JACESON P. BARRUS
(Will Rogers)
JaceSon is thrilled to once again be playing for Cleburne audiences at Plaza Theatre and can’t wait for y’all to see this wonderful and exciting show. JaceSon and his wife Tina have co-directed over 20 productions in northern Texas and make up two of Plaza’s four Producers having been producing live theatre in Cleburne since the fall of 2006. JaceSon has performed in many productions and some of his favorites include Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Pap Finn in BIG RIVER, and Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. He has been married to Tina for 17 years and together they are the proud parents of five wonderful children - Tabitha, Parker, Cameron, Eden Grace and Miranda. In his spare time Jace loves classic movies and studying Civil War trivia.
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CHRISTINE ATWELL
(Betty Blake)
Christine is delighted, as always, to return to Plaza's stage! She was last seen as Ms. Darbus in Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Her favorite roles have included Lily in THE SECRET GARDEN and Eliza Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY. Christine has thoroughly enjoyed her time with this cast and the privilege of working under JaceSon's and Tina's direction once again. Of course, her involvement depends on the support of her wonderful husband and his dedication to their three beautiful children.
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DARON COCKERELL
(Ziegfeld's Favorite)
is excited to be back at Plaza after recently appearing as Lois/Bianca in KISS ME KATE with the Stolen Shakespeare Guild. She is also excited to be joined in THE MUSIC MAN by her mother, father and grandfather. You may remember her as Gertrude in SEUSSICAL, Eliza in MY FAIR LADY, Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, or Martha in THE SECRET GARDEN. She admits she might have a slight Plaza addiction as she adds SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, AIDA, FOOTLOOSE, SOUND OF MUSIC, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, LITTLE RED RIDING BOOTS and two years of CHRISTMAS CAROL to the list. *wipes brow* When she is not at the theatre, you can probably find her at a Half Price Books.
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JAY LEWIS
(Clem Rogers)
Jay is proud to be apart of his eighth Plaza production. Most recently he was seen as Mayor Shinn in MUSIC MAN, Capt. Von Trapp in SOUND OF MUSIC and Rev. Shaw Moore in FOOTLOOSE. For over 25 years, Jay has been quite active with the Cleburne Carnegie Players having appeared as Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Fagin in OLIVER, Felix Unger in THE ODD COUPLE and King Arthur in CAMELOT. Jay will be serving as the 2010 President of the Carnegie Players and is excited about opening the new Cleburne Performing Arts Center this spring. When he's not pounding the boards or under the lights, Jay spends his day surrounded by 500 awesome kiddos as principal of Gerard Elementary. He also serves on the local boards for Rotary, CASA and Longhorn Council, BSA. "Theater is life. Film is art. Television is furniture."
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JAY A. CORNILS
(Wiley Post)
had a very busy 2009 appearing in five Johnson County plays. For the Carnegie Players he appeared as Cogsworth in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and as Nick Bottom is William Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM. He also performed in three of the Plaza Theater Company's four comedies. He was Harry Archer in KISS AND TELL, Walter Hollinder in DON'T DRINK THE WATER, and Abe Goldman in BEAU JEST. With THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, Jay kicks off a year that looks to be equally as busy! Jay and his beautiful wife Corlis enjoy traveling when they can squeeze in a getaway. An accomplished writer, Jay has published two novels - THE CROSS OF LORRAINE and A LITANY OF ANGELS - which can be checked out at www.crossoflorraine.com. Jay is very proud of the area’s amazing talent pool and loves his part as Wiley because he gets to watch all the production numbers over and over again. Way to go troupe!
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AARON MIDKIFF
(Will Rogers Jr.)
Aaron is excited to be on the Plaza stage again. Aaron is the 13 year old son of Mark and Debra Midkiff. He was previously seen in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and THE MUSIC MAN. His favorite role was Yeshua in THE PROMISE in Glenrose. You might also recognize Aaron from one of his 8 productions with The Carnegie Players. When not on stage, Aaron enjoys football, Scouts, reading, and singing. He would like to thank the Barrus's for giving him this opportunity.
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BEN MIDKIFF
(Will Rogers Jr.)
