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Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is thrilled to presentYoung Frankenstein July 12-28, 2024 at the Fullwood Theatre in downtown Matthews, North Carolina! The award-winning Broadway hit features an outstanding local cast of some of Charlotte’s favorite performers under the direction of Jill Bloede, renowned in the theatre community for her outstanding comedic skills.
Based on the 1974 Mel Brooks film of the same name, Young Frankenstein is a fiendishly fun musical comedy created by Mr. Brooks and Thomas Meehan (the award winning creators of the Broadway smash-hit, The Producers) and follows the story of the brilliant grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (played by Neifert Enrique). Critics have described Young Frankenstein as “a masterly monster mashup of comedy and dancing” (DC Theater Arts) that “offers an evening of gloriously impure fun” (The Guardian) full of double-entendres and monstrous puns. The musical has been nominated for three Tonys and won the Outer Critics Circle award for Best Musical in 2008.
When Frederick learns he has inherited his grandfather’s estate, he heads to Transylvania where he resumes his grandfather’s work with a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (played by Nick Culp), a beautiful German lab assistant, Inga (played by Gabriella Gonzalez), and the castle’s stern housekeeper, Frau Blücher (played by Paula Baldwin). "It's alive!" Frederick exclaims as he brings to life a monster to rival his grandfather's. Complications arise when Frederick’s fiancee Elizabeth (played by Mary Lynn Bain) arrives in Transylvania, and chaos ensues after The Monster (played by Matthew Corbett) is freed by Frau Blücher and escapes.
Joshua Brand (Inspector Kemp), Owen Tesch (Ziggy) and Steve Bryan (Hermit) round out the cast of characters along with a multi-talented ensemble featuring Malychia Abudu, Robert Allen, Emma Brand, John Harry Drennen, Trish Folsom, Evan Hamula, Zach Linick, Brodie MacNeil, Ava Milligan, Emily Neeriemer, Amanda Pippin, Andrew Pippin, Lauren Sharpe, Miles Thompson, and Tristan Whaley.
Jill Bloede - Director
Jill Bloede is fresh off the Fangirl Adventure in NYC with her sister Janet, where the highlights were meeting Daniel Radcliffe backstage of Merrily We Roll Along, and being surprised in the audience of Water for Elephants by her “brother” Dennis Delamar. Jill is on summer break from her teaching posts at Belmont Abbey College, and Charlotte University where she teaches young college students about the process and practices of acting.
Last summer, she was lucky enough to direct the hit CLUE! for Matthews Playhouse. She was also at the helm for their productions of One Hundred Dresses, Miss Nelson is Missing, and Madeline. Such deep gratitude to Sarah, Cassie, Marty, Yvette, and the Team, especially Jessie. And for the depth and breadth of talent involved in this show. Thanks for coming to see us, we know you’ll fall into Deep Love.
Emily Hunter - Choreographer
Emily Hunter is a freelance choreographer and dance educator in and around Charlotte, NC. Before shifting full time to choreography, Emily performed with the Merry Pranksters, Meredith Monk's dance company House, and locally with Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Summer Theatre, and Theatre Charlotte. With over 100 choreography credits, Emily is currently the artist-in-residence choreographer for Northwest School of the Arts Musical Theatre Department and Charlotte Latin School. She also teaches dance at Davidson College and Theatre Gap Initiative.
Matthew Primm - Music Director
Matthew Primm is a music educator, performer, and composer. He teaches at Pine Lake Preparatory in Mooresville and is a teaching artist at Children's Theatre of Charlotte. In addition, Matt plays violin and viola with the Charlotte Strings Collective. He frequently music directs theatre productions around the area, and is excited to be back at Matthews Playhouse for this fantastic production of Young Frankenstein. Matt would like to thank Jill, Emily, Jessie, and the amazingly talented cast for their dedication and enjoyable collaboration!
