G. AARON SILER
(Nicely-Nicely Johnson)
You may remember Aaron as Tevye in our recent production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Other Plaza credits include Horton in SEUSSICAL, Charlie Brown in GOOD MAN...CHARLIE BROWN, Bufflo Bill in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and many more. Past Plaza directing credits include ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, HARVEY, SEUSSICAL, INTO THE WOODS, and TREASURE ISLAND where he won BEST DIRECTOR in 2012 The Column Awards. Aaron has also won multiple Column Awards for Best Scenic Design, and Best Sound Design, and the Rudy Seppy Volunteer Award. Aaron is a proud father of three wonderful kids and husband to Milette, also a co-founder here at PlazaCo.
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MICHAEL D. DURINGTON
(Benny Southstreet)
Michael is pleased to be making his first appearance on the Plaza stage. His face may be familiar to some, having played many roles including his favorites as Bob Cratchit in SCROOGE THE MUSICAL, Uncle Max in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Marcellas Washburn in THE MUSIC MAN, Albert Peterson in BYE, BYE BIRDIE and Sparky in FOREVER PLAID, all at Artisan Center Theatre in Hurst. He wants to thank the wonderful cast of GUYS AND DOLLS for making the "new kid on the block" feel right at home.
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MARK MCKEE
(Rusty Charlie)
is thrilled to be in another show at Plaza! Most recently seen in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF here at Plaza, Mark has performed in over twenty plays or musicals at his school and in the Fort Worth area. Some favorite roles include Motel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Underling in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and Peter in THE VELDT. His other activities include singing and playing piano, and he was a member of the TPSMEA 2011-2012 All-State Choir. He would like to thank Sue and Alan Buratto, his family and friends, and everybody at Plaza for another awesome experience!
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EMILY WARWICK
(Sarah Brown)
Emily is absolutely thrilled to be in her fifth show at Plaza, having previously appeared as ensemble in DROWSY, a villager in FIDDLER...ROOF, the Star-to-be/Boylan Sister in ANNIE and Widows Drews in TREASURE ISLAND. Other previous roles include Ayah in SECRET GARDEN at Casa Manana, Babe Williams in PAJAMA GAME, and Cat in the Hat in SEUSSICAL, PETER PAN, MYSTERY OF...DROOD, CHILDREN OF EDEN, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK, and BEEHIVE! "I owe the biggest of Thank You's to Jay Lewis, JTAM, Shaunamom and the rest of the production staff for giving me this opportunity! And to my fabulous double, Shoshana, BREAK LEGS!"
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SHOSHANA BRYANT COOK
(Sarah Brown)
Shoshana is excited to be in her first show at Plaza Theatre! Her favorite roles include Gypsy in GYPSY, Poppy in NOISES OFF, and the Narrator in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT. She resides in Bedford, but is no stranger to Cleburne as she attended First A/G on Kilpatrick growing up. In December, she released her Christmas CD in iTunes as well as her website: ShoshanaRenee.com. Shoshana would like to thank her wonderful husband of 9 years, David, and her beautiful six year old daughter, Cosette, for helping out while she goes to rehearsals. "I haven't forgotten how to cook! I promise!"
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JAY A. CORNILS
(Arvide Abernathy)
has become a regular at the Plaza Theatre Company since his first performance here in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU in 2008. A retired educator from Colorado, Jay is married to Corlis, whom he wishes to thank for her great love and support. 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 looks forward to continuing his contributions to community theater here in Johnson County.
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HANNAH MIDKIFF
(Mission Band)
Hannah is thrilled to be back on the PlazaCo stage. Some of her past PlazaCo roles include Corliss in KISS AND TELL, Lorraine in ALL SHOOK UP and Mrs. Pugh in ANNIE. But her favorite role is being mom for her beautiful one year old daughter Piper. When she's not at rehearsal, she enjoys spending time with her family and working at Plaza Academy. "Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh you guys! Footloose camp's going to rock, NO LIES!"
