For years, Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) had a physical presence next to the original Amélie’s French Bakery on North Davidson. In 2014 they were forced to close due to financial reasons, but CAST returned last year with Audrey Cefaly’s “Alabaster” under longtime creative director Michael Simmons.
Since then, the theater has staged “The Sunset Limited” with actors Thom Tonetti and Zach Humphrey, and is back this month with another Cefaly play, “Maytag Virgin,” directed by Simmons and starring Aimee Thomas as Lizzie Nash and Dalton Riddle as Jack Key.
While CAST no longer has a permanent home, they’ve been fundraising for a 2026 campaign, and making use of the Arts Factory space managed by Three Bone Theatre.
With the premiere of “Maytag Virgin,” it’s safe to say CAST is back.
On Monday, Y’all Weekly spoke with Simmons, Tonetti, Riddle, and Thomas about CAST’s journey and the new production, which runs for two more weekends at the Arts Factory. The night before, Riddle had won the Outstanding Lead Actor award at the Metropolitan Theatre Association’s Awards for his role as Sidney Bruhl in “Deathtrap” at Rock Hill Theatre - so it was a lively, fun conversation we’re excited to share with you below.
Audio Only: Our Conversation with CAST
The Premise:
According to the CAST website, “Maytag Virgin is a charming Southern romantic comedy about two widowed neighbors who couldn’t be more different. Jack Key is calm and practical. Lizzy Nash is spirited, anxious, and determined to keep life exactly as it is. But in true CAST style, audiences become part of their neighborhood, seated in the backyards where awkward encounters, reluctant friendship, and unexpected romance quietly take root.
“Filled with humor, heart, and surprising twists, Maytag Virgin reminds us that healing often begins with a simple conversation between neighbors.”
The Pitch:
“The black box experience, especially the way this play is staged, is a really interesting opportunity. When folks are sitting in this theater they are two feet from Dalton and I as we are moving through this set. They are right there, and so you could equate it to being behind the camera … I think if you try it once, you’ll get hooked.”
- Aimee Thomas (“Lizzie Nash”)
The Deets:
“Maytag Virgin”
by Audrey Cefaly
Directed by Michael Simmons
Presented by NC CAST
at the Arts Factory
(1545 W Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28216 )
October 16-31, 2026
Learn More
Paid Subscribers Only: You’ve got early access to our live conversation with the cast and crew of “Maytag Virgin” on Zoom below.
