BYE BYE 
BIRDIE

Chris Smeltzer is excited to return to the Little Theater of Gastonia stage and this time as Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie! You may have seen Chris as HARRY WORMWOOD in Matilda the Musical and NICK BOTTOM in Something Rotten!. Chris spent many years in choral performance and moved into theater performance in his early twenties. He hones his skill through experience and continues to develop his vocal craft with his incredible vocal coach. When not on stage Chris spends his time working full time for Solvere LLC and spends his free time on the golf course or with friends and family.

Noemi Rabinowitz, based in Gastonia, NC, most recently took part in Something Rotten! as BEA BOTTOM,  The Rocky Horror Picture Show as EDDIE/DR. SCOTT, Madagascar: A Musical Adventure as MELMAN, Cabaret as SALLY BOWLES, Dogfight as MARCY and The Wizard of Oz as SCARECROW.  Noemi is thrilled to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia’s stage in this production of Bye Bye Birdie!

Chris Hager is excited to be performing in this production. He has been previously seen on the mainstage at Little Theater of Gastonia as SCOTT in Disaster! the Musical in 2019. Chris would like to thank his family and wonderful girlfriend for supporting him, KB for being his amazing and incredibly humble self, and Shane for casting him.

Jessica Cooper is a 9th Grade Musical Theatre Major at Northwest School of the Arts. This will be Jessica's debut production at Little Theater of Gastonia, though she has been doing musical theatre for about three years. Recent production credits includes ensemble roles in Matilda the Musical and The Spongebob Musical. This is Jessica's first lead role and she is excited to be able to bring it to the stage!

Lance Carroll is excited to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time. Lance hasn’t been in a show in 30 years so when his daughter, Megan, asked him to audition with her so that they could do a show together before she graduated, he was a little nervous. Lance has had an absolute blast getting to share the stage with his daughter and this amazingly talented cast of people. Lance hopes you all enjoy the snow!

Becky Layman is so excited for her first show with Little Theater of Gastonia! After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill in 2010, Becky moved to Chicago for a post-grad service corps, and eventually graduated from the University of Georgia with her Masters in Nonprofit Management. It was in Chicago that Becky met her husband, Nate- they moved to Charlotte in 2018 Becky has been performing musically all her life in different choirs and shows.  Her most recent show was SUZY in Winter Wonderettes at Davidson Community Players.  Becky would like to thank her husband, her parents, family, and friends for their support of her creative endeavors for the past years!

Aria Parker is excited to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia stage, after last appearing as LAVENDER in Matilda the Musical and TAMATOA'S LEFT CLAW in Moana JR.! Aria has been performing since she was little, though she has recently found a passion when it comes to theater. When not on the stage, Aria can be found drawing, reading, designing, cooking, camping, playing video games or hanging out with her family. Aria is a Girl Scout, enjoys attending drama & piano classes, and loves playing basketball. Aria would like to thank the production team for this opportunity, the crew for all of their hard work and the cast for making the rehearsals so much fun. 

Megan Carroll is excited to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time. Megan has been previously seen as DOROTHY in The Wizard of Oz (Lincoln Theater Guild) and PUGSLEY in The Addams Family: A New Musical (Lincolnton High School Drama Club). When not performing, Megan attends Lincolnton High School and works at 7th Moon Boutique. Megan would like to thank her supportive parents and friends for encouraging her to do this show and she hopes you all enjoy it!

Noah Bolton is so excited to be starring in his first musical with Little Theater of Gastonia! Noah has  previously been seen performing in LTG's A Christmas Carol and most recently, he worked backstage and did makeup for A Comedy of Tenors! But Noah is no stranger to the stage, Noah has been doing theater for 11 years! Along with acting, Noah also enjoys doing makeup, as well as content creation on social media! Noah wants to thank Little Theater of Gastonia for being so amazing and accepting to their actors, as well as recognizing them for their true talent! Noah hopes you enjoy this truly amazing show!