Amanda Pippin- Women's Ensemble
Amanda Pippin (Women’s Ensemble) is happy to return to the Matthews Playhouse stage. Amanda appeared in “Hello, Dolly!” last summer and is pleased to reprise her role as ensemble in this summer's production of Young Frankenstein. Amanda Pippin is a former CMS theatre teacher and has been doing theatre since she was young. Amanda believes that theatre is a universal language and that we could all use a little more love... so let's go raise the dead! Instagram: @alwayspippin
Andrew Pippin- Men's Ensemble
Andrew Pippin (Men’s Ensemble) is excited to take the stage again at Matthews Playhouse, previously appearing in their productions of "Hello, Dolly!", "Clue", and "Around the World in 80 Days". To rehearsal, Andrew drives himself; AT rehearsal, he drives others ... crazy. He is a fan of music, word play, and plays with musical words. Frankly, with all his nonsense, Andrew is surprised that Matthews Playhouse has invited him back for another show. (Or, rather, should that read: "Young Frankly..." ?) To give a brief synopsis of the show, Andrew acrostically offers the following: "Young originator's unnaturally necromanced golem flees; reactions are not kind: everyone nearby spurns this enormous, intimidating newborn."
Ava Milligan- Women’s Ensemble
Ava Milligan (Women’s Ensemble) is thrilled to be in her first Matthew’s Playhouse production! Some of the shows she’s been in include, “The Addams Family” (Morticia- Acting Out Studio), “The Addams Family” (Choreographer- Marvin Ridge High School), “The Wizard Of Oz” (Ensemble- Marvin Ridge High School), “Queens” (Anne of Cleves- Marvin Ridge High School), “Puffs” (Ensemble- Marvin Ridge High School), “Freaky Friday” (Choreographer- Marvin Ridge High School). Ava thanks Matthew’s Playhouse for this opportunity! She hopes you all enjoy the show!
Brodie MacNeil- Men’s Ensemble
Brodie MacNeil (Men’s Ensemble) is excited to perform in his first show with Matthews Playhouse, and his first show outside of school! Some of his previous shows include “She Kills Monsters”, “Tragedy of Thebes”, and “Cyrano de Burgershack”. He is a rising 11th grade student at Northwest School of the Arts. Outside of the performing arts, he enjoys listening to music, playing the piano, and playwriting. He comes from a family of 4, all of whom he would like to thank for their support with this endeavor. Instagram: @brodiemacneilofficial
Emily Neeriemer- Women’s Ensemble
Emily Neeriemer (Women's Ensemble) is so grateful to be involved in this production for her first time on the Matthew's Playhouse stage. She is currently a rising Sophomore at Meredith College in Raleigh, where she is pursuing a BA in Theatre with a Musical Theatre Concentration, along with a BA in Mass Communications. Outside of Matthew's Playhouse, her credits include multiple shows at Meredith such as "Sweet Charity" and "Tartuffe", along with shows throughout her High School career at Providence High School such as "Sweeney Todd", "Clue", "Mamma Mia", and "Spamalot". When she is not performing, she enjoys working on the technical aspects of theatre, creative writing, and playing Sudoku. She would like to thank her friends, family, and cats for all of their support, along with the company of Young Frankenstein for welcoming her into this space! Instagram: @emilyneeriemer
Emma Brand- Women’s Ensemble
Emma Brand (Women’s Ensemble) is excited to appear for the first time with Matthew’s Playhouse! She recently moved back to Charlotte from the Greater Atlanta Area, and is thrilled to be performing in the Queen City again. Past credits include Molly in “Peter and the Starcatchers,” Loretta Saulino in “The Sting,” Cordelia in “King Lear,” Adriana in “The Comedy of Errors,” and most recently Splasher in “Newsies.” In addition to acting, Emma has contributed to multiple shows as a techie and prop creator! Her enjoyment of crafting has also come in handy when assembling costumes for conventions and other themed events. Many thanks to Jill Bloede for her marvelous direction, Krista McCoy for her vocal coaching, and her husband Josh for his constant love and support. “Sed-a-give!” Instagram: @emmabrandactor
