White Christmas Cast & Crew Bios

Belden, Neal (Jimmy, Ensemble) Neal is so excited to be back for his 10th show at Holy Cross. Past shows include Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), The Addams Family (Gomez Addams), and The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis). He works as a freelance photographer and content creator. He would like to thank his mom, Addie, and his friends for their support and Matt for another opportunity to be on stage.

Ceron, Genesis (Children's Ensemble) Genesis is a 6th grader at The Globe Academy. She loves animals, especially dogs.  She likes to play basketball, swim, build with Lego, and play with her dogs. She also plays viola and piano. She speaks English and Spanish, and is learning French. This is Genesis's first show at Holy Cross and it is a very new experience for her.

Ceron, Victoria (Children's Ensemble) Victoria is a 6th grader at The Globe Academy. She likes to dance, make hand crafts, and loves anything that has to do with art. She also plays piano, speaks English and Spanish, and is learning French. This is Victoria's first show at Holy Cross and she is very excited to be part of it.

Clements, Dwayne (Ezekial Foster) Glad to be able to get to do yet another show with the Troops of Miracle Productions in my 21st consecutive play.  Thanks Holy Cross Theater Ministry for some of the best memories of my life. 

Coyle, Casey (Judy Haynes) Casey is excited to be making her Holy Cross Theatre Ministry debut! She recently returned to the stage as Liesl in the More Players’ production of The Sound of Music. Previously, she was active at the Aurora Theatre through its partnership with Georgia Gwinnett College. Her favorite credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Olive Ostrovsky), Working the Musical (Millwork soloist), and Much Ado About Nothing (Hero), as well as working on Aurora’s main stage as run crew for Mamma Mia, Ripcord, and Be Here Now.  All my love and gratitude to my dorks!

Ezewudo, Emanuella (Ensemble) This is Emanuella’s first show with the Holy Cross Theatre Ministry.  She previously held the role of narrator in a play while in her home country of Nigeria.  She’s currently working on her doctoral studies at Mercer University’s Atlanta campus and is looking forward to a career either in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, or regulatory system.  She finds joy in singing and the cadence of Nigerian Afro dances.  Performing in White Christmas allows her to show her gratitude to God and help those in need through the St. Martin de Porres group of Holy Cross.

Fayad, John (General Henry Waverly) John has appeared in several productions at Holy Cross including Oklahoma!, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, South Pacific, Kiss Me Kate, Sound of Music, The Music Man, Footloose, Shrek, Catch Me if You Can, The Little Mermaid, Honeymoon in Vegas, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Road to Assisi, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  John is a member of the Adoration Choir and a cantor at Holy Cross Church. This is a wonderful musical for any time of year with beautiful songs and great singing and dancing. We hope you enjoy the show. All my love to Katherine, Josephine, and Evelyn!

Fisher, Zach (Ralph Sheldrake, Ensemble) Zach is excited to return to the Holy Cross stage. This is Zach's 13th show at Holy Cross, beginning with Annie in 2000 and most recently as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When not on stage, he sings with and directs the Holy Cross Celebration Choir. He's also the proud chairman of the Cherokee Trail and Campsites, a nonprofit committed to providing independent and inclusive scouting programs in the Tucker area. He's so grateful for the unending love and support of his wife Annemarie, and his 2 awesome kids, Nate and Josie, who make countless sacrifices to make these shows happen.

Fisher, Nate (Children's Ensemble) Nathaniel is in his second show at Holy Cross. He's a third generation member of the Holy Cross Theatre Ministry, and is excited to join his dad and aunt on stage again this year. Nate is in Kindergarten and enjoys animals, reading, Cub Scouts, and playing piano. He loves his teachers, friends, and family. 

Forbes, Teresa (Ensemble) Teresa is delighted to be a part of White Christmas! She is excited to age back into the world of theater after taking time off to focus on her studies. She recently graduated from GSU in Fall 2023 where she earned a degree in Film and Media. Previous productions include Guys and Dolls (General Cartwright), High School Musical Jr. (Kelsi Nielsen), The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Goodman, Gail (Co-Director) Once again, the talented Thespians of the Theatre Ministry grace the makeshift stage of Holy Cross and romp around for a month plus, pretending to be something they're not, and having a stellar time doing so.  After more than two decades directing for the Holy Cross Theatre Ministry, Gail is excited to be back for this year's production of White Christmas.  She can only say how grateful she is to have been allowed to be a part of this wonderful ministry.  The friendships she has gained over the years are real, even if the characters are not.  The amount of time and energy expended by the actors, set crew, lights and sound, and everyone else in the production is amazing and humbling.  Thanks to all who make this ministry flourish, you are truly angels!