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Christina Littlejohn is grateful to be joining Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time. She was raised in New Jersey and received her Bachelor of Music Education from UNC Greensboro with a minor in theater. Her roles of wife, teacher, and mom of 5 have kept her happily busy, but she is delighted to have recently returned to the stage. PRISICILLA MARTIN, the matriarch of Liberty Mountain historical drama, was Christina’s most recent role last summer. Some of her favorite past roles include: HELENA in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, MRS. MACAFEE in Bye Bye Birdie, and a colonist in the 1992 production of The Lost Colony. The role of Mae Peterson is no doubt now added to that favorites list. Christina realizes the time that being in a show takes away from her family; she is truly thankful for their support and encouragement (especially Stephen, her husband of 29 years).

Since 2005, KB has performed in more than 45 stage productions in the states of Tennessee, Illinois, Maryland, and North Carolina. Kevin has most recently been seen at Little Theater of Gastonia in A Comedy of Tenors and Disaster! the Musical and many other shows in the past ten years.  Kevin has also performed at many other local theaters. KB also directed Lying in State (2018). KB twice received the “Best Actor Award” (in TN & NC) and “Stole the Show” award (NC). KB has acted in films – most recently as the sole actor in, The Big Choice (2022). He has appeared on television, web series, and commercials. KB loves and adores his humorous, talented, and beautiful Hall of Fame wife, Shelly – the Mayor of his world.

Danielle Comeau is excited to be apart of another show at Little Theater of Gastonia! Danielle was last seen on stage in a cameo role in A Comedy of Tenors, BIG KID/CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINER in Matilda the Musical, and TOM SNOUT in Something Rotten!. She doesn't have much free time, but when she does have some she likes spending it with her family, especially her niece and nephew.

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Trey Burton is excited to perform at Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time.  Trey is fifteen years old. Trey's favorite theatre credit is EDDIE in 13 the Musical. Trey is happy to be appearing as HARVEY  in Bye Bye Birdie. When not acting, Trey enjoys dancing, video games, and cooking.

Christina Aderholdt is excited to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the 3rd time. Christina has been previously seen as SNOOPY in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (KMLT), THE GUARD in The Wizard of Oz (Lincoln Theatre Guild), and many more. Christina has been seen acting since she was 6 months old and this is her 55th main onstage production. She’d like to thank her incredibly talented mother & the late Kathie Burgin (Aunt KK) for igniting her love for theatre from such a young age.

Steven began his acting career as an extra in Cops and Robbers, which was written by his father Donald E. Westlake. He holds a BA in History from Binghamton University and an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Miami. He's worked extensively in theatre as a performer, director, production manager, technician, and writer in New York state, Connecticut, Florida, and Iowa. Steven also manages the National Police Gazette, the legendary American magazine. He is an officer of Police Gazette Boxing Corporation, the sanctioning body for bare knuckle boxing.

Colleen Quinn is thrilled to be back on stage after a long sabbatical.  This will be Colleen's first show at Little Theater of Gastonia and second time performing in Bye Bye Birdie! Previous theatrical credits include: CHEF LOUIS in The Little Mermaid, LOUIE FAN in The Butler Did It, and THE NARRATOR in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Colleen adors musical theater and hopes this is just the first of many shows she will do here at LTG! 

Alyssa White is excited to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia stage for the third time! Alyssa has been previously seen as MISS HONEY in Matilda the Musical and PORTIA in Something Rotten!. When not performing, Alyssa can be found running her business: HoneyBee Coaching! She enjoys using her background as a performer and mental health counselor to work with young performers as a mindset + performance coach. Alyssa is thrilled to be sharing the stage with some of her talented students in this show!

Autumn Bolton is a 21 year old actress from Lincoln County. She's a full time communication and broadcasting student at Gaston College, hoping to jump into radio work after she graduates. Autumn has been acting for 10 years in various community theatre, college productions, and short films. Some of her favorites include, CATHY HYATT in The Last Five Years, ANNIE/ENSEMBLE in Chicago, MARGARET PATTON in Thunder Over Carolina, and NURSE FLYNN in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.  She'd like to thank her partner, Ans, for always being so supportive and pushing her to work towards her dreams.

