Vanity Fair said of The Greatest Show “If you start your big musical movie with a song called ‘The Greatest Show,’ you’re setting up some pretty big expectations. One could almost call it hubris.” We open A Miracle Production with that same hubris, in an opening number led by a ringmaster familiar to most Holy Cross audiences, Jim Walsh. The song kicks off the 2017 movie musical The Greatest Showman, a deeply fictionalized biography of P.T. Barnum as he opens the Barnum and Bailey Circus. 

Friend Like Me is a dance-forward R&B take on the 1992 Robin Williams’ Aladdin marvel performed by Grammy Award Winner Ne-Yo. In our version, choreographed by Addie Lewis, the Genie not only displays her own immense power and talent, but, like a true friend, helps Aladdin (Neal Belden) discover his groove.

If I Were a Rich Man features Tevye (Dennis Nelson), a dutiful Jewish dairyman living in the Russian Empire, discussing his dreams and frustrations in a prayer for wealth. The song is one of many beloved numbers from Fiddler on the Roof, which explores themes of love, family, and the enduring power of faith.

Do You Love Me?, also from Fiddler on the Roof follows Tevye (Dennis Nelson) and his wife Golde (Sarah Mason) delve into the complexities of love, companionship, and the changing roles within a traditional relationship.

The women take the stage next in Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Originally recorded by ABBA in 1979, choreographer Neal Belden has transformed it into a high-energy, disco-infused number in the jukebox musical Mamma Mia! featuring Shea Jones, Katrina Poff, and Jami Warren. The song's infectious rhythm perfectly captures the carefree spirit of youth and the anticipation of a wild night out.

This Is the Moment throws us into Jekyll & Hyde, a musical adaptation of the classic Robert Louis Stephenson novella. Matthew Thornton brings us into the moment Dr. Jekyll decides to inject himself with the serum that turns him into the murderous Mr. Hyde. In our version, Mr. Thornton will leave the stage before he can do any damage.

Mell Scarbrough, Dwayne Clements, and Dennis Nelson lead our men in the Grammy-Award-Winning hit I'm Just Ken, from 2023’s Barbie. Ken (yes, like the doll) grapples with his second-place status in the Barbieverse.

Phantom of the Opera is Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical masterpiece, adapted from Gaston Leroux's classic novel. Since its debut, it has captivated audiences worldwide with its haunting score, opulent sets, and dramatic storytelling. The soaring duet All I Ask of You captures the longing between Christine (Jami Warren) and Raoul (Zach Fisher) for a life together. Its beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics express their love and hope, set against the haunting shadow of the Phantom's obsession.

The Plagues is one of just five songs from The Prince of Egypt to move from the 1998 animated film to the 2020 West End musical. The song displays the emotional turmoil of Moses (William Warren) as he warns of divine wrath upon Egypt, as well as the conflict between his love for his brother Ramses (Neal Belden) and the divine mandate he must fulfill.

Six is a 2017 pop concert-style musical that reimagines the lives of Henry VIII's six wives as a competition. Heart of Stone delivers Jane Seymour (Katrina Poff), Henry VIII's third wife, as she asserts her enduring love for her son, showcasing a powerful and unexpected side to the often-overlooked queen.

Les Misérables is a twice-revived Broadway phenomenon based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, following the lives of French outcasts as they navigate love, redemption, and revolution. One Day More captures the collective hopes and dreams of the show’s complex cast of characters on the eve of revolution.

Featuring Jim Walsh as Jean Val Jean, Matthew Thornton as Marius, Shea Jones as Cosette, Addie Lewis as Eponine, Neal Belden as Enjolras, Sarah Mason and Dwayne Clements as The Thenardiers, and Mell Scarbrough as Javert

Intermission

Comedy Tonight is the exuberant opening number of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, setting the tone for a night of farcical fun. Sarah Mason narrates as Prologus through infectious energy and witty rhymes, while we showcase some of Holy Cross Theatre Ministry’s more memorable looks.

The Song That Goes Like This goes like this. It’s from Spamalot, a musical adaptation of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It’s sung by Neal Belden and Shea Jones.

Composer and playwright Jonathan Larson is best known for Rent, but William Warren brings us a number from his lesser-known autobiographical rock monologue Tick…Tick… Boom!, finished posthumously in 2001 by David Auburn. 30/90 is an exploration of Larson’s mental state on the leadup to his 30th birthday in 1990 as he struggles with aging and lack of accomplishment.

