"White Christmas" cast profile: Lauren Wilkinson

Lauren Wilkinson is one of the young actresses playing the general's granddaughter, Susan Waverly, in "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
LW: I play Susan Waverly. She is very smart and then turns into a wannabe Martha.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LW: This is my first show at GCP, but I have done school plays and summer camps for drama with GACA.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
LW: I felt like if I want to do this for a living I need to perform in a real theater.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
LW: "White Christmas," the finale, because its the song that really gets you into that holiday spirit.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
LW: All my friends are with me, it's cold outside, and there's happiness in the air.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
LW: Opening 1 present on Christmas Eve.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
LW: The looks of happiness and cheer on the audience members' faces.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
LW: "Smokey Joe's Cafe" and "Wicked."

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
LW: This is my life and this is what I want to do, and I'm just so happy that I get a chance to share it with the world. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Thanks, Lauren! Break a leg!

xo xo GCP Girl

"White Christmas" cast profile: Claudia Garcia

Claudia Garcia returns to the Vam York stage in the ensemble of "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
CG: I am in the chorus of "White Christmas." :)

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
CG: My very first show ever was "Les Miserables" at P.K. Yonge. I was also in "42nd Street," "Phantom," and "Ragtime." "White Christmas" is my second GCP show; "Singin' in the Rain" was my first.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
CG: I was really missing being on stage, just one of those things you can't take a really long break from, and I needed some "me" time.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
CG: "I Love a Piano." It's really cute and fun, and who doesn't love a tap dance?

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
CG: You go to the stores in September and see Christmas stuff out.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
CG: THE FOOD!!!!!

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
CG: The great cast I get to work with and be a part of.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
CG: "A Chorus Line" or "42nd Street" -- a big dance show!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
CG: I'm Cuban!! Born in Cuba and I speak Spanish and a great Spanglish.

Thanks, Claudia! "White Christmas" is still running at the GCP, but not for long, so get your tickets!

xo xo GCP Girl

"White Christmas" cast profile: Stephen Griffin

Stephen Griffin lives the dream by stepping into Bing Crosby's shoes in "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character. 
SG: I play the role of Bob Wallace. Bob is the better-looking half of the Bob Wallace-Phil Davis duo. He is a kindhearted, ex-Army Captain that teams up with Phil after the war to form a world famous song and dance team. While Bob may be a star onstage, he has a few social problems when it comes to the ladies. He's often found putting his foot in his mouth.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows. 
SG: This is my fourth show at the GCP, after "Rent," "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "Hairspray." The GCP has taught me everything I know about performing and much more beyond that.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"? 
SG: When I was in high school, I would often jokingly tell my friends that I was going to be in a musical, and if I had to choose a show and character to play, it would be Bob Wallace in "White Christmas." I've grown up watching the movie at least once every year. This is truly a dream come true.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show? 
SG: My favorite numbers would have to be "Count Your Blessings" and "Blue Skies." "Count Your Blessings" because it's been one of my favorite songs to sing long before this show. "Blue Skies" is also an awesome song to sing, and although I haven't seen it yet, I'm sure it looks really awesome with the cast dancing behind me. That is also another dream come true. This show has been full of them for me.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..." 
SG: My mom starts decorating. She has 13 trees up this year, and every room has its own theme. I just love taking down and putting up all the boxes every year.... my fingers are crossed.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition? 
SG: Along with watching "White Christmas," I also really enjoy hanging ornaments on the tree, especially this year with the addition of a very special lady! Also Christmas lunch, we do it big and have a whole melting pot of family and friends over to join us. If you need a place to spend Christmas day, let me know, all are welcome.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"? 
SG: The thing I look forward to every night is blessing everyone in the audience. Whether it be a song that touches them or just being at the theater with their loved ones, I hope everyone leaves the show with a warm heart and a little Christmas spirit. 

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
SG: I would love to see "Chicago" and "Into the Woods" come to the GCP.  I know we have the talent to do so both on stage and behind the scenes. I think we also need a "Rent" reunion!  

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know! 
SG: If you have ever thought about doing theater, in any fashion, don't hesitate any longer. Find an upcoming show that you have time for and audition. My good friend challenged me to "Live the Dream" and that gave me the motivation to audition for "Rent." It's one of the best things that has happened to me over the last year. I've learned things I never expected, and met some of the most important people in my life right now through the GCP, including my beautiful girlfriend, for those singles out there that want to meet some talented co-eds. I was a total novice when I first came in; the theater is full of extremely genuine and talented people that will help open doors you never thought possible.
Thank you, GCP family. I am, truly, Living The Dream.

