THE COLOR PURPLE

Celie

Aniyah Blair-Young

Aniyah Blair-Young (Celie) is a graduate of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA where she first began her theatre career, acting in productions including THE COLORED MUSEUM (The Afro Wig), DREAMGIRLS (Stepsister), and FOR COLORED GIRLS (Lady In Red). Aniyah enjoys being on stage, as she believes performing arts has the power to spiritually and emotionally move both the audience and those involved. It’s her way of healing and inspiring healing to others. This is her first production with the Little Theater of Gastonia, and she is elated to be performing the role of Celie, in what is her ultimate favorite Broadway musical, THE COLOR PURPLE!

Nettie

MJ Sadler

MJ Sadler (Nettie) is thrilled to be on the Little Theater of Gastonia stage again. MJ was last seen on the LTG in SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours) and ANNIE (Star-to-Be/Cecile). This will be one of MJ’s last big shows before leaving for college, and MJ couldn’t be more proud to be a part of THE COLOR PURPLE. When not on stage, MJ enjoys writing, character analysis, and studying psychology.

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Shug Avery

Erica Taylor

Erica Taylor (Shug Avery) is thrilled to be part of THE COLOR PURPLE with Little Theater of Gastonia! She previously performed in SISTER ACT with Little Theater of Gastonia last summer and is excited to return to the stage for this powerful production. Coming from a family of performers, Erica is especially honored to share this experience with her mother and daughter. As a therapist and strong advocate of self-care, she uses singing and performing as her own outlet for creativity and well-being. When not on stage, she enjoys cooking, singing, spending time with her husband and three kids, entertaining at her home, and giving back through community volunteer work. She is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and fellow cast members and hopes you enjoy the show!

Mister

Dontel Mills

Dontel Mills (Mister) is excited about his role in THE COLOR PURPLE. This will be his debut performance at the Little Theater of Gastonia, but he isn’t a stranger to the stage! Dontel has been on the HCT stage before as "George Murchison" in A RAISIN IN THE SUN and as "DelRay" in MEMPHIS and also "Warner Huntington III" in LEGALLY BLONDE at Lee Street. Born in Seattle, he moved to the Hickory area at 9 and is a graduate of Newton-Conover High School and UNC-Charlotte. He currently works as the Training Coordinator for Texas Roadhouse and 4th grade math teacher at MCA and loves both his pupson Bentley and his partner of 3 years Darnell.

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Sofia

Heaven Watson-Weary

Heaven Watson-Weary (Sofia) is making her acting debut at Little Theater of Gastonia. However, she is no stranger to the stage or performing. She participated as pit member of musicals through out her time in high school and college. Heaven is an active participant in her local church teaching the Youth Choir, directing the adult Mass Choir, and a participant of the praise team. Watson-Weary is the first African American female High School Band Director in Gaston County Schools and works diligently to show her students the vehicle of music can take them anywhere! When not on the stage Heaven enjoys spending time with her fur baby Harrison Sky.

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Harpo/Preacher

Dontavious D. Harris

Dontavious D. Harris (Harpo/Preacher) is excited to make his debut at Little Theater of Gastonia. He was last seen on stage at Gardner-Webb University as Schroeder in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN. A multi-talented musician, educator, and performer, Dontavious has a deep love for the arts and storytelling. Outside of theater, Dontavious teaches 7th grade social studies at Grier Middle School. He is passionate about helping students build social skills that will last a lifetime. In addition to teaching, Dontavious is an accomplished musician, vocalist, and singer/songwriter. He serves as the Minister of Music at The New E Church and has a gospel album in the works. With a background in classical and gospel music, he has worked as a vocal coach, choir director, and music producer. Dontavious believes in the power of music and theater to inspire, uplift, and bring people together. He is grateful for the opportunity to bring Harpo and the Preacher to life and hopes audiences enjoy this powerful production of THE COLOR PURPLE.

Squeak

Melcina Martin

Melcina Martin (Squeak) is ecstatic to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Melcina was last seen on stage in SISTER ACT (Michelle). When not on stage, Melcina works full time as a Lead for a conference hospitality company and is also working on getting into voice acting. She also enjoys writing, roller blading, playing with her bearded dragon and trying new things.

Pa/Ol' Mister

Darryl Barber

Darryl Barber (Pa/Ol Mister) is retired from local government and from the United States Air Force. Darryl has performed in church plays written and directed by my cousin, Karen Mable Reid. However, THE COLOR PURPLE is his initial experience in a musical production at this level of performance. Playing three characters, 'Ol Mister, Pa, and the African Chief, has been challenging and fun. Additionally, it is a real honor performing alongside actors who have years of experience on stage. Finally, Darryl aspires through this experience, that voice over and voice acting opportunities will follow.

