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Dec 5–14, 2025
Jefferson Performing Arts Center
6400 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA
The holiday classic soars off the screen in this musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like Rudolph the "Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It is an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.
Click headshot for bio
Jimmy Murphy made his acting debut at the age of 7 in the title role of THE LITTLEST ANGEL at Le Petit Theatre. Some local favorites: JPAS – MURDER ON THE NILE (Canon Pennefather), MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Colonel Arbuthnot/Samuel Ratchett), PETER PAN (Captain Hook), CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Hanratty). Le Petit Theatre – BARNUM (P.T. Barnum), ASSASINS (John Wilkes Booth), FALSETTOS (Marvin), CITY OF ANGELS (Stine), ANTHING GOES (Billy Crocker), PAGEANT (Miss Great Plains). Rivertown Theaters – ANNIE (President Roosevelt), 1776 (Dickinson), NOISES OFF (Freddy). BB Presents – A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (Frog). Tulane Summer Lyric – WILL ROGERS FOLLIES (Will Rogers). National World War II Museum’s Stage Door Canteen – LET FREEDOM SWING (Tommy Di Angelo), STAGE DOOR IDOL (MC).
SAM THE SNOWMAN
Brittany is thrilled to join the cast of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer as Mrs. Klaus. This is her second production with JPAS (Clue ‘24/ensemble). Brittany graduated from The University of New Orleans in 2015 with a bachelors in film theatre and communications. Joining this company has been such a joy and she hopes to return the favor in this role. Big thanks to director Kris Shaw for the amazing opportunity!
MRS. CLAUS
Louis Dudoussat (Santa Claus) is grateful for the support of his WWOZ work family for their enthusiastic support of his theatrical endeavors throughout the region. Some of his favorite recent roles include: Xanadu (Danny MaguireZeus), Clue (Wadsworth), Drowsy Chaperone (Underling), Fun Home (Bruce Bechdel), Tarzan (Kerchak), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (both Lawrence and Andre in separate productions) Mary Poppins (George Banks), The Addams Family (Gomez Addams and Mal), Elf the Musical (Walter Hobbs), Pippin (King Charlemagne), Hairspray (Edna), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (JB Biggley), Billy Elliot (George), Sweet Charity (Herman), The Little Mermaid (King Triton), 1776 (John Hancock), My Fair Lady (Colonel Pickering).
SANTA CLAUS
Jevi Joseph (Donner) is grateful to return to the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, where their professional theater career first began as a child. After more than a decade away from professional productions, they are pleased to be back on this stage. Jevi was most recently seen as Roger in Rent at Slidell Little Theater. They hold a BFA in Musical Theater from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, where they trained in acting, voice, and dance. During their time in Chicago, they also studied improvisation and stand-up at The Second City while working in its theaters. A graduate of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts with a concentration in musical theater, Jevi is thankful for the opportunity to play Donner and to reconnect with the JPAS community that gave them their professional start.
DONNER
Kendall Berry (Mrs. Donner) Originally from Jacksonville Beach, FL, she graduated from Louisiana State University in 2022 majoring in Theatre Performance and minoring in Social Work. She was last seen in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Hippolyta/Mustardseed) with NOSF and last seen on the JPA stage in Murder on the Nile (Kay Ridgeway). She is so excited to work with Kris Shaw and so many other familiar faces again. Some of her favorite credits include Clue (Miss Scarlet), Sister Act (Ensemble, Mary Robert u/s), and [title of show] (Heidi).
