Feb 1- Mar 2, 2025 I For All Ages
THE GOOD STUFF
BEHIND THE SCENES
CREATIVE TEAM
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Book by Kevin del Aguila
Music and Lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler
Based on the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” Book Series by Jeff Kinney and the 20th Century Studios Films
Additional Orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke
Originally commissioned and produced by The Children’s Theatre Company Minneapolis, Minnesota
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
Director James Webb
Assistant Director Brandon J Johns
Assistant Student Director David Kilde
Choreographer Rahsheem Shabazz
Music Director Bill Congdon
Scenic Designer Douglas Clarke*
Lighting Designer/Projections Gordon W. Olson*
Costume Designer Kahei Shum McCrae
Sound Designer Benjamin G. Stickels
* Member United Scenic Artists Local 829
Run time 58 minutes
Videotaping, photography and other recording of this production is prohibited.
The 2024-25 Season
The 2024-25 Season
Today’s celebration is brought to life, in part, by:
Parker Poe
Publix Super Markets Charities
Ann and Scott Manning
Dr. Daniel Donner
Nichelle and Sasha Weintraub
Judith and Matthew Whelan
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte and its generous donors, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. Additional support is provided by the Shubert Foundation.
- Experiences for students ages 3 to 18 led by Professional Teaching ArtistsCamps are grouped by age and offered at ImaginOn, with select satellite camps offered at at CPCC’s Levine Campus (Matthews) & Gaston Day School.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director James Webb
Assistant Director Brandon J Johns
Assistant Student Director DAVID KILDE
Choreographer Rahsheem Shabazz
Music Director Bill Congdon
Scenic Designer Douglas Clarke
Lighting Designer/Projections Gordon W. Olson
Costume Designer Kahei Shum McCrae
Sound Designer Benjamin G. Stickels
FOR THIS PRODUCTION
Stage Manager Steven James
Run Crew Joe Cockrell, Keith Johns
Wardrobe Supervisor/Stitcher Loren Moody
Wardrobe Crew Summer Schroter, marge young
Costume Design Assistant Lucy Finn
Crafts Kenneth Rosander
Scenic Carpenters Joe Cockrell, Melissa Mendez
Electricians Cooper Beck, Madelaine Newman, Joe Cockrell
Lightboard Operator Amber Bidwell
Sound Mixer Maddi Penn
Scenic Artists Sara Petty, Stephen West-Rogers
CAST
Zakary Clausell-Santos Greg
Robert “Sharkey”
Trace Casanova
Vance Riley
Jeremy DeCarlos
Griffin Digsby
Tommy Foster
Andre Braza
Jennifer Poarch
Melissa Lozada
Maya Noor
Isabel Gonzalez
Rowley
Chris Hosey, Bryce Anderson & others
Fregley, Joshie & others
Lionel James & others
Rodrick, Eighth Grader & others
Dad, Mr. Huf, Mr. Underwood & others
Chirag Gupta & others
Mom, Mrs. Clayton & others
Patty Farrell & others
Claire, Manny & others
Mrs. Ira, Fregley’s Mom, Eighth Grader, & others
Swings: Claire Hilton, Allie Joseph, Brandon J Johns, Rahsheem Shabazz
SPECIAL THANKS
Jame Duke at Central Piedmont Community College
Ryan Maloney and Jay Scott at Charlotte Latin School
S O N G S
#1 Overture
#2 The Middle of it All (Part 1)
#2A The Middle of it All (Part 2)
#3 The Cheese Touch
#3A The Middle of it All (Part 3)
#4 Joshie Says
#5 Better Than You
#6 All About the Mom Bucks
#7 Animal Heart
#8 Creighton the Cretin
#8A Incidental: The New Cartoonist
#9 He Made It
#9A Creighton the Curious Student
#9B The Middle of it All (Fregley Reprise)
#10 The Fregley Song (That’d Be Fun)
#11 Dear Diary
#12 Zoo-Wee Mama
#13 The Fight
#14 The Middle of it All (Finale)
™ and © 2007-2025, Wimpy Kid, Inc.
BEHIND THE SCENES...
All of the elements of the show from set design to costume design, lighting, props and sound, are all created at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte by a talented team of artists.
Together, we bring stories like this one to life through the magic of theatre.
SET DESIGN
COSTUME DESIGN
Kahei Shum McCrae channels middle school in her designs, an authentic nod to the time period that defines the story.
