Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka -

Wayne Hudson II is very grateful to be making his return to the Rose's stage as Willy Wonka! It's been almost three years since his last performance here as "Clarence" in "It's A Wonderful Life" back in 2021, but you may have seen him recently as "Omari" in "Pipeline" at the Omaha Community Playhouse last fall, or as "Angel" in "Rent" also at the Playhouse in spring 2023. The Tim Burton rendition of Charlie and the Chocolate factory was one of Wayne's favorite movies growing up as a kid, and Wonka's lines from the film were quoted often amongst his family, so to be a part of this show feels very nostalgic for Wayne. Outside of theatre, Wayne works as an acting coach for Millard North Show Choirs, loves fashion and styling, and enjoys being out in nature. He hopes your time in the chocolate factory is sweet beyond compare!

Charlie Bucket -

Landon is excited to make his debut at the Rose Theater MainStage show Charlie and the Chocolate Factory playing Charlie Bucket. Landon is 13 years old and has been taking acting classes at the Rose Theater since he was 3 years old. He has starred in many roles in the Rose Theater Mini & Junior Brigade productions- Daddy Warbucks in Annie KIDS, Aladdin in Aladdin KIDS, Pinocchio in My Son Pinocchio JR., Marty the Zebra in Madagascar JR., a Wickersham Brother in Seussical JR. and Grasshopper in James and the Giant Peach JR.
He also performed as JoJo in Seussical last summer at the Papillion Area Community Theater and last fall as Young Thomas in TuckEverlasting at the Papillion La Vista South High School. He will be in eighth grade at Russell Middle School in the fall. When he’s not performing on the theater stage he enjoys playing his violin with the Frontier Strings or school orchestra, playing in the percussion ensemble in his school band, or performing with his school show choir. Landon is very grateful to be a part of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Grandpa Joe -

Jon Hickerson is thrilled to make his Rose Theatre debut with this fun show! Omaha credits include Legionnaire in ”What the Constitution Means to Me” and “Holiday Hootenanny” (Bluebarn), Opera Omaha Chorus for “Sweeney Todd”, “La Traviata”, and “El último sueño de Frida y Diego” (Orpheum), Narrator in “The Rocky Horror Show” (Rave On), Don in “Kinky Boots”, Ghost of Christmas Present in “Christmas Carol”, and “Respect” (Omaha Community Playhouse), “Ho-Ho-Homicide” and “Murder at Calumet Social Club” (Theatre-To-Go at Joslyn Castle), Grandpa George/Mr. Salt in “Willy Wonka” (Rave On), Harry in “Mamma Mia”, Man 2 in “World Goes Round”, and “Ring of Fire ” (PART). Jon earned a BFA from Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Chicagoland credits include “Promises, Promises” and “Sweeney Todd” (Porchlight), “The Fantasticks” (Metropolis), “Mikado” (Noble Fool), “Once Upon A Mattress” (Emerald City), “Great American Trailer Park Musical” (Kokandy), and a season with Wagon Wheel Theatre in Indiana. Jon can also be seen in several regional commercials and is the proudest Papa to his fierce and fabulous 7-year old daughter.

Augustus Gloop -

Joey is excited to return to The Rose stage again after appearing previously as Francis in Big Nate! The Musical, Miss Trunchbull in Matilda The Musical, Matthews/Store Santa in Elf The Musical (2019 production), and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Other favorite roles include Ethel Merman in Christmas With The Crawfords at SNAP Productions, Simon Zealotes in Jesus Christ Superstar at Omaha Community Playhouse, and William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Playhouse at Ralston Community Theatre. Joey has a degree in Theatre Performance from The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at UNL, and currently works as a paraprofessional with Omaha Public Schools. Many thanks to Mark for 8 years of marriage, support, friendship, and love, and to Juli and Falcon for being the best fur children in the world, even if they can't read this.

