Set in bustling 19th-century London, Scrooge! The Musical features an uplifting musical score and a wildly talented cast directed by Johnny Hohenstein, music direction by Kristin Sakamoto, and choreography by Emily Hunter.
This timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from a bitter miser to a man filled with the Christmas spirit is brought to life in a lively, family-friendly musical recommended for audiences ages 8 and up. With a blend of fresh new faces and exciting twists, including new special effects and music, this year’s production promises a joyous and high-energy holiday experience. Special thanks to our Show Sponsor: Tim Fincher - NC Farm Bureau Insurance Agent and our Restaurant Sponsor, Mario's Italian Restaurant & Johns Place.
Here's the cast of Scrooge! The Musical - running December 13-22, 2024 at Matthews Playhouse.
Johnny Hohenstein - Director
Johnny is making his directorial debut with Scrooge! The Musical! A graduate of Belmont Abbey College’s theatre department and a Master’s degree from Northeastern University, Johnny works in marketing for the company that invented Bubble Wrap! You may have seen him on stage here at Matthews in CLUE (Professor Plum) and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Righteous Brother, Nick, Ensemble), and on stage around the Charlotte area, such as Theatre Charlotte’s Next to Normal (Dan), Central Piedmont’s 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Barfée), or Abbey Players’ The Book of Will (Ben Jonson). Making the switch to the creative side of a stage production has been a dream come true. Happy Holidays to all of our audience members, and please continue to support the performing arts and arts education in our area!! Thank you to the MPH Team, this incredible cast, and my family and friends for all their love and support.
Alice Fincher- Kathy Cratchit
Alice Fincher (Kathy Crachit) is excited for her 3rd main-stage production at Matthews Playhouse! The previous productions that she has been in are “Seussical” (2023) and “Finding Nemo” (2023). Her dad was in the first-ever production of Matthews Playhouse. When she isn't on stage she is dancing! Alice has been dancing for ten years! She is thrilled to be in this performance of “Scrooge! The Musical” with her younger brother, Tobey Fincher (Tiny Tim/Urchin). Alice is so thankful to all that have supported her!
Anne Marie Young- Mrs. Fezziwig/Ensemble
Anne Marie Young (Mrs. Fezziwig/Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the Matthews Playhouse stage after performing in “Scrooge! The Musical” last year and “It’s A Wonderful Life” in 2018. A teacher at St. Ann Catholic School, she enjoys singing loudly in the car even if it's the wrong lyrics (she loves to make up her own). She also enjoys coming up with new and interesting voices as she reads a great children's book, something she has had much practice on as a school librarian. When she isn’t reading in fun voices or singing incorrect lyrics, she can be found cooking, being around her friends, walking on the greenway and spending time with her daughter.
Ben Shelton- Mr. Bleak/Ensemble
Instagram: @always_something_2_do
Benjamin Shelton (Teacher/Ensemble) is excited to be returning to his second holiday performance at Matthews Playhouse, sharing the stage with his talented daughter, Lizzy! 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!
Bennett Thurgood- Paul Cratchit
Bennett Thurgood (Paul Cratchit) is excited to be a part of his 3rd production at Matthews Playhouse. Bennett recently performed as Young Joe in the world premier of “One Year to Die” (Matthews Playhouse). Bennett has also performed as Sheldon and the Vacationer in “Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.” (Matthews Playhouse), and “Mecklenburg Song and Dance Competition” (Miller Street Dance Academy). Bennett loves to be on the stage and looks forward to a Broadway debut soon. When Bennett is not on the stage you can find him playing Clue, bike riding, enjoying school or creating something. Bennett would like to thank his parents (Tyler and Megan) for all their support and encouragement. He would also like to thank his three sisters who teach him the real meaning of drama. Bennett would like to thank Matthews Playhouse for providing such an incredible place to grow, learn, and have fun! He looks forward to many more shows.
Beth Maher- Bissett/Ensemble
Beth Maher (Bissett/Ensemble) is excited to have the “Grease Paint “ back on! As a child she spent many hours backstage helping her mother in community theatre. During college she was active in children theatre. She has been actively involved in community theater for over 25 years. Some of her favorite roles have been “Barefoot in the Park”, “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “Harvey”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Annie”, and many more. Covid and life interruptions kept her away for four years but she’s back and ready to perform!
