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ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA

Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse,Anthony Newley

Adapted for the Stage by Leslie Bricusse,Timothy Allen McDonald

Based on the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019
(#p) 212-541-4684
(#f) 212-397-4684
www.MTIShows.com

Cast

ANNA – Kelly Crittendon
ELSA – Rachel Gasdia
YOUNG ELSA – Susanna Ropp
YOUNG ANNA – Harper Sand
OLAF – Ben Williams
KRISTOFF – Absalon Richardson
SVEN – Landon Greer
HANS – Dylan Walton
WESELTON – Mark Cawood
OAKEN – Chase McAbee
PABBIE – Will Purcell
BULDA – Taylor Baxley
QUEEN IDUNA – Megan Ropp
KING AGNARR & BISHOP – Evan Sand

ENSEMBLE
Hannah Clark, Heather Elliott, Lia McLaughlin, Jean O’Halloran, Emmylou Owens, Marçia Parker, Eden Rexrode, Samantha Rose, Amelia Ryea, Brian Ryea, Paige Whitman, Christopher Wilford, Blaire Williams, Hattie York

UNDERSTUDIES
Lia McLaughlin (Young Anna & Young Elsa)

Meet the Cast

Taylor Baxley (Bulda) is excited to make Frozen her second park show experience with the Market Theatre Company. Taylor is a 2020 Lander University graduate with a B.S. in Music Education (Choral Emphasis), and after teaching elementary general music in Laurens and Greenwood for six years, she is making the switch to middle school choir as the new ACTS Voice Teacher at Brewer Middle School in Greenwood. Taylor has most recently performed with the Greenwood Community Theatre in their productions of The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Florika/Ensemble) and Annie (Grace Farrell). Taylor's first time performing in the park was in Market's production of Rock of Ages (Regina), and her last Market performance was as Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Show. Taylor cannot wait for you to see the magical story of Frozen unfold! 

Mark Cawood (Weselton) loves performing at Carolina Wren Park, having appeared in Mamma Mia!, Shrek, The Tempest, Rock of Ages, and The Little Mermaid. He has also performed at Clemson Little Theatre, Electric City Playhouse, and with the Clemson Players. Thanks to Dylan Walton for finally getting his driver's license so Mark doesn't have to Uber him around anymore. All my love to Wendy for her love and support!

Hannah Clark (Ensemble) has previously appeared on the Market stage as an ensemble member in Matilda the Musical. She has also appeared in shows in Anderson across multiple theaters since 2018. Hannah is excited to bring Frozen the Musical to life!

Kelly Crittendon (Anna) has been performing, designing, and directing shows in the Upstate for the past two decades. Some of her past onstage roles include Miss Honey in Matilda (MKT), Natalie in Next to Normal (MKT), Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (GCT), and Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet (MTP). Kelly had the pleasure of making her directorial debut with Frozen Jr. in 2022, and returning to this beloved story in a new way feels so special. When she is not involved in a show, Kelly teaches middle school ELA and chases her toddler around. Kelly is thrilled to be a part of the magic in our beautiful community! 

Heather Elliott (Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the park with Market after her debut on the upstage last year in The Little Mermaid! Since then, she has been in the 24 Hour Musical’s production of Annie and Clemson Little Theatre’s production of Bright Star. When not onstage, she serves as the current Theatre Director at D.W. Daniel High School, where she recently directed Trap and Frozen. (You won’t want to miss their upcoming fall production: One Stoplight Town!) When not rehearsing, you can probably find Heather curled up with her two cats (Jinx and Juniper), a London Fog, and a good book. She’d love to thank her family and her husband for their endless support and hopes you enjoy the show! 

Rachel Gasdia (Elsa) is so excited to be returning to Carolina Wren Park as Elsa in Frozen! You may recognize her from Market’s productions of Into the Woods (Cinderella) and The Great Gatsby (Jordan Baker). Some of Rachel’s favorite past productions include Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Once (Girl) (CCT), Newsies (Katherine Plumber) (MCC), and Rent (Maureen Johnson) (MCC, SLT). Rachel would like to thank Noah and Carlie for allowing her the opportunity to step into such a wonderful character and make magic for so many children and adults alike. She would also like to thank her sister, Erika, for she wouldn’t understand the power of a sister’s love without her. Finally, she would like to thank you, the audience, for sharing in this beautiful tale of family, frost, and learning to let it go!