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JAMIE DUGGER
(Mission Band)
It has been two years since Jamie played with her friends here at Plaza Theater Company and she is happy and grateful to be back. She was last seen at Plaza as Lillian Gilbreth in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN. Some of her previous roles include Ellie Banks in FATHER OF THE BRIDE, Ms. McCutcheon and Prof. Metz in THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, Fermina in MAN OF LAMANCHA, Miss Carter in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE and Irma Slocum in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Although Jamie loves theater she also spends some of her time performing in film and television. She is slated to begin shooting two web series this fall; RAINBOW FALLS and THE BATTLE OF CHARLOTTE. She wishes to thank her generous husband for sharing her with her "artsy" friends and Jay and Shauna Lewis and the producers of PTC, JTAM, for this opportunity to be a part of this colorful and dearly loved show. Ps 37:4
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KENNEDY STYRON
(Mission Band)
Kennedy is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage for the sixth time! Kennedy will be a senior at Travis Academy of Fine Arts this coming fall, and plans on pursuing theatre in college. Performing is her life. She loves the joy it brings to people. . Kennedy would like to thank God, JTAM, Jay, this amazing cast, and her loving friends and family for pushing her to always do her best and keeping her smiling! She loves what she does and why she does it, and is truly grateful for all of the blessings she has been graced with.
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LINDSAY SPANO
(Mission Band)
Lindsay Spano is a sophomore at North Crowley High School. She has played previous roles The drowsy chaperone ask kitty, Of Winners Losers and Games as peace, and Children of Eden as the snake. Lindsay is in varsity choir at her school, advanced theatre, and is a member of the international thespian club. She also studies voice with Raymond Schultz. She would like to thank her family and friends for being so supportive, and gives thanks to God for making her who she is today.
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FAITH BROWN
(Hot Box Girl)
Faith just loves doing shows here a Plaza so very much! Her favorite shows she has been in are ALL SHOOK UP, CRAZY FOR YOU, and of course GUYS AND DOLLS because these are all shows that she has been in with her favorite stage manager, Cessany. Faith likes long walks on the beach, puppies, and chocolate milkshakes. She would love to thank her stage manager, Cessany, for all of her hard work and tireless effort on this project. "You're the best, Cess!"
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RACHEL HUNT
(Hot Box Girl)
Rachel is thrilled to be appearing in her third show here at Plazaco. You may remember her as part of the dance chorus in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT or Tess in CRAZY FOR YOU (for which she was nominated for a Chita Rivera Award.) Doing theatre is Rachel's favorite way of playing hooky from her regular job -- teaching Ballroom Dance at Dance Across Cleburne. Plus Plazaco is about the only place she can see her husband Luke (Big Jule) who is a regular on the Plaza stage. Rachel and Luke have two awesome children Dora and John who have also appeared in Plaza productions. Rachel would like to thank the producers JTAM for all they do, Jay and Cessany for putting up with her crazy schedule, Jennifer for the chance to dance such great choreography, Karen for seeing through her less than stellar audition, and her fellow Hot Box Girls for their professionalism and talent. Thanks also to the staff and students of Dance Across Cleburne for allowing her to play. "Enjoy the show!"
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STACEY GREENAWALT KING
(Hot Box Girl)
Stacey is very excited to be appearing in one of her all-time favorite shows! Most recently at Plaza she played Emma in THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE, and has also appeared as Yente, the Matchmaker, in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and as Frances Perkins and Mrs. Greer in ANNIE. She is an accomplished artist, professional photographer, published author, mom to two fabulous teens, and shower show-tune diva extraordinaire. Much love and thanks to the cast and crew for not strangling me!
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STEFANIE GLENN
(Hot Box Girl)
STEFANIE GLENN (Hot Box Girl) is thrilled to be back onstage. At Plaza Stefanie has been seen as Patsy in CRAZY FOR YOU, Mrs. Flannery in THROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Miss Dinsmore in SINGIN IN THE RAIN a Follies Girl in WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, Sally Chessington in CASH ON DELIVERY, Betty Blast in FOOTLOOSE and Mrs. Pierce in MY FAIR LADY. Other favorite roles include Purity in ANYTHING GOES at Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Viola in Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT, Maggie in JAKE’S WOMEN and multiple roles in THE DINING ROOM. Stefanie holds a Master of Arts from Texas Woman’s University with an emphasis in Directing and Stage Management and a Bachelor of Arts from Harding University with an emphasis in Acting. Stefanie is also a proud recipient of the 2009 Column Award for Best Stage Manager of a Musical-Non Equity. Special thanks to her family and friends for acknowledging her classiness. Hugs and kisses to Humphrey, Gigi, Lily, Fiona and Monica.