Mrs. Gloop -

Karl Houser is overjoyed to help bring imagination and wimsy alive as Mrs. Gloop. Karl produces a podcast, River Heights Radio, with his partner Hope. He would like to thank his band, The Tone Downs, for giving him so much time to pursue other interests. An alumni of both the local Backline Comedy Theater and Chicago's IO theater, Karl is a teacher and coach of the improvisational arts, as well as having founded the Nebraska Improvised Shakespeare Enterprise. As an improv coach, Karl would like to thank his teams, Tears on the Podium and Chicken Party for their consistent willingness to reschedule. Karl aspires to be an instigator, rabble rouser, and leader in his community. Special thanks his family, Hope and Robert Busby.

Veruca Salt -

Eleni is delighted to tour the chocolate factory as Veruca Salt in her debut role on the Rose’s Mainstage! She is 13 and will soon be an 8th grader at Platteview Central Junior High. Eleni has been attending musical theater, dance, and voice classes at the Rose Studios for Youth Artists since she was 7 years old. She was a member of the Junior Rose Brigade from 4th through 6th grade and just wrapped up her first year in the Senior Rose Brigade. In her free time, Eleni enjoys making jewelry, reading books, and belting Taylor Swift. She also likes to spend time with her three dogs: Chad, Seth, and Doug.

Mr. Salt -

Brian Guehring has been a member of the acting company at The Rose for 26 years. He has recently has been seen on our stage as Rabbit/Owl in Winnie the Pooh, Skipper the Penguin in Madagascar, Mr. Krahler in Diary of Anne Frank, and Lord Farquaad in Shrek. Brian is also the Playwright in Residence of the Omaha Theater Company. Brian’s recent scripts for the Rose have included the Popularity Coach, Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular, The Mysterious Case Files of Silver Cash Money Detective (school tour) and the upcoming Secret Kindness Agents. He earned his MFA in theater for young audiences from University of Texas at Austin and his BA in theater from Duke University. Brian is previously served on the national board of directors of Theater for Young Audiences/USA. Brian teaches drama classes on Saturdays, after school and all summer!

Additional Credits:
• Mouse King in Nutcracker (ballet)
• Stepsister in CINDERELLA (ballet)
• LINUS in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown
• Prince John in ROBIN HOOD
• Co-Director PRIDE PLAYERS
• Playwright Pirates of Neverland (summer youth show)
• Co-Director Newsies and Matilda (senior brigade musicals)
• Playwright OLD YELLER, WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, BULY SHOW

Violet Beauregarde -

Sydney is so excited to be back performing on the roses main stage! She made her debut back in the fall of 2023 as Muffy in Arthur and Friends Make a Musical, and has been itching to get back to performing once more. Sydney has loved the arts from a very young age, and is thoroughly involved in programs with The Rose Youth Studio. She is an active member of the Senior Rose Brigade, which is directed by the amazing David Nuno and Jerry Brabec. She would also like to thank her family for always supporting her in all that she does, and her directors for always lighting the way and shaping her into the performer that she is now.

Mr. Beauregarde -

Jared Dominguez (Mr. Beauregarde) is thrilled to be a part of this “scrumdiddlyumptious” show! Dominguez is a local Omaha stage and film actor, having recently been seen in the title role of Circle Theatre’s production of “The Little Prince”. Dominguez has also appeared on stage at Bellevue Little Theatre, Omaha Fringe Festival, SNAP! Productions, and the Ollie Webb Center. Jared is also a professional swing dancer and teaches with the Omaha Jitterbugs. Jared would like to thank God, his friends, and his family for their support!

