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On the Mainstage
February 9 - June 15
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Our History
About the Carlisle Theatre
Located in the heart of Carlisle, the historic Carlisle Theatre has been referred to as “the gem of downtown”.
The Carlisle Theatre is one of the principal forces behind the revitalization of downtown Carlisle. Established in 1939, renovated in 1993, we remain Carlisle’s downtown source for entertainment. The Carlisle Regional Performing Arts Center presents musical concerts, performances, films, live theatrical productions, and programming for children and families.
The Theatre is also available for corporate events and meetings, community events, weddings, and much, much more!
✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Rick Sollman (Leon Czolgosz) is beyond excited to be part of another Players on High musical, his first since Urinetown in 2023. He has also performed as Boris Kolenkov in You Can't Take It With You, Judge Danforth in The Crucible, Ken Gorman in Rumors, several roles in A Steampunk Christmas Carol, and as Friar Lawrence in Shakespeare Page to Stage’s Romeo & Juliet. When he’s not on stage, Rick is a history teacher at Carlisle High School and uses this experience to serve as the Dramaturg for this production. Rick would like to thank Tara, Hank, Livy, Mom, & Bev for all of their love & support!
Tara Sollman (Assistant Stage Manager) This production marks Tara’s first time fully behind the scenes with Players on High. She is in awe of the countless moving parts that make live theatre possible and has been soaking up every lesson along the way from diva baddies Lauren and Abby. She’s previously been seen on this stage as Mrs. Fezziwig (2023) and Jacob Marley (2024) in A Steampunk Christmas Carol, and as the grown-up Jean Louise Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. Players on High is by far her favorite inclusive creative community in the area. ... See MoreSee Less
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✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Shane Anthony (Guitar/Banjo) is happy to make his first appearance in the pit at Carlisle Theatre for Assassins. Previously, he has performed for musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Next to Normal, Godspell, Children of Eden, The Bridges of Madison County, The Marvelous Wonderettes, Little Shop of Horrors, and Fiddler on the Roof. He graduated from Bloomsburg University in 2014 with a B.A. in Music Education, and has studied classical guitar under the instruction of Dr. Matthew Slotkin. Outside of music, he is a social worker and lives in Mechanicsburg with his wife Theresa and two cats.
John Batzer (Bass) began his musical journey in 5th grade when he was "encouraged" to trade his mediocre cello skills for the double bass because he was the only kid tall enough to reach the tuning pegs. Since graduating from Elizabethtown College longer ago than he would like to admit, John has been active in the Central Pennsylvania music circuit while maintaining a career as a web developer. He regularly performs with the Unforgettable Big Band, the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, and various rock ensembles. A veteran of local pit orchestras, John (with Annika, his loyal instrument) is happy and proud to provide the low end for such a legendary Sondheim score, and sends his love to Duffy, Coltrane, and Leila. ... See MoreSee Less
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✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Michael Griesemer (Balladeer) has been performing at the Carlisle Theatre since 2015’s Schoolhouse Rock Live. His last performance was 2025’s School of Rock (are you sensing a theme?). Michael is also a musician of many talents, often found rocking out on the bass, guitar, ukelele, and (if you’re lucky) the kazoo. Also known fondly as Milton, Michael/Milton would like to dedicate his outrageous performance in this epic production of Assassins to his Stage Management Team - Abby, Tara, and especially Lauren - there is no one more spectacular than you, my SM Dream Team. Outside of the theatre, he works for the state as a plant inspector. Michael lives locally with his amazing wife Megan, adorable daughter Juniper, and pup Reese. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
🤣 When the stage managers have to write your bio. 💅🏻 Love this and love Leahcim Griese — his energy counter-balances the assassins’ so beautifully.
✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Wesley Owens (Costume Assistant/Wardrobe Head) is thrilled to be back with the Players on High yet again. He previously costume assisted and served as the wardrobe head for the Carlisle Theatre’s spring production of The Time of Your Life. He graduated in 2020 with his associates in theatre arts from Montgomery County Community College in his hometown of Lansdale, PA. When he’s not on or behind the stage, Wesley can be seen working his day job (and sometimes night job) at Target. Wesley would like to thank his family, college theatre professors, and his partner Josh for their continued support. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
I first met Wesley Owens when he and a friend came to our Oscars watch party, and I proceeded to check in with them every 10 minutes because we had low attendance 🤣 I'm glad I didn't scare him off, because he's now an important member of our backstage crew! Wesley has worked diligently with our costumer, Elizabeth, to ensure that all of us look our best on stage. From coordinating quick changes to noting repairs to keeping things clean and organized, Wesley has made certain we're ready to go each night. We're so glad that he's joined us at the Carlisle Theatre!
✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Jason Mathis (Lee Harvey Oswald/David Herold/Bystander #1/Ensemble) Jason is returning to the stage following an eight month hiatus after School of Rock. This is his first Sondheim musical and he is excited to be performing the role of Lee Harvey Oswald. Previously, he has worked on Steam Punk Christmas Carol and School of Rock both at the Carlisle theatre. In addition to his acting work, Jason also works as a stage manager at Carlisle and was the lead stage manager for Sylvia last spring. He would like to thank his family for their unwavering support and to his friends at the Carlisle theatre who have made this new adventure into theatrics both rewarding and just plain fun. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Jason R. Mathis and I first became friends during "Sylvia" when he was the stage manager and I played Tom, Phyllis, and Leslie. He did an excellent job of keeping the show organized and the actors in good spirits. To see him grow in this role as Lee Harvey Oswald (as well as an ensemble member) has been an absolute joy. He's worked so hard both on- and off-stage to embody this character, which hasn't always been easy for him. Watching him perform each night is such a gift, and I look forward to seeing how he grows from here. Additionally, he's been an incredible support person and friend to me throughout this show. I couldn't have done it without you, Jason!
✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Hadley D'Esopo (Properties Assist) is so excited to be at the Carlisle Theatre, this time assisting with bringing the details of the world of the assassins to life! Before joining Players on High, Hadley studied English and Theatre at Dickinson College. She was an active member of and performed with Dickinson College's Mermaid Players Theatre Club and the University of East Anglia's Drama and Musical Theatre Society. Previous roles include Harry (The Time of Your Life), Shelia (An Inspector Calls), Violet (It's a Wonderful Life), Mayella (To Kill a Mockingbird), Ghost of Christmas Future (A Steampunk Christmas Carol ‘23 and ‘24), Sarah Good (The Crucible), Stone (Kaleidoscope), and Yvette (Mother Courage). Off stage, you can find Hadley working in Dickinson College’s Admissions Office.
Jess Teter (Resident Music Director/Tech Assist) is once again back with Players on High - this time as a stage hand and audio assist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in vocal music and minors in piano and bassoon. By day, Jess is wrapping up her fourth year at Boiling Springs High School, where she directs choirs, teaches general music, and runs the theatre program. By night (and, let’s be honest, most weekends and long school breaks), she’s the resident music director at the Carlisle Theatre. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Music Education at Lebanon Valley College (free time is clearly overrated). Jess has been involved in several productions with Players on High, including The Secret Garden (Martha), Urinetown (“Old Ma” Strong), School of Rock (Ms. Sheinkopf/Jesssssss), Songs for a New World (Woman), To Kill a Mockingbird, It's a Wonderful Life, Time of Your Life, and now, Assassins. When she’s not wrangling students, Jess can be found teaching the summer camps at the theatre, playing DnD, composing, reading, or meticulously curating a top-tier quote book. She would like to send a huge heartfelt congratulations to the cast and crew of Assassins - we did it! ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
I'm so lucky to call these women my friends in addition to my fellow theatre groupies! Hadley D'Esopo and I have worked in several productions together, and she always brings such joyous enthusiasm to whatever she does! Her recent performance as Harry in "The Time of Your Life" was an absolute scene-stealer, and I always got a good laugh watching her dance moves. Whether on stage or off, Hadley gives every endeavor her best effort, and we're very lucky to have her for "Assassins"! Jess Teter has been incredibly supportive in helping me grow my vocal confidence. Her encouragement in our recent Valentine's Day cabaret gave me the boost I needed to finally sing in front of an audience. To have her guidance in this production has been invaluable to me, and I'm so glad we have her backstage not only cheering us on but helping to keep things together as well. Thank you for all you do, Jess!
✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
David Sgrignoli (Trumpet) David has been a trumpet player for nearly a decade, with notable journeys including the United States Marine Corps Band and various ensembles at Lebanon Valley College. Offstage, David works as an actuarial analyst, having graduated in 2024 with a degree in actuarial science from Lebanon Valley College. He remains an active musician throughout the region, performing in a variety of pit orchestras and ensembles. Some of his favorite productions he has been a part of include Bandstand and 9 to 5, both performed at the Hershey Area Playhouse.
