Seasonal Stars

A Holiday Tradition with a Twist at The Bit Theater

As the winter holiday season approaches, we all look forward to familiar traditions—Christmas songs, twinkling lights, decorating the tree, visits from Santa, time with family, and the joy of giving and receiving gifts. But what happens when those warm, familiar traditions take an unexpected turn?

WT Productions and The Bit Theater in Aurora, Illinois proudly present Seasonal Stars, a collection of six original short plays that flip holiday expectations upside down. Each story offers a fresh, funny, and sometimes darkly touching look at the most wonderful time of the year. From offbeat family gatherings to surprising acts of kindness, from bittersweet nostalgia to laugh-out-loud absurdity, Seasonal Stars shines a light on the many ways we celebrate—and survive—the holidays.

Now in its eighth year, this annual WT Productions tradition has become a fan favorite for audiences seeking something different from the usual Christmas fare. Whether you’re a lover of holiday comedies, thoughtful dramas, or unexpected twists, Seasonal Stars delivers an evening of storytelling that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even tear up a little.

CAST

Antonia Arellano is delighted to be part of this year’s production of Seasonal Stars. She is a graduate of Indiana University with a B.A. in Theatre and has enjoyed performing a wide range of roles across both classic and contemporary works. Some of her favorite roles include Gertie in Fuddy Meers, Mrs. Betterman in Playhouse Creatures, Vi in The Memory of Water, and Gertrude Deuter in The Underpants. Her most recent performances include Ann in If I Died, Tomorrow at the Riverfront Playhouse, Kay in Ghost Light with GreenMan Theatre Troupe, and Director in Tree #2 at Steel Beam Theatre. Antonia is passionate about exploring the depth, humor, and humanity in every character she portrays. She extends heartfelt thanks to her family and creative community for their constant love and encouragement.

Elliot Brtva is excited to be performing in this spectacular holiday show. Elliot has held several roles such as Jack Chesney in Charley's Aunt, Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley, Fred Jones in Shooby Doo and That's the Way the Cookie Murders, and many others. He enjoys playing board games with his friends and spending time with his family. In the future, Elliot hopes to perform more stage shows. He thanks his loving children James and Lily, and his marvelous wife, Kate for their support.

Michael Bruce is a retired High School Economics Teacher who decided to explore the world of acting in the last year. He appeared in the production of These Shining Lives at Village Theatre Guild last Spring, and he also played a character in the Elgin Bluff City Cemetery Walk this Fall. He is thrilled to be a part of Seasonal Stars and to learn from and share the stage with such a talented group of actors. Mike especially wants to thank Carl and Debbi for giving him the opportunity to be part of their theatrical holiday tradition, as well as his wife and children for their encouragement and support as he pursues this second career.

Debbi Dennison is excited that the Seasonal tradition continues at her favorite improv theater!  She performs here regularly with her group Lobster Stole! Her favorite stage roles include Belinda/Flavia (Noises Off), Sis (Leaving Iowa), Faye (Chapter Two), and many characters in the murder mystery shows she co-wrote with Carl. Debbi trained in improv and acting at the Second City Training Center. Offstage, she is a Multimedia Producer for EGTV and a Camera Operator for the Kane County Cougars, Schaumburg Boomers & Chicago Steel. She thanks Patrick for this opportunity, Julane for costume help and rehearsal space, Tara for sound help, the cast for saying yes, and the audience for choosing us! Finally, many thanks to Carl for his creativity, perseverance, and his WT partnership for 8 seasons! She’s grateful for Brian, Linda, and Aunt Mary Ann’s continuous “life” help…Love you! Debbi gives a shout out to her brother Mark and dedicates this show to her parents.

Kim Green is thrilled to be participating in her second Seasonal show. She just came off a run of Love, Loss and What I Wore with Elgin Theatre Company. Some prior roles were Christine in The Second-to-Last Exit, Velma in Chicago, Chelsea in On Golden Pond, and Jean in Dead Man’s Cell Phone. She is thrilled to be working with such a great cast, and thanks Debbi and Carl for inviting her back. She lives in South Elgin with her husband, Larry, and two dogs. Kim thanks her family, and everyone coming out to support this show and live theater. Happy Holidays! 

Debbie Roberts is thrilled to be participating in another "Seasonal" show, especially being able to share the stage with her daughter. The last production she acted in was Mud Blue Sky as Beth at Village Theatre Guild in Glen Ellyn. Debbie aspires to someday be able to share the stage with Troy and Roy...it's a lofty ambition, but it's good to have goals. In the meantime, she is content to spend time with her kids (Matthew and Kate) and her dog Barkley, who keeps her very busy. She

would like to thank all of you for coming out to support live theatre...it's so much more fun with an audience!

Kate Roberts returns for her fifth year doing this. She is NOT finished imposing her presence on you all. Recent roles she’s done include Carnelle in The Miss Firecracker Contest, Sylvia in Sylvia, Dusty in POTUS, and your mom. She’s thrilled to be doing this show with her mom. Kate would like to shout out her mom, brother Matthew, girlfriend Jewels, Kassidy, Meghan, Aaron, Kris, godson Xavier, and Barkley. She also dedicates her performance to her dad.

Carl Zeitler has been active in Chicagoland theater since 2003 and is excited to perform at Bit Theater for the first time. Carl is thankful to Patrick for this opportunity, to Julane for selflessly providing a rehearsal space and costumes, to Tara for being the sound guru, to this great cast for their time and talent, and to audience members for supporting this show. Carl has written and directed Relationships in Progress, Reflections and Perspectives, and The Second-to-Last Exit, which have been produced at various venues over the past few years. Some of his notable roles onstage include Of Mice and Men (Lennie), The Odd Couple (Felix), The House of Yes (Anthony), Closer (Dan), and Boy Gets Girl (Tony). Carl is grateful to Debbi for her partnership, creativity, vision, and passion throughout eight Seasonal productions.

Troy has been the star of all the Seasonal shows. He’s currently working on a screenplay titled This Sucks but has only written one line so far. When not on stage, Troy is a dance party DJ along with his old pal DJ Meowy Mouse. He also enjoys eating sloppy, hot buffalo wings that make you cry. Troy thanks Debbi for keeping him around since she was a little girl, Simon for not chewing on him (although Troy will have a very watchful eye on kitten Louie this year!) and Roy for being a best friend that doesn’t suck.   

Roy is ecstatic to be involved with another Seasonal show, so much so that he immediately cut short his worldwide stand-up comedy tour to join the fun. He is thrilled to be working again with his best friend Troy and dreams of being able to share a scene with Debbie and Kate Roberts one day. When not acting or telling the best jokes ever written, Roy thoroughly enjoys and participates in ping pong, shooting pool (he routinely beats Troy at nine ball), and playing piano. He hopes everyone has a safe and happy holiday season and new year!

🎄 Show Dates & Times:

• December 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2025

• Saturday performances at 8 PM

• Sunday matinees at 3 PM

📍 Location:

The Bit Theater — 4034 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora, IL

(Near Hopvine Brewing Company)

🍸 Enjoy the full Bit experience: Grab a drink from our bar, take a seat in one of our intimate theaters, and experience the warmth, laughter, and unexpected magic that comes with live theater during the holidays.

✨ Recommended for PG-13 audiences due to language and mature content.

Join us at The Bit Theater for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience that proves there’s more than one way to celebrate the season.