Grummer-Strawn, Jessica (Michelle Nulty) Jessica grew up in the Holy Cross Theatre Ministry. After many years abroad she now teaches Middle School Literature at Saint John Neumann where she also runs the drama crew. She sings in the 9A.M. choir at Holy Cross, teaches adult ESOL class, and loves to hike and kayak with family. Jessica would like to thank her parents who got her involved in theater and continue to be wonderful role models; her brother, Zach, and his family for all the joy they bring; and the amazing cast of White Christmas whom she loves dearly.

Guenthner, Patty (Martha Watson) Patty is thrilled to be back on stage singing these great Irving Berlin tunes! She has been performing in Atlanta-area theater for 40 years (gulp!).  Some favorite roles here at Holy Cross include Footloose (Vi Moore), Curtains (Georgia Hendricks), and Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts)” Other favorite roles include Savannah Sipping Society (Dot Haigler) at Stagedoor Players, Enchanted April (Mrs. Graves) at OnStage Atlanta, and Kiss of the Spider Woman (Molina’s mother) at Actor’s Express. Lately, Patty has turned to directing productions by The More Players at St. Thomas More in Decatur. Recently retired from the CDC, Patty is now enjoying her retirement traveling and hopefully doing more theater!

Hanna, Katelynn (Rhoda) Katelynn is so excited to be playing the role of Rhoda in this year’s production of White Christmas. This is her second show at Holy Cross after last year’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. When not teaching middle school math at IHM, Katelynn enjoys puzzling, reading, and spending time outside.  Many thanks to Andrew and her parents for all the support. Enjoy the show and remember, use Oxydol! For purity!

Hayes, Claire (Seamstress, Ensemble) Claire caught the musical theater bug in high school, when she made costumes and appeared onstage in Mikado and Pinafore.  She first joined the Holy Cross theater ministry helping Gil Spencer paint sets.  More recently she has performed in Camelot, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me if You Can (Paula Abnagale), Sound of Music, Honeymoon in Vegas, Footloose, and The Road to Assisi at Holy Cross as well as Oliver! and The King and I at St. Thomas More.  She still enjoys set dressing and costuming.  Claire is also a cantor with the Adoration Choir.  Claire’s daughter Margaret started acting in Holy Cross shows long before her mom.  A few years ago she convinced her husband Keely to join the fun, and he typically creates some sturdy set pieces for each show.  Now the family can actually spend quality time together in January and February.  

Lewis, Addie (Dance Captain, Ensemble) Addie is excited to be a part of another Holy Cross production. She is currently working towards her acting career while having the background of Advertising and Project Management. Her previous roles included Hunchback of Notre Dame (Esmeralda), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero), and if you went to dinner in Buckhead or Roswell from 2021-2022, Addie most likely played the role of your Valet Attendant at one of those restaurants. Addie would love to thank Neal, Ruby, her mother, father, Brooks and Ethan. She thanks everyone for coming to the show. 

Mason, Sarah (Mrs. Snoring Man, Ensemble) Sarah is thrilled to be performing in another Holy Cross Street People show! Some of her favorite roles have been Reno Sweeny in Anything Goes, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof and Mae Peterson in Bye, Bye Birdie all performed at Holy Cross. She has also been blessed to play the roles of Dolly in Hello Dolly and Miss Hannigan in Annie with the St. Thomas More Players. Over the years, she has performed at Onstage Atlanta, Cobb Community Playhouse, and Stage Door Players.  Love always to her supportive husband, who usually plays bass in the orchestra but is helping with the music tracks for this show.

McMillian, Ken (Mr. Snoring Man, Ensemble) Ken was most recently in STM's production of The Sound of Music.  He played the (Nazi) butler Franz...Yes, even Franz! This was his first time in a non-singing and  dancing role - and it was a musical! Go figure. He is very happy to be in White Christmas as he considers himself a song and dance man at heart! Favorite roles have been Bert in Mary Poppins and Cosmo in Singin' in the Rain. Oh, and there was Best Little *House in Texas! not to be confused with Little House on the Prairie. Thanks to Holy Cross for this first opportunity to do a show with such great people!

Morriss, Carson (Children's Ensemble) Carson is a 2nd grader at Knight Elementary School. He enjoys swimming, playing with his dog, riding his bike, and playing with Lego. This is Carson’s second show at Holy Cross. His first show was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He would like to thank his mom for her love and support and God for letting him have this opportunity. 

Morriss, Dylan (Children's Ensemble) Dylan is a 6th Grader at Trickum Middle School. He enjoys playing his guitar, playing baseball, riding his bike, and skateboarding. He also loves playing with Lego, board games, and video games. This is Dylan’s second show at Holy Cross. His first show was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Dylan is very excited to be in the play again and he thanks Mr. Jim Walsh, Mr. Matthew Thornton, and Miss Gail for the opportunity.

Peralta, Leo (Children's Ensemble) Leo is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School.  Leo enjoys playing video games and joking around with his mom. He's happy for the opportunity to participate in this year's play. 