Landon Greer (Sven) is ecstatic to be back performing in Caroline Wren Park with Market Theatre for his second year! Landon was last seen here as Antipholus of Ephesus in Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors. He’s also been seen recently in the ensemble of Spartanburg Little Theatre’s production of Bonnie and Clyde, and as Freddie Fellowes in Mauldin’s Theatre Company’s production of Noises Off. Landon would like to thank Noah and Carlie for this amazing opportunity as well as the entire Greer family for their never-ending support!

Chase McAbee (Oaken) is excited to return to Market Theatre as a cast member! As a Greenville native and graduate of Furman University, he serves as the Director of Choral Music and Musical Theatre at High Point Academy (Spartanburg) and oversees the music for the Chapel Services at Christ Church (Greenville). Previous credits include Greenville Theatre’s Frozen the Broadway Musical (Music Director), HPA’s Hadestown: Teen Edition (Music Director/Band Band Leader), Market Theatre’s Jagged Little Pill (Music Director), Spartanburg District One’s Frozen the Broadway Musical (Music Director/Orchestra Conductor), Furman University’s Between the Lines (Music Director/Vocal Coach/Band Leader), and Centre Stage’s Waitress (Music Director). He would like to thank his parents and his spouse for their love and support! 

Lia McLaughlin (Ensemble, u/s Young Anna & Young Elsa) is excited to be part of this wonderful cast! This is her third production with the Market Theatre. She was a member of the ensemble in The Little Mermaid (2026) and James and the Giant Peach (2025). Additionally, she played the role of Lucille in the Southwood Academy of the Arts' 2025 production of Junie B in Jingle Bells Batman Smells. Lia has attended Market Theatre summer camps for the past five years. She has been dancing since she was three and is currently a member of the Electric City Dance Arts competition dance team. This fall, Lia will be a 7th grader at Southwood Academy of the Arts. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her love of theatre with the community!

Jean O’Halloran (Ensemble) is a homeschooled rising junior and is ecstatic to be a part of this show! She has been involved in many aspects of theatre for over four years and plans to continue performing for the rest of her life. Acting credits include Shrek in Shrek Jr. (Electric City Playhouse), Leroy in Dragons Love Tacos (Market Theatre School Tour), and her role in Godspell (Project Challenge Playhouse). She would like to thank this phenomenal cast for all their hard work, and she hopes you enjoy the show! 

Emmylou Owens (Ensemble) is a proud member of the McCants Middle Theatre program and is thrilled to be returning to the Market Theatre stage for Frozen. Her previous theater credits include I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and SpongeBob the Musical with Project Challenge Playhouse, as well as The Little Mermaid with Market Theatre. Emmylou loves performing and is grateful to her family, directors, and fellow cast members for their encouragement and support.  

Marçia Parker (Ensemble) holds a BA in Theatre from The College of Charleston. Previous credits include being in the Acting ensemble of The Pages Festival at CofC and Deb/Ensemble in The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals at Center Stage: Charleston. She is so excited for you all to see Frozen and hopes you all enjoy the show!

Will Purcell (Pabbie/Dance Captain) is thrilled to be making his Carolina Wren Park Show debut with Market Theatre! Will has been a part of Market Theatre’s annual 24 Hour Musical for the past four years and also appeared in the company’s 2024 production of The Music Man. A native of Greenwood, South Carolina, he is frequently seen both onstage and behind the scenes at Greenwood Community Theatre. Some of his favorite roles include Billy Cane in Bright Star, Link Larkin in Hairspray, and Rooster in Annie. Will would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his friends and family for their constant love and support, and especially to the entire Market Theatre team for the opportunity to be part of this incredible production in such a beautiful outdoor setting. He hopes you enjoy Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical!

Eden Rexrode (Ensemble) is delighted to join the cast of Frozen! This is her first Market Theatre production, but she has been performing across the Upstate for several years. Her favorite past roles include Sandy Cheeks, SpongeBob the Musical (Project Challenge Playhouse); Alice Beineke, The Addams Family (AU Repertory Theatre); White Rabbit, Alice, An Adventure in Wonderland (Clemson Little Theatre); Liesel, Sound of Music, Jr. (Lighthouse Christian Theatre); and Katherine Plumber, Newsies (Stagecraft Theater for Kids). She would like to thank her family and friends for their continued support and encouragement.

Absalon Richardson (Kristoff) is an Anderson native with a BS in Music Education from Lander University. His acting credits include Spotlight and 26 Pebbles (Lander Players), Oklahoma and Suessical (Greenwood Community Theatre), Kinky Boots, Rock of Ages, The Rocky Horror Show, Something Rotten and Jagged Little Pill (Market Theatre). Coming off his last show park show as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, Absalon is excited to be a part of a phenomenal project with such a talented, hardworking cast and crew.

