May 28 - June 7, 2026
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TITLE PAGE
SHOW SPONSORS
THE 2026-27 SEASON
MEET THE CAST
CREATIVE TEAM
STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR SUPPORTERS
Photo by Alex Aguilar
&LARGE Tiny Friends BIG :
Created by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge and Tom Burch
May 28 - June 7, 2026 I Wells Fargo Playhouse
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Melissa Olhman-Roberge
Scenic, Puppet, & Costume Designer Tom Burch
Lighting Designer Lawrence Csernik
Sound Designer Michael Russo
FOR THIS PRODUCTION
Rehearsal Stage Manager Brandon J. Johns
RUN TIME 30 minutes
Videotaping, photography and other recording of this production is prohibited.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
Today’s celebration is brought to you, in part, by:
Rob & Caryn Craige
Dr. Daniel Donner
Tari Schutzman
Sandy & Greg Vlahos
Photo by Alex Aguilar
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is supported, in part, by the City of Charlotte, and the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources. Additional support is provided by the Shubert Foundation.
MEET THE CAST
KEL WRIGHT (Tiny) is thrilled to make their Children’s Theatre debut! Kel has been so fortunate to work around the greater Charlotte area with many companies; most notably DCP, Queen City Concerts and The Lotus Project. Favorite productions include Scuttle (THE LITTLE MERMAID) at The Lotus Project. At Davidson Community Players, Kel has held the roles of Musidorus (HEAD OVER HEELS), Adult Allison (FUN HOME) and at Queen City Concerts she played Paul Burrell (DIANA, THE MUSICAL). When not performing, Kel is a full time designer and technical director. Much love to my Karen and our wonderful family and to my chosen and given family. I wouldn't be here without you.
MEET THE CAST
TOMMY FOSTER (Large) is a professional actor, director, and educator who has appeared in regional theatres across the East Coast, in national commercials for Nickelodeon, McDonald’s, and Food Lion, and is the recipient of a coveted Bistro Award for his cabaret work. Local audiences have frequently seen Tommy onstage at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in productions including MATILDA (Miss Trunchbull) and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Aslan), where he also serves as a teaching artist and director. His directing credits include LIARS, CHICAGO, EVITA, THE TEMPEST, and SWEENEY TODD. Tommy earned his MFA in Classical Acting from the Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy at GWU and his BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan, and creates educational content focusing on positivity through his digital platform, Fostering365. www.tommyfosternyc.com
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM
Melissa Ohlman-Roberge (Director) grew up in an artistic family in the small town of Cheshire, Connecticut. Her father was a writer and selftaught musician. Her mother painted in chalk pastel, primarily portraits culled from National Geographic and Life magazines. Melissa’s siblings—two sisters and a brother—are also artists of various kinds: two in the music industry and one a visual artist. Melissa discovered her love for creative writing at a young age and, like many tweens, filled notebooks with angsty, emotional poems. Throughout high school she continued to write, often pairing her poems with simple pen-and-ink drawings. She also loved accompanying herself on guitar, spending long afternoons singing the songs of Bob Dylan and other musical poets of the time. This passion led her to musical theatre, an undergraduate degree in performance, summer stock, numerous roles in productions throughout the Northeast, and a stint as an actress at Walt Disney World. Eventually, she gravitated toward directing and earned her MFA from Florida State University. For more than 30 years, Melissa has worked professionally as a writer, director, theatre maker, performer, mentor, and educator, creating over 100 productions. Melissa and her husband, Kevin, eventually found their way to North Carolina and began raising a family. She carried her love of storytelling with her, immersing her three daughters in creativity as they wrote and illustrated countless collaborative stories together. As Kevin
