Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Chris Smeltzer is thrilled to be performing in his fourth show with LTG. You saw him last as "Albert Peterson" in the production BYE BYE BIRDIE directed by Shane Elks. This production of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET happens to be especially exciting for Chris because it is a dream show and a dream role in playing the demon barber himself. When he is not diving deep into the incredible score of this show written by Stephen Sondheim, Chris spends his time on the golf course or with friends and family. Chris would like to thank Lauren Parker and the rest of the wonderful production crew for their trust in him and the hard work they put in for the fantastic shows at LTG. Lastly, Chris would like to give the upmost thanks to his vocal coach and friend Shane Elks. Without Shane's guidance, teaching, and support Chris would not be in this position to play the role of a lifetime, thank you. Chris hopes everyone enjoys this production of SWEENEY TODD and continues to show their awesome support of LTG.

Logan Cosper is thrilled to be joining LTG for the second time for her favorite musical, SWEENEY TODD! She previously joined the theatre as "Sophie" in MAMMA MIA. A Winthrop Musical Theatre alum (music minor), she is a local voice teacher and performer. She specializes in theme park performing, from surfing with Snoopy in Carowinds' Beach Blanket Beagle, to head banging in D&G Entertainment Design's Lost Souls Band at Scarowinds, Christmas caroling at Anakeesta in Tennessee, hanging with princesses at Disney World, and everything in between! Her favorite regional theatre credits include Mary Poppins (Showtime Theatre Company), Nicely-Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS (Belmont Abbey Players), and "Crystal" in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS(CPCC). She dedicates her performances to her grandparents in heaven and Stephen Sondheim. She would like to thank Lauren and the creative team for the opportunity to play her dream role, and also really hopes everyone brought their appetite.

Christina is excited to be in her 4th show at Little Theater of Gastonia! She has been seen as "Gloria Rasputin" in BYE BYE BIRDIE, "Snoopy" in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, "Audrey" in  LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and many more. She’d like to thank her boyfriend for everything, KB obsession and all.

Issac Black, aged 25, is no stranger to the stage. He started out at LTG at the age of 12, and continued into his high school years. After high school he moved to Nashville TN, for music school. After living and preforming in the city for 4 years, he moved back to NC. While living in Wilmington he got the opportunity to work on a new project MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS that was being workshopped for Broadway. After a long break from the stage he made his return to the stage as “Rudolpho” in LTG’s production of MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Issac is excited to be back on the stage, and give new life to this iconic character.

H. Michael Wirth has many years of theatre experience and is honored to be joining the Little Theater of Gastonia for the first time as "Judge Turpin" in SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET. Some of his most recent acting work includes Riff Raff (THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW), Andy (LOVE LETTERS), Melvin P. Thorpe (THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS) and the Cowardly Lion (THE WIZARD OF OZ) at the Lincoln Theatre Guild. He hopes everyone enjoys this incredible show!!

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Blake is 29 years old and making his debut at the Little Theater of Gastonia. He is excited to get back into musical theater after taking a hiatus to relocate here from Ohio and start a family. He attended a liberal arts university in Ohio where he participated in theater as a passion, but earned a bachelors in Public Relations. Past roles include "Chuck Cranston" in FOOTLOOSE, "Sutton" in A HAUNTING WE WILL GO and more. When not on stage, Blake enjoys smoking meat for family and friends and any opportunity to be in a swimming pool or outdoors. By day, he manages strategic accounts for the Amazon corporate team. He wants to thank his wife, Emily, for supporting him through the chaos and time commitment required to thrive in theater and his two beautiful children for enduring the 100’s of hours of the same five songs so he wouldn’t forget his words.