Additional Credits:
• Up & Away - Phil Fogg (2022)
• Sharing Our Stories (2023)

Mike Teavee -

Johnathon is thrilled to make his Rose Theater debut! He has been acting for 7 years now. His credits include: Young Simba in Lion King Kids (2018), Narrator/Lamp Vendor in Alladin Kids (2019), Bagheera in Jungle Book Kids (2019) all at Loveland Elementary; Burbage in I Hate Shakespeare (2020), Johnny Casino in Grease (2021), and the Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz (2022) at Westside Middle School; Freddy Hamilton (2021) at the Omaha Community Playhouse; Ensemble in Seussical (2023) at Papillion LaVista Community Theatre; and Ensemble in Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (2023), J Finch Fletchly in Puffs (2023), and Ensemble in Newsies (2024) at Westside High School. Johnathon has performed in show choir at Westside Middle and High Schools. He has played drums for over 10 years and has drummed for the Westside Middle School Show Choir and Musical (2024). Johnathon is grateful to his family for their support and encouragement. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Mrs. Teavee -

Jennifer Gilg is excited to return to The Rose Theatre to tell this classic story. She last appeared at the Rose two years ago as the Baroness in The Sound of Music. Jennifer is a regular performer on Omaha stages, including the Omaha Community Playhouse, the Blue Barn Theatre, the Bellevue Little Theatre, SNAP! Productions, and the Shelterbelt Theatre. Favorite roles include Vivian Bearing in W;t (The Lofte Theatre) (OEA Award, Best Actress in a Play), Jesse in Sweat (OCP), Helen in Fun Home (OCP), Aldonza in Man of La Mancha (OCP), Harper in Angels in America (SNAP), Mary Bland in Eating Raoul (Shelterbelt Theatre), and Amalia in She Loves Me (Chanticleer and Dundee Dinner Theatre). By day, Jennifer works as an attorney with the Federal Public Defender’s Office.

Grandma Josephina / Parent -

Sherry Josand Fletcher is delighted to return to The Rose after a 9-year absence. This marks her 10th performance since 1988, and her second time for "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." (In 1991 she was Grandma Georgina at the Emmy Gifford!) Her favorite role at the Rose so far is Mrs. Mayor in "Seussical." Sherry has also performed with Bellevue Little Theater, Blue Barn, Chanticleer, Circle Theater, GPTC, Omaha Community Playhouse, Papillion-La Vista Community Theater, Shelterbelt, SNAP!, Voices in Alliance, many more companies long gone, and also appeared in Alexander Payne’s first movie, "Citizen Ruth." She has received numerous OEAA nominations and multiple TAG acting awards. Sherry is a docent at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and performs with Theater-to-Go and the Omaha Dancing Grannies. Her all-time favorite role is Bubbe to her grandson, Miles.

Additional Credits:
Rose Theater: Oliver, Madeline, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Little House Christmas, Seussical, Annie, Zen Ties
Other favorites: Baby (Dundee Dinner Theater), Talley's Folly (Chanticleer), El Grande de Coca Cola (Omaha Community Playhouse), The Cemetery Club (Theater at the J), Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding (Jagarundi), Side Show (Stages of Omaha), Hot Flashes (Little Apple), The Farndale Avenue Townswomen Present a Murder Mystery (Circle), Follies (Chanticleer), The Quality of Life (SNAP), A Little Night Music (Bellevue Little Theater)

Grandma Georgina / Parent -

Regional stage credits include Stinky Cheese Man (Ensemble), Penguin Problems (Ensemble), Elf the Musical (Sam), Click, Clack Moo (Mother), Always, Patsy Cline (Louise), Ring of Fire (June), Beehive ( (Ensemble), Shrek (Dragon/Mama Bear), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother),Cabaret (Sally Bowles) Horrible Harry (Teacher), Junie B. Jones (Teacher), Miss Nelson is Missing (Miss Nelson),Nunsense (Sr. Mary Leo), Seussical (Bird Girl), Royal Carribean Cruise Lines (Singer/Dancer), Royal Viking Cruise Lines (Singer, Dancer), Carnival Cruise Lines (Singer, Dancer), Sally Cruise Lines (singer, dancer) Beehive (National Tour/Ensemble), to name a few.

