Press Releases

(MANASQUAN, NJ) - Algonquin Arts Theatre invites audiences to celebrate the season with Irving Berlin's White Christmas, running December 6 through 14, 2025. Based on the timeless film, this heartwarming stage musical features dazzling dance numbers, classic songs, and a story filled with romance, laughter, and holiday spirit.

Tickets start at just $27 and are available now at www.algonquinarts.org, by calling 732-528-9211, or by visiting the Algonquin Arts Theatre Box Office (Monday-Saturday, 10AM-4PM) at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive, Manasquan, NJ. Irving Berlin's White Christmas is sponsored by Shorehaven Weath Partners and Carrie & Robert McGowan.

Set in a Vermont inn during a snowless Christmas, White Christmas follows two World War II veterans turned song-and-dance men, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, as they partner with sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to help save their former general's failing lodge. With iconic songs like "Blue Skies," "Sisters," "Happy Holiday," and the unforgettable title tune "White Christmas," the show captures the magic of the season and the nostalgia of a golden era in American music.

The production stars ANTHONY GRECO (Bob Wallace), EDWARD ITTE (Phil Davis), MARIA HEITMANN (Betty Haynes), MEGAN LYNN PETERSON (Judy Haynes), LYNNE TRUEX (Martha Watson), JOE MINNELLA (General Waverly), and CLARE TRANGER (Susan Waverly).

Also featured are STEPHEN RUBINO (Ralph Sheldrake), AMIE HUESTON (Rita), ALYSSA KISELEV (Rhoda/Ensemble), CHARLES T. HUGHES (Ezekiel Foster), DENN MICHAEL JR. (Mike), KELLY FITZGERALD (Gloria/Ensemble), KYRA GRIGGS (Tessie/Ensemble), MICHELINA ROCHE (Cigarette Girl/Ensemble), JOHNNY FRIEDMAN (Jim/Ensemble), JOSEPH ROACH (Marty/Ensemble), JOSHUA MCGRATH (Scooter/Ensemble), ELIZABETH MOLFETTO (Secretary/Ensemble), JOSEPH PAGLINO (Jimmy/Ensemble), DANIEL KOELLHOFFER (Mr. Snoring Man/Ensemble), LISA SUDFIELD (Mrs. Snoring Man/Ensemble), JOANNA DOUGLAS (Seamstress/Ensemble), MARIANNA KISELEV (Assistant Seamstress/Ensemble), and ROBERT WEINSTEIN (Train Conductor/Ensemble).

The Youth Ensemble includes LISA CATALFAMO, ANGELINA CRETELLA, and BRYNN MCKEE.

CREATIVE TEAM
Jessica O'Brien (Director/Choreographer)
Barbara Klemp (Music Director)
Onali Rosado (Rehearsal Stage Manager)
Rachel Krupnick (Production Stage Manager)
Jason Greenhouse (Scenic Design)
Roman Klima (Lighting Design)
Frankie Confalone (Costume Design)
Jan Topoleski (Sound Design)
Gina Lupi (Prop Design)
Joseph Ficarra (Production Manager)
Julie Nagy (Producer)

"White Christmas has become one of our most cherished holiday traditions at the Algonquin," said Pamela Ward, Executive Director of Algonquin Arts Theatre. "It's a show that celebrates love, generosity, and the joy of community - the very values that define this season and our theatre family."

Irving Berlin's White Christmas is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.com

ABOUT THE CAST OF IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS

ANTHONY GRECO (BOB WALLACE) is grateful to be returning to this role after appearing in our 2024 production. He has appeared in many AAT productions, some favorite roles include A Christmas Story (Old Man), Mary Poppins (George Banks), Mamma Mia! (Harry), Beauty & the Beast (Cogsworth) and The Producers (Max). He has also directed recent productions of The Wizard of Oz, Joseph, Elf, and Hello Dolly!

EDWARD ITTE (PHIL DAVIS) is ecstatic to be stepping into the role of Phil Davis in White Christmas. Past credits include The Wizard of Oz (Tinman), Elf (Buddy), and Hello, Dolly (Cornelius).

MARIA HEITMANN (BETTY HAYNES) is a Theatre Artist in NYC|DC|NJ and Director at Nu Sass Productions in DC. Algonquin Credits: 1776 (Martha Jefferson), Joseph... Dreamcoat (The Narrator). Other credits include: Fiddler... (Tzeitel), Peter... Starcatcher (Black Stache), Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins), and DC's 2021 Monologue Madness Champion.

