To Kill a Mockingbird at Carlisle Theatre

Katy Clay

Katy Clay (Maudie Atkinson) has played in musical and dramatic theater since she was Dill’s age, through high school and college. She earned her doctorate in Russian and World History in 1989 and retired from teaching in 2020. In theater, she has played a piece of cheese, a duchess and a dead walrus (1979 Chicago Premiere Society), and Barbara Allen in Dark of the Moon (1980 Oregon Repertory Theater). Recently she was Eleanor in Lion in Winter (Little Theater of Mechanicsburg, 2022) and with POH Carlisle Theater, You Can’t Take It With You, The Crucible, and Rumors. Hobbies included knitting, accordion and guitar, beekeeping and voter registration. So grateful to play Miss Maude in this powerful production of Players on High!

Debra Cornelius

Debra Cornelius (Mrs. Dubose) returns for her eighth show with Players on High, this time as the irascible Mrs.Dubose, and is also Assistant Director of this production. Her most recent roles include Rebecca Nurse in The Crucible, Grand Duchess Olga Katrina in You Can’t Take it With You, Dr. Duck in Dying for a Slice, and Mrs. Van Winkle in Sleepy Hollow. In addition to production team duties and acting, she is a volunteer in the theatre in a variety of capacities and serves as the lead for our Hollywood on High film series. Debra has been a resident of Carlisle for 39 years and is a happily retired Shippensburg University sociology professor.

Juan Batista

Juan Batista (Reverend Sykes) Raised in the beautiful city of New York, JB has spent his life following his dreams of becoming an entertainer. Through his journey he has been successful at self-publishing his own comic book, appearing and starring in several short films, professionally recording multiple studio albums, performing live as a music artist, and having a short stint as an indie wrestler. He has done voiceover acting with the Carlisle theatre’s “Radio” rendition of “It's a Wonderful Life”, where he played Freddy Filmore the narrator/announcer of the show. This year, he is finally making his live stage performance debut as “Reverend Sykes” in the classic play “To Kill a Mockingbird”.

Hadley D’Esopo

Hadley D’Esopo (Mayella Ewell) is so excited to be back on the Carlisle Theatre stage! Before joining Players on High, Hadley studied English and Theatre at Dickinson College. She was an active member of and performed with Dickinson College's Mermaid Players Theatre Club and the University of East Anglia's Drama and Musical Theatre Society. Previous roles include Ghost of Christmas Future (A Steampunk Christmas Carol), Sarah Good (The Crucible), Stone (Kaleidoscope), and Yvette (Mother Courage). Off stage, you can find Hadley at The Trout Gallery working with students from Dickinson College and the greater Carlisle area.

Yvette Davis

This is Yvette B. Davis’ first performance in a stage play and second theatrical performance, having played a Griot in Sankofa African American Theater Company’s outdoor production, “The People Could Fly”. Yvette is also a living history interpreter with the Pennsylvania Past Players, embodying the persona of Harriet Smith, a Civil War era entrepreneur, educator, and conductor on the Underground Railroad with her husband, The Rev. Stephen Smith of Columbia, PA. Yvette is a passionate collective liberation activist, Wesleyan-BaptiCostal minister ordained in the Baptist Church, a Somatic Abolitionist, a Diversity Practitioner, and serves in the role of Director of the Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity at Dickinson College. She was formally educated by New York University having earned a B.A. in English Literature, Drexel University having earned an M.S. in Library & Information Science, Widener University having earned an M.A. in Organizational & Leadership Development, a Messiah University Clergy Leadership Fellow, and New School University, Milano School of Public Administration Nonprofit Management Fellow. Yvette lives in Harrisburg, PA, and is the parent of a 15-year-old champagne-colored cat, Buster. She loves classic jazz, live theater, romantic poetry, and any textile that can be crocheted into something pretty.

Caroline Edwards

Caroline Edwards (Scout) (9) is excited to be playing Scout. This is her 7th production with Players on High. She is very active in the theatre community and has done various other shows with Chambersburg Community Theatre, Authentic Community Theatre, Gettysburg Community Theatre, and Gamut Theatre. While theatre is her first love, she also enjoys playing piano, saxophone, and singing. Caroline hopes to one day be a director and a fantasy author. She would like to thank her friends and family for all their support.