Choreography credits include Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Elf the Musical, Seussical, Crazy for You, Cinderella, Annie, Beehive, Peter Pan, Matilda, Cabaret, Penguin Problems, Ring of FIre, Shrek, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beehive, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 42nd Street, Nunsense, Once Upon a Mattress, and Peter and the Starcatcher, to name a few. Sue served as the Rose Theater Director of Musical Theater/Dance and has also choreographed numerous high school show choirs.

She is the recipient of the national Freddy G., Outstanding Musical Theater Educator award, The Omaha Theater Arts Guild Outstanding Theater Educator recipient, awarded "best choreography" for North High School show choir (regional level), as well as for her original pieces, "Sucked Under" and "Wipe Out," at regional dance competitions.

She dabbles in film and recently shot a regional casino commercial, as well as short film, Hestia's Thanksgiving (Hera/Anarchy Productions). Her first feature film, Between the Lines (Maria/Bitter Hipster Productions), is set to be released in 2024. She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the Film by the Iowa Motion Picture Association.

Sue is the proud mom of Claire and Parker and would like to thank them, and her husband, Bill for all their support. Insta: @suevalker

Grandpa George / Parent -

Jim is thrilled to make his Rose Theater debut as Grandpa George. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is very dear to his heart. He identified with Charlie during his own childhood and would watch the movie whenever it came on tv! Jim started in community theater in the Omaha area over 10 years ago. He has been very excited to work with so many wonderful people from the crews, cast and director. As always, love to his husband, Mark, his mother Suzie, and two newest kiddos, Servando and Wankan Hdi.

Additional Credits:
• General Waverly- White Christmas (Bellevue Little Theatre)
• Scrooge- A Christmas Carol (Naples, Italy)
• Pirelli- Sweeney Todd (Chanticleer Theater)

Mrs. Bucket -

Brittney is excited to make her Rose Theater debut as Mrs. Bucket in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory!
Previous theatre credits include "Zadie" in 6 Guns Runnin' at the Benson Theatre, "Soprano" in 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s at the TADA Theatre, "Robin" in Godspell with Rave On Productions
(ROP) at the Benson Theatre, "Grandma Georgina/Mrs. Beauregard" in Willy Wonka with ROP at the Scottish Rite, "Nettie" in The Color Purple, and "Spirit" in Bright Star
both at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP), 'Transylvanian" in The Rocky Horror Show (2023-2021) at the Slowdown, "Justice Charlier" in Rock of Ages at the Waiting Room, "Snowbird" & "Apollo
Singer" in The Buddy Holly Story, all with ROP, she was a featured performer in the outdoor concert series Don't Stop Me Now with ROP hosted by OCP, she played "Aly" in Mamma Mia! at the P.A.R.T
Theater, '"Maid Cecille" in Annie at OCP, ''Miss Pain" in The Bubbly Black Girl at The Union for Contemporary Arts, and During the pandemic she Stage Managed Gutenberg: The Musical! with The Candy Project, hosted by OCP. She is the Marketing Coordinator at OCP, and when not on stage she likes to play ukulele, knit, and teach visual arts (paint & chalk) at McGuigan Arts Academy. Follow Brittney on Instagram @brittneyvonne

Mr. Bucket / Oompa Loompa / Villager / US Wonka -

This will be Trey’s second production at The Rose Theatre (Elf the musical, ensemble ). Other favorite productions include: Ensemble in The color purple and dreamgirls ​(OCP)​, ​and most recently, Inheritance part 1&2 (voices in alliance.) “In every audience there is a king, and if you play for that king nothing can go wrong”- Troupe #3661

Mrs. Green / Villager / Reporter -

Faushia Raquel (Fay-osh-uh) eagerly makes her third appearance on the Rose mainstage. She feels so fortunate to bring yet another of her favorite childhood stories to life. She graduated with a B.A. in Theatre from University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2016. Since then, she's performed locally at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Union for Contemporary Art, John Beasley Theater, Great Plains Conference, etc. Most recently, she played Mrs. Claus in Rudolph here at the Rose and an ensemble member in 9 to 5 at Bellevue Little Theatre. In the future, she hopes to expand and also explore more film and directing opportunities. In the meantime, you can find her directing the youth choir at her church, heading a new women’s group, the Sweet Circle, volunteering in the Gifford Park Neighborhood, and raising a spunky little girl. She’s grateful to her family for all their support.