Bianca Moten- Isabel/Helen
Bianca Moten (Isabel/Helen) has been performing for 15 years, and is excited to make her Matthews Playhouse debut this Christmas! Some of her recent credits in the Charlotte area include Philia in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" (First United Methodist Church of Gastonia), Sue Ellen in "Honky Tonk Angels" (First United Methodist Church of Gastonia), Lady Macbeth in "Macbeth" (Belmont Abbey College), and Amy March in "Little Women: The Musical" (Belmont Abbey College). During the days she works in insurance for State Farm in Gastonia, and in her minimal free time, she can be found drawing, writing songs, or staying up late watching sci-fi TV. She's so thankful to have been invited onto this team, and is looking forward to more shows with Matthews Playhouse in the future.
Brodie MacNeil - Mr. Pringle/Young Marley/Topper
Instagram: @brodiemacneilofficial
Brodie MacNeil (Pringle/Young Marley/Ensemble) is very excited to be in his second production with Matthew’s Playhouse. He was previously in “Young Frankenstein” (Matthew’s Playhouse), “The Boy Preference”, and “Tragedy of Thebes” (Northwest School of the Arts).
Outside of the stage, he enjoys reading and playing the piano. He would like to thank his parents for their continuous support in all of his endeavors.
Charlotte Thomson- Tiny Tim and Urchin Ensemble
Charlotte Thomson (Tiny Tim) is overjoyed to make her second appearance in a Matthews Playhouse mainstage production. She also played Tiny Tim in “Scrooge! The Musical” in 2023. Charlotte enjoys the Christmas season and is happy to be part of such an important Christmas story. If she had a time machine, her first stop would be London in 1843. When not acting, Charlotte enjoys writing scripts for home productions and playing with her little sister, Annalise. Charlotte is a second grader in Ms. Sanchez’s class at Providence Spring Elementary. She’s grateful for the guidance and coaching of her teachers, directors, and castmates.
Coleman David Campbell- Tom Jenkins
Instagram: @_cole4xmas_
Coleman David Campbell (Tom Jenkins) is happy to be making his Matthews Playhouse debut! He holds an MA in Musical Theatre from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and a BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory. Born into a theatrical family, he has been onstage and backstage his whole life. His favorite roles include: Secret Garden (Colin), Sweeney Todd (Anthony), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius), Twelfth Night (Malvolio), and Les Misérables: In Concert (Javert). Most recently, he played Richard Henry Lee in “1776” with the Belmont Abbey Players and Chadd in Mill Mountain Theater’s production of “Escape to Margaritaville.” He would like to thank Johnny for this wonderful opportunity and his family and friends for their support. For Uncle Jason.
Davis Hickson- Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come
Instagram: @davisis5letters
Davis Hickson (Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come) is an Irene Ryan Scholarship nominee who recently moved to Charlotte in June and “Scrooge! The Musical” will be their introduction into the greater Charlotte area theatre scene. He's been involved in many theatre shows in the past and has had the pleasure to play some great roles like The Mad Hatter in “Alice In Wonderland”, Scar in “The Lion King”, Detective Trotter in Agatha Christie's “The Mousetrap”, as well several prominent roles in student and festival short films. Davis is thrilled to share the stage with the talented cast and crew on the set of Matthew Playhouse's 2024 performance of “Scrooge! The Musical”.
Ford Bobick- Kid/Urchin Ensemble
Ford Bobick (Kid/Urchin Ensemble) is thrilled to be joining his very first show at the Matthews Playhouse, during his very favorite season! His other credits in the Charlotte area include the role of Tobias Ragg in “Sweeney Todd” (Community School of Davidson), “Mean Girls” (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte), “How I Became a Pirate” (Providence Day), “Matilda” (Charlotte JCC), “Into the Woods” (Providence Day), “Cats” (Children’s Theatre or Charlotte), and “Matilda, Jr.” (Providence Day). Ford also loves swimming competitively and is proud to be a survivor of childhood cancer for two years. He would like to thank his three siblings for listening to his endless hours of vocal performances in their home.
