Holiday Inn Cast

Before this production, Chloe performed as a bowery beauty and a nun in Newsies, and as Imogene in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is currently a junior at OCC studying christian ministry with a minor in worship ministry. Chloe would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work and positive attitudes. She thanks her fellow leads for putting up with her goofiness and listening to her opinions (cause she has plenty to go around). She says it has been a blast tappin’ and shakin’ with her friends, and she can’t wait to do it again–soon!

Performing has been a huge part of Erika’s life. Whether it was on stage–Rapunzel in the musical Rapunzel, Alice in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever–or off the stage in her living room putting on her own shows for her family. She is a sophomore at OCC studying biblical communication. Erika has loved stepping into the fabulously dazzling role of Lila Dixon for this production and embracing a New Jersey accent. Erika would like to give a huge thank you to her fellow cast members and wonderful directors for all their hard work. Lastly, she would like to thank each of you for coming to be a part of this extraordinary “heatwave” of a show!

David is a sophomore at OCC studying christian ministry. He is frustratingly one-inch-under- being-six foot-tall, and he enjoys biking, walking, and badgering people with his puns. David would like to thank the cast for some good laughs, the crew for serving cheerfully, and the leadership for making this all happen!

Jake is new to Ozark and this stage, and he is thrilled to be a part of this awesome production. In high school he performed in Beauty and the Beast [Gaston], Aladdin [Aladdin], Big Fish [Young Will], Newsies [Davey], Starmites, and Working. Other than performing, Jake likes to drive fast and do multiple boarding sports. He wants to thank his parents– and every single one of his friends for their endless support—he wouldn't be here without them.

Conrad, a freshman at OCC has always wanted to be larger-than-life, and acting is just one way in which that comes out. He loves accents and showing attitude with his cigar. He really rocks an amazing mustache. [It is completely and totally outmatched] He also loves the fact that he doesn’t have to dance in this show because: “I’m about as coordinated as a cross-eyed bat with no ears.” He enjoys hanging out, scaring people in the library, heartfelt conversations with friends, and he really likes to laugh. Most of all, he hopes to dwell in the love of Jesus and give that love to those around him.

Pallim is the youngest of the cast members and is thrilled to be performing in his second ever show. He is now a big fan of theater, especially, "getting to hang out with all the college kids." Pallim is really thankful to be a part of Holiday Inn and excited for his family to see him perform.

This is Lauren’s first year to be in an OCC production, having only been in one other musical. This is by far the most advanced dancing she has ever done! She is most grateful for the relationships that have been built between cast members through everyone’s hard work in rehearsals. Lauren graduated from Ozark last May with a degree in Intercultural Studies. She hopes to eventually move overseas as a missionary with her husband.

Noah has been performing in various performing arts since he was in second grade. He has spent time as a musician, dancer, and actor. He is currently studying in the music and worship degree program here at OCC and will graduate in May. He is a professional ballroom dancer and dance instructor and will continue in this field after graduation. Noah wants to thank the cast and crew for creating an environment where laughter and creativity prosper.

This is Rachel’s fourth musical but her first at OCC. She loves to dance on stage and has been a choreographer for a previous production. Rachel is usually the first to arrive at rehearsal because she loves to socialize with everyone! She would like to thank her fiancé and her family for constant support of her love of the performing arts. She would also like to thank the cast and crew for being so welcoming and caring.

Faith is from Warsaw, Indiana, and she is a freshman at Ozark. This is her first musical, and she couldn’t have hoped for a better production! She loves trying her hand at many different dance styles—particularly tap dancing! She wants to thank the cast, crew, and staff for giving 110% in every rehearsal. She also wants to give a special shoutout to every dance partner who has had to accommodate how ticklish she is: “You guys rock!”

Joslyn is a junior at OCC and is studying counseling and pastoral care. This is not her first time acting, but Holiday Inn is her first musical! She is certainly going to miss rehearsals and being around encouraging and loving people. Joslyn gives all of her gratitude to the cast, to Rachelle Hafer, Shannon Wendt, Ashley King, Mark Proctor, to the stage ninjas, for all of their hard work! Joslyn hopes you enjoy the show and enjoy the holidays!

Kyle feels pretty out of his element, as this is his first time on stage, but he enjoys learning new things and meeting new people. Kyle gives a special thanks to all of the other performers and the directors who have been very patient with someone so new. He looks forward to being on stage with all of his friends, knowing that people both on and off the stage will be having a good time.

Lanaelee is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a dancer in Holiday Inn. This is her second musical–the first being OCC’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in 2021. While Lanaelee loves singing and acting, she has to admit that dancing can be fun and exciting also! She is currently studying Intercultural Studies and hopes to pursue a masters in linguistics and become a Bible translator.