MRS. DONNER
Parker Portera-Dufrene (Rudolph) is an 8th grader at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies. Rudolph is his 25th stage production! Some of his favorite roles include Amos Hart (Chicago Teen Edition), Adam (Beetlejuice Jr.), Michael (Billy Elliot), Billy (School of Rock), Fritz (Nutcracker), Horton (Seussical Jr.), Charlie Bucket (Willy Wonka Jr.), Young Simba (Lion King Jr), Ryan (High School Musical), Doody (Grease), and Gil (Finding Nemo Jr.). When not on stage, Parker continues his dedication to the performing arts through vocal lessons, tap, ballet, and musical theater classes. He is extremely thankful to JPA for the opportunity to share the stage with amazing talent! And a special thank you to all his family, friends, teachers, & mentors who continue to support his journey! INSTAGRAM: @parkerporteradufrene
RUDOLPH
AVERY GEROSA (HERMEY) is “all smiles” to bring this holiday classic to life as everyone’s favorite aspiring elf-dentist! A third-year Theatre Arts major at Loyola University New Orleans, Avery has had a love of performing for many years, beginning in the JPA Theatre Kids! program, and is grateful for the chance to keep growing with the company. Much like Hermey, Avery has embraced following the path his dreams have led him, though in his case it’s toward the stage instead of the dentist’s chair. He would like to thank Kris Shaw for this incredible opportunity, his family and friends for their endless encouragement, and this wonderful cast of “misfits” for making this production one that’ll truly “go down in history!”
HERMEY
Jane is an elementary theater teacher in Jefferson Parish. Jane started performing in community theater groups as a child. In high school she studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the University of North Carolina School for the Arts, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. She graduated high school from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts where she studied Stanislavski. She earned her BA from the University of New Orleans in Film and Theater Arts. She previously worked with JPAS in My Fair Lady, Sister Act, and most recently Murder on the Nile. She also performed in Singin’ in the Rain with Rivertown. She is thrilled to play the part of Clarice and have her first musical solo on the JPAC stage!
CLARICE
ALLEE PECK (YUUUUUUUKOOOON CORNELIUS) has “struck it rich” by being cast as another colorful, off-the-wall character under the direction of Kris Shaw. She last worked with him many, many years ago, playing the enigmatic swashbuckler Scurvy Dog in JPA’s How I Became a Pirate. She was most recently seen in Our City of Saints (Old Etta). She has performed in numerous productions throughout NOLA, was a Big Easy Award nominee for her role as Maggie Jones in Rivertown’s 42nd Street, and a Patchwork Player for three years. Offstage, Allee choreographs year-round with Scott Sauber on OverallPro’s school shows throughout the metro and Slidell area. She is also an award-winning karaoke host, voted Flame Magazine’s Best Karaoke Host of 2020! During the pandemic, she pounced on the chance to launch her own karaoke business, DJ AlleeCat’s MEOWvelous Karaoke, a one-woman karaoke party experience. You can catch her at her regular and pop-up karaoke nights around New Orleans—where she’s always feline fine behind the mic—or book her for private events, purrfect for all ages (IG: djalleecat). Her love and thanks go out to Kris, Cha Cha, and, as always, Maestro, for this opportunity that’s worth more than “silver and gold!” Look for her next in the Kingdom of Arendelle performing as Bulda in JPA’s production of Disney’s Frozen.
YUKON CORNELIUS
Gabriel Thomas (Fireball/Elf) is a 13-year-old performer excited to take on the fun and high-energy role of Fireball, Rudolph’s spirited classmate in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! This marks Gabriel’s 9th production. He made his stage debut as Shenzi in The Lion King Jr. and has since performed as Maxie Dean in Beetlejuice Jr., Fake Santa in Elf Jr., a Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress Jr., the Grinch in Seussical Jr., and most recently as part of the male ensemble in Chicago: Teen Edition with JPA. Gabriel loves musical theater for its creativity, the friendships it brings, and the thrill of performing. It’s where he feels free to learn, express himself, and have fun.
Outside of theater, Gabriel enjoys drawing fictional characters, creating digital animations, playing video games, and impressing others with his ability to name every state and country in the world. He was accepted into the Gifted in Theater program with Jefferson Parish Public Schools and is a proud member of the National Junior Honor Society. Gabriel also loves hanging out with his three brothers and caring for his many pets.
