Zombies!!! 65 Be Prepared

 Time to earn your badges as you march through a scout camp with both girl and boy scout zombies as well as scout leader zombies. Just like previous expansions you can have kids on the same square as adults.

But the coolest feature about this expansion will be the badge tokens you can earn throughout the game that will score you extra points at the end. 

Merit badges will be given out for the following:

- Died by zombie attack (negative points)

- Killed zombie without using re-roll

- Killed zombie without  using bullet

- Rolled 6 for movement

- Rolled 6 on a kill

- Killed 3 zombies in one turn

And so on and so forth. I would even add a player board the shape of a sash to place all your badges on. 

Zombies!!! 64: Bayou Zombie

 Come back home to the swamps of Louisiana with this expansion, as you battle zombie alligators and snakes along with regular zombies. 

Unfortunately, it's harder to move in the swamp so you're movement is cut in half rounded down unless you brought certain gear to help you move. But whenever you get attacked on top of taking damage you can also lose your gear and be stuck in the swamp for a while or at least until more gear is found. 

I hate moving slow but I think it goes well with the theme and could be combined with the Mardi Gras expansion I mentioned earlier if you wanted it too. Plus can you imagine how awesome a zombie gator would look??

Zombies!!! 63 Great White Zombies

 

Time to take things to Canada as the zombies continue to spread around the world. More zombie animals are included like the zombie beaver, moose and elk as well as some Mounty. 

I'd also like a few inside jokes on the cards to be from SCTV's Great White North skits since I loved them so much as a kid. And of course the tiles would feature all the famous places around the country. 

Zombies!!! 62 The Blood Diamond Dead

 As the expansions travel around the globe, the next stop is Africa where the players will encounter buffalo, hippo, zebra and giraffe zombies! But unlike expansion 12 they're not in a zoo but in the open back lands of Africa where no rules apply!

If you have animals from 12 you can include them as well in this expansion as well as birds and any other zombies animals from previous editions. This will be as hard as 12 was but without the cages. 

Zombies!!! 61 Death Down Under

 Ok, let's get back to the expansion ideas I had for the game Zombies!!! (I have plenty more left to share!)

The next one would take the players out to Australia where the virus is very much alive and kicking! Zombie kangaroos and dingos would be your nemesis in the game and yes, as the picture demonstrates, you can add kids to this expansion as well. 

The cards and tiles would be Australian themed and would fit well within my "Around the World" expansion ideas. 

Black Friday Sucks

 I really can't remember the last time I got excited over a deal on this day. It seems its just the same old deals as before and never nothing I'm interested in or need. 

This year I do have my eye on one or two things but as for "excitement" I have none. And this has nothing to do with COVID, I've been disenchanted with this day over the years. 

It is nice to see some stores going back to closing on Thanksgiving Day, though I'm willing to bet anything, that stops when COVID is over. 

Have a good weekend folks!

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Pretty sure Megan hates this holiday because like so many others, they see it as a boring holiday to be ignored in favor of Christmas. 

People are more than happy to push aside this holiday and tell others to ignore it for "safety" reasons. Total crap. 

This is a great holiday and I'll always love it for everything it stands for. So Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

A time for thanks (part 3)

 

I love my little pumpkins so much. I never get tired of kissing their cheeks and holding them tight. I'll continue to enjoy each year I have with them. 

They truly are the highlight of my life. 

A time for thanks (part 2)

 

Another thing I have to be thankful for is my health. I'm not getting any younger and I feel it more and more each day. But I'm so thankful for the shape I'm currently in at my age and it means a lot to be a whole lot better off them others I know. 

God's protected me through the years and I have no doubt he'll continue to do so, but I will always be thankful for the health I have right now. 

A time for thanks (Part 1)

 Since we're coming up on the week of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd hold off talking about Zombies and talking about things that I'm thankful for instead!

The first would be my job. I'm incredibly thankful for the boss I have and the people I work with. I've been with them for over 11 years now and I never see me leaving. They are a great company and I'm happy I'm a part of them. 

