Ghosts of Christmas - Past and Present

Julie Huff has been part of the A Christmas Carol family for nearly three decades, first joining the cast in 1994 under the direction of Charles Jones. Her early years saw her in the role of Millie, Fred Cratchit’s wife, and she quickly became a cherished part of the ensemble. For most of her time in the show, Julie has brought to life the Ghost of Christmas Past, performing opposite generations of Scrooges and helping to shape the magical moments that define the production. Over the years, she has also taken on the role of Myrtle Crow and has shared the stage with her own children as they joined the cast. Julie has been a mentor to new performers, welcoming them into the A Christmas Carol family and fostering a spirit of creativity and camaraderie. She fondly remembers the joy (and sometimes chaos) of early performances, from slippery stage polkas to glittering “Milk of Human Kindness” effects, always keeping the fun alive for both cast and audience. Her devotion to nurturing young actors and celebrating the joy of live theater has made her an irreplaceable part of this enduring tradition.

Don-Keelan White has been a vibrant presence in A Christmas Carol almost every year since 2012, with the exception of the 2020 COVID-year production. Most often seen as the Ghost of Jacob Marley, Don has also stepped into a variety of other roles, including the Baker, Mr. Fezziwig, and the Ghost of Christmas Present. Known for his adaptability and quick thinking, Don has had memorable onstage moments that keep both him and the audience on their toes, like the time the chair he was supposed to sit on disappeared mid-performance! Beyond these moments of theatrical agility, Don has been deeply involved in performances for special audiences, including signers for the hearing-impaired, demonstrating his commitment to making theater accessible and magical for everyone. His contributions were recently recognized when he became the first recipient of the Jerry Longe Award, a testament to his artistry, professionalism, and lasting impact on Omaha Community Playhouse.

Together, Julie Huff and Don-Keelan White exemplify the heart and spirit of A Christmas Carol. Their dedication, talent, and years of shared experience continue to make this holiday tradition a source of joy for audiences and performers alike, inspiring new generations to carry forward the magic of this beloved production.