Ben is thrilled to be a part of this production. Last year his Plaza debut was on New Year's Eve as a Who in SUESSICAL. He then had the audiences laughing as Raymond in KISS AND TELL. He enjoyed the opportunity to share the stage with many old and new friends in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Ben is a 12 year old Travis Acadamy of Fine Arts student who has gained much theatrical experience from his many productions with The Carnegie Players. He would like to thank Kate Hicks for all of her encouragement over the years.
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CALEB MIDKIFF
(Freddy Rogers)
Caleb is the 10 year old son of Mark and Debra Midkiff. He is happy to get to be in another show with his brothers. His Plaza debut was as Winthrop in THE MUSIC MAN. While sharing that role with his younger brother, David, he also played Billy in THE PROMISE in Glenrose. Another favorite role was Randy in THE CHRISTMAS STORY with The Carnegie Players. He would like to thank his dad for supporting him and his brothers in their many theatrical productions. " Dad, you rock!"
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CAMERON BARRUS
(James Rogers)
is happy to be back performing at PlazaCo. Past performances include BEAUTY AND THE BEAST as Chip, A CHRISTMAS CAROL as Fedrick, and SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL as a Who. Cameron is having a great time doing this show!
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COOPER RODGERS
(James Rogers)
COOPER RODGERS (James Rogers) is very excited to be performing in his fifth Plaza Theatre production. Some of his favorite roles include JoJo in SEUSSICAL, Kurt in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Colin in THE SECRET GARDEN (all at Plaza Theatre Co), as well as Oliver in OLIVER!, Flick in A CHRISTMAS STORY, and Winthrop in THE MUSIC MAN (with the Carnegie Players). Cooper is a homeschooled seventh grader. He enjoys singing, playing the piano and loves to play video games.
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DAVID MIDKIFF
(Freddy Rogers)
David is super excited to be on the Plaza stage again. He loved being Winthrop in THE MUSIC MAN and a Who in SUESSICAL. His very first role was Motle's baby in THE FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with the Carnegie Players. His favorite Carnegie role was Chip in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. David is the 7 year old youngest child of the 6 Midkiff kids. He is grateful to Jaceson and Tina for choosing him for this part. "Thanks, Hannah, for helping me to be a star. You will always be my first Honeybun."
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ERIKA POPE
(Mary Rogers)
is excited to be sharing a role with her sister for the first time. Favorite roles include Kate in ANNIE at Bass Hall, Lousia in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at PlazaCo, Gretel in JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at Casa Manana, a Munchkin and an Ozian in THE WIZARD OF OZ at Bass Hall, and Little Bird in her Kindergarten Christmas play (where she first discovered the magic of performing). Erika enjoys many hobbies, including sewing, cross stitching, baking, reading, calligraphy, and collecting show programs. “Thank you to my family, and all the supportive teachers at Holy Cross Christian Academy .”
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MARISA POPE
(Mary Rogers)
is happy to be back at Plaza. You may have seen her as the Young Sour Kangaroo in SEUSSICAL and as part of the Children’s Chorus in THE MUSIC MAN. She keeps busy playing basketball and soccer, and has recently taken up competing in triathlons. She enjoys baking, reading mysteries, biking, sewing, and eating watermelon. “Thank you to the Barrus and Silers for making Plaza such a wonderful place to be!”
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AMY ATKINS
(Virginia, Follies girl)
recently played Marian in THE MUSIC MAN at PlazaCo, and is glad to be dancing with the cast of WILL ROGERS FOLLIES! Plaza audiences may remember Amy as Kathy in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, Bethany in GHOST OF A CHANCE, Lily in THE SECRET GARDEN, and Laurey in OKLAHOMA! Amy graduated with a BA in Music from Dallas Baptist University and is a private voice instructor in Birdville ISD. When not at the theatre, you can probably find Amy reading a book, online, or enjoying coffee. "Thank you to Mom and Jer for the constant support and enthusiasm for all my creative endeavors!"
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CAROL RICHEY
(Follies girl)
is excited to be in her first show at Plaza Theatre, WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, with her son Jared.
"Thanks to all my family for your support and patience through this new adventure and THANK YOU to all the cast for making this show so much fun."
