BRANDON SHREVE
(Huckleberry Finn)
Brandon is ecstatic to be returning to Plaza Theatre Co. in BIG RIVER as Huckleberry Finn. Regional credits include: LORD OF THE FLIES (WaterTower Theatre), THE SECRET GARDEN, BIG FISH, BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and JEKYLL AND HYDE (Casa Manana). Local credits include: THE ADDAMS FAMILY (Plaza Theatre Co.), WEST SIDE STORY and YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Mainstage Classic Theatre), LOST IN YONKERS and KISS ME KATE (Artisan Center Theater), and GYPSY (Stolen Shakespeare Guild). Brandon thanks God, his friends, and family for the constant support in doing what he loves.
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DAVID MIDKIFF
(Huckleberry Finn)
David is beyond excited to have such a wonderful opportunity! He is an 9th grader at Travis Academy of Fine Arts. Some of David's past roles have been Gideon in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, a French Ancestor in the Column Award-winning production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Baby John in WEST SIDE STORY, and Kurt in THE SOUND OF MUSIC all here with Plaza, John in PETER PAN, Ensemble in HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS at Casa Mañana, and Yeshua and Billy at THE PROMISE AT GLEN ROSE. When not onstage or at school, David takes musical theatre and dance classes at Casa Mañana and Plaza Academy of Fine Arts. But most of all, he enjoys being with his family and friends that support him through all his endeavors. David will be dedicating this performance to his brother, Caleb, who filled his life with considerable trouble and considerable joy.
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DOMANICK HUBBARD
(Jim)
Domanick Anton Hubbard is so thrilled to be in his first production at Plaza. Domanick is a graduate from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with his BA in Musical Theatre with a minor Dance. While there he portrayed many roles, his favorites including: Billy Flynn in CHICAGO, Tobias Ragg in SWEENY TODD, Buddy Layman in DIVINERS, and Terpsichore in XANADU. While in college he also performed with the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival favorite roles including: Ugly in HONK!, Thurio in TWO GENTS, and ENSEMBLE/Dance Captain in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS. Right after college he went to perform at SIX FLAGS OVER TEXAS for 5 great seasons. Recently you might have saw him as Karl in BIG FISH at ADLR. You can catch him in SMOKEY JOES at Jubilee in August '16 and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at Casa Manana in September '16. He is so excited to be getting back into musical theatre, and he really hopes you enjoy the beautiful story of BIG RIVER. He would like to thank Plaza, Jace, the cast/crew, and everyone else
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SONI BARRUS
(Widow Douglas/Sally Phelps)
Throughout the 50 plus years she's been in theater, there have been few shows whose power and content have spoken more to her on a personal level...but Big River is certainly one of those. She feels honored to give voice to this story and the heart-lifting music. Having played both the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson," it has been a breathe of fresh air to play Aunt Sally." Playing small but interesting characters is something that has been her pleasure including Grandma Tzitel from Fiddler on the Roof ,Mrs. Medlock in Secret Garden, Mrs.Pringle in last seasons Kiss and Tell, Vida Louise in Harvey. As a dear friend once said, play the small roles and hopefully people will be sitting in their seats hoping you'll come back and give 'um more.
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EMILY WARWICK
(Miss Watson/Joanna Wilkes/Tart)
Emily is blessed to be back on the Plaza stage with this amazing show! Some of Emily's favorite roles are Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD, Oda Mae Brow in GHOST:THE MUSICAL, the Lady of the Lake in SPAMALOT, and Paulette in LEGALLY BLONDE. When Emily is not living her passion on stage she is the resident Granbury Theatre Company costume designer. Emily would like to thank Brian for his constant love, support, and devotion. She would also like to thank Jaceson and the rest of the team for allowing her to be a part of this production. It is truly a blessing to be able to share a story such as this, with a family like we have! Enjoy the show!