Geof Knight- Ebenezer Scrooge
Instagram: @geofknight
Geof is back for one more trip to London as Scrooge, marking his 10th production here at Matthews Playhouse. His long list of credits in the region include “The Sound of Music” (Capt. Von Trapp), “The Music Man” (Prof. Harold Hill), “Beauty & The Beast” (Gaston), “Shrek” (Lord Farquaad, twice), “It's A Wonderful Life” (George Bailey, twice), “Oliver!” (Fagin), “Million Dollar Quartet” (Sam Phillips), “Big River” (The Duke), “Little Shop of Horrors” (Orin the Dentist) and “Peter & The Starcatcher” (Black Stache). He was on the silver screen in Talladega Nights, and once competed on Wheel of Fortune. His 31-year broadcasting career has all been here in Charlotte on 96.9 The Kat where he is part of the Paul Schadt & Sarah Lee Morning Show. In 2014 he and Paul were named Radio Personalities of the Year by the Academy of Country Music. He's been named a Distinguished Alumnus by the Charlotte 49er Student Media Department (Class of '92!) He would like to say "Thank You Very Much" to Johnny, Kristin, Jessie, Mary, Emily, Sarah and the rest of the Matthews Playhouse team for letting him come and play one more time. Much love to wife Ashley, and daughters Lauryn, Kaitlyn and Susan.
Graham Buckley- Peter Cratchit
Graham Buckley at the age of 3, announced he was "born to be on stage!" Today, at 13, he is excited to be a part of SCROOGE! THE MUSICAL. He has previously been seen in Matthews Playhouse’s “Seussical the Musical” as Who Ensemble and 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!
Jared Shank- Bob Cratchit
Instagram: @jbo_thebuilder
Jared Shank (Bob Cratchit) is thrilled to take the stage for his first production at Matthews Playhouse. A lifelong theatre and performance addict, Jared's other credits include leading roles in beloved shows such as "Footloose" (Weddington High School), "The Diviners" (WHS), and "Arsenic & Old Lace" (UNC Chapel Hill). Jared is a graduate of Charlotte Comedy Theater and is active in the Charlotte improv comedy scene. When he's not performing, Jared spends his time beautifying homes with custom carpentry installations and healing sore muscles as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist. He would like to thank his family and friends for their generous support and encouragement in his creative endeavors.
Jeff Powell- Jacob Marley
Instagram: Jeff_powell75
Having first set foot on stage 17 years ago in "The Music Man" at Matthews Playhouse, Jeff (Jacob Marley) considers MPH his Home Theater and is always excited to be back. Since then you may have seen him as Luther Billis in "South Pacific" (MPH), Smee in "Peter and the Star Catcher" (Theater Charlotte), Arnold Crouch in "Not Now Darling" (Union County Playmakers), Jack Manningham in "Angel Street" (Union County Playmakers), Clown1 in "The 39 Steps" (Union County Playmakers) or Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple" (Fort Mill Playhouse ), just to name a few.He’s been enjoying the retired life since July 2023 and loves playing Virtual Reality games in Jeff's VRoom complete with green screen for some cool Mixed reality videos, hanging out on his deck he calls the Oasis, gardening, watching movies in the home theater and just chillin’ with his lovely wife, Sandra, who he would like to thank for putting up with his theatrical shenanigans at home and on stage over the years.
Joey Neddo- Street Urchin/Turkey Boy/Butcher's Assistant
Joseph “Joey” Neddo (Street Urchin/Turkey Boy/Butcher's Assistant) is pursuing his passion in his first appearance with Matthews Playhouse. A 6th grader at Queens Grant School in Mint Hill, Joey has found joy in stepping out in front of people and performing for their entertainment. His credits in his developing passion include Specs in “Newsies Jr”, Mike Teevee in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (Queens Grant Drama Department) and as Tommy in “Matilda” (Legacy Theater and Music Company). In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, aggravating his parents and being the little brother every big sister wishes she didn’t have. Joey would like to thank his family and all of you for coming out to see him and all the other talented people who have worked hard to entertain you today!
Julia Vanella- Bess/Ensemble
Julia Vanella (Bess/Ensemble) is so excited to be back performing at Matthews Playhouse! This will be her fourth MainStage performance and she couldn’t be more ecstatic to help tell this classic Christmas tale.
Julia is a junior at Northwest School of the Arts who has a passion for musical theater, baking, and reading. Her favorite Christmas activity is making Gingerbread houses with her family!
