Meet the Cast of A Christmas Carol's Past: Ryan Spahn

Meet Ryan Spahn

I was in A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre in 1992/3 (I think) playing Peter Cratchit and Scrooge as a Boy. I began my New York stage career in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Pulitzer Prize-finalist Gloria at the Vineyard Theatre. I then appeared in Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow, Moscow (MCC and Williamstown Theatre Festival), Daniel's Husband (Westside Theatre, Primary Stages, and Penguin Rep), Summer and Smoke (Classic Stage and Transport Group), Still At Risk (TFTNC), and Exit Strategy (Primary Stages). I will appear next in How to Load a Musket and Mr. Toole, both at 59e59. As a co-writer and producer, my feature films include "He's Way More Famous Than You", "Grantham and Rose" and "Woven". My TV credits include "The Blacklist", "Ugly Betty", "Tanner on Tanner" and "Star Trek: Voyager". As a playwright, my latest play Nora Highland was a finalist for the 2019 O’Neill Playwrights Conference and was presented at Pride Plays (Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre). I am a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School, and can be seen in the upcoming film "Shirley".

Meet the Cast of A Christmas Carol's Past: Lauren Ellsworth

Meet Lauren Ellsworth (now Frederiksen)

I was Martha Cratchit in 2008! A Christmas Carol was my favorite show I ever did when I was younger because I got to be in it with my Mom, Vivian Ellsworth, who was a cast member and one of the carolers for years. I went to college at Brigham Young University, majoring in public health with a minor in music education, and then to dental hygiene school at Utah Valley University. I work full-time as a dental hygienist in Meridian, Idaho. I sing at Church, and in both Church and community choirs. I am always singing - at work, in the car, at home! I am getting certified to teach yoga, and my introduction to yoga was my "Dad" Tobin Hissong in the rehearsal room! Even though I was only in the show one year, the "Christmas Carol" winters where my Mom was in it were some of my favorite memories from growing up in Michigan.

Meet the Cast of A Christmas Carol's Past: Nicholas Cornfield

Meet Nicholas Cornfield

I was part of A Christmas Carol (1991-1997) as various Londoners, Matthew Cratchit, Turkey Boy, Ignorance, and in one semi-conscious version was the Spirit of Christmas Past.  I was also in Shadowlands at MBT in 1996 as Douglas.

Left acting to focus more on hockey.  Played into college. Traveled the world a little teaching English. Went back to Culinary School. Currently the Executive Chef of Courses Restaurant and Lead Culinary Arts Instructor at the Culinary Institute of Michigan.  Married in 2016 (Best man at my wedding, and I at his, fellow MBT Carol Kid Alum and Best Friend of nearly 30 years, Adam Carpenter). Wife Liz and I have 2 kids: Bash, nearly 3, and Robbie, 5 months. We live in St. Clair, MI.

Meet the Cast of A Christmas Carol's Past: Emily Muench

Meet Emily Muench

I was Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol back in 2012. Unfortunately, I was only able to do the show for one year since I was too old to audition the year after. Looking back, I will never forget what an amazing experience it was to be part of that production. It was such a unique opportunity to be in a professional production at that young of an age.

Now, I am 20 years old and I am a junior BFA Musical Theatre Major with a minor in music at Drake University. My love for theatre and performing has grown so much since coming to college and I’m super excited to start working in the industry in a year or so. Last year I had the opportunity to portray Beth March in Drake’s production of Little Women, and now that show holds a very special place in my heart. I’m currently in the ensemble of Pippin here at school, but I’m also very excited to be the hair and makeup designer and the dog wrangler/trainer. This show will definitely keep me busy this semester.

However, theatre isn’t the only thing occupying my time at school. Last year I started a club at Drake called Bulldog T.A.I.L.S. (Training Animals In Life Services). We are an on-campus organization that partners with local non-profits to train service dogs for veterans. I’ve discovered a passion for training these wonderful animals and I love to watch them learn and grow. It’s hard to give them up at the end of their training, but knowing that they’re going to someone who needs them makes it all worth it.

Also, break a “crutch” to this year’s cast and crew of A Christmas Carol! I can’t wait to see the show!