Lídia Barbosa de Almeida (Jezebel) is a Sight & Sound Conservatory Alum. Her hobbies include songwriting, occasional rock climbing, and learning how to play specific songs on various musical instruments. She is excited to be making her debut at Ohio Star Theater. Her favorite roles include Julia in Bandstand and Madame Defarge in A Tale of Two Cities. Most importantly, Lídia is a firm Christian who is excited to honor God with her gifts.
DeAnté Bryant (Malachi) is making his debut at Ohio Star Theater. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, DeAnté is grateful for the unique opportunity to experience the magic of Amish Country! His regional credits include Clarence the Angel in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (Repertory Theatre, St. Louis) and the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Dickens of a Christmas (Fox Theatre). He has also performed with companies such as The Black Rep, Metro Theatre Company, and the Muny. In addition to acting, DeAnté is a writer and musician.
Stephen Bundy (Ziddim/Angel) is a Cleveland native returning for his third year at Ohio Star Theater. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting from Regent University and is certified with the Society of American Fight Directors as an actor combatant in eight weapons. You may recognize Stephen from his performances in Ruth, The Road to Damascus, and A Christmas Carol at Ohio Star Theater. Stephen has performed at several professional regional theatre and touring companies, has served as an adjunct theatre professor, and is an entrepreneur at heart. He feels so blessed and thankful to be collaborating with such an amazing cast.
Matthew Dugan (Obadiah) is excited to be back at Ohio Star Theater for another new show. He was in last year’s production of The Road to Damascus as Peter and A Christmas Carol as Bob Cratchit. Matthew attended Allegheny College and graduated with a BFA in Theater. In his free time, Matthew likes to read sci-fi or fantasy books (preferably Brandon Sanderson) and play Dungeons & Dragons!
Zachary Farmer (Jaakobah/Voice of God/Angel) is working with Ohio Star Theater for the first time. He has a BA in Theatre with a focus on Improv from Northern Kentucky University. Zachary has worked professionally at Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Montana. His roles include Dennis in All Shook Up, Doody in Grease, Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and many more. Zachary recently finished playing Warner in Legally Blonde: The Musical (Covedale Center of the Performing Arts, Cincinnati). He recently married the love of his life, Katie.
Rachel Gardner (Bethany/Assistant Stage Manager/Assistant Company Manager) returns to the Ohio Star Theater stage for her fifth production. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Rachel graduated from Northern Kentucky University in 2023 with a BFA in Musical Theatre and minors in Dance and Electronic Media Broadcasting. Her previous credits include Blind Woman in The Road to Damascus, Martha Cratchit/Cora in A Christmas Carol, Ensemble member in Ruth, Judy Bernly in 9 to 5, and Sophie/Annette/Bonnie Boylan in Annie. Rachel would like to thank her family for their endless love and support as she pursues her dreams.
Sarah Grosse (Tirza), a New York City-based performer and New Orleans native, is making her Ohio Star Theater debut. Sarah is a 2024 graduate of the SEMO Dobbins Conservatory and former acting apprentice with the Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern, where she played Lady Montague in their remount of Romeo & Juliet. Other credits include Dawn in Waitress (regional premiere), Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. An avid animal lover, you may also spot Sarah walking pups around the city or onstage with Wildlife Theatre at the Bronx Zoo! All glory to God, and love to her family and friends.
Logan Harper (Elijah/Master Carpenter) is thrilled to return for his third season at Ohio Star Theater! Prior to this year’s show, he played Saul/Paul in The Road to Damascus, Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol, and Boaz in Ruth. When he’s not performing, Logan enjoys a multitude of hobbies, especially carpentry and metalworking. He lives in a small house that he built with his beautiful wife, Ellie Zumbach, and his “completely acceptable” cat, Cress.
Jonathon LaBelle (Elisha) is back for a second year at Ohio Star Theater after a successful season of The Road to Damascus. An Armada, Michigan native, Jonathon graduated from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan, with a BA in Musical Theatre. Apart from the stage, you can find Jonathon performing in cabarets, jazz gigs, and other related events. One of Jonathon’s favorite things about Ohio Star Theater is that it offers a safe place to grow in his relationship with Christ and to continually worship the Lord through his profession.
Garrett McCord (Jehu), originally from Clover, South Carolina, is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he studied Theatre and Musical Theatre. Garrett is grateful to have played various leading & supporting roles while at the Dawg House, amongst many community theatre productions. Elijah: Prophet of Fire marks his second show with Ohio Star Theater, his first being the encore of The Road to Damascus as King Herod. Garrett wishes you and yours all the best and remains grateful to God, his family, friends, and his girlfriend Grace for their love and support.