joined in—with his broad comic sensibility—these tales often featured animals hiding in plain sight behind skinny trees in the woods near their home in Huntersville. Their shared love of theatre eventually grew into more than ten summers of neighborhood productions for their children and friends. Dubbed The Big Shows, these informal performances featured beloved children’s books reimagined through energetic story theatre, tailored to the ages of the actors—who ranged from three to thirteen, depending on the year. Melissa continued this tradition through her work with Davidson Community Players and the Connie Company (founded in honor of Constance Welsh, who also founded what is now CTC’s Touring Company). With DCP, Melissa adapted numerous fables, multicultural fairy tales, and original stories into simple yet vivid works, performed free each summer for families in North Mecklenburg. Some 20 years later, Melissa rediscovered her writer’s voice while chronicling the health journey of her beloved dog, Zoey—an experience that led to her first full-length children’s play, WHO WILL SHARE MY SOMETHINGS. The play was workshopped by CTC and is currently being developed into a picture book illustrated by Melissa’s oldest daughter, Amanda. Most recently came TINY & LARGE: BIG FRIENDS, commissioned by CTC for this year’s preschool tour. The idea grew out of a conversation between Melissa, CTC Artistic Director Adam Burke, and Production Designer Tom Burch. Melissa was drawn both to the challenge of re-
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM
turning to storytelling in its simplest form and to the expressive power of nonverbal communication in theatre and dance. Current events also shaped this story of two very different creatures who take a chance on friendship. Along the way, they practice kindness, acceptance, and emotional vulnerability— qualities Melissa hopes will inspire our youngest theatre-goers to do the same. Melissa still resides in Huntersville with her husband and new wing-dog, Fava the Bean. They are frequently visited by their three grown daughters—all creative in their own right—and numerous “adopted” sons-and-daughters. Melissa continues to draw inspiration from the simpler days of sitting on the brightly colored animal rug in their dining-turned-play-room, coloring and asking her young daughters about their day. From those moments grew cherished family lore, forming the foundation of their enduring bond. This simple practice has filled Melissa with the joy, wonder, and curiosity that remain the hallmarks of her work. If Melissa has one piece of advice for the parents of the preschoolers who may experience TINY & LARGE, it is this: Take the time now to be—truly be—with your children. Put the phone down. Turn off the TV. Listen. Listen hard. Watch. Nod in agreement. Respond only when necessary. And if you have a crayon and a piece of junk mail handy, draw a little picture together to help you remember. Hold tight because childhood flies by—and you don't want to miss a single moment.
Tom Burch (Scenic, Puppet, & Costume Designer) has been designing at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for 12 years now with some of his favorites being SCHOOL OF ROCK, DRAGONS LOVE TACOS, MARY POPPINS and BOB MARLEY’S THREE LITTLE BIRDS. In the region his work has been seen at Warehouse Theatre (SC), Burning Coal (Raleigh) and Cape Fear Regional (Fayetteville). National projects have included shows at Berkeley Repertory, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Pasadena Playhouse, American Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company and several others. After finishing his MFA in Stage Design from Northwestern, he called Chicago home for a number of years with shows ranging from many storefront theatres to the larger companies in town, including Chicago Shakespeare, The Goodman, Court, Northlight and Victory Gardens. Five of his scenic designs received Jeff Award nominations. Recent projects have included touring children’s theatre for Ya Tong Theatre of Taiwan, and smallscale touring operas for La Musica Lirica in Italy. He teaches at UNC Charlotte.
Lawrence Csernik (Lighting Designer) is a lighting designer for opera, theater, and dance. Over the past decade, he has designed for academic institutions, local theatres, non-profits, and dance troupes. Of all the works he’s collaborated on, he takes particular joy in designing new works and has been fortunate to present MUD NOSTALGIA and THE DIVINE VISITOR at his alma mater (Northern Kentucky University), SOLDIER’S CHRISTMAS with the Cincinnati Remem-
MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM
bers World War I Project, and GEORGE REMUS (The Carnegie Theatre of Covington). Lawrence worked closely with Queen City Opera, a non-profit that focuses on supporting local emerging artists and highlighting community socio-political issues; the Contemporary Dance Theatre of Cincinnati; and Mutual Dance Co. Previously at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, he has also designed lights for THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW, TORTOISE AND HARE, and THE ODYSSEY EXPERIENCE. Outside of his design work, Lawrence continues to work for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte as their Head Electrician, where he enjoys working with other passionate artists and industry professionals.
