New Wendy in Neverland

New Wendy in Neverland is a fresh and imaginative re-telling inspired by the beloved world of Peter Pan. When a new Wendy arrives in Neverland, she brings unexpected ideas, courage, and questions that challenge how things have always been. Blending adventure, humor, and heart, the play explores growing up, finding your voice, and redefining what it means to belong. With whimsical storytelling and a modern perspective, New Wendy in Neverland invites audiences of all ages to see a familiar world in a bold new way.

Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Gallery

Director’s Note

Having done bedside storytelling, drama and puppetry in pediatric units at eight hospitals and clinics, over a 23 year period, I learned, first hand, about the power of story to heal. When done interactively, where patients take an active part in the story, it has a power to take one out of their pain, physical and mental.

Working primarily with kids with Cancer, I gathered insights into how to best use this method, which I incorporated into the writing of “New Wendy in Neverland.”

When I first directed it, during a drama camp for Middle Schoolers, I saw how the kids connected with the twists of the plot and how they felt the electricity of the magical elements.This cast is no different. It has been an absolute delight to work with all these very talented actors and watch them infuse their individual enthusiasm to bring this story to life.

The performing arts are a powerful tool for healing and theatre is a wonderful, inclusive and welcoming community. And we certainly have built that through this show.

We hope you enjoy experiencing it as much as we have enjoyed manifesting it for you!

-Sally Kinka

Who’s Who?

Stephen Banks

Stephen is so happy to be back for another ACLT production, this time both on and off the stage! In addition to playing the roles of Ben and the Crocodile, Stephen is the Assistant Director and Stage Manager for this show. You may also have seen him in previous ACLT shows including Fiddler on the Roof, Dracula, Who's on First, and The Christians. He would like to thank several people: this entire cast and crew for all their hard work in this show; the director, Sally Kinka, for giving him his first directing opportunity, and every member of our lovely audience for coming to see the show!

Sarah Brandt

Scarlet, is a 20 year old theater enthusiast currently enrolled in the EKG Technician program through Wilkes Community College. Sarah began her acting through Missoula Children’s Theatre. She has since been in the following productions: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Gypsy, The Secret Garden, Young Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol, Matilda, Dracula, and Cafe Murder. Sarah loves to sing and is a member of the Bethany United Methodist Choir and participated in the Ashe Community Singers.

Cielo Carrasco

Juniper, is excited to perform at ACLT for the first time ever! Cielo has done drama club fo three years prior to New Wendy at Westwood Elementary School. Her love for acting began when she signed up for her very first role ever as an orphan from Annie in the school’s Christmas play. Ever since then, she had enjoyed being on the stage whether for a skitor musical. She hopes to make it soon as a teenage actress in Hollywood. In Cielo’s free time she likes to doa variety of activities such as, volleyball, playingsoccer, baking, singing, working out, being with friends and family, watching movies/television shows, listening to music, and even acting. Cielo is so excited to be a part of this production and making memories with the cast!

Jocelynn Chatham

Victoria/Nurse. Hi! I am a sophomore at Ashe Early College. I have been working with the Ashe County Little Theater since A Christmas Carol. My last role was the Fiddler in Fiddler on the Roof. You might have also seen my name under makeup for a lot of productions. I would also like to say, I am so grateful for the cast and crew of New Wendy! Cheers to a great show!

Aiden DePalma

Julian, one of the lost boys, is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. Aiden has had a heart for the theatre since the 2nd grade. Aiden played Tiny Tim in the production of the Christmas Carol & Olaf in the production of Frozen, amongst several other roles in the past few years.

Elsie Friesland

Dew Drop, is excited for her first theater role at Ashe County Little Theater. Elsie is a student at Mountain View Elementary School. She enjoys reading the book series, "Warrior Cats,” and writing her own stories. Elsie has a big brother named Luke and a Shipooh named Rocky. Elsie would like to thank her parents for supporting her as she explores involvement in the theater.

Delia Gambill

Tinkerbell, was born to be in theater. It's in her blood! Her mother and grandmother have had her in theater since she was a year old. She attends Ashe County Middle School, loves to draw, and is always dressing up even when not on stage. Delia has previously been seen on stage as Matilda in Matilda the Musical, Missoula Children’s Theater shows, the chorus of Fiddler on the Roof, and most recently in Dracula as a Gargoyle. She always has a wonderful time with all her theater friends and hopes you enjoy the show.

Jill Gambill

Captain Hook, has been active in ACLT since 2000. She has participated in more than 30 shows, including South Pacific as Nellie Forbush, The Mountain In Us where she portrayed her 6th great grandmother, and Matilda the Musical as The Trunchbull. She was most recently seen in the play Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey. Many thanks to a wonderful cast, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Katie Belle Hiseley

Clover, is delighted to be performing in her first production at Ashe County Little Theatre. Katie Belle is a 5th Grader and enjoys hanging out with friends, jumping on the trampoline, and crafting. She considers herself a Hamilton super fan and can sing the entire musical. Katie Belle is the youngest of 4 siblings. She thanks her parents, Toby and Kimberly, for allowing her the opportunity to be in this show and hopes everyone enjoys New Wendy.

Michael Howell

"Fancy Pants the Pirate" is thrilled to be part of the New Wendy cast. Thanks, Sally, for casting me! What could be more fun than playing a pirate? Arrgghh, ahoy, maties! This season you may have seen him in each of the other shows (Elder Jay in The Christians, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, and Don in Who's on First?). He directed the talented and very funny cast of Cafe Murder in October, the fundraiser mystery dinner at Generations Ashe. He thanks everyone for coming to the show and supporting ACLT.

