JULIANNA KELLER
(Dorothy)
Julianna has loved theatre since her first production at the age of 5, which was, coincidentally, WIZARD OF OZ. Favorite roles include Mrs. Lovett and Johanna in SWEENEY TODD, Judy in WHITE CHRISTMAS, and young Grace on TNT’s Saving Grace. At the end of February, she is Nellie in Trinity Valley School's SOUTH PACIFIC. In 2013, she was awarded the Caleb Midkiff and John Medeiros awards for excellence in theatre and dance. She is currently working on a project exploring the meaning of "reality" and the reality of the acting experience through neuroscience, psychology, and creative writing. (For more information, google TVS Senior Projects 2015 Julianna Keller.) She hopes to double major in musical theatre and something else, as of yet undecided, in college, and to pursue her interests in science, creative writing, and theatre in the future.
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BELLA MURPHY
(Dorothy)
Bella is very excited to be making her Plaza Theatre debut! Some recent credits include YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, Lucy, SEUSSICAL, The Cat in the Hat, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Princess Winnifred, and I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY, Irena Synkova. Bella would like to thank her wonderful directors, production staff, cast, crew and family for this amazing opportunity!
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JASON PHILLIP COLE
(Scarecrow)
is excited to be in his fourth show at Plaza Theatre Company. Previous roles at Plaza include the Barber in MAN OF LA MANCHA, and Mordred in CAMELOT. Jason also played Etches in TITANIC THE MUSICAL and and Jackson in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES with the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players last year. Jason studies at Class Act Dallas and works with the Mid-Cities Improv group. “For my wife Holly and daughter Aurora. Love.”
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NATE MILSON
(Tinman)
Nate is ecstatic to be returning to the Plaza stage to perform in such a wonderful show as "The Wizard of Oz." His recent roles include Emmett Forrest in " Legally Blonde: the musical" Thomas Jefferson in "1776." Nate finds portraying the Tinman is especially fun because it was always his favorite character through his childhood. Nate would like to thank the director's for giving him this opportunity, his parents and grandparents for all of their love and support, and every audience member because without you there might as well not be a show
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BILLY MYERS
(Lion)
Since he was a youngster, Billy has wanted to play this role. He is so grateful; not only to be playing this dream role, but also to be playing at this highly respected theater. He is sharing the stage with two of his children, Noelle and Jonathan. You may have seen Billy on Plaza’s stage as Franz in THE SOUND OF MUSIC or possibly Spike O’Malley in THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE. Most recently, Billy played the Arise Angel and Andrew the Disciple in THE PROMISE in Glen Rose, TX. Billy and his family have been in the cast of THE PROMISE for several years. Other notable roles Billy has played are Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and Luther Billis in SOUTH PACIFIC.
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SHAUNA LEWIS
(Ms. Gulch, Wicked Witch of the West)
Shauna is happy to be back on the Plaza stage for her 17th show, most recently being seen as Ouiser in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Thank you Soni and Jodie for the opportunity to participate in excellent community theater. During the day, Shauna spends her time with the munchkins at Smith Middle School here in Cleburne. TCU alum with a MS in Speech. Baylor alum by marriage. Big shout out to Maria, Erin, and Katrina. Without you guys the Wicked Witch wouldn't exist. Love you Jaybird! Thank you Lorelei for helping Shaunamom with her lines!
