Little Theater of Gastonia
SEUSSICAL
THE MUSICAL
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL is presented through special arrangement and all authorized performance materials are supplied by MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL.
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Meet the Cast
HORTON
Blake Lundy
Sophia Galloway is ecstatic to be performing again at what she considers her “home theater,” at Little Theater of Gastonia. Sophia was last seen in ANNIE (Annie,) and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Lucy Pevensie,) at LTG, MATILDA JR (Mrs. Honey,) at LUMI; and THE SECRET GARDEN (Ensemble,) at Queen City Concerts. Sophia loves Broadway songs, travelling, reading, and making movies with her free time. Sophia is thankful for another opportunity to perform with her theater family!
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CAT IN THE HAT
Kourtney Wayver
Kourtney Wayver (The Cat in the Hat) is stoked to be fulfilling a dream role! This will be her third time in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL (Jojo, Gertrude) She was last seen on LTG’s stage in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL (Martha Dunstock), and backstage for PUFFS (Stage Manager). When she’s not working on a show, she can be found in her garden, making coffee, crafting, or cuddled up on the couch with her wife Daisy and their fur babies.
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JOJO
Cooper James
Cooper is excited to be returning to the stage at Little Theater of Gastonia after just debuting as Claude Herdman in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever this past December. This is his first musical and as a new singer he has enjoyed being challenged and growing in this area. When Cooper isn't on the stage you can find him coding games, creating YouTube shorts, hanging with his little brother, or out on the soccer field.
GERTRUDE
Maci Hatton
Maci Hatton (Gertrude McFuzz) is excited to be making her Little Theater of Gastonia debut. Maci is a graduate student at The University of Idaho where she is earning her MFA in Theatre Arts. She was last seen on stage in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Princess Winnifred), THE SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS MUSICAL (Sandy Cheeks), and ELF (Emily Hobbs). Maci would like to thank Bryan Rife as well as the entire cast and crew. It is special seeing the ways God has gifted each person so abundantly and uniquely. Additionally, she thanks her family and friends for always encouraging her to pursue even her wildest thinks. And to the man who encouragers her to wonder and dream as far and wide as she dares, Matt—it’s “all for you.”
MAYZIE
Issac Black
Issac Black (Mayzie) is excited to be part of this production. His Recent stage credits include Anthony in LTG’s production of Sweeney Todd and a dance cameo as Rudolfo in Matilda. Outside of performing, Issac is the owner of a nail artistry business, where creativity continues beyond the stage.
SOUR KANGAROO
Meaggan Richard
Meaggan is thrilled to be stepping back onto the LTG stage for the first time in over 10 years! Her previous performances include RING OF FIRE, MIRACLE WORKER (Anne Sullivan), 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Olive Ostrovsky), CHILDREN OF EDEN (Mama Noah), and NARNIA THE MUSICAL (Mrs. Beaver). She enjoys leading worship, and capturing sweet photo memories when she is not performing. She dedicates this performance to her incredibly supportive family; especially her silly nephews and amazing husband, Tylor!
MRS. MAYOR
Kim James
Kim James is beyond thrilled to be a part of this production. This is her second musical with the Little Theater of Gastonia with last credits playing Lilly St. Regis in Annie. This musical is especially special as she is performing with her son Cooper James for the first time on any stage - a true dream! When Kim isn't performing on the stage you will find her adventuring with her 2 sons and husband, singing with the Gaston Choral Society and being out in nature.
MR. MAYOR
Joel Alley
Joel (Mr. Mayor) is thrilled to make his stage debut in Seussical at Little Theater of Gastonia. Taking on his first-ever role, Joel is grateful for the opportunity to bring the world of Whoville to life alongside such a talented cast and creative team. When he’s not on stage, Joel enjoys spending time hanging out with his wife, playing with his kids and experimenting in the kitchen. He is excited to share this production with family, friends, and the community.
