Garden Theatre announces cast for Christmas production

Garden Theatre and Victory Productions have announced the official cast list for their latest show, Moonshine & Mistletoe, An Appalachian Christmas Tale. 

“With the extraordinary David Lutken presiding as Music Director and Music Supervisor, the cast assembled to tell the story are actor-musicians of phenomenal talent and skill,” said writer DJ Salisbury.

The leading role of Curleen, the family’s mother, will be played by Maggie Hollinbeck with Luke Darnell starring as her son, Lessy Boy. 

This will be Hollinbeck’s Garden Theatre debut. 

Hollinbeck’s recent roles include: Once, Ring of Fire, and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at the Weston Playhouse.

“It’s always fun to work on a brand-new show, especially with such a talented group including some old friends,” Hollinbeck said in the press release. “I think we’re going to put together a truly lovely holiday experience for Winter Garden audiences.”

Written by Salisbury and arranged by Larry Moore, the play is a 90-minute musical set in Kentucky about a family that welcomes their friends into their home during the Great Depression. 

It will incorporate “rich characters, traditional family values, and the authentic sounds of Appalachian mountain people in the early 20th century,” according to the press release sent out by Garden Theatre.

Cast in the roles of the family’s friends and extended family are Allison Kelly, John Rochette, David Finch, Amanda Giese, Kelan Smith, Kamilah Lay, Pedro Ka’awaloa, Julian James, and Megan Erin Lai. 

Moonshine & Mistletoe will be playing at the Garden Theatre from Nov. 24 through Dec. 23, click here for more information and to purchase tickets from on the theater's website.