Noah is a Junior at Lincoln Charter School who loves makeup, being creative, and of course theater. Noah has been active in local community theaters since he was 5 years old. Some of his favorite past roles have been with LTG like “Ensemble” in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL & “Hugo Peabody” in BYE BYE BIRDIE! Noah would like to give a big thanks to his family for helping him achieve his dreams and being his village behind him the entire way, especially his parents. He’d like to also thank the director of this production, Lauren Parker, he wants to thank her for letting him be part of this project but also wants to thank her for seeing something in him. And he like to thank all of you for coming to see the show- But without further ado prepare to attend the tale of Sweeney Todd!

Noémi Rabinowitz, based in Dallas, NC, is thrilled to be returning to the Little Theater of Gastonia's stage after most recently being seen in BYE BYE BIRDIE (Rose Alvarez). Their other recent credits include SOMETHING ROTTEN (Bea), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Eddie/Dr. Scott), MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL ADVENTURE (Melman), CABARET (Sally Bowles), DOGFIGHT (Marcy), and THE WIZARD OF OZ (Scarecrow).

Synthia Kearney is delighted to be on the LTG stage for the 6th time. Her last three roles have been in SOMETHING ROTTEN!, MIDLIFE! THE CRISIS MUSICAL and ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID. Synthia is thankful to the Little Theater for letting her indulge her love of acting, which is certainly different from her career as a Battalion Chief with the Gastonia Fire Department. Synthia's role of the Beggar Woman is different from any role she's played before and she's enjoyed the challenge of bringing her to life. Synthia is thankful for this incredibly talented cast, production group and crew for their tireless work and support. She is grateful for family and friends who are coming out in support and she hopes you enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Chris is excited to be apart of this production. Chris has last been seen as Kurt Kelly (HEATHERS THE MUSICAL) and Conrad Birdie (BYE BYE BIRDIE). He wants to thank Lauren for casting him, his girlfriend for her support, and KB for being himself. Enjoy the show! 

Simon Lauterwasser is a 23 year old who grew up in a small town in Eastern KY with no idea that theater was even an option for someone like him. But theater became a huge part of his life after he found a local group of thespians who welcomed him into their family and opened his eyes to a whole new world of possibilities and he is never going back! Simon has only been in theater since 2018, but he can’t wait to see where the future takes him. Simon's mom gave me a love for music that he used through leading worship in church and playing in a bluegrass group, as well as writing songs as they came to him. Simon loves learning new instruments and figuring out what his voice can do. When he gets the time, Simon also really enjoys woodcarving.

Rebekah Bridges is a third year teacher, teaching and directing choir, drama, and ukulele at Shelby Middle. She graduated from Gardner-Webb University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, studying voice under Professor Jondra Harmon and acting under Dr. Chris Nelson. Theatre has been her happy place for over a decade now, getting her start in the KMHS Theatre department both on- and off-stage and has continued to perform locally at GWU, Greater Shelby Community Theatre, and Little Theater of Gastonia. She is thrilled to be back with LTG and for the opportunity to take another trip down Fleet Street. She is thankful for her supportive family, The PLC, and all the post-rehearsal snuggles from her cat Francesca.

Ava is so excited to be a part of this show and back at Little Theater of Gastonia. She was most recently seen on stage here as the "Dragon" in SHREK THE MUSICAL and can often be found at theaters around the Charlotte area. Ava would like to thank her family, friends, and God for their love and support.

Nick is a recent grad from Notre Dame with a major in Theatre and minor in Musical Theatre. When not doing engineering work, he enjoys acting and directing in a niche brand of absurdist shows. He is looking forward to many future productions with LTG.

Jake Nicks has been doing theatre for 16 years now! During the day, Jake works in Human Resources for Bank of America. In his spare time he likes to travel, see shows on Broadway, and spend time with his partner, Adam, and dogs, Lily and Zero. His favorite roles he has played on stage include Horton (SUESSICAL), Bill (MAMMA MIA), Nostradamus (SOMETHING ROTTEN!), and Daddy Murphy (BRIGHT STAR). He would like to thank all of his friends and chosen family for their constant love and support!

Tori has been doing theatre for her entire life and feels most at home on the stage. Being only her second production with LTG, she is over the moon to be participating in this production of Sweeney Todd as a part of the company and the understudy for Beadle Bamford!

