The Dancers
- Dancer
Faith Pons
Faith is 16 years old and lives in Granite Falls, NC. She is a junior who is dually enrolled at Patton High School and Western Piedmont Community College. Faith has danced since the age of three at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy in Valdese. She is a competitive dancer with extensive training in ballet, lyrical, tap, hip hop, jazz, and acrobatics. Faith is a junior member of Carolina Dance Masters, and has participated in numerous CDM events, including the Miss Dance Pageant, Student Honors Intensive Program, and Winter Workshop. In addition to dancing, Faith is an active member at Waterlife Church in Lenoir, where she is a member of the Host Team. Faith is also a member of the Patton High School Anchor Club and National Honor Society. This is Faith's 5th show with Carolina Onstage, and she couldn't be more excited! Faith would like to thank Mario and Lucinda for the opportunity to work with them, and would also like to thank all of her dance teachers for their support--Debbie, Melody, Mindy, Sarah, and Sara!
- Dancer
Carson Reed
Carson is 17 years old and a senior at Cherryville High School in Gaston County, NC. Carson started her dance training at the age of 3. At age 5 she started competing in dance competitions around the Southeast, winning several titles including Elite Miss Dance and first place overall awards. She currently studies ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop at Above The Barre Dance & Gymnastics Academy in Fallston, NC. Carson spent her summer at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Contemporary Dance Intensive. She also serves as a Pro Ambassador for Expressions Dance Competition. In addition to dancing, Carson also enjoys acting and singing in local theatre productions. She is so excited to be performing in her second Carolina Christmas Show! She would like to thank her dance teachers and her loving family for their support and encouragement. Carson also thanks Lucinda and Mario for this opportunity and wishes you all a Merry Christmas!
- Dancer
Callie Powell
Callie is an 8th grader at Jacobs Fork Middle School. She lives in Hickory, NC with her mom, dad, and two dogs, Lady and Abby. Callie dances at Electric Dance Gallery and Education in Granite Falls and trains at numerous dance locations in the area. A competitive dancer for 8 years, she studies and performs multiple dance genres including jazz, tap, musical theater, hip hop, clogging, lyrical, and contemporary. She has won multiple scholarships, awards, and titles including Miss Teen Limitless Endless Talent 2024 and Teen Miss Inspire Asheville 2024. She currently holds the title of Young Miss Fred T. Foard High School. She is extremely excited for her second Carolina Christmas Show and thanks Mario and Lucinda for the opportunity to showcase her talent this holiday season!
- Dancer
Macey Webb
Macey is 16 years old and lives with her family in Morganton, NC. She began her dance training at the age of 4 at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy. She is a six-time top ten finalist of Carolina Dance Masters, most recently placing 2nd runner-up in the 2024 Miss Dance competition. An accomplished soloist, Macey has received numerous judges awards, scholarships, and other accolades and placed 1st overall in the Elite division at competition. She has trained at summer intensive classes through Soar Studios, attended numerous conventions, and was recently awarded Protege Performer at KAR Dance Convention for the 2024-2025 season. Macey is very strong in her Christian faith and attends Summit Community Church. She loves all types of dance and aspires to perform, choreograph, and teach professionally in the future. She is extremely blessed to be working with Mario and Lucinda and is greatly appreciative of the opportunity to perform in her fifth Carolina Onstage production.
- Dancer
Maddison Plonk
Maddison "Maddi" lives in Fallston, NC and is in her second season with the Carolina Christmas Show. She is a junior enrolled in Acellus Academy's online school, which allows more time for her dance training. A 16-year-old competitive dancer at Above the Barre dance studio in Fallston, Maddi is an instructor for the mini dance team and is also an ambassador for Expressions Dance Competition Company. In her free time she enjoys traveling and dance improvisation. First and foremost she thanks God, and she also thanks her family, the Nanney family, The Evans family, her Above the Barre family and teammates, and of course, Mario and Lucinda Morin!
- Dancer
Ansley Guill
Ansley is 17 years old and lives in Hudson, NC. She enjoys attending school at Caldwell Early College High School where she plans to graduate with an associate’s degree in science and an associate’s degree in art. Ansley started dancing at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy at age 4, training in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. She began taking private lessons at age 6, performing with the competition team by age 7, and competing as a soloist by age 8. Ansley’s favorite styles of dance are contemporary and jazz, which allow her to express herself and have fun. She enjoys choreographing her own solos and is currently working on her third routine. Ansley is very grateful for every opportunity her parents and studio have provided for her and for all the support she has been given by family and friends!