WICKERSHAM BROTHER
Austin Bridger
Austin Bridger (Wickersham Brother) is so excited to be back at Little Theatre of Gastonia! His last appearances on stage have been as Cedric in PUFFS and Lucas in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Outside of acting, Austin enjoys playing video games and spending time with his wife Brooke!
WICKERSHAM BROTHER
Evan Ard
Evan Ard (7 years old) is thrilled and proud to be performing on the main stage for the very first time! He has previously appeared in the Little Theater of Gastonia Act One drama class productions of PETER PAN (Lost Boy/Pirate) and most recently in TREASURE ISLAND (Billy Bones/Harry). Each role has helped spark and grow his love for acting, and he is especially excited to be part of this production. When he’s not on stage, Evan enjoys building with Legos, attending Ninja class, riding his bike, and playing with his friends and his brother, Brody
WICKERSHAM BROTHER
Joey Hollenback
Joey (Wickersham Brother) is happy to be back at the Little Theater of Gastonia. Joey has previously been seen in WHITE CHRISTMAS as Co-Choreographer and Mr. Snoring Man/Ezekiel, CABARET as Pre-Show Choreographer and Max/Victor, PUFFS as Zach Smith, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW as Choreographer and Phantom and ANNIE as Rooster. When not on stage he enjoys spending time with his Wife Megan and Daughter Brooklyn. He is excited to share the stage with his daughter Brooklyn for the first time.
WICKERSHAM BROTHER
Travis Sentell
Travis Sentell is thrilled to be back on the LTG stage, previously in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS(RONETTE). Travis likes to spend their time with all things music and arts. In addition, Travis also enjoys fashion, politics, and internet monoculture. Off stage, you will find Travis spending time with their 100lbs fur baby, Chance, listening to and making music, or obsessing over Beyonce. Travis’s love for music comes from their family, who filled their childhood with hip hop, rnb, gospel, and pop.
THE GRINCH/COMPANY
Jude Novak
Jude Novak (Grinch) is proud to be part of this production of Seussical with their fellow cast! Jude has had the fortune to appear in productions such as Puffs, Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Little Shop of Horrors. With over three 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.
CINDY LOU WHO/COMPANY
Quinn Alley
Quinn Alley (Cindy Lou Who) is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. She was last seen on stage in ANNIE (Susie the Orphan). Quinn has a deep love for performing and feels most at home when she’s singing, acting, and bringing stories to life on stage. When she’s not performing, Quinn enjoys using her imagination to create her own stories, spending time with her family and friends, and singing any chance she gets. She loves learning new songs, exploring characters, and growing as a performer with each show.
MAX/COMPANY
Myseam McClinton
Myseam is excited to be stepping on the stage at Little Theater of Gastonia. He was last seen in TREASURE ISLAND as SILVERS. Myseam loves doing voice overs, creating characters, and drawing.
YRTLE THE TURTLE
Worth Helms, IV
Worth is excited to make his LTG debut in Seussical The Musical. Worth first stepped on the stage two summers ago with ETC Youth Guild in CINDERELLA (Woodland Fairy, company), where he caught the theater bug. Worth is an eighth grader at Cramerton Middle School, where he enjoys singing in the choir. Worth has represented Cramerton at the NC Honors Chorus the past two years, this year debuting his bass voice. He is excited to be a part of this fun show!
BABY KANGAROO
Charley Ray Shelton
Charley Ray Shelton (Baby Kangaroo) is tickled pink with excitement to be a part of her first main stage show at LTG. She is 10 years old, a 4th grader, loves math, Taekwondo, and giving crushing hugs. Her favorite colors are baby pink, lilac, and sky blue. She is no stranger to playing an animal on stage as she was Bruiser in Forestview HS production of LEGALLY BLONDE and Penny the puppy in LTG's Summer Camp production of 101 DALMATIANS. Fun Fact: Charley Ray is one of only 10 students in her grade to be inducted into the Elementary Beta Club at her school.
BABY ELEPHANT BIRD
Annie Levy
Annie is so excited to be baby elephant bird and thrilled to be back on the stage. She was last seen in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as a baby angel. When not on stage, she loves art, piano, cuddling her own dogs, making everyone laugh and loving every dog she finds.
