Matthews Playhouse invites you to step into the magical world of Willy Wonka’s iconic chocolate factory when Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved 1964 novel, comes to life at the Fullwood Theatre, February 21 – March 2, 2025.
This timeless tale of adventure, imagination, and wonder unfolds in a spectacular musical extravaganza that promises to delight and inspire audiences of all ages. It’s so popular, that we have TWO separate casts—featuring some of Charlotte’s most talented actors—to accommodate the number of weekday school performances and public shows! We’ve affectionately named these groups the “Gobstoppers Cast” and the “Lollipops Cast.”
Keep reading to meet our amazing Gobstopper Cast! Don’t miss your chance to experience this magical journey into Willy Wonka’s factory—filled with surprises, humor, and, of course, chocolate!
Jacob Smith- Charlie Bucket
Jacob Smith (Charlie Bucket) is thrilled to join this fabulous cast in his debut production with Matthew’s Playhouse. Some of his previous favorite roles include Michael Hobbs in “Elf Jr”, The Artful Dodger in “Oliver Jr”, Kevin G in “Mean Girls” and Coach Dunbar/Uncle Wes in “Footloose”. When he is not on stage, dancing, singing and writing his own songs, Jacob loves playing sports, climbing trees and going on adventures with his golden doodle puppies. Jacob would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him throughout his acting journey. Instagram: @newestshowman
Miles Thompson- Willy Wonka
Miles Thompson (Willy Wonka) is so excited for yet another show here at the playhouse! Receiving his BA from UNC Charlotte, Miles has contributed to the theatre scene as a teaching artist, stage manager, and performer. He now hopes to add advocate to this list as he is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration. His recent credits include “Grace for President” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte), “Young Frankenstein” (Matthews Playhouse), “Schoolhouse Rock Live” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte), “Danny, King of the Basement” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte), “Toni Stone” (Three Bone Theatre), and “A Soldier’s Play” (Free Reign Theatre). He would like to thank his parents, his partner Kat, his amazing furball Sammy and most importantly YOU for supporting local theatre. Now sit back and enjoy this world of pure imagination! Instagram: @milo_said_hi
Mike Carroll- Grandpa Joe
Mike Carroll (Grandpa Joe) is a versatile performer whose roles at Matthews Playhouse include Monsignor O'Hara in “Sister Act” and Judge in “Hello, Dolly!”. Other favorite roles include Speed in “The Odd Couple” at Fort Mill Playhouse, Sebastian in “Cinderella” at Dilworth Players, Mr. Simmons in “Memphis” and Bob Cratchit/Fezziwig in “A Christmas Carol” at Theater Charlotte, Mitch in "Streetcar Named Desire" at Davidson Playhouse, and most recently Old Man/Santa Claus in "A Christmas Story" at Rock Hill Theater. Beyond the stage, Mike is committed to his work at HopeWay, a nonprofit behavioral and mental health center supporting adults and teens. He thanks his wonderful wife, Julie, and their amazing children, Kendall and George, for their support. Mike is also grateful to Sarah, Cassie, Jessie, and everyone at Matthews Playhouse for the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of people as part of this production.
Tristan Nogueira - Mr. Beauregarde
Tristan Nogueira (Mr. Beauregarde) is super excited to do such an iconic show like “Charlie and the Chocolate factory”! This is Tristan’s third show with Matthews playhouse, and he is grateful for this opportunity. His other credits include- Christmas Present in “Scrooge the Musical” and Horton the Elephant in “Seussical” with Matthew’s playhouse, Hero in “Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” with FUMC theatre, Prince Topher in “Cinderella” with ETC. Tristan would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him along the way, and give a shout out to the cast and crew for creating so much fun during our rehearsals! Instagram: @trippin.tristan
Sky Clinton- Violet Beauregarde
Sky Clinton (Violet Beauregarde) is thrilled to be back at Matthew's Playhouse and in a full time production again! She is a 13 year old and attends Northwest School of the Arts.
Sky hopes to bring her vibrant energy to the stage and is excited to share this experience with her talented cast mates.