MEGAN LYNN PETERSON (JUDY HAYNES) is incredibly honored to reprise "Judy" here at Algonquin. Recently: The Prom (Angie) National Tour: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Rockette) Regional: Crazy For You (Tess), Chicago (Hunyak), What Happens In Vegas, The Will Rogers Follies. BFA Commercial Dance, Pace University.

LYNNE TRUEX (MARTHA WATSON) is a Broadwayworld NJ - Best Supporting Actor Musical Nominee: Fiddler on the Roof (Golde). Other credits: Gypsy (Rose), Hello, Dolly (Dolly), Mame (Mame), Mamma Mia! (Donna), The Glass Menagerie (Amanda), Steel Magnolias (Ouiser), Beauty & the Beast (Mrs. Potts).

JOE MINNELLA (GENERAL WAVERLY) is thrilled to return to AAT to reprise the role of General Waverly. He is grateful to work alongside the multitalented director Jessica O'Brian and the incredible cast and crew at the Algonquin. Joe performs across the US in both professional and community theater. Select Roles: Elf (Walter Hobbs), Oklahoma (Curly), Damn Yankees (Coach) Funny Girl (Nick Arnstein) & West Side (Lt. Schrank) Film/TV: Bastard Sons, Maria's Gravy Pot, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Goodfellas, Law & Order and SNL.

CLARE TRANGER (SUSAN WAVERLY) is a 12-year-old seventh grader at Memorial Middle School in Point Pleasant, NJ. The oldest of four sisters, she loves singing, dancing, and being on stage.

STEPHEN RUBINO (RALPH SHELDRAKE) Credits include: Cabaret (Emcee), Pippin (Lead Player), Annie (Rooster), Evita (Magaldi), Peter Pan (Capt. Hook), A Chorus Line (Gregory), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), Superstar (Pontius Pilate), Titanic (Bruce Ismay), Fiddler (Perchik), and West Side (Bernardo).

AMIE HUESTON (RITA) is thrilled to be back for her third production at AAT! Past credits include: Newsies (Buttons), Mean Girls Jr. (Gretchen), Matilda (Mrs. Wormwood), Wonderful Life (Mary), Beetlejuice Jr. (Delia), Cats (Coricopat) Mary Poppins (Mary), & Wizard of Oz (Beautician/Tree).

ALYSSA KISELEV (RHODA/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be performing in her fifth consecutive Christmas show at the Algonquin Arts Theater. She was recently seen in White Christmas (Rita / Dance Ensemble), CATS (Bombalurina), ELF (Charolette Dennis/Ensemble), and Hello Dolly! (Ensemble).

CHARLES T. HUGHES (EZEKIEL FOSTER) is excited to spend his third Christmas in a row with all the lovely folks and the Algonquin! You may have seen him last year as Ezekiel! Other notable appearances include: Hello Dolly! (Ambrose), Fiddler (Fiddler), and most recently The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow).

DENN MICHAEL, JR. (MIKE) loves having a good old time doing shows. He's been in a bunch. And he hopes you have a blast tonight. He has appeared in national tours, regional theatre, and film, including Seven Brides...Brothers, West Side Story, Joseph...Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Good Shepherd (Universal).

KELLY FITZGERALD (GLORIA/ENSEMBLE) is attending Brookdale Community College and is very excited for her second production at the AAT! Recent roles include: The Wizard of Oz (Beautician/Ensemble), Mary Poppins (Bird Woman/Miss Andrew), and Beetlejuice Jr. (Barbara Maitland).

KYRA GRIGGS (TESSIE/ENSEMBLE) is overjoyed to be reprising the role of Tessie for her return to the Algonquin Stage! Recently she played Manicurist/Tree/Ensemble in AAT's production of The Wizard of Oz. Some of her favorite roles include Mamma Mia! (Donna Sheridan), Little Women (Meg March), and All Shook Up (Mayor Matilda Hyde).

MICHELINA ROCHE (CIGARETTE GIRL/ENSEMBLE) is excited to be working with Algonquin Arts Theatre in this production of White Christmas! Past credits include: Addams Family (Wednesday Addams) at Donovan Catholic, as well as All Shook Up (Lorraine) with OCCRT.