Megan Ropp (Queen Iduna) is very happy to be back in the South, where she belongs, after spending the last year working an internship in Columbus, Ohio. Her most recent credits are performing as Kathy Selden in Singin' in the Rain and performing in a musical cabaret as the Witch from Into the Woods, both at Southern Wesleyan University, from which she graduated with a BA in Music Performance in 2024. Outside of her theatre experiences, Megan is very busy working as a worship leader and a barista at a coffee shop, so she is excited to still have the opportunity to be a part of such a fun show and wonderful cast!  

Susanna Ropp (Young Elsa) is a rising 6th grader who enjoys rollerblading, volleyball, playing piano, and theater. She has been in 6 shows in the last 3 years. She especially likes musicals because she loves to sing. Her favorite character to play was Jojo in Seussical the Musical at Foothills Playhouse. This is Susie's first show with Market, and she has enjoyed every minute of playing Young Elsa and getting to know the cast. Thank you to Carlie and Noah for directing this wonderful show!

Sammy Rose (Ensemble) is an 8th grader at Southwood Academy of the Arts for chorus. Some of her favorite roles that she has played include Jasmine in Aladdin Jr, Sam the engineer in Singin’ in the Rain Jr,  Hortensia in Matilda Jr, the U/S of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and Ensemble in The Music Man. Sammy spends most of her free time singing and dancing. Quality time with friends and family is one of Sammy’s favorite things. She is so excited you all came to see this performance, and wants to thank the directors for giving her this opportunity, and her siblings for inspiring her to act. 

Amelia Ryea (Ensemble) This is Amelia’s second performance with Market Theatre; she was previously in The Little Mermaid. She likes to hang out with friends, family, and her pets. She’s in the eighth grade, plays the tuba, and is a member of her middle school’s drama club. She is very excited to be in this show and be a part of Market Theatre. 

Brian Ryea (Ensemble) has previously appeared in The Little Mermaid and Escape to Margaritaville for Market Theatre. This is the second show he’s been in with his daughter, and he loves that he can share the stage with her. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his two kids, Amelia and James.  

Evan Sand (King Agnarr & Others) is thrilled to have the opportunity to share the stage with his daughter. He would like you to consider that inside of every man is a child that just wants to play pretend. Embrace that child and just have fun! 

Harper Sand (Young Anna) This is Harper Sand’s second time playing the role of Young Anna, and she is so honored to have the opportunity to look at this role as an experienced actor rather than a young girl looking for a new hobby. Her past productions include Sky in Beetlejuice Jr. (Clemson Little Theatre), Orphan Ensemble in Annie (South Carolina Children’s Theatre), Smee in Peter and the Starcatcher (Wren High School), and Nun/ Ensemble in The Sound of Music (Lighthouse Christian Theatre). She is so grateful to finally be in a show with her dad, Evan Sand. She also wants to give a huge thanks to Whitney Sand, her mom, for spending her birthday weekend watching her and her dad in Frozen!

Dylan Walton (Hans) is excited to be back in the park with Market Theatre. He is a Senior Performing Arts Theatre Major at Clemson University. He was last seen in the park in The Comedy of Errors as Antipholus of Syracuse, in The Little Mermaid as Prince Eric, and onstage with the Clemson Players in Twelfth Night as Valentine. When not performing, Dylan enjoys playing games, spending time with friends, and rock climbing. He would like to thank Noah, Carlie, and the production team for this incredible opportunity. 

Paige Whitman (Ensemble) is, as Little Red put it a few years ago, excited and scared to be in her first park show! As Box Office Manager for The Market, she’s usually strolling around, handing out programs/fans, and taking lots of breaks. Paige is a Paraprofessional at Midway Elementary, working in Special Education. She also sings with Gamac and the Concert of Hope and Remembrance Choir. She was most recently seen in Puffs (Market Theatre). Other favorite shows include: Les Misérables (CLT), Tuck Everlasting (ECP), Addams Family (Market Theatre), and many others! Thanks to Noah for letting me be a part of such a beautiful story! Enjoy Frozen!!!

Christopher Wilford (Ensemble) is a senior in high school, and, despite being new to theatre, has greatly enjoyed his time in the Market community. After his first role in Shakesbeer in the Park: The Comedy of Errors (Angelo), Chris fell in love with acting and has finally returned to Carolina Wren Park for his first musical.

