Meet the Cast & Crew of "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Published: November 14, 2025 | Author: Kol Gibson | Read Time: 12 minutes
Southern Utah University is kicking off the holidays with a heartfelt tribute to the 60th anniversary of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts Christmas special. SUU is proud to present a special all-alumni staging of A Charlie Brown Christmas, bringing together former students from the College of Performing and Visual Arts to recreate the charm, humor, and sincerity that have made the story a seasonal favorite for generations. The cast, crew, and even the band are made up entirely of SUU alumni.
All performances of A Charlie Brown Christmas are free and open to the public, with several opportunities to join in the fun. SUU faculty, staff, and their families are invited to the December 4th performance at 6:00 p.m., followed by an 8:00 p.m. showing for SUU students. The community, alumni, and friends can enjoy the production on December 6th at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. General admission tickets are required and can be picked up at the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) or the SUU Alumni Office in the Hunter Alumni Center during regular operating hours. Seats will be reserved for ticket holders until ten minutes before each performance begins. At that point, any open seats will be released to standby guests.
These 30-minute performances invite audiences of all ages to reconnect with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang as they search for the true meaning of Christmas. The show remains faithful to the classic animated special by Charles M. Schulz, based on the television program created by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson, with the stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer. It is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.
What makes this production especially meaningful is the spirit behind it. Alumni have returned to campus to share their talents and reconnect with a story rooted in friendship, kindness, and simple joy. Their dedication gives this production a personal touch that audiences will feel as soon as the lights come up. Below, you will meet the remarkable alumni who have brought this show to life on stage, backstage, and in the music. Their stories and photos introduce a community of creators who once studied here, grew here, and now return to spread holiday cheer with a timeless classic.
Artistic Team
Director Michael Bahr (‘89 & ‘14) is the Executive Managing Director of the Utah Shakespeare Festival and a longtime Cedar City and SUU leader. He previously spent more than twenty years as the Festival’s Education Director and served as SUU’s Director of Shakespeare Studies from 2015-2022. He holds a Master of Education and a BA in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Acting/Directing and is certified in Secondary Education for History and Theatre. Michael has also contributed to several Utah theatre associations throughout his career.
Music Director Brandon Scott Grayson (‘18) is a New York-based composer, lyricist, music director, and orchestrator. He holds an MFA in Writing and Production for Musical Theatre from BerkleeNYC and a BIS in Musical Theatre Composition & Performance from SUU. His work has appeared at Power Station, 59E59, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and more. Major compositions include Madame X, The Brain That Wouldn’t Die, and bloodline. He serves as a Staff Accompanist and Music Director at CAP21/Molloy University and is a proud Dramatists Guild member.
Choreographer Alondra Cordova-Miralli (‘24) is a Boulder City, Nevada native and SUU Dance graduate thriving as a freelance dancer and choreographer in Salt Lake City. She trained at Dance Etc. and Extensions Performing Arts Academy, later performing with Antelope Valley Ballet. At SUU, she appeared in multiple Faculty Dance Concerts, participated in SUUDO, and gained mentorship from leading artists including Daniel Charon. She earned a Black Box Grant to produce an evening-length work and continues to create choreography for various projects and collaborations.
Scenic Designer Emily Smith (‘15) is a scenic artist at Ravenswood Studio Inc. in Chicago, where she contributes to theatre productions, museum exhibits, and children’s playspaces. She has worked at Ravenswood for more than seven years. Before joining the studio, Emily built her career in the Chicago theatre scene, working primarily with Lookingglass Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and Writer’s Theatre. Her work spans a wide range of fabrication and scenic styles, and she continues to enjoy contributing to meaningful, imaginative projects.
Costume Designer Tanah Hislop (‘21) is a Costume Technology MFA candidate at Florida State University and has worked as a First Hand at the Utah Shakespeare Festival since 2022. She previously served as Costume Shop Manager at Georgia Southern University from 2022-2025. Her recent designs include Fun Home (2024) and Outside Mullingar (2023) at Lean Ensemble Theater. Tanah loves returning to Utah and SUU whenever possible, and she is delighted to design for this production.
Lighting Designer Pete Hulin (‘03) studied Technical Theatre at SUU, earning recognition from the Kennedy Center for his lighting design. He worked several seasons with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, rising from lighting intern to Lead Electrician, then toured internationally as a Head Electrician for Broadway shows. He later toured with major bands and supported events such as the Super Bowl and EDC. Since 2014, Pete has been with Christie Lites, advancing to VP of Operations before transitioning to regional oversight. He enjoys camping with his family and working sporting events and DJ gigs.