Additional Credits:
• Ensemble - Beauty & the Beast
• Powell - Men On Boats - University of Nebraska-Omaha
• Puck - Midsummer's Night Dream - Omaha Fringe Festival
• Ruth - Raisin in the Sun - Omaha Community Playhouse

Jerry / Oompa Loompa / US Mr. Salt/Augustus -

Jesse Wohlman is a singer, actor, songwriter, and private music instructor based in Omaha, Nebraska. Locally, He has had the pleasure of working with a variety of performing arts organizations including the Omaha Symphony, BLUEBARN Theater, Opera Omaha, Vesper Concerts, Salt Creek Song Festival, and is a core member of the vocal ensemble Résonance. Jesse was last seen on the Rose stage as the Beast in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and he is thrilled to be back now in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Cherry / Oompa Loompa -

Reanna Rohrer is a Theater Practitioner specializing in Trauma-informed Education, Devising for Performance, and the Performing Arts. She obtained a B.F.A. in Theatre Studies from Nebraska Wesleyan University, specializing in Musical Theatre, Playwriting, and Theatre Leadership. Reanna's professional journey began as the Director of Education at BLIXT Arts Lab. She has furthered her education as a Consent-Based Theatre Intern under the guidance of Matt Denney, a teaching artist with Intimacy Directors and Coordination Professionals, and the founder of Consent Creatives in Arizona. Reanna has taught and performed across the Midwest, with notable roles including Martha in Spring Awakening, Jo March in Little Women, and Gretchen in Not too Far Distant. Most recently she has made her Omaha debut as Margaret in 9 to 5 the Musical at Bellevue Little Theatre. She absolutely adores this classic story and is excited to tell this story along with the rest of the wonderful cast.

Additional Credits:
• Martha - Spring Awakening - GoodNight Theatre Collective
• Gretchen/White - Not too Far Distant - BLIXT Arts Lab
• Jo March - Little Women the Musical - Nebraska Wesleyan University
• Junie B Jones - Junie B Jones the Musical - Washington Pavilion
• Elle Woods - Legally Blonde the Musical - Augustana University
• Medium Alison - Fun Home - Nebraska Wesleyan University

Oompa Loompa / Villager / Reporter / US Mrs. Teavee/Mrs. Bucket/Mrs. Green -

After graduating with my theater degree, I sought out professional theater work at The Rose Theater as their Production Technician. I find great fulfillment in the work that I do both on stage and behind the scenes. I am incredibly grateful to be on stage as part of yet another Rose production!

Oompa Loompa / Kid / US Charlie -

Addie is particularly excited to make her acting debut in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as it is one of her favorite stories. Addie is a 5th grader at Sunset Hills Elementary. She has performed on stage musically with her school band, in local voice recitals and with the Nebraska All-State Children’s Choir. Addie enjoys reading, creative arts, time with her family and friends and the next new adventure.

Oompa Loompa / Gum Chompin' Diva / US Violet -

Ashlynn is very excited to be making her Rose Theater debut in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Ashlynn is also a first year member of the Senior Rose Brigade where they preformed Guys and Dolls Jr and performed on the Atlanta JTF MainStage debuting Junie B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School. Some of her favorite roles include Beth Bradley in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at Bellevue Little Theatre, and Sour Kangaroo in “Seussical” and Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” at SNJ Studio of Music. In her free time, Ashlynn loves to write, bake and spend time with her dog, Luna. She would like thank her Lord and Savior for this amazing opportunity as well as her Mom, Dad, Ava, Ali, and all her friends for their endless love and support.
Special thanks to Ashlynn’s first theater director, Susan Quint for teaching her everything she knows. Much love to all, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Additional Credits:
• Bullfrog/Grace—Honk Jr (Bellevue Dance Academy)
• Muriel—Newsies Jr (Bellevue Dance Academy)
• Melpomene—Xanadu Jr (Bellevue Dance Academy)
• Minstrel—Once Upon A Mattress (Bellevue Dance Academy)
• Ensemble—Aladdin Jr (Chanticleer Community Theater)
• Hot Box Girl/Gambler—Guys and Dolls Jr (Senior Rose Brigade)

