Meet the Cast: Nicole Goode of “A Christmas Carol”

Nicole Goode is a native of Monroe and a five-year veteran of the Strauss Theatre Center stage. In her every day life, she works at Kohl’s Department Store and the Ouachita Parish Public Library. She is excited to have the opportunity to play the Charwoman in such an iconic play.

Director’s Note: I’ve worked with and been a part of many productions of the years with Nicole. She’s wonderful to work with in every aspect. She took to the role as the Charwoman with a flawless performance the first time out and has been solid in the role ever since.

Watch Nicole as the Charwoman 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.

Meet the Cast: Ella Goodwin of “A Christmas Carol”

Ella Goodwin is a highschool senior who has actively been pursuing the arts through SYAA since sixth grade. However, this is her first production with Strauss Mainstage! Whether it is through acting, stage management, or soundboard, Ella is just happy to be “a part of the magic!”

Director’s Note: Ella is also my Stage Manager and, believe me when I say, she’s the best I’ve seen at it in a long time! She’s also a talented actress and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that she chose A Christmas Carol as her first Main Stage production.

Watch Ella as Clara 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.

Meet the Cast: John Turner of “A Christmas Carol”

John Turner has been a drafter/designer for over 5 years for a couple local companies. He has been back with Strauss as backstage crew/special effects for 3 years now and is excited to be back on the stage in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. He is also involved in Shakespeare in Love and Merry Wives of West Windsor with CA Studios. He has been involved as backstage crew/special effects in Baskerville, Who’s in Bed with the Butler, Mamma Mia!, and other productions of Strauss. He has been in a few Shakespeare plays under Cathy Airhart in his teenage years including Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest.

Director’s Note: John’s been a big help with building and moving the set around for the show as well as doing his part as a cast member. I’m thankful for his contributions both on and off the stage!

Watch John as Belle’s Husband 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.

Meet the Cast: Camille Spires of “A Christmas Carol”

Camille Spires  is the middle child and has both an older & younger brother, both of whom she adores. She loves to ride horses, is an avid reader, enjoys drawing, and spends much of her time singing. She attends Geneva Academy and is excited to be a part of her very first show. 

Director’s Note: Camille has stepped into the various roles needed for the ensemble with seamless ease. I hope to see her back for more shows in the years to come!

Watch Camille as Belle’s Daughter 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.

Meet the Cast: Lisa Purvis of “A Christmas Carol”

Lisa Purvis has been in four performances: Ensemble in The Music Man, Nun in Sister Act, Nun in Christmas on the River, and backstage on Mamma Mia!. She lives in West Monroe and enjoys being a part of A Christmas Carol.

Director’s Note: Lisa stepped in as Mrs. Dilber when an original cast member had to bow out of the production early, and I’m glad she did because I can’t see anyone else doing the role better than she has.

Watch Lisa as Mrs. Dilber 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.

Meet the Crew: Michaela Harris of “A Christmas Carol”

Michaela Harris is a native to West Monroe and attended ULM where she received her Bachelor of Art in English Literature. She is planning to continue her studies in the Spring at ULM, attending the Master’s Program in English.

Michaela has been a long-time supporter and participant of Strauss and the theatrical arts. Her aunt, Sylvia Rusche, was also once a participant and, along with Michaela’s parents, continuously encourages her love for it. Michaela has played in The Music Man and Dinner at 8, Dead by Nine. She did makeup/costuming in Baskerville and is doing so again in A Christmas Carol. Michaela is a self-taught makeup artist and is continually growing her knowledge and talent, as well as doing digital art. When she isn’t helping at Strauss, she is working at River Cities Humane Society for Cats, fostering kittens, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and spending time with her family.

Director’s Note: Michaela isn’t just in charge of the make-up but has also been tasked to complete small projects here and there wherever needed. She created the “Scrooge and Marely” sign along with a few other things and does it with a willing heart. So much of this show could not be made possible without her.

Watch Michaela’s impeccable work 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.

Meet the Cast: Taylor Michiels of “A Christmas Carol”

Taylor Michiels is an analyst for Lumen Technologies.  An aspiring Survivor castaway, he enjoys escape rooms, trivia, and watching movies.  He’s previously appeared in Mamma Mia!Godspell, Little Women, and Tuna Does Vegas.

Director’s Note: I don’t think I know of a harder worker at the Strauss. Taylor has helped with just about any show I’ve been a part of in the past year. He’s always willing to lend a helping hand and has become one of my good friends (and Survivor brother) over the past year.

Watch Taylor as Mr. Fezziwig 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.

Meet the Cast: Aubri Skinner of “A Christmas Carol”

Aubri Skinner is excited to come back to live theatre and be involved in A Christmas Carol. She has appeared on the Strauss stage in shows such as Mamma Mia!, The Cover of Life, and Little Women, as well as shows at CA Studio. She loves local theatre and appreciates the efforts to (safely) keep it alive during this time. Aubri wants to thank director Matt Wilkins for making this such a fun experience!

Director’s Note: For anyone who missed Aubri’s stunning performance in The Cover of Life, I feel sorry for you. She has amazing talent and a large range for an actress. Working with her on this show has been an honor indeed.

Watch Aubri as Mrs. Fezziwig 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.

Meet the Cast: Jackson Culp of “A Christmas Carol”

Jackson Culp is a national award-winning actor who has performed in over 40 stage productions within the last ten years. Recently, he starred in Lifespan of Fact as both John D’ Agata and Jim Fingal, The Groundling as Pete, Romeo and Juliet as Mercutio, and The Crucible as John Proctor. He is currently a junior at Louisiana Tech University.

Director’s Note: I’ve known Jackson since he was a kid and was thrilled when he first contacted me about being a part of this show. So much so, that I gave him two separate rolls to perform in! Over the years I’ve gotten to see his talent grow and I know it’s still just the beginning for what he can accomplish.

Watch Jackson as Young Scrooge & Old Joe 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.

Meet the Cast: Eddie Fountain of “A Christmas Carol”

Eddie Fountain is once again excited to be performing on the Strauss stage. He was last seen in the production of Godspell where he played the characters John the Baptist and Judas. He has also performed in many other productions at Strauss, including the dinner theatres.

Director’s Note: I kid with Eddie that it’s part of my contract he be included in every show I direct. I’ve had him in my last 3 dinner theater shows. He’s a wonderful actor, singer and friend. 

Watch Eddie as 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.