Eldon Trego (Trumpet), a proud lifelong Carlisle resident, has been playing the trumpet since the fourth grade. Encouraged early on by Allen Roth and further shaped by his high school experiences led by David Rohrer and Victor Wertz, his passion for music continues today. He studied with Harold Edwards and worked for North American Music Festivals; owned by Clyde Barr, where he collaborated closely with directors, students, and adjudicators. Eldon has performed with several Drum and Bugle Corps and is an active member of multiple community bands that spans 30 years. When he is not on stage, he can be found in the audience supporting local entertainment. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
A show about presidential assassinations wouldn't be complete without such powerhouse trumpet players! Thank you both for bringing your talents to the pit orchestra and for helping make our show even better! We're very grateful for you ❤️
✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Elizabeth Earle Drinks (Costume Designer) is a versatile artist as a costume designer, soprano, composer and playwright hailing from the Lehigh Valley. Among her artistic endeavors, Ms. Drinks is an acclaimed concert soloist and active stage performer with notable credits including Shakespeare: Page to Stage's The Tempest (Ceres) Assassins (Squeaky Fromme), Pirates of Penzance (Edith), and in the titular role of Henry Purcell's baroque opera Dido and Aeneas. Additionally, Drinks is the Founder and Artistic Director of the stage works development and production company High Tower Theatricals. She is a recognized local playwright developing the play Once Upon a Pointe Shoe and a new Medieval musical In Days of Old. Ms. Drinks has studied classical voice under Jennifer Laubach, Elizabeth Lins Aragunde, and Raya Gonen, a protege of internationally acclaimed German soprano Dame Elisabeth Schwartzkopf. She is enrolled in the MTea Songwriting Studio as a lyric and composition student of award-winning BMI graduate Brett Boles. She received formal training in Renaissance music, creative writing, costume design, and theatrical wardrobing, as well as undergraduate studies in vocal performance and music composition at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
There aren't nearly enough good words to put in one post about Elizabeth! We first met while working on the Shakespeare Page to Stage production of "Romeo & Juliet" last summer. The skills she brings to any production she's a part of seem limitless--dancing, singing, stage combat, costume sewing and design, music composition, play-writing....I'm sure I've forgotten some! Plus she's just the absolute best kind of human ❤️ The costumes she's designed for the last several productions at Carlisle Theatre have been beautifully on point, and "Assassins" is no exception. Come check out her beautiful work in one of our last four performances!
A dream to work with and an absolute powerhouse of a human being! 🫶🏻
✨Artist Spotlight
Assassins, presented by Players on High
April 23, 24, 25 @ 7:30PM
April 26 @ 2:00PM
Hayden Johnston (John Hinckley) is thrilled to be participating in his second mainstage production with Players on High. He has a long history of performing in opera and musical theater and was most recently seen on stage this past December as George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play and in the Love Stinks! cabaret in February. Off the stage, Hayden is in his first year at Penn State Dickinson Law. He hopes that you enjoy the show and that it is Worthy of Your Love!
Anna Palese (Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme) is so excited to be back with Players on High and joining this incredible cast and crew as Squeaky Fromme! She has previously been seen on stage at the Carlisle Theatre in School of Rock (Patty Di Marco) and Anne of Green Gables (Prissy Andrews/Choreographer) and behind the scenes as the Director of Songs for a New World. Her other recent credits include Hello, Dolly! at Susquehanna Stage (Ensemble) along with several choreography credits at Mechanicsburg Recreation Theatre Camp and Mechanicsburg Middle School. Anna would like to thank her friends and family for all their support through this whole process! ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
How lucky we are to have the talents of these two folks in one show! I first met Hayden when he played adult George to my son Max's young George in the "It's a Wonderful Life" radio play. He was so patient and kind with Max, as well as a talented performers in the show. Then I got to hear him sing at auditions! Wow, just wow. Hayden is brilliant as Hinckley and a shining light in "Unworthy of Your Love." I first saw Anna on stage in "School of Rock" and was so impressed with both her acting and singing abilities. She's been incredibly kind to me during "Assassins," helping me grow my confidence from the moment we met at auditions. The way she brings a dry humor to Fromme's character is hilarious, and her performance in "Unworthy of Your Love" is truly something to behold. She's an absolute gift to our stage.