Words to live by

 

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Playing Tiny Tim in his first role ever is quite an honor for the Geneva Academy student. Tallis Wilkins favorite meal is an avocado and anchovies sandwich on rye bread. His favorite shows are “That’s not my Cat” and “Things that go ‘Boom’ in my Tummy”

Director’s Note: He may only have one line in the show but it’s the most popular one in the entire play! Tallis has fearlessly tackled the role of Tiny Tim and the entire cast loves him for it!

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Oz Wilkins is a student at Geneva Academy. His hobbies are whiffle ball, plate stacking and slug slinging. This is his first show at the Strauss and one of the highlights of his year.

Director’s Note: Oz has had to fill in as both the Carol Boy and By Scrooge in this show. A tall order for any first time actor but he’s done the job well and I’m happy to have him as past of the cast.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Breyton Mastronuzzi is a student at Louisiana Tech where he majors in Mass Communications with a minor in Pancake Flipping. His dream job is to become a radio dj or stunt double for Jason Momoa. He enjoys vacationing in Buford, Wyoming during monsoon season and is the current Grand Poobah for the Loyal Order of the Water Buffalos Lodge.

Director’s Note: I’m extremely grateful to Breyton for stepping in the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present. He has a great stage presence and is a joy to work with.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Emily Hilleke is the mother of Jonathan and Adam and a slew of other kids whose names escape her at the moment. (but she loves them all same) She is married to Thomas who wears brown clothes and drives around town delivering cardboard enclosed goods to the masses. She’s excited to return to theater since her last show “Annie get your gun, the Horse is getting old” wasn’t well received.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Mattie Cross is a student at Genever Academy and is experiencing being a part of her first show ever. To put it in her words “This sure beat feeding spoons of dirt to my siblings and telling them it’s a protein bar!”

Director’s Note: I’m very pleased to have Mattie as part of our cast. She’s done a great job adjusting to the roll of Fan.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Adam Hilleke is the only child in NELA to ever receive the esteemed “Subterranean Soil Treatment Award for his study in ant hills. He’s a student of Geneva Academy and is excited to be in his first show at the Strauss.

Director’s Note: I’m not sure but Adam may be having the most fun of anyone in the cast during rehearsals. He’s also smiling and gets along well with his fellow castmates.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Jonathan Hilleke is a student at Geneva Academy and is allergic to double rainbows, false teeth and Yankees fans. He’s happy to be part of his first show at the Strauss Theatre.

Director’s Note: Jonathan’s grown a lot as an actor in this show. I hope he continues to pursue his interest.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Ken Bryan is a master of the secret of duck origami. Though the practice is now illegal to do with live ducks in most states, Ken keeps in practice in a small island in the Barbados. Among Ken’s greatest achievements are his daughters and his best-selling novel “Toilet Seat Down: A Survival Guide through the Jungle of Women.”

Director’s Note: I’ve always been amazed by Ken’s acting ability on stage. I first worked with him during Cotton Land Christmas a few years back where he gave a masterful performance. To have him be a part of my show is a honor.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Nicole Goode is a native of Monroe and a five-year veteran of the Strauss Theatre Center stage.

In her every day life, she works at Kohl’s Department Store and the Ouachita Parish

Public Library. She is excited to have the opportunity to play the char woman in such an

iconic play.

Director’s Note: I’ve worked with and been a part of many productions of the years with Nicole. She’s wonderful to work with in every aspect. She took to the role as the Charwoman with a flawless performance the first time out and has been solid in the role ever since.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

Phillip Brooks was born and raised in West Monroe, attended ULM and graduated with a communications degree that launched him into a career in radio, then video production.

You can hear him on 100.9 The Hill each weekday mornings 6-10. He also works full time for Vantage Health Plan producing their videos for TV, social media, and in-house education.

He portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in the Family Church adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” for nearly 20 years until they stopped production in 2015. He said, “to portray Ebenezer Scrooge again would be an honor here at the Strauss Theater.” He also said, “This redemption story is a timeless Christmas gem that needs to be told over and over again!”