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KATHY LEMONS
(Glinda)
Kathy was a vocal performance major at Howard Payne University. She has sung with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, has recorded an album of sacred music, and continues to work as a keynote speaker and concert artist. With this production of WIZARD OF OZ, Kathy is making her fifth appearance at Plaza. She has worked at this wonderful theater as Mother Abbess in SOUND OF MUSIC, Mrs. Peacock in CLUE THE MUSICAL, Nimue in CAMELOT, and Esther Simowitz in BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO. Additional favorite roles include FOOTLOOSE (Vi Moore), ANNIIE (Sophie, Annette, Frances Perkins), BABES IN TOYLAND (Mistress Mary), WEDDING BELLS BLUES (Lena Astor), MUSIC MAN (Maud Dunlop), SHOWBOAT (Magnolia). As a young girl watching The Wizard of Oz on TV, she immediately wanted to be Glinda, the Witch of the North. For several weeks after she would wave her magic wand at her brothers to make them do what she wanted. Obviously, her brothers did not agree and eventually took her wand away. Now, all these years later,
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JOEL LAGRONE
(Professor, Wizard)
is back for a 4th time at PlazaCo and second Winter Barnburner with directors Soni and Jodie. Joel wishes to thank his wife D'Aun for the time away from grandkids in Keller and to thank Hannah and Titus' mommy Shay for making both his ties in the show! You might remember him as the King of Siam in KING AND I or Don Quixote in MAN OF LA MANCHA. And if you've been in the Cleburne/Granbury area very long Joel was Jesus in THE PROMISE at Glen Rose in the 1990's and sang as a guest artist with the original cast of GRANBURY LIVE in 2004. A vocalist guitarist in metroplex classic rock bands, his long running work band from Lockheed Martin, AeroMotion, will headline again this year at the Tarrant County Start! Heart Walk and a new band, the Knights of Rock, will start playing in the Keller area...as soon as this show is over!
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ANGELA BURKEY
(Auntie Em, Choreographer)
Angela has lived In Granbury for 11 years. This is her 25th stage production and 3rd stage appearance here at Plaza. Some of her favorite roles include Violet in "It's a Wonderful Life", Cori Bratter in "Barefoot in the Park", Catherine Simms in "The Foreigner", Truvy in "Steel Magnolias", and was also Assistant Choreographer and Whipped Everyone into shape as Brooke Wyndham in "Legally Blonde". She is a Collegiate National Dance Champion/Choreographer and teaches Jazz/Hip Hop classes at the Plaza Theatre Academy and Granbury Theatre Academy. She was also Manager 7 years over a medical contract for over seas work at Onsite OHS. She helped support Wounded Warriors and her Company was named in the Inc. 500. Angela is a proud mother of two wonderful children and hopes you enjoy the show and come back for more!!!!
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JAY A. CORNILS
(Uncle Henry)
Jay A Cornils (Uncle Henry) begins his 2015 season with the Plaza Theatre Company appearing in his 26th PTC show. In 2014 he appeared in five PTC shows including THE KING AND I, CAMELOT, and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He also returned to his earliest Johnson County acting roots playing the part of Captain EJ Smith in the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players critically acclaimed production of TITANIC – THE MUSICAL. And to top the year off, he performed in IS HE DEAD at the newly renovated Granbury Opera House. Some of his other favorite rolls include Charlie in THE FOREIGNER (Carnegie 2007), Abe Goldman in BEAU JEST (PTC 2009), and Elwood P. Dowd in HARVEY (PTC 2011). Jay has two published novels A Litany of Angels and The Cross of Lorraine - an e-version of which can be found at smashwords.com. He lives in Cleburne with the greatest joy of his life, his charming and understanding wife Corlis.
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G. AARON SILER
(Tree, Winkie Captain)
Aaron is one of the four founding producers of Plaza Theatre Company and has performed in many different shows here such as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Nicely Nicely Johnson in GUYS AND DOLLS, Horton in SEUSSICAL, Charlie Brown in GOOD MAN...CHARLIE BROWN, Buffalo Bill in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, and many more. Aaron has also won multiple Column Awards for Best Actor in a Musical, Best Director, 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 Siler
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AL MAYO
(Oz Guard)
Al is really pumped about making his fourth appearance with the Plaza Theatre Company along with his daughter Amber who is working crew and an amazingly talented and committed cast. You may remember him from the Ensemble in Bye Bye Birdie, as Wes Warnicker in FOOTLOOSE and Lazar Wolf in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Previous performances include DEARLY DEPARTED, LU ANN HAMPTON LAVERTY OBERLANDER, DAMN YANKEES, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS, THE ODD COUPLE, DEATHTRAP, AND LOST IN YONKERS with The Ennis Public Theatre and MUSIC MAN, WIZARD OF OZ, UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, KISS ME KATE and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF with the Waxahachie Community Theatre. Al is also a member of the Loan Star Santas Organization and plays Santa throughout the metroplex. With a Ph.D. in School Psychology, he serves students and families in the Dallas ISD. He wishes to thank his wife Katrina, his kids, Shay, Travis, Trey, Tasha, Rose and Amber, his daughter-in-law Brandy and his grandchildren Alex and Eva for their support.
