Little Theater of Gastonia
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Adapted By: Joseph Robinette
Based on the books by C.S. Lewis
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Meet the Cast
Lucy Pensevie
Sophia Galloway
Sophia Galloway (Lucy) is an 11 year old who was born in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. Her family moved to the Charlotte area a year and a half ago from Annapolis, Maryland. Sophia has four siblings, is in the 5th Grade, and is homeschooled. She loves singing, dancing, writing and filming her own movies, soccer, and art. Sophia loves theater, specifically musical theater, and her favorite shows she has been in are MATILDA THE MUSICAL, CINDERELLA, NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS and THE WIZARD OF OZ.
Edmund Pensevie
Corey Simpson
Corey Simpson (Edmund) is proud to be making this third appearance in a row on the LTG mainstage! Corey was last performing seen performing in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Peter Van Daan), SWEENEY TODD (Tobey Understudy/Company) and LEGALLY BLONDE JR (Emmett). When not at the theater, Corey enjoys hanging out with friends, singing, and watching movies!
Susan Pensevie
Abby Wiley
Abby Wiley (Susan) is currently a sophomore in high school. Abby's past acting credits at Little Theater of Gastonia include BYE BYE BIRDIE (Reporter) and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Fran). Other productions include THE WIZARD OF OZ (Ensemble) and TWELFTH NIGHT (Olivia). Abby also has a film club, which is currently working on a short film in the genre of horror-comedy.
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Peter Pensevie
Logan Watkins
Logan Watkins (Peter) is thrilled to be performing in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. He is seventeen years old and attends school at Stuart W. Cramer High. Logan last appeared on stage in his school productions in SEUSSICAL (Wickersham Trio), DONE TO DEATH (Geroge), ALADINO (Pietro) and FRANKENSTEIN (Ryker). He has also appeared in Stuart Cramer’s annual Cemetery Walk and is an avid participant in various clubs and groups. Aside from acting, Logan also enjoys playing bassoon and working with reptiles, as well as studying languages and exploring the outdoors. Logan would like to thank his parents, sister, friends and family for their continued support, the Stagestruck team, Bowie Warren, and Ashleigh Parra.
Aslan, the Lion
Rebecca Layman
Becky Layman (Aslan) is happy to be back on the LTG stage. 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 back in Chicago that Becky met her husband, Nathan. Becky has been performing all her life in different shows. Some of her theatre credits include THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy Gale), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Babette), GREASE (Sandy), and WINTER WONDERETTES (Suzy). Her LTG credits include BYE BYE BIRDIE (Mrs. MacAfee) and HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL (Ms. Flemming). Becky also serves as the LTG Board Secretary. Becky lives in Lowell with her husband and two dogs, Butch and Peanut.
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Jadis, the White Witch
D. Laverne Woods
D. Laverne Woods (The White Witch) is very excited to be on the stage of the Little Theater of Gastonia’s production of THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. Laverne has been involved with the dramatic arts as an actor, singer, dancer, director, producer, and playwright for over 40 years. Laverne's directing credits include BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD (an original stage adaption of the Ashley Bryan book) and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (winner of Best Play in the 2023 BWCA) at the Little Theater of Gastonia. Acting credits include THE WIZARD OF OZ (Wizard), SOUTH PACIFIC (Bloody Mary) and STEEL MAGNOLIAS (Ouiser). Laverne gives all the glory to God for the gifts and talents He has given her and thanks her two beautiful daughters and grandchildren for their love and support.
Mr. Tumnus
Seth Derner
Seth Derner (Mr. Tumnus) is excited to be on stage for the very first time. In high school, Set would work in the lights and sound booth for the productions but never worked up the confidence to audition - he's glad he did for LTG! When not on stage with goat legs and a pipe, Seth is often found at the Y trying to stay healthy and in shape. When at home, Seth enjoys playing with our two daughters (7 & 11 months). After everyone is to bed Seth and his wife enjoy binging [insert popular show here], or Seth can be found playing tabletop games with friends. Seth would really like to thank his wife: she really encouraged him to try theater and she’s been a rockstar of a mother. Seth literally wouldn’t know what to do without her - love you J!
Fenris Ulf
Amanda Henson
Amanda Henson (Fenris Ulf) is happy to return to the LTG stage after last being seen in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Mrs. Cratchit). A long-time lover of theater, both on and off the stage, Amanda is excited to share this character with the community. While this is only Amanda's second show with LTG, she has spent many years on and behind the stage in shows including JAMES BOND, GREASE, and most recently A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Amanda is looking forward to trying on her villain role for the first time and bringing the White Witch's secret service captain to life for our patrons!
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Mrs. Beaver
Autumn Maloney
Autumn Maloney (Mrs. Beaver) is a 14 year old who has a passion for acting. Autumn is excited to be performing pre-professionally on stage for the first time in this production! When not on stage, Autumn enjoys watching movies (specifically horror films), reading, listening to music, spending time with her friends, and sleeping. Autumn has a passion for live theater, with her current favorites being HADESTOWN and SWEENEY TODD.