Poff, Katrina (Betty Haynes) This is Katrina’s tenth show at Holy Cross.  Previous shows include Honeymoon in Vegas, The Little Mermaid, Footloose, The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and Wizard of Oz.  Her favorite roles to date are Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Christine Colgate), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator), and Shrek, The Musical (Dragon).  Katrina teaches Middle School Math at IHM and sings with the Holy Cross Crossfire choir.  You can also see her around Holy Cross as Assistant Director of the Summer Youth shows.  She would like to thank her husband Bobby, son Landon, and the rest of her family for being so amazing and supportive.

Pratt, Timothy (Children's Ensemble) Timothy is 4 years old and a member of Holy Cross. He enjoys singing and playing instruments like piano and the ukulele. He also loves building with Lego, putting together puzzles, roller skating, and playing in Henderson Park.

Reynolds, Drew (Scooter, Ensemble) Drew is the grandson of esteemed choreographer Robert Louis Fosse. Drew is best known for understudy roles in The Sound of Music (Daddy Rolf) and Cats (Pete The). When not singing The Summons or other Gather hymnal favorites, he can be found moonlighting as a sidewalk evangelist at the Moonshadow Tavern in Tucker, GA.

Reynolds, Julia (Children’s Ensemble)

Reynolds, Lucy (Children's Ensemble) Lucy is 7 years old and in 1st grade at The GLOBE Academy learning French.  She really likes school and loves her teachers.  This is her first play at Holy Cross.  In the fall, she was in the Children’s Ensemble in The Sound of Music at St. Thomas More.  She likes to play the piano and enjoys soccer and gymnastics. 

Reynolds, Nora (Children's Ensemble) Nora Reynolds is 9 years old and in 3rd grade at The GLOBE Academy learning French. This is the second musical she has been in. In the fall, she was in the Children’s Ensemble in The Sound of Music at St. Thomas More. She likes to play soccer and she also does gymnastics. This is her first show at Holy Cross and she really likes doing it.

Reynolds, Susan (Sheldrake’s Assistant, Ensemble) Susan is happy to be part of her first show at Holy Cross. She recently made her stage debut in St. Thomas More’s production of The Sound of Music (Maria alt., Sister Margaretta). She would like to thank Ken for teaching her how to tap dance. When she isn’t dreaming of a white Christmas, she’s a theology professor and mom of three small but opinionated musical theater fans.

Sander, Michelle (Tessie, Ensemble, Stage Manager) Michelle is thrilled to be a part of her first show at Holy Cross. She most recently appeared onstage as Maria in St. Thomas More's production of The Sound of Music. Past credits with GGC and the Aurora Theater include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), The Addams Family (Alice Beineke), Zombie Prom (Ginger), and Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret). She sends love to her husband, family, and the Ding-Dong Dorks!

Thiele, Sarah (Cigarette Girl, Ensemble) Sarah has previously been in Fiddler, Camelot, Birdie, Good News, Damn Yankees, Little Mermaid (Allana), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Sarah has also helped the crew behind the scenes during Catch Me If You Can and got to meet her fiancé during the show. You can see Sarah around Holy Cross singing with Crossfire Choir in the Life Teen Mass or delivering to St. Martin de Porres for her family’s produce business. Sarah is so happy to be on the stage and working with an amazing group of talented people, doing what we all love for a great cause! Sarah wants to thank her parents Debra and Patrick, family, and friends for being supportive through the shows, especially her fiancé, Matthew Thornton, for wanting her to be a part of the show, believing in her always, and being her wonderful joy of life.

Thornton, Matthew (Phil Davis, Director, Choreographer) Matt is very excited to be back on stage at Holy Cross. He is a 6th Grade Social Studies teacher at Chamblee Middle School where he also runs the school Drama Program, Chamblee Spotlight. Some of his past stage credits include Oklahoma! (Curly), Forever Plaid (Frankie), The Sound of Music (Rolf), Les Misérables (Marius), Annie (Rooster), The Music Man (Marcellus/Choreographer), Bye-Bye, Birdie (Hugo), Footloose! (Ren/Choreographer), Shrek: The Musical (Donkey/Choreographer), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Schroeder), The Little Mermaid (Sebastian/Assistant Director), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Freddy), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Pharoah/Gad/Assistant Director/Choreographer). He also directs and choreographs shows for the Holy Cross Youth Drama Camp and Chamblee Middle School, including High School Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Guys and Dolls, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, and Once Upon a Mattress. He would like to thank his friends and family for their undying love and support, his sister Kaitlyn who is his inspiration to perform, and his incredible, beautiful fiancée Sarah who is his rock and love of his life.

