The Diary of Anne Frank

Marlie Peterson is thirteen years old and in seventh grade. Marlie has previously appeared as "Hortencia" in MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Little Theater of Gastonia. Other LTG credits include "Brooke Wyndham" in LEGALLY BLONDE, JR., "Hei-Hei" in MOANA, JR., as well as various roles in other summer camps and drama class productions. Marlie is very excited to be part of this production in her first lead role, with such a talented cast and creative team. Marlie would like to thank the production staff for this amazing opportunity!

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This is Steve's third show with Little Theater of Gastonia, having previously appeared in SWEENEY TODD and BYE BYE BIRDIE. Before coming to Gastonia, Steve worked theatre in New York State, Florida, and Iowa, appearing in productions of THE FANTASTIKS, CABARET, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED, ROSENCRANZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, SOUTH PACIFIC, OUR TOWN, and many more. Steve's Florida experience included an internship at Iris Acker's Miami Shores Performing Arts Theatre where he worked on original shows like Shirlee Baron's "Back to Second Avenue." Steve lives in Ranlo and works for Mecklenburg County. In his spare time he manages the National Police Gazette, the famous American magazine that ran for 130 years and established the sanctioning organization for professional bare-knuckle boxing.

Tish is not a newcomer to this stage or others in the area, but for the first time in a great while she feels as if she is home. Tish would encourage anyone who has an interest in theater to not be shy and come to an audition. Don't be scared, it's all good!

Kate Douge is so excited to be returning to the LTG stage! A few of her favorite roles include "Vivienne Kensington" in LEGALLY BLONDE, JR.,  "Alice" in BYE BYE BIRDIE, "Lois Jessel" in THE TURN OF THE SCREW, and "Grace" in JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK! She would like to thank her Mom, Dad, and sister for always supporting her, her vocal and acting coach, Shane Elks, for always believing in her and giving her the tools to succeed, and her LTG family for always being a second home.

Alexander Brooks is the Education and Community Engagement Manager for the Gaston County Museum and an advisor to the Board of Directors at the Little Theater of Gastonia. A professional artist and costumer, Alex began his career in forensics before switching to the museum field 20+ years ago. He has been on-stage or behind the scenes since the age of five, when he made his debut as a Sock in "Who is Dr. Seuss?" Alex can usually be found seeking out street art and experimenting with fashion with his 16 year old son, Wren, hiking up various mountains with his bestie, Ali, or getting into no end of trouble with Lauren.

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Christina Littlejohn is excited to be joining LTG again and grateful for your support of live theater! 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. "Mae Peterson" (BYE BYE, BIRIDE) was Christina’s inaugural role at LTG in May 2023. Some of her other favorite roles include: Priscilla Martin (Liberty Mountain), Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Mrs. McAfee (Bye Bye Birdie), and a colonist in the 1992 production of The Lost Colony. 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).

Corey Simpson is glad to be back on the Little Theater of Gastonia stage. Corey was last seen performing in SWEENEY TODD as "Tobias Understudy/Company" and LEGALLY BLONDE, JR. as "Emmett"! When not performing, Corey can be seen hanging out with friends or enjoying the arts!

Charlie is making a return to the Little Theater of Gastonia stage after a long hiatus. Charlie was last seen as "Raymerd" in  SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. Since then, Charlie has been active in theater in Lincolnton, Cherryville, Shelby, and Newton. When not on stage, he enjoys the position of Darlean's Gopher. Thank you, Noemi, for the opportunity to return to a special place.

Jennifer Starr is a film actress, writer and filmmaker. She is excited to make her community theater debut with the Little Theater of Gastonia. Three years ago , Jennifer decided to get back into acting after she caught the CrossFit bug which gave her the confidence to work towards her dream of acting. Jennifer would like to thank her parents, friends and acting coach, Dillon Mann at Talent Inc. Studio, for always rooting for her.

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Bryan Rife is an award winning director and also the Vice President here at the Little Theater of Gastonia.  When he is not directing or behind the scenes as a Stage Manager or Costumer, you can find him here on the stage.

Bryan has been in several productions to include, "Every Christmas Ever Told And Then Some", "Midlife-The Crisis Musical", "Something Rotten", "Heathers the Musical,  and several others.  He was also "Spongebob" in the "Spongebob Musical" in Belmont as part of the production by Black Star Theater. Bryan is married to another thespian, Shane Elks, and together they operate Black Star Theater that provides community based events that take place in nursing homes, assisted living communities and other places.  Together, they have two children and two fur babies.