Alice by Heart

Annabelle Branch (ensemble) has been a part of many shows at MLT. Some of her past roles include one of the Three Blind Mice in Shrek, Lady Beaconsfield in Jekyll and Hyde, and Judy Turner in A Chorus Line. Most recently, she was the choreographer for Heathers the Musical. Annabelle is also a member of the costume committee and created many of the pieces you will see in today’s show! She wants to thank her friends and family for their love and support.

Henry Bridges (Mock Mock Mock Mock Turtle) is excited to be a part of this amazing show with such an incredible cast. You may have seen him recently at MLT in once upon a mattress (Prince Dauntless) or in Lion King Jr. (Scar). He is a 16-year-old junior at Central High school. He wants to thank his friends and family for supporting him in his dream!

Darnisha Callies (Knave of Clubs and Ensemble) is a Performance student at Mercer University from Warner Robins, Georgia. Most recently, she was seen as Queen Lillian and the Bishop in Perry Players’ Shrek, in the ensemble of Heathers at Macon Little Theater, and featured in her school’s gala. Darnisha is so grateful for the team that made this show as magical as it is, the opportunity to work with all of her phenomenal cast and crew members, and the chance to hit the stage again alongside her friends!

Abbie Carr (Alice Spencer) is 20 years old and is currently pursuing her BFA in Musical Theatre through Eckerd College and Circle in the Square Theatre School. She is so excited to be involved her fourth production with MLT as Alice in Alice by Heart. Most recently, she was seen as the Cheshire Cat at Eckerd College in Alice by Heart, and previously performed as Maggie in A Chorus Line and Emma in The Prom at MLT. Abbie also just recently co-directed Shrek the Musical at Perry Players with her dad, Justin Carr, who is the whole reason she was introduced to theater, music, and the arts in the first place.  This production is especially meaningful to Abbie as a tribute to her PaPa who passed in May. He taught her to always work hard and never give up. She knows he would be proud.  She is incredibly grateful to the artistic team for trusting her with this beautiful role and is honored to share Alice’s story with you.

Allison Freligh (Ensemble) is beyond excited to be a part of her fourth show here at MLT. You may have previously seen her here as Rusty in Footloose, Samantha in the Unpredictable Times, a Cheerleader in Heathers and Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray at Perry Players. This show is bittersweet for her as it’s her last show before she leaves for Europe to serve as an English teaching assistant in Austria for a year. She’d like to thank Cannon Stephanie and JP for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this amazing show as well as her family for being steadfast in their support of her passions.

Stephanie Gore (Choreographer) is grateful for another opportunity to choreograph at MLT, especially for a show this special. Her choreography was last seen on stage in Rocky Horror, RENT, and Spring Awakening (Steven Sater/Duncan Sheik’s other masterpiece). A huge thank you to our incredibly collaborative cast – there is no way we could have THIS show without your hard work, your open mind, and our countless trials of lifts. Lots of love to the creative team, SMS, and my husband for holding down the fort while I live out my dream.

Cassidy Hall (Ensemble) is so excited to be in one of her favorite shows at her favorite place! Cassidy recently returned to Macon after spending her summer performing professionally in Massachusetts and Kansas. Middle Georgia Credits: Cassie in A Chorus Line, The Witch in Into the Woods, Ilse in Spring Awakening (Macon Little Theatre), Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain (Theatre Macon), Amber VonTussle in Hairspray (Perry Players). Regional Credits: Joy the Stepsister in Cinderella (Great Plains Theatre), Missy/Dance Captain in 9 to 5, Florence/Dance Captain in Brightstar (Priscilla Beach Theatre). This is also Cassidy’s 3rd season working as the choreographer for MLT’s Family Series, and you can see her and her work next as Clarisse in Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief!

Kayleigh House (Ensemble) is so excited to be in a show that uses dance in such an expressive and unique way!! Some of her favorite MLT credits include a Cheerleader in Heathers, Urleen/Dance Captain in Footloose, Columbia in Rocky Horror, Connie in A Chorus Line, and Kevin G/Sexy Corn/Dance Captain in Mean Girls. You may have also seen Kayleigh as Brenda in Hairspray last summer at Perry Players. Kayleigh thanks the creative team for allowing her to be in such a whimsical and beautiful show, and she hopes that you enjoy this story as much as she does!!

