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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory List

Ann Marie Hamann is happy to return to the stage as Grandma Josephine in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. This will be her fourth show at Cutting Edge Theater. You may have seen her in Kinky Boots, The Prom, and most recently in Annie. She thanks everyone for their support!

Ann Marie Hamann

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Jacob Dick

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Amina is 10 yrs old and goes to Mayfield elementary. She’s in the talented theater program and loves to dress up and be in the spotlight

Amina

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Olivia is 10 yrs old and goes to Bayou Woods this is her first time being on stage! she loves to be outside and play video games

Olivia

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Kevin Smathers in his Cutting Edge debut, appears as Grandpa Joe. Delighted to be out of bed at last, Kevin is thrilled to share this magical journey with this talented cast. He is currently the Theatre Teacher at Kenner Discovery Health Sciences Academy. (If you want more, he’s a long-time theatre nerd having appeared in many shows most recently in Knoxville, Tennessee as Frederick Egerman in A Little Night Music, Sam in Mamma Mia and Frank Cioffi in Curtains. He’ll be directing Mary Poppins for the River Region Drama Guild this summer at the LaFon Performing Arts Center in Luling, LA.

Kevin Smathers

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Samantha Margiotta, has been in many professional child productions in Los Angeles as a child. She was Gus in Cats, Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and The police officer in Annie. She has sung opera since she fell in love with musicals when she saw the original Phantom of the Opera, as a child. She has been in choir for most of her adolescent life. Dancing has always played a large portion of her life and she is currently a Bad Mom Member. She is excited to get back on the stage at Cutting Edge and feel the rush of the audience.

Samantha Margiotta,

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Micah Margiotta, 7, is making his Cutting Edge debut. He competes in martial arts. If he’s awake, he’s dancing. He is very excited about his debut

Micah Margiotta,

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River Margiotta, 9, is in her second Cutting Edge production. She was previously in Annie, and played August, an orphan. She has previously appeared in productions of Seussical, Finding Nemo Jr., and Madagascar Jr. A performer at heart, she has completed 3 years each of gymnastics and dance, as well as a lifetime of singing. When not performing on a stage, you can find her competing on her Competitive Soccer Team. River is looking forward to another amazing production.

River Margiotta

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Jessica Guastella is excited to be assisting the production team for Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. This is Jessica’s first time helping out behind the scenes for a show. You most recently saw Jessica on the CECA stage in the 2025 productions of “I Love the Nightlife”, “Annie”, “The Rocky Horror Show: Insane Asylum, and “Chris-tmas”. Thank you to the cast and crew for being amazing. This show is going to blow you away! Thank you to Brian for giving me the opportunity to test these new waters. Thanks to family and friends who support me and the arts by coming to the shows. Thanks to my boo for helping to keep me grounded and not letting me overextend myself too much. Jessica is a proud CECA Board Member. When not at the theater, you can find her at a FIRST LEGO League event as a coach or judge…or on the couch, streaming.

Jessica Guastella

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Daniel Mack

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REESE BENEDIC (VIOLET BEAUREGARDE) is excited to be back on the Cutting Edge stage as the “Queen of Pop!” Reese’s most recent performances at CECA include ANNIE (ensemble), BEETLEJUICE JR. as “Miss Argentina”, and FINDING NEMO JR. as “Dory”. Reese has also performed in community theater as “Isabel” in SCROOGE, “Miss Honey” in MATILDA JR., THE ADDAMS FAMILY, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, FROZEN JR., and CHRISTMAS CAROL. Reese also won the title of BROADWAY SINGING CHAMPION at 30x90 Theater in 2024. Reese would like to thank Mr. Brian and Mr. Earl for giving her the opportunity to do what she loves!

