Casper The Friendly Musical

65 minutes
Taft Theatre

TCT takes Casper center stage in this world-premiere musical adaptation for young audiences! Everyone’s favorite friendly ghost and his three uncles live a rather uneventful existence in the family mansion. Fifty years after their lives were cut short in a lightning storm, Magdalena, their former maid, re-enters their (after)lives! Now a celebrity TV Host, she is looking for the deed to the mansion… not because she wants the house, but because she believes there’s a message on the back that will lead her to a “great treasure”. As competition reality TV is all the rage, she hosts a live treasure hunt in the mansion on Halloween. One lucky young contestant could win $1 million if they find the deed! It is up to young Casper and his new friends, the contestants, to save the mansion from Magdalena, and discover the greatest treasure of all.

Attended a weekend public show?  Take the survey.

Attended a weekday school show?  Take the survey.

Ages
4+
Grades
K - 8
Public Performances
October 12 & 13, 18-20
School Performances
October 15-18 & 21
Accessible Performances
Signed for the hearing impaired on Oct. 12 at 2 PM. Sensory-Friendly performance on Oct. 16 at 12:15 PM.

What Critics Are Saying About the Show

"The show is a must-see, with high-flying fun, spook-tacular special effects and a catchy soundtrack."
— Cincinnati Parent
"...The Children's Theatre has been thoughtfully engaging how to make a great experience for kids and families at the theatre."
— League of Cincinnati Theatres
"My child was mesmerized from the first spooky sound effect to the final dance number."
— ArtsWave Guide
"I absolutely loved how culturally relevant the show was, and the ending of the show had me shed a tear or two with its sweet sentiments about what's truly important in life."
— eLeMeNO-P Kids

Cast

Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
BRIAN ANDERSON
Ensemble, u/s Stinky, Stretch

BRIAN ANDERSON

Ensemble, u/s Stinky, Stretch
Brian Anderson made his Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati debut with the 2017 production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR.. Brian hails from Birmingham, Alabama, where he earned his B.F.A. in theatre and dance from Birmingham-Southern College. He has toured Europe and the United States with 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), A Chorus Line and Meet Me in St. Louis. Since moving to Cincinnati twenty years ago, he has performed with Cincinnati Music Theatre (Evita, Ragtime, Chess), the Carnegie (Willy Wonka, Chicago), and many other local theatres. Brian works as an accountant at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
EVAN BLUST
Donald

EVAN BLUST

Donald
Evan is honored to once again perform on the Taft Theatre stage in his fourth season with TCT! His notable TCT performances include The Wizard of Oz (Munchkin/Monkey), Disney’s Peter Pan JR. (Lost Boy), Sleeping Beauty (Ensemble). He’s also appeared in Billy Elliot (Michael), Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (Neleus) and, most recently, Newsies (Davey). Being part of STAR Cabaret, and his NYC performance of SUPERMAN™ will always be a highlight for him. Evan would like to thank TCT for this "spooktacular" opportunity!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
LYNDSEY BOWMAN
Minnie

LYNDSEY BOWMAN

Minnie
Lyndsey holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and B.S.E. in Educational Studies from Shawnee State University. When she isn't performing, she is teaching, most recently as the Drama Director at Camp Eisner in Massachusetts. Her most notable stage credits include Company (Joanne), Promises, Promises (Fran), Xanadu (Melpomene), The Drowsy Chaperone (Trix), The Lights are Warm and Coloured (Bridgette Sullivan). Follow her performance journey online at http://lyndseybowman3434.wixsite.com/portfolio.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
DONALD BURNS
Ensemble, u/s Gretchen’s Father, Bradley’s Father

DONALD BURNS

Ensemble, u/s Gretchen’s Father, Bradley’s Father
Donald Burns studied Theatre and English at Xavier University and is proud to be returning for another TCT show! Previous credits include Cannibal Galaxy: A Love Story (Vadim), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Black Fox/ Henry Clay) Jesus Christ Superstar (Apostle/ Media), The Jungle Book (Ensemble), and The Great Space Caper (Captain Buzby). He would like to thank his friends, family, and God for all their love and support!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MADELEINE BURGOON
Lane

MADELEINE BURGOON

Lane
Maddie is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. She has been performing with TCT for 14 years. Favorite productions include Disney’s Peter Pan JR. (Tiger Lily), Santa’s Toy Factory, The Day Before Christmas, Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs, and Seussical JR. She has also choreographed for TCT (The Wizard of Oz). Other favorite choreography credits include Spamalot, 25th Annual...Spelling Bee and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She teaches dance, with her work receiving national awards in tap, musical theatre, hip hop and contemporary. Maddie is TCT’s STAR Program Manager/Executive Assistant.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
CAMMI CALDWELL
Ensemble, u/s Bettina

