with
Ciarán Sheehan
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Ciarán Sheehan is an acclaimed tenor and actor best known for his portrayal of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, which he performed over 1,000 times on Broadway and in Toronto. His Broadway credits also include Les Misérables (Babet/Marius) and Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera for more than two years.
In New York, Ciarán has appeared in numerous productions with The Irish Repertory Theatre Company. Notable roles include Tom in Grandchild of Kings (written and directed by Hal Prince), Shaughnessy in The Hostage, Ciarán in Frank McCourt’s The Irish… and How They Got That Way, Sir Dinadan in Camelot (alongside Jeremy Irons), and Woody in Finian’s Rainbow.
As a producer, he created and starred in the sold-out production of The Molly Maguires, directed by Tony-nominated Sheryl Kaller at the FM Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. His work has been featured in three PBS specials: The Irish… and How They Got That Way, From Galway to Broadway, and Ciarán and Friends.
A celebrated solo artist, Ciarán has sold out Carnegie Hall four times, as well as The National Concert Hall in Dublin. His recordings include The Irish… and How They Got That Way, Ha’penny Bridge, and Ciarán and Friends, Volumes 1 and 2.
Television audiences may recognize him from appearances on Law & Order, One Life to Live, Another World, Late Night with David Letterman, and numerous PBS broadcasts nationwide.
and
Heather Bixler
Heather Bixler is an accomplished classical violinist and Irish fiddler whose artistry has brought her to stages across North America, Europe, and Asia. A graduate of Indiana University, The Juilliard School, and the University of Memphis, she has performed in some of the world’s most renowned concert halls, including the Musikverein in Vienna, Carnegie Hall in New York, and venues in Tokyo, Barcelona, and Mexico City.
In 1992, she earned a first violin position with the Orquestra Ciutat de Barcelona in Spain. Since then, she has served as concertmaster for both the South Dakota Symphony and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería in Mexico City. Her versatility and excellence have also led her to perform as a substitute violinist with the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet, and the American Symphony Orchestra.
Rachel Gold
Rachel Gold is a New York–based actor, singer, composer/lyricist, and screenwriter originally from Los Angeles. She made her Broadway debut as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and was most recently seen as Hodel in Broadway at Music Circus’ production of Fiddler on the Roof. Internationally, she starred as Scarlett O’Hara in the musical adaptation of Gone with the Wind.
In addition to her creative work, Rachel teaches voice and acting online, sharing her expertise with aspiring performers. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s B.F.A. Musical Theatre program.
Michael Kaish
Michael Kaish is a New York City–based music director, pianist, and arranger with a dynamic career spanning Broadway, national tours, and international productions. He is widely recognized as the music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, which enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run from 2022 to 2023 and continues to be performed globally.
Michael is also regarded as one of the leading music directors of Jersey Boys in the United States, having conducted the national tour for two years and performed the show over 500 times. His additional credits include Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Broadway, La Jolla Playhouse, Norwegian Cruise Line) and the U.S. premiere of Ride the Cyclone at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Laird Mackintosh
Laird Mackintosh is an acclaimed Canadian performer whose career spans Broadway, national tours, international opera, and classical theatre. He made international headlines as the Phantom in the final Broadway performance of The Phantom of the Opera, having played the role over 200 times and performed in more than 4,000 shows across the Toronto and New York productions.
In 2023, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the arts in Alberta.
Recent credits include Henry Higgins in the national tour of My Fair Lady (Kennedy Center, Chicago, Los Angeles), Mr. Banks in Broadway’s Mary Poppins, John Utterson in Jekyll & Hyde, and James Wilson in 1776 at City Center Encores.
At the Stratford Festival, he starred in eight seasons of leading roles, including My One and Only, To Kill a Mockingbird, South Pacific, Hello, Dolly!, Into the Woods, and Anything Goes.
Internationally, he has appeared in ten Opera Atelier productions, including performances in Japan and Singapore. He began his career as a dancer with the National Ballet of Canada.
Sue Anderson
Sue Anderson’s career has been full and varied, ranging from Broadway productions to films to recordings. As a conductor and musical director, Ms. Anderson has worked with Broadway and the national touring companies of Pirates of Penzance, Me and My Girl, and Cats. She has conducted Pops concerts with the Milwaukee, Detroit, Phoenix, Portland and Shreveport orchestras and most recently conducted the London Philharmonia at Abbey Road Studios. An accomplished pianist, Ms. Anderson was the featured on-stage pianist in Broadway’s Jerry’s Girls. She also performs regularly at Carnegie Hall with the all-state choirs produced by Field Studies International. Sue was the musical director for The First All Children’s Theater, The Broadway Local, SoundBites, and has toured many times with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.