Ben Williams (Olaf) is excited to welcome you all to Arendelle! Some of his previous Market credits include Ensemble in Escape to Margaritaville, Doctor Pinch in The Comedy of Errors, and Ensemble in Something Rotten. He has also been seen recently in Market’s 24 Hour Musical. He would like to thank the amazing cast and crew. He would also like to give a special shoutout to his family, teachers, and peers who push him to be the best he can be, and hopes that you enjoy all of the hard work put into the show! “Now c’mon, let’s go bring back summer!”

Blaire Williams (Ensemble, Junior Dance Captain) is a rising 9th grader at TL Hanna. She is excited to return to The Market Theatre, especially a show in the park! Her past credits include Sponge Bob (Patrick), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Hermey), Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), The Matchmaker, Finding Nemo Jr, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Addams Family (Pugsley), Honk, Beauty and the Beast at Project Challenge Playhouse, as well as The Little Mermaid, James in the Giant Peach, Matilda, Junie B Jones: Jingle Bells Batman Smells, and Annie at the Market Theatre. She has had the best time working with this cast and is thankful for the friendships she has made! Enjoy the show!!

Hattie York (Hidden Folk Child/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back on stage in Frozen! Her previous credits include Bruce in Matilda and Junie B. Jones in Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! at Southwood Academy of the Arts, as well as Nemo in Finding Nemo at Project Challenge Playhouse. Hattie loves to sing, dance, and entertain any audience she can find. She'd like to thank her parents for driving her to rehearsals all over town — she couldn't do it without them! Enjoy the show!

Meet the Production Team

Mikie Brown (Assistant Stage Manager) holds a MAT in Secondary English Education from Clemson University. He has acted in fun shows like Jagged Little Pill and Escape to Margaritaville and worked as crew for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Outside of theatre, he can be found playing Dungeons and Dragons, reading horror novels, and getting up to hijinks and shenanigans.  

Dalton Cole (Technical Director) offers his skills as a scenic designer, master carpenter, and technical director to all of The Market’s productions. Dalton most recently performed on stage as Nick Massi in Jersey Boys (Market), Gomez in The Addams Family (Market), and Smudge in Forever Plaid and Plaid Tidings (Mill Town Players). He made his directorial debut in 2017 with It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at The Market and recently directed The Market's Something Rotten!, Hands on a Hardbody, Bonnie & Clyde, The Great Gatsby, and Mamma Mia! in the park. He enjoys woodworking and tinkering with cars, and he loves his wife and all three of his daughters.

Caroline Cox (Crew) is a Senior Elementary Education Major with a minor in Dance at Anderson University. Caroline has a love for theatre and dance and has most recently been seen in three of Anderson University’s dance concerts. Caroline also recently assisted with the Market Theatres Sing and Dance K-Pop summer camp. Caroline is excited to help out with Frozen this year! 

Nikki Hagel (Makeup & Wig Designer) is so excited to be a part of the Frozen production team as the Hair & Makeup designer. You may have seen her other work in Cabaret at Centre Stage, Cinderella at SLT, and Kinky Boots at SLT. When not working behind the scenes, Nikki can also be seen onstage. Favorite roles include: Princess Pamela in Head over Heels, Little Red in Into the Woods, Charlotte in Cinderella, and last seen at Market in the production of Jagged Little Pill. 

Lin Hagen (Costume Designer) is a retired middle school English teacher who has launched into a new avenue of fun with costuming. She has sewn since her kid days of making doll clothes and then her own outfits. Since retirement, she has costumed many of Anderson’s Shakespeare in the Park productions - Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, The Adventures of Pericles, and The Tempest. She has worked with Market Theatre on The Little Mermaid and Little Shop of Horrors, and Anderson University on several productions and costumed the President’s Gala for three years. In her free time, she loves playing with her dogs, Charlie and Henry, yoga, gardening, reading, cooking, and a little traveling. She hopes you love seeing your favorite characters of Arendelle in Frozen.

Samael Lazarus (Crew) (he/him) is a storyteller who believes wholeheartedly in the real-life magic of theatre and is passionate about bringing imaginative tales to life. Some previous acting credits include Wayne Hopkins in Puffs, Prospero in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Moth in Love’s Labour's Lost, and John Watson in The Hound of the Baskervilles. When not rehearsing a new project, he can be found hanging out with his cat, Stormy, and geeking out over his favorite Superman films. He sends all his love to his chosen family!