Sound Designer Kyle Cook (‘11) is the Associate Production Manager and Sound Supervisor for SUU’s Department of Theatre, Dance, & Arts Administration. He previously served as Technical Director and Scene Shop Foreman beginning in 2014. Kyle has also spent multiple seasons with the Utah Shakespeare Festival in the Electrics and Sonic Departments. His broad technical expertise and commitment to SUU productions make him a key contributor to the department’s success.
Projections Manager Randy Jo Sly (‘24) is a director, filmmaker, projection designer, and teaching artist. He has directed productions across southern Utah, including All Shook Up and Les Misérables. He currently serves as the Educational Director for Encore in St. George, where he is directing A Christmas Carol, opening this holiday season at The Electric Theater. Randy’s projection design work includes collaborations with theatre companies throughout southern Utah and with the Utah Symphony and Opera.
Stage Manager MyKel Marie Hall (‘20) is a freelance stage manager and event coordinator working throughout the West. She recently returned to Cedar City for the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 2025 season. Favorite credits include The Lion, The Legend of Georgie McBride, and Dear Evan Hansen. She is deeply grateful for the support of her family, friends, and Heart as she continues to grow her career.
Cast
Charlie Brown will be played by Spencer Watson (‘24), who earned his BFA in Musical Theatre from SUU, where he performed roles such as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf (Into the Woods), Whizzer (Falsettos), Charlie Brown (You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown), and Betty/Edward (Cloud 9). He also worked as a Fellow with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, appearing in The Greenshow and Much Ado About Nothing (2024), and understudying in Sweeney Todd, The Play That Goes Wrong, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Spencer is a recipient of the Fred C. Adams Renaissance Man Scholarship and the SUU Black Box Grant.
Sally Brown will be played by Samae Allred (‘16). Samae graduated from SUU with a BFA in Musical Theatre and is so excited to be back! While in Cedar City, Samae performed in productions at SUU such as Little Women, Dancing At Lughnasa, and Chicago. She has also appeared at the Utah Shakespeare Festival's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Big River, Into the Woods, and their inaugural Touring Production of Every Brilliant Thing. Samae lives in New York City, where she works in private events and sales as well as freelance wedding coordination while continuing to perform across the city. Her most cherished role is Mom to her four-year-old son, Lewie, who brings constant joy to her life.
Snoopy will be played by Bailey Savage Smith (she/they; ‘17), a Chicago-based actor, comedian, musician, and joyful chaos-maker. A longtime performer with the Drunk Shakespeare Society, they have appeared in more than 500 performances of Macbeth. Bailey’s work with the Utah Shakespeare Festival includes The 39 Steps, Julius Caesar, and Romeo and Juliet, along with many memorable SUU roles. Additional credits include Peter and the Starcatcher, Thelma and Louise: Dyke Remix, two separate Draculas, and an apocalyptic Christmas musical. Voiceover clients include Ritter Chocolate and National Geographic. Represented by Gray Talent Group. Much love to the fam and to anyone who’s ever laughed with me!
Frieda will be played by Carrie Colton (she/they; ‘10), a Denver-based actor, director, choreographer, and educator. Recent directing and choreography credits include Cabaret, Peter Pan, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, Matilda, The Prom, Once, Hello Dolly, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and The Sound of Music. They serve as Artistic Director at Rocky Mountain Theatre for Kids and the Actors Academy and is Associate Professor of Movement and Directing at MSU Denver. Carrie holds a BFA from SUU, and MFA from Florida State University, and certifications in stage combat, clowning, and intimacy direction.
Pig Pen will be played by Trevor Messenger (‘18), who is elated to return to his alma mater for A Charlie Brown Christmas. He graduated from the SUU Theatre program in 2018 and may still be remembered from their production of Hamlet, where he played Ophelia. He has worked with theatres like the Utah Shakespeare Festival as well as other regional theatres in the last seven years. He now performs when possible while raising his daughter, Eleanor, and is grateful to SUU for the opportunity to return.
Schroeder will be played by JP Kentros (‘09 & ‘18), is an Arts Specialist for Canyons School District, supporting arts education programs districtwide. Previously, he spent 13 years directing award-winning choirs at Jordan High School, taking ensembles on tours to Seattle, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Anaheim, and beyond. He also directs the Lehi Community Choirs, leading an annual Messiah performance and a spring new works concert. JP holds both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUU and is most proud to be a husband to Anni and a father to Danny and Audrey.