Real-life married couple Jami and William Warren portray fictional married couple Bea and Nick Bottom, with a little help from real-life annoying friend Zach Fisher portraying fictional annoying brother Nigel Bottom in Right Hand Man from Something Rotten! With witty lyrics and infectious rhythm, the song celebrates their partnership and Bea's determination to prove herself as an equal in the male-dominated world of 16th Century England, as the characters try to write a hit show to compete with William Shakespeare.

Moulin Rouge! is a dazzling musical spectacle set in the vibrant world of Bohemian Paris. With a captivating blend of love and ambition, the show explores the passionate and tragic romance between a young poet and a dazzling courtesan. El Tango de Roxanne, as choreographed by Neal Belden and performed alongside Addie Lewis, captures the raw emotion and forbidden love at the heart of the story.

Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is a modern opera based on a section of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. In Dust and Ashes, Pierre (Zach Fisher) descends into his own personal turmoil and sense of isolation.

Hamilton’s revolutionary approach to storytelling and diverse casting redefined the possibilities of musical theater, inspiring a new generation of creators and audiences. The Schuyler Sisters introduces the dynamic trio of Angelica (Addie Lewis), Eliza (Jami Warren), and Peggy (Jessica Grummer-Strawn) Schuyler, setting the stage for their pivotal roles in Alexander Hamilton's life as they encounter future Vice President Aaron Burr (Neal Belden) in the early days of the American Revolution in the “greatest city in the world.”

Katrina Poff closes our show with Children of Eden, from the musical of the same name, serving as a poignant reflection on the complexities of faith, family, and the cyclical nature of life. The song encapsulates the show's themes of creation, redemption, and the enduring hope for humanity.

Bios

Neal Belden - Neal is so excited to be participating in this review 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 Zach for putting this show together.

Dwayne Clements - 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.  Here we go again.

Zach Fisher (Director) - This is Zach's 14th show at Holy Cross, beginning with Annie in 2000. When not on stage, he sings with and directs the Holy Cross Celebration Choir. 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. 

Jessica Grummer-Strawn - 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 is so grateful to be sharing this experience with such a talented and loving cast.

Claire Hayes - 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 is so grateful to be sharing this experience with such a talented and loving cast.

Shea Jones - Shea is so happy to be back at Holy Cross performing again. Past shows include Guys and Dolls (Miss Adelaide), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie Dillmount), and Beauty and the Beast (Belle). She currently works at Warner Brothers on the HGTV network. She would like to thank her friends & family, and also the entire cast/crew of the show for making this such a fun experience.  

Addie Lewis - 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 for surviving our Choreography days together. She thanks everyone for coming to the show. 

Sarah Mason - 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. 

Dennis Nelson

Katrina Poff - This is Katrina’s eleventh 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 White Christmas (Betty Haynes), 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. 

Mell Scarbrough - Mell has enjoyed performing with HTCM for over  25 years. He's looking forward to showing off in this show!

Matt Thornton - 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), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Pharoah/Gad/Assistant Director/Choreographer), White Christmas (Phil Davis/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, Once Upon a Mattress and Footloose!. 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 wife Sarah who is his rock and love of his life. He wants to dedicate this performance to his mother-in-law, Debra.  Your support of this ministry and love of your family is missed every day.

Jim Walsh - This is Jim’s 29th 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. You might have seen Jim earlier this year in White Christmas (Bob Wallace). 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! 

Jami Warren - This is Jami’s second show at Holy Cross. Past stage credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Aphlaleth), Beauty & the Beast (Belle), Sugar (Dolores), Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Girl), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Ms. Beauregard), MacBeth (Lady MacBeth), and Chicago (Velma). Jami is the Theatre Director and Teacher at St. Pius X, and she has been the Assistant and Technical Director at the Holy Cross Youth Summer Camp for the past four years. She would like to thank Zach for putting this fun show together. A special thanks to her husband William for his constant love and support in all things and a shout out to 4-month-old Gwendolyn Reese who brings joy to life every day. Enjoy the show! 

William Warren - This is William’s third show with the Holy Cross Theatre Ministry, after joining up for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dan) and dancing in the ensemble for White Christmas. 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 enjoying early fatherhood with his four-month-old Gwen!! Thanks especially to his wife Jami for being a solid rock and a right hand man. 

Margaret Whitley - 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 (Harem girl), Xanadu (Muse), Cinderella (Ensemble), 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 enjoyed her first-ever trip to Broadway in March where she Aladdin, and was able to see Funny Girl at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.