Gabriel is grateful for the opportunity to help bring this festive story to life. Gabriel thanks his family and friends, whose support and encouragement mean the world to him. Enjoy the show!
ELF / FIREBALL
Donovan Lawson is a musician and vocalist whose artistry blends jazz, classical, and contemporary styles. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Donovan has called New Orleans home since 2018, drawn to the city’s rich musical heritage and vibrant spirit.
Donovan's musical journey began at age six, singing in his church choir. He later expanded his skills through four years of piano study and, at the age of 11, discovered a lifelong passion for the trombone. His early education emphasized classical, jazz, and eclectic styles, laying a versatile foundation. Under the mentorship of Dr. Dave Dickey, Donovan honed his jazz skills and performed with the St. Louis Metrobones, sharing the stage with renowned New Orleans trombone-rock band Bonerama.
At Missouri State University, Donovan pursued a Bachelor of Music in Trombone Performance under Dr. Jason Hausback and performed as first-chair trombonist with the university’s Jazz Ensemble directed by Randy Hamm. Highlights of his collegiate career include a featured performance at Le Poisson Rouge in New York City as part of the Theater Department Senior Showcase.
Now based in New Orleans, Donovan performs with groups including La Tran-K Band, Revel Force Brass Band, and serves as a vocalist with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lakeview. His diverse musical background also includes experience in choral masterworks, small chamber ensembles, and original music projects. His influences range from Prince, Lady Gaga, Griz, and Queen to Trombone Shorty and Tommy Dorsey, inspiring his ambition to one day pioneer solo improvisational EDM performances featuring trombone.
Beyond performance, Donovan has fostered community through philanthropy and musical outreach with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity, believing deeply in music’s power to unite people across cultures and experiences. His calling to New Orleans was also a personal one — inspired by his grandfather’s favorite song, "When the Saints Go Marching In."
COACH COMET / BOSS ELF
Paul Bello (King Moonracer), native New Orleanian, joins Rudolph after most recently appearing in this season’s first production at JPA, the world premiere of an original musical by composer Paul Soniat, Our City of Saints. Last season you might have seen him in Murder on the Nile, as The Steward and as Lord Savage in Jekyll and Hyde. He also appeared as a Priest in Jesus Christ Superstar and in Ballet on Broadway. Well known to JPA patrons, over the years he's appeared as Kevin in In the Heights, Shrek the Musical as a Three Little Pig, and Arsenic and Old Lace as Officer Klein, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest as Chief Bromden, in Caroline, or Change as Mr. Stopnick, as Snipes in Tarzan the Musical. and in JPAS productions of Funny Girl, Mary Poppins, Sister Act, the opera Rigoletto, Light in the Piazza, My Fair Lady, in the roles of Gonzorgo in Babes in Toyland, Dick Deadeye in H.M.S. Pinafore, Pilate in an earlier Jesus Christ Superstar, Pawnee Bill in Annie Get Your Gun, The Duke/Dr. Carrasco in Man of La Mancha, Yussel in Fiddler on the Roof, and as Reg Willoughby in The Full Monty. Look for Paul in the fantasy noir thriller, “Savage”, opposite Bridget Regan, streaming soon.
KING MOONRACER
Gabriel is very excited to be making his professional stage debut in this JPA production of Murder on the Nile, fulfilling a dream he's had since his avid participation in many productions at his Alma Mater, Holy Cross.
BUMBLE
Hayley Duhe is a second-year student at Tulane University, studying Cellular and Molecular Biology. A lifelong lover of the performing arts, she has cultivated her passion through years of involvement in talented art, music, and theatre programs, performing in numerous stage productions along the way. Her most recent and beloved role was Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress. Hayley is thrilled to make her JPAC stage debut as Dolly the Misfit Toy and is grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with such a talented cast and crew.