Evan Hamula- Men’s Ensemble
Evan Hamula (Men's Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at Matthew's Playhouse. A familiar face, Evan has appeared in "Scrooge! The Musical" (Young Scrooge/Nephew), "The Jungle Book" (Father Wolf/Toomai), and "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" (Witch's Army) at Matthew's Playhouse. Other credits include "The Importance of Being Earnest" (UNC Wilmington), "The Spongebob Musical" (Cuthbertson High School), and "Frankenstein's Creature" (Cuthbertson High School). Evan is currently pursuing a B.A. in Film Studies and Theatre Performance at UNC Wilmington. He would like to thank his family and friends for all the support he has been given, and the incredible cast and crew for all the hard work put in. Instagram: @EvanHamula
Gabriella Gonzalez- Inga
Gabriella Gonzalez (Inga) is so excited to be in her first production with Matthews Playhouse. Her favorite credits include The Witch in “Into The Woods”, Veronica in “Heathers The Musical”, and Zeriuah in “Sticks and Stones”. Outside of Theatre, she is an aspiring musician with a few songs of her own out on all streaming platforms. Gabriella would like to thank her family for their continued support, her friends for always cheering her on, and most importantly she dedicates her performance in this show to her sister, Alicia. Instagram: @gabriellam.gonzalez
John Harry Drennen- Men’s Ensemble
John "Harry" Drennen (Men’s Ensemble) is excited to begin his first production at Matthews Playhouse. He is a UNC Charlotte Theatre Graduate and is looking forward to his career as an actor. When he's not on stage, he is working at Pike Nurseries in Ballantyne as a loader. He's an athletic yet artistic guy who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He would like to thank his friends and family for all their support and hopes you enjoy the show!
Joshua Brand- Inspector Kemp
Joshua Brand (Inspector Kemp) is ecstatic to be on the Matthews Playhouse stage for the first time! Originally from Marietta, Georgia, some of Joshua's favorite recent acting credits include Crutchie in "Newsies", Peter in "Peter and the Starcatchers", and Serpent/Lucifer in "Garden the Musical". If he had a nickel for every time he played a character with a bum leg, he'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. When not acting, singing, or dancing, Joshua loves to go hiking, play Dungeons and Dragons, and create various arts and crafts, including cosplay outfits! He'd like to dedicate this show to his wife Emma and to his siblings Nikole and Sam. Thanks for supporting local theatre! "Wait a minute, wasn't that hump on the right...?" Instagram: @josh.u.are
Lauren Sharpe- Women’s Ensemble
Lauren Sharpe (Women’s Ensemble) is thrilled to take part in her first MainStage production with Matthews Playhouse! Lauren is a graduate of CATA's Theatre Program and is currently studying Theatre Education at Appalachian State University, where she has performed in play festivals, Appalachian Young People's Theatre, and concerts with Appalachian Chorale. Past roles include Cinderella in "Into The Woods" (CATA), Mary Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" (CATA), Mary Poppins in "Mary Poppins" (Innovation Drama Academy), and James in "James and the Giant Peach" at JTF Australia (Innovation Drama Academy), along with other minor roles in "Something Rotten", "Hairspray", "Aladdin", "In The Heights", "On The Town", and "Peter and the Starcatcher". When she's not on stage, you can find her painting, dancing, or curled up with a good book. She would like to thank her friends and family for their continued support and for encouraging her to not just dream her life, but to live her dream. Instagram: @_laurensharpe_
Malychia Abudu-Clark- Women’s Ensemble
Malychia Abudu-Clark (Women’s Ensemble) is excited for her 1st production at Matthews Playhouse! She has appeared at Theater Charlotte and CPCC, and is happy to be a part of this ensemble with friends!
