The whimsical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory comes to life when Charlie and the Chocolate Factory takes center stage at the Fullwood Theatre from February 21 – March 2, 2025!
Demand for our production, based on Roald Dahl’s cherished 1964 novel, has been so incredible that we’ve assembled TWO exceptional casts—featuring some of Charlotte’s finest performers—to cover both weekday school performances and public shows. We’ve lovingly dubbed them the “Gobstoppers Cast” and the “Lollipops Cast.”
Keep reading to get to know our fantastic “Lollipop" Cast and get ready to experience Willy Wonka’s magical factory—where surprises, laughter, and plenty of chocolate await!
Emmaline Davidson- Charlie Bucket
Emmaline Davidson (Charlie Bucket) is excited to perform in her first main-stage production with Matthews Playhouse. Emmaline has performed with Matthews Playhouse in their School of Theater productions since 2023. She starred as Matilda in “Matilda”, a core dancer in “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughter”, and was part of the Sugar Plum Squad. Emmaline has also performed in plays during the summer in her parent’s hometown in southern Louisiana. When Emmaline’s not on stage, you can find her studying, playing basketball with her sister, and belting out show tunes from Spotify. Emmaline loves being a part of theater as well as attending Broadway shows. She has quite the collection of playbills displayed throughout her room. Emmaline would like to thank her family and Matthews Playhouse for their unwavering support to one day follow her dream of performing on Broadway.
Neifert Enrique- Willy Wonka
Neifert Enrique (Willy Wonka) is thrilled to be a part of this incredible production with such a marvelous cast and crew. He's happy to be performing at Matthews Playhouse again after roles in “Godspell” (Judas), “Sister Act” (Pablo), and “Young Frankenstein” (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein). They have also performed in the greater Charlotte area in the “Guys and Dolls” (Nicely-Nicely), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (Simeon), “Ghosts of Bogota” (Jesus), and “The Addams Family” (Gomez Addams). He studied Musical Theatre and Music Composition at Winthrop University and is currently the Assistant Technical Director at Matthews Playhouse as well as working as an accompanist, stagehand, and music director. He would like to thank his amazing partner, Jessie, for all of her love and support and for encouraging him to try yet another Gene Wilder role. Instagram: @neifertenrique
John DeMicco- Grandpa Joe
John DeMicco (Grandpa Joe) is happy to return to Matthews Playhouse for the eighth time! He was last seen at MPH as Kris Kringle in "Miracle on 34th Street" and Clarence in "It’s a Wonderful Life". A transplanted New Yorker, he has appeared in theaters all around Charlotte. Most recently, he was seen as Jacob Marley in "A Christmas Carol" at Theatre Charlotte. At the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, he appeared as Mr. Tumnus in "Narnia: the Musical" and Rev. Hopkins in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". NC highlights: Amos in "Chicago", Sir Galahad in "Spamalot", Mrs Bumbrake in "Peter and the Starcatcher", Max Reinhardt in "Shakespeare in Hollywood" and Poirot in "Murder on the Orient Express". Other credits include: Off and Off-Off Broadway, various regional productions and national tours. Favorite roles: Herr Schultz in "Cabaret" and Actor One in Gurney’s "The Dining Room". On film, he can currently be seen in the feature films "Moving Valentine" and "Alien Weekend". Thanks to his wife Carol and daughter Julianna for their support. Instagram: @john.demicco
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
Noelle Wilson- Violet Beauregarde
Noelle Wilson (Violet Beauregarde) is beyond excited to return to the Matthews Playhouse family for “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory”! A junior at Northwest School of The Arts majoring in musical theatre, Noelle has a passion for the arts and telling stories through music. In the past, you might have seen her as Mary Lennox in “The Secret Garden” at The Booth Playhouse, Isabel in “Scrooge! The Musical” at Matthews Playhouse, Dory in “Finding Nemo Jr.” at Matthews Playhouse, Featured Player in “Pippin” with the Lotus Project, Young Alice in “Alice By Heart” at Theatre Charlotte, and Vicki in “Everybody’s Talking about Jamie” with QC Concerts! Along with theatre, Noelle is extremely passionate about playing guitar and songwriting. She would like to thank the support of her parents and teachers for allowing her to come this far. She is so grateful for the opportunity to share this incredible story! Instagram: @@noellewilson.official
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
Margot Meyers- Veruca Salt
Margot Meyers (Veruca Salt) is excited to be in her 3rd Matthews Playhouse production! A 6th grader at Covenant Day School, Margot is the youngest in her family of five red-heads! Margot has loved theatre since she was four years old and has been doing dance for just as long. She has previously been seen in Covenant Day’s “Matilda the musical” (Matilda), and two Matthews Playhouse productions: “Seussical” (Who ensemble) and “Finding Nemo” (Pearl).