Heather Kemp (Ensemble) is making her musical theatre debut in Alice by Heart — which also marks the first time she has danced anywhere other than her living room.  A classically trained soprano, Heather is a singer-songwriter, musician, producer, writer, and Board-Certified Music Therapist with a lifelong background in music and performance. She has wanted to do theatre since she was a kid, and as a longtime lover of Alice in Wonderland and fellow curious little weirdo, she couldn’t imagine a better show for finally following herself down the rabbit hole.  Special thanks to Tyler and Moira for their inspiration and support, and to her amazing six-year-old, Lily, for endlessly rehearsing the dance moves with her.  She’s especially thankful to her inner child for insisting she audition, and deeply grateful to Macon Little Theatre, the creative team, cast, and crew for such a joyful, welcoming first experience in musical theatre.

Blake Leslie (Dodgy/Duchess) is excited to be back at MLT to join this cast of well-adjusted characters. He was last seen here as Dr. Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and as Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods. You may have most recently seen him at Theatre Macon as Danny Zuko in Grease as well as Larry Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen, Kevin T. in Come From Away, Prince Hans in Disney’s Frozen, Dr. Pomatter in Waitress and Ramses in The Prince of Egypt.

Charlotte Mays (Nigel/ Dormouse) is excited to be a part of another show at MLT. She was recently seen in Shrek the Musical, and Jekyll and Hyde. She has done multiple shows at MLT and has loved being able to meet new people, create new memories and have fun! She would like to thank her husband for cooking dinner, watching kids, and supporting her finding new areas in life to grow! Enjoy the show!

Pearce Miller (Knave of Spades/Ensemble) is honored to be a part of this wonderful cast and exciting show! You may have seen him on this stage recently as Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress or as Troy Bolton in High School Musical Jr. His other credits in Middle Georgia include Legally Blonde at Stratford Academy as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Perry Players. Pearce wants to thank his family for letting him slip away for many hours at a time and his friends for making this such an enjoyable experience. He also wants to give special thanks to the team behind the scenes making this all come together. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!

Addie Paige Munn (Mock Mock Turtle/Ensemble) is thrilled to perform in her third production on the MLT stage and to revisit the beloved material of Alice By Heart after performing in this musical for the first time back in 2024. She is in college studying elementary education and works as a substitute teacher for HCSD. You may have most recently seen her in MLT’s production of “Heathers” as Heather Macnamara. She’d like to thank JP, Stephanie, and Canon for this opportunity as well as her wonderful castmates for their kindness, dedication, and support. Enjoy the show!

Jordan Ray (Mock Turtle) is ecstatic to be back on the MLT stage. You may remember him as Jekyll and Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde and Jason “JD” Dean in Heathers on this very stage. Other credits include Rodger in Grease and Davey in Newsies at Theatre Macon. Jordan graduated from Brenau University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and now teaches theatre at Central High School. Jordan would like to give a special thanks to the entire production team of Alice by Heart and especially to JP for letting him into this magical world!

Holly Roberts (Clarissa/Caterpillar 2) was last seen on stage in Theatre Macon’s production of Grease. She is excited to be returning to MLT’s stage after a 7-year hiatus. When not on stage, she is working behind the scenes or busy crafting. She is so grateful to be doing what she loves. May we all be so lucky.

Cassidy Ross (Ensemble) is excited to share the stage with her fellow thespians again. When she’s not trapped in a subway turned bunker or dancing around with other mythical creatures, she can be spotted in her natural habit, the local Waffle House, where she works as a server. You may have seen her earlier this summer with scarecrows, a lion, a tin man, many witches, and a homesick little girl. Cassidy has also had amazing experiences playing in: SpongeBob SquarePants: the musical (Ms. mayor), Man of La Mancha (Antonia), Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Ghost of Christmas past), Death of a Salesman, Into the woods, Hello Dolly, and Fiddler on the Roof. Cassidy also enjoys playing the good ole make’em ups at local improv studios. She wants to thank her partner and fellow creative, Justin, for his love and support of this passion. She also wants to thank you for continuing to support live theatre, and especially community theatre, because it truly changes the lives of everyone involved. Merde, toi toi toi, and break a leg to her fellow cast and Crew members.

Emily Rain Tigerlily de la Sierra(ensemble) is thrilled to be on the Macon Little Theatre stage again. She grew up on the MLT stage and is thrilled to be a part of the Alice by Heart cast. Off stage, she’s usually in the garden with the animals, or on the game with her friends! Emily was last seen in Jekyll and Hyde, Reefer Madness, Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, and Heathers.