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LUKE BOYCE
(Tom Sawyer)
Is very excited to be a part of his first production at Plaza Theater Company. Luke is an incoming sophomore at Joshua High School, a cadet in NJROTC, a practicing rifle competitor, and a local singer/songwriter. His favorite roles include Two-Bit in the Outsiders, Charlie Cowell in The Music Man, and Honza Kosek in I Never Saw Another Butterfly. Luke would like to thank his family for all their support and late night rides to and from rehearsal. In particular, he would like to thank Scott, his soon-to-be stepfather, for all his support and sacrifices to get him to rehearsals. He would also like to thank his grandmother for her incredible love and support, despite living in 10 hours away.
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NATHAN SALTER
(Tom Sawyer)
Nathan Salter is so excited to be performing in BIG RIVER, not to be confused with another show he has recently done, BIG FISH as Zacky Price (Artisan Center Theatre). This is Nathan's 3rd production at Plaza, and he has loved each one thoroughly. Some of his other favorite past roles have been in WORKING (Casa Mañana), Ancestor in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A-Rab in WEST SIDE STORY (Plaza Theatre Co.), Student in LES MIS (Carnegie Players), Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Fredrick in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and Motel the Tailor in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF JR. (Covenant Classical School). In his free time Nathan enjoys drawing, watching Doctor Who and daydreaming about being Spider-Man. If you give him a meal of lemonade, sharp cheese and sourdough bread he will be content for the day. He would like to thank his Mom for all the time and money she has spend in helping and encouraging him to pursue his dreams, and hopes you enjoy the show.
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JAY LEWIS
(The King)
JAY is thrilled to be floating down the Mississippi River. Having just finished playing Maurice in Plaza’s BEAUTY & THE BEAST, Jay has also been seen in SANDER’S FAMILY CHRISTMAS, ODD COUPLE, ADDAM’S FAMILY, Mr. Archer in KISS & TELL, and Thenardier in LES MISERABLES for Cleburne's Carnegie Players. Favorite roles include Prof. Calahan, LEGALLY BLONDE; Tevye, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; Rev. Moore, FOOTLOOSE; Arthur, CAMELOT; Horace VanderGelder, HELLO DOLLY; Daddy Warbucks, ANNIE; and Ben Franklin, 1776. He has also had the honor of directing 42nd STREET, GUYS & DOLLS and CRAZY FOR YOU for Plaza and TITANIC, BEAUTY & THE BEAST and R&H CINDERELLA for Carnegie Players. Kisses, a dozen roses and a standing ovation for his supporting wife, both onstage and off, Shauna.
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JAKE KELLY HARRIS
(The Duke)
Jake is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage to assist in telling this beautiful story! He is becoming a bit of a SUPERSTAR here at PTC and hopes to stick around for a while. Jake is excited to be part of a team of TWO WILD AND CRAZY GUYS with Jay Lewis hopes their performance PUMPS YOU UP. Jake knows that this is an exciting show and you will want to PARTY ON with the cast, but please be courteous and do not TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES while the show is going on. This show has inspired him and he plans on becoming a motivational speaker the LIVES IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER. Jake would like to remind you as an audience member that YOU LOOK MAHVELOUS and that YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH, YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH, AND DOGGONE IT, PEOPLE LIKE YOU! Shout out to Cessany for being obsessed enough with SNL to write this without much research, and the quality comedy of SNL for supplying these catch phrases. Annnnnnnd "LIVE FROM CLEBURNE IT'S THURSDAY, FRIDAY, AND SATURDAY NIGHT!"
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Pap Finn/Sheriff Bell/Director)
JaceSon has appeared as Pap Finn in 6 different productions of Big River and has long considered this role his personal favorite. You might recognize him from a few previous productions here at PlazaCo including Adam Pontipee in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Schroeder in Plaza's very first production in 2007 - YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN. When not at the theatre, JaceSon is an avid fan of his beloved Dodgers, Broncos, Jazz and the Arsenal; enjoys classic movies; loves documentaries of every kind; and thrills to spend time with his favorites Tabitha, Parker, Cameron, Eden, Mimi, JJ and Charlie and of course, Tina. Love y'all, 9 for all forever!
