Meet the Cast

Amy Minor (Lara) holds a B.F.A. in theatre from Stephens College. Prior to Austin, Amy lived in Kansas City and Chicago for many years acting at various theater companies (Coterie, American Heartland, Chicago Shakespeare, Chicago Jewish Theater, Lifeline Theater, Barrel of Monkeys). Recently here in Austin she could be seen as Susan in COMPANY with Roustabout Theatre, Bernie in POTUS with Jarrott Productions (where she received a B Iden Payne nomination for featured actor in a Comedy), Jenny Hill in Austin Playhouse's musical BIG FISH, and as Sophia in CHARLIE’S GOLDEN GIRLS with La Fenice. In addition to being a busy real estate adventure guide, Amy has also been diligently working on her most favorite role, being a mom to her two sons: Aiden and Liam, and wife/partner to the incredible Tobie Minor. This is their first show all together! Amy is a founding member and the managing director of Austin Crown Theatre and she wishes you an adventurous holiday season!

Andreá Smith (Elizabeth) has been active in the Austin theatre scene for nearly two decades as an actor, director, producer, set designer, costumer, and choreographer. She’s worked on a range of theatre productions, from Shakespeare to musicals, and everything in between, and has garnered 10 B. Iden Payne nominations (and a few wins) along the way, including: Best Director of a Play for Youth, Wiley and the Hairy Man, (Second Youth Family Theatre), Outstanding Set Design, Wiley and The Hairy Man, (Second Youth Family Theatre), Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for Youth, Charlotte’s Web, (Scottish Rite Theatre), Outstanding Small Cast Performance, Storm Still, (The Vortex), Outstanding Cast Performance, The Rover, (Hidden Room Theatre). Andreá is a former board member of the Hidden Room Theatre, and Penfold Theatre, as well as a company member for The Vortex and Shrewd Productions. By day, she works in Human Resources at a tech company, and she is the founder of an official 501(c)3 nonprofit, bakingforgood.org; which uses the power of flour to raise funds for Austin-based nonprofits in need.

Aiden Minor (Tim) is a senior at Lehman High School and will be graduating in May 2026. Aiden plays varsity soccer and is the drum major for the Lehman HS band.  Aiden has played some really fun roles like Horton in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL at Fuentes, Macbeth in MACBETH, and the Baker in INTO THE WOODS at Chapa Middle School. Aiden has appeared in a previous Crown Theatre production: CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET: 12 TALES OF CHRISTMAS, as well as A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Austin Shakespeare. He is very excited to be in a show with both his parents, and 'little' brother. Aiden hopes you have a joyous season and enjoy the show as much as he does.

Liam Minor (Lackey) is a freshman at the Zach Performing Arts Academy. His recent credits include Featured Ensemble in ALICE BY HEART at Zach Theatre,  Rap’s Prince in INTO THE WOODS and various roles in NEWSIES with Austin Educational Theater, as well as Augustus/Gus in ARCADIA (2025 B Iden Payne nomination for Young Performer) and Young Will in BIG FISH at the Austin Playhouse Theater (2024 B Iden Payne nomination for Young Performer). He has performed in multiple Crown Theatre productions, including CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET: 12 TALES OF CHRISTMAS and CHRISTMAS ON MAIN STREET: A CHRISTMAS CAROL CATASTROPHE!, as well as A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM at Austin Shakespeare Bruce in MATILADA at Hays CISD, and was recognized as Best Actor in the 2022 Chapa Middle School UIL Competition. Thank you to everyone at ZPAA for all the love and training!

TOBIE MINOR (Adriaan Vanderbeerput/Fight Choreographer) is currently the Artistic Director of Austin Crown Theatre, and Associate Professor of Practice, Director of Stage Combat and Intimacy, and a movement and acting Instructor at The School Of Theatre, Dance, and Film at Texas State University. A few months ago he spent four weeks in Italy studying Comedia Del Arte Conivacio with Antonio Fava.  Tobie has been working professionally as an actor, fight and intimacy choreographer, and movement director in Austin for the last 18 years.  He is a company member with the Austin Playhouse, and La Fenice, and frequently performs with Hidden Room, Zach Theater, Austin Shakespeare, and Penfold Theatre.  Tobie is beyond excited to be in this show with his incredible wife, Amy, as well as both of his sons, Liam and Aiden and wishes you all a very merry holiday season.