THING 1
Elijah Hartman
Elijah Hartman (Thing 1) is very excited to be back at the little theatre! Their appearance was in BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Leroy). When not on stage, they enjoy skateboarding and reading in the park. They are 13 and in the eight grade.
THING 2
Riley Knockenhauer
Riley is so happy to be performing once more at Little theatre of gastonia. Riley was last seen THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER, (Ollie Herdman) THE OUTSIDERS: TEEN EDITION (Mr. Syme and Ensemble), and ANNIE (Ruth). When not on stage, Riley enjoys Drawing and Animals.
GENERAL SCHMIDTZZ/COMPANY
Danny Risner
Danny Risner (General Schmidtz) is happy to be performing in another production at the Little Theater of Gastonia in his second mainstage production. Danny has been in other shows like Puffs and Hadestown and is currently rehearsing for Percy Jackson as Grover. Besides theater he enjoys his work as part of the marching band at Stuart w. Cramer playing the trumpet during marching season and the French horn during concert season.
BIRD GIRL/COMPANY
Alyssa Leviner
Alyssa is super excited to be performing on stage for her first time since graduating high school. She found her love for everything performance in the 8th grade, has never stopped since, and hopes to continue to support local theaters by sharing her passion with the community.
BIRD GIRL/COMPANY
Berni Hurd
Berni is excited for her debut at LTG and her third show with Bryan Rife. She stage-warmed for SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL (Baby Shark) and in DISNEY JUNIOR 101 DALMATIANS (Anita). She enjoys singing at FUMC, Girl Scouts, piano and kayaking and playing with her little brother, Arlo.
BIRD GIRL/COMPANY
Kenara Hartwell
Kenara Hartwell is so excited to be in her first Little Theatre of Gastonia production. She is in school for the art of stage performance and production. She has enjoyed being on the stage since she was a girl and is excited to continue her journey here!
BIRD GIRL/COMPANY
Savannah Garrigan
Savannah is so excited to be performing once more at Little Theatre of Gastonia. She was last seen on stage in SISTER ACT (Nun) and when not on stage, Savannah enjoys doing wedding and event makeup, playing with her dog (stark), and watching movies.
SEUSSETTE/COMPANY
Brooke Bridger
Brooke Bridger (Hunch, etc.) is excited for her first show at Little Theater of Gastonia! Brooke is the theatre teacher & director at Northwest Cabarrus High School in Concord and grateful for the opportunity to be back on stage in SEUSSICAL! She’d like to thank her husband, Austin (Wickersham Brother), family, and friends for their support. When not performing, Brooke loves thinking about the “6-7” meme!
SEUSSETTE/COMPANY
Elise Terry Kessell
Elise Terry Kessell (Featured Dancer/Hunches) has been dancing since age 3 and performing ever since. She is so excited to make her Little Theater of Gastonia debut in SEUSSICAL. Past credits include SHREK THE MUSICAL (Princess Fiona), SOUND OF MUSIC (Leisl VonTrapp), and SEUSSICAL (Mayzie LaBird). Aside from performing, Elise holds a BA in Technical Theatre from Sonoma State University, and is a director, stage manager, and choreographer. When not engrossed in the theatre world, she works in healthcare administration and enjoys hiking, dancing, and gardening with her husband, Michael, and adorable dog, Honey. @3lise.terry
SEUSSETTE/COMPANY
Kalaya Taylor
Kalaya is so excited to be returning to the stage for SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL. Kalaya was last seen onstage in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER ( ensemble), THE OUTSIDERS (Johnny Cade), and MEAN GIRLS JR ( Karen Smith). When she is not on stage Kalaya likes listening to music, watching shows, and hanging out with friends. Kalaya hopes to continue improving and having fun on stage.
