PUFFS

Kay McNamara is more than thrilled to be able to act in his first show at Little Theater of Gastonia. He's a 15 year old freshman, and is in the graphics pathway at school. Kay is relatively new to acting in theatre, but has been listening to musicals since he was 6 years old. His first and most recent experience with theatre was 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Chip Tolentino) and he looks forward to participating in plenty of future productions, both at school and Little Theater. Before participating in Theatre, Kay did competitive cheerleading for 11 years, which provided lots of experience in performing and memorizing choreography and lines. When not on stage, Kay enjoys doing anything creative, like animating, drawing, writing, and painting. He also does ice skating every winter, and can most often be found hanging out with friends.

Merritt Huss is so excited to be back on stage at the Little Theater of Gastonia, where she made her first big debut as Junie B Jones in JUNIE B JONES IS NOT A CROOK. She was last seen on stage at the Little Theater of Gastonia in MATILDA (Amanda Thripp). Merritt enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time she enjoys doing all things "ART" but most recently she has been working on sculpting using various materials and newest passion, cake baking and decorating. She is excited to be playing a character in PUFFS that most see as opposite of herself. 

​

​

​

​

​

​

Matthew LaSelle is excited to be joining the cast of PUFFS. This is his LTG mainstage debut. You may have seen him in his previous roles in ALICE BY HEART (Mock Turtle), BRIGHT STAR (Doctor Norquist), and THREE WISHES FOR CHRISTMAS (Bertram) at CLT and KMLT. Matthew is a homeschooled 16 year old who enjoys music, theater, and math. He wants to thank his friends and family for supporting his ambitions!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Riana Unger is absolutely thrilled to be joining the Little Theater of Gastonia for PUFFS! After the honor of seeing the show in New York in 2018, she’s dreamed of performing in it — definitely not because she’s also a Puff in real life... Wink wink. She’s beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible show that celebrates the underdogs — and badgers! Badgers are great! Riana would like to thank her amazing boyfriend, friends, and family for always supporting her theatre dreams and pushing her to achieve them. She also extends her thanks to the talented cast and crew for giving their all to this production. She’s so grateful to have shared this amazing experience with such a wonderful team!

And, of course, for reminding her that third place isn’t so bad... Third or nothing!

Jude Novak is proud to be part of this production of PUFFS with their fellow cast! Jude has had the fortune to appear in productions such as SISTER ACT, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, and SWEENEY TODD. With over two years in theater education, Jude continues to enjoy putting their hard work to use on the stage. Jude would like to dedicate their performance to the fantastic audiences. 

Macy Koppe is excited to be back on stage for PUFFS! She was last seen in CLUE (Yvette) at LTG and in THE CRUCIBLE (Ann Putnam/Abigail Williams u/s) at Kings Mountain Little Theater. When she is not on stage, she is binge watching a new show or curling up with a good book. She wishes to thank her family and friends for keeping the magic alive in her life.

Abrielle Hill is excited to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia's stage again! Abrielle has been in a few shows at the LTG, including ANNIE (Company) and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Company). When Abrielle is not on stage, she enjoys spending time with her family and reading!

Aaron Floyd is making his debut appearance in PUFFS at the Little Theater of Gastonia.

Reign Crawford is so happy to be a part of another play at Little Theater of Gastonia. Reign was last on stage on OUR TOWN (Mrs. Somoas). When she is not on stage, she loves to skate. 

Austin Bridger is so excited to be joining Little Theater of Gastonia in their production of PUFFS. As a 24 year old data analyst, Austin enjoys using theatre as a creative outlet in his free time. Last year he even started a high school theatre summer camp with his friend Ainsley Dawe and fiancé Brooke Russo! Outside of theatre, Austin enjoys watching movies and playing board games with friends.

Blake Lundy is eager to be back on stage at LTG, not just to work with so many talented individuals, both cast and crew, but to have the opportunity to act along side his daughter for the first time. Past roles include Olin (MUSIC MAN), Monsignor (SISTER ACT), Beadle (SWEENEY TODD), and more. When not on stage, Blake enjoys willing things into existence with his 3D printer, smoking meat for a crowd, and any opportunity to be in a swimming pool. Blake hopes to continue making his wife and daughters proud through his passion for theater and is immensely grateful for their support and patience during the long hours required to produce these shows. He is thrilled to be part of this production, thanks the entire cast and crew for their dedication and talent and looks forward to the opportunity to return in future productions.

Lincoln Shinsel is excited to be back in the Little Theater of Gastonia again after quite some time. He has appeared in MATILDA THE MUSICAL (Nigel), as well as JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK (Handsome Warren). Lincoln enjoys spending his free time listening to music and playing video games.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Jack Hurley is super excited to perform in his first production at LTG, and his first main stage performance, too. When not on stage, he enjoys creative writing, game design, D&D, and dabbling in every creative outlet possible. 

Maddie Knockenhauer is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Maddie was last seen on stage in ANNIE (Pugh/Ward/Howe), SISTER ACT (Nun), and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Company).  When not on stage Maddie enjoys making bracelets for her business 'Postive Tyes', watching horror movies with her family and gluing jigsaw puzzles! Maddie also loves her job as a nanny. She would like the thank her best friend Kara for pushing her to audition and her family for being supportive while she does what she loves! 