AVI MAX GOTTLIEB (Sgt George French/Santa) is a graduate of AMDA Los Angeles with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Favorite stage credits include George in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE with AMDA Revue, Jasper in THE ALIENS at The Manor Theatre Company, and Carl Magnus in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with AMDA Revue. On screen, he has appeared as Ricky in ROBBERY with Blurred Pictures, and as Yanni in the EC Twins official music video SET THE WORLD ON FIRE. Avi is returning to the stage after serving in the Army, living abroad, and beginning the greatest role of all—being a husband to Jenny and father to his hilarious “Toggler,” Violet. When not performing, he enjoys Golf, a good fantasy novel, and eating all the BBQ in the state of Texas. 

BRITTNEY ANABELIA (Dig Director/Ensemble) holds a B.F.A. In Acting from St.Edward’s University. Favorite stage credits include First Fairy in MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM at St.Edwards, and Bruce in SWINGERS with Transit Theatre Company. After graduating, she has been working all over Austin in various roles, from assisting in scenic painting for local schools to sound board operator for GETTING IN BED WITH THE PIZZA MAN (Katie Folger) and running mics/sound for the Austin Educational Theatre. For the last 2 years she has been in various musicals and cabarets around the Austin area, most recently being a member of the Chorus in ONCE UPON A CHRISTMAS CARD MOVIE with Austin Crown Theatre. She is excited to once again work ACT! Outside of theatre, Brittney works at The Contemporary Art Museum and enjoys spending time with her family and friends. 

JELENA STOJILJKOVIC RHYNES (Dooley)  is actress, VO actress, choreographer, award winning puppeteer, director, and after spending over 2 decades in theater, everything else you need her to be. She directed JUNGLE BOOK and BARNEY CAREY GETS HIS WINGS at ASRT, and THE MEMO at The Vortex, and acted, stage managed and choreographed many shows. She is so happy to be back on stage with Crown Theatre. 

JULIE MOORE (Elsa)  is an award-winning, queer clown, actor and artist originally from the Philadelphia area. Most recently they wrote (and directed) their first full-length musical, TANGLE OF TIGERS right here at Scottish Rite theater where they’ve been at home performing in a variety of children’s shows over the years including JUDY MOODY AND THE HOLLY JOLLIDAY, THE RAINBOW  FISH MUSICAL, and  PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGON. Julie’s been incredibly lucky to perform around the world with groups like Clowns Without Borders and at events like the CrisisArt festival in Italy.  Also they’re learning to play the trumpet but are super not great at it yet.

GABRIEL MEYER (Basil/Ensemble) was most recently seen as Doboy Taylor in THE FEUD with Texas Comedies. Over the past four years, he has performed in a variety of musicals, plays, and short films throughout the Austin area. A former high school educator, Gabriel is trained in both Meisner and Michael Chekhov acting techniques. When not acting or directing, he enjoys attending stage combat workshops, experimenting with coffee recipes, brewing beer, and playing board games. This production is especially meaningful as it is his first show with his wife, Haley, since they met. Entertaining you “angels” is his favorite thing to do (Hebrews 13:2, ESV). 

HALEY MEYER (Ensemble) holds a B.A. in Acting and Directing from SFA. After graduating, she moved to NYC to study in NYU’s Educational Theatre Master’s program. When Covid brought her back to Texas, she transitioned into stage management, working on productions like ISABEL AND THE RUNAWAY TRAIN with Reimagine Normal, and TWELFTH NIGHT with Valor Players. This marks her first return to acting since 2018, and she’s thrilled to share the stage with her amazing husband, Gabriel—whom she met during ISABEL. Outside of theatre, Haley works at St. Edward’s University in administration. She enjoys crafting, dance classes, spending time with her dog/best friend Murphy (sorry, Gabe), and obsessing over Taylor Swift. Huge thanks to Austin Crown Theatre for the chance to play again!