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SUZI HANFORD
(Hot Box Girl)
Is continuing her theatrical ambitions with this her eighth performance at the Plaza. Suzi has enjoyed being in FOLLIES, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, SINGING IN THE RAIN, FIDDLER, and many others. Suzi is thrilled to be in the running for Miss Texas and has just recently graduated from high school and is already enrolled in her second year of college. She also enjoys being outside working with animals, riding four-wheelers, and just hanging out with friends. Suzi would like to thank first and foremost, God for helping her through everyday trials, and loving her endlessly, Jay for being an awesome director and giving her the opportunity to be in such a fun show, Faith for being an awesome double, her family for putting up with her silliness, and her other ‘family’ who is always there to listen to her, and knows just what to say to make her feel better. "Favorite quote from being a hot box chickie: I am mad at you, an now I shall dance."
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TABITHA BARRUS
(Hot Box Girl)
Tabi is so excited to be playing in this fabulous show. You may recognize Tabi from roles like Cordelia in THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE, Mary Reed in TREASURE ISLAND, Tzeitel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and many others. She is excited to attend Utah State University to study Theater Arts in the fall. She sends love to her ever-supportive family and friends. She's thrilled to be sharing the stage with her amazing mom and dad (and adopted uncle...).
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DANIEL ROBINSON
(Harry the Horse)
Daniel is thrilled to be back on the PlazaCo stage. Some of his favorite roles include Benjamin in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, LeFou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Tony in HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys playing with his beautiful daughter Piper and spending time with love of his life, Hannah. "I love you both so much! Can't wait to see what the future holds for Hugh and I"
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ROBERT BECK
(Lt. Brannigan)
BOB BECK (Lt. Brannigan) Bob is excited to be appearing in his third Plaza show. Bob was last seen on stage as Stanley Banks in the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Player’s 2011 production of FATHER OF THE BRIDE. Other favorite roles and shows include Robert Livingston – 1776, Scarecrow - THE WIZARD OF OZ, Zophar – THE BOOK OF JOB, GODSPELL, THE MIKADO, MY FAIR LADY, THE MUSIC MAN and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. Bob has a graduate degree in music and before becoming an actor was a singer and choir director serving for 25 years in various area churches and singing with Schola Cantorum of Texas. He is grateful to God for this opportunity and to his family for their love and support.
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BEN PHILLIPS
(Nathan Detroit)
Ben Phillips has previously appeared at Plaza Theatre Company as Aldolpho in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Citizen Chauvelin in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, and the Baker in INTO THE WOODS (2011 Column Award winner). Other past roles include George in DON'T DRESS FOR DINNER (2011 Stony Award winner), Lloyd Dallas in NOISES OFF!, Ebenezer Scrooge in SCROOGE: THE MUSICAL, Major Powell in CORPSE!, Hysterium in A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, Frank in EDUCATING RITA, Jake Quinn (et al.) in STONES IN HIS POCKETS, and Sweeney Todd in SWEENEY TODD. Ben's voice can be heard in such animated series as MURDER PRINCESS, FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD, HEROIC AGE, and ONE PIECE from FUNimation Entertainment.
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JUSTIN DIYER
(Angie the Ox)
Justin Diyer is excited to appear in his second plaza production as Angie the ox. Former shows you may have seen him in are as follows: Plaza's production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE and multiple parts in Grandview High School's one act play AND THEY DANCE REAL SLOW IN JACKSON. Justin will soon be appearing in Plaza's production of FOOTLOOSE. In his spare time Justin enjoys playing and writing music with multiple instrumentation. Justin would like thank The Cleburne Plaza for this opportunity and his mother for putting up with all of the spoilers "Guess what we did tonight mom..."
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NATHAN GLENN
(Liverlips Louie)
A long time fan of Plaza performances, Nathan is participating in the first of what he hopes will be many shows for the company. It's been over ten years since his last performance for his Senior year musical where he played Albert Peterson in BYE BYE BIRDIE, but he has always felt the urge to get back on the stage. Singing has always been a part of his life and a musical such as GUYS AND DOLLS was the perfect avenue for him to get back into the performing world. The time spent has been full of laughter and excitement and he hopes to do the show and the producers proud each and every night.