Olivia Morey (Lilith/Props Mistress), an Ohio-based actress, choreographer, director, and teaching artist, returns to perform with the Ohio Star Theater. Olivia graduated from the University of Mount Union in 2021 with a BA in Theatre Performance. Some of Olivia’s other credits include Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Deb in Elf, Chastity in Anything Goes, Liz in Chicago, Lilly St. Regis in Annie, and Carmen Diaz in Fame. She is so grateful for all the love and support from her fiancé, family, and friends!
PJ Pavot (Joram), a Brooklyn, New York-based actor, holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Ohio University. His regional credits include José in Junie B. Jones: The Musical, Jolly in Deck the Halls (Florida Studio Theatre), Chris in Catch a Dream (CAD Musical Co.), and Male Swing in Rent (Ohio Valley Summer Theatre). His regional tours include Big Bad Wolf in Red Riding Hood, Hob in The Snow Queen, and PT Wonder Jack and the Beanstalk.
Lindsey Peters (Mara/Company Manager/Choreographer/Scenic Painter) is honored to be back at Ohio Star Theater for another production. You may recognize her from her previous roles at Ohio Star Theater, including Tabitha in The Road to Damascus, Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol, and a Narrator in Ruth. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Lindsey received her BA in Theatre with a Minor in Dance from Missouri Baptist University. She is grateful to Ohio Star Theater Executive Artistic Director Tammie McKenzie for the opportunity, her family and friends for their constant love and support, and especially to her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Zachary Rusk (Naboth) is a Tuscarawas County native with a degree in Vocal Performance from Baldwin- Wallace University. He has performed with several local companies with past roles including the High Priest in The Road to Damascus, Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol, Col. Williamson in Trumpet in the Land, Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, and The Man in the Yellow Suit in Tuck Everlasting. He has served as music director for Trumpet in the Land, as well as various productions at the Little Theatre, and Ohio Star Theater’s 2025 production of A Christmas Carol.
Joseph Sheridan (Ensemble/Script Writer/Stage Manager), a Columbus, Ohio native, is in his third season with Ohio Star Theater. Joseph completed his BA in Theatre, Arts Management, and Arts Entrepreneurship at Miami University in 2023. He continued his education in an interdisciplinary apprenticeship at Commonweal Theatre Company in Lanesboro, Minnesota. A perpetual wearer of many hats, Joseph has served as a stage manager and ensemble member for multiple Ohio Star Theater productions and also wrote the dialogue for The Road to Damascus.
Gavin Lee Smith (Chaim) is an actor, singer, and dancer all the way from Paducah, Kentucky. He is also a recent graduate of the Norwalk Conservatory. Gavin is so excited to be a part of his first production at Ohio Star Theater! His recent projects include Duane, Seaweed (understudy) in Hairspray, Frank/Richie/Mark (understudy) in A Chorus Line, and Herman in Cabaret. Gavin would like to thank God, as without Him, none of this would be possible, as well as his family and friends for their constant love and support.
Katie Strugnell (Ensemble) is excited to back after Ohio Star Theater after making her debut in The Road to Damascus. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Katie graduated from Ed5international with an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts and has continued training both in Sydney and New York. Her previous credits with Ohio Star Theater include Fan/Want in A Christmas Carol and the Angel in The Road to Damascus. Katie is so grateful to be back for another year at Ohio Star Theater!
Grace Whetstone (Rivka) is so excited to make her Ohio Star Theater debut! Originally from Springfield, OH, Grace holds a BA in Communication from Bowling Green State University, where she specialized in Musical Theatre. She currently lives in New York City and is thrilled to be back in Ohio. Some of her recent credits include Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Harmony Theater) and Enid in Legally Blonde (La Comedia Dinner Theater). Grace would like to thank her family, friends, grandma, and aunt for their endless support!
Jonathan Wilson (Ahab), originally from Birmingham, Alabama, is in his third Ohio Star Theater Production. Jonathan holds a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Colorado State University and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Auburn University. Some of Jonathan’s previous credits include Stephen in The Road to Damascus, Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys, Male Lead Soloist in O Wondrous Night (Sea World, San Antonio), Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret, Phil Davis in White Christmas, Simon Stride in Jekyll and Hyde, and Nick Bottom in Something Rotten. Jonathan is grateful to the Lord and Ohio Star Theater for the wonderful opportunity!
Ellie Zumbach (Script Writer/Lyricist/Sera/Angel), a Sugarcreek native and passionate storyteller, Ellie is thrilled to once again have her words brought to life on stage at Ohio Star Theater. She studied Creative Writing and Theatre at Malone University, where she wrote her first musical, A Mess of Flowers. When Ellie is not writing, she can be found on stage! She previously appeared in Ohio Star Theater’s production of Ruth as a Narrator, A Christmas Carol as Mrs. Cratchit, and as an ensemble member in The Road to Damascus. Ellie extends heartfelt gratitude to her family, the cast, the creative team, Dutchman Hospitality Group, and the audience. And a special, loving thank you to her husband, Logan Harper.