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HARRISON CAWOOD
(Nikko, Ozian)
Harrison is excited to be returning to the Plaza stage. He was last seen here as Pig Pen in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Royal child in THE KING AND I, Kurt in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and BYE, BYE BIRDIE. Some of his other acting credits include: Claude Herdman in BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Carnegie), Yeshua and a temple student in THE PROMISE (Glen Rose), LeFou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Artisan), Fagin's gang in OLIVER! (Artisan), and a lost boy in PETER PAN. Harrison is an 8th grader at Travis Academy of Fine Arts where he studies art, music, and trumpet. He would like to thank his amazing Mom and Dad and brothers for all of their love and encouragement. He would also like to thank Soni and Jodie for giving him another opportunity to share the stage with his brothers. Enjoy the show!
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HAYDEN CAWOOD
(Tree, Ozian, Winkie)
Hayden is thrilled to be returning to the Plaza stage. He was last seen here as Charlie Brown in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Interpreter in THE KING AND I, tap ensemble in BYE, BYE BIRDIE, Friedrich in SOUND OF MUSIC, and a newsboy in RAGTIME. Other acting credits include: Shrek SHREK THE MUSICAL (Artisan), Schroeder THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Carnegie), Malchus THE PROMISE (Glen Rose), Charley Bates OLIVER! (Artisan), Jo Harper BIG RIVER (Artisan), Gaston BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR (Artisan), Eeyore WINNIE THE POOH (Artisan), Peter Cratchit SCROOGE (Artisan), Moody Spurgeon ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (Artisan), and Josef I NEVER SAW ANOTHER BUTTERFLY (TAFA). Hayden is a sophomore at Travis Academy of Fine Arts where he studies choir and musical theater. He also studies piano under the instruction of Anton Mordasov at the Music Institute of North Texas and voice under Carlene Wadley and Aaron Siler. He sends his love to his awesome Mom and Dad and brothers.
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ANNA LOONEY
(Ozian, Jitterbug, Winkie)
Anna Looney is 17 years old, and attends Brazos charter school. A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be her 6th production at plaza. She feels honored to be apart of this wonderful cast. Anna has been taking tap and ballet at plaza academy for the past 3 years, and has loved Every second of it.
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EMMA DALLEY
(Ozian)
Emma is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage for her fourth time. Previous shows include A CHRISTMAS CAROL, MUSIC MAN, and 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS with Carnegie Players. After enjoying years of success as a competitive figure skater, she recently traded in her skates for dance shoes. Emma loves her dance classes at Plaza Academy and is so thankful for all of the new friends she has made there. Emma is a freshman at Trinity Valley School.
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MADISON HEAPS
(Ozian, Crow)
Madison is so excited to be a part of this wonderful production. She is a Junior at Centennial High School where she is a member of National Honor Society, the swim team, and a Thespian Officer. Madison was last seen at Plaza in FATHER OF THE BRIDE and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. She would like to thank her parents for doing so much for her. "Molly and Madison, best friends forever!"
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RYLEE JENKINS
(Ozian, Crow)
This is Rylee's first time to audition for a production at the Plaza. She teaches first grade at Cooke Elementary here in Cleburne and wanted to be a part of a show that would be entertaining for her students to see. She would like to thank Soni and Jodi for allowing her the opportunity to be a part of this new adventure, her fiance', Justin, for his patience and support, and her voice teacher, Caryn Martin for all her love and help.
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SHERRY CLARK
(Ozian)
Sherry is thrilled to be in her 5th production at Plaza Theatre Company. She was previously seen in THE SOUND OF MUSIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. She would like to thank Soni and Jodi for allowing her the opportunity to be a part of this fun adventure. Also thanks to her husband, Howie, for his patience and support.
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EDEN BARRUS
(Munchkin)
You may remember Eden as Little Girl in RAGTIME and she has also recently completed a successful run as Amyrillis in THE MUSIC MAN at Lyric Stage. She also loved playing Tiny Tim in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and an orphan in ANNIE, both at PlazaCo as well as playing Mary Lennox in THE SECRET GARDEN at Granbury Theatre Company. Eden is an energetic 12 year old dynamo who loves to dance, sing and draw.