Jarene

Nadene Dula

Nadene Dula (Jarene) is so happy to be performing at the Little Theater of Gastonia in THE COLOR PURPLE. When not on stage, Nadene enjoys acting and singing at church - and as a matter of fact singing and acting everywhere! Nadene also enjoys auditioning for short films for movies and again different plays. She loves the Arts!

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Doris

Synthia Kearney

Synthia Kearney (Doris) is delighted to be back on stage performing in the Little Theater of Gastonia production of THE COLOR PURPLE. Synthia has been seen in several productions in the Gastonia area and some of her favorite roles includes; SWEENEY TODD (the Beggar Woman); 70 GIRLS 70 (Melba), SOMETHING ROTTEN (The Minstrel), THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, MIDLIFE THE CRISIS, and THE ODD COUPLE FEMALE VERSION (Mickey the Cop). In addition to Theater , Synthia loves playing pickle ball, reading and hanging out with her grandchildren. Synthia is so honored to be working with all of the wonderful talented, production staff, and cast members. This is a great show and she’s excited for you to experience it.

Darlene

Tammy Reid Robinson

Tammy Reid Robinson (Darlene) is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. Tammy last performed at LTG in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Chiffon). Tammy has also been in film, BLOOD DONE SIGN MY NAME, starring Ricky Schroeder and Nate Parker and is also a singer in church choir across the church scene. When not on stage, Tammy enjoys singing, spending time with her family and friends and helping others.

Young Celie

Gabbie Taylor

Gabbie Taylor (Young Celie) is happy to be make her Main Stage debut at the little theater. Gabbie was last seen in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR (Ursula), LEGALLY BLONDE JR. (Paulette), MEAN GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL VERSION (Janis). When not on stage Gabbie enjoys playing her instruments which includes Alto saxophone, flute, and clarinet. She also enjoys building many legos sets (she has huge collection). Gabbie also enjoys spending time with her family whether it be watch movies and tv shows or playing games. Gabbie is excited to be a part of this production with her mother and grandmother!!

Young Nettie

Kalaya Taylor

Kalaya Taylor (Young Nettie) is very grateful to be performing again at the Little Theater of Gastonia. Kalaya was last seen on stage in ANNIE (Dorothy), THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. (Allana), and OZ (Glenda). When not on stage, Kalaya enjoys playing games and building LEGO's.

Sofia's Sister

Arrie Fletcher

Arrie Fletcher (Sofia's Sister) is so happy to be performing for her first time at Little Theater of Gastonia. She has performed in many church plays and finished Model and Talent Management in September 2024. When not on stage, she does outreach ministry, is working on her Master's degree in Leadership and Advocacy in EC. She enjoys singing, cooking, sewing, and spending time with family and church.

Sofia's Sister

Budricka Friday Stinson

Budricka Friday Stinson (Sofia’s Sister) is excited to be performing for the first time at the Little Theater of Gastonia in THE COLOR PURPLE. Budricka is 63 and has a Bachelor of Science in Management and is in the process of also obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Health Management. She works for Human Resources as a Dispatcher for Access with a goal of retiring by December in order to travel and focus on being healthy and active, as well as give back to the community and become a caregiver to the elderly. Budricka loves her family, including her child, mother, three sisters and two brothers. Budricka would like to give thanks to God, who is her everything and she would be nothing without him.

Sofia's Sister

Katie Reid

Katie Reid (Sofia’s Sister) is thrilled to be making her community theater debut in this production! She has always loved musicals and has wanted to take the stage for a long time, and she is excited to finally step into the spotlight. When she’s not performing, she enjoys attending plays and musical performances and spending time with her friends and family. She is especially grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with her amazing cousins featured in the play. Katie would like to thank the cast, crew, and everyone who encouraged her to take this exciting leap into theater!

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Sofia's Sister

Nelda Rendleman

Nelda Rendleman (Sofia’s Sister) is playing sister number 5 to Sofia. This is Nelda’s first time performing in a play. Nelda decided to step out of her comfort zone and try something different and she has enjoyed working with some wonderful, talented people. In her spare time, Nelda enjoys hanging out with her granddaughters, Zayla and Harmoni. Nelda also LOVES playing pickleball with some great friends. A special thanks to my family and friends for always supporting me.

Sofia's Sister

Shelby Rozzell

Shelby Rozzell (Sofia's Sister) is making her debut performing at Little Theater of Gastonia. Shelby was last seen on stage in BE A LION (Ensemble) and PURLIE VICTORIOUS (Church Congregation). When not on stage Shelby enjoys spending time with her husband and all things cow related. Shelby has a passion for working with the autism population and loves what she does in her career. Shelby's motto is Live.Laugh.Love.