Zoey Oliver
- Dancer
Zoey is 11 years old and a 6th grader at West McDowell Middle School in Marion, NC. She has been dancing and performing since the age of 3 at Le Petite Dance Studio. She is a competitive dancer and has been formally trained in jazz, hip hop, lyrical, gymnastics, and acro. Zoey is a member of Living Waters Tabernacle where she loves performing interpretive sign language with the senior drama team at church and throughout the community. Zoey is very excited about her 2nd Carolina Onstage Christmas Show and is grateful for this opportunity to spread the 'Reason for the Season!'
- Dancer
Adriana Miller
Adriana s a 12 year-old A honor roll student at H.M. Ardnt Middle School. She resides in Hickory, NC with her parents and three adorable pets. Adriana is a competitive dancer at Ann Freeman Dance Academy. Her eight years of dance training include ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, acro, and hip-hop. She has received multiple scholarship and judges awards and has competed in the Carolina Dance Masters, Junior Miss and Teen Miss Dance of NC pageant. She is excited to be performing in her very first Carolina Christmas Show and is incredibly grateful to Mario and Lucinda for this experience. Adriana wishes you all good cheer in Christ this holiday season.
Charlee Kate Watters
- Dancer
Charlee Kate is 12 years old and lives with her family in Hudson, NC. She is a 6th grade student at Christ Classical Academy in Rutherford College, NC where she is an A honor roll student. Charlee Kate has been training at Debbie Huffman Dance Academy in Valdese since the age of 3 and has danced competitively since the age of 5, with studies in acrobatics, ballet, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, and tap. She has competed in the Carolina Dance Masters Junior Miss Dance pageant for the past three years. Charlee Kate is beyond excited to be dancing in her second Carolina Christmas Show and would like to thank Mario and Lucinda for this amazing opportunity. She would also like to thank her DHDA teachers (Debbie Huffman, Melody Poarch, Mindy Coffey, Sarah Dice, and Sara Moses) for their encouragement and support.
The Singers
- Singer
Morgan Hendley
Morgan is a 16-year-old singer from Marion, NC. She is in 11th grade at McDowell High School. She enjoys singing and playing the piano. Morgan has been singing for as long as she could talk and started playing piano at age 7. She was a featured vocalist in the Carolina Summer Show, sang for her school‘s chorus, and performed the National Anthem at several sporting events and special programs at the North Carolina State Veterans Home. Morgan is very excited to return to the stage for the Carolina Christmas Show!
Victor Aundrey Hough
- Singer
Victor is a native of Bethune, SC and has been residing in Asheville for almost 18 years. He is husband to Shanna Hough and father of two, Victor Nehemiah and Ezra Joel. Victor has been singing all of his life in church choirs and worship teams. Even in his role as the Campus Pastor of Biltmore Church West Asheville, he still enjoys the freedom to lead worship and is very excited to be a returning vocalist in his fifth Carolina Christmas Show, as Christmas is his most favorite time of the year.
- Singer
Maddy Curtis
Maddy is an award-winning singer and is absolutely thrilled to be a part of this show! After receiving her degree in Vocal Performance from The Catholic University of America in 2015, she took part in many musical theater productions, operas, and jazz shows around the DC area. She and her little family moved to Asheville in 2020, and she has been performing in its vibrant music scene ever since. She was seen most recently in Asheville Musical Theatre's production of Songs for a New World. Some other favorite past roles include: Jo March in Little Women the Musical, Nancy in Oliver!, Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Eponine in Les Miserables.
- Singer
Scott Pennell
Born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina, Scott grew up in a very musical family, where singing hymns and gospel music was part of his everyday life. He landed a job singing on cruise ships, entertaining people all around the world. Scott was a top 70 country recording artist in Cash Box Magazine for 3 consecutive years, and he was one of the magazine's #1 indie artists during this time. He was also a top 10 country recording artist in several European countries. His newest album release is an unplugged inspirational bluegrass/folk mix of secular and Christian songs. His heartfelt goal is sharing his God-given talent to touch peoples' lives and to make a difference.
- Singer
Lucy Weaver
Lucy is a 26 year-old Hickory, NC native. Born on Christmas Day, Lucy has always felt a special connection to the holiday season. A graduate of UNC Asheville, where she earned a degree in Classical Vocal Performance, Lucy has built a diverse career on stage since her debut at 11 as the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Her recent credits include Horn in the West (Ensemble), Mutz-Mag (Mutz-Mag), and Godspell for which she won Foothills Perform Arts’ award for Best Character Actress portraying herself! With her actual birthday falling on Christmas Day, the best present Lucy could ask for would be performing for everyone this holiday season.