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EMMA WHITEHORN
(Munchkin)
Emma is delighted to be apart of this wonderful show. You may remember her from some of her other performances including THE SOUND OF MUSIC, KING AND I, SUESSICAL, ALADDIN JR., BYE BYE BIRDIE , and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. all with Plaza Co. Her favorite role was Beth Bradley in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER with Cleburne Carnegie Players. Emma is a 12 year old homeschooler from Cleburne. She loves acting ,singing, and dancing. "Thank you mom and dad for driving me to rehearsals. Most of all I thank God for the gift of acting!!"
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GRACE DALLEY
(Munchkin)
Grace recently retired from competitive figure skating, and she has caught the theater bug. She is so excited to be back on the Plaza stage after previous roles in MUSIC MAN and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Grace discovered her passion for dance at Plaza Academy, where she has also found many wonderful new friends. She is in the 6th grade at Trinity Valley School.
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HENRY CAWOOD
(Mayor of Munchkinland, Winkie)
Henry is delighted to be back on the Plaza stage as the Mayor of Munchkinland! He was recently seen here as Linus in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Jojo in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, Louis Leonowens in THE KING AND I, Randolph in BYE, BYE BIRDIE, and the little boy in RAGTIME. His other acting credits include: Young Shrek/little pig, SHREK THE MUSICAL (Artisan), Charlie Bradley, BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Carnegie), Billy the grandson and Yeshua, THE PROMISE (Texas Ampitheater in Glen Rose), River City Boy, THE MUSIC MAN (Lyric stage), Oliver, OLIVER! (Artisan), Chip, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST(Artisan), Roo, WINNIE THE POOH (Artisan). Henry has most recently performed the lead role of Amahl in the operetta AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS (TAFA) (CARLENE WADLEY). He is a fifth grader at Travis Academy of Fine Arts where he studies music, acting, art, violin, and photography. He also studies voice with Carlene Wadley. He wishes to thank his mom and dad for everything they do!
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I.J. MEACHEM
(Munchkin, Monkey)
I.J. is happy to be back at the Plaza! He was recently seen here on the Plaza stage in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL and THE KING AND I. He has also performed as a guard is TSA's production of ALADDIN. I.J. is a 6th grader at Texas School of the Arts in Fort Worth. He is an accomplished hip hop dancer and beat boxer. He would be happy to give a sample of his stylings, you need only to ask. I.J. and his family would like to thank the Drury family for getting him to and from rehearsals and for just being awesome during this challenging time. Enjoy the show!
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MIRANDA BARRUS
(Munchkin)
Mimi is a precocious 8 year old who thinks everyone she ever meets is her best friend. She loves meeting new people and asking everything she can about them. When on stage she loves playing interesting children and the Baby Sour Kangaroo in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL was no exception. She sends love to big sis Eden and her whole family who make every day special. Thanks fam.
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NOE MYERS
(Ozian, Monkey)
This is my first show at Plaza and I have had a great time so far. I have done seven shows at Artisan center theater, a few in the chorus including "Fiddler on the Roof", "Cats", and "Civil War". The lord has blessed me with the opportunity to volunteer at Wings of Hope every Thursday. I thank Jodi and Sunny and God for the opportunity to be in this show. Jeremiah 29:11
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PAIGE MOORE
(Munchkin, Poppy, and Monkey)
PAIGE MOORE (Munchkin Town leader, Monkey and Poppy) Paige is delighted to be included in the production of The Wizard of Oz. This is Paige's 7th main stage show at the Plaza. A few of her favorite roles include a princess in THE KING AND I, Gretl in SOUND OF MUSIC, Little Fan in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Bielke in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and Ruthie in ANNIE and being part of the children's chior for JOSEPH..DREAMCOAT. Paige fills her time singing, dancing and playing the piano. Paige has been a student at the Plaza Academy for the past four years taking advanced tap and showstoppers. "Thank you Soni and Jodie for giving me another opportunity to do what I love. Thanks to my mom and dad for all the rides to rehearsal, to my brothers Mitch and Jonah for putting up with my singing, and my grandparents for always being there and most of all I give thanks to God for giving me the gifts to sing and act."