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LLOYD EKPO
(Society Max)
Lloyd is so happy to portray Society Max and to be back at Plaza for his 6th show! Other recent roles you may remember seeing Lloyd in are the Butler in THE DROWSY CHAPERON, a Village Elder in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Other shows he has been in are ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and he worked back stage with MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Lloyd would like to thank TJAM, the talented Jay, Mitchell (his double), the great cast, and backstage crew, and of course the wonderful stage managers! He would also like to thank his WONDERFUL wife for all of her support, understanding of the late nights, and his sweet kids. God has definitely blessed Lloyd with a new outlet for his dancing talents!
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MITCHELL MOORE
(Society Max)
Mitchell is excited to be performing in his second show at the Plaza with such talented friends. His first appearance was in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF as a Bottle dancer and a Russian soldier. Mitchell is a sophomore at Joshua High School where he is a member of the Varsity JROTC rifle team, cross country team, Spirit of Joshua Band and newly inducted member of the National Honor Society. He wants to extend a warm thank you to Jay Lewis and JTAM for allowing him the opportunity to be a part of something so wonderful. "Thank you to my family and friends for their love and support and to God be the glory."
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CAMILLE SHAW
(Adelaide)
is bubbling over with joy on her return to Plaza Theatre Company to play one of her favorite roles...Adelaide. She was last seen as June Sanders in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN. Other roles at Plaza include Ado Annie in OKLAHOMA, Florence in MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES and THE CURIOUS SAVAGE and Sarah in BEAU JEST. Some of Camille's favorite roles include Sylvia in SYLVIA, Sabrina in SABRINA FAIR, and Maggie in LEND ME A TENOR.
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TINA BARRUS
(Adelaide)
Tina is often seen backstage at Plaza busily sewing costumes but she also loves getting on stage - so she's thrilled at the chance to play with this wonderful cast. Some of her past favorite roles include Emily in OUR TOWN, Florence in MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES and Fairy Mae in THE CURIOUS SAVAGE. She is also the proud mother of 6 fantastic children and sends her deep and abiding love to husband JaceSon (yeah, he wrote this for her).
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AARON LETT
(Sky Masterson)
Aaron is overjoyed to make his 17th appearance at Plaza Theatre Company. Recently he was the eerily creepy Blind Pew in TREASURE ISLAND, of which he won a Column Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Play/Non-equity. Also last year he played George in Music Theatre of Denton's THE DROWSY CHAPERONE and Sky Masterson in RCT's production of GUYS & DOLLS. Aaron is also honored to have been recently elected to the COLUMN AWARDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Aaron holds a BFA in Theatre from Tarleton State University and is currently using that degree to its limit as a Web Developer for Orthofix Corporation in The Colony. Some favorite roles include (but are not limited to): Nick Cristano in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, John Adams in 1776, Sancho Panza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Eric Swan in CASH ON DELIVERY, Chance in GHOST OF A CHANCE, and Third Guy From the Left in FOOTLOOSE. "I could never do all this without the love of The Princess, mother, and the best of friends present at Plaza Theatre!!"
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Sky Masterson)
JaceSon loves being a part of this wonderful cast of folks in such a production. Other favorite roles here at Plaza include WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, THE MUSIC MAN, AIDA and INTO THE WOODS. His favorite role is as Dad to Tabitha, Parker, Cameron, Eden Grace, Miranda and Jonah. Love to the best part of my life Tina.
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LUKE HUNT
(Big Jule)
Luke is performing in his fourteenth production at PlazaCo having previously appeared as Long John Silver in TREASURE ISLAND, Froggy LeSeuer in THE FOREIGNER, Underling in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and most recently as Anthony Drexel Biddle in THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE He has also appeared locally with the Carnegie Players as Aslan in LION...WARDROBE, Count Dracula in DRACULA, and Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Luke is the theatre teacher at Alvarado Junior High School and is a co-owner of Dance Across Cleburne with his wife, Rachel.