CAMMI CALDWELL

Ensemble, u/s Bettina
Cammi is excited to be in her third TCT MainStage show! She was previously featured in the cast of A Charlie Brown Christmas and Sleeping Beauty. She is currently in her senior year of high school and plans to pursue a B.F.A. in musical theatre.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
SARA COX
Ensemble, u/s Lane

SARA COX

Ensemble, u/s Lane
Sara is thrilled to be making her debut with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati! She is a recent graduate of Northern Kentucky University where she received her B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and a minor in Vocal Performance. Some of her favorite roles include; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Alice), Pride and Prejudice (Kitty Bennet), Big Fish (Josephine Bloom), and Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Meredith). She would like to thank her family for their constant love and support. Enjoy the show!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
BRINLEY CULVER
Precious

BRINLEY CULVER

Precious
Brinley is thrilled to return to the TCT MainStage this season. She most recently appeared as Little Girl in TCT’s Cinderella. Some of her favorite roles include: Seussical (JoJo), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Chip), and Disney’s Frozen (Middle Anna). During the last three summers, Brinley has participated in TCT’s STAR NKU program, and last year in TCT’s STAR ALL STARS. Brinley is a seventh grader at Liberty Junior School. Offstage, she loves producing her own movies, dancing, and watching Master Chef.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MARLO D'ASCENZO
Ensemble, u/s Young Magdalena

MARLO D'ASCENZO

Ensemble, u/s Young Magdalena
Marlo is thrilled to be a part of TCT's 2019-20 season. Previous TCT credits include: Santa Claus: The Musical (Prancer), Disney’s Peter Pan JR. (Twin 2), Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS, Elf The Musical JR.., The Wizard of Oz, and Disney’s Aladdin JR. She has performed regionally in Disney’s High School Musical JR. (Gabriella), Seussical JR. (Gertrude), School House Rock (Dori), and Crossroads’ Awaited (soloist). She is passionate about singing, playing piano, tap dancing, teaching, and spending time with friends & family.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
ALEXIS RAE DIGGS
Ensemble, u/s all Mothers

ALEXIS RAE DIGGS

Ensemble, u/s all Mothers
Alexis Rae Diggs is 20 years old and a current sophomore at Regent University. Alexis graduated from Stivers School for the Arts in 2017, where she studied classical piano and voice. She has studied dance under master teachers Assane Konte, Patricia Thomas, Dawn Carter, and Kathy Smith. She spent two summers away on scholarship at Point Park University studying under some of the country’s foremost instructors. She is in her second season with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s second company.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
HALEY GILLMAN
Coco, u/s Magdalena

HALEY GILLMAN

Coco, u/s Magdalena
Haley is very excited to be returning to the Taft Theatre stage with TCT in Casper: The Friendly Musical. She recently appeared in TCT's production of SUPERMAN™ (Tour Guide/Ensemble), Northern Kentucky University's production of Cabaret (Fräulein Lost), The Last Five Years (Cathy), and Black Boy in Pink (Blair). She hopes that you enjoy the show.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
FAUSTINA GORHAM
Ensemble, u/s Coco

FAUSTINA GORHAM

Ensemble, u/s Coco
Faustina is a junior Musical Theatre major at Northern Kentucky University. Some of her favorite productions there include Cabaret (Emcee), Kiss Me Kate (Ensemble), Carrie: The Musical (Carrie White) and Hedda Gabler (Thea Elvsted). She also recently appeared in the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts’ production of 42nd Street (Lorraine). She is so excited to perform with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati for the first time!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JOSEPH GREEN
Ensemble, u/s Fatso

JOSEPH GREEN

Ensemble, u/s Fatso
Joseph is thrilled to be making his professional debut with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati! His previous credits include Crazy for You (Everett Baker), 1776 (George Reed), and The Grapes of Wrath (Uncle John). He wants to thank his family, friends, and colleagues for their endless love and support, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
NICHOLAS GUNDRUM
Pierce

NICHOLAS GUNDRUM

Pierce
Nicholas Gundrum is a freshman at Anderson High School. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, singing, dancing, and playing various instruments. Nick's previous credits with TCT include: Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. (Ensemble), Disney’s Peter Pan JR. (Nibs), Tarzan The Stage Musical Based on the Disney Film (Young Tarzan), and The Wizard of Oz (Mayor of Munchkinland). Some of his other credits are: Bat Boy: The Musical (Bat Boy) and Singing in the Rain JR. (Don Lockwood). Nick studies dance at Just Off Broadway and voice with Karl Resnik.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JACKSON HURT
Ensemble, u/s Pierce

