THE EARL AND RACHEL SMITH STRAND THEATRE PRESENTS
December 12-21, 2025
PRODUCTION TEAM
Directed By
SHANE DELANCEY
Choreographer
ZAC PHELPS
Music Director
KEVIN SANDERS
Lighting Design
BEN PERKINS
Sound Design/ Audio Engineer
TRENT WATSON
Set Design
JOHNNY GRAVLEY
Costumer
AMANDA EDGERTON WEST
CAST
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- Maurice Clermont
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- Jessa Kate Driscoll
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- Isabella Engberg
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- Diego Turner-Figueredo
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- Marissa Garcia
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- Ashton Harden
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- Aminata Jalloh
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- Jerrell Melton
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- Chase Partin
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- Claudio Pestana
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- Jordan Renee Ward
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- Anna Catherine Wooley
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- Harper Close
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- Nolan Waters
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- Maurice Clermont
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- Jessa Kate Driscoll
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- Isabella Engberg
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- Diego Turner-Figueredo
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- Marissa Garcia
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- Ashton Harden
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- Aminata Jalloh
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- Jerrell Melton
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- Chase Partin
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- Claudio Pestana
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- Jordan Renee Ward
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- Anna Catherine Wooley
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- Harper Close
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- Nolan Waters
Maurice Clermont is a senior at Kennesaw State University (KSU), with a major in Theatre & Performance Studies, and a minor in Dance. He is so excited to be doing his third show here at The Strand! His previous show here was Jukebox Giants where he played Young Carle, and GREASE where he played Doody! His other projects include being in The Wiz at the Aurora Theatre as ensemble and the understudy for Scarecrow; the Male Swing in Sister Act at the Aurora; Leading Player in KSU’s production of PIPPIN; as well as being in the ensemble for RENT and Once on This Island at KSU! His home is the stage and he is so honored to be able to have this experience! You can find him on Instagram or TikTok @maurice.cjr
Happy Holidays everyone!!
Jessa Kate Driscoll is thrilled to be making her Strand debut! She graduated from Brenau University with a BFA in Musical Theatre in May of last year. Some of her recent credits include Cinderella in R&H’s Cinderella, and Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5! When she isn’t on stage, she is likely in a princess gown performing “Let It Go” at a four year old’s birthday party. If you’d like to follow along on her adventures, you can find her on Instagram @jessakatedriscoll.
Happy Holidays!
Isabella is beyond grateful to be back for this year’s production of A Christmas Tradition! Recent credits include “Nicole Barker” – The House Among the Trees, “Denise” – Sanders Family Christmas/ Smoke on the Mountain, “Kelly” – Hands on A Harbody, “show girl” – Honeymoon in Vegas, “Frenchy” – Grease, Isabella would like to thank Zac and Shane for making every christmas show feel like home!! – To my mom and dad thank you for always believing in me, supporting me, and helping me make my dreams my reality!!!
