The Matchgirl's Gift: A Christmas Story Cast

Aydan is a Junior attending New Bedford High, and this is his 4th year with the NBHSTC. Previously, Aydan was cast as an ensemble role in Sweeney Todd (2018), Harry Bailey in NBHS’ It’s A Wonderful Life (2018), Colin Craven in The Secret Garden (2019), Sidney Kirshner in Letters to Sala (2019), and Adam in Freaky Friday (2020). For how difficult this year was, it became essential to restrategize our motives and rethink where our company stands. Aydan would like to thank his family, friends, the wonderful directors and cast, and the audience for allowing the show to go on.

Olivia is a sophomore and this is her second year in the drama club. She was in Freaky Friday last year as one of Savannah's minions. Some of her favorite past roles have been Aunt Em in The Wizard of Oz and Gladys Herman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Although with the many setbacks we have faced in this past year, Makenna is so pleased to be back and acting again! She is a sophomore at New Bedford High School and this will her third show with the company. Makenna has played Caroline in Letters to Sala and Fletcher Blake in Freaky Friday. She has also performed in productions with the Laurel Tree Players, HFHN Drama Club, and New Bedford Festival Theater. Makenna is involved in many of the performing arts programs provided here which includes: Marching/Concert Band, SATB Show Choir, and Drama Club. On top of all that, she juggles 2 AP's and honors classes. Makenna wants to thank all of her friends and family who have supported her and will keep supporting her through the constant decisions she makes and thank them for always believing in her dreams.

Jessica is a senior and this is her fourth year in the NBHS Theatre Company. She has performed as a member of the quintet in Sweeney Todd, Mrs. Potter in It's a Wonderful Life, Alice in Secret Garden, Lya Dina/Frymka/Zusi in Letters to Sala and Savannah in Freaky Friday. Jessica is also part of the NBHS Whaler Marching Band, SATB Show Choir, Jazz Choir, Jazz Band, and plays Varsity volleyball at NBHS. She would like to thank her family and friends for the constant support throughout the years as well as being the light of her life in such dark times. She finally would like to thank her teachers that allow her and others to continue to do the things that they love.

Lillie-Marie is a freshman at NBHS and is a part of the drama club, marching/concert band, and show choir. She has been a part of the virtual play "Ten Ways to Survive Life in Quarantine" with the NBHS drama club.

Kiva is a freshmen playing the role of one of the street children in her first New Bedford High production. She previously participated in four musicals while attending Global Learning Charter Public School, starting off in fifth grade as a guard and ensemble member in the musical Aladdin. In the following year she was Charlie the Elf and part of the ensemble in the musical Elf. Kiva then went on to play one of the fairy tale creatures, the Ugly Duckling, in Shrek the Musical and she was last seen in The Wizard of Oz as Miss Gulch. She has also performed with the New Bedford Ballet in their production of The Nutcracker and The Secret Garden. Though this year has been a rough year for everybody, Kiva hopes the show will inspire people to find the giving spirit within themselves and spread holiday cheer for everyone!

Aidyn works hard in his dramatic arts classes.

Isadora Ribeiro

Maxine DeJesus Kathleen Sprissler Kailey Sousa Sydni Colson Madison Costa Laura Conde