JOHNNY FRIEDMAN (JIM/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to take part in his third show at the Algonquin. Recent credits include: Rent (Will I Soloist/Waiter), Something Rotten! (Shakespeare), and Amadeus (Venticello). After a far-too-long dance hiatus, he's very happy to have the opportunity to take part in a choreography heavy show once again.

JOSEPH ROACH (MARTY/ENSEMBLE) is excited to be making his Algonquin debut. His past credits include A Chorus Line (Don), The SpongeBob Musical (Squidward), The Prom (Kevin), Wizard of Oz (Dancer), Jungle Book (Mowgli) and Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere).

JOSHUA MCGRATH (SCOOTER/ENSEMBLE) is making his AAT deput in this production. Some past credits include: The Spongebob Musical (Squidward), Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Ron Weasley), The Prom (Male gym coach/Ensemble), Beetlejuice Jr. (Charles Deetz), Frozen Jr. (Olaf).

ELIZABETH MOLFETTO (SECRETARY/ENSEMBLE) has appeared in Cabaret (Frenchie/Gorilla/Dance Captain), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van De Graff), American Idiot (Dance Captain), and Legally Blonde (Vivienne Kensington). Trained in voice, acting, and multiple dance styles, she has studied at Steps on Broadway and performed with the Paper Mill Playhouse Broadway Show Choir.

JOSEPH PAGLINO (JIMMY/ENSEMBLE) is as happy as a seagull with a French fry to be cast as Jimmy. Favorite roles: Hello, Dolly! (Rudy), Guys & Dolls (Lt. Brannigan), Gypsy (Cigar), Annie (Harold Ickes), and White Christmas (Ralph Sheldrake). He has studied improv at JW Actor's Studio, Princeton and voice with Dr. Jeff Unger.

DANIEL KOELLHOFFER (MR. SNORING MAN/ENSEMBLE) is a versatile singer, dancer, and musician with credits including Club Med variety shows, trapeze and circus safety, piano lounges, and musical theater. He has performed in Oklahoma, Brigadoon, Carousel, Showboat, Camelot, and more, and serves as cantor, choir director, and music director in various ensembles.

LISA SUDFIELD (MRS. SNORING MAN/ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be making her debut here at Algonquin. Some favorite roles include: Mamma Mia! (Rosie), Memphis (Gladys) and Addams Family (Ancestor).

JOANNA DOUGLAS (SEAMSTRESS/ENSEMBLE) is a Kindergarten teacher and songwriter who loves bringing stories to life on stage. Her performance credits include: Cinderella (Ensemble), Hello, Dolly! (Ensemble) and White Christmas (Seamstress/Ensemble). Joanna is thrilled to share her passion for music and theatre with audiences.

MARIANNA KISELEV (ASSISTANT SEAMSTRESS/ENSEMBLE) is excited to be performing at the Algonquin Arts Theater in her fourth show. Past credits include: The Sound of Music, ELF and White Christmas.

ROBERT WEINSTEIN (TRAIN CONDUCTOR/ENSEMBLE) With 30 years in local theater, Robert is happily in his sixth Algonquin production. Favorite roles include YAGMCB (Linus), Forever Plaid (Sparky), and Titanic (Thayer). He's directed county premieres of Honk!, Tom Sawyer, and Moby Dick the Musical! He heads Oasis Players, a Great American Songbook cabaret group.

LISA CATALFAMO (YOUTH ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be returning to Algonquin where she was last seen as Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank. Other recent credits include: A Man of No Importance (Miss Crowe) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Prentiss).

ANGELINA CRETELLA (YOUTH ENSEMBLE) performed in works choreographed by concert dance greats such as Brian Sanders, Curt Haworth, and Abby Zbikowski. She studied at CLI Conservatory, Commercial Dance Intensive, and Rockettes Mini Intensive. In addition to live performances, Angelina has also worked on camera in projects directed by Teddy Forance and Cassidy Noblett.

BRYNN MCKEE (YOUTH ENSEMBLE) is thrilled to be in her fourth AAT show! She is a member of the Theatre and Dance Academy at TRN. Past credits: Crazy For You (Mitzi/ Dance Captain), Footloose (Dance Ensemble), Wizard of Oz (Tree/Dance Ensemble) and Mamma Mia! (Ensemble).

IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS
December 13-22, 2025
Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by David Ives and Paul Blake

ABOUT ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE

Algonquin Arts Theatre (AAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high-quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance, and film.

Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages through instruction and through the unique conversation that exists between performer and audience.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by the PNC Foundation, and the generosity of businesses and patrons.