Diego Turner-Figueredo is thrilled to return to the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre! Recent local credits include Ensemble in Ragtime (City Springs Theatre Company), Pippin in Pippin, Ensemble in Reefer Madness (Kennesaw State University), Max in Bright Star (Strand Theatre), as well as Jack in Into the Woods and Warren in Ordinary Days (Woodstock Arts). Diego is a senior at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a B.A. in Theatre and Performance Studies with a concentration in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance. He is deeply grateful to God, his mom, friends, and family for their unwavering love and support. @diego.turner15
Marissa is excited to be back with The Strand for Christmas Tradition. Recent Credits: Phantom Rocky Horror Show (OnStage Atlanta), Jan Grease (The Strand), Mrs. Santiago/Feat. Ens. Ghost (Marietta Theatre Company), Stella/Archie/Ens. Bonnie & Clyde (Marietta Theatre Company), Ginger Brooks 1940s Radio Hour (The Strand), Roderigo Othello (Women’s Theatre Festival); Film: Jules Untitled Short (WBF), Veronica Extreme Obsession I & II; New Works: Carol Why Are You Like This? (Sharai Bohannon & Tom Robson). A graduate of Millikin University (BFA Musical Theatre & Dance minor), is a SAG-AFTRA eligible actor. Marissa is grateful to her parents, family, and friends for their continued support and love, and would like to thank all those involved in A Christmas Tradition for making this one fun ride. Website: mgmarissagarcia.com. Socials: @officialmarissagarcia
Hailing from Warner Robins, GA, Ashton is currently a junior at Kennesaw State University. Television: The Ms Pat Show (BET). Film: Young, If You’ve Got It, & The Pulse Of Time (SCAD). Theatre: Grease & Jukebox Giants (The Strand). Blood Wedding, Reefer Madness, Pippin, and Sondheim On Sondheim (KSU). Mother Of God (Southwest Arts). Bonnie & Clyde (Marietta Theatre Co.). Newsies & The SpongeBob Musical (Ronald Barnes Theatre). Freaky Friday and Singing in the Rain (Theatre Macon). @ashtonjharden
Aminata is thrilled to make her Strand Theatre debut! Previous credits include Tapestry Tunes, Once On This Island (Ti Moune) and The Color Purple (Squeak). She would love to thank her friends and family for their constant support and hopes you enjoy the show! (instagram: aminatajjalloh)
Jerrell Melton is a multi-hyphenate performer and content creator born and raised in Atlanta. His recent credits include Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (City Springs Theatre Company), 1940’s Radio Hour (Strand Theatre) and multiple contracts with Disney Cruise Line. Jerrell is honored to return to The Strand and wishes everyone a joyful and musical holiday season.
Atlanta native Chase Partin is thrilled to return to The Strand, where he last appeared in Bright Star (2025). He recently completed two contracts as a vocalist with Royal Caribbean, an experience he deeply appreciates. Chase also released his new holiday single, “Christmas Time With You,” now streaming everywhere, and he invites audiences to give it a listen. He is sincerely thankful for every opportunity to perform and extends heartfelt thanks to his friends and family for their unwavering support. All glory to God. You can stay connected with him on Instagram at @chasepartin_.
The Strand debut! Atlanta: Lou Adler/Righteous Brother in Beautiful, Duke of Weselton in Frozen, Pit Singer/Frankie Valli u/s in Jersey Boys, Jacey Squires in The Music Man, Ensemble in Ragtime (City Springs Theatre Company); Giuseppe Naccarelli in The Light in the Piazza, Giuseppe Zangara in Assassins (Jennie T. Anderson Theatre); Holiday Follies (Destination Theatre/Aurora Theatre); Darryl Ames in Bright Star (Georgia Ensemble Theatre); Merlyn in Camelot (Atlanta Lyric Theatre); Pit Singer/Frankie Valli u/s in Jersey Boys (The Legacy Theatre); Raymond in Honeymoon in Vegas (Marietta Theatre Company). Thanks to Shane, Zac and Kevin. Shout out to his loving husband Blake, friends and family for all the love and support. @claudio_pestana
Jordan Renee Ward is so excited to be making her Strand debut! She has a BA both in musical theatre and technical theatre & theatrical design from Vanguard University of Southern California. She has over 15 years of musical and performance experience and nearly 10 years of experience working on the production side. Some notable recent performance credits include Marianne (Disaster!), Jo March (Little Women), Regina (Rock of Ages). Huge thank you to this amazing cast and team as well as to her friends and family!
