The Cast of
A Christmas Carol
Bob Cratchit, Belle's Husband - Stephen Banks
Stephen Banks is pleased to be playing the role of Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol! You may also have seen him in many Ashe County Little Theatre shows, including Fiddler on the Roof, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Christians. He also has the privilege of serving as the Vice President of ACLT. He's proud to be a part of the Edge Playhouse's first-ever production, and he is grateful to be part of this awesome cast and crew. Enjoy the show!
Ebenezer Scrooge - Brant Burgiss
Ever since Brant’s father gave him the gift of an LP record version of “A Christmas Carol” back in 1967, the entirety of which he memorized and performed for his parents and grandparents on the occasion of the holiday, he dreamed of a day when he might actually get to play Scrooge on a real stage. Brant’s wife claims he has been typecast for this role and swears that Scrooge’s personality is so like him in real life, that what he is doing onstage shouldn’t be considered acting. Regardless of this preposterous accusation, Brant is thrilled to be sharing the stage with so many talented performers.
Recent area shows include Elf, Shrek, Into The Woods, The Odd Couple, The Wizard of Oz / Land of Oz, Hello Dolly, Willy Wonka, To Kill A Mockingbird, Bus Stop, Is He Dead? and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, as well as other regional community theatre productions and performing voiceovers, radio commercials, and audiobooks. He is married to Amy and they have 2 daughters. When not on stage, Brant is the manager for Thistle Meadow Winery in Laurel Springs.
Boy Scrooge,Tiny Tim - Aiden Depalma
Aiden DePalma (Tiny Tim) made his debut with Ashe County Little Theatre as “Tiny Tim” four years ago when he was 7 years old. Since then, Aiden has starred in several productions as Olaf, Shrek, A Lost Boy and Daddy Warbucks, amongst others. Besides acting Aiden loves playing soccer, wants to start a Rock Band and become a Private Pilot. Aiden thanks his family for their constant love, encouragement and support.
Caroler, Partygoer 2 - Anette Depalma
My name is Annette DePalma. "A Christmas Carol" is my 1st on stage performance. I have volunteered back stage assisting in the make-up department for several productions. I am excited for this new opportunity with The Edge Playhouse.
Ghost of Christmas Past - Jill Gambill
Jill Gambill has been involved in theater since 2000. She has participated in more than 30 shows, including The Mountain In Us where she portrayed her 6th great grandmother, and Matilda as The Trunchbull. She was last seen as Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. This is the first play she has done with The Edge Playhouse. When not on stage, she teaches art at Ashe Middle School.
Belle, Partygoer 1 - Junine Johnson
Junine (Belle, etc.) is excited to be part of this inaugural production of the Edge Playhouse. Some of her favorite onstage roles include the Baker’s Wife (Into The Woods), Dragon (Shrek), Sandra (Big Fish), Golde (Fiddler), and Leona (Exit Laughing). She also has credits as music director or vocal coach for several recent musicals. Junine’s offstage roles include tech attorney, private voice teacher, and AuntieNini to her twin 14-month-old niece and nephew.
Fan, Belinda, Person (on the sidewalk) - Katherine Poe
This is my first production with the Ashe County Little Theater. I helped Rebecca Williams with costumes on Fiddler on The Roof. In 2014 I was in a production, under the direction of Kim Noel called Moments.
Fred's Sister-In-Law Mrs. Fezziwig, Housekeeper - Jody Cheek
Jody is thrilled to be back on stage for this production! Past favorite roles include Frau Blücher (Young Frankenstein), Ms. Salt (Willy Wonka), Fanny (Wild Women of Winedale), and her recent appearance in Bright Star. Offstage, Jody loves singing karaoke with her theater family and spending time with her daughter, Lea, and her three grandchildren. She is also incredibly excited for her newest adventure as one of the founder's of The Edge Playhouse.
Fred, Dick Wilkens, 2nd Man - Baron Cooper
Baron is excited to be a part of the A Christmas Carol. This is his first production with The Edge Playhouse. Baron's last show was Bright Star (Daddy Murphy) with Hendersonville Community Theatre. Having previously helmed Ashe County Little Theatre's “Young Frankenstein.” His directorial portfolio also includes “Angel Street,” “Frankenstein,” and “Murder by Poe.” Audiences may also recognize Baron from his acting roles in productions like “Dracula,” “Bus Stop,” “The Addams Family,” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” to name a few. A versatile artist, Baron has contributed to numerous regional theaters as both an actor and a lighting designer. When not immersed in the world of theatre, he enjoys the creative outlets of 3-D printing and the adventure of whitewater kayaking with his daughter, Olivia. Baron wishes to express his sincere appreciation to his family, the cast, and the crew for their unwavering support.
Mrs. Cratchit, Laundress - Ann-Marie Schuyler
I'm a mother of 3 Tamara 25, Triston 19, and McKenzie 17. I live with my partner Jason in Mountain City TN. I work for Summit Support Services and have been a caretaker of adults with disabilities for 20 years. I am the Executive Vice president of the Appalachian Renaissance Faire of Tennessee and live stepping into different characters and bringing joy to others in the process.