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RYLEE MULLEN
(Munchkin)
Rylee is very excited to be in her 6th production at Plaza Theatre. Her first roll at Plaza was as Marta in SOUND OF MUSIC. She has also been in WHITE CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS CAROL, KING AND I, and CAMELOT to name a few. She also performs with her ShowStoppers Classes at Plaza Academy. She has been Kaa the Snake in JUNGLE BOOK, Violet Beauregard in WILLIE WONKA, Princess Jasmine in ALADDIN, JR. and Lucy in IT'S CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN. She is in the Varsity Choir at Smith Middle School. She loves to sing, tap dance and to act, especially at Plaza Theatre. Thanks Mom, Dad, Grandma and Papa for supporting me in doing what I love!
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TY DRURY
(Munchkin)
Ty Drury is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage. He made his debut at Plaza last summer as a Who in SEUSICAL THE MUSICAL. Ty is an 11 year old homeschooled student and takes classes at Science Etc. He is pursuing his dream of being on stage. “I would like to thank God, my wonderful family, and great friends for supporting me and also thank Soni and Jodie Barrus for casting me in this role."
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VICTORIA BURKEY
(Munchkin)
Victoria Burkey- Victoria is the daughter of veteran Angela Burkey and love for the Theatre runs in their veins. She is 9 and attends 4th grade at Mambrino Elementary in Granbury. Some of her favorite performances were as Lillie in "Cheaper by the Dozen", one of the Bailey Children in the Christmas musical "It's a Wonderful Life", Fiddle Stix the cat in "Pirates of the Caribbean", a child in "Miracle on 34th Street", Anyshe Sweet in "The Big Toy" at the Nut House Dinner Palace Theatre, and one of the Kings children in "King and I" here at Plaza. Her most recent appearances on stage were in "Fiddler on the Roof" as Sprintze, "A Christmas Carol" as Katherine Cratchit, and "It's a Wonderful Life" as Janie Bailey. Victoria is an A honor roll student and has received the Citizenship Award for being a great student and role model multiple times. She is a swimmer for the Granbury Seals Team and loves gymnastics, softball, dancing, singing, and to hit golf balls in the back yard. She hopes one day to
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WILLIAM BLANTON
(Munchkin)
William is excited to be returning to the Plaza stage. You may remember him as Tom of Warwick in Camelot last year. William is a 12 yo homeschooled 7th grader that enjoys reading, riding his bike, and hanging out with his brother. William was bitten hard by the theatre bug at age 7 when he was Hobie Clark in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Carnegie Theatre. You may also have seen him in other Carnegie shows like GODSPELL, MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, or ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. William is also a part of the Plaza Academy Showstoppers Company and can be seen as Cubby in the upcoming Plaza Academy production of Peter Pan Jr. 'Thanks to mom, dad, and Otha for being totally awesome.'
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TINA BARRUS
(Costumer)
Tina has loved designing and creating costumes for this beautiful musical and is grateful to have had the help of so many in getting these costumes ready. She has received multiple Column Awards for her costume design work and was nominated last year for her design of WHITE CHRISTMAS. Other favorite designs include RAGTIME, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL and WILL RODGERS FOLLIES. She always sends a shout out to her lovely children who are an inspiration to her in everything she does.
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RUTH ANN WARWICK
(Stage Manager)
Fulfilling dreams and stretching wings, Ruth Ann is participating in her tenth show here at Plaza half way to her membership in the "20 Club". You may have seen her on stage in DEAR RUTH, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, RAGTIME and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. She has stage managed four awesome productions, CAMELOT, THE KING AND I, WHITE CHRISTMAS and DEAR RUTH. Ruth Ann has recently been privileged to costume productions, with her accomplished daughter Emily, for Granbury Theatre Company. The magic of observing a production come together from auditions to closing performance is still Ruth Ann's favorite feature of working with the talented and dedicated production team, crew and actors associated with this amazing theatre. All my love and thanks to Jim,Jace and Emily, who bring light and joy to each and every day. Remember "Home" is not a place it's a feeling.
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JODIE BARRUS & SONI BARRUS
(Director)
Having owned a theater together for many years, it seems only fitting that they combine their efforts on yet another Plaza production. In the four years they've lived here, they have directed Fiddler On The Roof, The Sound Of Music, King And I, Father Of The Bride, and now this wonderful production of the Wizard Of Oz. Theater is the family trademark and has brought them great joy over the years. Their family mantra: the family that plays together, stays together. "We trust you're enjoying this fanciful trip through Oz and we hope to see you all "Somewhere over the rainbow".
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