SARAH MANNA (Biggs/Dance Captain), holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Musical Theatre from Catholic University (D.C.)  Sarah has an extensive musical theatre background spanning the east coast.  She has also had various roles in local commercials, independent films and voice overs in N.Y.C.  Most recent roles in the Austin area include Zeresh in UNVEILED with Sound Beacon Productions, Rosie in SWEET CHARITY with Entr’acte and Prudie in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES with Lakeway Players.  Sarah is delighted to now perform in her second Christmas production with Crown Theatre!  Sarah thanks God, her husband and the cast/crew for this wonderful experience! 

LEANN FRYER (Mabel) is excited to be a part of the Christmas magic with her first show with Crown Theatre.  She performs frequently with Gilbert and Sullivan Austin, mostly recently playing Lisa in The Grand Duke.  She has also appeared in many shows with the Georgetown Palace Theatre.  Past roles include Rose in The Secret Garden, the Counsel in Trial By Jury, Gretchen in Boeing Boeing, Chutney in Legally Blonde the Musical, Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors, and Diva in Starmites.  She is also on the GSA Board of Directors as Vice President, Musicale Coordinator, and Database Manager. 

Dipper Wilson (Ensemble) is currently a senior at Lehman High School. This is his first show with Crown Theater and has recently played Daddy Cane in BRIGHT STAR, Dr. Spivey in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, Chef Louis in THE LITTLE MERMAID, and featured dancer in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. He is currently working on Lehman High School’s THE PRINCE OF EGYPT THE MUSICAL where he is the head choreographer and Jethro. 

SAVANNA BEHNKE (Pippa/Ensemble) is a passionate and versatile 9th-grade performer with experience in dance, theater, and stage productions. She has been a dancer with Dance Unlimited Buda, Texas, training for over ten years in tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, Latin, and musical theater, with specialties in tap and ballet. Her theater experience includes performing as Cruella DeVille in Hays CISD’s 101 Dalmatians, an ensemble role in Crown Theater’s Christmas on Main Street, and a featured solo of “Under Pressure” in Chamber Theater’s summer production of Encanto. Most recently, she appeared as an ensemble cast member in the Crown Theatres production of The Emblem Channel presents Once Upon a Christmas Card Movie. In addition to performing, Savanna has developed leadership skills while serving as a Summer Camp Counselor at Austin Crown Theater in 2024 and 2025. Known for her dedication, strong stage presence, and professionalism, she is committed to growing as an artist and pursuing future opportunities in the performing arts.  Big shout out to her incredible parents: Angie and Rory for being her biggest fans.  Love you Mom, Dad, and Meadow.

STEVE WILLIAMS (Michael)  is happy to return to the Scottish Rite Theatre so soon after performing, last spring, as Mordecai  in SoundBeacon’s original musical, UNVEILED. He has been appearing in productions throughout Austin for the last two decades. Some favorite credits include: Benny in RENT, and Houdini in RAGTIME at ZACH Theatre, Narrator in BLOOD BROTHERS, Houdini in SIDE SHOW, Joshua in THE CHRISTIANS with Trinity Street Players, Che in EVITA, Sky in GUYS AND DOLLS, and Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT with the Georgetown Palace Theatre.  He is excited to work with Crown Theatre and grateful to Cliff for the chance to play again!

EM BALL (Monk/Ensemble) is a recent graduate of UT Austin. He studied Health & Society and Social Work, but performed whenever he possibly could! Most recently, Em enjoyed playing Bill Gates in THE DISCREET CHARM OF THE CEOS with Gabi Girón-Vives and The Cohen New Works Festival, and being a member of the ensemble of PRESUMED, the MFA Thesis of Em’s friend and former teacher, Yuge Ma. Other favorite roles include Oberon in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and Abraham Slender in THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, both through Shakespeare at Winedale. Em also enjoys teaching in his Special Education classroom during the day, fishing, cooking, and doing stand-up. He thanks you for coming to see the performance, and hopes you have a good time!