Asher Ferguson

Asher Ferguson (Dill) is excited to make his debut with the Players on High for this production. A fourteen-year-old from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Asher has been immersed in the local theater scene since an early age. Now a 9th grader at Cumberland Valley High School, he has previously taken on memorable roles such as Lord Farquaad in Shrek the Musical Jr., Kurt Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Jeremy Jacob in both How I Became a Pirate and Jingle Arrgh the Way, Bruce in Matilda the Musical Jr., and Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man. Asher is grateful to his family for their unwavering support, especially his parents for driving him to rehearsals. He also thanks the directors for helping him grow as a performer and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

John Fitzgerald

John Fitzgerald (Bob Ewell) Community Theatre fulfills my lifelong passion of storytelling via the performing arts. But I never gave myself permission to pursue acting until I retired recently. Now I spend my time at the theatre, catching up on decades of procrastinated reading, and studying voice acting. I enjoy the outdoors, taking long walks, hiking and backpacking. I am blessed with five amazing adult children whose company I enjoy immensely, along with their spouses, and eight grandchildren. I am also blessed with 41 years of marriage to the most beautiful woman I have ever met, Laurie. She beautifies my life and God has used her to bless me with everything I have ever wanted in this life. Marrying her and acting are two of the three best decisions I have made in my life.

Janelle French

Janelle French (Townsperson @ Trial, U/S Stephanie Crawford/Maudie Atkinson) is delighted to return to the Carlisle Theatre in her eighth production with Players on High. Favorite past roles have included Miss Scarlet in "Clue," Loretta in "Dying for a Slice," and Claire Ganz in "Rumors." Janelle is grateful to the entire cast and crew for their dedication to telling such a powerful and relevant story on stage. She thanks her husband, Tim, and her children, Gabriel and Maxwell, for their continued support of her theatrical endeavors.

Kimberly Hess

Kimberly Hess (Stephanie Crawford, U/S Jean Louise) is performing in her fourth production with Players on High. She attended Kutztown University where she earned a B.A. in Theatre. She has had the pleasure of working for Disney, and MLB’s entertainment departments. Currently, she enjoys performing in the occasional show with her daughter Caroline (Scout) and doing Makeup design and Costume design for various theatres in the area. Kimberly would like to thank all her family and friends for their support.

Xander Holsinger

Xander Holsinger (Townsperson @ Trial) started acting only a year ago and the role he’s most proud of is his role as Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka the Musical. In his free time, Xander likes to play Dungeons and Dragons, read, and hang out at Gather Your Party Games & Hobbies (www.gatheryourpartygames.com).

Tanner Holtry

Tanner Holtry (Townsperson @ Trial) has been an active member of the local acting community since he was in 6th grade. His roles to date include; The Wizard Of Oz, The Secret Garden, Steampunk Christmas Carol (twice), I Will be your Voice, The Shelling of Carlisle, Seussical Jr, Urinetown, The Crucible, Matilda and Firebringer. 'Mockingbird' will be his 12th performance and he hopes to continue acting in the future.

Dave Lang

Dave Lang (Nathan Radley, U/S Atticus Finch/D.A. Gilmer/Bob Ewell) is thankful to be a part of this powerful production. This is his 16th production at Carlisle Theatre. Dave has also performed locally at Hershey Area Playhouse, Upstart Arts, Forge Theater, Gettysburg Community Theater, The Micro Theatre at Broadway Tavern, and Lebanon Community Theater. He enjoys competitive ping-pong and is an avid board gamer. Dave studies vocal performance at Roger Lentz Studio. Hey Boo!

Tara Mead

Tara Mead (Townsperson @ Trial) is involved in her fourth performance at the Carlisle Theatre, following her recent stint at the Little Theatre of Mechanicsburg as Mary Todd Lincoln in Mrs. Lincoln. She has performed at the Carlisle Theatre in The Crucible, Sleepy Hollow, and Clue, as well as starring in the Theatre's Murder Mystery Show, Dying 2 Kill You. Tara has also performed at Hershey Area Playhouse in It's a Wonderful Life and The Homecoming. She was active in productions in high school, including Lil' Abner, Our Miss Brooks, and BoneChiller!, and also sang in various music ensembles during her time at the University of Connecticut.

Brad Mitchell

Brad Mitchell (Walter Cunningham) is making his third appearance with Players on High having previously been onstage for “The Crucible” and “Rumors.” He is a retired project management professional who serves on both the North Middleton Township planning commission and board of supervisors.

Amanda Moore

Amanda Moore (Townsperson @ Trial) is thrilled to be returning to the Carlisle Theatre mainstage for the second time as a member of the cast and to be part of her eleventh Players on High production overall. After appearing as Martha Corey in The Crucible, she continued working backstage during many shows, most recently as Costumer for Rumors and The Crucible, and as Co-Stage Manager for Urinetown: The Musicaland Stage Manager for You Can't Take It With You. When she is not on stage, you may see her in the lobbies or in the Box Office as House Manager for the Carlisle Theatre where she works during the week. She would like to thank her husband and three children for their support.