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TONYA LAREE
(General Matilda B. Cartwright)
is excited to be a part of this amazing show. You may have seen her last as Mrs. Duke in “The Happiest Millionaire”. She also played Bernice Roth in “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” and Ellie Banks in “Father of the Bride” at Carnegie. She also played Mrs. Barry in “Anne of Green Gables, The Musical” at Artisan. At Plaza Theater you may have seen her in: “You Can’t Take It With You”, “Kiss And Tell”, “Smoke On The Mountain”, “Footloose”, and “Curious Savage”. She was stage manager for “Arsenic and Old Lace”. Tonya has also been in several Indi movies, and been an extra in some TV shows such as “Walker, Texas Ranger”, “Prison Break”, and both “Detective, Mom” shows that aired on Lifetime Movie Network. Tonya would like to thank Jay and Shauna Lewis for casting her, the production and tech team and for all their hard work in bringing this play together, and the rest of the cast for being such an awesome group of people to work with. I LOVE YOU ALL!!!
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JAY LEWIS
(Director)
Jay is quite honored to be directing his second show for Plaza Theatre. Having appeared onstage in several shows under the directorships of Kate, Roxie, Dick, Luke, Ed, Taffy, Christine, Kyle, Kevin, Aaron and Jaceson (8), he begs their forgiveness for forgotten cues, paraphrased lines, missed scene changes and lack of focus issues. Jay considers the cast to be one of the most talented ever assembled on the Plaza stage. He is extremely grateful for the faith, support and encouragement from the JTAM team. Jay also loves to be onstage. He'll be playing Rev. Shaw in Plaza's next production of FOOTLOOSE. He thanks the cast for their dedication, time and commitment. Jay leaves the best for last... thanking his wife Shauna for her support, love and partnership.
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SHAUNA LEWIS
(Assistant Director)
Shauna is proud to be back in the fold of the JTAM crew. Shauna received her undergraduate degree from SWAU '82 and Maste's Degree in Speech from Texas Christian University '92 (Go Frogs!) As a Column Award winner, Shauna is keenly aware of the value excellent community theater. Johnson County is a great place to be! She was recently seen on the Plaza Stage as a Hooverite in Annie and Patricia Fodor in Crazy For you. She also performed as Majorie Baverstock in Carnigie's Musical Comedy Murders. You may remember seeing Shauna in Plaza's production of Steele Magnolias or as Wicked Witch in Carnegie's Wizard of Oz. This is Shauna's 12th Plaza Production and she is looking forward to many more! Love to Jay, John, Garrett, Emma and Lorelei, my Guys and Dolls!
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CESSANY FORD
(Stage Manager)
Cessany is thrilled to be here for her 6th show at Plaza! She just recently finished her final semester at Ouachita Baptist University, where she received a degree in theatre. Her previous shows include THE DRWOSY CHAPERONE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF,JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, DON GIOVANNI, YOU HAVE TO SERVE SOMEBODY, ALL SHOOK UP, SEUSSICAL, and SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR. Her next project will be stage managing the upcoming production of FOOTLOOSE. Cessany would like to thank Hannah, Andrew, and Kyle for their unending support, and loving her despite her irrational fear of zombies.
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CARYN MARTIN
(Musical Director)
Caryn is SO thrilled to be doing her first production with Plaza. The last show she did with Jay was the Carnegie Players production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She is a full-time wife and mommy who teaches voice lessons and accompanies for Cleburne ISD choirs. Her husband, Matt, is the music minister at Field Street. Both are trained in music ranging in style from classical to crazy! Caryn has really REALLY enjoyed working with all the amazing people at Plaza!! She absolutely cannot wait to direct the music for FOOTLOOSE this summer and teach in the teen show camp! She wants to invite all you teenagers out there to come join the fun!
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JENNIFER LEYVA
(Choreographer)
is so excited to be involved in her first Plaza production! Jennifer hails from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where she trained as a dancer/choreographer and teacher for over 30 years. After college she moved to Maryland where she and her husband worked for Six Flags theme Parks before moving to Michigan to create an entertainment department for a dude ranch and golf resort. She is currently on staff as Events and Marketing Director for the popular Artie's Playhouse at Artisan Center Theater as well as worthy other non profit groups in the community and is proud to announce the recent creation of L.I.P. Service Productions, a full service production company led by her husband Jason Leyva. Jennifer has performed in such productions as TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, HELLO DOLLY, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, SAME TIME NEXT YEAR and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Jennifer has choreographed various shows including SCROOGED, PHANTOM, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, CAMELOT and MULAN JR.
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