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Mr. Beaver
Zoe Madish
Zoe Madish (Mr. Beaver) is a recent 2023 highschool graduate from the Fort Mill/Charlotte area, and has been an avid theater performer for 10+ years now. You may have previously seen her on the Little Theater stage in SWEENEY TODD (Company/Lunatic). Other productions include SENSE & SENSIBILITY (Fanny Dashwood/Lady Middleton), OUR TOWN (Julia Gibbs), TITANTIC (Eleanor Widener), and CINDERELLA (Evil Stepmother). Zoe also has experience performing scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. . Off-stage, Zoe enjoys art, watching every romantic comedy she can find, graphic design and baking.
Dwarf
Jude Novak
Jude Novak (Dwarf) is a 9th grader who originally hailed from Cleveland, Ohio but now enjoys the sunny weather in Charlotte. Jude's hobbies include painting, traveling, watching anime, and, of course, doing theater. Jude enjoys performing improv with his troupe, "Baguette It Again". Jude was previously seen on the LTG stage in SWEENEY TODD (Ensemble) and LEGALLY BLONDE JR (Kyle), his favorite role to date.
Elf
Curren Tippett
Curren Tippett (Elf) is in 7th grade and has done a few shows and summer camps at LTG. Additionally, Curren is in acting classes here at LTG and private classes with the amazing Shane Elks. Curren is an active youth member at his church. Curren enjoys swimming competitively, acting, and singing. Curren is very thankful for the support of my family, friends, and LTG. Good luck to all the cast. And remember to always follow your dreams!
Centaur
Charley Brister
Charley Brister (Centaur) is a fifteen year old tenth grader. While Charley has been in theater for around five years, she's been at LTG for a year and a half of those. Charley was last seen on stage in BYE BYE BIRDIE (Ensemble), but also was able to work as a stagehand for THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK. Charley is ecstatic to be a part of this cast! Charley is currently attending acting/improv classes at LTG. Charley has made so many friends and so many memories here, and she's excited to make even more. In her free time, Charley writes fanfics, plays Minecraft, and listens to A LOT of music, but her favorite thing is being on stage. She wants to be a part of this theater for as long as they'll have her!
Unicorn
Teagan Gerin
Teagan Gerin (Unicorn) is 12 years old and in 6th grade. Teagan is excited to be playing the role of the Unicorn and ensemble in this production. Teagan was previously in a production of ALADDIN (Aladdin) at her old school. Outside of mainstage productions, Teagan takes acting, singing, and piano classes. Additionally, Teagan is on her school's drumline playing bass drum. Teagan is glad to be in another production!
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Father Christmas
Ethan Parker
Ethan Parker (Father Christmas) is usually not seen when at the Little Theater, as the resident Technical Director. While Ethan has enjoyed building sets or designing lights for many of LTG's productions, he has also been on the stage on occasion, including MATILDA THE MUSICAL (Sergei) and SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Robin). Ethan is thrilled to once again be able to share the stage with his daughter, Aria. Ethan would like to acknowledge the hard work of the entire cast, crew, and especially Patrick & Hannah.
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Ensemble
Abrielle Hill
Abrielle Hill (Ensemble) has been in theater for about 2 years and have been dancing for 3 years! She has been in 3 shows, with her favorite credit so far being BYE BYE BIRDIE! Abrielle is so stoked to be in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE! Abrielle would like to dedicate her performance to her amazing dance team, "Fever Dance and Tumble", because they have been so caring to her for the past three years and she wants everyone to know how much she loves and cares for them in return. Abrielle enjoys being in theater because it is an exciting experience to meet wonderful people who have shown the most care and kindness she has ever seen before!
Ensemble
Addilyn Kelly
Addilyn Kelly (Ensemble) is happy to be performing in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Addilyn is 13 years old. Addilyn last appeared on the stage in A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM (Titania), A NOT SO TERRIBLE PARABLE (Ms. Barrister), and DANNY AND THE SHACKS (Narrator). When not on stage, Addilyn enjoys sports and hanging out with friends, as well as reading. Addilyn would like to thank her parents for their support.
Ensemble
Alexis Odell
Alexis Odell (Ensemble) is a Junior at Gaston Early College High School. Alexis is very excited to be in her first play at the Little Theater of Gastonia. Alexis would like to thank her parents, friends and siblings for supporting her hobbies and encouraging her to try her hardest.
Ensemble
Ariana Parker
Ariana Parker (Ensemble) is pleased to be back on stage at her second home, LTG. While she often finds herself doing background work in productions (which she loves), Ariana's favorite credits include MATILDA THE MUSICAL (Lavender) and BYE BYE BIRDIE (Randolph). Aria also enjoys drama & dance classes, improv, playing basketball, and reading graphic novels. Ariana would like to thank her family - especially her baby brother, Roen - for their support, the cast for being so great, the amazing crew and the incredible production directors, Hannah & Patrick!