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JILL BAKER
(Cora, Follies girl)
is so excited to be appearing in her fourth PlazaCo show and is so proud to have dance captained this amazing cast! She has previously appeared at Plaza as Rusty in FOOTLOOSE, Kathy Selden in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, and Zaneeta Shinn in THE MUSIC MAN. Cleburne audiences may also remember her as a Narrator in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, Chava in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, or one of many other Carnegie productions, as well as NBC's CLASH OF THE CHOIRS in 2007. She received her Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University, which she hates to admit she misses a lot, and, naturally, now waits a lot of tables; she also teaches dance at the Creative Arts Theatre & School in Arlington. Thanks to JTAM, Claudia, Dick, Eddie, Drew, Theresa, Mom, Rags, JBR, and NyQuil. Break a neck!
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JOSEMAR PEREZ
(Zulecki, Follies girl)
is excited to be in her second Plaza show! She was last seen in THE MUSIC MAN (Dancer) at Plaza, THE GOODBYE GIRL as Donna, HOW TO SUCCEED...TRYING as Scrubwoman/pirate girl, and BIG RIVER as Tart at North Crowley High School Theatre. Josemar is so thankful to God for her many blessings and for having the opportunity to do a show with such great people. She would like to thank her family and friends for their prayers and support!
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MELODY HENDERSON
(Waite, Follies girl)
is glad to be back at Plaza for their production of THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES. This is her second Plaza show. You may remember her from our 2008 summer production of FOOTLOOSE! as Wendy-Jo. She hopes to join them more before her 1st semester at Bringham Young University and begins performing with the BYU Young Ambassadors. She would like to thank her parents for supporting her through the rehearsals, her brother for providing most of the transportation, and an endless list of people who helped make this all possible especially the cast. "You guys rock!"
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MILETTE SILER
(Theda, Follies girl)
Milette can scarcely believe that she is in Plaza's 30th production. She was most recently seen at Plaza as Eulalie McKecknie-Shinn in MUSIC MAN. She has also appeared in SECRET GARDEN, GOOD MAN...CHARLIE BROWN, MY FAIR LADY, and many others. Milette is so pleased to be a part of one of her favorite shows and hopes you love WILL ROGERS FOLLIES as much as she does.
Milette sends big hugs and kisses to her wonderful family!
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SARA BETH WALL
(Follies girl)
is back at Plaza Theatre Company after making her debut here in our 2009 production of AIDA. She enjoys dancing, choreography, and is also an accomplished writer. “I am truly honored to have been given the opportunity to work with this incredible, one of a kind company. Thank you for the memories! (And the Fig Newtons)”
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STEPHANIE GLENN
(Follies girl)
is thrilled to be back working at Plaza. Stefanie has enjoyed serving as Stage Manager and all around Plaza cheerleader for several shows including THE MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES, THE SECRET GARDEN, FOOTLOOSE and AIDA. Favorite acting roles include Sally Chessington in CASH ON DELIVERY, Betty Blast in FOOTLOOSE, Mrs. Pierce in MY FAIR LADY, Viola in Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT, Maggie in JAKE’S WOMEN and multiple roles in THE DINING ROOM. Stefanie has worked as Stage Manager, Lighting Designer, Featured Dancer, Actor and various other roles in such productions as KISS ME KATE, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, BIG RIVER, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, FOREVER PLAID and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Stefanie holds a MA from Texas Woman’s University with an emphasis in Directing and Stage Management and a BA from Harding University with an emphasis in Acting. Special thanks to her family and friends for all their love and support, and thanks to her sister Monica for always doing what she is told!!
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SUZI HANFORD
(Follies girl)
is continuing her theatrical ambition with this her third performance at the Plaza. She recently appeared as part off the ensemble in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and MUSIC MAN. Special thanks to her fellow performers for their encouragement, support and camaraderie and to her family for their patience and helpfulness.
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SYDNEY DAVIS
(Waite, Follies girl)
This is Sydney's third show at Plaza Theatre Co., with previous performances in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and THE MUSIC MAN. She recently portrayed Emily in her high school performance of OUR TOWN. She loves to dance, laugh, and do anything involving meeting new people. She sends a shout out to her parents for their suppoort and to her amazing friends, including her Dolphin, Tree Frog, and Deer. "When in Doubt, Rock Out" ;)
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TABITHA BARRUS
(Anna, Follies girl)
is excited to be working with this wonderful cast! Tabi has appeared in numerous Plaza Productions in roles such as Gabriella in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Corliss in KISS AND TELL, and Liesl in SOUND OF MUSIC, as well as ensemble in MUSIC MAN, AIDA, SEUSSICAL, and countless others. She was also thrilled to add choreography to her resume this year, after choreographing HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and THE MUSIC MAN. She currently attends Travis Academy of Fine Arts and is loving every minute of it. Tabi sends love to her stellar friends, and EXTRA love to Mom and Pop, Rekrap, Toucan Cam, EdenOrange, and Mazda, as well as the amazing Dolphin, Giraffe, and Tree Frog. "We've got six weeks, guys!"