Douglas Clark scenic design is brought to life with bold lighting and projections by Gordon W. Olson.
BEHIND THE SCENES...
REHEARSAL
Rehearsals for the show got under way on January 2. The cast consists of 12 adult actors and four swings.
Swings understudy ensemble roles and “go on” if an actor is unable to do so.
PHOTO SHOOT
Actors had fun during the photo shoot to promote the show. Shown left: Zakary Clausell-Santos (Greg) and Griffin Digsby (Rodrick) get into character.
™ and © 2007-2025, Wimpy Kid, Inc.
MEET AND GREET
Author Jeff Kinney chatted it up with the cast of thow show during a Zoom call in January. He shared the story of how Wimpy Kid came to be and took questions from the cast.
MEET THE CAST
Zakary Clausell Santos (Greg)
is so excited to be a part of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and be a part of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s 2024-25 Mainstage season. Zakary started in Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s youth education programs in 2022. Zakary has been doing Musical Theatre since he was 8 years old and intends to pursue it as a professional career. He was last seen in Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s production of GRACE FOR PRESIDENT, NARNIA and BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL. Zakary is very grateful for all the training and performance opportunities that Children’s Theatre of Charlotte has given him, and he hopes you enjoy DIARY OF A WIMPY KID!!
Robert “Sharkey” (Rowley)
is ecstatic to be making his debut at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Past regional credits include LT Ward/Bert Healy (ANNIE), ensemble(Pirelli u/s, Beadle u/s) (SWEENEY TODD), Fred (A CHRISTMAS CAROL), the
Big Bopper (THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY), Brick (ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE), Bobby (SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER), Don (KINKY BOOTS), Winnie (A WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL), and the Caveman Ancestor (THE ADDAMS FAMILY). A graduate of Western Kentucky University with a B.F.A in Performing Arts, he has performed variety shows across the U.S. at Holiday World, California’s Great America, Kings Island and abroad on the Oceania Nautica.
Trace Casanova (Chris Hosey, Bryce Anderson & others) is an entertainer in the Charlotte area. Primarily a musician, his repertoire consists of “Rat-Pack” style music. He croons at restaurants, hotels, lounges and anyplace they got good tips! Trace is delighted to be back at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for a third season. His love of entertaining folks of all ages is very well taken care of at this theater. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Vance Riley (Fregley, Joshie, & Others)
is thrilled to perform for the first time on
MEET THE CAST
the Children’s Theatre Charlotte stage. Vance graduated in 2022 from Forestview High School in Gastonia, NC, where he performed in his first show GUYS AND DOLLS. Vance attended CPCC for two years as a fine arts student and is currently taking a gap year to work on his craft and discover more about himself and who he wants to be. Vance is a preschool music teacher for the Mr. Music Man Company, a job that brings him so much joy every single day. In addition to theatre, Vance is very passionate about teaching children, writing, animation, Nintendo games, and Dungeons and Dragons. In his free time, Vance likes to express his creativity through writing and playing games with his friends, as well as going on long “brainstorm” walks and reading and watching his favorite media. Vance would like to thank two of his greatest supporters Kelly Ray Shelton and Trace Casanova for helping him get to where he is now, without them supporting and coaching him he wouldn’t be half as fabulous as he is today.
Jeremy DeCarlos (Lionel James & Others)
is an actor, activist, writer and musician with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance. Though born
in Florence, South Carolina in the early 1980’s, he was raised across the state, in the rural areas of Florence and Marion County as well as Myrtle Beach and the capitol city, Columbia. After earning his BA from Winthrop University, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he has been frequently involved with Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. He has become a notable figure in the artistic community, having earned the honor of Charlotte Magazine’s Best Actor in Charlotte Award in 2012, 2013 and 2015.
Griffin Digsby (Rodrick, Eighth Grader & others) is so excited to be back at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte playing Rodrick Heffley. This season he was male swing (SCHOOL OF ROCK and GRACE FOR PRESIDENT). Griffin is a graduate of Central Piedmont Community College and Northwest School of the Arts. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and baseball, showcasing his athleticism and love for sports. He also expresses his passion for music by attending concerts and singing in his church choir, blending his appreciation for live performances with a personal connection to mu-
MEET THE CAST
sic. He wants to thank his loving family and friends for all their support and words of encouragement and hopes he can continue to inspire children to follow their dreams one show at a time.
