Digital Playbill
WELCOME
Welcome to Penfold Theatre Company’s production of A Tuna Christmas! We are delighted to share the second installment in the beloved “Tuna” series—comedies born right here in Central Texas that have charmed audiences across the country for more than four decades. When creators Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard established the fictional community of Tuna, Texas ("the third smallest town in the state"), they populated it with characters drawn from their own lives. They animated these figures with a unique alchemy of broad comedy, affectionate commentary, and piercing satire that became a sensation on Broadway, in national tours, and across regional theatres. A Tuna Christmas takes its rightful place in Penfold’s 18th season alongside other "Big Stories from Small Towns." It joins the intensely passionate spellers of Putnam County (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), a girl coming of age in horse-ranching country (Wild Horses), and the exiled artist whose name wouldn't be known until he was gone (Vincent). In our polarized world, it is rare to see satire and affection as tightly intertwined as they are here. Even as the playwrights send up Tuna society, they draw us warmly into the eccentric lives of Bertha and her friends and neighbors as they each jockey for their own measure of Christmas joy. We hope you find that same joy amid the chaos and crazy characters in your own life. Happy holidays, and thank you for sharing a piece of them with us!
Ryan Crowder, Producing Artistic Director
This show runs approximately one hour and is performed without intermission.
Cast
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Will Mercer
Thurston / Elmer / Bertha / Others
Will Mercer (Thurston, Elmer, Bertha, and many others) is making his Penfold Theater Company debut in A Tuna Christmas. He previously traveled the country in the National Tour of Greater Tuna (2017) and appeared in the long run of A Tuna Christmas at the Zach Theater (Fall 2017). Favorite roles include Nostradamus in Something Rotten, Chris in The Play that Goes Wrong, Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, and Inspector Kemp in Young Frankenstein the Musical.
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Kirk Kelso
Arles / Didi / Petey / Others
Kirk Kelso is making his Penfold Theatre Company debut. He previously portrayed these characters in Greater Tuna, Red, White, and Tuna, and A Tuna Christmas at the Georgetown Playhouse. Other favorite roles include The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz (Zilker Theatre Productions), Donkey in Shrek the Musical (Georgetown Palace), and Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels in Tootsie the Musical (Central Texas Theatre). Kirk is also a personal trainer and yoga instructor
Production Credits
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Director
Robert Tolaro holds an MFA from Trinity University and is a regional Emmy Award recipient for The Miser. A former finalist for the TCG/NEA Directing Fellowships and Artistic Director of the Fairmount Theatre of the Deaf, his directing credits include productions for Austin Shakespeare Festival, Cleveland Public Theatre, and St. Edward’s University. His extensive stage management background includes A Tuna Christmas on Broadway and Holland Taylor’s Ann! at Lincoln Center.
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Production Stage Manager
Analisse Quiñones (she/her) is a Latina stage manager, playwright, and props designer based in Austin, TX! Her previous credits include Fairview (Ground Floor Theatre, SM) and Amy and The Orphans (Ground Floor Theatre, ASM, Props & Set Dressing Designer). She is excited to make her first foray into children's theatre with Penfold. When not doing theatre, you can find her gaming at Emerald Tavern or playing DnD with friends.
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Music Director & Musician
Chris Ledesma is an Austin musician, visual designer, and educator. He was part of the team who originated Rosita y Conchita over 10 years ago, writing, composing, and arranging the music to soundtrack the tale. He is proud to bring it back to life at the Penfold theater and share it with new audiences. In 2018, he wrote music for the stage adaptation of the border-crossing storybook, Pancho Rabbit y Coyote. Chris draws from the Son Jarocho Mexican folk music tradition and his love for all music - folk, pop, or otherwise. He hopes to craft music that speaks to the history and cultures of our international communities, as part of his goal to reach and educate youth who are charting their way towards a better world.
