ThE CAST
Special Guest Artist
Jaquay Pearce
Jaquay (juh-kway) Pearce was first introduced to the violin at age 7, As a solo artist, Jaquay loves to perform classical crossover selections branching into genres such as pop, rock, and R&B. She has performed for several music/art festivals such a Fringe!, and Jingle Eve, as well as corporate conventions and fashion shows. Today, Jaquay is a member of the string quartet Violectric since 2017.
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Special Guest Artist
Lafayette Stokely
South Carolina-born and Florida-raised MC, Lafayette Stokely always knew he had a love for music. His skills have earned him the right to share stages and brush shoulders with the likes of Curren$y, the legend Raekwon the Chef, and countless others. His latest release, “Talkin” has been making waves and gaining new fans all over the world. Fresh off of a European tour, Stokely has been tirelessly working on the follow up to his 2023 EP “Such Is Life” which will be shared with the world in due time.
Special Guest Artist
Sophia Ferrera-Mongeotti
Sairi Witherspoon
Clare
Sairi Witherspoon is a 15-year-old high school freshman who has attended Avalon Dance Company for the last nine years. She trains in all forms of dance, but especially enjoys jazz, contemporary, and musical theater. In 2022, Sairi recognized as an exceptional dancer by Heat Force and awarded a Dance Scholarship. Sairi plans to pursue a dance degree as part of her academic journey. She is excited to be a part of the 2023 production of Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
The Chocolate Nutcracker Prince
Xavier Logan is a 21-year-old proud native of Atlanta, Georgia. He’s a dancer, singer, actor, and model. A graduate of Northsprings High School of the Arts and Sciences and alumnus of Dance Makers of Atlanta, Xavier is now an uprising senior at The Juilliard School. In 2024, “HBC-J(U): A Ju-illiard Homecoming” was chosen for Juilliard’s 2024 Choreographic Honors. Xavier was also recently selected as Teen Vogue X GLAAD 20 under 20 rising star.
cHARISMA TRAN
Sugar Plum Fairy &
Y.E.S.S. Orlando Young Lions Drummer and Soloist
Charisma is a high school sophomore and a competitive dancer at Shooting Stars School of Performing Arts. She is also the drummer and marketing director of Y.E.S.S. Orlando Young Lions. She appeared in four episodes of a TLC Reality Show and modeled for New York Fashion Week. This will be the third year that Charisma and Y.E.S.S. will perform in Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
Sa'NAA NATALIA BRAHIMI
Snow Queen
Sa'Naa Natalia Brahimi is a 16-year-old Orlando native. This is her third season with Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker as the Snow Queen. She has received her training from Avalon Dance for more than a decade and has attended the Joffrey ballet summer intensive. She is recognized as a regional and national Platinum award winning dancer in both jazz and contemporary technique. This Sa'Naa's third year as the Snow Queen.
BRANDON K.I. HERRING JR.
Clare's Brother Fritz
Brandon K.I. Herring, Jr. is a 12-year-old Orlando Native with Nigerian and American Roots. Brandon's aspirations include musical theater, acting, modeling, fashion design, and digital media. Brandon is currently a 7th Grader in Howard Middle School's Academy of the Arts and has participated in various classes at Dr. Phillips Center's AdventHealth School of the Arts in Drama, Musical Theater, & Broadway Jazz. He has modeled with Set It Off Production's Kids Fashion Shows, as well as, participated in CPMS Orlando All-Stars ECHOES Summer Theatre Troupe.
Elise Ellison
Clare's Sister
Elise Ellison is in her third year performing in Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker. She loved the production from first sight after attending her first show as a toddler. The nine-year-old Orlando native is currently in the fourth grade. She also participates in the dance team and running clubs at her school.
Ezra Ben Kaniyah
Drummer
Ezra Ben Kaniyah was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He has 20+ years of drumming experience under the leadership of Sunshine Lee, Weesie Braimah, Atur Eleeahsah, Asaur Owens, & Caph Geui. This is Ezra's third season with Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