Karen Johnston- Mrs. Dilber/Ensemble
Karen Johnston (Mrs. Dilber) is a native Charlottean and MPH baby, and is truly pleased to join this theatre and cast for “Scrooge, the Musical”. She is thankful, as always to the LOHL, Tedd, for his encouragement and thoughtfulness, and for standing behind her. Abby, Hailey, Iwan, Landon, Surely, and Savannah, her grandchildren, are her inspiration and have appeared with her in various shows. She has played nuns, a showgirl, a snake, a goose, and many more. Please join her in praying for and giving to disaster relief for NC.
Kate Sakamoto- Belinda Cratchit
Kate Sakamoto (Belinda Cratchit) is excited to make her MPH debut in “Scrooge! The Musical.” She has previously appeared in “Matilda the Musical” (JCC), “Shrek” (Community School of Davidson), and “Oliver!” (Theatre Charlotte).
Kate is a 5th grader at CSD Ripple Hybrid School, and she loves art, baking, reading, and dragons. She also loves all things Disney and wants to be an Imagineer when she grows up.
Katie Freeman- Martha Cratchit
Katie Freeman (Martha Cratchit) is excited about her Main Stage production debut. Katie also enjoys singing, swimming, watching movies/live theatre, and hanging out with her friends.
Katie loves being a part of Matthews Playhouse School of Theatre. She has previously appeared in “Matilda” and “Shrek Jr”. Katie would like to thank her family and friends for their support along her acting journey.
Lasharae Wynter- Miss Dilber/Mary/Ensemble
Instagram: @sweetlyincensed
Lasharae Wynter (Mary Dilber/Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Matthews Playhouse debut in Scrooge! the Musical. Not only is this her first production with the Playhouse, but it is also her first production ever!
By day, Lasharae is a missionary. She also loves to eat ice cream and watch Korean and Chinese dramas (often while eating the ice cream)! Special thanks to TyShaun, Tara, James, Aaron and Brandon for their support.
Lauren Wilson- Mrs. Cratchit
Lauren Wilson (Mrs. Cratchit) is thrilled to return to the Matthews Playhouse stage for the holiday season. She last performed with MPH in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” (Philia). Lauren also performs and music directs all around the greater Charlotte area. Some favorite performance credits include Sandra in “The Play that Goes Wrong” (Lee Street Theatre) and Cinderella in “Into the Woods” (Ansonia Theatre). She has also recently become half of the Rock Hill Theatre in Concert series alongside co-Director John Nipe. In her off stage time, Lauren is a stay-at-home mom to Graham (10) and Gigi (2) and two crazy dogs, King Charles and J. Pierrepont Finch. She would like to thank her husband, Duncan, for keeping the aforementioned small things functioning during rehearsals.
Lina Zierler- Urchin Ensemble
Lina Zierler (Urchin Ensemble) is very excited to be joining the cast of “Scrooge! the Musical” for her third season in a row! She has been a student and actor at the Matthews Playhouse for 5 years.
Her previous mainstage productions include, “Princess Fearless”, “Scrooge! the Musical”, “Seussical the Musical”, “Finding Nemo Jr”, and “Scrooge! the Musical”. In her free time, she enjoys ice-skating, playing pickleball, hanging out with friends, and playing with her two bunnies (Kevin and Michael). She is very excited to continue spreading Christmas cheer by doing the thing she loves most!
Lizzy Shelton- Urchin Ensemble
Lizzy Shelton (Urchin Ensemble) is absolutely thrilled to be making her return at Matthews Playhouse! Lizzy has most recently been seen on stage at Piedmont Players performing 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!
Mason Morris- Urchin Ensemble
This is Mason's third production with Matthews Playhouse and his second in the cast of Scrooge! An 8th grader at Weddington Christian Academy, Mason is the eldest of four children. He caught the acting bug when he started acting as an extra in movies, his credits including “A Bigger Slice of the Sky” (Honey Head Production) and “Are You There God It’s Me Margaret” (Margaret Productions/Lionsgate). Outside of performing, Mason is a cross country runner and avid reader who also enjoys traveling with his family. His previous stage credits include “Seussical the Musical” (Matthews Playhouse), “Legend of the Blue Sapphire” (Weddington Christian Academy) and “Charlie Brown’s Christmas” (Weddington Christian Academy).
