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Letter from the President

It has been amazing to watch the cast and crew develop this production of a theatre classic.  Amazing that Neuse Little Theatre has been entertaining Smithfield, Johnston County and the surrounding areas for 50 years! I have been very lucky to be entrusted with leading the theatre through this amazing milestone.  However, I am only one small cog in the machine.  I know I cannot thank all who have come before me that brought the theatre to this point.  It has been 5 decades in the making.  Those who we lost over the years and those that are still with us, we thank you with all our hearts that your stewardship and love of the arts has allowed us to grow and continue to do what we love.

I was blessed that I had a full-time drama teacher in high school (and it is good to see schools bring the arts back) who ignited my shy little introverted heart with a passion for live theater. Mr. Bobby Cox, you are missed. I took classes in college but never got the courage to put myself out there, instead taking a "safer" career path. I was recently graduated and living at home finding my path, when my mother said the local theatre was doing To Kill a Mockingbird, would I like to go? Like any red-blooded American girl... yes, I definitely want to see my favorite book on stage! The lead was my high-school science teacher, and the cast were local people like me. They announced auditions for the musical would be in the coming weeks and I went home to convince my father we needed to audition (knowing I wouldn't do it alone).  Took 2 weeks of convincing, as well as the soundtrack and movie, but in Spring of 1998 my father and I walked through the doors of the Hut and auditioned for Damn Yankees.  I was cast as an ensemble role, but I was hooked. I went from a shy, scared, newcomer to the person I am today. I still have moments of uncertainty, but I am braver, more confident and have found some amazing lifelong friends. I encourage you to come out and join us.  Even if on-stage is not for you (and I promise you can do it too) but we can find you a place.  The theatre, and specifically Neuse Little Theatre, welcomes everyone and we will find you a place that makes you happy and help develop some fun skills.

If you have read this far.... bless you. Stop by and chat with a board member, email us, or stop in on a Saturday morning for set build, we would love to help you become a theatre family member!

Meta Toole
Board of Directors President

Song List

Act I
Opening – Orchestra with Chorus
“Over the Rainbow” – Dorothy
Munchkin Sequence / “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” – Glinda, Dorothy & Munchkins
“Yellow Brick Road” – Munchkins
“If I Only Had a Brain” – Scarecrow, Dorothy & Crows
“We’re Off to See the Wizard” — Duet – Dorothy & Scarecrow
“If I Only Had a Heart” – Tinman, Dorothy & Trees
“We’re Off to See the Wizard”– Dorothy, Tinman & Scarecrow
“Lions, Tigers and Bears” – Dorothy, Tinman & Scarecrow
“If I Only Had the Nerve” – Lion with Dorothy, Tinman & Scarecrow
“We’re Off to See the Wizard” – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow & Lion
“Poppies!” – Glinda, Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion & Chorus

Act II
Entr’acte – Orchestra
“Optimistic Voices” – Chorus
“The Merry Old Land of Oz” – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, Guard & Ozians
“The Merry Old Land of Oz (Reprise)” – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion, Guard & Ozians
“If I Were King of the Forest” – Lion with Dorothy, Tinman & Scarecrow
“March of the Winkies” – Winkies
“Jitterbug” – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion & Jitterbugs
“Jitterbug (Reprise)” – Jitterbugs
“Winkies March (Reprise)” – Winkies
“Winkies March/Over the Rainbow (Reprise)” – Dorothy, Tinman, Scarecrow, Lion & Winkies
“Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead! (Reprise)” – Winkies
Finale Act Two – Orchestra
Bows and Playout Music – Orchestra

Sponsors

Cast

Creative Team

Meet the Company

Melanie Butler

MAYOR of MUNCHKINLAND/ENSEMBLE

Melanie is a 7th grader at McGee’s Crossroads Middle.. Previous favorite roles include Alana in The Little Mermaid and Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka. She has also enjoyed being a part of Moana Jr. and Annie. Melanie loves to sing, and the theater is her favorite place to be. She has loved being over the rainbow and hopes you will too. She’d like to thank her family and friends for their tremendous love and support!

Laura Butler

BEAUTICIAN/OZIAN/ENSEMBLE

Laura is a local theater mom and preschool teacher. She has previously appeared in Annie at BLT, Mamma Mia with NLT, and Tosca and Faust with NC Opera. Musical theater is her favorite escape, and she is delighted to share the stage with her three children. Big hugs to all her new and old theater friends and biggest appreciation to her husband and family for their support!

