Kecia Strickland Garland (Patsy) began her performance career at the ripe old age of four, when she sang her first solo at Jamestown Baptist Church in Waycross, GA. At the age of 12, she auditioned for, and was cast in, “Clover’s & Co” – UGA’s 4-H Youth Performing Arts group. She stayed with the cast for seven years, along with Jennifer Nettles (Sugarland), among others. Today, Kecia is on the staff as a Vocal Director with the group. Though new to the world of theater, Kecia has a natural gift for the stage.
In 2001, Kecia released her first Album, WHERE I BELONG, and had two Top Ten songs on the Christian Country Music charts. She was named “Contemporary Country Artist of the Year” for the Atlanta Society of Entertainers, and nominated for “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Entertainer of the Year”. She also received nominations from The Christian Country Music Association for “New Artist of the Year” and “Female Vocalist of the Year”.
She has headlined festivals and fairs, and has performed with Vince Gill, Clay Walker, Diamond Rio, Doug Stone, Trace Adkins, Rascal Flatts, Neal McCoy, Kenny Rogers, and others. She also has performed at the Ryman Auditorium with Hank Williams, Jr, Collin Ray, Marty Raybon, Dottie Rambo, and more.
Kecia is a former Miss Georgia Forestry, and was named twice to the Top Ten in both Miss Georgia America and Miss Georgia USA. She is a graduate of Brenau University, and recipient of its “Young Alumnae of the Year” Award.
Kecia played Patsy in the Holly’s 2014 production of Always…Patsy Cline to rave reviews and is very happy to reprise the role again this year.
Linda Thompson (Louise) is thrilled to return to the stage as Louise again this year at the Holly. Firmly bit by the acting bug in the third grade, Linda first performed shows in her basement, directed by her sister. After several seasons performing with an improve dinner theater, her first role on stage was in Bus Stop, as Cherie. Over the past seventeen years, some of her favorite roles include: Florence Unger (The Odd Couple), Elaine Harper (Arsenic & Old Lace), Gwendolyn Pigeon (The Odd Couple), Mae Peterson (Bye Bye Birdie), Hedy La Rue (How To Succeed In Business), Maria Morelli (Lend Me a Tenor), Truvy (Steel Magnolias), and Miss. Hannigan (Annie). At the Holly, Linda recently directed Moon Over Buffalo and just finished a successful run of the musical, Little Shop of Horrors as the director. She would like to thank Leanne for being gentle while teaching her music and for the sharing the chocolate love. And to Keicia and that amazing voice! Special thanks to her husband, Mike, for his constant support and love (not to mention being okay with letting the condition of the house slide while she worked on all those lines). Big hugs to her kids, Maddie and Craig for being cool with their mom walking around talking with the accent for weeks. And to her mom because without a momma, you got nothing.