He and his wife Amy along with their youngest daughter of four lives in Calhoun.

Director’s Note: What can I say about our biggest star of the show? There’s few people in the Twin Cities who don’t remember attending a performance of Christmas Carol at the Family Church. Growing up I saw it several times and it was the reason I wanted to do this show in the first place. That Phillip agreed to reprise his role for our production was a dream come true for me. His hard work and dedication to the role is something I’m extremely thankful for. Believe me, you DO NOT want to miss his upcoming performance for this show.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

Jace Cascio is a 22 year old senior at ULM pursuing to become a mental health counselor. He has

been performing for 10 years and adores the performing arts. He would like to dedicate

his performance for this show to his aunt Crystal Cupples who recently passed away from

breast cancer.

Director’s Note: Jace is another actor who I’ve known ever since he was a kid. I worked with him in both Back to the 80’s and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. He’s also worked with me in dinner theater as well. Really great to be working with him once again on another show. 

 

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Eddie Fountain is once again excited to be performing on the Strauss stage. He was last

seen in the production of Godspell where he played the characters John the Baptist and

Judas. He has also performed in many other productions at Strauss, including the dinner

theatres.

Director’s Note: I kid with Eddie that it’s part of my contract he be included in every show I direct. I’ve had him in my last 3 dinner theater shows. He’s a wonderful actor, singer and friend. 

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Ella Goodwin is a highschool senior who has actively been pursuing the arts through

SYAA since sixth grade. However, this is her first production with Strauss Mainstage!

Whether it is through acting, stage management, or soundboard, Ella is just happy to be a

part of the magic!"

Director’s Note: Ella is also my Stage Manager and I believe me when I say, she’s the best I’ve seen at it in a long time! She’s also a talented actress and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude that she chose Christmas Carol as her first Main Stage production.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Taylor Michiels is an analyst for Lumen Technologies.  An aspiring Survivor castaway, he enjoys

escape rooms, trivia, and watching movies.  He’s previously appeared in Mamma Mia!,

Godspell, Little Women, and Tuna Does Vegas.

Director’s Note: I don’t think I know of a harder worker at the Strauss. Taylor has helped with just about any show I’ve been a part of in the past year. He’s always willing to lend a helping hand and has become one of my good friends (and Survivor brother) over the past year.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Camille Spires  is the middle child and has both an older & younger brother, both of whom she adores. She loves to ride horses, is an avid reader, enjoys drawing, and spends much of her time singing. She attends Geneva Academy and is excited to be a part of her very first show.

Director’s Note: Camille has stepped into the various roles needed for the ensemble with seamless ease. I hope to see her back for more shows in the years to come!

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Jackson Culp is a national award-winning actor who has performed in over 40 stage

productions within the last ten years. Recently, he starred in Lifespan of Fact as both

John D' Agata and Jim Fingal, The Groundling as Pete, Romeo and Juliet as Mercutio, and

The Crucible as John Proctor. He is currently a Junior at Louisiana Tech University.

Director’s Note: I’ve known Jackson since he was a kid and was thrilled when he first contacted me about being a part of this show. So much so, that I gave him two separate rolls to perform in! Over the years I’ve gotten to see his talent grow and I know it’s still just the beginning for what he can accomplish.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

 Aubri Skinner is excited to come back to live theatre and be involved in A Christmas

Carol. She has appeared on the Strauss stage in shows such as Mamma Mia, The Cover of

Life, and Little Women, as well as shows at CA Studio. She loves local theatre and

appreciates the efforts to (safely) keep it alive during this time. Aubri wants to thank

director Matt Wilkins for making this such a fun experience!