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Founder & Director, Round Rock Ballet Folklórico
Yolanda Sanchez is the Founder and Director of Round Rock Ballet Folklórico, created to preserve and celebrate Mexican culture through traditional dance. For more than four decades, she has taught, mentored, and inspired students of all ages. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a vibrant cultural institution, performing across Central Texas while instilling heritage, discipline, and teamwork. A respected educator and community leader, Yolanda has made the group a cornerstone of Round Rock’s cultural life, including its beloved Día de los Muertos festival. Her passion continues to shape future generations and keep traditions alive with grace and authenticity.
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Assistant Director, Round Rock Ballet Folklórico
Selicia Sanchez-Adame serves as Assistant Director and Board Member of Round Rock Ballet Folklórico, continuing the legacy founded by her mother, Yolanda Sanchez. Deeply rooted in the Round Rock community, she has helped expand the group’s reach through innovative programming and cultural events, including the launch of its first Día de los Muertos children’s play. In addition to her leadership with the Ballet Folklórico, Selicia is an entrepreneur and community advocate who serves on multiple boards and champions initiatives that expand access, opportunity, and cultural enrichment. Her dedication ensures the company thrives as both a performing arts group and a pillar of community pride.
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Choreographer, Round Rock Ballet Folklórico
Gabriel Sanchez is the Choreographer of Round Rock Ballet Folklórico, where his artistry and deep knowledge of traditional Mexican dance bring performances to life. His choreography highlights the rhythms, costumes, and regional diversity of Mexico while giving dancers the opportunity to grow as performers and storytellers. A lifelong member of the company, Gabriel has performed across Texas and now shares his expertise by guiding the next generation. In addition to his artistic work, Gabriel is also the Head Soccer Coach at Stony Point High School in Round Rock, mentoring students with the same dedication and discipline he brings to dance. His leadership both on stage and on the field preserves heritage, inspires pride, and builds future leaders.
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Musician
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Musician
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Set & Props Designer
Daniel Ruiz Bustos is a proud Mexican multidisciplinary designer with an MFA in Theatre from the University of Texas at Austin. His work is a vibrant exploration of space, movement, and layered storytelling that has been featured in projects across Mexico, Spain, and the US.
Daniel's research is centered on his thesis, Escenografía Viva (Living Scenography), a study that explores creating scenography through the body, its movement, and material experimentation. He consistently integrates media and technology into his designs to explore new narrative possibilities within live performance.
Committed to collaborative creation, Daniel welcomes opportunities to work with diverse teams. You can view his work and contact him directly at www.danrubu.com. -
Lighting Designer
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Sound Designer
Besides being a comedic actor, and podcast creator, Brett is happy to be sound designer for shows such as Your Old Fashioned Die Hard Holiday Radiocast, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, The Control Group, and BeetleJuice Jr. playing here at Penfold Theatre Nov. 13-6 (Where he’s also directing it!)
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Costume Designer
REGIONAL: What the Constitution Means to Me, Roe - Zach Theatre; Merrily We Roll Along - San Pedro Playhouse; Running Bear - Hyde Park Theatre; I’m Proud of You, A Mid Summer Nights Dream, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol - Penfold Theatre; Dance Nation, The Secretary, The Drowning Girls -Theatre en Bloc. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.F.A. in Costume Design from Texas State University. Thank you to all my family and friends who continue to support me on this journey!