DOLL MISFIT TOY / RACCOON PUPPET
Benjamin Benigno is excited to return to the stage for JPA’s 48th season. Previous performances include Waitress (JPA), Cinderella (JPA), and Violet (Loyola). He earned his BA in Theatre Arts and MBA from Loyola University New Orleans. Go Wolfpack! Benjamin would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support.
CLARICE'S FATHER / CHARLEY MISFIT TOY
Rebecca Wren (Spotted Elephant Misfit Toy) is elated to be making her JPA mainstage debut! Currently a senior at Academy of Our Lady High School, Rebecca has been in numerous JPA Theatre Kids Youth Musical Theatre Intensives. Some of her favorites include Grease (Jan), Chicago: Teen Edition (Kitty), High School Musical on Stage (Susan/Thespian Ensemble), Elf Jr. (Emily Hobbs), and Cinderella: Youth Edition (Portia). When not with her JPA family, she is taking the stage in High School productions. One of them being her Dionysian journey at Brother Martin High School, which consists of The Little Mermaid (Flotsam), The Addams Family (Bride Ancestor), Newsies (Hannah), and Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Stepmother). Others include her previous journey at St. Mary’s Dominican High School and her ongoing journey at Academy of Our Lady. However, she hopes to explore more theatres throughout New Orleans in the future. She would like to thank her supportive and loving family, as well as the entire creative team for this most wonderful opportunity!
SPOTTED ELEPHANT MISFIT TOY
Justice McKnight (Misfit Toy Bird and Puppet) is excited to be performing with JPAS in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Performing has become one of Justice’s biggest passions. Some of her previous credits include Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Fiddler on the Roof, Wizard of Oz, Elf, My Fair Lady, and Willy Wonka. When she's not on stage, Justice is either playing cello, or reading. Now, curtains up—enjoy the show!
BIRD MISFIT TOY / RABBIT PUPPET
A Kenner native, Kelly grew up dancing and watching musicals with her family. She is a graduate of NOCCA’s Musical Theatre program and minored in Dance while an undergrad. Kelly is thrilled to be returning to the JPA stage. Some of her favorite previous roles include originating the role of Ms. Amanda (Ricky Graham’s Grammaw and The Magic Goo), Perkins/Mrs. Pugh (Annie), Mrs. Schwartz/Chief Elf (A Christmas Story: The Musical), Dora Bailey (Singin’ In The Rain), Prudy Pingleton (Hairspray), and Ginger (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas). Kelly has previously performed with Rivertown Theaters, The Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble, The Loyola Ballet, The New Orleans Opera, and D’Project. Special thanks to Dennis, Kris, and the entire cast and crew for making this show a complete joy. Endless love and gratitude to my parents and my husband for their unwavering support, which has enabled me to live out my dreams. XOXOs to Wilhelmina, Zora, and Malakai.
TRAIN MISFIT TOY / BEAR PUPPET
Kristy is a New York native who moved to New Orleans in 1983. She holds a B.S. in Theatre from Syracuse University, as well as a BSN from William Carey College. She has performed in various community theaters in upstate New York, and in addition, danced with the Buffalo Ballet in Buffalo, N.Y. Notable roles include “Princess Winifred” in Once Upon a Mattress, “Betty” in The Clandestine Marriage, “ Katie Brown” in Calamity Jane, “Nellie Forbush” in South Pacific, as well as one of the daughters in Pirates of Penzance (Le Petit Theatre). She was seen in The JPAS productions as Sister Mary Martin-Of-Tours of Sister Act, Miss Lark of Mary Poppins, and a handler for the dragon puppet in Shrek the Musical. She is thrilled to be working once again with Kris Shaw in this beautiful theater.
