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Peter and the Starcatcher
Cast & Production Team Biographies
This is the iconic group of individuals who have collaborated to bring Peter and the Starcatcher to life on the Fullwood Auditorium Stage!
Continue on to get to know the team better!
Joshua Brand
as Boy/Peter
Joshua Brand (Boy/Peter) is honored and delighted to return to the Matthews Playhouse stage! His recent favorite credits include Billy Cane in “Bright Star” (Matthews Playhouse), Hector MacQueen in “Murder on the Orient Express" (Abbey Players), and Crutchie in “Newsies" (Lolek's Storytellers). Outside of theatre, he enjoys hiking in the mountains, baking sweet treats, painting Dungeons and Dragons miniatures, and moonlighting as a cosplayer. Many thanks to Sarah Baumgardner and Jill Bloede for giving him this amazing opportunity, and to his wife Emma; thank you for always believing in me and making me feel as if I had wings! Also, here’s to RJH <3 Thank you for supporting local theatre! “When I was a boy, I wished I could fly.” IG: @josh.u.are
Emma Brand
as Molly Aster
Emma Brand (Molly Aster) is thrilled to be sailing to Neverland! This show holds a special place in her heart, and she wishes to thank Jill Bloede, Sarah Baumgardner, and the entire cast and crew at Matthews Playhouse for their support and camaraderie. Emma's recent roles in the Charlotte area include Cecily Cardew in “The Importance of Being Earnest” (Belmont Abbey Players) and Ensemble in “Young Frankenstein” (Matthews Playhouse). When not onstage, she leads children's summer camps, substitute teaches, freelance writes, and more. But the best way to catch a wild Emma is to lure her with a good book, pretty yarn, and twinkle lights. Finally, she dedicates this show to her husband Josh; thank you for always encouraging me to find wonder and joy in the everyday. "To have faith is to have wings." IG: @emmabrandactor
Johnny Hohenstein
as Black Stache
Johnny Hohenstein (Black Stache) must admit - his timbers are absolutely shivered to be returning to the deck of The Neverland. 🏴☠️ Johnny was lucky enough to direct “SCROOGE! The Musical” this past Winter, and diving into the deep end with a new MPH cast has been such a joy. Notable roles include Dan in “Next to Normal,” (Theatre Charlotte), The Trunchbul in “Matilda” (Arts at the J), Pirelli in “Sweeney Todd,” (CSDavidson), Righteous Brother/Ensemble in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (Matthews Playhouse), and Mrs Bumbrake in “Peter and the Starcatcher” (Abbey Players, Theatre Charlotte). When he’s not on stage, Johnny works in marketing and is a Disney Travel Planner for Let’s Talk Travel! “For both Kevin and Dave - the Staches from the Pasts. Thank you.”
Andrea King
as Smee
Andrea King (Smee) is giddier than a parrot with a cracker to finally play at Matthews Playhouse. Before she set sail on the Jolly Roger, you may have spied Andrea at PaperHouse Theatre in “The Mystery of Irma Vep”, “The Sherlock Project”, “Much Ado About Nothing”, or “Penny Penniworth”. Or perhaps you caught her Shakespearean hijinks in Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Julius Caesar, Comedy of Errors, and Romeo & Juliet with Chickspeare and Collaborative Arts. Other favorite shows include Ugly Lies the Bone with Three Bone Theatre, Women Playing Hamlet with Donna Scott Productions, and Book of Will at Belmont Abbey. Most recently, Andrea donned a mustache in The Play That Goes Wrong at Theatre Charlotte. Andrea dedicates this adventure to her wife, Jenn and their babies, Fred, George, and Penny Marshall.
Ben Allen
as Prentiss
Ben Allen is beyond delighted to bring the *true* leader, Prentiss, of the orphan trio to life in this uniquely emotional take on friendship and growing-up. Ben is making his first production debut not only on the Matthews Playhouse stage, but in the Charlotte theatre scene. As a recent graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Theatre, his mainstage credits include "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Shakespeare in Love," "Witches" and "The Arabian Nights." He's also had the privilege of representing the roles of Marvin, "Falsettos" and William Barfee, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and a number of original roles in local workshops. When he is not on stage, you can find him bringing joy and entertaining experiences to the Charlotte region with local character companies, or curled up with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Alijah Wilson
as Ted
Alijah Wilson (Ted) is excited for his first production at Matthew’s Playhouse. He is a senior at Belmont Abbey College. He is an Oetgen Scholar majoring in Business management with a minor in theater. He has been seen on stage in “Guys and Dolls” as Benny Southstreet, “Dance in the Light”, “Christmas at the Abbey”, “Oklahoma” as Ali Hakim, “Romeo and Juliet” as the ensemble, “1776” as the courier, “Abbey Dell'arte”, and “Twelfth Night” as ensemble. When he isn’t on stage, he enjoys playing the guitar, drums, piano, bass, and music production. He'd like to give a special thanks to all his family, director, music director, and production for their love and support.