Thanks, Stephen! We love you, too! (sniffle)

xo xo GCP Girl

"White Christmas" cast profile: Kelly Belanger

Miss Florida Sr. Sweetheart Kelly Belanger struts her stuff in the ensemble of "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character. 
KB: I play Tessie, Bob’s secretary. I also act in the ensemble.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows. 
KB: I played Esther Jane in "A Christmas Story" last year, and I’ve been heavily involved in GHS drama with Susan Christophy. This semester, I also joined the Santa Fe dance team, and I’ve been in a performance with them as well.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"? 
KB: I auditioned for "White Christmas" because I’ve always wanted to be in a GCP musical, and I figured this would be a great theatre experience for me.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show? 
KB: Oh goodness. I’d have to say that my favorite number in the show is “White Christmas” in the very end, because everyone is singing together, and when the audience sings along, I feel like the cast really comes together and has that bonding moment with the audience.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..." 
KB: I know it’s the holiday season when my friends and I start up our secret Santa, and the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon candles fill my house.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition? 
KB: I’ve always enjoyed putting the tree up with my family, because that’s something we’ve always done, and it gives us a time to set aside all of the other things going on in our lives and just be together.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"? 
KB: Honestly, during the run of the show is when the cast bonds the most, so I’m really looking forward to getting closer with my fellow castmates, as well as performing on the GCP stage for the second time.
 
GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season? 
KB: I’d really like to see GCP do “Next to Normal” in the upcoming season.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know! 
KB: I am currently serving my reign as Miss Florida Sr. Sweetheart 2012 and will be soon receiving my crown for Miss Florida National Teenager 2013. :-) Merry Christmas!

Thanks, Kelly! Break a leg tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

"White Christmas" cast profile: Aubrianna Lee Spurgin-Kabinu

Meet Aubrianna Lee Spurgin-Kabinu, who makes her GCP debut in the ensemble of "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
ALSK: I am in the ensemble, but at one point I do have a character named Ethel, who is a young adult who works at "The Ed Sullivan Show" as a secretary and works under Mr. Sheldrake, who she thinks is very sweet and funny, and she absolutely loves her job.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
ALSK: I just started doing shows halfway through the school year last year. My first show was "Cinderella," then at the beginning of this year I was in "The Three Musketeers" as d'Artagnan's mother, a wench, an old woman and, when needed, I was Adele and a sister. Now I am in "White Christmas," and I love it!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
ALSK: I auditioned for "White Christmas" in order to get as much theater experience I could before the end my senior year, because it is just so much fun being a part of shows and I will probably be doing musical theater in college. I also auditioned for "White Christmas" because it is a feel-good and comforting show and I really love entertaining people and making them smile.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
ALSK: I would have to say my favorite musical number in the show is "Snow" because it's so energized, intricate and full of happy thoughts of snow, which as a Floridian I don't get to see, and the song is full of lyrics about how I think it would be like to have snow every winter. A very close second to "Snow" is "Count Your Blessings;" it is such a beautiful song that teaches those who hear it to always stay positive!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
ALSK: I know it's the holiday season when my mom, brothers, and I finally go pick out a nice Christmas tree all together and I smell that magnificent evergreen pine scent. When we strap that Christmas tree to the top of the car, carefully drive home, get it inside and decorate it, I know it's that magical time of year.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
ALSK: My favorite winter holiday tradition is waking up super early in the morning, crawling out of bed and going to find presents under the Christmas tree I decorated and finding my mom sitting there on the couch nearby waiting for me! After I come down, my mom goes through all the presents and tells me which ones are mine and which are my brothers', and I show her which ones are hers. After that we sit on the couch in our pajamas in the dark watching a Christmas movie waiting for my brothers to wake up to finally open presents.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
ALSK: What I am looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas" is being able to perform with all these amazing and talented people like the handsome Thomas Sanders (Phil), the beautiful Victoria Sexton (Judy), the loud Kelley Addis (Martha), the sweet Giovanni Barrio (General Waverley), the awesome Stephen Griffin (Bob), the fantastic Susan Christophy (Betty), and of course everyone else who is handsome, beautiful, maybe not as loud as Kelley but sweet, awesome and fantastic cast members that make me smile every time I see them! I just want to start naming everybody off and saying what it is I love about each and every one of them and why they make me look forward to performing in the show every night but I would go on forever I did that, haha.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
ALSK: It would be so cool to see "Jekyll and Hyde" be done at GCP, because I totally love that show, but it does gets pretty intense. Other than "Jekyll and Hyde," I'd love to see "Ragtime," "Pal Joey," or "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," which has been my favorite musical since I was little.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
ALSK: I would like everyone to know that this cast is marvelous and this show has been a blast so far and I will be very sad to see it be over; I love you all!