- Singer
Amanda Shinn
Amanda is a native of Mt Ulla, NC and has resided in Troutman, NC for the last 15 years. She is a lead singer and co-founder of a rock band and has performed approximately 200 live rock shows. She has written and recorded over a dozen original rock, blues, & country songs and enjoys singing a wide array of music genres. She has performed in several local Christmas parades. Christmas is one Amanda's favorite times of the year, and she enjoys singing classic and contemporary Christmas music.
- Singer
Karen Matthews
​Karen discovered her love for singing at a very young age. Her earliest experience and inspiration evolved from singing in church. She was an active member in chorus throughout high school and was a top performer in the talent show. She is currently the lead vocalist for a local trio, The Happy Enchiladas, and regularly performs with another group, Monday Rain. She enjoys playing ukulele and guitar, but singing is her greatest passion. Karen is a teacher for McDowell County Schools and is the proud mom of three boys! Karen first performed in the Carolina Summer Show and this will be Karen’s second time performing in the Carolina Christmas Show.
- Singer /Actor
Jeff Luckadoo
Jeff is a singer / songwriter / performer from Mount Holly, NC. As a singer / songwriter and front man for the Jeff Luckadoo band, he has opened for the Marshall Tucker Band and John Anderson and was a 2 time winner of Best Country Artist for the Charlotte Music Awards. As a SAG actor, Jeff has done various work in film and commercials and fondly remembers his time on stage at CPCC and UNCC. Jeff is excited to make his debut at the Carolina Christmas Show.
The Musicians
- Musical Director / Arranger / Keys
Brad Curtioff
Brad (Musical Director/Arranger/Keys) is one of western NC's most versatile musical artists. With an early start studying classical music at Peabody Preparatory, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from West Virginia University. He seamlessly works across many genres including classical, blues, jazz, rock, country, gospel, and musical theatre to consistently bring fiery musical interpretations. A veteran of many WNC performing organizations (Asheville Community Theatre, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, Asheville Choral Society, Southern Appalachian Chamber Singers, Asheville Lyric Opera), he also maintains a busy schedule performing with bands such as Lazrluvr (80’s synth rock), Red Echo Lab (soul/pop), Citizen Mojo (blues/funk), The Circuitbreakers, Saddletramp (retro country), and The Big Throwback (classic rock/soul). Additionally, he serves as Music Director at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Asheville.
- Guitar
Dale Meyer
Dale is based in Morganton, NC. He is a full time "sideman" to many artists in the United States, performing in Nashville TN, Austin TX, Key West FL, New York City, and beyond. He's a true road musician! He has performed with well-known artists including Marty Raybon (Shenandoah), John Cowan (Doobie Brothers, New Grass Revival), Casey Clark, CharlyHorse, and Legacy Carolinas Band. Dale is delighted to be part of the 2024 Carolina Christmas Show.
- Bass
Walker Astin
Walker, voted the #1 bassist in the 2024 Best of WNC contest by Mountain Xpress, has been stunning audiences in the WNC region (and beyond) since he was 10 years old. Walker can be seen performing live with a variety of acts such as Lazrluvr (80’s synth rock), Andrew Thelston Band (guitar-based power trio), Calculated Error (classic rock), and Larkspur (acoustic toe-tappers). He is grateful for the opportunity to return for his fourth show with Carolina Onstage, and hopes you enjoy the show!
- Violin
Paola Manrique-Land
Paola is from Guayaquil, Ecuador and began studying the violin at age 6. By age 8, she was playing as a soloist with the Orchestra Sinfonica de Guayaquil and won the Ecuadorian National Competition at age 14. Later, she was offered a scholarship to study in the United States at the University of Louisville and received bachelors and masters degrees in music performance. While a student and after, Mrs. Manrique-Land has had the opportunity to perform with many great artists such as Smokey Robinson, Jerry Lewis, Josh Groban, Leann Womack, Amy Grant, Neil Sedaka, Kenny Rogers, and Stevie Wonder. Paola’s other passion is teaching, and she serves as Director of Orchestral Activities for Bardstown City Schools in Bardstown, Kentucky, where she resides with her husband Reese Land and her two sons, Alex and Henry.