Shermy will be played by Ryan Munsey (‘22), a Salt Lake City-based actor, technician, and all-around theatre dweeb. He holds a BFA in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Classical Acting from SUU. After graduating, he moved to Salt Lake City, where he works as a Critical Care Technician at Intermountain Medical Center and prepares to begin nursing school this summer. Ryan is thrilled to return to the stage for this production.
Violet Gray will be played by Noel Bauer (‘19). Noel has 20 years of theatre experience, ranging from community to professional. She graduated from SUU with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts and English Education. For the last nine seasons, she has worked as a Summer Camp Coordinator for the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Education Department. Noel also teaches Theatre and English at Parowan High School, where she is currently directing her 14th production.
Patty will be played by Emilie Moulton (‘13), who graduated from SUU with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Secondary Theatre Education degree. She now lives in Las Vegas with her husband, fellow SUU Theatre graduate Grayson, their three kids, and three dogs. She teaches theatre, dance, and voice at Seedling Theatre Company, helps run her husband’s law firm, and stays active in her children’s school community. Recent roles include Mrs. Gardener in Pride and Prejudice (Seedling Theatre Company) and Shoemakers Elf/Dancer in Shrek the Musical (Huntsman Entertainment).
Lucy Van Pelt will be played by Tiffani Mills (‘08), who has worked as an actor and improv teacher in Los Angeles for nearly seventeen years. She has held roles across the entertainment industry, including actor, production coordinator, casting assistant, and production assistant. She currently works as a Universal Studios Tour Guide, a Standardized Patient for UCLA, and a freelance improv instructor.
Linus Van Pelt will be played by Alex Allred (‘13), a New York City-based actor, educator, and father. New York credits include: Jacques in As You Like It (Amoeba Productions) and Laurie/Bhaer/Brook in Little Women (Quest Players). Regional credits include: Horatio in Hamlet (Wolfbane Productions), Marcellus in Hamlet, and Reuben in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Utah Shakespeare Festival). Some of his favorite Cedar City roles include Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing (Hill Trotter Theatricals), Jaimie in The Last Five Years (IVTC), and Billy Flynn in Chicago (SUU). He is so happy to be back with his whole little family!
The Band
Music Director Brandon Scott Grayson (listed above) will be playing piano.
Joseph Howe (‘14), playing drums, is a percussionist and educator passionate about new music and music technology. He has won multiple performance competitions and has appeared internationally, including performing in China with the Wuhan Opera Orchestra and touring Brazil with his duo, Percussive Solutions, which premiered Bryan Jeffs’ Whiskey Variations and contributed to the premiere of Michael Gordon’s A Natural History. Howe holds degrees from SUU and Southern Oregon University, began teaching college in 2017, and now directs the Vanguard New Music Ensemble at SUU. He holds two percussion-amplification patents.
Jacob Lee (‘15), playing bass, is a composer, performer, and educator fascinated by music's power to tell stories. He creates work that is both accessible and intellectually engaging, and has received commissions from the Utah Opera, the Delgani String Quartet, and Estelí Gomez of the Grammy-winning Roomful of Teeth. He currently serves as Composer in Residence for the Orchestra of Southern Utah. Also an active performer, Jacob has appeared with ensembles across the western United States. He holds degrees from SUU, the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, and the University of Oregon, and teaches as an adjunct professor at SUU.
Be sure to pick up your tickets to A Charlie Brown Christmas at SUMA or the Hunter Alumni Center today! SUMA is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while the Alumni Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check out the production's digital program here.
About the College of Performing and Visual Arts
The College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA) at Southern Utah University comprises 41 academic programs, including liberal arts (BA/BS) and professional (BFA, BM, BMEd) degrees in art, design, dance, filmmaking, music, and theatre. It includes graduate programs in the fields of arts administration (MFA, MA), music education (MME), and music technology (MM). More than 60 full-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 900 majors in the College. CPVA presents over 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year which are complemented by the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA) and Shakespeare Studies at SUU, and is affiliated with the Tony award-winning Utah Shakespeare Festival (USF). Southern Utah University is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) making SUU the first public university in the state of Utah to be accredited by all four associations. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, visit www.suu.edu/pva.Tags: Theater Theatre Staff Theatre and Dance Alumni Music Faculty Theatre Arts and Dance Community College of Performing and Visual Arts Theatre Dance and Arts Administration
Contact Information:
Kol Gibson
435-865-8667
kolgibson@suu.edu