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Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Thursday, December 3, 2026 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 13, 2026 6:00 PM

Cain Center for the Arts 21348 Catawba Avenue Cornelius, NC, 28031 United States (map)

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Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin

Book by David Ives and Paul Blake

When Christmas is truly warm and cozy!

Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.

Recommended for all ages

Tickets $20-$50 plus NC state taxes and fees

Only valid tickets are through cainarts.org and etix.com

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Meet the Cast

Mark Ariail (Bob Wallace)

Mark Ariail is excited to return to the stage with Davidson Community Players in Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS. He most recently appeared with DCP in A SMALL AND HUMBLE ERASURE (John Small) and has also performed in several DCP 10-Minute Play Festivals. Mark earned a B.A. in Dramatic Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His writing credits include the produced ten-minute play THE CURFEW. When he isn’t on stage, Mark enjoys songwriting, playing music, and singing and playing guitar with his church’s contemporary worship team. He is grateful for the opportunity to step into Bob Wallace’s shoes and make a little music with this wonderful cast, and especially thankful to his wife, Tina, and his family for their love, encouragement, and support of his theatrical adventures.

Tommy Foster (Phil Davis)

Tommy Foster has spent 30 years as a professional theatre artist. Favorite local credits include MATILDA (Miss Trunchbull), JEKYLL & HYDE (Jekyll/Hyde), THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (Percy Blakeney), NEXT TO NORMAL (Dan), BIG FISH (Edward Bloom), SLUT THE MUSICAL (Adam, the Slut), and tick, tick… BOOM! (Jon). He has worked with Theatreworks USA, Gateway Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Music Theatre of Connecticut, Mill Mountain Theatre, CPCC Summer Theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and many others.

Screen credits include commercials for Nickelodeon, McDonald’s, and Food Lion, plus an appearance in the final season of SEX & THE CITY. His solo cabaret, THE MethOD TO MY MADNESS, was featured on CNN, NY1, and Playbill.com, and earned a Bistro Award from Backstage for Best Theme Show. His latest piece, ME:2, earned a Broadway World nomination last season.

Tommy has taught & directed as a Teaching Artist with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for 13 years, as well as Catawba College, RCCC, Davidson Community Players, and maintains a roster of students. He is delighted to return to DCP in tap shoes and tinsel after screaming his way through HEAD OVER HEELS (Dametas) two summers ago.

His BFA in Musical Theatre is from the University of Michigan & his MFA in Classical Acting is from the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University.

His favorite role is Daddy to his sons, Parker and Marshall.

www.TommyFosterNYC.com

Jenna Tyrell (Betty Haynes)

Jenna Tyrell has loved WHITE CHRISTMAS her whole life and is over the moon to be one of the ‘sisters’. A Davidson local, Jenna spends her days working for Wells Fargo and most of her free time in and around local theatre. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University and spent 10 years performing & choreographing professionally all over the US and on cruise ships before starting her family (3 boys) with her husband, David. Most recently, audiences may have seen her on stage (with her cat) in EVITA with DCP. Jenna is a Board Member/Director/Choreographer at Mooresville Community Children’s Theatre and also often choreographs for DCPs Connie Company as well as Hopewell High School. Favorite shows/roles include: MAMMA MIA (Donna) at DCP and The Green Room Community Theatre, 9 TO 5 (Violet) at DCP, [TITLE OF SHOW] (Susan) at The Warehouse Theatre and RUTHLESS THE MUSICAL (Judy/Ginger) at Cabaret Old Town. Happy Holidays!!!