JACKSON HURT

Ensemble, u/s Pierce
Jackson is thrilled to be in his very first show with The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati! He is currently a junior at Northern Kentucky University, studying for a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. Some of his previous credits include: Pippin (Pippin), Mamma Mia (Sky), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Phoebus), Oklahoma! (Cord Elam), and Little Shop of Horrors (Orin Scrivello). He would like to thank his family, friends and professors for all their support! Matthew 6:34.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
ABBY JOHNSON
Gretchen

ABBY JOHNSON

Gretchen
Abby is thrilled to be a part of her first show with TCT! She is a senior at Boone County High School and plans on pursuing a career in music therapy. Abby has been involved with The Children’s Theatre’s STAR Intensive NKU camp for four years. She has been involved with her school’s theatre program, as well as community theatre. Her most recent roles include Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), 9 to 5: The Musical (Judy Bernly), Miracle on 34th Street (Susan Walker), and The Sound of Music (Louisa Von Trapp).
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
SAM JOHNSON
Stretch

SAM JOHNSON

Stretch
Sam is thrilled to be appearing in his eighth season with TCT! Sam is a senior B.F.A. Musical Theatre major at Northern Kentucky University, where he has appeared in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (The Beast), Angels in America (Joe Pitt), Cabaret (Ernst Ludwig), Big Fish (Karl the Giant), among others. He has also worked with Porthouse Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls, OH in The Music Man (Olin Britt), Man of La Mancha (Paco) and Oklahoma! (Jud Fry). Sam is a part of the Equity Membership Candidate program.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
A. JAMES JONES
Stinky

A. JAMES JONES

Stinky
James is a Cincinnati native with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Northern Kentucky University School of the Arts (SOTA). Favorite credits include; Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs (Prince Thomas), A. Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale (Aaron Grigsby), The Snow Queen (Prince Kai), Heart Attack with a Knife (Thomas Aykle), Spamalot (Lancelot), Rock of Ages (Lonny), Alice in Wonderland (The Cheshire Cat), and Elf the Musical JR. (Buddy). James is very excited and proud to work with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as Creative Project Producer.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MACKENZIE KASBAUM
Ensemble, u/s Minnie

MACKENZIE KASBAUM

Ensemble, u/s Minnie
Mackenzie Kasbaum is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and is a recent graduate of Wright State University's B.F.A. Acting program. At WSU, she appeared in 9 to 5: The Musical (Margaret), You Can't Take It with You (Essie), and Mother Courage and Her Children (Yvette). When she isn't on stage, you can find Mackenzie living out her barista dreams working at your local Starbucks. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
ARIANNA ROSIE KIPPERMAN
u/s Precious

ARIANNA ROSIE KIPPERMAN

u/s Precious
Rosie Kipperman attends the School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) majoring in theater. Rosie's previous endeavors include Cincinnati Black Theatre Company’s Black Nativity, Becoming Arthur at SCPA and TCT STAR productions. This is Rosie's MainStage debut with TCT and she is thrilled to be a part of the production.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JACK THEODORE KRUSE
Casper

JACK THEODORE KRUSE

Casper
Previous credits include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, JR. (Sebastian) at Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts; Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. (Michael Banks) at Indian Hill Middle School; The Emperor's New Clothes (Chamberlain) at TCT STAR Intensive NKU
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
ANDREW LIPPERT
Bradley

ANDREW LIPPERT

Bradley
Credits include TCT’s Cinderella (Puppeteer/Page), and Cincinnati Opera’s Porgy & Bess (Supernumerary). His workshop and camp experiences include TCT’s STAR Camp Red Bank, The CCM Experience and TCT’s Musical Theatre Medley. Andrew currently attends the sixth grade at Kilgour Elementary School. He enjoys singing and making electronic music and gets his inspiration from Diplo and Khalid. Andrew thanks his family and teachers for letting him take a week off of school to be in this production.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
JOEY LOGAN
Fatso

JOEY LOGAN

Fatso
Joey is thrilled to be returning to the Taft Theatre after spending a year touring across the Tri-State and beyond with TCT on Tour, performing productions of Rumpelstiltskin, The Legend of Pocahontas, Reindeer Games and Rosa Parks: No Ways Tired. Previous TCT MainStage credits include Disney’s Peter Pan JR (Pirate Ensemble), Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. (Robertson Ay) and Cinderella (Doris). Wright State University class of 2017. All my love to my family. Website: joeylogan.me Instagram: @JoEELogan.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
ASHLEY OLIVIA MORTON
Ensemble

ASHLEY OLIVIA MORTON

Ensemble
Ashley is very excited to return for her second season with TCT after appearing in SUPERMAN™, Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS, and Sleeping Beauty (as The Snow Queen)! Recent credits include American Idiot (The Carnegie), the world-premiere of Blind Injustice (Cincinnati Opera) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre). Whenever she is not on the proscenium stage, Ashley performs with Pones and InBocca Performance making sight-specific works. Working in childcare, Ashley’s favorite part of TCT is performing for her students!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MARISSA POOLE
Magdalena