Tommy Foster (Dad, Mr. Huff, Mr. Underwood & Others)
is an actor, director, and teacher with over 30 years in the theatre. His work includes regional theatre, commercials, cruise ships, and cabarets. Commercials include Nickelodeon and Food Lion. His cabaret work earned him a Bistro Award from Backstage. Since moving back to his home state he has played the title roles in JEKYLL & HYDE, THE SCARLETT PIMPERNEL at CPCC Summer Theatre, Ned (THE NORMAL HEART) at Theatre Charlotte, and made an artistic home at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte most recently appearing as Aslan (NARNIA THE MUSICAL), Bob (THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL), and Miss Trunchbull (MATILDA). An active director and teacher, he recently directed STEEL MAGNOLIAS at the Old Courthouse Theatre and works as a Teaching Artist with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. He also offers private singing and acting through his own
studio, The Acting School, as well as workshops for professional artists. Tommy holds an MFA in Classical Acting from the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University and a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan. He lives in Concord with husband Wesley; sons Parker & Marshall; dogs Marlie, Duke, Lucy, Bingo, Turbo, & Toby; and Connor the Conure. www.tommyfosternyc.com
Andre Braza (Chirag Gupta & Others)
Mabuhey! Andre is a proud FIlipino-American performer and is very excited for his debut season at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! Some of his favorite roles include Artist/Chen (THE MAGIC PAINT BRUSH) at The REV Theater Company; Swing/Ens (KINKYBOOTS), Duke of Bedford U/S Dauphin (HENRY V), Young Scrooge/ Future (A CHRISTMAS CAROL), Radio Announcer/Ens (A BIG DAY FOR BASEBALL: A MAGIC TREE HOUSE ADVENTURE), Avery/Homer/Sheep (CHARLOTTE’S WEB) at the Orlando Shakes; and Ens/Accordion (INDECENT), Zachary Briddling (THE GRUMPIEST BOY IN THE WORLD) at Theater UCF. He gradu-
MEET THE CAST
ated from Appalachian State University with a BA in Theater and the University of Central Florida with an MFA in Acting. In his free time, he loves to game!
Jennifer Poarch (Mom, Mrs. Clayton & Others)
is delighted to return to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. You may have spotted her as a tap-dancing chimney sweep, various faces in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL, a cute penguin, a grumpy toad, an ogre, a bear, a wolf, a farmer, a librarian, a mom, and a birdseed dispenser! Some favorite regional performance credits include Alice Murphy (BRIGHT STAR), Natalie/Ed (ALL SHOOK UP), Kala (TARZAN), Mary Poppins (MARY POPPINS), Lilli/Kate (KISS ME KATE), Cassie (A CHORUS LINE), Guinevere (CAMELOT), Mrs. Anna (THE KING AND I), Barbara (SHEAR MADNESS), Shelby (STEEL MAGNOLIAS), and Julie (PIZZA MAN). Jennifer gives thanks to her family, friends and God for all their love and support.
Melissa Lozada (Patty Farrell & Others) is thrilled to be back at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte as Patty Farrell. She previously has been seen at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE, WE ARE IN A PLAY! Other credits include Cathy (THE LAST FIVE YEARS) at Old Courthouse Theater, Sister Mary Robert (SISTER ACT) at Matthews Playhouse, and Belle (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) at Porch Productions. She would like to thank her friends and family for always supporting her, and hope you enjoy the show.
Maya Noor (Claire, Manny & Others) is thrilled to be performing in her very first season at CTC! This season you can catch her in the role of swing (SCHOOL OF ROCK), Connie (BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL), and Claire (DIARY OF A WIMPY KID). Maya is a recent graduate of Millikin University’s BFA Acting program. After graduation she spent the summer working on various shows
MEET THE CAST
all over North Carolina! Including: THE GREAT BEYOND (NC State Theatre Fest), THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG (Judson Theatre Co.) and SHINING CITY (Sihr Theatre). Maya is so excited to sing her face off and spend her first professional season at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! Big thanks to her family and friends for always supporting her and everyone at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for giving her the opportunity!