Emily Klingman (Judy Haynes)

Emily Klingman is a graduate of East Carolina University with dual BFA degrees in Theatre Arts Education and Musical Theatre. Her professional acting credits include: COMEDY OF ERRORS (Dromio of Syracuse) with CPCC; SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM (Woman), OLEANNA (Carol), and AGNES OF GOD (Agnes) with Ratio Theatre Company; HORN IN THE WEST (Dancer, u/s Mary Greene) and SUBURBIA (Sooze) with the Southern Appalachian Historical Association. She has been teaching theatre in the Charlotte Area for 15 years. She is the current theatre teacher at Mooresville High School.She has performed with Davidson Community Players in THE PAJAMA GAME (Virginia), CINDERELLA (Narrator), 42ND STREET (Phyllis), OUTSIDE THE WIRE (Jennifer), SINGING IN THE RAIN (Kathy), ANNIE (Lily St. Regis), SPAMALOT (Patsy), DEATHTRAP (Myra), STROLLING WITH SHAKESPEARE (Trinculo), THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Olive), EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD AND THEN SOME (Michael), PROOF (Claire), LEGALLY BLONDE (Serena), MARY POPPINS (Mrs. Corey), and EVITA (Aristocrat). Huge hugs to my family and pups for all of their love and support!

Roger Watson (General Waverly)

Roger Watson is pleased to be on the DCP stage again, previously seen in LEGALLY BLONDE (Professor Callahan). Most recently he was in GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER (Matt Drayton) and ELF THE MUSICAL (Santa) at Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord. Roger is a retired educator from Dayton, OH moving to Cornelius in 2009. Some other favorite roles include ANNIE (Daddy Warbucks) and SYLVIA (Greg). Lots of love to wife Chris, Cara, Mike, Yasdnil, Ryan, Rob, Lauran, granddogs Jake and Ollie, and of course grandkittens Statler and Waldorf.

Della Knowles (Martha)

Della Knowles is honored to be back on the stage with DCP. Della's most recent work includes DCP's CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (Maggie), ANNIE (Miss Hannigan) DIXIE SEIM CLUB (Bernadette) Matt Merrill PRoductions RUMORS (Cookie), Theatre Charlotte YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Essie), Old Court House theatre CREATING CLAIRE (Claire). She thanks God for giving her a talent and her girls and Josh for their love and support.

Chris (Susan Waverly)

Chris is a fourth grader at Davidson Elementary School. Born in Richmond, Virgina, she has lived in Davidson for the past eight years. This is her first ever live theater production, and she is so excited to make her stage debut with DCP. She is in her 6th year at Dance Davidson, where she takes classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. She also enjoys playing the violin and singing in the Children's Choir at St. Alban's Church. Let her sing (…or dance…or read) and she’s happy!

Jessie Goober (Rita)

Jessie Goober is thrilled to be making her return to the stage in Davidson Community Players' WHITE CHRISTMAS. Jessie is from Burlington, MA, where she grew up performing musical theatre throughout childhood and high school before continuing her training at Tufts University in Somerville, MA.

Jessie's previous credits include The Community House's WHITE CHRISTMAS (Featured Dancer), Burlington High School's MARY POPPINS (Neleus/Dancer, Ensemble), PETER PAN (Tiger Lily), PIPPIN (Fastrada), and MAMMA MIA (Tanya), as well as Torn Ticket II at Tufts University's THE LIGHTNING THIEF: PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL (Luke/Hades).

Outside of the theatre, Jessie works in digital accessibility and spends her free time crocheting, sewing, and upcycling. You can follow along on Instagram @revival.stitches.

After a five-year hiatus from musical theatre, Jessie is deeply grateful to this cast and crew for welcoming her back. Endless thanks to her friends and family for their ongoing love and support, especially her built-in scene partners, Dylan Changela and their dog JJ.

Quinby (Rhoda)

Quinby is thrilled to be a part of this production! She has been taking voice lessons for 7 years and 4 years of dance training. She is proud of her accomplishments of being a Top 6 Best Actress Nominee in the 2025 and 2026 Blumey Awards. Her recent work could be seen in Concord Academy’s GUYS AND DOLLS (Adelaide), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Fiona) , Rah! Theatre’s SIX THE MUSICAL! (Jane Seymour) and DCP’s BEETLEJUICE JR. (Lydia). Quinby is grateful for every opportunity to perform and loves bringing characters to life on stage. She would like to thank her parents, family, voice coach, drama teacher, and everyone who has supported her throughout her theatre journey. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Jake McGraw (Ralph Sheldrake)

Jake McGraw is beyond excited for the chance to perform in this production as Sheldrake. A graduate of Davidson College where he double majored in theatre and history, he has loved bringing that same Davidson passion to the DCP stage, where he also works as the Production Assistant. Previous post-grad credits include ROCK OF AGES (Stacee Jaxx), EVITA (Ensemble, Perón/Magaldi understudy), THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT (Jim Fingal), and THE WINTER’S TALE (First Lord/Florizel). He dedicates this performance to his family with whom he watches the film WHITE CHRISTMAS every year.