Andrew Pippen
as Lord Aster
Lord Aster spends most of his time sailing the seas, serving his Queen, and minding his daughter. With such a busy life, he is happy that he has found a creative outlet for his precious spare time: taking to the stage and playing the challenging role of Andrew Pippin. He hopes that his performance can capture the true essence of Andrew - a community theater acting, disc golf playing, dog loving, computer programmer. He has decided that Andrew's backstory includes previous productions like Clue, Young Frankenstein, and Around the World in 80 Days. He extends a special thanks to the makeup department for transforming his ordinary countenance into the "devilishly handsome (and oh-so-humble)" character that Andrew is oft described to be.
Miles Thompson
as Alf
Miles Thompson (Alf) is so excited to return to the swashbuckling seas of Matthews Playhouse! He is a current graduate student hoping to make a positive impact on the Charlotte community and protect the arts nationwide. You may recognize him from his candytastic time on the MPH stage as Willy Wonka from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” or “Young Frankenstein”. His other Charlotte credits include “Grace for President”, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”, “Danny, King of the Basement” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte), “Toni Stone” (Three Bone Theatre), “A Soldier’s Play” (Free Reign Theatre). He wants to thank his amazing parents, his furball Sammy, and Jill for being the first person to believe in him as a performer. Most importantly he wants to thank YOU for supporting live theatre. We need you, we appreciate you, and we love you. ARGH
Davis Hickson
as Mrs.Bumbrake
Davis Hickson (Mrs.Bumbrake) is excited to return to Matthew’s Playhouse for the 2nd time. He recently finished “Violet” at Theatre Charlotte, prior to that he had the pleasure of performing in “Scrooge: The Musical” at Matthew’s. Davis is new to the Charlotte theatre scene but excited to be a part of whatever comes next. Davis would like to thank his parents, grandmother, and friends for the constant support and love that keep him going everyday.
Chip Bradley
as Captain Bill Slank
Chip Bradley (Captain Bill Slank) is excited to return to the MPH stage in this wonderful production of “Peter and the Starcatcher”. He was last on the MPH stage two summers ago, opposite his incredibly talented wife Lisa as Dolly in “Hello, Dolly”. Chip has been performing in and around Charlotte since moving back from “Chicago” in 2008. Favorite past roles in the Queen City include Franz Liebkind in “The Producers”, Brian in “Avenue Q”, Axel Hammond in “The Nerd”, Lieutenant Brannigan in “Guys and Dolls”, Mr. Wormwood in “Matilda”, and Ghost of Christmas Present in “A Christmas Carol”. Chip lived in Chicago for thirteen years, eight of which he spent training and working at The Second City, as well as working as a professional voiceover artist for radio and TV commercials. A huge, huge shout out and thank you to Jill Bloede for her amazing direction and for putting together such a talented and silly cast. “Spamalot” next, Jill. Please and thank you. And finally to Lisa and Celia. Thank you so much for being his biggest supporters and fans and for just putting up with his utter silliness in general. Seat’s taken. Always!
Neifert Enrique
as Fighting Prawn/Sanchez
Neifert Enrique (Fighting Prawn/Sanchez) is excited to be part of the amazing cast and crew for “Peter and the Starcatcher”! After graduating from Winthrop University, he's worked as an actor, sound designer, music director, and assistant technical director here at Matthews Playhouse. Their most recent acting roles include Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", Dr. Frankenstein in "Young Frankenstein", Judas in "Godspell", and Rooster in "Annie". In his free time, he enjoys cooking, reading, singing, movies, playing piano, and puzzles. He'd like to thank his amazing girlfriend Jessie for her support in all their crazy endeavors. @neifertenrique
Ryan Caulley
as Captain Scott/Teacher
Ryan Caulley (Scott/Teacher) is excited for his debut on the Matthews Playhouse Stage. Other credits in the Charlotte area include "Murder on the Orient Express" and "Peter and the Starcatcher" (Belmont Abbey College) and "Peter and the Starcatcher" (Theatre Charlotte). When Ryan is not on the stage, he is a fourth grade teacher at Saint Michael Catholic School in Gastonia. Ryan likes to thank all of his friends and family for their generous support. He also dedicates this show to his loving wife Elizabeth who has had to put up with long nights away just so Ryan could be a boy for awhile. "When I was a boy, I wished I could fly".