Isabel Gonzalez (Mrs. Ira, Fregley’s Mom, Eighth Grader & Others) is thrilled to be back in a mainstage show at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte! Isabel is a graduate from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and audiences may have seen her on our stages or on tour with us in shows like Sophie (THE INVISIBLE BOY), Cinderella (GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES), Blue Dragon (DRAGONS LOVE TACOS), Paloma (TROPICAL SECRETS; HOLOCAUST REFUGEES IN CUBA), Dragon (SHREK), Cecille (ANNIE), Lion (LION AND LITTLE RED BIRD, and Mike Flannery (PIGS IS PIGS). When not on our stages, you may have seen her works with Three Bone Theatre, The Lotus Project, Sigmon Theatrical, and many others. In addition, Isabel works as a Choreographer around the area
and is a self-proclaimed box office extraordinaire. She would like to thank everyone for supporting her journey thus far! Next project you ask?! Choreographing both CHICAGO at Central Cabarrus High School and JAMES & THE GIANT PEACH with The Lotus Project!
Claire Hilton (Swing) is thrilled to be returning to the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte this season for DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and HARE AND TORTOISE. Favorite CTC credits include Rose (GRACE FOR PRESIDENT), Madison/Mom, original cast (THE INVISIBLE BOY) and serving as a member of the Resident Touring Company. Claire dedicates her work on this production to her students “in the middle”! Follow her at @firstclairelast on instagram.
Allie Joseph (Swing) is so excited to be a part of this team! She has performed previously on the CTC MainStage in 5 seasons of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
EVER: THE MUSICAL (Imogene 2023, Beth 2022, Gladys 2019), MATILDA: THE MUSICAL (Matilda) and ALLIE KAZAN
MEET THE CAST
AND THE MAGIC MANSION (U/S Allie). Additional credits include: Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s FUN HOME (Small Alison), and Southeastern Summer Theatre Institute’s A CHORUS LINE (Diana) and SWEET CHARITY (Ursula). She would like to give a special thank you to Adam Burke and James Webb for trusting her with this opportunity, along with all of her teachers and directors at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte who have been her biggest supporters and mentors for the past 14 years. Allie is a senior at Northwest School of the Arts, and is excited to continue pursuing musical theatre in college and beyond! @allie.joseph.official
Brandon J Johns (Swing)
is so happy to be back at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte this Fall! He was last seen as Elephant Gerald (ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S:
“WE ARE IN A PLAY!”), An actor, musician, and music director, Brandon is over the moon to be selected for the Paige Johnston Thomas Directing Assistantship for 2025. He will be assistant directing three shows beginning in January. Other roles at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte include Mr. Beaver (NARNIA THE MUSICAL), Oliver Warbucks (ANNIE), and Big Bad Wolf (SHREK THE
MUSICAL). Brandon is also an arranger and composer. Some of his original music and arrangements have been featured at Firehouse Theatre and Six Flags’ theme park, King’s Dominion. Brandon sends endless thanks to his mother and brother for their constant support and love. For DLJ.
is so happy to be working with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte again. His previous roles include the world premiere of GRIMMZ FAIRY TALES (Actor/Choreographer), Jace’s Dad (LIARS), Dr. Bird, (BOB MARLEY’S THREE LITTLE BIRDS) and King Julian (MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE). He was part of the premiere tour of SHOW OF HANDS, an interactive theatre experience that toured every 3rd grade class in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. He has appeared on CBS’s Under The Dome, as well as many productions at the Actors Theatre of Charlotte. This talented young man also danced for the Charlotte Hornets Hive Hip Hop dance crew and is excited to be back on stage at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.
Rahsheem Shabazz (Swing)
CREATIVE TEAM
Book
Kevin Del Aguila is an Emmy-winning writer and Broadway performer. He is the bookwriter of the Off-Broadway musical hit ALTAR BOYZ (New York Outer Critics Circle Award, Best Off-Broadway Musical) and lyricist of CLICK CLACK MOO (Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Musical; Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Lyrics). His other musical adaptations include the DreamWorks film MADAGASCAR and DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL. Kevin has written for numerous children’s television shows, including Peg + Cat (PBS), Waffles + Mochi (Netflix), and as head writer of Blue’s Clues & You (Nick Jr.). Children everywhere have heard Kevin’s voice as a Troll in the Disney movie Frozen.
Music and Lyrics
Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler are a songwriting team whose experience includes The Secret of My Success (NBC/Universal); musical TV pilot Boyfred (ABC/Sony/Shoe Money Productions); animated feature My Little Pony 2 (Hasbro, Ron Fair); music video LEGO Store: The Musical. Musicals in development: NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (Kevin McCollum) with Alan Menken, Shawn Levy and Bob Martin; AN AMERICAN TAIL (CTC/NBC/
Universal) with Itamar Moses; Frankenstein adaptation THE MONSTER (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) with Chelsea Marcantel. Winners of the Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theatre. Other credits include: Lyrics, MISS SAIGON (West End, Broadway); Music and Lyrics, OCTOBER SKY (NBC/Universal).
