KEVIN POOLE
(Burl Sanders)
Very seldom will Kevin reprise a role he has played in the past, but Burl reminds him of his own Daddy so much that he can't help himself. This is Kevin's third time to portray the head of the Sanders family and each time he recalls so many vivid memories of his own family gathered around the piano to sing the songs of faith. This is the type of show which truly blurs the line of performance and reality. Thanks to this incredible cast and crew, to our families for all they have done, and to the patrons who make all this possible. "Let's sing,family!"
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SUSAN METZGER
(Vera Sanders)
Susan had such a good time celebrating Halloween with the ADDAMS FAMILY here at Plaza that she just had to celebrate Christmas with the SANDERS FAMILY here too!!! Susan has done theatre all around the metroplex...favorite roles include the Witch in INTO THE WOODS, Patsy in ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE, Anna in KING AND I, Dolly in HELLO DOLLY (here at Plaza) and many more! Susan and Vera Sanders have a lot in common (although their theology is a bit different!!) Susan is married to her high school/college sweetheart Rob and has two daughters, Madeline and Susannah. Like the Sanders, her entire family sings, loves Jesus and loves to sing together!! Thank you Jaceson for the chance to sing and celebrate Christmas with these talented actors and musicians! May the Star of Bethleham guide you this Christmas season and all year long! Merry Christmas!
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CAMILLE SHAW
(June Sanders)
Camille is thrilled to not only be returning to Plaza Theatre Co. but also to be reunited with one of her favorite characters...June Sanders. Camille was last seen in a role completely opposite of the innocent June, Mme. Thenardier in Carnegie Players' production of Les Miserable this past June. Some of Camille's favorite roles have been Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, Sylvia in SYLVIA, Sabrina in SABRINA FAIR, and Florence in CURIOUS SAVAGE. A huge thank you to my beloved patient husband, Adam, my sweet babies, and my beautiful Mum who is here all the way from Pittsburgh, PA.
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JAY LEWIS
(Stanley Sanders)
JAY is thrilled to a member of the Sanders family. Having just finished playing Mal Beineke in Plaza’s ADDAM’S FAMILY, he has recently taken the stage as Prof. Callahan in Granbury's LEGALLY BLONDE, Mr. Archer in KISS & TELL, Thenardier in LES MISERABLES for Cleburne's Carnegie Players, Mr. Arnott in ENCHANTED APRIL and Mr. Mushnik in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Favorite roles include Tevye, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; Rev. Moore, FOOTLOOSE; Arthur, CAMELOT; Horace VanderGelder, HELLO DOLLY; Daddy Warbucks, ANNIE; and Ben Franklin, 1776. Jay is the principal at Crosstimbers Academy, a 9-12 charter school in Weatherford. Kisses, a dozen roses and a standing ovation for his supporting wife, both onstage and off, Shauna.
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CALEB J. PIETERSE
(Dennis Sanders)
Caleb is enjoying his debut on The Plaza Stage as Dennis Sanders. Some of his favourite theatrical endeavors include: LES MISERABLES at Cedar Valley College and again with the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players, Freddy in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and The Cowardly Lion in WIZARD OF OZ at Waxahachie Community Theatre. Caleb dedicates this performance to seasoned bluegrass musicians, Randall Dyess, and The Cooke Brothers for instilling a love of music within him.
"Gaudete! Christus est natus! Rejoice! Christ is born!"
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PAULIE COCKE
(Denise Sanders)
Paulie Cocke is delighted to be a part of Sanders Family Christmas here at Plaza. Although she hasn't been here long, you might have recently seen her on Plaza's stage as Princess Fiona in SHREK THE MUSICAL, or Ilona in SHE LOVES ME. Other recent credits include Mira in THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY, and Martha in BORROWED PARTS. You can also find her in the Operetta DIE FLEDERMAUS in February, or as a Professional Princess with Part Time Princess Parties out of Arlington. Once again she is very grateful to be a part of such a beautiful show and wants to thank the producers and cast for a remarkable experience.
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TABITHA BARRUS
(Denise Sanders)
Tabi is thrilled to be part of the Sanders Family for the second time! Tabitha is a dance, musical theatre, and drama teacher at James Madison Christian Academy and Plaza Academy. Favorite past roles include Eponine in LES MISERABLES at Carnegie Players, Peggy Sawyer in 42ND STREET, Ariel in FOOTLOOSE, and Little Red in INTO THE WOODS all at PlazaCo. Don't miss Tabitha in her next role as Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She sends love to Mom, Dad, Park, Cam, Edie, Mimi, JJ, and Charlie, and her two puppies Benny and Pippin. She would also like to give a shout out to all of her amazing students for bringing so much joy to her life. She thanks her Heavenly Father for her gifts and talents and hopes that you enjoy this "Country Kind of Christmas!"