Sofia's Sister

Yasmiene Christopher

Yasmiene Christopher (Sofia’s Sister) is so happy to be performing for the first time at Little Theater of Gastonia. When not on stage, Yas enjoys spending time at the theater and with her family and boxer. Yasmiene is excited to share her passion for theater with this wonderful community!

Church Soloist

Starr Clinton

Starr Clinton (Church Soloist) is thrilled to make her theatrical debut in THE COLOR PURPLE. A passionate singer, Starr has always had a deep love for music and is excited to bring that passion to the stage for the first time. When not performing, she is dedicated to advocating for accessibility and inclusion through her work as a consultant and speaker. Starr is grateful for the support of her family and friends and looks forward to sharing this powerful story with the audience.

Grady

Augustus Golie

Augustus Golie (Grady) has appeared in numerous local films, including Toni. Mamie. Connie. and Elizabeth. While he is no stranger to the screen, this marks his stage debut at the Little Theater of Gastonia. He is thrilled to take on this new challenge and be part of this production.

Buster/Bobby

Obeyante Wingate

Obeyante Wingate (Buster/Bobby) is a Gastonia, NC native making his debut at the Little Theater of Gastonia. With a deep passion for acting and singing, he is thrilled to be part of this production and looks forward to many more performances in the future.

Guard/Field Hand

Zachary Ray

Zachary Ray (Guard) is so excited to be back on stage at Little Theater of Gastonia! He was last seen as "Justin Waverly" in CHRISTMAS BELLES at Kings Mountain Little Theater. He would like to thank all his family and friends for there support and wants to dedicate this to all his family and friends but especially his mom because it's one of her favorite movies. He would like to thank Ashleigh, the director, for this amazing opportunity and the amazing cast because he had fun working on the show with this amazing cast!

Adam/Field Hand

Witt Sadler

Witt Sadler (Adam/Field Hand) is excited to make his debut mainstage performance at Little Theater of Gastonia. Witt was last seen on the LTG stage as Prince Eric in THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR.

Field Hand/Buddy

Jude Novak

Jude Novak (Field Hand/Buddy) is proud to be part of this production of THE COLOR PURPLE! Jude has had the fortune to appear in productions such as SISTER ACT, THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, and SWEENEY TOD. With over two years in theater education, Jude continues to enjoy putting his hard work to use on the stage. Jude would like to dedicate their performance to the fantastic audiences and let you know you are always welcome in THE COLOR PURPLE. 

Mayor

Steven Westlake

Steven Westlake (Mayor) is happy to be performing in his sixth show at Little Theater of Gastonia. Steven was last seen in WAIT UNTIL DARK (Roat), and previously in ANNIE (Franklin Roosevelt), and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Otto Frank). Before coming to Gastonia, Steven worked theatre in New York State, Florida, and Iowa, appearing in productions of ROSENCRANZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, THE FANTASTICKS, CABARET, TAMING OF THE SHREW, THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED, and many more. When not on stage, Steven enjoys movies and music.

Mayor's Wife

Becky Layman

Becky is so happy to be performing again at Little Theater of Gastonia. Becky was last seen on stage in ANNIE as Bert Healey and she co-directed WAIT UNTIL DARK, both at LTG. Becky's other theater credits include Sister Mary Patrick in SISTER ACT and Aslan in THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE (LTG). Becky and her husband Nate recently adopted their daughter, Josephine, and she is the love of their lives!

Young Adam

Noah Gilliam

Noah Gilliam (Young Adam) is excited to make his debut at the Little Theater of Gastonia.

Young Olivia 

Noel Gilliam

Noel Gilliam (Young Olivia) is excited to make her debut at the Little Theater of Gastonia.

Child of Harpo & Sofia

Chloe Clinton

Chloe Clinton (Child of Harpo and Sofia) is so happy to be making her stage debut at Little Theater of Gastonia! This is her first time in a play, and she is thrilled to be part of this production. When not on stage, Chloe enjoys singing, dancing, and doing gymnastics.

Child of Harpo & Sofia

Kristen Clinton

Kristen Clinton (Child of Harpo and Sofia) is so happy to be performing once more at Little Theater of Gastonia. She was last seen on stage in ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Doormouse). When not on stage, Kristen loves acting, singing, dancing, and doing gymnastics.

Child of Harpo & Sofia

Zayla King-Reeves

Zaylà King-Reeves (Child of Harpo and Sofia) is 12 yrs old. Zayla is a 6th grader at Bessemer City Middle School and this is her first play. Zayla’s GiGi talked her into it and she is having fun and meeting some new friends!