Corey is exited to make his LTG debut in SWEENEY TODD and he is so happy to be given this opportunity. His past productions include LEGALLY BLONDE JR. (Emmett Forest) and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. (Maurice). He’d like to thank his family for supporting him and boosting him along the way and he hope you all enjoy this amazing show!

Back for their second show with the Little Theater of Gastonia, DJ is excited to bring you into the macabre world of Victorian London in SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET.  Having discovered their passion for the stage in high school, DJ is diving back into shows and realizing again how much they love theater. DJ had forgotten how much they loved being on stage in front of an audience and can’t wait to put on this next show!

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Erin will be performing in her first show with the Little Theater of Gastonia, and she’s so thankful for your support on this WONDERFUL show. She’s performed with the Lincoln Theatre Guild previously for THE WIZARD OF OZ, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and THE HOLIDAY CHANNEL CHRISTMAS MOVIE WONDERTHON. Thank you!

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This is Steve's second show with Little Theater of Gastonia, having played "Maude/Mr. Johnson" in BYE BYE BIRDIE. Previously, Steve worked theatre in New York state, Florida, and Iowa, playing roles in productions of ROSENCRANZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, THE FANTASTICKS, TAMING OF THE SHREW, CABARET, THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED, OUR TOWN and SOUTH PACIFIC, among many others. He lives in Ranlo and works for Mecklenburg County. In his spare time, Steve manages the National Police Gazette, the famous American magazine that ran for 130 years and established the sanctioning organization for professional bare-knuckle boxing. In fact, Steve is probably missing a bare-knuckle event tonight in order to be here with you.

Allissa Magill is a performer who's all about bringing the drama – in the best possible way! This is Allissa's first show since she moved to North Carolina from Iowa, and the opportunity to come back to the stage means so much to me. In addition to being a proud theater geek, Allissa is also a total acapella nerd, singing her heart out as part of Impromptu with Carolina Voices for the last few years and performing with her college accapella group, STAMVOJA in the past. Allissa has a degree in Theatre/English from St Ambrose University and is currently work in Learning and Development at a tech company. When not on stage, you might find Allissa tackling everything from horror makeup to house DIYs or spending time with her amazing and supportive husband Ryan, and her daughter Lottie who is the sunshine in her days.

Ashley Brayton is happy to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia stage! Ashley has performed in many productions, such as STEEL MAGNOLIAS (2022 BroadwayWorld nominee for "Best Actress in a Play"; Little Theater of Gastonia), SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS THE MUSICAL (Black Star Theatre) and BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Lincolnton Theatre Guild). Ashley served on the Little Theater of Gastonia's Board of Directors for several years and is now serving in an advisory position. Ashley would like to thank the cast & crew for putting on an amazing production, her partner, Josh, her two children, and her menagerie of four-legged friends.

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Augusta is 22 years old and just graduated from the University of Notre Dame; she now works as an editor and typesetter for TAN Books in Gastonia. The arts have always been central to her life as she’s participated in the Notre Dame Marching Band, three choirs, jazz bands as a solo vocalist, over 15 productions in community and school theater, and 10 years of dance training, as well as pursuing her love of writing in the form of short stories, novels, and plays. Some of her favorite roles have been Rizzo (Grease), Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), and Lucy (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown). In her free time, Augusta loves to go hiking and spend time with her family. She vehemently believes that the movie Hoodwinked is a comedic masterpiece and should be adapted into a musical.

Bannock is in 11th grade at Gaston Early College. He likes to devote his free time to singing and volunteering in his surrounding area. After being cast, he was enthralled to find out he would be apart of such a wonderful organization.