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Technical Directors
These two Austinites have graced many stages together designing and building for more than fifty companies over the past 17 years. Known for professionalism and perseverance, this dynamic duo will leave you awestruck with their grace and simplicity. They have been nominated for several B. Iden Payne and Austin Critics Table Awards over the years for Set Design and Prop Design. Their selected credits include- Ballet Austin: The Nutcrackers (Fabrication), Grimm Tales (Fabrication/Scenic Art Supervisor), Exit Wounds (Fabrication/Scenic Art Supervisor), The Sleeping Beauty (Caraboose Sleigh), POE/A Tale of Madness (Design/build of the pendulum) Ballet Austin TWO: Donde van las Mariposas (Set Fabrication); Maria and the Mouse Deer (Set Designers/Fabrication) Long Center for The Performing Arts: Greater Austin High School Musical Theatre Awards 2014; Summer Stock Austin 2016. Austin Opera: Fidelio (Backdrops and Portal); Sweeney Todd – (Passerelle/Scenic Charge) Austin Symphony: Leonard Bernstein’s Mass 100th Celebration (Technical Director/Fabrication/Scenic Charge Artist). Other clients: Beyond Exhibitions/Paquin Entertainment USA – Beyond Van Gogh USA Tour/The Normal Studio (Turn-key build/ 9 Sets), The Alchemy Theatre, Penfold Theatre, The Aurora Arts Theatre, The Frank Erwin Center, Austin Playhouse, Southwestern University (Outdoor Stage 2021 build), The Fairmont Hotel, Theatre en Bloc, Salvage Vanguard Theater, Pollyanna Theatre Co., Street Corner Arts, KLRU, PSAV, Corpus Christi Ballet, and more. Holly is currently CEO/Director of Production for DDP Production Services. Patrick is currently a Production Supervisor at The Long Center for The Performing Arts, and serves as Artistic Director/Technical Director for DDP Production Services.
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House Manager
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Graphic Designer
Erica Moren is a Creative Director and Visual Artist based in Austin, TX. She is Penfold’s new Marketing Manager, and with over 20 years of experience, she has led the development of brand identities, campaigns, and visual storytelling that connect with audiences across digital and print. Through Neat Freak Studio, her outlet for design services, fine art, and photography, Erica extends her creative vision into poster art, acrylic paintings, portraits, and graphic tees. Whether guiding a brand launch or creating a single piece of art, she brings clarity, direction, and creativity to every project.
Penfold Theatre Company
Ryan Crowder, Producing Artistic Director
Nathan Jerkins, Co-Artistic Director
John Krasno, Managing Director
Jonathan Young, Development Director
Scott Shipman, Operations Manager
Alexandra Russo, Box Office Manager
Erica Moreno, Marketing Manager
Deb Freeman, Volunteer Coordinator
Ava Garcia, Arts Leadership Apprentice
Board of Directors
Ryan Crowder, Sue Duncan, Deb Freeman, Nathan Jerkins, Keocha LaFleur-Anders,
Amy McAndrew, Todd & Tammy Riggan, Randy Robinson, Sarah Roche, Paul Rodriguez,
Brett Weaver, Kurt Wheeler
Thanks to Our Supporters
Marquee ($5,000+)
Elizabeth Dunning, Nathan & Melissa Jerkin,s Gary & Karen Jerkins, Paul & Isabel Rodriguez
Director ($1,000+)
Rob Brown, Larry & Susie Crowder, Albert & Vicki Dennington, Melanie Kuntz Steven & Hope Pounders Bennett Raccah Charitable Foundation, Tammy & Todd Riggan, Randy Robinson, Sarah Roche & Matthew Salazar
Star ($500+)
Mark & Penny Billingsley, Erin Block & Eric Pokorny, David & Denise Currin, Anonymous Donor, Lisa Filemyr, Chrissy Flanigan, Discount Electronics, Pilar & Brian Korge,l Amy & Bob McAndrew, Kathleen McClanahan, Anne Nelson & Bob Boney, Julie & Kevin Rhodes, Jonathan & Katherine Swinney
Cast ($250+)
Joan Carr, Mary Cox, Savannah Hickey, Bill McMillin & Mary Furse, Leann Powers
Friend ($120+)
Joan Carr Dede & Jimmy Gonzales, Savannah Hickey, Barry Massey, Gina & Joe Palluck, Leann Powers, Steve Sheets, Kathy & Roger Wright
Season Sponsors
Show Sponsor
This project is funded in part by the City of Round Rock.
Coming Up Next
Become a Season Member
Members get discounted tickets and early access to reserved seating!
Mission
From our home in Round Rock, Penfold Theatre Company tells intimate stories of empathy and hope, curates performances by premier local artists, and nurtures theatre-makers of today and tomorrow.
Ways to Donate
Penfold Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Like most theatres, Penfold earns only about 60% of its revenue from ticket sales. The rest of what we need to stay afloat must come from donations. Below are some ways to donate if you’d like to help us out.