Tyler Stella (Alfred/White Rabbit) is thrilled to be making his debut on the MLT stage. Some of his past favorite roles include Chad in All Shook Up, Link in Hairspray, Huck Finn in Big River, and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. When not on stage, he spends his days in his Kindergarten classroom at the best school in Houston County, having the most fun with 18 perfect students. He would like to thank his family, friends, coworkers, admin, and fellow cast members for their support throughout this show. He is also very grateful for MLT and the creative team for giving him this opportunity to bring one of his favorites characters ever to life on the stage. He hopes everybody finds the beauty in sadness while watching the show. Enjoy!

Miles Stelson (Dr. Buckridge/Jabberwock/King of Hearts) is excited to return to the Macon Little Theatre stage for his second production. He previously appeared in Jekyll and Hyde at MLT. Most of his theatrical experience comes from Houston County High School, where he also played this role two years ago.  Miles is beginning his second year at Georgia Southern University, where he pursues Vocal Performance. He would like to thank his family for their continued support and hopes everyone enjoys the show! He is especially glad that he doesn’t have to wear a fake beard this time!

Ashley Stephens (Tabatha/Cheshire Cat) is thrilled to slink back onto the MLT stage in Alice by Heart. Some of her favorite past roles include Fiona in Shrek, Cinderella in Into the Woods, and Maureen in Rent. When she isn’t onstage, she works in Admissions at Mercer University and spends her free time playing fetch with her cat, Eloise “The Tiny” Stephens. She is especially grateful to her family and friends, particularly the non-theatre ones who graciously accept that she disappears for several weeks every time she’s in a show, yet still show up to support her. A special shoutout goes to crochet queen Charlotte for creating the most incredible cardigan and making Ashley the best-dressed cat in Wonderland. Ashley dedicates this performance to her beloved childhood cat, Kitty, who was by her side for 19 years and prepared her for this iconic feline role.

Christina Justice Sullivan (Red Cross Nurse/Queen of Hearts) is delighted to be in her 4th production with MLT. Christina holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Clayton State University. Other roles with MLT include Jack’s Mother in Inter the Woods, Dragon in Shrek, and Veronica’s Mom in Heathers. Christina also serves on the Executive Board and performs with Capitol City Opera in Atlanta. She is incredibly grateful to JP, Stephanie, and Cannon for allowing her to be a part of this beautiful production. Christina would also like to thank her family and friends for their support this past year in returning to the theatre.

Ella Trotter (Queen of Diamonds/Ensemble) is so excited to be back onstage at MLT after a nice little summer break. Most recently, you might have seen her as Veronica Sawyer in Heathers or Bebe in A Chorus Line. In real life, Ella works at the Townsend School of Music at Mercer University, of which she is an alum. She would like to thank the MU Opera program for giving her so much experience playing weird little guys in her time there, as those skills have really come in handy for this show. She would also like to thank the creative team behind Alice by Heart at MLT for the opportunity to participate in such a whimsical yet impactful production, and she hopes you enjoy!

Alex Williams (Angus/Caterpillar) is excited to be a part of this show. He'd like to thank his partner, friends, and family for their constant love and support. Thank you and enjoy the show!

Maran Wolfe (Knave of Hearts) is thrilled to be a part of this whimsical and impactful story!! You may have seen her recently at MLT in Once Upon a Mattress (Wizard), or Heathers (Cheerleader). She is a 17-year-old Senior at Veritas Classical School. She would like to thank Charlotte for letting her help crochet the caterpillar gloves (they were an absolute blast to make!), and JP, Cannon, and Stephanie for the opportunity to participate in one of her favorite musicals and for making this experience so fun!!

Alli Yeomans (Harold Pudding/Mad Hatter) loves sharing the stage with her friends, sleeping, and adding whimsy to life. She gets to do two of those things in Alice by Heart. Favorite roles include Sheila in A Chorus Line, Mrs. Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the “Yeah... That’s a Moose” bus driver in Come From Away. Special thanks to Husband Tyler for ordering 6 pounds of jellies, to Mom and Dad for nurturing a loud, weird child, to the Celebrity Beyond for audition locations, and to Everleigh for existing. FOE.