Stephen Griffin- Mr. Salt
Stephen Griffin (Mr. Salt) is proud to make his Matthews Playhouse debut, having worked exclusively with Theatre Charlotte since moving to Charlotte from Athens 20+ years ago. Recent credits with TC include "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "A Christmas Carol". Favorite roles in Athens include Pappy Yokum in "L'il Abner", Mordred in "Camelot" (Town and Gown Players) and The Man Who Dies in "The Fantasticks" (Athens Creative Theatre). Offstage, Stephen is an Escalation Engineer (aka bug fixer) for Microsoft. He wants to thank his family for all their support, especially his wife Molly and daughter Rachel, who dragged him out of a 20 year hiatus to get back on stage. Instagram: @stephenegriffin
Ella Matchett- Veruca Salt
Ella Matchett (Veruca Salt) is over the moon to make her debut with Matthews Playhouse. Her other credits in the Charlotte theatre community include “Freaky Friday” (Central Piedmont Community College Arts), “Legally Blonde” and “Mamma Mia” (Myers Park High School Theatre), and “Oliver” (Theatre Charlotte). Ella has also been taking part in the Broadway Dreams programs and productions in multiple cities since 2018. Additionally, she has performed with performing dance companies with Open Door Studios and Charlotte Ballet. Next year she plans to pursue a double major in musical theatre and psychology but is still narrowing down her college choices. Ella wants to thank her friends and family for their support, always. Thank you for encouraging me to be me and to never compromise. I love you all. Instagram: @ella.matchett
Betsy Vance- Mrs. Gloop
Betsy Vance (Mrs. Gloop) is thrilled to be back at Matthews Playhouse. She previously appeared in “Sister Act”. Betsy is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory, with a BFA in Musical Theatre.
Regional credits include “Where's Charlie” at The Kennedy Center and “Grease” at American Musical Theatre San Jose. When she isn't onstage, Betsy is a Travel Advisor, helping people explore the world.
Kodi Yara- Augustus Gloop
Kodi (Augustus Gloop) is always happy to be back home at Matthews Playhouse. A junior at Charlotte Engineering Early College, his first production at Matthews Playhouse was when he was 7 years old. He was last seen in School of Theatre's “Shrek Jr” as Shrek. Other performances around Charlotte include “The Secret Garden” (QC Concerts), “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” (CTC), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (CPCC), “Oliver” (Theatre Charlotte), and “Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Legacy Theatre). Thank you Sarah, Jean, Anna and Jessie for the opportunity to work with you all again! Instagram: @@kodi.j.e
Vanessa Davis- Mrs. Teavee
Vanessa Davis (Mrs. Teavee) is thrilled to be back at Matthews Playhouse. A few of her credits are “Steel Magnolias” (OCT), “Clue” (MPH), “A Catered Affair” (Rock Hill Theater), “Titanic” (QC Concerts) and “The Odd Couple” (Theater Charlotte). She is the director for Carolina Kids Voices which performs each year at The Singing Christmas Tree. She also enjoys traveling, photography, scrapbooking and reading. Vanessa would like to thank Jamie, Jackson and Harrison for their support of her performance dreams.
Liam Escalante- Mike Teavee
Liam Escalante (Mike Teavee) is excited to mark his very first production with Matthews playhouse. His other credits in his theater career are "Beauty And The Beast" (Lumiere), "The giver" (Jonas), "Mean Girls" (Damian), "You Can't Take It With You" (Tony), and so many more at Fort Mill High School. He has also performed in "Frozen Jr." (Hans) at Pleasant Knoll Middle School and "Ebeneezer Jr." (Ben) at Open Door Christian Academy. When he's not on stage, Liam is working hard at District57 guiding others as they play Challenge Arenas or intense Laser Tag. Outside of work, Liam loves to play many instruments like the Guitar, Piano, Ukulele and the Drums. Instagram: @liam.esalante01
Chen Pan- Mrs. Bucket
Chen Pan (Mrs. Bucket) is thrilled to make her musical debut in “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” with Matthews Playhouse. In 9th grade, she discovered a passion for dancing and singing through performing with the city-wide “Young Dancemakers Company” and “All-City High School Chorus” in NYC. As an adult, she sought every opportunity outside of her profession (CPA) to be immersed in the arts, from performing in student showcases with the Broadway Dance Center to running an after-school dance club and choreographing flash mob routines to celebrate cultural diversity in her children’s school. Chen has always been an avid fan of musical theater but never imagined the opportunity to perform onstage alongside such a talented group of artists celebrating one of the most beloved stories of all time! She is so grateful for her family’s support to keep striving for her dreams. It’s never too late!
Robin Canchola- Grandma Josephine
Robin Canchola (Grandma Josephine) is so very pleased to be back at MPH for a 2nd time. Last year she ended her 37-year hiatus from performing by playing Nodie in the world premiere of Charles LaBorde’s World War II drama, “One Year To Die,” directed by Dennis Delamar. It was the first time ever that her grown children got to see her perform. This time around she can’t wait for her grandson Tre to see her on stage! Life is sweet!
