Creators / Cast / Artistic Team

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Ludwig Bemelmans (1898-1962) is the author and illustrator of more than 40 books for children and adults. He created one of children literature’s most beloved characters, Madeline, in 1939. Although named after his wife, Bemelmans said that watching his daughter gave him many of the inspirations for his Madeline books. Madeline’s adventures have entertained generations of young girls. After the success of Madeline’s Rescue, for which Bemelmans received the Caldecott Award in 1954, he continued to write about the adventures of the Parisian schoolgirl in Madeline And the Bad Hat (1957), Madeline and the Gypsies (1959), and Madeline in London (1961). Viking published Madeline’s Christmas, which appeared originally in McCall’s magazine, in 1985. Two new Madeline adventures have been written by Ludwig Bemelmans’ grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano, Madeline says Merci: The Always be Polite Book and his latest story Madeline and the Cats of Rome.

Madeline’s Christmas is adapted by Jennifer Kirkeby and set to music by Shirley Mier. Both women have expansive careers in theatre. Madeline’s Christmas is the first collaboration between Ms. Kirkeby, who is an actress, dancer, choreographer, director and teacher, and Ms. Mier, who is a self proclaimed “music theory geek” and teacher, as well as a composer and music director. Madeline’s Christmas, which premiered at Stages Theatre Company in Minnesota, has been performed in theaters nationwide including Dallas Children’s Theatre and Actor’s Playhouse in Florida.

 

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Roblyn Allicia (Mrs. Murphy) is an actress/singer/songwriter and a native Atlantan. This is her first appearance at the Horizon Theatre, and she is elated to have been cast. She holds a BFA in Fine Arts in Theatre Arts, graduating Summa Cum Laude from The University of Texas in Arlington in 2005. Her most recent work includes: Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns television sitcom; Trials and Tribulation of the Trailer Trash Housewife (OnStage and Process Theatre); 365 Days/Play; Respect A Musical Journey of Women (14th Street Playhouse); Having Our Say, and Smokey Joe’s Café (Desoto, Texas) to name a few. Arts are her passion.

Shayne Kohout (Miss Clavel) is delighted to be joining Horizon! Originally from West Texas, Shayne completed her studies in English and Music at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX. Shayne has been seen in various theatrical and film productions in the Southeast. Most recently, she made appearances on the TV show Army Wives, the children’s film Mandie and the Secret Tunnel, and can be seen in the Lifetime movie The Wronged Man, starring Julia Ormond, and Life As We Know It, starring Katherine Heigl. She was last seen in Theatrical Outfit’s production of Tent Meeting and Stage Door Player’s And the Winner Is...! A huge thanks to all the cast and crew of Madeline’s Christmas! To all twenty-four girls: YOU ROCK!! Enjoy the show!

Jimi Kocina (Monsieur Brun/Harsha) is very excited to be a part of Madeline’s Christmas, his first production with Horizon. Other Atlanta credits include Zanna, Don’t!, and Dark Play, or Stories for Boys (Actor’s Express); Bunnicula, and Miss Nelson is Missing (Synchronicity Theatre); The B-Team (Dad’s Garage); Kiss Me Kate, Christmas Canteen, Guys and Dolls (Aurora Theatre). Jimi hopes you all enjoy the show and have a wonderful Holiday!

Allie Payton (Miss Clavel) is a native of Houston, TX, is thrilled to be making her Atlanta debut at the Horizon Theatre. A recent graduate of Brenau University with the Gainesville Theatre Alliance, she holds a BA in Theatre. Regional credits: Guys and Dolls (New Harmony Theatre); All Shook Up, Meet Me in St. Louis (Flat Rock Playhouse); Kiss Me Kate, My Way, Fiddler on the Roof (Highlands Playhouse). University credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie Dillmount); Children of Eden (Eve/Mama); Sylvia (Sylvia); An Ideal Husband (Mable Chiltern). Love to Nick.

Winslow Thomas (Monsieur Brun/Harsha) has performed in the Atlanta theatre community for almost 25 years, having worked with the Alliance, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, The Academy Theatre, Theatre Gael, The New American Shakespeare Tavern, Savage Tree and Aurora Theatre. Winslow is pleased to be working with Horizon Theatre on this wonderful show. All my love to my Judy.

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Joseph A. Futural (Lighting Designer) loves working and living in Atlanta with his wife and daughter and thanks Horizon Theatre for this opportunity. He returns to Atlanta after an enjoyable four years with Pilobolus Dance Theatre as lighting supervisor and director of production. Most recently his lighting was seen in GSU Players’ production of Getting Out. Over the last 25 years Joseph has worked with many Atlanta arts organizations such as True Colors Theatre, Ballethnic Dance Company, Jomandi Theatre, Lee Harper, Louise Runyon, and Moving in the Spirit. Around the South he has also worked for Charleston Ballet Theatre, Ron and Zanne Colton's Augusta Ballet, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Augusta Players. Other groups include New York International Fringe Festival, Fred Garbo's Inflatable Theatre Company, Ohio Ballet, Great Lakes Theatre Festival in Cleveland, OH, corporate events for Yale University, Saab, Bell South, Coca Cola, Puma, and many other arts and corporate clients.

Thom Jenkins (Sound Designer) is a composer, musician, sound designer and educator based in Atlanta. He is delighted to be back working with his friends at Horizon Theatre. His recent work includes: sound design for Third (Horizon Theatre), composition for Don Quixote (Center for Puppetry Arts); composition for Twelfth Night (Georgia Shakespeare); sound design for Shiloh Rules and sound design/composition for To Kill a Mockingbird (Theatrical Outfit); sound design for All the King’s Men and sound design/composition for The Persians (Theatre In The Square in Marietta); as well as composition/sound design for The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer and The Stinky Cheese Man (Alliance Theatre).

Kate LaFoy (Props Designer) has been bouncing around the Atlanta area theatre world for a few years now and previously designed props for The 13th of Paris earlier this year at Horizon Theatre.  She has also designed props for Angela’s Mixtape at Synchronicity Performance Group, Dial M for Murder, Bach at Leipzig, and The Dinosaur Musical at Aurora Theatre as well as The Persians at Theatre in the Square. She has also designed costumes for the Essential Theatre’s production of Fix Me So I Can Stand. She would like to thank her parents and Cameron for all their support.

Tamara McElhannon (Set Designer) is an illustrator, painter, graphic designer, and is now set designer. This is her eighth set design for Horizon. She has previously designed The Santaland Diaries in 2008 as well as And Her Hair Went With Her, The 13th of Paris, The Clean House, The Bluest Eye, and In Darfur here at Horizon Theatre. “I enjoy creating imaginary worlds and transforming spaces. My job is to create foundation for the play to come alive. I want the audience to be transported by the presence of the actors, the words, the sounds and the lights. It’s a team effort and it’s extremely satisfying to see it all come together.”

Jessica Fugelsang (Stage Manager) is pleased to be back working with Horizon Theatre. She holds a BA in Theatre Tech and Design from Appalachian State University.  She was previously the Stage Manager for Third here at Horizon Theatre and has worked behind the scenes in theatres across the country, including Des Moines Metro Opera and Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis. Since moving to Atlanta in 2003, she has been privileged to work with the Alliance, Actor’s Express, the Ansley Park Playhouse, Theatre Decatur and of course, Horizon Theatre.

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