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.
Graham Buckley- Augustus Gloop
Graham Buckley (Augustus Gloop) at the age of 3, announced he was "born to be on stage!" Today, at 13, he is excited to be a part of “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory”. He has previously been seen in Matthews Playhouse’s “Scrooge! The Musical” as Peter Cratchit and in “Seussical The Musical” as Who Ensemble. He has also performed in Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” as Ollie Herdman, and “Annie” as Duffy. Through his participation in School of Theatre Training with Children’s Theatre, he performed in “Children Of Eden Jr.”, “Big Magic”, and “Still Life With Iris”. He has also performed in two seasons of “The Nutcracker Ballet” with the Matthews Ballet. Graham is grateful for his Mom, Dad, family, and friends!
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.
Tristan Tully- Mike Teavee
Tristan Tully (Mike Teavee) is thrilled to make his Matthews Playhouse debut in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory". Tristan is a 4th-grade student at Elizabeth Lane Elementary. His recent performances include "Seussical" (Lotus Project), "Seussical Jr." (PDS Creative Kids), “Finding Nemo Jr.” (Theatre at the J), “Matilda” (Theatre at the J), and “Into the Woods Jr” (PDS Creative Kids). He is fortunate to be surrounded by remarkable teachers and mentors whose passion for the arts inspires him. Tristan would like to thank his older brother, Ashton, who shares his love for theatre, and his family and friends for their support, countless hours rehearsing lines, and encouragement to always search for the golden ticket. He is grateful to be a part of this show and would also like to thank the phenomenal creative team, cast, and crew that worked incredibly hard to bring these whimsical characters to life!
Lauren Wilson- Mrs. Bucket
Lauren Wilson (Mrs. Bucket) is excited to return to the Matthews Playhouse stage after spending the holiday season in “Scrooge The Musical”. “Charlie” is Lauren’s 3rd show with the playhouse but her first with her son, Graham. Other local theatre credits include “Into the Woods” (Cinderella) - Ansonia Theatre, “The Play That Goes Wrong” - Lee Street Theatre and “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum” (Philia) - Matthews Playhouse. She also recently music directed “Sister Act” with Rock Hill Theatre and is a co-director of the Rock Hill Theatre Concert Series alongside John Nipe. As always, Lauren is incredibly grateful to Duncan, for his support and toddler-wrangling, to Graham, for joining her on this adventure, to Gigi for cheering us all on and to the entire production team for bringing this fantastic show to life. Instagram: @imalittlebitlauren
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
Amanda Mooney- Cherry Sundae
Amanda Mooney (Cherry Sundae) is excited to be in her 5th production at Matthews Playhouse! She just recently finished “Wizard of Oz” (Charlotte JCC) and has loved the transition in rehearsals from munchkins to Oompa Loompas. Most of her days are spent teaching at St. Ann School and evenings with her very supportive husband, Dave! A big thank you to him and her daughter Lilly who encouraged her to get back on stage and her son, Tommy for coming to all her shows, even when it meant missing a football game. She feels she’s won the Golden Ticket with her family! Instagram: @Amandam7089
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
Mary Lynn Bain-Mrs. Green/Director
Mary Lynn Bain is so excited to be co-directing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 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. Instagram: @paralegallynotblonde
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
Carole Burke
Carole Burke (Gum Chompin' Diva/Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of another Matthews Playhouse production! She is a freshman at CATA in the theater academy and is constantly performing. Recent theater credits include Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” (Sun Valley Middle School), Peach in “Finding Nemo” (Matthews Playhouse), and Geraldine in “Frosty the Snowman” (Union County Playmakers). When she isn't at school or performing, Carole enjoys baking and playing guitar. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her in everything she does.