Alan Schmuckler and Michael Mahler are a songwriting team whose experience includes The Secret of My Success (NBC/Universal); musical TV pilot Boyfred (ABC/Sony/Shoe Money Productions); animated feature My Little Pony 2 (Hasbro, Ron Fair); music video LEGO Store: The Musical. Musicals in development: NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (Kevin McCollum) with Alan Menken, Shawn Levy and Bob Martin; AN AMERICAN TAIL (CTC/NBC/Universal) with Itamar Moses; Frankenstein adaptation THE MONSTER (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) with Chelsea Marcantel. Winners of the Richard Rodgers Award for Musical Theatre. Other credits include: Music, lyrics, song producer, Kidding (Showtime, starring Jim Carrey; featured soloists Ariana Grande, Kesha, Dick Van Dyke); Music production, LEGO Store: The Musical; Winner, the Kleban Prize in Musical Theatre, Webby Award (podcast musical Wait
CREATIVE TEAM
Wait Don’t Kill Me, Wondery Media).
Director
James Webb is a Charlotte-based director, playwright, and educator. DIARY
OF A WIMPY KID marks his second production at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Last season, he directed CATCHING THE MOON. As a playwright, Webb has written several youth theatre plays, including THE HOUSE OF JEAN-RENÉ, STEAM, and WRESTLING WITH ANGELS, a hip-hop children’s musical. As an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Davidson College, he teaches acting, playwriting and Black Contemporary Theatre, and he spends his summers as a resident playwright and director for the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre in Tallahassee, Florida. Webb extends a special thanks to his two Assistant Directors, Brandon Johns and David Kilde.
Assistant Director
Brandon J Johns is an actor and musician based in Charlotte, NC. He received a BA in Music Performance from Virginia State University and has been a professional actor since 2009. Since relocating from Virginia in 2018, Brandon has been involved with many shows at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte where
he has been a crew member, performer, and music director. Brandon is so excited to receive the Paige Johnston Thomas Directing Assistantship and begin this new assistant director journey with these talented artists.
Assistant Student Director
David Kilde is a Senior Theatre Major on the Pre-med Track at Davidson College. He has directed several productions, including PETER PAN JR. with The Talent Company of Stanly County and THE LOVERS at Davidson College. This is David’s first time working with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and he is grateful to work with such a wonderful team. He has been performing on stage since the age of three and is excited to continue his love of theatre. Enjoy the show!
Choreographer
Rahsheem Shabazz has done countless shows here at CTC and is happy to return, not on the stage but as the choreographer. Rahsheem has been a dancer since a child, he has had the pleasure of doing Choreography for shows such as PETER PAN, 101 DALMATIANS, SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK and much more, also dancing as an original Member of the Char-
CREATIVE TEAM
lotte Hornets Hip Hop Dance Crew. He is more than excited to bring his talents to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for this family fun musical!
Music Director
Bill Congdon’s National Tours include (Conductor): MATILDA THE MUSICAL, MAMMA MIA! (National Tour/Las Vegas); BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. Assoc. Music Director for Broadway Dreams since 2017. Musical director for NARNIA, and orchestrated the new musicals ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANSION and CATCHING THE MOON at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Many regional, stock and symphony orchestra credits, including CPCC Summer Theatre, Charlotte Rep, Greensboro Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, Opera Carolina and the NC Ballet Theatre. BME from East Carolina University (NC), MM and Performer’s Certificate in Percussion from The Eastman School of Music (NY).