Ensemble
Benjamin Bergan
Benjamin Bergan (Ensemble) is happy to be performing in THE LION, THE WTICH, AND THE WARDROBE . Benjamin last appeared on the stage as a guard in ARE WE THERE YET?. When not on stage, Benjamin enjoys playing with his friends, skiing, building Legos, and playing piano as well as singing. Benjamin would like to thank his Mom and Dad for their love and support and all of his family and friends for always making him laugh.
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Ensemble
Elizabeth Mobley
Elizabeth Mobley (Ensemble) is very exited to be back with her Little Theater family in Narnia. She is currently in 5th grade and 11 years old. Previous Little Theater credits include MATILDA THE MUSICAL (Jack/Company), which won Best Ensemble in 2023, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Miranda Cratchit), which won best Play in 2023. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys crocheting, taking care of her animals, ballet, and drawing. She would like to thank her mom for encouraging her to do theatre, her sister for telling her about the Little Theater, and her brother for always bringing her flowers.
Ensemble
Ellie Kate Cox
Ellie Kate (Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on the stage at LTG performing in THE LION, THE WTICH AND THE WARDROBE. Ellie Kate last appeared on stage in MATILDA THE MUSICAL (Matilda), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR (Chip), and 101 DALMATIONS JR (Scotty). When not on stage, Ellie Kate loves singing, learning to play the piano, dancing, cheerleading, and attending Awanas at church. Ellie Kate would like to thank all the cast, and crew and wishes everybody good luck. May God bless you all.
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Ensemble
Erin Evans
Erin Evans (Ensemble) is stepping on stage for the first time outside of Little Theater of Gastonia's "Baguette It Again" improv troupe. Erin is a passionate, creative, 10th grade student and is thrilled to be a part of her first community theatre production! A fan of all things Narnia, all things fantasy, and all things theatre, Erin can't wait to go further up and further in!
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Ensemble
Hannah Hood
Hannah Hood (Ensemble) is very excited to be back on LTG's stage; to her this theater is home. While it has been a while since Hannah has been on the mainstage, she has been in several acting class productions, performed with the LTG improv group "Baugette it Again!", and participated in last year's summer camp, LEGALLY BLONDE JR (Dewey/Ensemble). Hannah has always been a fan of this story whether it was the movies, books or stage play, so she is so very thankful to have been cast and that she can work with all these wonderful people.
Ensemble
Jenna Beck
Jenna Beck (Ensemble) is exited to be apart of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE! Jen has appeared on the LTG stage previously in BYE BYE BIRDIE and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. When not on stage, Jen enjoys listening to music and reading, as well as singing in chorus. Jen would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her!
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Ensemble
Kalaya Taylor
Kalaya Taylor (Ensemble) is 12 years old and a 6th grader at Cramerton Middle School. She has gained acting experience in the last four years by participating in productions as well as classes at Little Theater of Gastonia and Gaston School of Arts. She’s had roles in LEGALLY BLONDE HR (Pilar), ALICE (Alice), MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS (Camille) and BEAUTIFUL BLACKBIRD (Bird #2). Her ensemble features include MATILDA THE MUSICAL, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, FROZEN JR and ALADDIN JR. Kalaya is happy to be in another awesome Little Theater production. Other interests she enjoys are singing, dancing, reading, video games, and hanging out with friends.
Ensemble
Maddie Knockenbaur
Maddie Knockenhauer (Ensemble) is happy to be performing in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. This is her first time appearing on the LTG stage, but this isn't her first time in theatre. She grew up in Long Island, NY, where she performed in plays such as CINDERELLA, BYE BYE BIRDIE, THE WIZARD OF OZ, and more. When not on stage, Maddie enjoys doing crafts, watching musicals, and spending time with her husband of 15 years and her two girls, Isabella and Riley. Maddie would like to thank her daughters for the support and her best friends Kara and Jen for always being there for her when she needs them. She is excited to be a part of the theatre community again and hopes to bring happiness and love to everyone!
Ensemble
Riley Knockenbaur
Riley Knockenhauer (Ensemble) is so excited to performing in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Riley is 9 years old and this is her first time appearing on a stage! She decided to pursue her love of theater after her mom took her to see SWEENEY TODD this season here at LTG. In Riley's spare time, she enjoys spending time her family, pets, and friends. She enjoys drawing and making bracelets. Riley would like to thank her sister for being her cheerleader and her mom for giving her the courage to audition. She would also like to thank the production crew for the opportunity to be a part of the theater experience.
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Ensemble
Stella Gutierrez
Stella Gutierrez (Ensemble) is making her debut at Little Theater of Gastonia. In Stella's free time, she likes to paint and listen to music. Previously, Stella was a part of SCHS's "Cemetery Walk Through Time" as a tour guide. Stella would like to thank her friend, Adrienne, and her boyfriend, Corey, who both have helped her become more comfortable on stage.
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Ensemble
Sullivan Lockett
Sullivan Lockett (Ensemble) likes to draw and create many different things. He enjoys playing games and hanging out with his friends. He’s interested in space and parkour. Sullivan was previously in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at LTG in December 2022. He’s a budding young actor and looks forward to continuing to increase his experience on stage.