Libbie Byrd

TOTO

Libbie is 7 years old, and in second grade. This is her first production with the Neuse Little Theater, and she hopes to be in many more. Her favorite hobbies include building Legos, playing Minecraft, singing songs, and hanging out with her twin brothers.

Patsy Castellano

AUNT EM/Choreographer

Patsy is always happy to be on the stage with the wonderful cast and crew gathered at NLT! This is an exciting time because it is NLT's 50th Season and they are presenting the beloved Wizard of Oz. Patsy has found it fun as well as challenging to create movement for the iconic characters and the beloved story of Dorothy and her journey, especially the trip through the haunted forest and the dance with the evil Jitterbugs! She continues to be amazed with the creativity and technology knowhow of director Shaun Braswell, musical talent of Todd Johnson, costume direction from Stephanie Veren, constant support from NLT President Meta Toole, and she is especially proud to be in a musical conducted by her grandson-in-law Rob Goodwin. Patsy wants to thank all of the hardworking cast and crew for the work and patience on the movement sequences. She loves her Munchkins!

Abbie Claire Donaldson

BARRISTER/POPPY/FLYING MONKEY

Abbie Claire Donaldson (Munchkin Barrister, Poppy, Flying Monkey) is a 6th grader at Riverwood Middle School. She participates in Chorus, Battle of the Books and 1st Priority at her school. This is her 2nd show with Neuse Little Theatre. She was previously in NLT's production of "Willy Wonka" (Veruca Salt). She would like to thank God, family and friends for their love and support. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Luke Donaldson

CROW/WINKIE/OZIAN

Luke Donaldson (Crow, Winkie, Ozian) is excited to be in his 1st production with Neuse Little Theatre. He is a 9th grader in the International Baccalaureate program at Smithfield-Selma High School. He was most recently in Clayton Theatricals production of "The Little Mermaid" as Scuttle. He enjoys playing soccer and piano. He wants to thank God, family and friends for their support and always showing up for him!

Lawrence O Grey Jr.

THE WIZARD OF OZ/PROFESSOR CHESTER MARVEL

Larry is excited to be making his fourth appearance with Neuse Little Theater in The Wizard of Oz. Having. previously appeared as King Phillip of France in “The Lion in Winter”, and as, Mayor Meekly in “Unnecessary Farce” and Mr. Manningham in “Angel Street” Active in the DMV (DC, Marland, Virginia) Area for 18 years as an actor and singer. He performed with several of the areas 28 theaters in Hairspray. Funny Money, Witness for the Prosecution, Ragtime, 1776, and Christmas Carol, (most notably the roles of Scrooge. Marley and Fezziwig}. He has served on the boards of both Dominion Stage, and Aldersgate Community Theater in Alexandria VA. Was a W.A.T.C.H Judge (Washington Area. Community Theater Honors). He was a Creative Producer for LA TI DO NoVA Cabaret Productions. Recently awarded “Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actor by NLT He also was a Little Theater of Alexandria Winner for Best Actor, in A Christmas Carol”. Employed with The Salvation Army for 40 years. Now retired, he resides in Clayton NC with his husband Mark Fitzpatrick, who he wants to thank for the many nights as a theater widow, but all the while a constant encouragement and loving support. He wishes to thank Neuse Little Theater for the opportunities to perform with them. And the “Clayton Riverwood Mermaids” for their support and encouragement.

Tanner Harmon

TINMAN/HICKORY

Tanner Harmon is a 17 year old homeschooled senior who enjoys acting and singing. This is his second production with Neuse Little Theater. He enjoys gardening, playing guitar and listening to music in his free time. He was excited to get the part of Hickory/Tinman and says it’s a blessing to be working alongside such a talented cast and crew. Tanner hopes that you enjoy watching the quartet’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road.

Rachel Harris

OZIAN

Rachel Harris is originally from Wilmington, NC and currently resides in Spivey's Corner, NC. The Wizard of Oz is her first production with Neuse Little Theatre. She has also performed at Sampson Community Theatre in Motown Christmas and at Harnett Regional Theatre as ensemble in The Little Mermaid. She also has performance experience as a singer/ songwriter with The Josh Harris Family for 5 years. As well as extra work in TV shows and a TNT original movie. Rachel is also a published author and is currently finishing her second children's book. She is excited to be a part of this production!

Molly Hendrix

MUNCHKIN/POPPY/SNOWFLAKE/FLYING MONKEY

Molly is an 8 year old with lots of heart. She enjoys playing with her friends, singing, and sewing. When she grows up, she wants to be a singer and an illustrator.