Andrew Moore
as Grempkin/Pirate
Andrew is excited to make his debut on the Playhouse Stage! He has recently graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Catawba College, and can't wait to pursue more theatrical opportunities. Some of the Favorite Shows he did at Catawba were “A Midsummer Night's Dream” (Theseus/Oberon), “Picasso At the Lapin Agile” (Albert Einstein), “Spring Awakening” (Adult Man), and “Carrie: The Musical” (Interrogator 2). He would like to thank his family and partner for supporting his dreams, and he hopes you enjoy the show. Have a Good Day!
Zack Mahon
as Mac/Hawking Clam
Zack Mahon (Mac/Hawking Clam) is excited for “Peter and the Starcatcher” as this marks his first ever show at Matthews Plays and the first show he is doing post-grad. Zack Mahon just got his BA in Theatre at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. His other credits while in school include "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (Vice Principal Panch) "The Playboy of the Western World" (Sean), "Once Upon a Mattress" (King Sextimus), and many more! Zack's favorite performance he has done was working at the North Carolina Renaissance Festival for their last 2 seasons. When he is not on stage, Zack enjoys refining his aerial circus techniques and spending time with his family, friends, and especially his cat, Blue Boy. He would like to thank his family and friends for their incredible and constant support, as well as Miles Thompson for being able to provide a ride to Matthews Playhouse for him.
Benny
as Nana
Benny is a five-year-old Sheepadoodle thrilled to make his stage debut as the beloved Nana! He lives by the motto: “I just met you and I love you.” Benny has loved the spotlight and making new friends during rehearsal. Off stage, he’s a bacon connoisseur, professional napper, and fan of park strolls and beach days. He lives with his mom, the bald guy, and his best pup pal, Jett. His dream role is Max from The Little Mermaid. Follow his adventures on Instagram at @sheepadoodbenny.
Jill Bloede
Director
If Jill Bloede were a mermaid, and found some Starstuff, she would become a Director at Matthews Playhouse helming “Peter and The Starcatcher”! Wait a second- It's true! This is Jill's 6th show, having gone to Transylvania last summer with “Young Frankenstein”. As a Full time Associate Professor in Theatre for Belmont Abbey College, and Parttime Adjunct Lecturer for Charlotte University, Jill still finds time to teach summer camp (to keep her young) and direct plays (it's a blood-sugar thing). Next up is “Murder on the Orient Express” (Theatre Charlotte) “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” (BAC) and “The Velveteen Rabbit” (in this very theatre) Many thanks to the Most Excellent Production Team, the Birthday Wish Cast, and to all of you who want to hear how the story all started....
"And how would one recognize him in a crowd?...."
Sarah Baumgardner
Music Director
Sarah Baumgardner’s impact on the Charlotte region is nothing short of extraordinary. With a passion for encouraging others to explore their artistic gifts, Sarah has become a driving force behind the arts community, particularly through her leadership at Matthews Playhouse. She works tirelessly to promote the performing arts, actively implementing programs to ensure accessibility for people of all ages and backgrounds. Under her guidance, Matthews Playhouse has flourished into one of the most recognized and respected arts organizations in the area.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah is a devoted mother to her two children and an active member of her church community, where she sings every Sunday. Her personal accomplishments are equally impressive. A graduate of Mary Baldwin University, Sarah holds a BA in Vocal Performance and a BS in Psychology. She pursued master’s studies in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College and earned a Master of Divinity from Winebrenner Theological Seminary. An accomplished sacred music performer, Sarah frequently lends her voice to church events and previously served in ministry before taking the helm at Matthews Playhouse. Sarah Baumgardner exemplifies what it means to be a Remarkable Woman. She inspires everyone she meets to dream bigger, work harder, and create something truly meaningful.
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Jessie Hull
Stage Manager
Jessie Hull (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be stage managing this swashbuckling team. Jessie has been the full time Production Assistant and Resident Stage Manager at the Playhouse since 2021 and absolutely loves working with the MPH Family. She would love to thank her family and her partner, Neifert, for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show!
Ellamay Ulman
Assistant Stage Manager
Ellamay Ulman (Assistant Stage Manager) is beyond excited to be a part of her ninth Matthews Playhouse Mainstage production! Some of her recent stage management and assistant stage management work includes Sunday in the Parker with George (Queen City Concerts), Bright Star (MPH), Meerkat Mail (MPH SOT), and Finding Nemo Jr. (MPH). Her favorite things include reading, cross-stitching, and napping. Ellamay will be attending the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in the fall to study stage management.