Matt Presson (Ezekiel Foster)

Matt Presson is thrilled to be making his DCP debut alongside his daughter, Chris. Matt teaches music at Woodlawn School and directs the Children’s Choir at St. Alban’s Church. During summers, he heads to the mountains of Virginia to serve as the director of a camping program with a heavy emphasis on the performing arts. He holds a degree in voice from Virginia Commonwealth University. Matt is married to Carmen and they have called Davidson home for eight delightful years and counting, even though he’s yet to see a true white Christmas in North Carolina.

Jordan Fish (Tessie/Ensemble)

Jordan Fish is thrilled to return to the Davidson Community Players stage for WHITE CHRISTMAS, her second production with DCP after appearing in EVITA (Ensemble). A former NBA dancer for the Charlotte Bobcats, Jordan has always had a love for performing and is grateful to be back onstage. Offstage, she can usually be found supporting her fiancé on the NASCAR circuit and spending time with their three children, who inspire her every day.

Darren Spencer (Snoring Man/Ensemble)

Darren Spencer is thrilled to be returning to DCP. At DCP, he appeared in MARY POPPINS (Mr. George Banks). He has appeared in shows throughout our region. Queen City Concerts: RAGTIME (Grandfather), TITANIC (Henry Etches), MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Ensemble/Mr. Spencer), THE SECRET GARDEN (Lt. Wright) and THE FLIRT BAR (Agent Ronald, in collaboration with Charlotte’s Off Broadway); Matthews Playhouse: BRIGHT STAR (Mayor Josiah Dobbs); Piedmont Players: THE BODYGUARD (Sy Spector); Theatre Charlotte: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Underling), PIPPIN (King Charles Charlemagne), SOMETHING ROTTEN (Ensemble), and THE WIZARD OF OZ (Guard/Uncle Henry); Little Theatrical: NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS (Performer); DCP: 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL (Ensemble/Bob); CPCC Summer Theatre: GUYS AND DOLLS (Ensemble). Offstage, Darren plays the role of Dr. Spencer, PhD, CPA as a university business, finance, and accounting professor. Darren recently served on the judges panel for the Miss Statesville America pageant. Thanks to everyone who brought me to this day. Thanks to God. I am a turtle on a fencepost.

Ellen McNeill (Mrs. Snoring Man/Ensemble)

Ellen McNeill was led to musical theatre through a lifelong passion for singing and dancing, playing her first role onstage in a children’s theater production of ANNIE (Mary) in 10th grade. Since then, she has taken part in numerous productions both here in the States and abroad, including OKLAHOMA! (Laurey u/s) with Piedmont Players, 42ND STREET (Phyllis Dale u/s) with Showtime Theater, THE SECRET GARDEN (Mrs. Winthrop) with Queen City Concerts, and THE PRINCE OF EGYPT (Queen Tuya u/s) and SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL (Jacob Marley) with Matthews Playhouse, to name a few. Ellen is incredibly grateful to all of her performing arts coaches over the past 20 years for supporting her in her artistic goals, with particular gratitude to Brooke McCarthy, Joanna Dendrolivanos, Julie Kay Stallcup, and Mary Recknagel. As a play therapist at Zola Counseling in Southpark, Ellen’s days are filled with work that brings meaning and lots of smiles to her life, and in her spare time she can be found singing to the flowers in her garden, taking dance classes, or reading at a cozy coffee shop. Ellen is delighted to join the cast of White Christmas and looks forward to many more musicals in Charlotte.