Cat Moore

Cat Moore (Townsperson @ Trial) is appearing in her seventh show with Players On High. She made her stage debut as Tiny Tim in A Steampunk Christmas Carol in 2021 and hasn’t stopped acting since. Most recently seen this summer as an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka Jr. as part of the Players on High Summer camps, she is looking forward to being on stage in a dramatic play for the first time. Outside of the theatre, she enjoys collecting stuffed animals, playing board games and Lorcana, and practicing her violin. She is in Fifth Grade at Bellaire Elementary and lives at home with her parents, brother, sister, and two cats.

Joseph E. Murray

Joseph E. Murray (Atticus Finch) Joseph E Murray, a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA, is thrilled to make his Carlisle Theatre debut as an Equity Guest Artist. Favorite regional roles include Frank in School for Lies, Lophakin in The Cherry Orchard, John Proctor in The Crucible, Tom in Glass Menagerie, Lenck in Bach at Leipzig, Theo in Steve Martin’s The Underpants, George in All My Sons, and HR Haldeman in Wedded: The Pentagon Papers. Film roles include Detective Frank Lupo in Happy Ever After and Harold (lead) in the independent SAG feature film The Sound and The Shadow. With degrees in Economics, Community Health, and Prehospital Medicine, an MFA in Acting from the University of Texas-Austin seemed like the next logical step. The MFA entitles Joe to all due rights and privileges, but he still wonders what they are. TV: Law and Order: SVU, Rescue Me, The Closer, Wendy’s International, Jon Benjamin Has a Van, The Wanda Sykes Show, NY and LA soaps. 13.8 billion years ago, at the moment when the heavens exploded and the galaxies were formed, Joe fell in love with his wife, Kelly Hines. He was completely unaware of this until that cold, moonlit, New England night of December 21, 2015, when he walked obliviously into the Scarlet Oak Tavern, and like Maria and Captain Von Trapp on the terrace, it was instantly obvious. “Kelly, with all that I am.” When not pursuing adventure, fortune, and glory, Joe operates his company HML Partners, providing bedside management of ICU patients whose families have chosen to give the gift of life through the miracle of organ donation. His performance is dedicated to his team, who define uncompromising integrity and grace in states of immense crisis; Atticus Finch lives in each one of them. As Dill says in Act II, “We trust them to do right.” Thanks to Karl Hofheinz at Synergy Talent-Los Angeles for his friendship, counsel, and for being the most understanding agent in the industry, always believing, and “seeing it through no matter what.”

Mike Shevlin

Mike Shevlin (Sheriff Heck Tate) is excited to be returning to the stage as Heck Tate in the Players on High production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” After playing Scrooge’s schoolmaster in “Steampunk Christmas Carol,” he’s doubly pleased to be one of the good guys this time. He’d like to thank his PoH theater family for their support and friendship and for the opportunities to perform. Special thanks to his son, Aedan, for inspiring him to theater again, and to his wife, Megan, for allowing him the time to pursue the stage.

Rick Sollman

Rick Sollman (Arthur “Boo” Radley, U/S Sherrif Heck Tate/Judge Taylor/Walter Cunningham) has been an active member of Players on High since debuting in A Steampunk Christmas Carol in 2022. He is honored to be part of this extraordinary production and he has previously performed as Ken Gorman in Rumors, Mr. Fezziwig in A Steampunk Christmas Carol, Boris Kolenkhov in You Can’t Take It With You, Dr. Billeaux in Urinetown, Jonathan in Dying for a Slice, and Judge Danforth in The Crucible. Rick teaches civics and history at Carlisle High School, and enjoys life in Carlisle with his lovely wife, Tara, and their kiddos, Hank & Livy.

Tara Sollman

Tara Sollman (Jean Louise) is honored to join her second Players on High production with this very special cast and crew, including her real-life husband Rick Sollman (BOO RADLEY). She previously appeared on stage as Mrs. Fezziwig in 2023’s 'A Steampunk Christmas Carol,' and as Mrs. Paddy in State College Community Theatre’s 2010 production of 'A Curious Savage.’ After showing up to several theatrical auditions as a child without feeling brave enough to actually go through with auditioning, she is beyond grateful to Ashley Byerts for creating such an inclusive and safe environment for actors of ALL experience levels to feel supported and seen with the Players on High community. She’d like to thank her two kiddos, Hank and Livy, for making her feel brave every single day.

Josiah Titus

Josiah Titus (Jem) is excited to be doing his second show with Players on High. He was previously seen in the summer camp production of Willy Wonka, Jr. as Augustus Gloop. Other favorite credits include Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas (DreamWrights Center for Community Arts); Pooh in Winnie the Pooh Kids (West Shore Theatre) and a member of the Children's Choir in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Red Land Theatre). A fifth grader at Old Trail Intermediate School, Josiah participates in band and chorus; likes to read, build with LEGOS and play Minecraft; and is a student at Gamut Theatre Academy.