Alexander Brooks is thrilled to be performing on stage at the Little Theatre of Gastonia once again.  Brooks was most recently seen in CLUE (Professor Plum). There have been a few others here and elsewhere (truthfully, he's lost count) but it all began at the tender age of 5 when he starred as a Sock. He would like to thank his mother for dressing and encouraging the Sock, his brother, Pele and Rachel for being super awesome, his son, Wren, for being just as weird and wonderful as he is and Ali for absolutely everything.

Alicyn Wiedrich is thrilled to be invited back to the Little Theater of Gastonia’s stage! The last time you her on the stage was during A COMEDY OF TENORS as Mimi Merelli. When not on stage, she can be found at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History in her office full of books or at home cuddled up with her cat writing a novel.

Shane Elks is excited to step into the Villain role once again. Shane is an Expressive and Therapeutic Arts Educator. He has directed many shows on the LTG stage including BYE BYE BIRDIE, SISTER ACT, RING OF FIRE, THE MIRACLE WORKER and more. Some of the favorite roles he has played throughout his career in theatre include Frank n Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Christopher Wren in THE MOUSETRAP, Trunchbull in MATILDA, Schaunard in LA BOHEME, and Patrick alongside his husband as SpongeBob in THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL. Speaking of husbands, he is married to the amazing director and would like to send a big “I love you, Baby!” to him. 

Abrianna Risner is so exited to appear in her first production. Abrianna has no previous acting experience and is doing this production to bond more with her brother, Danny Risner, and to step out of her comfort zone.

Zachary LaSelle is thrilled to be making his LTG main stage debut! You may have seen him in his previous roles on stage in JUDY MOODY AND STINK (Stink) and BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Charlie) at GLT and KMLT. Zachary is a homeschooled 6th grader who enjoys all things music and theatre! He would like to thank his family and especially his brother Matthew for introducing him to acting.

Hannah Hood is so thankful to be back on LTG’s stage. Hannah was last seen in THE CRUCIBLE (Mary Warren), OUR TOWN (Stage Manager), CHRISTMAS BELLES (GJ). When not on stage Hannah can be found randomly dancing in the grocery store and going out to sing karaoke with her friends.

Abby Wiley is so excited to perform once again at Little Theater of Gastonia. Abby was most recently seen in SPACE GIRL (Becky), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Martha), HEATHERS (Ensemble), SISTER ACT (Nun) and more!

Danny Risner is happy to be performing in his first mainstage show at the Little Theater of Gastonia. Danny has also been seen in OUR TOWN (Howie Newsome), OZ (Zeke), and with the Baguette It Again! improv troupe. When not on stage he enjoys reading and playing various instruments like french horn, piano, guitar, and trumpet.

Isabella Knockenhauer is so happy to be back at the Little Theatre Of Gastonia. Previous productions include ANNIE (Ensemble) and SISTER ACT (Sister Celeste), as well as backstage in THE COLOR PURPLE. Isabella is 15 years old and a freshman at South Point Highschool. She has been in chorus for 4 years and performed at both All County and All State to support her school. Isabella cannot wait to perform in PUFFS this season, and is hopefully more in the future!

Trinity Dibble is so happy to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia. Trinity was last seen on stage in OUR TOWN (Rebecca Gibbs). When not on stage Trinity enjoys volleyball and basketball.

Curren Tippett is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Curren was last seen on stage in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. (Flotsam), THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Elf). When not on stage, Curren enjoys swimming and singing!

Swayzee Lundy - while not new to the LTG stage - is excited to be making her debut to a mainstage show, alongside her father. She has previously been seen as FINDING NEMO, KIDS (Professor Ray) and soon to be seen in the upcoming production of THE SECRET GARDEN. She has a passion for the arts and enjoys writing musicals with her friends, learning every song from WICKED by heart, and reading. She would like to thank Bryan especially for giving her this opportunity and looks forward to honing her talent for many years to come.

Amelia Memrick is excited to be performing in Puffs. Amelia was last seen on stage in ANNIE (Pepper). When not on stage, Amelia can be found with a book in her hand. Amelia is completing fifth grade at Belmont Central Elementary. 

Olive Peterson is excited to perform at the Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time. She has appeared in performances at Highland School of Technology which include GREASE (Radio Voice/Ensemble), MAMMA MIA! (Nigel/Ensemble), and THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Olive's Mom). When not in the theater she can be found singing and hiking in the NC mountains. Thank You to my parents for always encouraging me to do what I love! 

Olu Orija is thrilled to make his debut on the Little Theater of Gastonia stage. Olu was last seen in Ashbrook High School's HAIRSPRAY (DUANE/STOOIE). Prior to that performance, he played (ADAM/JOHN THE BAPTIST) in THE REFORMATION PLAY at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. When not pursuing acting, Olu enjoys running and writing short stories. 

Emily is so excited to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. She was last seen on stage in ANNIE (Rose). When not on stage, Emily enjoys reading, dancing, singing, playing sports and hanging out with friends and family. 

Charley Ray Shelton is so happy to be performing for the first time at Little Theater of Gastonia. Her first show was at Forestview High School where she played Bruiser in their production of LEGALLY BLONDE. She has also performed at her church, First United Methodist, and theater camps at Gaston Day School. She plays handbells and sings in her church choir. She takes piano and singing lessons from her Uncle Shane. She is a swimmer with Gaston Gators. She has her green belt (and climbing) in Taekwondo. And you can catch her learning to roller skate on Saturdays. Charley Ray is so excited to be in this show, especially because it is directed by her Uncle Bryan.