Anna Catherine Wooley is thrilled to be returning to The Strand for A Christmas Tradition! She is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a B.A. in Theatre Performance, Some of her favorite recent roles include Sandy in Grease, Fastrada in Pippin, and Placard Girl in Reefer Madness. Anna cannot wait to share these traditions with you, especially during the most magical time of the year. She sends the merriest thanks to her directors, cast mates, family, friends, and fiancé Tony for their endless support and cheer! @annacwooley
Harper Close is making her debut on The Strand stage. Favorite roles include Maleficent in Descendants Jr. (MSGA Drama at MPAC), and Annie Jr. (MCAA Drama at MPAC). She can be seen this spring in Oklahoma Youth Edition at MPAC (MMS Theatre).Thank you to family and friends for the support.
is excited to return to The Strand stage. Previous local credits: Ragtime (City Springs), A Christmas Tradition (The Strand- Marietta), Holiday Express: Merry Mischief (Bravo Dance Center- The Strand). Favorite roles include Pugsley in The Addams Family (Brylliant Acting Studio), Crutchie in Newsies Jr. (MSGA Drama at MPAC). Nolan was awarded Outstanding Performance By An Individual at the 2025 Junior Theatre Festival. Nolan can be seen in Wonderhunt Productions short film RUNAWAY this spring. Nolan is represented by Osbrink and Rebel Management. Love and thanks to family, friends, and teachers.
BAND
Piano Conductor Kevin Sanders
Bass Bill Pritchard
Bass Marc Miller
Bass Johnny Bakos
Drums/Percussion Danny Paschall
Drums/Percussion Jonah Sanders
Guitar Sean Thrower
Guitar Scott Lofranco
Guitar Hannah Selvaggi
Trombone Hollie Pitchard
Trombone Zack Opitz
Trombone Grady Houseworth
Trombone Eric Spencer
Trumpet Brandon Austin
Trumpet Jesse Baker
Trumpet Jacob Greifinger
Saxophone Michael Opitz
Saxophone Joey Garcia
CREW
After directing The Strand’s early summer production of Grease and returning for his seventh year of Jukebox Giants: Motown & More!, Shane is excited to be back at The Strand, directing A Christmas Tradition for the ninth time! Other recent directing credits include Rock of Ages at The Strand, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at City Springs Theatre Company. In addition to productions at The Strand, Shane has also regularly created original content for City Springs Theatre Company, Wilson Pickett Legacy, Bravo Dance Center, Davis Direction Foundation, Entertainment Design Group, The Entertainment Department and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Shane is currently a Senior Producer and Manager of Special Events at Stone Mountain Park. He has been recognized internationally for his award-winning productions, being a ten-time Best Overall Production nominee by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and a two-time recipient of the coveted award.
Zac has also been recognized for his direction and choreography work for high schools that have been nominated for Shuler Hensley Awards. Regional professional credits include: A Christmas Carol (Alliance Theatre); A Fiddler on the Roof (City Springs Theatre Company); Bullets Over Broadway (Georgia Ensemble Theatre); Les Misérables (Alliance Theatre); Silence! The Musical (Onstage Atlanta); Dead Man’s Party (Six Flags Over Georgia).
Zac is always thrilled to work with his longtime best friend and collaborator Shane DeLancey!
Amanda Edgerton West is an Atlanta based costume designer whose work has been seen on stage at City Springs Theatre (Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde, Holiday Inn), the Atlanta Lyric Theatre, the Aurora Theatre, Horizons Theatre, and Gordon State College where she is also a resident designer. Amanda also works as a stitcher in film and is a proud member of IATSE 479. She holds a MFA in costume design from the University of Georgia and a BA in theatre from the George Washington University.
Johnny has been involved with The Strand for 11 years. In addition to his incredible visual art skills, Johnny loves listening to sci-fi podcasts while he paints, playing piano in the lounge and singing with the GSO chorus..
Ben Perkins grew up in Cobb County, Georgia, where his early exposure to the world of technical production ignited a lifelong passion for lighting design. Starting in 2015, Ben became the principal lighting designer for the Cobb County School District, orchestrating the lighting for hundreds of graduations, special events, and county-wide ceremonies. His hands-on, self-taught journey in the AV field quickly expanded into a full-fledged career.
In 2018, Ben joined The Strand Theatre as a lighting designer, eventually stepping into the role of Technical Director in 2022. Over the next two years, he guided the theatre’s technical team through countless productions, from community showcases to large-scale musicals.