Nathan McCoy
-Saxophone
Nathan's love of music has motivated him to share his passion with others. He has extensive performance experience over the last 15 years. Having a background in both classical technique and jazz improvisation he has studied with internationally acclaimed saxophonist Timothy McCalister at Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan as well as graduating with a BA in Jazz performance from the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Studies program at the University of Louisville. In 2010 he received the Outstanding Soloist Award at the Elmhurst Jazz Festival in Chicago, Illinois, and has served as a teaching assistant in the Murray State University music department. Nathan has performed with long-time Yellowjackets saxophonist Bob Mintzer, former jazz legend Chris Vadala, at Joe Piscopo's Big Band tribute to Frank Sinatra, and with the Murray State University Jazz Orchestra, the Paducah Jazz Orchestra and the Todd Hill Jazz Orchestra. He has regularly played in a variety of show bands, performing both at private events and recognized venues throughout the South and Midwest.
- Percussion
Matthew Richmond
Matthew is a percussionist, composer, recording artist, and educator based in Asheville, NC. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Music Department at UNC Asheville and Acting Principal Percussionist with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, and has extensive experience in classical music, rock, funk, jazz, Latin music, and marching percussion. Matthew has been involved with over 70 theater and dance productions. He’s composed music for productions by The Asheville Ballet, Ann Dunn Dancers, The Road Company, Norte Marr, Black Swan Theatre, and others. His work with Theater UNCA has included Little Shop of Horrors (music director, voice of Audrey II), Into the Woods (music director), and Marat/Sade (composer/music director). He also creates All I Know, a curious podcast for curious people, which you can find at alliknowpodcast.com. Matthew is thrilled to be back for his second Carolina Christmas Show!
- Trumpet
Dr. Reese Land
Reese hails from Taylorsville, NC and serves as assistant professor of trumpet at the University of Louisville. An avid performer, he performs regularly in a large variety of venues as a soloist and with ensembles such as Orchestra Kentucky Bowling Green, the Brass Band of Louisville, the Louisville Brass, the Don Krekel Jazz Orchestra, and a host of others. He has performed with such artists as Doc Severinsen, Mannheim Steamroller, Neil Sedaka, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), and Joshua Bell. A devoted clinician, Dr. Land has given frequent master classes to high school and university students around the United States, Brazil and Ecuador. He holds a B.A. music degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC, a M. M. degree from the University of Louisville, KY, and a D.M.A. degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He is married to Paola Manrique-Land and they have two sons, Alex and Henry.
Stage Manager
Ashley Causby
Ashley has stage managed the Carolina Christmas Show every year since it began in 2017. She met Mario and Lucinda back in 2012 at the Smoky Mountain Opry in Tennessee, and they asked her to be their stage manager for their productions, even though the Carolina Onstage was just a dream. Ashley has worked for Alabama Shakespeare Festival for three seasons and had the opportunity to work with John Rando the Tony award winning director on the show Because of Winn Dixie. Now, she spends her time working at Lenoir-Rhyne University as the Operations Manager while studying to complete her Master's degree in Leadership in May 2025. She thanks Mario and Lucinda for asking her back every year. Ashley hopes you enjoy the show and have a happy holiday!
Stage Technician
Macy Bridges
Macy is a Junior Theatre Major at Lenior-Rhyne University. She is so excited to be back working with the Carolina Christmas Show! After her last show, she ventured off to work for a mouse by the name of Mickey. Macy completed the Disney College Program last fall. Other credits include backstage as ASM for Putnam County Spelling Bee, co-stage manager for Ada and the Engine, wardrobe head for Noises Off, and sound board forWhat the Constitution Means to Me. Her stage credits include Student Showcase as Actress in Post it Notes on Marriage, Poet for Turtle of Michigan, the Little Girl in We Are Water Protectors, and Cousin It/Ancestor in The Addams Family. She has also helped co-direct Almost Maine with her directing class at Lenoir-Rhyne and most recently assistant-directed Twas the Night Before Christmas at Hickory Community Theatre. She would like to say thank you to her mom for her constant support and love through her journey of theatre, and a special thank you to Lucinda and Mario for inviting her back!
Parker Heller-Lee
Follow Spot Operator
Parker is excited to be taking part in the Carolina Christmas Show as a spotlight operator. He is a sophomore at Lenoir-Rhyne University and is part of Pi Kappa Phi. Parker enjoys long walks on the beach and eating cake. He is part of the LR Playmakers and has run the light board for Noises Off and The Addams Family. He played Phil in Almost Maine and is looking forward to playing Male Shopper, Dr. Knef, and Tom in their upcoming production of Radium Girls. He hopes you enjoy the show and wishes you a Merry Christmas!