Kayla Hill

LOLLYPOP GUILD/FLYING MONKEY/POPPY

Kayla has participated in three NLT kid camp productions, including Lion King, and was young Nala, Frozen, and was young Anna and a troll, and Madagascar a lioness, foosa, and steak. She attends Cleveland middle school, and was a Oompa Loompa and Chef in their production of Willy Wonka. at school. She participates with the band on the marimba in the Drumline and Dana Bottemley’s choir. In her free time, she enjoys baking, crocheting, and playing soccer. She loves her cats, dogs, chickens, sister, and mom and dad. This is Kayla‘s first production in one of NLT‘s season shows and is super excited!

Mackenzie Hill

OZIAN

This is Mackenzie‘s first production on a NLT season show. Wizard of Oz is one of her all-time favorites. She’s participated in several of NLT’s theater kid caps, including The Little Mermaid as a seahorse, Lion King as Rafiki, Frozen as middle Anna and Madagascar, as a zookeeper. She attended Cleveland middle and was in several productions of Dana Bottemley’s theater department, including Frozen as middle Elsa and Willy Wonka as Mrs. Gloop. She attends Cleveland high school and will be in their current production of The Crucible, which will be showing this October.

Kenneth Howell

POLISHER/OZIAN

Born and raised in Smithfield, Kenneth graduated from Smithfield Selma High School and then attended North Carolina State University, earning a degree in Communication and Spanish. Kenneth enjoys performing in local theater, and sings in a Garner-based rock cover band called Flatline.

Jada Ingram

MUNCHKIN

I’m Jada and I’m from Junction City, Kansas. I’m currently in the fifth grade. I love to read and play video games. I have six sibling's and two dogs. When I grow up I want to be a computer scientist.

Joyce Kilpatrick-Jordan

TREE/OZIAN

Joyce is very happy to be part of the NLT’s 50th season opener. Our theatre’s connection to our community continues to grow, and our partnership with JCC has helped promote that growth. Thank you to all fellow cast and crew members who have made this experience a fun and rewarding one. I am so proud of my long time commitment to the Neuse Little Theatre.

Fronia Knott

MANICURIST/OZIAN

Fronia is so excited to be back on the NLT stage after nearly a decade away! Previous roles include: Agnes (Agnes of God, NLT, Cannon Award Winner), Baby! the Musical (NLT), Moon Over Buffalo (NLT), Oedipus Rex (ECU), A Christmas Carol (CST), Man of La Mancha (ASM, BCT), and King Henry IV (BCT).

Benjamin McDonald

MUNCHKIN/FLYING MONKEY/POPPY

This is Ben’s second show with Neuse Little theater. He is very excited to be a part of the cast of Wizard of Oz! Benjamin enjoys musical theater, video games and spending time with his friends and family. He is looking forward to many more opportunities to be a part of the Neuse Little theater!

David McKenas

UNCLE HENRY/OZIAN/WINKIE

This is David's first try at acting, and he is excited to join the Neuse Little Theater troupe as Uncle Henry in the Wizard of Oz! David is a physician specializing in Aerospace Medicine. Prior to moving to Chapel Hill, he was medical director for Space Shuttle emergency medical support at Cape Canaveral, and medical director for American Airlines in Dallas TX. Through his work with Congress in 1996, he instituted major changes to on-board health care for passenger emergencies by introducing Automatic External Defibrillators [AEDs] into the hands of flight attendants for American Airlines. Congress and the FAA mandated the program then for all air carriers, and the program spread to the ground. AEDs, now commonplace, have saved countless lives from the lethal condition of sudden cardiac arrest. Before medicine, David was a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and was a concert piano major, soloing with the Garden State Philharmonic at age 16. He graduated from SUNY Upstate Medical Center and received his public health degree from Harvard. His autobiography is captured in the book: SHOCKED Life and Death at 35,000 feet. Much love to his daughters Erin, Catherine; and sister, Barb, who stood by him in hard times, and to God, from whom all blessings flow.

Darren Nix

SCARECROW/HUNK

We're happy to have Darren Nix back with the Neuse Little Theater. Some of you may remember him from NLT's production of Mamma Mia in 2019. He received the NLT Cannon Award for best actor for the 2019-2020 season. Darren has held lead roles in several shows including A Christmas Carol; Bye, Bye Birdie (best actor award); and Baby, The Musical (NLT). Last year, Darren was featured as the antagonist (a 1930s male chauvinist news reviewer) in the music video, Rita Sings the Blues. He has performed in a couple of play festivals and other comedy acts. He is excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented young cast, especially Hannah Quinlivan, Daniel Brown, and Tanner Harmon. He would like to thank Patsy Castellano for all of her hard work. Darren lives in Clayton with his beautiful wife, Lisa. They are empty nesters with a son (Jake and wife McKenzie), 3 daughters (Shelby, Alayna, & Lauren), 1 granddaughter (Harper), and a grandson due November 6th.