After earning his degree in Information Systems from Kennesaw State University, Ben continued to refine his craft. He recently transitioned to freelance work, bringing his wealth of experience in lighting and technical production to a broader range of projects. Ben remains deeply committed to education and mentorship, always eager to help the next generation of technicians find their light.
Kevin Sanders is a pianist, composer, and music director based in Metro Atlanta who has been playing professionally since the age of 18. His playing career has taken him all over the US and he has spent the past six years serving as Music Director for several projects at The Strand Theatre: Grease, Jukebox Giants: Motown & More, The Last Five Years, Brightstar and Strand Ole Opry. Kevin has toured with Georgia Players Guild’s Queen, Led Zeppelin and Eagles tribute shows since 2017. With a background that encompasses jazz, rock, and country music styles, Kevin continues to maintain a continuous schedule of performances in concerts, theater productions, and corporate events.
STRAND STAFF & BOARD
Andy Gaines
Executive Director
Manda Costoulas
General Manager
Chris DeLeo
Facilities and Events Director
Madison Willits
Production Director
Paloma Arielle W.
Marketing Manager
Julian Martin
Technical Director
Jackie Garvin
Box Office Manager
Jazmine Mooney
Bar and Concessions Manager
Katie Harmon
House Manager
Debbie Hall
Accountant
Clayton Moore
Sales and Event Manager
Savannah Patton
Education Program Manager
Johnny Gravley
Maintenance
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Holly Tuchman, Chair
Terri Guthrie, Vice Chair
Ron King, Treasurer, Finance Chair
Tracy Styf, Secretary
Cassandra Buckalew, Facilities Chair
Kim Gresh, Past Chair, Nominating Chair, Development Chair
Mazi Mazloom, Governance Chair
Dana Johnson, Governance Chair
Stan Wise, Development Chair
Linda Beggs, Liaison to Advisory Board
Wendy Bunch
Lindsey Burruss
Lisa Crossman
Jay Cunningham
Karen Hallacy
The Honorable Latonia Hines
Arnold Huffman
Stephen Imler
Don Keller
Karen Lockhart
The Honorable Sam Olens
David Persson
ADVISORY BOARD
John Alday
The Honorable Roy Barnes
Michael Bohling
Deanne Bonner
Bill Bruton, Jr.
Katy Ruth Camp
Luci Hogue
Michele Howard
Sam Kelly
Sheree Knowles
John Loud
Jackie McMorris
JK Murphy
The Honorable Bert Reeves
The Honorable D. Victor Reynolds
The Honorable Devan Seabaugh
Alice Summerour
TRUSTEES EMERITUS
Debbie Abernathy
Ron Carter
The Honorable William Dunaway
Carol Ann King Massih
Ralph Knight
Becky Paden
Earl Smith*
SPECIAL THANKS
Bravo Dance Center
K Mike Whittle Floral Designs
STRAND SPONSORS
STEPHEN W. IMLER
COBB COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
COBB TRAVEL & TOURISM
HLB GROSS COLLINS
NETEVATE
LGE COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
MARIETTA POWER & WATER
BRIAN WEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY
WALTON COMMUNITIES
THE STYF FAMILY
ACCESS COBB, CRAFT BANK
ED VOYLES AUTOMATUVE GROUP
RABBI STEVEN LEBOW AND MADELINE SABLE
MANNING PROPERTIES
YEOMANS, YOURRETIREMENTCOACH.COM
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Copyright law strictly limits the use of audio or video recording devices during any performance. No audio or video recording device, whether or not in use, is permitted in the place of performance without prior permission of The Strand. Any person found in possession of any such device or recording will be required to leave immediately and without refund. Our enforcement of the copyright law protects you and us, but most importantly it protects the copyright of the owners and artists who have made our performance possible.
It is The Strand’s mission to enrich and engage our regional community through diverse entertainment and memorable experiences for all.
The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more. The Strand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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EIN 20-0210688