Laney Goodwin has been involved with several community theatres since she was thirteen years old and plans to continue with the local theatre scene as long as possible. She is currently pursuing a degree in theatre at Louisiana Tech, but is excited to be back in Monroe.
Director’s Note: Laney’s also the assistant director for the show and has been an enormous blessing to me since day 1. The past few weeks she’s had to furiously translate my random and vague requests I’ve made of her throughout the show. The show wouldn’t be what it is right now without her.
Watch Laney as Young Belle & The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come 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.
Emily Hilleke is the mother of (fellow cast members) Jonathan and Adam and a slew of other kids whose names escape her at the moment (but she loves them all same). She is married to Thomas who wears brown clothes and drives around town delivering cardboard enclosed goods to the masses. She’s excited to return to theater since her last show “Annie Get Your Gun, the Horse is Getting Old” wasn’t well received.
Watch Emily as Mrs. Cratchit 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.
Playing Tiny Tim in his first role ever is quite an honor for the Geneva Academy student. Tallis Wilkins’ favorite meal is an avocado and anchovies sandwich on rye bread. His favorite shows are “That’s not my Cat” and “Things that go ‘Boom’ in my Tummy”
Director’s Note: He may only have one line in the show but it’s the most popular one in the entire play! Tallis has fearlessly tackled the role of Tiny Tim and the entire cast loves him for it!
Watch Tallis as Tiny Tim 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.
Ken Bryan is a master of the secret of duck origami. Though the practice is now illegal to do with live ducks in most states, Ken keeps in practice in a small island in the Barbados. Among Ken’s greatest achievements are his daughters and his best-selling novel “Toilet Seat Down: A Survival Guide through the Jungle of Women.”
Director’s Note: I’ve always been amazed by Ken’s acting ability on stage. I first worked with him during Cottonland Christmas a few years back where he gave a masterful performance. To have him be a part of my show is an honor.
Watch Ken as Jacob Marley 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.
Jace Cascio is a 22-year-old senior at ULM pursuing to become a mental health counselor. He has been performing for 10 years and adores the performing arts. He would like to dedicate his performance for this show to his aunt Crystal Cupples who recently passed away from breast cancer.
Director’s Note: Jace is another actor who I’ve known ever since he was a kid. I worked with him in both Back to the 80’s and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He’s also worked with me in dinner theater as well. Really great to be working with him once again on another show.
Watch Jace as Bob Cratchit 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.
Breyton Mastronuzzi is a student at Louisiana Tech where he majors in Mass Communications with a minor in Pancake Flipping. His dream job is to become a radio dj or stunt double for Jason Momoa. He enjoys vacationing in Buford, Wyoming during monsoon season and is the current Grand Poobah for the Loyal Order of the Water Buffalos Lodge.
Director’s Note: I’m extremely grateful to Breyton for stepping in the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present. He has a great stage presence and is a joy to work with.
Watch Breyton as the Ghost of Christmas Present 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 Madison Hernandez. I’m a Junior Political Science major at the University of Louisiana Monroe. My plans after college are to attend Law School in pursuit of a Juris Doctorate. I’m from Calhoun, Louisiana. I have enjoyed theatre since I was a child and am proud to be a part of this wonderful cast.
Director’s Note: From the very first day, Madison secured the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s got a natural talent that this show benefits from. She’s also been an extreme help behind the scenes as well in assisting with the set. She’s a multi-talented actress that I hope comes back to the Strauss again in the near future.
Watch Madison as the Ghost of Christmas Past 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.
Phillip Brooks was born and raised in West Monroe, attended ULM and graduated with a communications degree that launched him into a career in radio, then video production.
You can hear him on 100.9 The Hill each weekday morning 6-10. He also works full time for Vantage Health Plan producing their videos for TV, social media, and in-house education.
He portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in the Family Church adaptation of A Christmas Carol for nearly 20 years until they stopped production in 2015. He said, “To portray Ebenezer Scrooge again would be an honor here at the Strauss Theatre.” He also said, “This redemption story is a timeless Christmas gem that needs to be told over and over again!”
He and his wife Amy along with their youngest daughter of four live in Calhoun.
Director’s Note: What can I say about our biggest star of the show? There’s few people in the Twin Cities who don’t remember attending a performance of Christmas Carol at the Family Church. Growing up, I saw it several times, and it was the reason I wanted to do this show in the first place. That Phillip agreed to reprise his role for our production was a dream come true for me. His hard work and dedication to the role is something I’m extremely thankful for. Believe me, you DO NOT want to miss his upcoming performance for this show.
Watch Phillip as Ebenezer 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.
Strauss Theatre Center is holding auditions for A Christmas Carol this Saturday, October 17th at 10 am at Strauss. We are looking for actors ages 7 to adult to perform this play based on the classic Charles Dickens novel. Matt Wilkins will be directing. Show dates will be December 3-8, 2020. For more information call Donna at 318-323-6681 or go to StraussTC.com/Auditions.