Luke Tyrell (Mike/Ensemble)

Devin Slade (Jimmy/Ensemble)

Devin is from Huntersville NC, and he’s thrilled to be back on stage at the Cain Center! You may have previously seen him in Theatre Charlotte’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Young Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Present) and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Ensemble), along with DCP’s BEETLEJUICE JR (Ensemble).

Nathaniel “Nate” Godleski (Ensemble)

Nate Godleski was born and raised in Charlotte, he is a guitarist, enjoys coffee, gaming, TTRPGs, acting, and writing. He has been acting since 2011. He is self-taught and learned most of his craft by working with a local theatre nonprofit, Charlotte Christian Theatre.

While he worked with CCT, Nate’s past roles included Charlotte Christian Theatre’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Gaston), RUTH: A LOVE STORY (Boaz), SCROOGE! (Ensemble, Bob Cratchit), LITTLE WOMEN (Rodrigo), PILGRIM (Ensemble), SEUSSICAL (Horton), PETER PAN (Captain Hook).

More recently he has been involved in Art’s 4 All’s Theatre on the Beach. His roles included Art’s 4 All’s PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Major General), TRISTAN & ISOLDE (Tristain).

You can find him on Instagram: @buffalonate93

Nate says working on White Christmas has been a fun challenge and a blast, this is a classic story from when he was a kid, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

Paxton (Ensemble)

Colleen Wanemacher (Ensemble)

Colleen is excited to be in her third DCP musical in a row! She was in DCP’s EVITA (Ensemble/Featured Dancer) and HEAD OVER HEELS (Ensemble). Colleen has a minor in Dance from The Ohio State University and was a member of the Ohio State Dance Team. Colleen and her husband (Dustin) own Your Mom’s Donuts, a staple at the Davidson Farmers Market with newly opened Cornelius location (The Shops at The Fresh Market). She is grateful to Dustin, kiddos Hazel and Logan, and her family and friends for their love and support!

Kristen Rule (Ensemble)

Kristen Rule moved to Davidson in January and is so grateful to have found a creative home with DCP. A lifelong lover of art and sport, Kristen’s background spans competitive gymnastics and collegiate cheering and dancing, alongside singing with Mercer University's Women’s Chamber Choir. She was recently seen in DCP’s EVITA (Ensemble) and is a member of Choral Arts Society Davidson. Her previous credits include Theatre Macon’s THE WIZ (Ensemble/Dance Captain), Mercer University Opera’s OKLAHOMA! (Ensemble/Featured Dancer), and Oconee Youth Playhouse’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Ensemble). Her performance is dedicated to her husband and six-year-old, whose endless love makes everything possible.

Nealy Smith (Ensemble)

Nealy Smith was born and raised in Mooresville North Carolina and is a graduate of Mooresville high school class of 2023 her most recent role is ALL SHOOK UP (Mayor Matilda Hyde) with Mooresville children’s community theater, when Nealy is not performing she is a full-time Preschool teacher at Peninsula Baptist Church and also works at Pie In The Sky Pizza in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Kathryn Oden (Ensemble)

Kathryn Oden graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre in 2021 with a Minor in Dance from Western Carolina University. Some of Kathryn’s favorite works include Parkway Playhouse’s A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (Phoebe Dy’Squith), Western Carolina University’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Wardrobe) and Actors Conservatory Theatre’s THE ADDAM’S FAMILY (Morticia). She is so excited to be returning to the stage in WHITE CHRISTMAS!

Emily Vesely (Ensemble)

Emily Vesely is a 19 year old trained dancer and choreographer who recently was in EVITA (Featured Dancer) with DCP, PAGEANT MATERIAL (Miss Pennsylvania) Arachne Theatr, and THE OUTSIDERS (Ensemble) MCCT. Emily has grown up on the stage and loves performing, she is thankful for her friends and family who have supported her through this past year and all that she has accomplished.

Zoë Gardner (Ensemble)

Zoë Gardner is a Charlotte native and recent college graduate, and is thrilled to be part of her second production with DCP. Her recent credits include HEATHERS (Veronica), DCP's FOOTLOOSE (Featured Dancer), and RENT (Mimi).