Michael Russo (Sound Designer) is an audio engineer and the Audio/Video Supervisor at Children’ s Theatre of Charlotte. He graduated from DeSales University with a BA in theatre and an emphasis on audio engineering. His recent work includes sound design for GUYS AND DOLLS Jr. and FOOTLOOSE: YOUTH EDITION for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s OnStage program. His prominent role at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is building the sound systems needed for the shows. Some productions he built include SCHOOL OF ROCK, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: THE MUSICAL, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER. Previously Michael worked at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival as an Assistant Audio Supervisor and audio engineer. Productions he mixed there are THE TEMPEST, THE COMEDY OF
ERRORS and the musical THE COLOR PURPLE, as well as built IN THE HEIGHTS, THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, and WINNIE THE POOH AND FRIENDS. He would like to thank his new family at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte for all of the opportunities given to him, as well as his girlfriend Jordan for supporting him every step of the way.
Brandon J. Johns (Rehearsal Stage Manager) is an actor, music director, and educator with 15+ years of professional experience. He was last seen as Olaf (DISNEY’S FROZEN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL). Other roles at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte include Sam the Snowman (RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER), Elephant (ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!”), Oliver Warbucks (ANNIE), and Big Bad Wolf (SHREK THE MUSICAL). Brandon is also a musician, arranger, and composer. Some of his original music and arrangements have been featured at Firehouse Theatre in Richmond, Va and the Six Flags theme park, King’s Dominion. You can also hear some of his work in Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s tour of TOPSY-TURVY CINDERELLA. Brandon sends endless thanks and warm hugs to his mother and brother for their constant support and love. For DLJ.
Staff
Leadership
Artistic Director - Adam Burke
Managing Director - Nao Tsurumaki
Administration
Human Resources Manager Carolyn Lugo-Allred
Business Manager Alex Doxey
Senior Accountant Crystal Johnson
ImaginOn Partnership Coordinator Maryann O’Keeffe
ImaginOn Administrative Support Casey Kaufmann
Artistic & Production
Director of Production Steven Levine
Costume Shop Manager Anna Klinger
Cutter-Draper Emily Heilig
Crafts Specialist Elizabeth Swanson
Technical Director Shane Burgett
Resident Stage Manager Steven James
Charge Scenic Artist Tim Parati
Master Carpenter John Slechta
Head Electrician Lawrence Csernik
AV Supervisor Michael Russo
Assistant Technical Director Sterling Lett
Assistant Electrician Amber Bidwell
Scenic Carpenter Maddie Anthony
Sound Assistant Maddi Penn
Properties Master Bekah Achuff
Production Assistant/Associate Artist Claire Hilton
Education
Director of Education EG Engle
Development
Director of Development Courtney Hurd
Grants and Partnership Manager Jean Edwards
Donor Relations Specialist Emily Swanzy
Operations Coordinator Ava Jessup
Marketing and Communications
Director of Marketing & Communications Cindy Taylor
Associate Director of Marketing Rob Odum
Assistant Director, Audience Growth & Retention Ashley Hughes
PR & Social Media Mananger Alex Aguilar
Touring Performance Coordinator Margot Parrott
School Group Sales & Performance Coordinator Chris Stonnell
Data & IT Manager Claire Whitworth-Helm
Audience Service Coordinator Louise Lawson
Marketing Assistant Aaron Bunzey
Camps & Community Programs Manager Mary Katherine Smith
Education Program Manager Morgan Southard
Resident Teaching Artists Karen Steele
Administrative Assistant Katie Kinser
Board of Directors
Mission
We create exceptional theatre experiences, inspiring generations to explore the wonder of their world.
Board Members
Charlitta Hatch- Chair
Mike Burgess - Treasurer
Stephanie Isham - Secretary
Sallie Beason - Immediate Past Chair
Matt Andress
Cynthia Banks
Dr. Veronica Bell
Stephanie Couch
Shawn Garrett
Leigh Hickman
Ben Hume
Tim James
Mitzi Lynch
Jennifer Madara
Scott Manning
Rosemary Morgan
Jonathan Ocampo
Katie Ramseur
Eric Ritz
Christina Russ
Tanya Taylor
Daniel Terry, Ed.D
Kristin Tokić
April Whitlock
Honorary Lifetime Members
Robin Branstrom
Carla DuPuy
Peter Flur
Cynthia Lank
Linda Lockman-Brooks
Advisory Board
Robin Branstrom
Tom Eiselt
Jami Farris
Peter Flur
Gina Lawrence
Our Supporters
Corporate and Foundation Partners
EXECUTIVE PRODUCING PARTNERS
($50,000 and more)
City of Charlotte
North Carolina Arts Council
C.D. Spangler Foundation, Inc.