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THERESA BURTON
(Cora, Follies girl)
is thrilled to be performing in her third Plaza show! She was as Sara Goldman in BEAU JEST. Some of her favorite roles include Puck in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Susan in DON'T DRINK THE WATER, Wendy in PETER PAN, and M'lynn in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. She would like to thank Jaceson, Tina, Jill, and the talented cast of Will Roger's for making this such a wonderful experience. Also a big thank you to my amazing family and friends for always supporting me in what I love! You guys are awesome! Enjoy the show!
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AUSTON MCINTOSH
(Wrangler)
is very excited about doing his first PTC show and hopes there will be many more. He has been seen around the area in many show through Alvarado High School and The Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players. He has recently been seen on stage as LeFou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and as Lysander in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, both A Greater Cleburne Carnegie PLayers production. He graduates high school during the run of WRF and will start his college life at the University of North Texas as an Opera Performance major. He sends his thanks to his family and friends for their continued support and hope that everyone enjoys the show!
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DAMION RUSH
(Peter)
began performing in 2005 for Coalition of Life, a non profit faith based organization that has educated thousands in the community through drama. He made his on stage debut in April 2008 at the Plaza Theater in Garland, Tx in the stageplay "No He Didn't. In his debut he played multiple speaking roles. Recently, Damion was blessed with the opportunity to play Amonasro in an off broadway production of Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" at the Plaza Theatre in Cleburne, TX. Also played in Stolen Shakespear Guild's production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL as the Ghost of Christmas Future. Damion would like to give all thanks to God for his talents and everyone who has given him the opportunity to display them.
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DREW DAVIS
(Wrangler)
is a 20-year-old Dallas Baptist student going into his junior year. While he is majoring in communications, his true passion is the stage. Drew has been a part of 20 shows since early high school and favorites roles include Will in OKLAHOMA, Fleet in TITANIC, Scarecrow in OZ, and Dr. Sanderson in HARVEY and most recently Chino in WEST SIDE STORY. Drew is a big fan of Jesus and family and is very grateful for both, for without them he could not be here.
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GARRETT WHITEHEAD
(Wrangler)
is excited to be in his second Plaza production. You may have seen him in numerous Carnegie Players or CHS productions. Some of his favorite roles include Ryan Evans in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL at PlazaCo and Randolph McAffee in the CHS production of BYE,BYE, BIRDIE. He wants to send a shout out to his Mom "Thanks for coming!"
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EDEN BARRUS
(Puppy #1)
was most recently here at Plaza in THE MUSIC MAN as part of the chorus. Other favorite roles include Tiny Tim in A CHRISTMAS CAROL Gretl in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Woodstock in GOOD MAN…CHARLIE BROWN, a lamb in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and various child ensemble roles.
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MITCH SILER
(Puppy #3)
Mitch is so excited to finally play his dream role...a puppy. When not impersonating animals, this 6 year old loves to color and read and play computer games. Mitch was last seen in CURIOUS SAVAGE at PlazaCo.
Mitch is a first grader at local Marti Elementary, and wants to say hi to his big brother Ryan and his sister Dana and all his friends at school. Thanks for coming to see him, enjoy the show!
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DICK HELMCAMP
(Music Director)
is very happy to be in his fifth show with the Plaza Theatre Company after having done over 50 shows with the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players. You may remember him from MUSIC MAN in the barbershop quartet. Dick lists as among his favorite roles Fagin in OLIVER and George in MOON OVER BUFFALO. Among his favorite directorial jobs are CAMELOT, SYLVIA and WAIT UNTIL DARK. Dick would like to thank the Barrus and Siler families for allowing him to be a part of their shows. Also, his wonderful wife of 46 years, Patsy, for putting up with him as he enjoys his hobby.
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