COWBOY MISFIT TOY / BUMBLE ARM PUPPET
Adelyn “Addy” Bradford (Plane Misfit/Bear Puppet) is excited to be a part of this production and back on stage at JPA! Addy is a 7th grader at St Elizabeth Ann Seton school. Favorite past roles include Player 13 in Dare to Dream Jr (Rivertown Theaters), Lily St. Regis in Annie Jr (Rivertown Theaters), Saleswoman in Elf Jr (JPA), Sally in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (SEAS Drama Club), Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz Jr (SEAS Drama Club), and Les in Newsies (Wing & A Prayer Production - St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and Brother Martin Dionysians). When Addy is not in the theater she enjoys playing volleyball and cabbage ball, she’s a member of student council as co-historian, she’s involved in beta club and footprints for life club at St Elizabeth Ann Seton.
PLANE MISFIT TOY / BEAR PUPPET
Evangeline Bradshaw has been performing on local stages since she was eight years old. Favorite roles include Liesl in The Sound of Music, Ms. Darbus in High School Musical, and Maggie in A Chorus Line. She is a sophomore at Sacred Heart, a student at Encore Studio, and a veteran of several JPA Theater Kids productions. She’s also a member of the Le Petite Theatre Teen Council. Her hobbies include fashion design, sewing, baking, reading, and planning her next trip to New York. Evie would like to thank her family, theater mentors, and friends for their unwavering support.
BUMBLE ARM PUPPET / MOONRACER WING
Madisen Kelly (Elf/Reindeer) is SO excited to combine her favorite things: Theatre & Christmas! Madisen has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). She was last seen on stage in Murder on the Nile (Mary Debenham) at Theatre Baton Rouge. She is so happy to be back on stage AND especially with her best friend, Kendall Berry. She would like to thank Santa Clause for giving her a job. She would also like to thank her Mom for raising her with enough holiday spirit to fill the entire city of New Orleans.
ELF / REINDEER
Emma Gonzales (she/her) is a performer, musician, and choreographer based in New Orleans. She graduated from the NOCCA Musical Theatre Program and has studied dance for 17 years at MDTNO & the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City as a SI Trainee. She now attends the Loyola College of Music and Media for a BFA in Music Industry Studies. She started as a JPA Theatre Kid in 2018 and has competed and performed with the company across the country in Orlando and New York City. She is now a Choreographer for the summer Youth Musical theatre intensives here as JPA. Choreography credits include: Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr, Chicago, and Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Performance Credits include: Grease (Rizzo), Jesus Christ Superstar (Angel/Soul) In The Heights (Ensemble), Newsies (Tommy Boy), and Legally Blonde (Dana) Film: Trouble with the Pink Shoes, Secrets of Sulphur Springs. Special Thanks to Kris, Mrs. Nikki, Jaycee, and to my parents who continue to make dreams come true.
ELF / REINDEER
Jaycee Holmes is so excited to be in another JPA mainstage production. She is a 19 year old in her sophomore year of college at Southeastern Louisiana University pursuing a nursing degree. Jaycee has done musical theatre for 16 years, and this is her 8th year with JPA. She started as a JPA Theatre Kid in 2017 and was a member of the Competition Team for 3 years. Her most recent productions include Grease (Marty), Legally Blonde (Delta Nu/ Inmate), and Newsies (Newsie). Jaycee would like to thank Kris Shaw for providing her with this opportunity and Mrs. Nikki for all of her help through the years, and she can’t wait to be on stage again.
ELF / REINDEER
Kayln Hepting Stephens (Elf) is thrilled to be a part of this classic holiday show, filled with some of her dearest friends and long-time collaborators. Special thanks to them for their support, and please enjoy the show!
ELF
Abbey is a former Talented Theatre teacher and current stay-at-home mom (love to Margot & Jack). She is a graduate of Northwestern State University's Theatre program. She was last seen on the JPAC stage in last season's production of Jekyll & Hyde. Some past favorite roles include Little Becky Two Shoes in Urinetown (NSU), Rusty in Footloose (JPAS), Smitty in How To Succeed...(Rivertown), Cheryl in Evil Dead the Musical (SEOS), Bridget in Lizzie the Musical (SEOS, Big Easy Award nominated). Special thanks to Bob, Yaya & Papa for the constant love and support!!
ELF