Dottie Kramer is 12 years old and is in seventh grade. Dottie's favorite things include acting, singing and running, in which she competes in her school's track team! Dottie's  favorite shows include working as a stagehand in A Comedy of Tenors and LUCILLE (nominated "Best Actress in a Play") in Junie B. Jones is NOT a Crook!, which recently won "Best Play" in the 2022 Charlotte Regional BroadwayWorld Awards.  Dottie would like to thank her voice teacher: Tiffany Perry, for always supporting and helping her; Lauren, for teaching her everything she knows; Mary, for her hard work on this show, and always being there to help; Bryan and Shane for giving her this opportunity and encouraging her; and her best friends Kate and Hallye for bringing out the best in her!

Erika Danielle is so estatic to back on stage after taking a year off of performing to direct her first two shows. Erika couldn't be happier to be back at the first community theater she was ever in a production. Back in 2018 she played THE WITCH in Shrek The Musical. Erika is loving working with such great people on a fantastic show!

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Kate Douge is excited to be back preforming at Little Theater of Gastonia for the 4th time! Kate has previously been seen as GRACE in Junie B Jones is NOT a Crook, BIG KID/COOK in Matilda the Musical and BELLE/LAUNDRESS in A Christmas Carol! Kate would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her and her vocal and acting coaches, Shane Elks and Lauren Parker, for always helping her grow!

Rebecca Belk is excited to be playing HELEN after her Little Theater of Gastonia debut in December's production of A Christmas Carol. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts and plans to teach in the near future. Rebecca's favorite past roles include playing CATHY in The Last Five Years (twice), SALLY in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and BAKER'S WIFE in Into the Woods Jr. She would like to thank the board and directorial staff for the opportunity.

Tori Lawrence is excited to be a part of Little Theater of Gastonia's production of Bye Bye Birdie and to be performing on the LTG stage for the first time. She has previously played THE WIZARD in The Wiz and  CRYSTAL in Little Shop of Horrors. Tori is overjoyed to finally be stepping foot onstage for the first time in three years! She is not only a performer, she also has experience in set constructions and painting, costume design and construction, hair and makeup, and sound and lighting design!

Abby Wiley is happy to be back after the fun she had in her first production at Little Theater of Gastonia, A Christmas Carol. Abby is a high school freshman who created a film club at her school, where they have been working on a horror-comedy short film in which Abby is both the director and cameraman.  Outside of theatre and film, Abby is the Goalie on her Varsity soccer team, attends vocal lessons, enjoys drawing, and likes to listen to film/psychology podcasts.. When it comes to performing, Abby also enjoys karaoke with friends, the thrill of being on stage, and entertaining people by acting.  

Abrielle Hill is elated to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the second time. Abrielle has been previously seen as SUSAN CRATCHIT in A Christmas Carol and a BUBBLY UNDERWATER SEA FRIEND in SpongeBob the Musical. Abrielle loves being on stage in multiple forms. When she isn’t on the theatre stage, she is on the dance stage. Abrielle is currently competing in National Dance Competitions in the categories of Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, featuring a special solo as MARY POPPINS in "Can you Imagine That”. Abrielle would like to dedicate her performance to her Mimi and Papa, Trinity Hoyle and thank her family who always supports her dreams and goals!

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Addison Husband, age 11, who prefers to be called Addie by her friends, is performing in her second musical at Little Theater of Gastonia. She is very excited to be involved in this production as one of the youngest cast members. Addison was last seen at LTG in Matilda the Musical,  and she is happy to participate in a more mature role.  Not only has Addie performed at LTG, she has taken the stage at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Carolina Voices, as well as The School of Rock. Addie aspires to be an actress when she grows up and thoroughly enjoys performing! She loves makeup and fashion design and can be found in front of a mirror playing with different modeling techniques when not at school, church or the theatre. As Addison continues to build her portfolio with Bye Bye Birdie she hopes that you enjoy the show!

Amya Hobson is so excited to be performing again at the Little Theater of Gastonia. Amya was last seen as a SCARY BIG KID in Matilda the Musical and last worked as the ASM in Something Rotten!. When not performing, Amya likes to memorize show tunes and dance around her room. Amya would like to thank her Father and Mother for supporting her all throughout her performing 'career'.

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Angela Major is excited to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time. Angela has never performed in a show before, so this is her debut. Angela will as of this year gone to All County Chorus for the second time in her middle school years. When not performing, Angela takes lessons for music & arts and is self teaching herself the flute and guitar.