Thank you, Aubrianna! "White Christmas" begins its third week tonight at the Vam York!

xo xo GCP Girl

"White Christmas" cast profile: Thomas Sanders

Thomas Sanders is full of holiday spirit - and mischief - as entertainer Phil Davis in "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
TS: My character is Phil Davis. He’s the fun-loving, skirt-chasing half of the famous performing duo, Wallace & Davis! He usually tries to get his buddy Bob to go out and start having fun, which leads them into some interesting situations!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
TS: I’m wrapping up my sixth year at the GCP! I started here at the beginning of my college career in "Beauty and the Beast." Since then, I’ve played roles such as Leo Bloom in “The Producers,” Cornelius Hackl in “Hello, Dolly!,” Ko-Ko in “Hot Mikado,” Billy Crocker in “Anything Goes” and Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain.” All of these shows have acted as my training in theatre, acting- and dancing-wise!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
TS: Not only was I familiar with many of the talented people I knew were auditioning and was excited to work with, I also loved the message and the holiday spirit that the movie leaves you with each time you watch it. It’s one of those classics that never gets old around Christmastime. I knew how much people loved our last Christmas musical, "GI Holiday Jukebox," and I wanted to be a part of that special experience again!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
TS: That is a tough one. I really enjoy performing “I Love a Piano”, because I feel it to be one of the more impressive numbers that we pull off and tap dancing is just fun. But, I also would say that the song “Snow” has to be one of the more fun songs we perform, simply because, as a Floridian, it encapsulates all the fun I believe having snow for the holidays would be! Sure, your car might be frozen, and the storms are lame, but hey, you get to have snowball fights, skiing, and sledding!

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
TS: Well, I definitely know when Fall is here when you start seeing pumpkin being put into every beverage and pastry! But I would say I know when the holiday season is here when I start smelling mulled cider in the air. That aroma just does it for me. It’s not the holiday season until I start smelling cider, no matter how many Christmas songs I may hear, haha.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
TS: I would absolutely LOVE to see "Into the Woods" be produced at the GCP again! I feel a big cast show like that, coupled with a more contemporary musical such as "Next to Normal," would allow for a pretty awesome season! Bring in a kids’ musical, like "Annie," and that should round out the year perfectly!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
TS: Actually, one of my favorite traditions started only a few years ago, at the Christophys’ "White Christmas" party! The Christophys, who are all in this show, throw a party where we all come over and watch "White Christmas." Now, I can’t imagine the holidays without it. It makes doing this show even more special.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
TS: I am most looking forward to now getting to enjoy doing the show and working with this wonderfully talented and friendly cast. Everyone has been so amazing to work with in this show, and we were really blessed to have everyone cooperate and meld as a team. I get to work alongside Stephen Griffin, who has worked his butt off for his starring role of Bob Wallace, and is amazing. Also, I get to fall in love with Victoria Sexton, our Judy Haynes, who has come from Ocala to share her simply outstanding talents with all of us. I guarantee the audience will also fall in love with her. Add in the constantly astounding talents of Susan Christophy, who is our Betty Haynes, and Kelley Addis, our Martha Watson, and you could see why I’m excited, haha.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
TS: Tap dancing is my absolute favorite! :-)

Thanks, Thomas! Celebrate the weekend by coming to see this holiday classic!

xo xo GCP Girl

"White Christmas" cast profile: Kelley Addis

Kelley Addis keeps General Waverly (and everyone else) in line as Martha Watson in "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
KA: I'm playing Martha Watson. Martha is a no-nonsense type of gal. She helps to run the inn with General Waverly. She is also an ex-Broadway star...although in her head she's always the star no matter what. She is sassy, charismatic and, most importantly, LOUD!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KA: I was last seen at GCP playing Joanne in "Rent." I was also in "Anything Goes," "The Wiz," "The Producers" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." I also was an actor professionally in Chicago appearing in "Tony N' Tina's Wedding," "Jackie: An American Life," "Dimly Perceived Threats to the System," multiple improv shows, murder mysteries, children's shows with Chicago Kids Company, extra gigs in "Spiderman II," "The Company," and "The Break Up." I even appeared in a re-enactment show on "Animal Planet." So...I have a little experience.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"?
KA: It had been about a year since my last show and that was enough of a hiatus for me.