Director’s Note: For anyone who missed Aubri’s stunning performance in “The Cover of Life” I feel sorry for you. She has amazing talent and a large range for an actress. Working with her on this show has been an honor indeed.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 (No Picture)

Peyton Churchwell is a University of Louisiana-Monroe alumni, graduating with a Bachelors

in English Education. His ULM VAPA Performance credits include Ubaldo Piangi in Phantom

of the Opera, Captain Venderdender in Candide, and Hugo Peabody in Bye Bye, Birdie. His

Strauss Theatre credits include Ensemble/Chorus member in Mamma Mia and Mr. Bumble in

Oliver! The Musical. He has also performed at the Rose Theatre in many plays, including

Wilson in Whose Wives are They Anyway?, and he just recently performed as Macduff in CA

Studio’s Zoom production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Director’s Note: I first saw Payton in “Who Wives are they Anyway?” and his role as the bellhop was hilarious. I later had the pleasure of working with him for “How to Succeed” and am excited that he’s a past of this show as well.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Lisa Purvis has been in four performances: Ensemble in Music Man, Nun in Sister Act, Nun in

Christmas on the River, and backstage on Momma Mia.

She lives in West Monroe and enjoy being a part of Christmas Carol.

Director’s Note: Lisa stepped in as Ms Dilbur when an original cast member had to bow out of the production early and I’m glad she did because I can’t see anyone else doing the role better than she has.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Wade Purvis has been in two performances: Charlie in Music Man and backstage/extra in Sister Act.

Ha lives in West Monroe and is married to Lisa Purvis with son, Tony, and daughter, Tori.

Director’s Note: Wade is one of the most positive guys I’ve met at the Strauss. Always with a greeting and smile, its been great getting to know him during this production.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Nyah Onderko is a student at Geneva Academy. After years of dancing and singing around

the house, her parents finally gave in and let her audition for a show. She is very

excited to be in her first theatre production.

Director’s Note: I’m happy to be a part of Nyah’s very first show! She’s got a natural talent and takes direction well. A pleasure indeed to work with. I hope to see her in many more production in the future.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Michaela Harris is a native to West Monroe and attended ULM where she received her

Bachelor of Art in English Literature. She is planning to continue her studies in the

Spring at ULM, attending the Master’s Program in English.

 

Michaela has been a long-time supporter and participant of Strauss and the theatrical

arts. Her aunt, Sylvia Rusche, was also once a participant and, along with Michaela’s

parents, continuously encourages her love for it. Michaela has played in The Music Man

and Dinner at 8, Dead by Nine. She did makeup/costuming in Baskerville and is doing so

again in A Christmas Carol. Michaela is a self-taught makeup artist and is continually

growing her knowledge and talent, as well as doing digital art. When she isn’t helping at

Strauss, she is working at River Cities Humane Society for Cats, fostering kittens,

drinking copious amounts of coffee, and spending time with her family.

Director’s Note: Michaela isn’t just in charge of the make-up but has also been tasked to complete small projects here and there wherever needed. She created the “Scrooge and Marely” sign along with a few other things and does it with a willing heart. So much of this show could not be made possible without her.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

My name is Emmanuel Capers, I am 25 years old. I have a bachelors in Arts and Humanities

from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I have performed in many Operas, concerts and

Musicals at ULM and the Strauss theatre. My most recent performance at Strauss was

Godspell under the direction of Terri Cunningham. I am excited and honored to be a part

of A Christmas Carol this year!

Director’s Note: I saw Emmanuel in Godspell and was excited to have him join our cast. The man is very talented and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know him better over the past few weeks with this show. Only regret is that I didn’t get to know him sooner, he’s a great guy!

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Blane Evans has been involved with community theatre for the past 3 years and is

currently a student at Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts. Being apart of over 10

productions, some of his most iconic role are Edgar Allen Poe in Poe’s Dreams of Madness,

Hamlet in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, and Mr. Dussel in The Diary of Anne

Frank. He is dedicated to furthering his experience in this field and telling as many

stories as he can.