Mary Lynn Bain- Elizabeth Benning
Mary Lynn Bain (Elizabeth Benning) is so excited to be back onstage at Matthews Playhouse. Her recent work has included “Ragtime” (Ensemble) with QC Concerts, “A Christmas Carol” (Belle/Elizabeth/Ghost of Christmas Future) with Theater Charlotte, “The Wizard of Oz” (Wicked Witch of the West) with Theater Charlotte, “Hello, Dolly!” (Ermengarde) with Matthews Playhouse, and “Clue” (Mrs. White) with Matthews Playhouse. Recent directing credits include “The Brothers’ Grimm Spectaculathon” for Matthew's School of Theater. Working with Jill Bloede is always a riot– endless thanks to her and the awesome creative team for getting this absolutely nutty show on its feet! (Hi Mom, Dad, and Allen!) Instagram: @paralegallynotblonde
Matthew Corbett- The Monster
Matthew Corbett (The Monster) has been performing locally since 1979 with such companies as Theatre Charlotte, CPCC, Golden Circle Theatre, Barebones Theatre, Collaborative Arts, Charlotte Shakespeare, Actor’s Theatre, Queen City Theatre, Storefront Theatre and C.A.S.T. He has toured nationally with children’s theatre and sung with Opera Carolina. Last seen as Horace Vandergelder in last year's "Hello Dolly", this is Matthew’s second venture with Matthews Playhouse. Originally from Mississippi, Matthew was attending the University of Missouri when his family relocated to Charlotte. He found the local arts community to be welcoming and decided to stick around for a while. Matthew wants to thank you for being here today and supporting the local arts scene – what a great way to spend some time together!
Miles Thompson- Men’s Ensemble
Miles Thompson (Men’s Ensemble) is so excited to make his debut here at Matthews Playhouse! As a man of many hats, outside of acting you can find Miles teaching, directing, and stage managing whenever he can. He is a Charlotte native and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he received his B.A. in Theatre Performance (and met the illustrious director Jill Bloede!). Some favorite credits include “A Soldier's Play” (Free Reign Theatre), “Toni Stone” (Three Bone Theatre), “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” (Children's Theatre of Charlotte), and “Danny King of the Basement” (Children's Theatre of Charlotte). He would like to thank his fantastic parents, his partner Kat, his lovable furball Sammy, and you! Wishing you all a VERY VARM VELCOME and thank you for coming to Transylvania with us! Instagram: @milo_said_hi
Neifert Enrique- Frederick Frankenstein
Neifert Enrique (Frederick Frankenstein) is thrilled to be a part of this incredible production with such a marvelous cast and crew. He's happy to be performing at MPH again after roles in “Godspell” (Judas), “Sister Act” (Pablo), and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”. They have also performed in the greater Charlotte area in the roles Nicely-Nicely (“Guys and Dolls"), Simeon (“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"), Jesus (“Ghosts of Bogota”), and Gomez Addams (“The Addams Family”). He studied Musical Theatre and Music Composition at Winthrop University and has worked as an accompanist, stagehand, music director, and sound engineer/designer. Instagram: @NeifertEnrique
Nick Culp- Igor
Nick Culp (Igor) is excited to be making his Matthews Playhouse debut! Charlotte theatre credits: Rufus in "The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical", Dr. Chilton in "Silence!" and Columbia in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (all with Actor's Theatre of Charlotte), Peter in "Jesus Christ Superstar" (Theatre Charlotte) and Greg in "Reasons to be Pretty" (CAST). Other regional credits include Robbie Hart in "The Wedding Singer" (Old Courthouse Theatre), Mark in "Rent" (Piedmont Players) and Charlie Price in "Kinky Boots" (Piedmont Players), which earned him an MTA nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical. When he's not onstage, Nick works as a Senior Elections Specialist for the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. Nick would like to thank Jill and the entire creative team for this opportunity and his family for their constant support. Instagram: @NACulp
Owen Tesch - Ziggy/Ensemble