MARISSA POOLE

Magdalena
Marissa is thrilled to be making her TCT debut playing her favorite kind of role...the villain! She has performed in over 75 theater productions, and has been featured in TV, movies, and on the radio. She was most recently seen at the Covedale Center for Performing Arts in 42nd Street (Dorothy Brock). Other favorite shows include: Nunsense (Sister Amnesia), Sabrina Fair (Sabrina Fairchild) and Singing in the Rain (Lina Lamont). Marissa sends much love and thanks to Cameron, Megan, Ethan and Levi!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
TALIA RAIDER-ROTH
Ensemble, u/s Gretchen

TALIA RAIDER-ROTH

Ensemble, u/s Gretchen
Talia is so excited to be a part of this show – her first production at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati! Previous credits include Medea (Chorus Leader), Macbeth (Lady Mac), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mechanical). She would like to thank her parents for all of their support and love.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
KIP RICHARDSON
u/s Casper, Bradley

KIP RICHARDSON

u/s Casper, Bradley
Kip is so excited to be back on the TCT MainStage after making his debut last year in SUPERMAN™. Some favorite past performances include Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. (Flounder), Into The Woods JR. (Jack), Disney's Mulan JR. (Yao), and Seussical KIDS (Jojo). Kip is proud to have completed TCT's STAR NKU Intensive and ALL STARS programs. He also performs with Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts. Currently, Kip is a seventh grader at Indian Hill Middle School.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
RYAN CHAVEZ-RICHMOND
Ensemble, u/s Mooney, Director, Casper’s Father

RYAN CHAVEZ-RICHMOND

Ensemble, u/s Mooney, Director, Casper’s Father
Ryan-Chavez is happy to be back on TCT’s MainStage. Favorite credits include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Benjamin), Cinderella (Prince Daniel) and Scrooge: The Musical (The Spirit of Christmas Present.). In his spare time, he enjoys eating pizza, hanging with his dog, Maximilian, and reading whatever books Oprah tells him to read.
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
MAKENZIE RUFF
Bettina

MAKENZIE RUFF

Bettina
Makenzie is a Junior B.F.A. Musical Theatre major at Northern Kentucky University. She was recently the Extraordinary Girl in The Carnegie’s production of American Idiot. Her previous credits include Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Pride and Prejudice (Lydia Bennet), Big Fish (Mermaid), and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle). She would like to thank her family, the faculty at NKU, and this fabulous cast and crew for the endless support and encouragement they supply. Enjoy the show!
Placeholder Image of Yellow Crown on Purple background
CJ ZIMMER
Ensemble, u/s Donald

CJ ZIMMER

Ensemble, u/s Donald
CJ is thrilled to return to the stage with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati! Favorite credits include Disney’s Peter Pan JR. (Curly) with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and The Addams Family (Pugsley) with Kincaid Regional Theatre. CJ is 16 years-old and is in eleventh grade at Dixie Heights High School. He wishes to thank his family for their support.

Credits

Book and Lyrics by Stephen Cole

Music by Matthew Ward

Adaptation by Roderick Justice

By special arrangement with Universal Theatrical Group

This adaption originally produced by: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Roderick Justice, Producing Artistic Director

Directed by Roderick Justice

Choreography: Eric Byrd

Music Director: Matthew Umphreys

Scenic Design: Jennifer Rhodus

Costume Design: Jeff Shearer

Lighting Design: Matthew P. Benjamin

Sound Design: Bill Fuss

Technical Director: Spencer Burke

Properties Master: Sydney Sheets

Flying by Foy: Ryan Stanger

Production Stage Manager: Jennifer M. Picone

Associate Stage Manager: Laura Stenger

Company Manager: Eric Byrd

Orchestrations by: Dave Christensen & Luke Holloway

Additional Arrangements by Matthew Umphreys

Show Resources

Study Guides
Podcasts
Casper the Friendly Musical Edition
Audio Floodlights

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences, invites the young (and young-at-heart) to join us for Audio Footlights – and we are flipping the script! Jack Theodore Kruse who plays everyone’s favorite ghost in TCT’s upcoming Casper the Friendly Musical interviews Roderick Justice, TCT’s Producing Artistic Director and director of the world-premiere adaptation.

Listen on SoundCloud
Thematic Connections
Ancestry, Arts Integration, Bullying, Compassion, Courage, Courage and Honor, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Exploring Differences in Others, Exploring Differences Within, Fairness, Friendship, Growth and Change, Imagination, Kindness, Music, Possibilities, Self-Esteem, Sharing, Strength of Character, Teamwork

Show Sponsors