects. This project, while digital, still retains the spark of a group of people problem-solving and exploring together. We’ve laughed and enjoyed our time together, even though this is, in very many ways, the most bizarre rehearsal process I’ve ever been a part of! It’s a fun challenge to rethink what makes theatre special, so we can keep that essence even while doing a prerecorded production.”
ABOUT PLAYWRIGHT JULIANNA GONZALEZ
Julianna Gonzalez is a playwright and theatre-maker living in Detroit, Michigan, where she works with Black and Brown Theatre. She holds a BFA in Drama from Vassar College, and her work has been produced in Portland, New York City, and at Vassar College. She served as the assistant director for the world premiere of Óye Óya at Portland’s Milagro Theater.
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