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
Sophia Ferrera-Mongeotti
Sophia Ferrera is a dancer, currently training in ballroom, ballet, contemporary, folklore, hip-hop, and lyrical dance styles. She is also an active member of the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Key Club International, and serves as a Junior Director for the MAST Ambassadors Club.
Sophia currently holds the title of World Imperial Beauties Jr. Teen Goodwill Ambassador and is honored to be part of Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
ABIGAIL GRAHAM
Clare
Abigail Graham is a 12 year-old Orlando native who proudly embraces her Caribbean roots. She has been training and dancing at Avalon Dance since the age of three. 2026 is her her fourth year performing in Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker, and she is thrilled to be part of the principal cast as Clare.
The Chocolate Nutcracker Prince
Xavier Logan is a proud native of Atlanta, Georgia. He’s a dancer, singer, actor, and model. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Logan has been featured on The Vampire Diaries, Dance Moms, and So You Think You Can Dance. In 2023, Logan was named one of Teen Vogue & GLAAD’s “20 Under 20” rising stars. This is his second season with Ailey II, his first tour with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and his third season in the role of the Chocolate Nutcracker Prince in Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker.
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YESENIA FIDER
Sugar Plum Fairy
Yesenia is an accomplished actress and model whose recent work includes featured roles in advertisements produced by Universal Studios. With a strong foundation in both performance and classical technique, she brings artistry and discipline to every project she undertakes.
After graduation, Yesenia will be attending college on scholarship, pursuing a double major in biology and performing arts with a specialization in classical ballet.
SHANICE G. BRADLEY
Snow Queen
Shanice is a dancer born in Hollywood, FL and raised in Central Florida. Today, Shanice dances on the 41x National Champions, Dazzlers dance team at Seminole High School in Sanford, FL, honing her technique to dance on a Collegiate dance team after her High School career.
Shanice is also a student at Avalon Dance Studio where she is continuing to study and advance her formal technical training in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Acro.
Mahkari Lozeille
The Mouse King
Makhari, also known as Khari, is an energetic, outgoing and loving young performer with He has been moving to the rhythm since he could walk and began formal training at the Orlando School of Cultural Dance at just four years old, where he discovered his love for African dance.
Now celebrating his sixth year as part of The Chocolate Nutcracker, Khari will proudly take the stage as The Mouse King and perform in several other scenes alongside the show’s beautiful and talented cast. His vibrant spirit and love for dance continue to inspire everyone who watches him perform.
BRANDON K.I. HERRING JR.
Clare's Brother Fritz
Brandon K.I. Herring, Jr. is a 13-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 an 8th 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.
CARLISLE CANNARELLA
Clare's Sister
Carlisle is thrilled to be returning to Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker, this time in the role of Clare’s Sister! An ‘A’ honor roll student, Carlisle also has a wide range of interests and activities that keep her booked and busy including: Jiu Jitsu, Cheer, Scouting, Piano, Church Youth Group and of course, the Ballet Master Class with Orlando Community Arts!
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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.