Megan Thurgood- Lizzie/Ensemble
Instagram: @megthurgood
Megan Thurgood (Lizzie/Ensemble) is excited for her Matthews Playhouse debut. After 20+ years dancing all over America, marrying her high school sweetheart, and becoming a mother of 4, her son Bennett (Paul Cratchit) inspired her to audition. Sharing the stage with her son is something she never knew she always wanted. Thank you to our Matthews Playhouse Family for the opportunity! Megan loves Jesus, time with her family, performing, and looks forward to her next vacation. “Thank You Very Much” for spending your evening with us here at Matthews Playhouse. I’m so happy you are here.
Michael Neddo- Mr. Fezziwig/Ensemble
Michael Neddo (Mr. Fezziwig) is wondering what he got into when he agreed to audition with his son, Joey Neddo. A veteran of the performing arts in his school days (he will not, however, admit to how long ago that was), Michael appeared in musicals as a member of the chorus in “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Hello Dolly!”, as Lt. Joe Cable in “South Pacific” and a dual role as Professor Harold Hill/Mayor George Shinn in “The Music Man”. When not trying to memorize lines or carry a tune, he cares for families as the owner of and a funeral director at Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home in Matthews. Michael would like to thank his family for their support, his son for pulling him in, and the Matthews Playhouse for giving him the wonderful opportunity to get back onto the stage!
Sarah Baumgardner - Ghost of Christmas Past
Instagram: @sarahjaneinspires
Sarah is our very own Executive Director here at Matthews Playhouse where she is lovingly referred to as the “Chief Plate Spinner”. Originally from Pennsylvania, she has lived in Virginia, New Jersey, Ohio, and now North Carolina. She has traveled throughout Europe singing with the National Honors Choir and has performed with the New York Philharmonic. In addition to singing, she plays 5 instruments and enjoys crafting, art, sewing, and going to museums, where she is the person who reads every single sign. She loves spending time with her family, going to the beach, and traveling (she wishes she had more time to explore!). Sarah has music directed “The Rainbow Fish”, “101 Dalmatians”, “The Music Man”, “Oklahoma Jr.”, and “Honk Jr.”. She has also performed extensively in choir, concerts and on stage. Some of her favorite roles have been in the casts of “Grease”, “South Pacific”, “Damn Yankees”, “Guys and Dolls”, “Marriage of Figaro”, and “Cosi fan Tutte”.
Tobey Fincher- Tiny Tim/Urchin
Tobey Fincher (Tiny Tim/Urchin) is thrilled to be in his first main stage production at Matthews Playhouse. Fun fact, Tobey’s father also played Tiny Tim in Children’s Theater of Charlotte’s production of “Scrooge” (1990). Tobey is a Matthews Playhouse School of Theater student. He played a palace guard in the School of Theater production of “A Fairy Tale Reunion” (2024). When Tobey isn’t on stage performing, he loves to be outside playing any sport possible, especially soccer. Tobey would like to thank his family and friends who support him. He would also like to thank the cast and crew for helping him and making this production so fun!
Tristan Nogueira- Ghost of Christmas Present
Instagram: @trippin.tristan
Tristan Nogueira (Ghost of Christmas Present) is super excited to be back on the Matthews Playhouse stage for the second time! He was last seen on the Fullwood Theatre stage as Horton the elephant in MPH’s production of “Seussical”. His other credits include… “Hero” in “Funny thing happened on the way to the forum” (FUMC theatre), “Prince Topher” in “Cinderella” (ETC Youth Guild), “Michel” in “Murder on the orient express” (Belmont Abbey Players), “Colonel Brandon” in “Sense and Sensibility” (Belmont abbey players), and “Marius” in “Les Miserables” ( Stagestruck). Tristan is thankful for the opportunity, and would like to shout out his friends and family for being so supportive!
Zach Linick- Young Scrooge/Nephew
Instagram: @ZachLinick
Zach Linick (Nephew/Young Scrooge) is so excited to be getting in the holiday spirit with “Scrooge the Musical”!
His other credits in the Charlotte theatre scene include “The Drowsy Chaperone” and “Next to Normal” (Theatre Charlotte), “Young Frankenstein” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (Matthews Playhouse), and “Diana: The Musical” (Queen City Concerts), just to name a few. He would like to thank his friends, family, and his wonderful girlfriend, Mary, for all their love and support!
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