The Hard-Working Cast and Crew
The talented cast of A Christmas Carol consists of a diverse and joyous mix of people in our community. We are ecstatic to see a great mix of new faces and Strauss veterans in this production both onstage and behind the scenes. Weeks of rehearsal go into learning lines and blocking for any show, but this cast knocked it out of the park with their dedication, positive attitudes, and genuine excitement to bring theatre into our lives once again. Matt Wilkins, the director, brings out the magic in the message of A Christmas Carol thanks to his diligence and hands-on work in every aspect of the production.
The Debuts
Seventeen, yes SEVENTEEN, cast members are making their Strauss Mainstage debut with A Christmas Carol. Since we are unable to give them an audience with live applause, we want to provide all the virtual love and support for these amazing actors with our amazing virtual audience. We hope to see these wonderful volunteers back soon: Emma Agan, Jack Allen, Gabby Ballew, Phillip Brooks, Mattie Cross, Ella Goodwin, Laney Goodwin, Abigail Hawthorne, Madison Hernandez, Adam Hilleke, Emily Hilleke, Jonathan Hilleke, Breyton Mastronuzzi, Nyah Onderko, Camille Spires, Oz Wilkins, & Tallis Wilkins.
The Christmas Cheer
One of the many reasons we chose to produce A Christmas Carol this season was to bring joy and hope to the community. We understand this year has been tough for many, if not all, of us. The story and message that A Christmas Carol brings is a familiar, heart-warming one that really resonates every Christmas. We are thrilled to be able to bring it into your home.
The Beautiful Set
We are very thankful to David Kaul for providing us with his masterpiece of a set. Fans of the annual productions at Family Church may recognize it. We are appreciative of his hard work because it looks absolutely beautiful. We cannot wait for you to see it!
It’s Safe and Convenient
Now that Tiger King and The Queen’s Gambit are cleared from your Netflix watchlist, it’s time to shake it up! Our production of A Christmas Carol is a show for all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re as old as Scrooge or as young as Tiny Tim, you will love Matt Wilkins’ adaptation of the classic tale. We’re so thankful that we were able to record the show to present to our members, community, friends, and family from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Now you can experience theatre in your Grinch onesie while drinking hot chocolate and munching on sugar cookies; at least that’s how I’ll be enjoying it.
As always, a huge shout out and thank you to all our volunteers for their time and the patrons and members who made this show possible. We’d also like to thank our sponsors – Lazenby & Associates, Monroe West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau, and ARCO. We could not have done this without your support!
Purchase your ticket to view A Christmas Carol, streaming on our website today! Call the box office at 318.323.6681 or visit the Tickets page of the site.
My name is Gabby Ballew, and I am a junior Communications major at ULM. I work at Newk’s Eatery as a Certified Trainer. Some of my favorite hobbies include singing, playing my guitar, and playing the piano. I also like to make covers of songs that I like. I have been in 3 shows outside of Strauss. These shows include High School Musical (2015) and Little Shop of Horrors (2017 at West Monroe High School and The Phantom of the Opera at ULM (2019). This is my debut at Strauss, and I hope there are more shows in the future. I would like to say thank you to my family and friends for believing in me and supporting me through thick and thin. I would like to give a special thank you to my brother Peyton for convincing me to be in the show and for being proud of me and supporting me throughout the show. “A merry Christmas to you all.”
Watch Gabby in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
My name is Emmanuel Capers, I am 25 years old. I have a bachelors in Arts and Humanities from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I have performed in many operas, concerts and musicals at ULM and the Strauss Theatre. My most recent performance at Strauss was Godspell under the direction of Terri Cunningham. I am excited and honored to be a part of A Christmas Carol this year!
Director’s Note: I saw Emmanuel in Godspell and was excited to have him join our cast. The man is very talented, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know him better over the past few weeks with this show. Only regret is that I didn’t get to know him sooner, he’s a great guy!
Watch Emmanuel in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
Oz Wilkins is a student at Geneva Academy. His hobbies are whiffle ball, plate stacking and slug slinging. This is his first show at the Strauss and one of the highlights of his year.
Director’s Note: Oz has had to fill in as both the Carol Boy and Boy Scrooge in this show. A tall order for any first time actor but he’s done the job well and I’m happy to have him as past of the cast.
Watch Oz as the Carol Boy & Boy Scrooge in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
Jonathan Hilleke is a student at Geneva Academy and is allergic to double rainbows, false teeth and Yankees fans. He’s happy to be part of his first show at the Strauss Theatre.
Director’s Note: Jonathan’s grown a lot as an actor in this show. I hope he continues to pursue his interest.
Watch Jonathan in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
Adam Hilleke is the only child in NELA to ever receive the esteemed “Subterranean Soil Treatment Award” for his study in ant hills. He’s a student of Geneva Academy and is excited to be in his first show at the Strauss.
Director’s Note: I’m not sure but Adam may be having the most fun of anyone in the cast during rehearsals. He’s also smiling and gets along well with his fellow castmates.
Watch Adam in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
Mattie Cross is a student at Geneva Academy and is experiencing being a part of her first show ever. To put it in her words “This sure beat feeding spoons of dirt to my siblings and telling them it’s a protein bar!”
Director’s Note: I’m very pleased to have Mattie as part of our cast. She’s done a great job adjusting to the roll of Fan.
Watch Mattie as Fan in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
Wade Purvis has been in two performances: Charlie in The Music Man and backstage/extra in Sister Act. He lives in West Monroe and is married to Lisa Purvis with son, Tony, and daughter, Tori.
Director’s Note: Wade is one of the most positive guys I’ve met at the Strauss. Always with a greeting and smile, its been great getting to know him during this production.
Watch Wade in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
My name is Peyton Ballew, and I am a native of West Monroe, Louisiana. My last/previous time on the Strauss Mainstage was Mamma Mia! back in 2019. I am a full-time artist and owner of a local gallery, Studio Ballew. When I am not on stage, I love to paint, listen to music, and watch musicals. I enjoy being involved in various organizations, like the Monroe Zoo, NELA Arts Council, Biedenharn, etc. I am very happy to be back on the Strauss stage once again with a talent. Many thanks to my family for supporting my journey in the theatre industry and taking me to almost every rehearsal.
Watch Peyton as a Gentleman in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
Nyah Onderko is a student at Geneva Academy. After years of dancing and singing around the house, her parents finally gave in and let her audition for a show. She is very excited to be in her first theatre production.
Director’s Note: I’m happy to be a part of Nyah’s very first show! She’s got a natural talent and takes direction well. A pleasure indeed to work with. I hope to see her in many more productions in the future.
Watch Nyah in A Christmas Carol streaming December 21-January 1. For tickets and information, call Donna at the box office at 318-323-6681 or go online at StraussTC.com.