GCP Girl:  What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
KA: "I Love a Piano" is catchy and gets stuck in my head frequently. Plus everyone has worked REALLY hard on that number and it shows. Helps to appreciate it that much more knowing that. 

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."?
KA: ...it's August...because that's when Christmas decorations go up now. Sheesh. 

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?
KA: Going to see my nephews and watching them open Christmas presents. They're so cute and fun to be around. 

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"?
KA: My diva moment!!! You'll know it when you see it. Also seeing kids all dressed up for the holidays to go to a show. Reminds me of when I was young and my mom would take my sister and me to shows around the holidays and how magical the whole experience was. I hope we can give that same magical moment to kids and adults alike. 

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
KA: "Legally Blonde" would be fun. "Avenue Q" would be amazing...hey, we did "Rent." We can do anything now! 

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KA: I would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa. Here's to getting past the Mayan apocalypse.

Thanks, Kelley! Find out about her diva moment when you see "White Christmas" at the GCP!

xo xo GCP Girl

"White Christmas" cast profile: Molly Ellis

Molly Ellis is one of the two young actresses playing Susan Waverly in "White Christmas"! The show begins its second week tonight.

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character. 
ME: My character in "White Christmas" is Susan Waverly. Susan is a very peppy, energetic girl who looks up to her grandfather General Waverly and his "concierge" Martha Watson.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
ME: I have performed in my schools plays every year since first grade.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
ME: My favorite music number in the show is when Bob and Phil perform "Sisters." It is my favorite because it is very funny and makes everyone laugh.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."? 
ME: If I were to finish the sentence "I know it is the holiday season when..." it would say "I know it is the holiday season when it has begun to get a bit nippy outside and I see sales going up prior to Black Friday."

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition? 
ME: My favorite holiday tradition is placing the ornaments on the Christmas tree.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"? 
ME: The thing I am looking forward to most about performing "White Christmas" is just to perform and to give something for families to come and enjoy together.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
ME: One of the musicals I think the GCP should produce in an upcoming season is "Les Miserables." 

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
ME: I would want everyone to know that in 2012 I competed to receive an award as a Florida State storyteller and won.

Thanks, Molly! Get your tickets now, everyone - shows are filling up fast!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Chasing Manet" cast announcement!

Congrats to the new cast of "Chasing Manet"! Looks like an awesome group!

Catherine - Carolyn Caracausa
Rennie - Pat Thomson
Royal/Captain - Andrew Gordon
Charles - TBA
Rita - Beverly Turner
Henry/Marvin - Ed Hunter
Gabe/Steward - Doug Clifford
Angelica/Marie Claire - Sue Addis
Iris - Dorothy Field
Esperanza/Saviana - Laura D'Anieri
Maurice/Sherwood - Malcolm Sanford

"White Christmas" cast profile: Brianna Cullinan

Brianna Cullinan makes her GCP debut in the ensemble of "White Christmas"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character. 

BC: I’m in the ensemble. I am one of the dancers.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows. 

BC: This is my first show out of high school and first at GCP. I did a few shows at Buchholz.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "White Christmas"? 

BC: I auditioned because I just wanted to get back into theatre and I knew some people working with this show, so I thought it would be fun.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show? 

BC: My favorite is “I Love A Piano.” I dance in it and it’s just so much fun! I’m learning how to tap dance for it, which I’ve always wanted to do.

GCP Girl: Finish this sentence: "I know it's the holiday season when..."? 

BC: I know it’s the holiday season when I see Christmas trees being sold at every corner in town.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite winter holiday tradition? 

BC: My favorite tradition is decorating the Christmas tree with my family. We blast Christmas music and pick the best ornaments to go on it.

GCP Girl: What are you looking forward to the most about performing in "White Christmas"? 

BC: I’m looking forward to just being on stage, in front of an audience. I love it.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know! 

BC: I will be Tinkerbell at Disney!!

Thanks, Brianna! The show starts at 8 p.m. - see you there!

xo xo GCP Girl