Kathi Nixon

WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST/MISS ALMIRA GULCH

Kathi Nixon (the Wicked Witch) is a theatre arts teacher at Corinth Holders High School. She has been teaching English and theatre arts in Johnston County for the past 33 years. No newcomer to community theatre, Kathi's latest roles/performances include Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine in The Lion in Winter at NLT, Mrs. Peacock in Clue at Benson Little Theatre, and Miss Marple in NLT's A Murder Is Announced. She will also be directing the next show at Neuse Little Theatre, Arsenic and Old Lace. Kathi lives in Selma with her handsome husband, Rich, and their sweet dog Daisy. When she's not teaching, directing, or practicing theatre, Kathi plays piano and organ at Edgerton Memorial UMC in Selma, handbells at First Baptist Church in Smithfield, and lots of bluegrass guitar on the side. Kathi would like to dedicate tonight's rather menacing performance to her patient husband Rich for once again putting up with her theatre shenanigans (and having to listen to her evil laugh at home.) Enjoy the show, my pretties!!

Joel Parker

MUNCHKIN/POPPY/FLYING MONKEY

Joel is nine years old and lives in Dunn, NC. He lives with his mom, dad, two sisters, one brother, 3 cats, 2 dogs, 2 bearded dragons, and one turtle. This is Joel's first big production and is so excited to be a part of this cast. Break a leg everyone!

Hannah Quinlivan

DOROTHY GALE

Hannah Quinlivan (Dorothy) is a 5th grader at Thanksgiving Elementary School. Her favorite past roles include Matilda in Matilda Jr., Flounder in The Little Mermaid, Young Elsa in Frozen Jr., Violet Beauregarde in Willy Wonka, and Kate in Annie. She is a vocal student at the Academy of Music and Vocal Arts in Clayton. Hannah loves to sing, dance, ice skate, tumble, and read. She is excited to be back for another production with NLT and to be preforming on the “big” stage at JCC! Hannah would like to dedicate her performance to her Grandpa Keith, one of her biggest supporters who loved to listen to her sing.

Elias Rakes

POLISHER/WINKIE

Elias is an Associates of Arts student at Johnston Community College's Early College Academy and an employee of its very own Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. Elias is the oldest of three siblings in the Rakes household, including fellow cast member Jesse. The Wizard of Oz is Elias's first production working with Neuse Little Theater and first theatrical performance since 2019.

Jesse Rakes

POLISHER/WINKIE

First time in a large scale production. 16 year old Early College Academy Junior. From Four Oaks.

Ashley Riva

CROW/OZIAN

Ashley is thrilled to make her stage debut with Neuse Little Theatre. She grew up singing and performing through most of her formative years. It's been well over a decade since she's taken the stage and this time feels extra special as she is performing with her daughter Violet in the production. She is grateful for the theatre community she has met through acting classes at GPAC and voice lessons at Academy of Music and Vocal Art. Special thanks to her teacher Marie for being her hype girl and constantly encouraging her to audition and for her husband Tyler for his constant support for his two theatre loving girls.

Violet Riva

LULLABY LEAGUE MUNCHKIN

Violet is very happy to be performing with Neuse Little Theatre for the first time in a main stage production. She is becoming quite the theatre veteran with her past roles including Lavender in Matilda Jr. with Applause! Cary Youth Theatre, Young Anna in Frozen Jr. with HRT Theatre, Ensemble in Madagascar Jr. with NLT summer camp and an Oompa loompa in Willy Wonka Kids with Raleigh ACT. She is a vocal student at Academy of Music and Vocal Arts in Clayton. When she is not on stage she loves to practice gymnastics and is a lover of all animals, especially horses. She wants to thank her voice teacher Marie, friends and family for their constant support!

Theressa Rose

TREE/OZIAN

Theressa Rose: Appletree Two, Ozian Theressa is thrilled to be back on the JCC boards with her fellow Wizard cast members to celebrate 50 years of live theatre in Smithfield! Last appearing on the NLT stage in Angel Street, a couple of Theressa’s other favorites include roles in: The Man Who Came to Dinner, Sex Please, We’re 60, The Music Man, Something’s Afoot, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Good Ol’ Girls, Savannah Sipping Society and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. She resides in Smithfield with her husband Darius and “furbaby” Maggie Mae. She serves on the NLT Board of Directors as Vice President & is the Advertising & Publicity Coordinator. She extends a huge “Thank You” to the audiences & members who have been & remain so dedicated to NLT & Smithfield. Jolly Good Town!