Chris Liles (Lighting Designer & Crew) is excited to be back in the park for another summer musical! Recent onstage credits with Market Theatre include Steve Healy in Jagged Little Pill, Lord Clapham in Something Rotten!, and Bob Crewe in Jersey Boys. Behind the scenes, Chris has served as Lighting Designer for The Little Mermaid, Escape to Margaritaville, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged, as well as Sound Designer for The Music Man and Tick, Tick… Boom!. Regardless of the role, Chris is always grateful to be a part of the Market Theatre community!

Colin Moroney (Crew) is excited to be part of Market Theatre's production of Frozen. Previous credits include: Guys and Dolls (MTP), Escape to Margaritaville (MT), How it Feels To Fall From the Sky (CS). He is a current student at Clemson University pursuing a degree in Economics and Performing Arts! Enjoy the show!

Alison Rena (Stage Manager, Sound Op, & Sound Designer) is a graduate of the South Carolina School of the Arts, obtaining a B.A. in Theatre Directing with a minor in music. There, she has had the opportunity to direct works such as The Outsiders and The Last Five Years. Recent projects in the Upstate have been stage managing The Little Mermaid and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She is also a Voice and Piano Teacher in Anderson, SC. Alison is excited to share this show with you all!

Lucy Southwell (Props Designer) is thrilled to be involved in another production with The Market Theatre. Lucy has been involved in many aspects of theatre since she caught “the acting bug” at Woodmont High School. She has been an actor, director, stage manager, sound operator, box office attendant, usher, and the back end of a wooden alligator in a production of Peter Pan. Past Market Theatre productions: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Lucy), Jagged Little Pill (Props), The Play That Goes Wrong (Sandra/Florence), The Comedy of Errors (Dromio of Syracuse). Past Mill Town Players productions: The Odd Couple (Gwendolyn Pigeon), Arsenic and Old Lace (Props), Always Patsy Cline (Dresser), and Annie Get Your Gun (Assistant Director). Past Mauldin Theater Company productions: Midsummer Night’s Dream (Co-Director), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Berowne), As You Like It (Jaques), and Twelfth Night (Valentine/Priest). She would like to thank her husband, James Bedford, for his continued love, support, and accent coaching. 

Carlie Taylor (Director & Choreographer) is the cofounder of Market Theatre Company. You can find her at her dream job teaching elementary theatre at Calhoun Academy of the Arts. She loves all forms of theatre, but her passion is bringing the magic of theatre to children. Some of her favorite Directing and Choreography credits include The Fantastiks, Sweeney Todd, Shrek the Musical,  Into the Woods Jr,  Little Mermaid Jr, Annie, Junie B. Jones the Musical, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,  and multiple 24 Hour Musicals and Market Theatre Summer Camps.  Carlie loves traveling, watching reality TV, and eating spicy food.  She has had so much fun working with this cast and crew and appreciates them being down to try her crazy ideas. Directing with her husband Noah has been so special, and their 8-year-old son Elias has been along for the ride in the very important role of assistant director. Enjoy the show! 

Noah Taylor (Director, Producer, & Scenic Designer) holds a Master of Arts in Theatre from Regent University as well as a BA in both Graphic Design/Theatre from the SC School of the Arts at Anderson University. He formerly served three years as the Community Theatre Chair for the SC Theatre Association and two years on staff with the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). He is the Executive Artistic Director at Market. Noah was selected as one of Anderson’s 20 Under 40 rising community leaders. As a high school student, Noah fell in love with the stage after having the opportunity to play Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. Following a ten-year break from acting, he recently returned to the stage as Chip in Spelling Bee and in his all-time dream role, Mark Cohen, in Market’s landmark production of RENT. He enjoys directing, producing, and marketing in the theatre industry. Some favorite directing credits include Into the Woods (in Carolina Wren Park), Next to Normal, Sweeney Todd, Godspell, Almost Maine, The Fantasticks, Matilda, Shrek the Musical, and four 24 Hour Musicals. He is married to Market co-founder Carlie, and they have an eight-year-old son, Elias.

Jennings Thompson (Music Director) (he/him) is thrilled to bring the magic of Disney’s Frozen to life for the 4th time! He works as a freelance music director, accompanist, and conductor for shows in the Upstate SC and surrounding areas. Jennings recently closed both Footloose and Rent on Keyboard 2 at Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, NC. Later this fall, he will be music directing and conducting Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Anderson University. He is in his last semester at AU (B.A. Music, double minor in Music Directing and Theatre) and will pursue music directing and keyboard playing professionally afterward. He has thoroughly enjoyed working with this amazing cast this summer, and hopes you enjoy the show just as much as he enjoyed putting it all together. Jennings invites you to sit back, “let it go,” and enjoy the magic of Market’s Frozen!