Trujillo, Sophie (Susan Waverly) Sophie is thrilled to be performing in her first show at Holy Cross. Previously, she has performed in Mary Poppins Jr. (Mary Poppins), The Sound of Music (Louisa), The Wizard of Oz Jr. (Glinda), and Horizon Theater’s Madeline’s Christmas (Simone). When she isn’t onstage, she enjoys participating in her middle school’s chorus and spending time with her friends. She would like to thank the directors and cast for giving her such an amazing experience. She would also like to thank her family for driving her to rehearsal during rush hour and her friends for putting up with her promoting the show for a month. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Walsh, Jim (Bob Wallace, Theatre Ministry Director) This is Jim’s 28th show at Holy Cross beginning with Godspell when he was in high school, and he’s excited to be back performing with this talented group of friends. Some of Jim’s favorite Holy Cross roles are: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Lawrence), Shrek (Lord Farquad), Camelot (King Arthur), Beauty & the Beast (Beast), Footloose (Rev Moore), Music Man (Harold Hill), Sound of Music (Captain von Trapp), and Oklahoma! (Curley). Jim also performs with the More Players and the Cathedral Players & some favorite roles are: Sound of Music (Max), Mary Poppins (Mr. Banks), Oliver (Fagin), Wizard of Oz (Tin Man), Children of Eden (Adam/Noah), and The King & I (King). When not on stage Jim is SE Division Mgr for Wells Fargo Treasury Mgmt and he also directs the CrossFire band at the 5:30 Sunday mass. Love to his wife, Mary & daughter, Kate for their support!

Warren, William (Regency Room Announcer, Ensemble) This is William’s second show with the Holy Cross Theatre Ministry, after joining up for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dan). William has worked as an actor, director, stage manager, producer, and writer on several productions in another life. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) and teaches high school ELA at Midtown International School. When he isn’t goofing around on stage, he is stressing out over impending fatherhood — baby is due March 30!!! Thanks especially to his wife Jami for her patience and support during what has proven to be the busiest trimester of all time.

Werner, Kat (Rita, Choreographer) Kat is thrilled to be returning to the Holy Cross stage! Some of her previous Holy Cross shows include Footloose (featured dancer/gymnast), Catch Me if You Can (Cheryl Ann), The Little Mermaid (Adella), Honeymoon in Vegas (Rose), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, St. Francis show (Sister Mary Patrick), and Joseph (Judah’s wife). She has also participated in some shows at Saint Thomas More including Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl, Napkin), and most recently, The Sound of Music (nun, choreographer). She has also been involved with the Holy Cross Youth Drama Camp both on stage and back stage since its first year. Off the stage, Kat is a second-grade teacher and a baker. She would like to thank Gail and Jim for another opportunity to be on stage as well as her parents for putting up with the sound of her tap shoes for the past few months. Lastly, she would like to send a shout out to her crazy friends who she loves so much and couldn’t live without, the Ding Dong Dorks! Enjoy the show!

Whitley, Margaret (Assistant Seamstress, Ensemble) Margaret first appeared onstage as the Dancing Flea in Froggie Went a-Courting.  Since then her life has been filled with singing, dancing, and acting.  She is a courtesy clerk at the Kroger at Cofer Crossing.  At Holy Cross she has been an orphan in Annie, a noble daughter in Camelot, a Polynesian woman in South Pacific, a townsperson of Verona in Kiss Me Kate, a teen in Bye Bye Birdie, and the tornado AND the manicurist in The Wizard of Oz.  At Marcus Jewish Community Center’s Habima Theatre, her credits include Shrek (Princess Fiona), The Addams Family (Grandmother Addams), Grease (Marty Maraschino), Aladdin, Xanadu, Cinderella, and Mamma Mia! (Tanya).   She cares for two dogs at her home with Claire and Keely, and two cats at her home with housemates Anne and Laura.  She looks forward to her first-ever trip to Broadway in March.  She dedicates her performance to our music teacher, Pat Yunker, who plunked out the parts to the hard songs.

Wollam, Marc (Train Conductor, Ensemble) This is Marc’s third musical production at Holy Cross.  Previously he was in The Little Mermaid (jellyfish) and The Road to Assisi (Franciscan Brother).  He's recently performed with the St. Thomas More Players in The Sounds of Music.  Marc has done many shows at Jerry’s Habima Theatre including Music Man Jr. (Quartet), Oklahoma! (Tom), Footloose, Once Upon A Mattress (Prince Dauntless), Disco Inferno (Tom), Happy Days (Richie Cunningham), Guys & Dolls, Jr. (Nathan Detroit), Grease (Johnny Casino), Little Shop of Horrors (Skip Snip), Aladdin, Jr. (Sultan), Shrek, The Musical Jr. (Lord Farquaad), Wizard of Oz (Munchkin Mayor), Xanadu, Jr. (Danny McGuire), Mamma Mia! (Bill Anderson), and Cinderella, Jr.  He’s also done work in Swampy Meadows through Spotlight and can be seen on YouTube.