Daniel Sepulveda

WINKIE/OZIAN

I have helped backstage on 3 shows and the summer camp. This is my first ever part on stage. I’m excited to be doing this play with my dad. This is his second show and he’s a great role model for me.

Jorge Sepulveda

WINKIE GENERAL

I did my first show ever back in April. I had so much fun, that I encouraged my 16-year-old son to try out for this show. It’s all about making memories!

Kaitlyn Tarley

TREE/OZIAN

Kaitlyn is very excited to make her debut with the Neuse Little Theatre, in its production of "The Wizard of Oz." Kaitlyn was involved in smaller productions throughout high school and college, with her most notable role as Helena, in Shakespeare's, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Her main training is in choral/chamber singing and has performed twice at the White House for its holiday event. She's thrilled to finally fulfill her dream of performing in a musical!

Iyana Troublefield

MUNCHKIN FIDDLER/POPPY

Iyana is thrilled to be stepping onto the stage for her first performance in Neuse Little Theatre's production of The Wizard of Oz. Her journey into acting began at the Summer Drama Camp Program at Neuse Little Theatre, igniting a passion that has only grown since. As a 7th grader at Neuse Charter School, she enjoys both her studies and family adventures. Iyana extends her heartfelt gratitude to her grandparents for ensuring she arrives at rehearsals punctually, and to her family for their unwavering support of her dream to become an actress.

Kenley Walls

MUNCHKIN/POPPY/FLYING MONKEY

Kenley is a 6th grader at JCPS Innovation Academy. She loves music, drama, and performing and writing plays. She has been in 4 of NLT’s productions including “Frozen Kids, Willy Wonka, Madagascar Jr., and The Wizard of Oz”. Kenley also sings in the praise team at her church. She loves her family and shines her light for Jesus!

Ava Kennedy Wilson

GLINDA

“It’s so good to see me, isn’t it!” Ava is so excited to be a part of this show! Some of her favorite past roles she’s played include Elsa in Frozen, Ursula in The Little Mermaid, Leanne in Puffs, Marty in Madagascar Jr., and Madame De La Grande Bouche/the Enchanted Wardrobe in Beauty and the Beast. She has especially loved working with all of the Munchkins in this show, and knows that they are going to go so far on and off the stage! She wants to give a shoutout to her brother for having an even bigger heart than the Tin Man and always supporting her.

Emily Woolard

MUNCHKIN - School Teacher #2

Emily is a 5th grader at Riverwood Elementary School. When she isn't practicing for her current play, she enjoys piano lessons and is excited to start voice lessons. She enjoyed participating in Neuse Little Theatre's production of Willy Wonka last year, learning a lot about working together, performing for an audience and gaining confidence for future auditions. This summer Emily enjoyed attending Clayton Theatricals' Summer Camp and performing as a member of the ensemble in The Little Mermaid. Emily is very excited to perform as a munchkin, School Teacher #2, her first speaking role.

Walker Woolard

NIKKO - Captain of the Flying Monkeys

Walker is a 9th grader at Johnston County's Early College Academy. Walker has had a busy time juggling practices for Wizard of Oz, high school classes, college classes and practicing guitar and vocals for Breakaway, a local rock cover band. Walker enjoyed performing as Augustus Gloop in last year's Neuse Little Theatre's production of Willy Wonka and is looking forward to commanding the flying monkeys in The Wizard of Oz.

Daniel E.D. Brown

LION/ZEKE

Gregory Hill

EMERALD CITY GUARD

Name

MUNCHKIN TOTS

Name

SNOWMEN, POLISHERS AND WINKIES

Name

POPIKINS, BEAUTICIANS, MANICURISTS AND OFFSTAGE VOICES WITH THE ORCHESTRA

Name

FLYING MONKEYS

Name

MUNCHKINS

Name

JITTERBUGS

Name

OZIANS

Name

TOUGH MUNCHKIN KIDS

Name

CROWS

Stephanie Veren

Costume Coordinator

Stephanie enjoys the research needed to create a cohesive costume look for a production. Thanks to her Grandma and Mrs. Dot Collins for teaching Stephanie how to sew and fashion design. Whether onstage or with film the costumes are an important part of creating a believable world. For the average viewer a good costume design is not something they think about but bad design is like a sore thumb. Some of Stephanie’s favorite productions for costuming endeavors have been The Crucible, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Lion in Winter.

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