Directors Note: I got to know Blane during “How to Succeed” a show that was cancel the same weekend the pandemic started and it’s a shame too because he was great in it. I’m overjoyed to have my co-star back on stage for Christmas Carol in yet another role I know he will shine in.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

My name is Madison Hernandez. I'm a Junior Politcal Science major at the University of

Louisiana Monroe. My plans after college are to attend Law School in pursuit of a Juris

Doctorate. I'm from Calhoun, Louisiana. I have enjoyed theatre since I was a child and am

proud to be apart of this wonderful cast.

Director’s Note: From the very first day Madison secured the role of the Ghost of Christmas Present. She’s got a natural talent that this show benefits from. She’s also been a extreme help behind the scenes as well in assisting with the set. She’s a multi-talented actress that I hope comes back to the Strauss again in the near future.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

Laney Goodwin has been involved with several community theatres since she was thirteen years old

and plans to continue with the local theatre scene as long as possible. She is currently

pursuing a degree in theatre at Louisiana Tech, but is excited to be back in Monroe.

Director’s Note: Laney’s also the assistant director for the show and has been an enormous blessing to me since day 1. The past few weeks she’s had to furiously translate my random and vague request I’ve made of her throughout the show. The show wouldn’t be what it is right now without her.

The Cast of the Christmas Carol!

 

John Turner has been a drafter/designer for over 5 years for a couple local companies. He

has been back with Strauss as backstage crew/special effects for 3 years now and is

excited to be back on the stage in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. He is also

involved in Shakespeare in Love and Merry Wives of West Windsor with CA Studios. He has

been involved as backstage crew/special effects in Baskerville, Who's in bed with the

Butler, Mamma Mia, and other productions of Strauss. He has been in a few Shakespeare

plays under Cathy Airhart in his teenage years including Much Ado about Nothing and The

Tempest.

Director’s Note: John’s been a big help with building and moving the set around for the show as well as doing his part as a cast member. I’m thankful for his contributions both on and off the stage!

Thoughts

 Isn't it sad we live in a world that mandates us to hide our smile?

Zombies!!! 60 A Horrible Day in the Neighborhood

 In another celebratory 10th expansion, I thought we'd bring the players into the residential area of the game. Where it's just a bunch of houses you enter to grab hearts and bullets from. Special zombies would be included such as a gardener, jogger and mailman. The player pawns would be police officers still trying to protect and serve where they can. 

You could include kids and dogs from previous expansions as well and the cards could feature a bunch of old 50's style neighborhood themes. Such as cookouts, lending a helping hand, or baking a cake for new neighbors. 

Besides the Halloween expansion, this is a great way to build onto the base game with a residential area to play in. 

Have a good weekend folks! 

Zombies!!! 59 Better Red than Dead!

 Sticking to the theme from the last expansion, you make it down from the North Pole to the mother country to encounter Commie Zombies! Of course they'd be a special figure for this expansion but other than that it would have Russian themes throughout the game. 

You could even have Russian guns and weapons too. Thinking back on it, I should've put all these together and called them the "World edition" expansions since I have so many ideas of places around the world this game could go. 

Zombies!!! 58 Yuletide Horror

 We finally get to the end of the holiday expansions with a visit to the North Pole where everyone's favorite jolly fat man has been infected with the virus....as have his elves...and his reindeer. 

The players scurry around the North Pole, trying to get to Santa's sleigh to escape the horrors of this holiday season. With one zombie Santa (a 10 to kill) and several elves and reindeer zombie figures about, this is a fitting in to the "holiday" series of expansions. 

Zombies!!! 57 Trick or Treat, give me brains to eat!

 It's now Halloween in the holiday expansion series and this time, pumpkin headed creatures walk the night. Are they zombies? Who knows?! All you know is you have to take them out as you run through the residential area in town. 

If you have zombie kids from previous expansions, you're free to use them here as well. They're also those pesky pumpkin head zombies (mimicking the kid in the movie Trick or Treat) that you have to fend off as well. 

New player pawns, show character dressed as a cowboy, spaceman, superhero, cat, princess and a sheet ghost. 