Oompa Loompa / Gum Chompin' Diva / US Veruca -

Hannah Taylor is excited to make her Rose Theater debut! She has been in musical theater for three years, her first show being Matilda through the Rose Brigade. She is a sophomore at Marian High school, where she participates in Select Woman’s Choir, Show Choir, fall musical, spring play, and speech team. Outside of performing, she loves reading, making art, and getting coffee. She wants to thank her friends and family for all the support!

Additional Credits:
• Alice- Rose Brigade’s Matilda
• Babette- Marian High school’s Beauty and the Beast
• Curio- Marian High school’s Twelfth Night
• Featured Dancer- Marian High school’s Mamma Mia
• Kitty St. Germaine- Marian High School’s Cursing Mummies

Oompa Loompa / Gum Chompin' Diva / Kid -

My name is Lux Tipton and I am 13 years old. This is my second MainStage show at the rose And I play a Oopma Loopma/ensemble. I have been doing the rose for 3 years in the Junior and Senior Rose Brigade. I have been dancing since the age of 5 before Covid. I go to Beveridge Magnet Middle school and will be attending Central High School next year.

Additional Credits:
• “Arther and Friends make a Musical” as DW
• Rose Brigade shows: Madagascar, Seussical, Guys and Dolls, and the new work showcase in Atlanta, Georgia “Junie B’s essential Survival Guide”

Oompa Loompa / Kid / US Mike -

Sam is excited to be in his second ever Rose musical. He hopes to bring the magic of Wily Wonka to life as an Oompa Loompa.

Additional Credits:
• Leroy Herdman in The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever at Coach House Theater
• Doody in Grease at Westside Middle School
• Tin Man in Wizard of Oz at Westside Middle School
• Fireball in Rudolph at The Rose
• Romeo/Spot Conlon in Newsies at Westside High School

Music Director -

Jerry Brabec, tenor, is an Ordained Deacon on the clergy staff at Omaha Saint Paul United Methodist Church where he serves as Minister of Worship. His responsibilities include the overseeing of liturgical preparation for the congregation of 250. He also serves as choral director for Temple Israel’s Kol Rina. Awarded the Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska, he studied choral conducting with Dr. Cina Crisara and Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. As a chorister of the acclaimed Robert Shaw Festival Chorus at Carnegie Hall, he sang for five years under the baton of the late Robert Shaw; was twice selected one of six participants in the Alice Parker Melodius Accord Fellowship Program; and frequently continues his conducting studies with Ms. Parker during January in New York. At The Rose Theater the past fourteen seasons, “Charlie” marks his 56th show as a resident music director/vocal coach. He also serves as music director for the nationally acclaimed Senior Rose Brigade, one of the award winning offerings of the “Broadway at the Rose” program. Formerly, Jerry taught at the high school level for Council Bluffs Community Schools, served as associate artistic director of the Omaha Clarion Chorale, and as artistic director for the Kanesville Chorus and Renaissance Faire of the Midlands.

Assistant Stage Manager -

Kenzie is excited to be at the Rose again and working on this incredibly fun show! Kenzie has been working as a stage manager in the Omaha area some of their recent projects include Young Frankenstein at NCP, Dance Nation at BLUEBARN, and Stinky Cheese Man at the Rose Theater, along with other productions with the Rose as the 2022-2023 Stage Management Apprentice.