Scenic Designer
Douglas Clarke is so excited to be back at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte after having designed JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK and JUDY MOODY AND STINK, THE MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD TREASURE HUNT. He is a re-
gional designer based out of Phoenix. He’s received awards for his scenic designs of WELCOME HOME JENNY SUTTER at Mesa Community College and for END OF THE RAINBOW at The Phoenix Theatre Company, as well as nominations for his puppets in SHE KILLS MONSTERS at Arizona State University, scenic design of BRIGHT COLORS AND BOLD PATTERNS at Stray Cat Theatre, and for CALENDAR GIRLS at The Phoenix Theatre Company. Douglas designed New York City premieres of COFFEE AND BISCUIT at Fallen Swallow/Laughing Pigeon and UNITY 1918 at Project: Theater. He also presented DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE as part of the World Stage Design exhibition in Taipei, Taiwan. Douglas is currently teaching at Arizona State University. MFA from University of Maryland, College Park. Member of USA 829. Douglasclarkedesign.com
Lighting Designer
Gordon W. Olson is happy to return to Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in the role of lighting and projection designer for this production of DIARY OF A WIMPY KID the Musical. Gordon’s work has been seen here at CTC in ANNIE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, BATBOY THE MUSICAL!, and SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK
CREATIVE TEAM
LIVE! Local work has included: THE CHINESE LADY, THE CHILDREN, CONFEDERATES (Three Bone Theatre); SPAMALOT, ANNIE, CHICAGO (Davidson Community Players); 1984, PRODUCERS, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, SPRING AWAKENING, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, ADDAMS FAMILY, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, FOOTLOOSE (Theatre Charlotte); PIPPIN, EVERYBODY, TWELFTH NIGHT, HAMLET, SPRING AWAKENING (UNC-Charlotte). Regional credits include work for: James Madison University, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Michigan Opera Theatre, Florida Grand Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Antonio Opera. Broadway credits include; Jerusalem-Assistant Lighting Designer (Tony Nominated), Good People-Associate Lighting Designer. Gordon received his MFA from The University of Texas at Austin.
Costume Designer
Kahei Shum McRae, originally from Hong Kong, received her BA in Theatre from UW-Madison, her BFA in Production Design and MFA in Costume Design from UNC-School of the Arts. Some of her recent Children’s Theatre of Charlotte credits include SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANSION, THE INVISIBLE
BOY, and PETE THE CAT. She also loved designing CABARET and ADDAMS FAMILY with Davidson College, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES with Theatre Charlotte, and SHREK with CPCC. Her other costume design work has been seen at Triad Stage, UNC Charlotte, UNCG, The Barter Players, Peppercorn Children’s Theatre, Raleigh Little Theatre, Wake Forest University and Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. Special thanks to UNCSA and her family.
Sound Designer
Benjamin G. Stickels is excited to be telling another story at one of his favorite places with some of his favorite people! A sound designer, audio engineer, consultant, and educator, he is a native of Michigan, and serves as Senior Lecturer in Sound Design & Technology with the Production Arts and Operations department at UNC Charlotte. Recent designs at Children’s Theatre include sound for DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS, as well as last year’s OnStage productions of MACBETH and SEASON OF LIGHT, and more than 20 others. Other recent designs include sound for LEGALLY BLONDE, SWEAT, PIPPIN and TWELFTH NIGHT for UNC Charlotte, and THE FANTASTICKS for The-
CREATIVE TEAM
atre Charlotte. He has also designed extensively for the Texas Shakespeare Festival (more than 25 productions, including MEASURE FOR MEASURE, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, BLOOD BROTHERS, and HAMLET) and the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City (bare, GREY GARDENS, GREEN WHALES). His work has also been heard at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where he received the Master of Fine Arts in Sound Design; and Western Michigan University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design and Production. He holds professional memberships in the Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, and regularly presents at the annual Southeastern Theatre Conference. Upcoming designs include MEASURE FOR MEASURE at UNC Charlotte, and two shows for OnStage here at CTC. Hear more at www.BGSSoundDesign.com
MEET THE AUTHOR JEFF KINNEY
Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney didn’t grow up wanting to be a children’s author. His dream was to become a newspaper cartoonist but he wasn’t able to get his comic strip syndicated.
Jeff Kinney was born in 1971 in Maryland and attended the University of Maryland in the early 1990s. It was there that Jeff ran a comic strip called “Igdoof” in the campus newspaper. He knew he wanted to be a cartoonist.
However, Jeff was not successful getting his comic strip syndicated after college, and in 1998 he started writing down ideas for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which he hoped to turn into a book. Jeff worked on the book for six years before publishing it online on funbrain.com in daily installments.
In 2006, Jeff signed a multi-book deal with publisher Harry N. Abrams, Inc. to turn Diary of a Wimpy Kid into a print series. The first Diary of a Wimpy Kid book was published in 2007 and became an instant bestseller. Just a year later, more than 100,000 copies were in print in the United States alone. With each subsequent book, in-print numbers continue to grow exponentially both in the U.S. and abroad. There are now more than 290 million copies of the series in print worldwide.
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has been a permanent fixture on the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. The series has remained on the New York Times bestseller lists since the publication of the first book, for more than 775 weeks total, and more than 350 on the series list. The books are currently available in 86 editions in 70 languages.