SEUSSETTE/COMPANY
Sophia Galloway
Sophia Galloway is thrilled to be returning once again to the stage at LTG Her most recent shows at LTG include THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGENT EVER (Beth Bradly,) ANNIE (Annie,) and THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE (Lucy Pevensie). Sophia is 13, in 7th grade, and enjoys reading, hanging with friends, and traveling. Sophia is thankful for her family and all that they do to support her.
WHO KID/COMPANY
Brooklyn Hollenback
Brooklyn (Who Kid) is extremely excited to be a part of Seussical as her very first “Big” show. She caught the theater bug when she joined the Little Theater of Gastonia’s theater summer camp for the last two years. When not participating in theater, she enjoys gymnastics, cheer, dance and being a Girl Scout. Brooklyn would like to thank her Daddy for inspiring her to try acting on a real stage.
WHO KID/COMPANY
Cora Miklas
Cora Miklas (Who Kid) is excited to be returning to the Little Theater of Gastonia (LTG). Cora was last seen on stage in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Charlie Bradley) and WILLA WONKA KIDS (Veruca Salt). Cora has participated in training with the LTG and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Cora (10) is in fifth grade at Pinewood Performing Arts Academy where she is currently rehearsing for Winifred Banks in MARY POPPINS JR. When not on stage Cora enjoys reading, playing soccer, fostering kittens, and volunteering at cat adoption events. Cora would like to thank her Mom and Dad for practicing lines with her and is thankful she is part of this show. Cora really enjoys acting and wants to see how far she can go.
WHO KID/COMPANY
Julie Dondero
Julie’s so happy to be performing for the first time at Little Theater of Gastonia. When not on stage eating snacks, making new friends and wrestling her big brother.
WHO KID/COMPANY
Starr Doucet
Starr Doucet is so happy to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia for the very first time. Starr was last seen in Cherryville Little Theater's A Midsummer Nights Dream as Peter Quince. When not on stage, you can find her at the dance studio, painting, or playing piano.
WHO KID/COMPANY
Stella Taylor
Stella Taylor is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Stella was last seen on stage in Madagascar Jr. (Zoey The Zookeeper, Candy Hammernose), Annie Jr. (Annie), and Shrek Jr (Young Fiona). When not on stage, Stella enjoys horseback riding and singing.
WHO KID/COMPANY
Swayzee Lundy
Back for her second main stage production, after debuting last year in Puffs, Swayzee is excited to once again perform alongside her father in this production of Seussical. She has previously been seen in 101 Dalmatians Jr. (Lucky), Finding Nemo, Jr. (Professor Ray) and more. She has a passion for the arts and enjoys writing musicals with her friends, learning every song from Wicked & KPOP Demon Hunters 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.
WHO/COMPANY
Aaron Floyd
Aaron Floyd is returning to Little Theater of Gastonia after last appearing in PUFFS in the previous season.
WHO/COMPANY
Isabella Knockenhauer
Isabella (16) is so happy to be back on stage at LTG. Som productions you might have seen her in include Sister Act, Annie, Puffs, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Crew work includes 101 Dalmatians Kids, and The Color Purple. Isabella enjoys spending time with her family, coloring, and watching horror movies with her mom! Isabella is in Chamber Choir at her school, and has participated in All County, Western Regionals, and the Gardner Webb Choral Clinic. Her favorite foods include Sushi, and pizza! She also likes Ice Cream, and brownies! Isabella wishes to become a NICU nurse and is currently in the Caromont Health Club learning more about her career. Isabella is so happy to be in this show, and cannot wait for everyone to see it!
WHO/COMPANY
Maddie Knockenhauer
Maddie is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Maddie was last seen on stage in The Best Christmas Pageant as Mrs Clark, Puffs as Headmaster and Annie as multiple roles such as Mrs Greer and Lt Ward. When not on stage Maddie enjoys crafting and jigsaw puzzles.
WHO/COMPANY
Zachary Ray
Zachary Ray: He is excited to be back on stage at LTG! Some of his recent acting credits include ensemble in HEATHERS THE MUSICAL and Lawrence in CALENDAR GIRLS. He hopes you all enjoy this amazing show!