Gage Lambert

Hello my name is Gage Lambert I am 16 years old, and I am a sophomore at Ashe Early College. In my spare time I like to go to work, watch movies, and do art. I have been doing theater for about 5 years, and I have been in shows such as Young Frankenstein, Fiddler on the Roof, and multiple Missoula shows! I am extremely excited to play the role of Stinky Feet in this production of New Wendy!

Haley Luster

Two Teeth and Jennifers voice, is excited to perform in New Wendy at ACLT. She’s a sophomore at Ashe County Early College, where she balances school with her passion for the stage. Haley’s acting journey began at ACLT when she played Martha in A Christmas Carol. She was also Dorothy in Missoula’s Wizard of Oz. She hopes to study acting or directing in college and continue to grow in the arts. When she’s not in rehearsal, Haley enjoys reading, crocheting, and painting. She’s thankful for the support of her friends and family as she pursues what she loves.

Sally Kinka

(Playwright/Director), is so excited to have this talented cast and crew bring “New Wendy in Neverland” to life! Sally is a professional playwright, director, performer, storyteller and puppeteer, with a special concentration in drama as therapy. Her previously produced works with Ashe County Little Theatre are, “We’re All on Stand-By, “Murder at Fences Mansion,” and “Christmas Carol, in the Spirit,” (an adaptation). She was last seen on the Ashe County Little Theatre stage as Marilyn in “Rip Cord,” and backstage as director of “Dracula.” She will also have her award winning play, “Power, Money and Sex..... oh yeah, and Love,” produced by Creative Greensboro in January, 2026. She would like to thank her husband, Ken for supporting her in her artistic endeavors, and the New Wendy cast for their enthusiasm and hard work!

Edie Miller

Mary, is a veteran of ACLT for 39 years. She has been in numerous productions throughout the years. She loves performing on stage and working backstage. Her favorite role was Lennie in “Crimes of the Heart” and Alora in “Walking Across Egypt.” Her last role was Lucy’s mom in “Dracula.” Edie has been employed by Chemi-Con for 56 years. She lives in Jefferson and is married to Eddie and has a furbaby named Stewball. Thanks, Sally, for casting her in this hilarious show!

Les Miller

Smee, is happy to be back on the ACLT stage. A long time member of ACLT, Les has been on and off the stage in various musicals and performances since 2008. Some of his most memorable performances have been Ito in Mame, Herbie in Gypsy, and over 7 different characters in Young Frankenstein. Les wants to thank his lovely bride, Marilyn, for putting up with all of his antics and hopes you enjoy the show.

Ella Roush

Nellie, is delighted to be performing in her first production at Ashe County Little Theatre. Ella is a 6th grade student at Blue Ridge Elementary school. She enjoys volleyball, makeup, "Labubus," and spending time with her family. She also loves her dog, Bucky and cat, Applejack. She thanks her parents for allowing her the opportunity to be in this show, and she hopes you will enjoy Nellie!

Tommy Sparks

Peter Pan, is a 10th grader at Ashe County High School. His favorite subject is English, and he is a member of the husky vanguard marching band, playing the alto saxophone.

Ginny White

Wendy, is delighted to be performing in another production at Ashe County Little Theatre. Ginny is an 8th grade student at Ashe County Middle School. She has been on the stage since she was 5 years old and has dreams of being on Broadway one day. Ginny loves theater, singing and spending time with her friends. Ginny is thankful for the opportunity to play Wendy and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Liz White

Jane and Dispatcher, is delighted to be performing in her first production at Ashe CountyLittle Theatre. Liz is new to the theater performing for the first time last summer as Ms. Teavee in Willy Wonka. She is thrilled to be performing again with her daughter, Ginny. Liz is excited for her part in New Wendy and another opportunity to perform.

Felix Young

Jackie, is delighted to join the band of Lost Boys in New Wendy in Neverland! Last year, Felix journeyed down the Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz with Missoula Children’sTheatre. Offstage, Felix enjoys experimenting with fashion, exploring comedy, and diving into the arts. Always ready for adventure, and she’s excited to sprinkle a little extra mischief and magic into this performance!

Production Staff

Director: Sally Kinka
Stage Manager / Assistant Director: Stephen Banks
Producer: Jan Kotula
Photographer: Laurel Rumph
Poster Design: Sally Kinka
Program: Jan Kotula
Marketing: Jan Kotula
Publicity: Rebecca Williams, Jan Kotula
Front of House: Jerry Brandt, Peggy Brandt, Mary Job, Jan Kotula, Mike Kotula, Vicki Lutz, Rebecca Williams
Costume Design: Rebecca Williams
Makeup Design: Peggy Brandt, Jocelynn Chatham
Makeup Techs / Hair: Charna Howson, Jill Gambill, Edie Miller, Amanda Roten, Sophia Roten
Wendy Puppet (Angelica): Geli Hogg
Aquarium Fish: Jill Gambill
Crocodile Hat: Jill Gambill
Sound Design / Tech: Richard Edmondson
Lighting Design: Lennon Lupton
Lighting Tech: Jerry Roman, Khela Turnmire, Jim Williams
Spotlight Operators: Lennon Lupton
Backstage Crew: Jerry Brandt
Props: Edie Miller
Stage Design: Sally Kinka
Scenic Artist: Rudy Mendez
Master Carpenter: Jerry Brandt
Construction Scenic: Sarah Brandt, Betsy Brodeur, Jill Gambill, Ken Kinka, Sally Kinka, Jan Kotula, Miike Kotula, Mike Rocha, Jim Williams