Since initial publication in 2007, the series has gone on to win many regional and national awards around the globe including two Children’s Choice Book Awards and six Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards for Favorite Book. Jeff Kinney was also named one of Time magazine’s most influential people in the world.
Jeff is the creator of Poptropica, which was named one of Time’s 50 Best Websites. He spent his childhood in the Washington, D.C., area and moved to New England in 1995. Jeff lives with his wife and two sons in Massachusetts, where they own a bookstore, An Unlikely Story.
CONTINUE THE FUN
Visit the Fun Zone on the cheesiest website around.
Writing and Drawing
Activity Sheets, Puzzles and Games
Can’t get enough of the Wimpy Kid world?
Visit the Wimpy Kid website and be the first to discover all the latest news, Wimp yourself and your family and download activity sheets that’ll keep you laughing-out-loud for hours!
VISIT THE SITE
WimpYourself!
Photos by Alex Aguilar
Next Up Feb 22 -Mar 9, 2025 | For Ages 7+
Staff & Board of Directors
CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CHARLOTTE
LEADERSHIP
Artistic Director - Adam Burke
Managing Director - Nao Tsurumaki
Administration
Human Resources Manager - Carolyn Lugo-Allred
Business Manager - Alex Doxey
Senior Accountant - Crystal Johnson
ImaginOn Partnership Coordinator - Maryann O’Keeffe
ImaginOn Administrative Support - Casey Kaufmann
Artistic & Production
Director of Production - Steven Levine
Artistic & Community Relations Fellow - Alicia Tafoya
Costume Shop Manager - Anna Klinger
Cutter/Draper - Emily Heilig
Crafts Specialist - Elizabeth Swanson
Technical Director - Andrew Gibbon
Assistant Technical Director - Shane Burgett
Resident Stage Manager - Steven James
Resident Stage Manager/Production Assistant - Brandi Gaeta
Charge Scenic Artist - Tim Parati
Master Carpenter - John Slechta
Head Electrician - Larry Csernik
Assistant Electrican - Amber Bidwell
AV Supervisor - MIchael Russo
Properties Manager - Rebecca Xhajanka
Props Carpenter/Deck Chief - Sterling Lett
Scenic Carpenter - Maddie Anthony
Sound Assistant - Maddi Penn
Production Assistant - Katie Kinser
Education
Director of Education - EG Engle
Camps & Community Programs Manager - Mary Katherine Smith
Education Program Manager - Morgan Southard
Resident Teaching Artists - Karen Steele & Breana Venablé
Development
Director of Development – Emily J. Chuma
Institutional Giving Manager - Amanda Ayers
Special Events & Volunteer Manager - Cassandra Wiselka
Development Coordinator - Jean Edwards
Marketing and Communications
Director of Marketing & Communications - Cindy Taylor
Associate Director of Marketing - Rob Odum
Customer Experience Manager - Ashley Hughes
PR & Social Media Mananger – Alex Aguilar
Touring Performance Coordinator - Margot Parrott
School Group Sales & Performance Coordinator - Chris Stonnell
Data & IT Manager - Claire Whitworth-Helm
Audience Service Coordinator - Louise Lawson
Marketing Assistant - Aaron Bunzey
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sallie Beason - Chair
Lisa Miller - Chair-Elect
Stephanie Isham - Treasurer
Nichelle Weintraub - Secretary
Mitchell Kelling - Past Chair
Cynthia Banks
Dr. Veronica Bell
Mary Alice Boyd
Mike Burgess
Stephanie Couch
Caryn Craige
Charlitta Hatch
Leigh Hickman
Ben Hume
Tim James
Brian Litwak
Mitzi Lynch
Jennifer Madara
Scott Manning
Rosemary Morgan
Maddie Myers
Katie Ramseur
Eric Ritz
Michael Tarwater, Jr.
Tanya Taylor
Kristin Tokić
April Whitlock
Honorary Lifetime Members
Robin Branstrom
Carla DuPuy
Peter Flur
Cynthia Lank
Linda Lockman-Brooks
Advisory Board
Robin Branstrom
Tom Eiselt
Jami Farris
Peter Flur
Gina Lawrence
Our Supporters
EXECUTIVE PRODUCING PARTNERS
($50,000 and more)
Bank of America
North Carolina Arts Council
PNC Foundation
C.D. Spangler Foundation, Inc.