REESE BENEDIC

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Scarlett Kingman (Violet Beauregarde ) a Junior at Pope John Paul II and is excited to be in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as the Queen of POP, Violet Beauregarde. Scarlett has been in many shows at several locations and was most notably in Beetlejuice Jr. at Cutting Edge Theater as Beetlejuice. She would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her endeavors coming to see her perform

Scarlett Kingman

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Kennadi Washington is a fun, courageous, and bright 6-year-old with a growing love for the theatre world. This production marks her second theatrical performance, and she is beyond excited to be a part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Kennadi feels as though she has truly won the Golden Ticket! Being a part of Cutting Edge Theatre has been a dream come true for Kennadi—one she has held close to her heart since the age of three. She is thrilled to continue learning, growing, and shining on stage, and she can’t wait to share her joy with the audience.

Kennadi Washington

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Sydnie Jones is SO EXCITED to be back on stage AGAIN with her favorite people! She is 10yrs and in the 5th grade at Mayfield Elementary where she is on the Volleyball team,broadcasting club, and drama club! This will be her 8th show(I think LOL) with Cutting Edge Theater. She can’t wait to make memories with castmates!!

Sydnie Jones

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Alana is 11 years old and making her first appearance on stage in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She is a rambunctious and inquisitive kid that loves making music and creating messes while crafting. She's looking forward to performing in the ensemble in her first ever show. * Just Alana, no last name please*

Alana

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Avah (12) is thrilled to make her stage debut in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! Bright, expressive, and wise beyond her years, Avah fills every room with her laughter and energy. She loves singing around the house, chatting with her friends, and sharing joy wherever she goes. Her gentle spirit and natural charm shine through in everything she does. As her mom, I couldn’t be prouder to watch her step into this new adventure, go, Avah! 🩷✨

Avah

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Harper Venezia ( Cherry is 9 years old and in the 4th grade at Gayle Sloan Middle School. Her previous plays at Cutting Edge include Finding Nemo Jr., as Squirt, Rapunzel a Tangled Tale, as Little Rapunzel, Beetlejuice Jr. as Bob, and Annie as Molly.. Harper enjoys playing softball and is in talented theater at her school. In her free time, she loves to do hair, sing, put on plays with her sister, and play with her dogs, Sox and Rosie.

Harper Venezia

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Daniel Roy (Jerry Daniel is 16 years old and attends Northshore High School. He's a member of the Choir program and enjoys performing at various choir concerts throughout the school year. He's also on his high school Cross Country team and takes taekwondo classes. He loves to make people laugh, dance, and perform on stage. This will be Daniel's ninth performance at Cutting Edge. He's had the privilege of performing in Frozen Jr., Give My Regards to Broadway, Moana, Jr., Aladdin, Jr., The Little Mermaid, This Christmas, Finding Nemo, and Mean Girls. He is super excited for the opportunity to perform in another amazing production. Thank you to everyone at Cutting Edge!

Daniel Roy

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Angie Dick (Ethel Teevee) is happy to return to the CECA stage for the 16th time, where she continues to share her love for theater and storytelling .Angie has embraced a variety of characters, with her most memorable as Grace Farrell in Annie, Mrs. Greene in The Prom, Magenta in Rocky Horror, Tricia in Kinky Boots, and Eve in Ruthless.Angie's love of theater is matched only by her appreciation for the community that has nurtured her and her childrens’ artistic spirits. She is especially grateful to Brian for his unwavering support and encouragement over the years.

Angie Dick

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Maxton Trenticosta (Mike Tee Vee ) is a sixth grader at Creekside Junior High who has loved performing for as long as he can remember. Originally from the New Orleans area, Max discovered his passion for live theater early on and has been hooked ever since. After moving to the Northshore, he auditioned for the Talented Theatre Program through St. Tammany Parish Schools and was thrilled to be accepted! Some of Max’s favorite roles include Kurt von Trapp in The Sound of Music and Leroy Herdman in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. He’s so grateful to have the chance to perform at Cutting Edge and can’t wait to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory alongside such a talented cast and crew. When he’s not on stage, Max loves singing, reading, acting out movie scenes, and playing sports with his younger siblings.