Cathy Schroeder- Grandma Georgina
Cathy Schroeder (Grandma Georgina) is excited to be back in the theater. This is her 2nd show at MPH- the first being “Seussical” in 2022. Her other credits include “Mamma Mia”, “Disaster the Musical “ and “Something Rotten” - all at Little Theater of Gastonia. Cathy is a dance instructor at the Harris YMCA and loves the Nutcracker and airplanes, not necessarily in that order! Cathy is supported by her family and friends, especially Dave, Michael and Talley. Instagram: @cnschroeder
Benjamin Shelton- Grandpa George/Hoffa
Benjamin Shelton (Grandpa George/Hoffa) is excited to be in another performance at Matthews Playhouse, sharing the stage once again with his talented daughter, Lizzy! Ben was last seen in the holiday favorite, “Scrooge the Musical” at Matthews Playhouse. Outside of the MPH walls, Ben has recently appeared as Mr. Wormwood in “Matilda” with Piedmont Players and sings bass on his church praise team. By day, Ben is an IT executive at a leading US intermodal equipment provider, where he conjures innovative software solutions and wrangles artificial intelligence to behave. When he's not busy revolutionizing the tech world, Ben is a dedicated father to three energetic kids, ages 10 to 16, who ensure his life is never short of excitement (or chaos). Between school projects, sports games, and the occasional teenage drama, Ben's free time is often just a myth. But when the stars align and he does find a spare moment, Ben loves to sneak out for a thrilling date night with his wonderful wife, whether it's a romantic dinner or an adrenaline-pumping adventure! Instagram: @always_something_2_do
Lydia Baumgardner- Cherry Sundae
Lydia Baumgardner (Cherry Sundae), is excited to join her second mainstage production here at Matthews Playhouse, and her fifth on stage production with the playhouse. She is also an avid Haunted Trail actor, and looks forward to participating in classes and camps throughout the year. When not on stage, Lydia loves to draw, sing, and practice her martial arts skills at weekly Taekwondo classes as she works toward her black belt. An avid pet enthusiast, she also enjoys spending time with her family pets, including her bearded dragon, Cucumber.
Nupur Charyalu- Jerry Jubilee
Nupur Charyalu (Jerry Jubilee) is thrilled to be a part of her first performance at Matthews Playhouse. She has been in plays and musicals in Pittsburgh to Ireland to New York City. She recently performed in a play “Still, Birth” in NYC. When she’s not on the stage, she’s on the big screen. You can watch Nupur act in “Evil Eye” on Amazon Prime and “Archive-81” on Netflix. Nupur also loves to sing and dance. She has her Master’s in Social Work and loves to travel. Instagram: @supurdupurnupur
Sarah Baumgardner - Director/Mrs. Green
Sarah Baumgardner is the Executive Director at Matthews Playhouse. An avid sacred music performer, Sarah is most often found singing for local church events. Prior to working with Matthews Playhouse, Sarah has enjoyed providing private music instruction and vocal coaching over the past 20 years. She has also enjoyed being a featured soloist with the
Westminster College Choir, the National Honors Choir, and she has prepared roles for opera and musical theater. Most importantly, Sarah’s passion is in encouraging others to explore their musical gifts and she brings that enthusiasm to each class and lesson. Sarah is a graduate of Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA where she
received her BA in Vocal Performance and a BS in Psychology. She has done Masters
work in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College in Princeton,
NJ and received a Masters of Divinity from Winebrenner Theological Seminary in
Findlay, OH.
Maggie White- Dance Captain/Oompa Loompa Ensemble
Maggie White (Dance Captain/Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is very excited to perform in her 13th production on the Matthews Playhouse stage. Maggie is currently a homeschooled senior. Maggie has been a part of the Playhouse for over a decade as a SOT student, summer camp intern and actress. Her most recent productions at Matthews Playhouse include, “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon”, “Seussical”, “The Chocolate War”, and “Animal Farm”. Maggie has a love for dance and has performed in many shows at Adrianna Eve Company. In her free time she can be found reading, listening to music and going to concerts. She wants to thank her family, friends, and the community at Matthews Playhouse for all the love and support she’s received over the many years. Instagram: @m4ggi3333
Gum Chompin’ Divas/Oompa Loompa Ensemble
Morgan Ramsay
Morgan Ramsay (Gum Chompin Diva and Oompa Loompa) is in 7th grade and attends Grace Academy. Morgan loves all things music, like guitar, singing, dancing, and musical theater. She has been singing on stage with her family and at church since she was 3! When Morgan found out she would be involved in this production, she was ecstatic. Morgan’s past roles include playing Lavender in Matilda Jr., Young Cosette in Les Miserables, and Little Ladybug in James and the Giant Peach. Morgan has sung the National Anthem for the Quakes (MiLB team) and has been a soloist for several corporate events. Morgan would love to thank her parents for driving her to rehearsal 6 days a week and her sibilings, grandparents and friends for their support on this exciting experience.