Owen Tesch (Ziggy/Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Matthews Playhouse after previously appearing in “Madeline” (2019) and “Charlotte's Web” (2016). His other stage credits include "Narnia" and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical" (Children's Theatre of Charlotte), "Alice by Heart", "The Prom" and "A Christmas Carol" (Theatre Charlotte), "Book of Will" (Belmont Abbey Players), "Legally Blonde" and "Sister Act" (Northwest School of the Arts). He also appeared in the film "Till". Owen is a rising senior at Northwest School of the Arts and an Eagle Scout candidate. He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their support and Jill, Matt & Emily for their mentorship. Instagram: @tesch_owen
Paula Baldwin- Frau Blucher
Paula Baldwin (Frau Blucher) is an award-winning actor, director, and theatre arts educator and she is thrilled to be back on stage at Matthews Playhouse after recently directing the production of “Scrooge: the Musical” last year. MPH audiences may remember her performances in “Clue”, “Grey Gardens", "Footloose”, "High School Musical" and "The Music Man”. Paula is a very familiar face in the Charlotte area, having performed in numerous productions at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Theatre Charlotte, Three Bone Theatre, CAST and CPCC Summer Theatre. In addition to acting, Paula is a retired Theatre Arts Educator and has directed over one hundred productions including twenty-seven musicals. She recently directed “Rumors” at Theatre Charlotte and several plays at CPCC including “You Can’t Take It with You”. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting/Directing from UNC-Greensboro and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Catawba College where she was inducted into the Blue Masque Hall of Fame in 2019. Instagram: @pbaldwin
Robert Allen- Men’s Ensemble
Rob Allen (Men’s Ensemble) is thrilled to be making his Matthew's Playhouse debut. He holds a BA in Theatre from Greensboro College, where he mastered the fine art of dramatic flair. His previous credits include Love Sick with Three Bone Theatre and a staged reading of The Inheritance. When not on stage, Rob can most likely be found at Paco's Tacos or sipping a cold brew while walking around Target. Instagram: @robbedbyrob
Steve Bryan- Hermit
Steve Bryan (Hermit) is back on the Matthews Playhouse stage having last appeared as the Evil Stepmother in R&H “Cinderella” winning the MTA and the CL “Perry” Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. Steve has appeared in “La Cage aux Folles” (Albin/ZaZa), “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Herod), and in Mel Brooks' “The Producers” (Roger DeBris). Other favorites from over the years include: Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast” (Lumiere), “Anything Goes” (Moonface Martin), “Oklahoma!” (Will & Ali Hakim…in two different productions, years
apart!), “Joseph…Dreamcoat” (Pharaoh), “Oliver” (Bill Sykes), “Bye Bye Birdie” (Conrad
Birdie), “Ruthless! The Musical” (Sylvia St. Croix…CL Best Actor Award), “A Chorus Line”
(Paul, Greg…two different ones again), “West Side Story” (Pepe), “A Day in Hollywood/
Night in the Ukraine” (Groucho…TC Best Actor Award) and “Chicago” (Amos). Love to
Mark and Bernsie for being so supportive and understanding of the “actor” in the house.
Trish Folsom- Women’s Ensemble
Trish Folsom (Women’s Ensemble) has been involved in many theaters throughout the area and returns to Matthews Playhouse after a long absence. Performances include “Bright Star”, “Ragtime”, “Spamalot”, “A Chorus Line” (Sheila), “Lend Me a Tenor” (Diana) and “Proof” (Claire). She has also choreographed several productions including “Forever Plaid”, “Oklahoma” and “Annie”.
Tristan Whaley- Victor Frankenstein/Men’s Ensemble
Tristan Whaley (Victor Frankenstein/Men’s Ensemble) is thrilled to return for his 2nd production with Matthews Playhouse! He was previously seen as Phileas Fogg in "Around the World in 80 Days". Other local theatre credits include Lord Pinkleton in "Cinderella" (Dilworth Players), Young Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" (Theatre Charlotte), and "The Wizard of Oz" (Theatre Charlotte). He would like to thank the entire creative team for the opportunity to join this mad adventure! Special shoutout goes to Hayle for her continued love and support. Instagram: @tristanwhaley_
Zach Linick- Men’s Ensemble
Zach Linick (Men’s Ensemble) is so excited to be on the Matthews Playhouse stage again in “Young Frankenstein”! He was last seen as Henry in “Next to Normal” (Theatre Charlotte). Other credits include “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (Matthew Playhouse), “Diana: The Musical” (QC Concerts), “Pippin” (Theatre Charlotte), and "Something Rotten” (Theatre Charlotte). He would like to thank all of his family, friends, and Mary for all their love and support! Instagram: @ZachLinick