Jennifer is excited to be back on stage! She participated in theater during all four high school years. Learning all of the dance routines has made this her most exciting and most challenging performance yet. Jennifer wants to thank the cast, crew, and the friends she has made along the way for making this production the wonderful experience it has been.

Josh is excited to be back on stage! His last performance was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, where he loved playing Ralph. He says he has learned more dancing in a semester than he has in his lifetime. Josh wants to give the cast, directors, and crew a big shout-out for all their hard work and dedication. He hopes you all enjoy the show!

McKenna is grateful and proud to continue one of her favorite holiday traditions performing in her 4th OCC Christmas show. (She’s been in every play here since she started as a student in 2017)! McKenna received her bachelor’s degree here this past summer and is now a worship minister at Christian Church of North Heights. If she could (and she almost does), McKenna would spend the entirety of her free time in theater—especially musicals! She plans to continue involvement at Stained Glass Theatre of Joplin, as well as to branch out to other local groups. McKenna wants to thank the directors, crew and cast for making this show the high-energy holiday celebration that it is, and she hopes you enjoy watching it!

Dugan has always enjoyed performing. When he was a young lad, he would put on shows with his siblings and cousins. He has been in two musicals here at OCC and several shows at Stained Glass Theater of Joplin. Currently, he is attending OCC, pursuing a degree in youth ministry. He enjoys long walks on the beach at high noon, and he greatly enjoys olives,

It has been a couple of years since Caleb got his degree at OCC, but that hasn’t stopped him from coming back to do another musical on the OCC stage. He has performed in three productions for OCC and has been in over twenty performances at theaters around Joplin since 2008. He has greatly enjoyed both reuniting with actors he’s worked with in the past and meeting new and talented people as well. This is one of the most ambitious musicals he’s ever been a part of and he’s loved stepping up to the challenge!

Shannon has been an adjunct teacher for OCC in the field of counseling and communication for over 20 years. She performs and directs in local community theaters, and this is her third directorial production for OCC–after many years of performing on this stage under the direction of [the magnificent] Mary Green. She says that this year’s cast has been “beyond believable” at every rehearsal, and she wants to thank the cast and crew for their magnificent work ethic and teamwork.

Rachelle is an adjunct professor at OCC, and she teaches private vocal lessons and directs the choir. This is her second production with Ozark and she has enjoyed every moment. She has been amazed at the incredible amount of talent–touched by the love and encouragement these kids give each other.

This is Ashley's third OCC musical to choreograph [Elf, Best Christmas Pageant Ever], but by far Holiday Inn has the most dance numbers! There are over a dozen dance numbers in the show, and she did not go easy on them! Ashley is amazed at the hard work of the cast, saying "We could not pull this off without everyone giving 100%, and they have given 200%!" Ashley is a lover of all things vintage and dance. You can see her around Joplin teaching swing dance with Vintage Swing Movement Joplin (@vsmjoplin). If you want to bring a little jazz into your life, you can find her at @ashleykingswing on social media!

Mark is an Ozark graduate and a longtime worship leader. He enjoys hanging out with the students as he leads the production team and teaches classes in the Worship & Creative Arts Department at Ozark. He also writes and produces music, which you can find online. He loves telling Dad jokes, watching movies, taking walks with his wife Julie, and hanging out with their kids and their cats.

Addi is a sophomore studying biblical justice and is so excited to be involved in the production of the musical this year. She enjoys fashion, which makes this job loads of fun! She has always been in awe of the theater world and was involved in costuming her sophomore and junior years of high school, and she participated in show choir as well! Addi has had the joy of witnessing the hard work that everyone has put into this production and hopes that it brings you lots of joy watching it!

Kathleen is a freshman and is ecstatic to be helping with the OCC musical. In high school, she worked as production staff in many shows. She loves being backstage and helping behind the scenes.. Kathleen wishes you a Merry Christmas and hopes for nothing but "Blue Skies" for your New Year.

Madi was captain of hair and makeup for her high school’s show choir and musicals. She has a passion for making people feel beautiful in their skin, enhancing the features that God has given them. Madi does not currently attend Ozark, but her husband does! She is a nurse technician at Freeman Hospital. She is beyond excited to be a part of the show in this way, and she can’t wait to see the cast perform!

Natalie is not new to the stage. She performed in her first show at the age of eight. To date, she has performed in eleven shows in high school and community theater. After previously being a captain of show-choir in high school, she discovered a new skill in hair and makeup. She is currently studying organizational leadership and hopes to one day work in church finance and real estate. Natalie loves being a part of preparing this cast to be stage-ready!