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DAVID GOZA
(Rev. Oglethorpe)
David is glad to back at Plaza, and following in the footsteps of the incredibly talented men who have previously played Rev. Oglethorpe. He recently finished writing a stage adaptation of A Muppet Christmas Carol, set to premiere next year. He will be playing the role of Jacob Marley, to Cessany Ford's Robert Marley. Following the premiere of A MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL, David plans to travel the country with just a skateboard and a dream. He is a graduate of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he was a member of Ravenclaw. David loves watching Disney movies, playing Mario Cart, and speaking only in abbreviations. He anxiously awaits the completion of the WESTSIDE STORY rewrite featuring only N'Sync and Backstreet boys music, where he intends to play Tony. He would like to thank Cessany because she's awesome, and why wouldn't you want to thank her? (oh and she wrote this bio) "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
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TAFFY GEISEL
(Miss Myrtle)
Taffy has had the unmitigated joy of playing Miss Myrtle in too many productions to count, and is very thankful, she doesn't have to live full time in this character's head. She was voted 'Best Actress in Tarrant County' by the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram for her portrayal of Miss Hannigan in CATS' ANNIE. Directing is a passion of Taffy's - having just directed POLLYANNA here at Plaza. She's also loved directing STEEL MAGNOLIAS, DEAR RUTH, THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE, ANNIE, SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, THE MIRACLE WORKER, and many others. Playwriting also delights her heart - ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, A WRINKLE IN TIME, PRINCE CASPIAN, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL MIRACLE have all been produced by Artisan Center Theater. "Thanks to the Lord for the opportunity (and strength) to play Miss Myrtle again - to my Beloveds, who delight my heart, Howard, Joey, Caroline and Matt - and to JaceSon, Tina, Aaron and Milette for creating such a healthy, safe, and joyous place to play.
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JUDY 'GIGI' BARNETT
(Miss Maude)
JUDY “Gigi” BARNETT (Amen Lady, “Miss Maude”) feels privileged to be a part of Plaza Theatre’s 2015 presentation of SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS .
Judy enjoys all aspects of community theatre. Onstage as an actor in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS, SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING, SINGING IN THE RAIN, SOUND OF MUSIC. HARVEY; or behind the scenes, as producer, asst. director, or sound tech in productions of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, DRACULA, OLIVER, LION WITCH AND WARDROBE, MY FAIR LADY; and as a volunteer making popcorn in concessions. She has volunteered with Plaza Theatre Company and Carnegie Players Theatre since 2007.
Judy is a native of Cleburne and a graduate of Cleburne High School many, many years ago.
She wishes to thank her husband, Dale, family and friends for their steadfast encouragement and support.
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STORMY LEE
(Myrtle and Maude)
Stormy is honored to be joining the cast of SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS. It was the first Plaza Co. show she saw and she has been looking forward to the chance to audition for it since! Stormy has recently performed in SHE LOVES ME, LES MISERABLES, and 42ND ST. She also had the incredible opportunity to costume design for HAMLET at Shakespeare in the Park. Stormy truly treasures working with a cast and crew who are not only talented, but are also family, through their incredible spirits and sincerity for one another.
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CHERI DEE MEGA
(Cousin Melva)
Cheri has been a part of Plaza Theatre Company since the very beginning as the music director for our preview week performances and the music director for YOUR A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. You may remember her from CLUE THE MUSICAL as the piano player or in all of the SMOKE productions and as the musical director for numerous other productions here at PlazaCo and also at Artisan Center Theater in Hurst. Cheri is the music teacher and choral director at Stone Gate Christian Academy in Irving, TX and also instructs private piano, voice, and guitar. Plaza provides an amazing place for families to be entertained and Cheri is so grateful for JaceSon, Tina, Aaron, and Milette for creating an environment where young artists can be mentored in every facet of theater. "Thank you for pouring into my son's life." Cheri and her husband, Brian have reared one son, Curt, who grew up under JTAM's tutelage. "Thank you to Jesus for His grace to live this blessed life."
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PARKER BARRUS
(Little Petey Parker)
Parker is excited to be in his sixteeth production here at Plaza! He's also loved playing roles like Willard in FOOTLOOSE here at PlazaCo in the past. In his spare time he loves learning to play new musical instruments. This is the perfect show for that!
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BOB GRACEY
(Buford)
is happy with back Slapping Da Bass with the Sanders Family again for the Christmas Season. It is always a pleasure to play with such a talented group of performers. This is his 5 time on the Plaza stage, all with the Sanders Family. When Buford is not playing bass, he is the optometrist at Texas State Optical in Cleburne, He also is the bassist for the country duet Benay and Logan. He is married to JoAnn (a frequent Plaza performer). He has two grown boys, Andrew and Chris, one disreputable dog Lucy and two crazy cats Jens and Mogget. It is always a joy to play with the Plaza gang!
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HOWARD GEISEL
(Fiddlin' Forrest)
By day, Howard is an elementary music teacher in the Arlington ISD. He started playing the violin in 5th grade, and has performed with the Ft. Worth, Waco and Wichita Falls symphonies. He has played for multiple shows, and has added his musical gift to many productions of the SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN series of musicals. Howard thanks the Lord for the joy of working with such an exuberant cast. He gives all his love to his beloved wife, Taffy, and his all grown up children - Joey, Caroline, and Matt.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Director)
JaceSon is so excited to bring the Sanders Family back to the PlazaCo stage! Past favorite roles at PlazaCo include Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Will Rogers in WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and Ebenezer Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He is the proud father of seven (yes, seven) incredible children and any time he's not working you'll find him enjoying their company. He send his love to Tina, Tabi, Park, Cam, Eden, Mimi, JJ and Charlie.
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CESSANY CARPENTER
(Stage Manager)
Cessany is thrilled to be spending her holiday season with the Sanders family in her 20th Plaza show! She is 4 time nominated and 2 time recipient of the Column Award for best stage manager. Cessany has stage managed/assistant stage managed over 30 productions, and comes with credits from Granbury Theatre Company, Theatre Arlington,San Diego Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival, and Fort Worth Opera. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2011, and has been working ever since. You may have seen Cessany on the Plaza stage in SHREK, 42ND ST. as Anytime Annie, SEUSSICAL, RAGTIME and CRAZY FOR YOU. Cessany would like to dedicate this Christmas show,and all of her Christmas shows, to her younger "brother", Caleb. "All you need is love."
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