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Dottie is 13 years old and has been acting ever since she was a little girl. She loves being on stage, and has been in many productions at LTG. Her favorite shows she’s done in the past are LEGALLY BLONDE JR. (Elle Woods), BYE BYE BIRDIE (Penelope Ann), and two-time award winning JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK (Lucille; nominated for "Best Actress in a Play"). Though her favorite place to be is on the stage, Dottie also runs for her school’s track team and is the Vice President of her School’s National Junior Honors Society.  Dottie would like to thank all the people at LTG that have helped and supported her throughout this show, and a big chunk of her life, her friends for always coming to her shows, and her voice teacher, for giving her confidence and helping in any way she could.

Gavin Goff was born and raised in Gastonia. Gavin is a senior at North Gaston High School. Gavin has been acting for a good part of his life with musicals in and outside of school. Gavin's  most recent musical was INTO THE WOODS, where he portrayed the character "Jack". Gavin's favorite things to do are singing, playing the guitar, and of course, acting!

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Jacob Bailey is a senior at North Gaston high school and considers himself to be new to theater as whole, only having been in a play and a musical. However, Jacob's love for the performing arts is clear to see! Some of his hobbies include music, guitar, and writing poetry.

Jamie has been involved in community theater since 2012, appearing over 40 productions. Some of her favorite roles include "Amy" in COMPANY, "Annie Wilkes" in MISERY, and "Nurse Ratched" in ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. She was last seen on the LTG stage last year is MIDLIFE! THE CRISIS MUSICAL. Living in Shelby, Jamie is a travel agent and enjoys hiking, board games, and spending time with her sons, Austin and Alex.

Joey is thrilled to be making his debut at the Little Theater of Gastonia for the production of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET. This is an exciting time as Joey will be placing his feet onto the stage for the first time in fifteen years. He is known for his leading roles with the Mooresville Community Theater as Lamar (GODSPELL), Fagen (OLIVER!) Scarecrow in (THE WIZARD OF OZ), Rooster (ANNIE) and Grampa Joe (WILLY WONK AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY). He also had representation with a talent agency for four years, where he was seen in three nationally televised commercials, a magazine print ad and an independent film entitled AMONG BROTHERS. Joey has had a passion for acting and movies since he was a little kid. His favorite movie is Jaws. He would like to thank his family and friends, especially his wife, Megan and his daughter, Brooklyn for all their love and support while he pursues his dreams.

Jude is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, the only city where a river has caught on fire 6 times! Jude is in 9th grade and enjoys oil painting, anime ,art history, travel, and pickleball - the ultimate sport. Jude was lucky enough to earn the roles of "Kyle/Grandmaster Chad" in the Little Theater of Gastonia's 2023 summer camp production of LEGALLY BLONDE JR. Besides acting, Jude has recently started voice lessons, and is excited to further his theatrical journey.

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MJ is performing their 10th show and she is incredibly excited to work in her very first adult production. In the past, MJ has played many roles: "Moana" in MOANA JR, "Asaka" in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND JR., and "Dragon" in SHREK JR. to name a few. As a 17 year old, MJ has just started her senior year of high school and loved this addition to her busy schedule.

Nancy Lemke is excited to be returning to this stage for the 7th time in SWEENEY TODD. A couple of her other favorite roles include THE RED VELVET CAKE WARS and STEEL MAGNOLIAS. She is the mother of 2 adult children and married to Bob who supports all her crazy endeavors. Her newest role is that of “Gigi” to her grandson Theo. At home you might find her baking something or working in the wildflower garden. Thanks to Lauren, Mary, Danielle, Tracy and this amazing cast & crew for all the support & hard work to bring Sweeney to the stage. It really does take a village.

Robert Owens is making his return to the Little Theater of Gastonia stage, he was last seen on our stage in SHREK THE MUSICAL. This marks his sixth show with LTG. Rob resides in Shelby, NC, where he is the President of the Shelby Theatre Company. He would like to thank his amazingly talented partner Jamie and his three beautiful children Gideon, Alliandra, and Evadne, for their continued support in his artistic endeavors. Thank you Starlight!