Zombies!!! 56 Zombie Independence Day

 It's not time to celebrate our nations birthday but this time with zombies inhabiting the earth! Use all sorts of fireworks as weapons against the undead in this expansion, as the zombies are dressed up in patriotic gear. One looking like uncle Sam, while another is waving a tattered flag. 

From cherry bombs to bottle rockets, you'll remember the words of your mother when she said "If you're not careful, you could put your eye out!"

This one also has a "super weapon" included in the deck that when you set it off, it kills all the zombies on your tile and the one next to you. Could led to some interesting mega kills!

Mask Fail

 If the mask mandate worked, why are we seeing a rise in cases? 

If the mask mandate didn't work, why are we still doing it?

Zombies!!! 55 Evil Egg Hunt

 It's Easter in the next expansion as you move through the holidays and this time giant zombified Easter bunnies are coming for you!

You're goal is to move around the area collects 6 different colored eggs and making it back out of the Easter Egg field. The bunnies move 2 spaces per turn so they're a little faster than the average zombie. They also require a 5 to beat so they're a little harder in that aspect as well. 

All the eggs tokens are face down so you don't know what color it is until you flip it over. And it stays hidden if its a color you already have. Players never reveal what colors they've found or what they have left to retrieve until the end. You can also confront other players in a battle (just like in Zombies!!! 15) and look at their eggs to steal the color you need if victorious. 

Zombies!!! 54 Unluck of the Irish

 Following the Holiday expansions is St Patty's Day, where you make your way through Ireland avoiding zombies AND evil leprechauns! 

This will play off the Leprechaun horror series and have random cards spoofing the movie series. Leprechaun pawns move up to three spaces at a time on the board and require a 6 to catch. But if you get one, you get to draw a special "Pot-o-Gold" card which gives you a permanent ability in the game! 

A few of the powers I thought of were:

1) Hold unlimited cards in your hand

2) play 2 cards per turn

3) Gain +1 movement on all turns

Nothing too big but enough to make a slight difference in the gameplay. 

Zombies!!! 53 Bloody Valentine

 The 2nd installment of the Zombies!!! holiday series takes on the most loveliest time of the year!

This expansion has valentine zombie figures and forces you to collect a set of 12 of the same type (or 25 mixed) to win. It comes with player boards with spots to store the zombies to give to your loved one as a gift in this messed up world. 

You can also use the bag-o-brains that is sold separately at Twilight Creations website to throw on to the board and move zombies to the tile from other areas of the board. Because nothing attracts zombies more than brains! This is a house rule we already have set up, but it'd be nice to make it official in a rule book here. 

  

Zombies!!! 52 New Years Evil

 Welcome to my "Holiday" series of expansions for Zombies!!!

We start at the coming of a new year. As players march through Time Square, fending of zombies during the ringing of a new year. The Zombies come in tuxes and gowns, party favors hanging from their slacked jaws. 

The goal is timed over 10 rounds, where you countdown the clock until the new year. Will your resolution be to lose weight? Get a new job? Or kill more zombies?  

Zombies!!! 51 The Pecking Dead

 This expansion would serve as another scenario based expansion, offering extra tiles for games and some Zombie birds! The vultures caught the virus while feeding on the dead and spread the virus airborn to eagles, ravens and Owls. Now you have to watch the skies for an attack from above!

Birds can move one tile at a time so they're fast. You can also have cards that joke on Hitchcock's movie "The Birds" as well in this expansion.   

Zombies!!! 50 The Big One

 Having 50 expansions to the game should be marked with a special occasion so I thought this expansion would include zombies figures with party hats or holding cakes and would also have double sized tiles which would represent things like a parking lot, or car dealership and other various places you'd find around the city. You could all add it to the base game.

I'd also drop the roman numeral from the game because when you've made it this far the number itself seems far more impressive. This may also be a Kickstarter project because I would want fans to get involved on submitting their own cards and ideas for zombies figures. 

It'd come with various stretch goals which would give you figures for past expansions, like the CEO from 11 or the Bus from my earlier suggestion of 40. Either way, this would have to be the biggest one yet.