The Shubert Foundation
PRODUCING PARTNERS
($25,000 to $49,999)
First Horizon
DIRECTING PARTNERS
($10,000 to $24,999)
Autism Strong Foundation
Clear Blue Insurance Group
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Cornwell Foundation
Paige Johnston Thomas Giving Tree
SPX Corporation
Triad Foundation
STANDING OVATION PARTNERS
($5,000 to $9,999)
Carolina Panthers
The Daniel, Edward, Cora & Strickland Foundation
The Dickson Foundation, Inc.
LendingTree
Parker Poe
Publix Super Markets Charities
South Arts
CENTER STAGE PARTNERS
($3,000 to $4,999)
Deloitte & Touche LLP
LEADING ROLE PARTNER
($1,000 to $2,999)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Our Supporters cont’d
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY DONORS
We recognize and thank our generous donors who gave as of January 21, 2025. Our annual donors are recognized at the most current giving level.
LEADING PLAYERS SOCIETY
($10,000 - $24,999)
Dorlisa & Peter Flur
Mitchell Kelling
Linda Reynolds
Tammy Stringer & Richard Viola
($5,000 - $9,999)
Omid & Julie Ahdieh
Dr. Daniel Donner
Andrew & Stephanie Fulford
Lise Hain
David Holland
Ben & Christy Hume
Bruce & Anita LaRowe
Brian Litwak
Jennifer & Eric Madara
Ann & Scott Manning
Arrington Mixon
Rosemary Morgan & Fielding Huseth
Brian & Laura Murdock
Sandy & Greg Vlahos
April & Thomas Whitlock
($3,000 - $4,999)
Mike & Katie Burgess
Herb & Gina Clegg
Rob & Caryn Craige
Davant Family Charitable Trust
David & Marti Head
Pat Burgess & Joan Martin
Ken & Lisa Miller
Maddie & Brian Myers
Stephen & Stephanie Sorenson
Lauren & William Voorhees
Nichelle & Sasha Weintraub
Judith & Matthew Whelan
($1,000 - $2,999)
Stephen Allred & Carolyn Lugo-Allred
Cynthia Banks
Sallie & Gary Beason
Veronica Bell
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Susan & Richard Buckley
Craig & Mary Bunzey
Julie & Stoke Caldwell
Stephanie Couch
Mary Coyle
Amy & Alfred Dawson
Elizabeth Devenney
Tom & Julie Eiselt
Dr. Gloria Ann Evans
Christi Farr
Beth & Gaston Gage
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Gonzalez
Watts & Carol Hamrick
Charlitta Hatch
Lisa & Mark Hedrick
Scott & Claire Helm
Leigh Hickman
Ryan & Danielle Hutcheson
Timothy James
Ashley & Matthew Joseph
Cole Kissam in memory of Talia Petoia
Andrew Kott
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald W. Lamberth
Craig & Mitzi Lynch
Michael & Leslie Marsicano
Seah & Robert McCammon
Valecia McDowell
Gary Monie
Mallory Navin & Joe Shreve
Anna & Tom Nelson
John & Suzy Nurkin
Allison Rauch
Eric Ritz
Jay Thomas
Kristin Tokic
Patrick & Elizabeth Vaughn
Rosa Maria Vega
Jodi Warner
John & Carrie Woolley
Our Supporters cont’d
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY DONORS
We recognize and thank our generous donors who gave as of January 21, 2025. Our annual donors are recognized at the most current giving level.
SUPPORTING PLAYERS SOCIETY
($500 - $999)
Sylvia Bartee
Dallas & Kathy Craven
John & Mara Gose
Brad & Karen Harris
Steve & Mary Hunting
Stepanie Isham
Laurie Johnston
Caroline Knight
Mrs. Catherine Lecompte
Louis Leone
Lynn Manock
Saumya Mehta
Amy Merino
Daniel Merlin
Ron & Janet Meyer
Elizabeth Murphy
Eileen Manlove O’Brien
Sarah Pollock
Michael and Denise Shields
Nedra Tawwab
Tanya Taylor
Ina DeRochi
Volunteer with Us
Be a part of the wonder. Volunteers help in many areas across the Theatre from Production to Education to Development to Outreach.
Opportunities like...
• Ushering public performances and school shows
• Delivering thousands of holiday gifts to Charlotte children through The Winter Wonderland Shop
• Inventorying costumes with our Production team
• Checking in guests at Celebrate!, our annual gala
• Selling concessions during OnStage weekend with our Education team
JOIN US