Ryan Harper is a chronically ill 20 year old dude who's one attempt at theater in high school was ended by Covid-19. He is an artist, aspiring author, and studying mandarin Chinese! Ryan has been invested in music his whole life but abandoned it when my gender dysphoria got too bad, but now, 1 year on testosterone, I'm ready to try again!

Sarah is a classically trained singer and performer with over 10 years of experience. From college productions, vocal coaching, and directing, Sarah has worn many hats over the years. She has entertained audiences as a wealthy mother in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, a crow and Ozian in WIZARD OF OZ, and Mrs. Bernstein in LITTLE SHOP OF HORROS. Her most recent role was Carol, the lead of the Lincoln Theatre Guild’s Christmas play. Though she is no stranger to the stage, this is her first production with LTG.

Tabatha is happy to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia stage for the first time since MAMMA MIA! in 2020 (Rosie)! She has enjoyed starring in productions in Concord and Lincolnton over the past 3 years: GODSPELL (Sonia), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Urchin-Cookie) and DISASTER! THE MUSICAL(Jackie). When not on the stage, you will likely find Tabatha at a winery enjoying some Cabs and Pinots with Bill, playing with her grandson, Finley or spending time with any of her 4 adult children, Isaac, Mallory, Elena and Mario. She can't wait to be part of this amazing cast to bring you the Tale of Sweeney Todd.

Teresa Vickers is coming back to the stage after a 22 year hiatus. Teresa has taught drama camp for the Lincoln Theatre Guild, as well as built and painted many, many sets and worked backstage as a costumer, assistant director, and techie. In Teresa's normal life, she's a mom and tattoo artist. Teresa has a puppy named Pibbles Pubbles. Teresa is also passionate about art, namely painting, drawing and watercolors. 

Zachary Ray is thrilled to be back at LTG for his fourth show!! He was last seen as Ensemble (SOMETHING ROTTEN!) and Ricardo (JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK!). He is so excited to be working with both new and old friends in this production! This is Zachary's 13th show in 6 years! He has been apart of the LTG family for three years and he just loves LTG because everyone is so amazing and kind and friendly! He hopes that you all love this show!!

Zoe, a recent 2023 high school graduate,  is from the Fort Mill/Charlotte area and is excited to be a part of her first performance here at Little Theater! She has been an avid theater performer for 10+ years now, past roles including "Fanny (Ferrars) Dashwood/Lady Middleton" in SENSE & SENSIBILITY, Julia Gibbs in OUR TOWN, "Eleanor Widener" in TITANTIC, and "Evil Stepmother" in CINDERELLA She also has experience performing scenes from Shakespeare’s plays HENRY VI (Joan la Pucelle), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Titania) and AS YOU LIKE IT (Celia.) People often know Zoe for her creative talent in visual art, with her taking 10 years of professional art classes! She especially loves painting landscapes. Off-stage, Zoe enjoys her jobs with graphic design and baking. Zoe is thrilled to be back on stage this October to perform in one of her favorite musicals of all time, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Zoe Leigh Turner is a senior at UNC Charlotte majoring in studio art with minors in Theatre and Spanish, and she is in the honors college. Her favorite mediums are printmaking, painting, and film photography, and she explores topics of environmentalism and equality in her work. You may have previously seen Zoe on stage in LTG’s SOMETHING ROTTEN! or MATILDA THE MUSICAL last season, or backstage as stage manager and curtain warmer director for a production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR at GSOA. Most recently, Zoe has begun working diligently on aspects of her art business, Zoe Leigh Things. When she’s not on campus, making art, or at rehearsal, Zoe likes to snuggle with her dogs, take naps, and chill out with her family.

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Zoe Zander is thrilled to be a part of this production with the Little Theater of Gastonia! Zoe is a 27 year old high school English Teacher who has loved musicals all her life. In her free time she loves to paint, read books, and draw fan art of her latest obsessions. Thanks so much to Lauren, Mary and the whole crew for giving me the opportunity to attend this tale with y’all!