Julia Vanella
Julia Vanella (Gum Chompin' Diva/Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is so excited for her 5th mainstage performance at Matthews Playhouse.
She attends Northwest School of the Arts with a focus in musical theater. Outside of theater she likes to bake and read. She'd like to thank her family and friends for their support throughout her recent theater endeavors! Instagram: @julia_vanella8
Nora Williams
Nora Williams (Gum Chompin' Diva/Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”! She has had the joy of playing a variety of roles in both musical theater and ballet. Some of her favorite past roles include Anna in "Frozen Jr., the Musical", Young Fiona in "Shrek Jr., the Musical", and being a part of the ensemble in "Finding Nemo Jr., the Musical". She has also performed in many different roles in “The Nutcracker” Ballet, where she loves bringing characters to life through dance. When she's not on stage, Nora enjoys reading, creating her own dances, singing, and spending time with her friends. She is excited to continue learning and growing in the world of theater and can’t wait for all the new adventures ahead!
Oompa Loompa/Squirrel Ensemble
Lilly Crowgey
Lilly Crowgey (Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is very excited to be in her first Main Stage Production at Matthews Playhouse. She participated in the School of Theater 2024 production of “Shrek Jr”. She is a seventh-grade student at Crestdale Middle School where she has been involved with NCTC and will be performing in their spring musical of “Beauty and the Beast, Jr” as Chip. She is also very active in the Music and Arts ministries at Matthews United Methodist Church and especially loves participating in their summer performance at Music and Arts Camp. When she's not on stage she enjoys reading and singing in the choir.
Reese Ramsay
Reese Ramsay (Oompa Loompa) is in 6th grade and attends Grace Academy! Reese and her family moved to Charlotte from Southern California, and this is her first mainstage production with Matthews Playhouse. Reese’s past roles include “Stowaway” in Pirates the Musical and Ensemble in Matilda Jr. Reese was raised in a very musical family and has been singing on stage since she was 3 years old! She has been a guest soloist for Chick-fil-A holiday events and a featured soloist at the Calvary Arts Camp. She loves gymnastics, rock climbing, animals, babysitting, and all things musical theater! Reese would like to thank her mom, dad, and 3 siblings for giving her a love for music.
Charlotte Thomson
Charlotte Thomson (Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is happy to make her third appearance in a Matthews Playhouse mainstage production. She played Tiny Tim in “Scrooge! The Musical” in 2023 and 2024. Charlotte is grateful for another opportunity to learn from talented directors, managers, and castmates. Charlotte loves to perform in front of an audience but is equally fond of the friends and memories made during the rehearsal process. She also likes to eat candy and is excited to work in a fantastic chocolate factory! Bike rides, the beach, and watching live theater (especially musicals) are her favorite things when she’s off stage. Charlotte is a proud big sister to Annalise and she adores her cat, Jacob Marley. Charlotte is a second grader in Ms. Sanchez’s class at Providence Spring Elementary.
Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble
Ahymya Bienvenu
Ahmya Bienvenu (Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble) is so thrilled to be doing her very first show with Matthews Playhouse. When she’s not rehearsing at Matthews, she’s rehearsing at Acting Up where she is doing “Matilda”. She has done many shows at Acting Up Studios including “The Little Mermaid” (Atina, U.S. Sebastian) and “The Wizard of Oz” (Scratch). When she’s not on stage, Ahmya is at school at Northwest School Of The Arts. She also loves to read, write, and talk to friends. Ahmya would love to thank her family and friends and hope everyone loves the show!
Alyssa Sanchez
Alyssa Sanchez (Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble) is thrilled to perform in her first production at Matthews Playhouse. She is a Musical Theatre and Costume Design major at Northwest School of the Arts. She does modeling with the Charlotte Fashion Collective and is a professional actress represented by East Coast Talent. Her recent stage credits include "Dear Edwina Junior" (Theatre Charlotte) and "Seasons of Light" at (Children's Theatre of Charlotte). She would like to thank her family, friends, and coaches for all of their support. Instagram: @alyssadsanchezofficial
Milana Serova
Milana Serova (Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble) is excited for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to be her first musical production with Matthews Playhouse! She is thrilled to take part in rehearsals with this talented cast, and is also enjoying having started acting classes with Matthews Playhouse’s School of Theatre program. She would like to thank her family and Matthews Playhouse for these opportunities!
Thomas Wood
Thomas Wood (Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble) is excited to join the cast of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” for his Mainstage debut. He cannot wait to be part of this amazing show! He loves being a member of the School of Theatre and has appeared in “Matilda the Musical” (Classmate) and “Shrek Jr” (Peter Pan). He was also thrilled to help spread Christmas cheer as part of the 2024 Matthew Playhouse Sugarplum Squad! He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support on his acting journey.
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