The Shubert Foundation
PRODUCING PARTNERS
($25,000 to $49,000)
Brighthouse Financial
DIRECTING PARTNERS
($10,000 to $24,999)
Cherry Bekaert
Clear Blue Insurance Group
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated Cornwell Foundation
The Hartford
Paige Johnston Thomas Giving Tree
STANDING OVATION PARTNERS
($5,000 to $9,999)
Carolina Panthers
The Dickson Foundation, Inc.
Parker Poe
CENTER STAGE PARTNERS
($3,000 to $4,999)
The Daniel, Edward, Cora & Strickland Foundation
LEADING ROLE PARTNER
($1,000 to $2,999)
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Our Supporters
Individual and Family Donors
We recognize and thank our generous Donors who gave as of May 11, 2026. Our annual Donors are recognized at the most current giving level.
LEADING PLAYERS SOCIETY
($10,000 - $24,999)
Dorlisa & Peter Flur
Mitchell Kelling
Tammy Stringer & Richard Viola
Derek & Iris Wang
($5,000 - $9,999)
Omid & Julie Ahdieh
Mike & Katie Burgess
Stephanie Couch
Dr. Daniel Donner
Andrew & Stephanie Fulford
Lise Hain
David Holland
Bruce & Anita LaRowe
Ann & Scott Manning
Ron & Janet Meyer
Arrington Mixon
Brian & Laura Murdock
Sarah Pollock
Tari Schutzman
Sandy & Greg Vlahos
($3,000 - $4,999)
Herb & Gina Clegg
Rob & Caryn Craige
Ben & Christy Hume
Brian Litwak
Jennifer & Eric Madara
Pat Burgess & Joan Martin
Ken & Lisa Miller
Stephen & Stephanie Sorenson
Tanya M. Taylor
Nichelle & Sasha Weintraub
($1,000 - $2,999)
Stephen Allred & Carolyn Lugo-Allred
Matt Andress
Cynthia Banks
Sallie & Gary Beason
Veronica Bell
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Julie & Stoke Caldwell
Amy & Alfred Dawson
Tom & Julie Eiselt
The Espaillat Family
Beth & Gaston Gage
Shawn Garrett
Pam & Bill Giono
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Gonzalez
Watts & Carol Hamrick
Charlitta Hatch
Scott & Claire Helm
Ryan & Danielle Hutcheson
Stephanie Isham
Timothy James
Laurie Johnston
Ashley & Matthew Joseph
Craig & Mitzi Lynch
Michael & Leslie Marsicano
Valecia McDowell
Gary Monie
Rosemary Morgan & Fielding Huseth
Maddie & Brian Myers
Anna & Tom Nelson
Sarah Peck
Katie Ramseur
Linda Reynolds
Eric Ritz
Andrew & Christina Russ
Emily & Greg Skidmore
Jay Thomas
Kristin Tokic
Patrick & Elizabeth Vaughn
Rosa Maria Vega
April & Thomas Whitlock
John & Carrie Woolley
SUPPORTING PLAYERS SOCIETY
($500 - $999)
Sylvia Bartee
Lindsay and Matt Betzel
Craig & Mary Bunzey
Our Supporters
Corporate and Foundation Partners
We recognize and thank our generous Donors who gave as of May 11, 2026. Our annual Donors are recognized at the most current giving level.
Susan Butler-Staub
Katie & Lee Cornwell
Dallas & Kathy Craven
Elaine Defoe
Charlene & Thomas Dumas
Brian & Jean Edwards
John & Mara Gose
Bill Hammill
Brad & Karen Harris
Leigh Hickman
Brandi Hooven
Soli Kennerly
Caroline Knight
Mrs. Catherine Lecompte
Michele Mangan
Lynn Manock
Saumya Mehta
Amy Merino
Daniel Merlin
John & Suzy Nurkin
Eileen Manlove O’Brien
Catherine Philpott
Michael & Denise Shields
Heidi & Hart Squires
Cindy & Rob Taylor
Ina Whitley-DeRochi
ESCENA CIRCLE
($1,000-$2,499)
The Espaillat Family
($500-$999)
The Saavedra Family