Maxton Trenticosta (Mike Tee Vee )

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ZOEY BENEDIC (AUGUSTUS GLOOP) is excited to perform again on the Cutting edge stage! Zoey performed at CECA as part of the ensemble in ANNIE, and as “BRUCE” in FINDING NEMO JR. Zoey has also performed in community theater as “UNCLE FESTER” in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, “TOM JENKINS” in SCROOGE, “MRS. PHELPS” in MATILDA JR., “MIDDLE ELSA” in FROZEN JR., and BEAUTY & THE BEAST JR. (Ensemble). Zoey would like to thank Mr. Brian and Mr. Earl for giving her the opportunity to shine on stage!

ZOEY BENEDIC

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Sara Tweedy (Ms Gloop) is a Southern Miss graduate who is excited to be back on the Cutting Edge stage yet again as Mrs. Gloop! You saw her last behind the scenes as the director of Beetlejuice the Musical. She has also directed Six, Rock of Ages and Mean Girls. Other CECA stage credits include Haley in Designing Women, LaTrelle in Sordid Lives, Franz in Rock of Ages, Fritzie in Cabaret, Patty Simcox in Grease, Mamma Mia, Hair, everyone's favorite spoon in Beauty and the Beast, Prudy Pingleton in Hairspray and the role that started it all: Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid. Thanks go out to her folks, partner Jeff, and her CECA family. All the love to Brian for giving her endless opportunities to do what makes her happy

Sara Tweedy

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Addison Ross (Veruca Salt )is 11 years old and is in 6th grade. She started acting at the age of 4 and theatre at the age of 6. Over the last 5 years, she has been in over 20 musical productions. She is excited to take the stage again at Cutting Edge Theatre. Addison dreams of being on Broadway when she is older and wants to become a famous singer and actor one day.

Addison Ross

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Reese Venezia (Veruca Salt ) is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade at Monteleone Junior High. Her previous productions at Cutting Edge include Aladdin Jr., Little Mermaid Jr., This Christmas, Finding Nemo, Rapunzel a Tangled Tale, and Beetlejuice Jr., and Annie. Reese loves singing, acting, art, and playing volleyball and is involved in cheerleading, volleyball, and talented theater at her school. In her free time she enjoys watching Netflix and hanging with her friends and her dogs Sox and Rosie!

Reese Venezia

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Brian Fontenot (Mr. Salt ) Brian is delighted to be part of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where he proudly takes on the roles of Mr. Salt A salon owner, theater owner, and the Artistic Director of Cutting Edge Center of the Arts, Brian is passionate about creating meaningful, high-quality artistic experiences for performers and audiences alike. Brian would like to extend his sincere gratitude to everyone who continues to support Cutting Edge Center of the Arts—none of this would be possible without you. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to every cast member, creative, volunteer, and supporter who helped bring this production to life. He sends much love to his mom and his four little puppies, whose constant love and encouragement mean the world to him.

Brian Fontenot

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alyssa Bennifield

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Parker Bennifield

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Jack Tomasich ( Charlie Bucket ) is thrilled to have won his Golden Ticket to be cast as “Charlie Bucket”. He is 11 years old and attends Little Oak Middle. His most notable performances at CECA are Annie (Pepper), Beetlejuice, Jr. (Otho) and Rapunzel a Tangled Tale (Vladimir). He loves being involved in school activities to include: Branch Club, Banner Club, Ambassador and Talented Theater. Thank you to Poole Voice Studios for your ongoing vocal training and everyone at CECA for continuing to grow his talent and love for theater!

Jack Tomasich

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Jason Wright ( Willy Wonka) has been singing for over 30 years, beginning in high school and church before venturing onto professional stages, including Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. His musical journey has wound through classical pieces, theatrical productions, and years of band performances—always led by curiosity, imagination, and a touch of mischief.

With the release of his latest Song Disclosure (One Night Stand) January 2026 Jason is Delighted to step inside Cutting Edge Theater’s Willy Wonka, He dedicates this performance to his daughter Isabella, his miracle child, who drifted to sleep each night as he sang “Pure Imagination.” Though music is his craft, Jason’s greatest works of art are his daughters, Faith (24) and Isabella (7). He believes the best things in life begin with wonder, a little courage, and the simple truth that magic is real… but it must be believed to be seen. 🍬🍫 🎩✨

Jason Wright

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