AUGUST:
OSAGE COUNTY

VIOLET WESTON

Synthia Kearney

Synthia Kearney is excited to be back on stage at Little Theater of Gastonia. Synthia was last seen on stage in the Kings Mountain Little Theatre production of DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW (Lenora Benedict), The Little Theatre of Gastonia production of COLOR PURPLE (Doris-Church Lady), SISTERS ACT (Sister Mary Theresa) and several other productions and Readers Theater performances in Gaston County area. Synthia is honored to share the stage with this incredibly talented cast and working with this wonderful director and production staff. She is grateful and thankful for all of the family, friends and patrons who come out to experience this production and the emotional tangle of this family.

BARBARA FORDHAM

Kelsey Kott

Kelsey Kott (she/her; BARBARA) is a theatre educator originally from Lombard, IL. She currently serves as the Education Director at the Hickory Community Theatre. Previous credits include 42ND STREET (Dorothy Brock) at Showtime Academy and SWEENEY TODD (ensemble) at Queens University. Thank you to Mark for all of his love and support.

IVY WESTON

Nori Tee Schmidt

Nori is stoked to be returning to the LTG stage. She was last seen, after a six year hiatus, as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Past favorites include THE MIRACLE WORKER (Annie Sullivan), STUPID F*CKING BIRD (Masha) and CRIMES OF THE HEART (Babe). Love and thanks to Dave, her parents, Becky, Shannon and the cast for their unwavering awesomeness, and to Stefan and the Dot crew for their support and flexibility to allow her the opportunity to make her heart happy.

KAREN WESTON

Melanie York

Melanie York is thrilled to be back on the LTG stage. You may have seen her in CLUE (the Cook) last year. When offstage, Melanie enjoys stage managing as she will be doing for our upcoming show AND THEN THERE WERE NONE. She also likes to read, crochet, do puzzles, and play board games. She sends her thanks to her parents and daughter for supporting her drama habit.

BILL FORDHAM

Guy Winker

Guy Winker (Bill Fordham) , after years of comedies and musicals, is so pleased to have his first crack at a drama in this great play. Last seen as Mr. Mushnik in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Guy has also enjoyed being in the LTG productions of CLUE, PUFFS, and SISTER ACT. After retiring from Family Practice, Guy is enjoying travel, time on the lake and spending time with his kids and grandkids.

JEAN FORDHAM

Brooklyn Watkins

Brooklyn Watkins (Jean) is ecsatic to be performing at Little Theater of Gastonia. Brooklyn was last seen on stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Martha Crachit) at Theatre Charlotte. When not on stage, Brooklyn enjoys spending time with her loved ones, painting, and dancing in her living room.

MATTIE FAE AIKEN

Shareese Mason

Shareese Mason (Mattie Fae Aiken) is excited to be making her debut back in theatre after taking time off to focus on family. She is an actor, director, producer, and acting coach. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she has taken acting training and workshops under Clarence Gilyard, Nate Bynum, Alan Cooper, Scott Sedita, Beverly Hills PlayHouse, ZA Studios, etc. Her more recent experience has been in film, commercials, TV series. She has also produced her own film projects. Some of her former plays include: PLAZA SUITE (Norma Hubley), HELLO FROM BERTHA (Goldie), AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY (Barbara), and INTIMATE APPAREL (Mayme). When Shareese isn’t acting, she’s spending time with her family, she’s in a hot yoga class or spending time at the beach!

CHARLIE AIKEN

Scott Major

Scott Major (Charlie Aiken) is excited to be in his first LTG production. He is active in many Community Theaters around the area. Some of his favorite roles include: OUR TOWN(Doc Gibbs), HAIRSPRAY(Wilbur), PUMPBOYS AND DINETTES (Jackson) at Lincoln Theatre Guild where he is also a Board Member. LEGALLY BLONDE (Mr Woods), DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS (Dr Westfield) and BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK (Slasvick/Brad Donovan) at the Greenroom Community Theatre and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (Oompa-Loompa) at Hickory Community Theatre. He would like to thank Ronnie Major for all his support.

LITTLE CHARLIE AIKEN

Kevin May

Kevin May (Little Charlie Aiken) is thrilled to be performing once again at Little Theater of Gastonia, A proud Gastonia native, Kevin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Mars Hill University and a Master’s degree in Musical Theatre from the University of Mobile. Over the years, he has had the privilege of performing across the country in a wide range of productions, including The Sound of Music, Tuck Everlasting, Freaky Friday, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and many more. Beyond performing, Kevin is passionate about sharing his love of theatre with others, he is grateful to share this experience with his community. Kevin thanks his family, friends, and mentors for their constant support and encouragement.

BEVERLY WESTON

Shaun Taylor

Shaun Taylor is excited to make his first appearance at Little Theatre of Gastonia. He is a retired educator originally from Ohio. Initially a designer, he has enjoyed directing and most recently, acting. He lives in Gastonia with his beagle, Stella and cat, Simon.

STEVE HEIDEBRECHT

Steven Westlake

Steven Westlake (Steve Heidebrecht) is appearing in his seventh production at Little Theater of Gastonia. Recent performances for Little Theater include WAIT UNTIL DARK (Roat), ANNIE (Franklin Roosevelt), and THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (Otto Frank). Steven was last seen in THE FANTASTICKS (Henry the Actor) for Lincoln Theatre Guild. When not on stage, Steven enjoys movies and music, and can be seen at various karaoke establishments around town. Finally, Steven is co-writing and acting in a feature film based on a true local story that will be shot this year. He would like to thank the friends he made during Little Theater’s production of THE COLOR PURPLE for that opportunity.

SHERIFF DEON GILBREAU

Mark Griffin

Mark Griffin (Sheriff Deon Gilbreau) IS debuting at Little Theater of Gastonia. Mark has done shows at Kings Mountain Little Theater, GSCT, and Cherryville Little Theatre. He would like to thank director, Becky Layman, for this opportunity to work with such a great cast. Mark has been doing theater for 15 plus years now and still enjoys meeting new people and witness how talented these wonderful actors and actresses are. He hopes to be in shows here in the future and this is the first of many to come. He thanks all his family, friends and his HUGE fanbase for their support.

JOHNNA MONTEVARA

McKenzie Cunningham

McKenzie Cunningham (Johnna) is thrilled to make her debut performance at the Little Theater of Gastonia. McKenzie was last seen on stage 20 years ago during the New Play Festival at Thalian Hall in Wilmington, NC. When she’s not on stage, McKenzie enjoys yoga, reading, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her partner, two children and their two geriatric pups.