Eamonn O'Rourke
Born in County Donegal, Ireland, Eamonn O’Rourke is an acclaimed master musician renowned for his exceptional talent and versatility. With a career that has seen him grace countless recordings for Grammy-winning artists, Eamonn has toured the globe, sharing his passion for music with audiences far and wide. Now residing in East Islip for the past 30 years, Eamonn has made a home with his wife, Aileen, and family. He is a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bass, and banjo, bringing a rich tapestry of sounds to his performances and recordings. As a producer, he has crafted numerous albums in his East Islip studio, further showcasing his dedication to the art of music. Eamonn’s lifelong passion continues to inspire and uplift, making him a treasured figure in the music community.
Craig Schulman
Craig Schulman is the only performer in the world to have performed three of the most extraordinary musical theatre characters ever written. He has appeared in the title roles of Jekyll & Hyde, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, and nearly 2,000 performances of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, on Broadway and around the world. Mr. Schulman moves freely between the worlds of Broadway, opera, and symphonic pops programs. He has sung Don Jose in Carmen, Judge Danforth in The Crucible, Eisenstein in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, the title role of Honegger’s King David, sang the title role in The Tales of Hoffmann, and was the lead soloist in Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives at Lincoln Center. He is the creator and producer of the Broadway Nights Concert Series, and two solo programs: Heroes, Monsters & Madmen and Craig Schulman On Broadway.
Kaley Ann Voorhees
Kaley Ann Voorhees performed the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Ms. Voorhees previously appeared in the original Broadway cast of Prince of Broadway, the career retrospective of Phantom director Harold Prince. She also performed in the musical's world premiere in Japan and made her opera debut in Mr. Prince's production of Candide at New York City Opera last winter. She hails from Aurora, OH and has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Point Park University. Currently she tours with The Four Phantoms in Concert.
Common Questions
What is the last day to purchase tickets?
Tickets will be available until 4:00PM on Thursday, December 11. Due to high demand and many inquiries, we kindly encourage you to purchase your tickets as early as possible to ensure availability.
Will tickets be available at the door?
We cannot guarantee ticket availability at the door. To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance.
How much do tickets cost? Will seats be assigned?
General admission tickets are $40 per seat with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis in the East and West wings of the church.
A limited number of sponsorship pews – platinum, gold, and silver – are available in the front area and wings. These pews are sold as full units and include an advertisement in the concert program. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Diane Donato at 201-264-6771 or Cathy Williamson at 201-664-3131.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets may be purchased online through our secure portal, which provides immediate confirmation and processes payment directly to Saint John the Baptist Parish.
Prefer to pay by check or cash? Visit the Rectory during our regular hours:
Monday – Friday, 8:30AM – 12NOON and 1:00PM – 4:30PM.
How will I receive my ticket(s)?
A confirmation email will be sent to the address provided during purchase. This email serves as your admission ticket. Please double-check your email address before completing your purchase.
Are the tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Thank you for your understanding.
When will the doors open?
Guest registration opens at 3:00PM in the Parish Center. Church doors will open for seating shortly thereafter.
How will the proceeds be used?
After covering event expenses, all proceeds will benefit our parish community. Your support makes a meaningful difference – thank you!
Will there be a concert program? Can I place an ad or greeting?
Yes! Each guest will receive a beautifully designed keepsake program.
We welcome advertisements and Christmas greetings from businesses, families, and individuals. Sponsorship pews also include program ads.
To be included, submissions must be received by 4:30PM on December 5. For details, please contact Diane Donato at 201-264-6771 or Cathy Williamson at 201-664-3131.
I’d like to help -- who should I contact?
We are grateful for your generosity! If you know potential sponsors, donors, or volunteers, please reach out to Cathy Williamson at 201-664-3131 or email sjbchristmasconcert@gmail.com.
Where should I park? Is mass transit available?
Complimentary parking is available onsite, with overflow lots available on the west side of the church and in the metered Hillsdale Municipal Lot (between Wendy’s and Chipotle on Hillsdale Avenue). We are also just a five-minute walk from the Hillsdale NJ Transit station on the Pascack Valley line.
Additional questions?
For any further inquiries, please contact Cathy Williamson at 201-664-3131 or email sjbchristmasconcert@gmail.com. We are happy to help!