Gabrielle Daly
Gabrielle Daly (Gum Chompin' Diva/Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is thrilled to be in her second Mainstage show at Matthews Playhouse! A senior at Charlotte Catholic High School, Gabrielle is an active member of Honors Chorus and the school's drama program. She also enjoys giving back to her community through volunteer work. Gabrielle has participated in numerous summer camps and School of Theatre productions at Matthew Playhouse, with memorable roles in Seussical, The Greatest Showman camp, and Honk Jr. When she’s not onstage, Gabrielle loves running, hiking, reading, and spending time at the beach, where she finds inspiration to stay creative. She’s beyond excited to be part of such a talented cast and crew and can’t wait to share this experience with the audience! Instagram: @gvd214
Shailoh Deamer
Shailoh Deamer is a dynamic young performer with a passion for musical theatre, known for her versatility as an actor, singer, and dancer. At 14 years old, Shailoh is quickly making a name for herself through her impressive performances on stage. Recently, she appeared as a Jungle Citizen/Hunter in the ensemble of “Seussical Jr.” at Northwest School of the Arts. This marks one of several major productions Shailoh has been part of at Northwest School, including “Bye-Bye Birdie”, “Wicked”, “Disney", and “13 The Musical”, where she consistently contributed to ensemble performances. In addition to her work at Northwest School, Shailoh has had the opportunity to perform at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in shows such as “Children of Eden Jr.” and “Moana Jr.”. Other past roles include “Aristocats Kids”, “Alice in Wonderland”, and “Cyrano Da Burgershack Musical”. Shailoh’s training at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is extensive, having studied a range of subjects from acting to Broadway-style song and dance. She also possesses a diverse range of talents, including roller skating, swimming, soccer, and playing piano. Outside of performing, she enjoys being a proud "cat mom," adding a personal and caring touch to her artistry. Shailoh is enthusiastic about her future in the performing arts and continues to seek opportunities to grow her talents, both on stage and in the classroom. Instagram: @shailohskyy
Oompa Loompa/Squirrel Ensemble
Charlotte Faitoute
Charlotte Faitoute (Oompa Loompa/Squirrel Ensemble) is excited for her second performance with Matthews Playhouse. Her other theater experiences include roles in: “Seussical the Musical” (Providence Day School), “James and the Giant Peach” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte), “Junie B. Jones” (Providence Day School), “Matilda the Musical” (Providence Day School), and “School Dayz” (Matthews Playhouse). Besides her love of being on stages, she also enjoys being on the swim team and shooting hoops on the basketball court. Fun fact about Charlotte is that she is fluent in German. She is grateful and looking forward to this fun production!
Bella Rodriguez Hunter
Bella Rodriguez Hunter (Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her debut at Matthew’s Playhouse as part of the cast of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory”. Bella has always had a passion for theatre, especially musical theatre, and has been honing her skills in previous years through her involvement in her school’s drama club. Currently enrolled in Matthew’s Playhouse’s homeschool program, Bella is excited to continue her theatrical journey with the company and looks forward to many more productions in the future. Aside from acting, Bella is a visual artist with a specialty in drawing and a lover of graphic novels. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a creative and inspiring team.
Sarah Siceloff
Sarah Siceloff (Oompa Loompa Ensemble) is super excited to be in her first main-stage production at Matthews Playhouse! She has been in other School of Theatre productions such as “Animal Farm”.
Her credits include “Beauty and the Beast Jr” (Silly Girl) and “Aladdin Jr” (Apple Vendor). She is so grateful for the opportunities that Matthews Playhouse has given her and can’t wait to perform! Instagram: @silliestgo0seh3re
Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble
Easton Clayton
Easton is excited for her first performance with Matthew’s Playhouse. Her other credits include “Shrek” and “A Christmas Carol” (Porch Productions) and “The Lion King Junior” (Irwin Elementary) When not performing, Easton loves to sing, dance and crafting jewelry for her online shop.
Kiara Sepulveda
Kiara Sepulveda (Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble) is excited to be in her 1st main stage production with Matthews Playhouse and her 3rd show with the Playhouse since 2023. She has also worked behind the scenes as a Props Manager for “Gretel the Musical” at her middle school. When she's not on stage, Kiara loves to read, sing Broadway Show Tunes and watch Musicals. She has a passion for performing arts and would like to thank her family for all of their support on this journey. Instagram: @ms_kiara12
Lizzy Shelton
Lizzy Shelton (Townsperson/Squirrel Ensemble) is absolutely thrilled to be in another production at Matthews Playhouse! Lizzy has most recently been seen on stage in “Scrooge the Musical” at Matthews Playhouse. Previously she has performed at Piedmont Players in the role of Tommy in “Matilda the Musical”. A spirited 5th grader at Olde Providence Elementary in Charlotte, Lizzy’s enthusiasm for theater is only matched by her love for basketball and her adorable dog, "Baby Sky Baby" (BSB for short—because every star needs a catchy nickname). When she’s not dazzling audiences, Lizzy loves adventuring to the mountains and the beach, hanging out with her best friend, and zipping around on motorcycles like a true daredevil. Lizzy is ready to light up the stage and hopes you enjoy the show!
Graham Wilson
Graham Wilson (Townsperson Ensemble/Squirrel Ensemble) is so excited for his first production with Matthews Playhouse. He was recently seen in “Finding Nemo Jr.” as Tad’s Parent (JStage). A 4th grader at St. Matthew, Graham enjoys basketball, golf and swimming. He also plays the trumpet in the St. Matthew Band. Graham would like to thank his parents (dad for driving him between activities and mom for being in the show with him and trying not to embarrass him) and all the directors/choreographers and everyone who made this show possible. Enjoy the show!
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