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Bryn Rumer is excited to take the stage at Little Theatre of Gastonia for the second time. She was previously the ACROBAT in Matilda the Musical. Bryn has an extensive background of performing in dance, marching band, color guard, and theatre. In her free time, Bryn loves to read and has read 7 books so far this year! Bryn would like to thank her husband for always supporting her passions, and traveling the seven and a half hours to see her on stage.

Charley Brister is happy to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the 4th time. She was previously in Junie B.Jones is Not a Crook, Matilda the Musical, and A Christmas Carol all within the last year. Charley has been doing shows since she was 10 years old and thinks she may like to make a career out of theater. When Charley isn’t at the theater she enjoys reading, singing, dancing, and writing. Charley wants to thank her Momma and Daddy for supporting her passion for acting and singing.

Emma Melton is extremely excited to be performing at the Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time! Emma is making a comeback to theater from her last production of Seussical in 2017 with Springmore Elementary School. Now, as a high schooler, her most recent accomplishment has been collaborating with the Cherryville Little Theater by writing a play called “The Next Bestseller”. When not performing, Emma enjoys creating her own short films, writing screenplays and novels, as well as drawing.

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Hallye Fletcher is excited to join the cast of Bye Bye Birdie at Little Theater of Gastonia! This is Hallye’s 3rd main stage show at LTG. Hallye has been acting for the past 4 years and has had a lot of fun being in shows such as A Christmas Carol, Matilda The Musical, Little Mermaid Jr, Anything Goes, and Descendants. Hallye is in 7th Grade at Oakridge Middle School. When she’s not on the stage, Hallye loves serving on the acting team at her church, singing, dancing & making funny videos hanging out with her friends, as well as spending time with her family! Hallye would like to thank the directors at Little Theater of Gastonia, and the cast Bye Bye Birdie for such a great experience, and all of her friends and family that continue to support and cheer her on!

Jaide Cathcart is a fourth grader who is happy to returning to the Little Theater of Gastonia stage, after previously being seen as TOMMY in Matilda the Musical and ANCESTOR in Moana JR.! Jaide has been taking dance classes for five years, with ballet being her favorite. Recently, Jaide was in a Robotics competition for Gaston County Schools. Jaid's poem, "The Wind", was chosen to be in a school Poetry & Prose contest! Jaide can often be found reading or drawing fictional characters. Jaide loves the theater because of the costumes, choreography and making friends!

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Jenna Beck is an 8th Grader at Stanley Middle School. Jenna was previously seen in her debut at Little Theater of Gastonia in A Christmas Carol. Credits outside of LTG include WENDY in Peter Pan JR. and  MRS. JONES in Junie B. Jones JR.! When not performing, Jenna enjoys listening to music, reading, hanging out with friends, and going to coffee shops.  Jenna enjoys acting because she likes being someone other than herself. Jenna and friends have a vision of creating a band called Wisteria because they enjoy indie pop pop, and alternative music.

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Jenni Slininger is excited to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time. Jenni has played the role of Queen Inez at "Medieval Times" and BECKY in Huckleberry Finn. When not performing, Jenni enjoys spending time with her family and tap, hip hop and swing dancing. Jenni would like to thank/dedicate this performance to her husband, Jason, and their daughter, Emily, and son, Wyatt

Noah is 23 years old and has been doing theatre on and off since he was 11. Previous credits include Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka KIDS, and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Noah also has a film credit as an extra in the film The Eyes of Tammy Faye.  Noah has always had a passion for acting, as he and his brother Ethan used to dress up and perform for family. Noah enjoys taking vocal lessons and traveling. Noah is thankful for the great experience and is excited to perform! 

Shannon Cooper is excited to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time. Shannon has performed in her youth and is excited to get back into it. When not performing, Shannon enjoys reading, gardening and traveling to new place.

Sophie Martin is excited to be back on the stage at Little Theater of Gastonia! This is Sophie’s 5th year doing theater, and her 2nd year at LTG. She previously performed in Matilda the Musical, The Wizard of Oz, Narnia, and Seuss Is Loose. When not in the theater, Sophie enjoys gymnastics, photography, piano/ guitar/ organ. Sophie would like to thank Little Theater of Gastonia for having a great environment and her family and friends for supporting her!