Based on the book by Mike Deeney
Adapted by Taylor Ford Patno, Chase Peacock, & Mike Deeney
Two unlikely heroes on a quest to save the planet!
Avery and Masa, a red panda and a slow loris, go on great adventures through exotic locales across the Earth, protecting their planet and its endangered species from the likes of nefarious poacher Nukie Bluff. Based on chapter books authored by The Avery and Masa Literacy Foundation to enhance children’s literacy, The Adventures of Avery and Masa is a unique collaboration between two local organizations passionate about igniting wonder and love of learning in kids from K-5th grades.
*Each family will receive a free copy of The Adventures of Avery and Masa book!
Individual Tickets: $12 (Plus NC State taxes and fees)
Recommended for all ages
Meet the Author
Mike Deeney leads the Avery and Masa Foundation and is Creator-Author of the Avery and Masa® Book Series.
Mike’s background as an elementary educator, youth mentor, writer, and changemaker has prepared him to build a strong foundation for the organization. Mike has developed and executed our successful four-year Title 1 school literacy program resulting in an dynamic increase in 3rd grade literacy scores. Mike delivered the Keynote Speech for the 2025 UNC Charlotte Literacy Summit.
He holds a BA in Education from San Diego State University with a specialization in Children’s Literature. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife, Sterling and their son, Dylan.
Meet the Cast
Lucas DeVore (Avery)
Lucas is a performer, technician and producer from Mooresville. He currently works with Community School of Davidson as the Technical Director as well as runs his own theatre company, LAD Space. He is excited to be back at DCP and is ready for the opportunity to put on this great show!
Dave Gilpin (Narrator, Nukie Bluff)
Dave long ago and far away started with Little Theater and Mint Theater of Charlotte. He was also alongside his Dad in Charlotte Opera’s CARMEN, TURANDOT and MADAME BUTTERFLY in the early 1990s. After some time Dave was the on-field emcee for the Arena Football League’s Carolina Cobras for two seasons, the Attorney on SINGLES COURT on WAXN-64 and DJ’d for 4 radio stations. And then after a long hiatus Dave returned to Davidson with STROLLING WITH SHAKESPEARE, THE EXPLORERS’ CLUB (Professor Cope), WANTED: FROGS (Frog, Another Frog), DINNER PLANS (Delivery Guy), OFFICE HOURS (multiple roles), BOOS & BREWS ’22 (Dracula), BOOS & BREWS ’23 (Man) and BOOS & BREWS ’24 (emcee). Dave also recently emceed Davidson’s Run For Green.
Allison Graham (Captain, Kamora, Chase, Zara)
Allison is from the west coast and recently settled down in Charlotte, NC. She trained at the Bill Esper Studio in NYC and workshop experience with Steppenwolf West. Notable stage credits include the iconic 'Babe' in CRIMES OF THE HEART and originating the role of 'Rachel' in 'ZOEY’S PERFECT WEDDING at the Black Box Theater in Pasadena, CA. Sharing her love of theatre, Allison also teaches children at the Fort Mill Community Playhouse and is a proud member of Charlotte is Creative's Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative Class of 2025.
Becky Layman (Captain, Kamora, Chase, Zara)
Becky is so excited to get back on the DCP stage! Becky has been performing all her life in different choirs and shows. Some of her musical theatre credits include The Sound of Music at DCP, THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Babette), GREASE (Sandy). Most recently, Becky has been performing at DCP in WINTER WONDERETTES (Suzy) and The Little Theater of Gastonia, in BYE BYE BIRDIE (Mrs. McAfee), HEATHERS (Ms. Fleming, Mrs. Sawyer) THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Aslan), SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Patrick), ANNIE (Bert Healy), and THE COLOR PURPLE (ensemble). Becky has also co-directed at LTG for WAIT UNTIL DARK. In her spare time, Becky enjoys almost anything creative, including cake decorating, jewelry making, painting, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and dogs.
Jenna Tyrell (Tiago, Masa's Mom, Ref, Utari & Sudan)
Jenna is having the best time trying to keep her character's straight in A&M with this fun cast! This is a fun return for her to be performing theatre for young people- which she hasn't done since her time with Wichita's Children's Theatre. She just came off her debut directing experience with Mooresville Community Children's Theatre's CLUE and was most recently seen on stage in Davidson Community Players 9 TO 5 (Violet). Jenna has a BFA in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University and continues to leverage that education performing, choreographing and now directing in the Lake Norman area.
Ella Grace Wolfe (Masa)
Ella Grace is grateful to bring this story to the stage! Her most recent credits include RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA (Stepsister Gabrielle), LITTLE WOMEN (Marmee), and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Martha). She has also worked for PlayMaker's Repertory Company, Blumenthal Arts, and teaches theatre at DCP. Ella would like to thank her family and friends!
Meet the Production Team
Matt Webster, Director
Shawn Halliday, Set Designer/TD
Carrie Cranford, Costume Designer
Kathryn Harding, Sound Designer
Caden Ryan, Tour Projector Operator