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JOANN GRACEY
(Strange Woman)
JoAnn is not a stranger to the Plaza stage, but this is her first musical here at Plaza. You may remember her as Inspector Goings in THE GAMES AFOOT or as Abby Brewster in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE from 2012. She is thrilled to be a part of the journey down river. Many thanks to Bob, Chris and the pizza delivery guy for all their support.
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JODIE BARRUS
(Judge Thatcher/Silas Phelps/Harvey Wilkes)
is once again so excited to hit the stage for another production here at Plaza. He recently co-directed BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and the just completed HEAVEN CAN WAIT with his talented but humble wife Soni. Since arriving in Cleburne over five years ago, Jodie has performed as the judge in HARVEY, the eldest brother in JOSEPH.......DREAMCOAT, a politician in 1776, the crazy next door neighbor in KISS AND TELL, a piano playing actor in WHITE CHRISTMAS, and papa bear and Fiona's father in SHREK THE MUSICAL. In previous years at Plaza he has directed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SOUND OF MIUSIC, THE KING AND I, THE WIZARD OF OZ, AND FATHER OF THE BRIDE. Behind the scenes you'll see Jodie manning the box office or building sets for the various productions. A big shout out and love to JaceSon, Andrew, Soni, and all of the grand kids. And to this, one of our favorite productions.
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BONNIE GENTRY
(Mary Jane Wilkes)
Is very excited to be in her third production at PlazaCo!!! She was last seen in BEAUTY.. BEAST as Silly Girl at PlazaCo, Maria in WEST SIDE STORY at Plaza Academy, and Zaneeta in THE MUSIC MAN at Artisan. She plans to attend Ouachita Baptist University in the fall. She is so very grateful to Jaceson for giving her this opportunity, to her friends and family for their love and support, and to her Heavenly Father for His grace.
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JILL BAKER
(Mary Jane Wilkes)
is thrilled to be returning to the Plaza stage after a four-year hiatus. Audiences may remember her from shows such as INTO THE WOODS (Rapunzel), THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (Trix), ANNIE (Grace Farrell), SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN: HOMECOMING (Denise), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Miss Dorothy), SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (Kathy Selden), among others. Jill most recently appeared in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE (Mabel, direction/choreography) with the Camarata Music Company and TOP GIRLS (Griselda/Nell/Jeanine) with Seoul Players, both in Seoul, South Korea, where she taught English for three years. B.M. Musical Theatre - Oklahoma City University. "Many thanks to JTAM for having me back and to this cast & crew for being an absolute joy!"
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JILLIAN GRACE HARRISON
(Susan Wilkes/Tart)
Jillian is a recent newlywed and graduate of Ouachita Baptist University; where she received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, and a Bachelor of Arts in Piano. Roles in OBU's Opera program include: Yum-Yum in THE MIKADO, and Adele in DIE FLEDERMAUS. Last seen on the Plaza stage as Sarah in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, Zaneeta in THE MUSIC MAN, Elizabeth Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Urleen in FOOTLOOSE. Mrs. Harrison is currently the staff accompanist as well as voice and piano teacher at Lake Country Christian School. She would like to dedicate her performance to the memory of her Aunt Monica.
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TABITHA BARRUS
(Susan Wilkes / Tart / Choreographer)
Tabitha is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of one of her all time favorite musicals. Past favorite roles include Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Eponine in Les Mis, and Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street. Favorite choreography credits include The Addams Family, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and West Side Story. By day, Tabi is a teacher at Plaza Academy Fine Arts & Dance Studio and a Private Lessons instructor.
She sends love and thanks to her family, the entire cast of Big River, and most especially to Dad JaceSon for being such a passionate and inspiring director.
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CAMERON BARRUS
(Ben Rogers/Young Fool/Hank)
Cameron is happy to be performing at PlazaCo for this production of Big River. As well as performing in the show, he also designed the lights and projection. Past performances include Riff in West Side Story, Daniel in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, and Nelson in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN . In his spare time Cameron likes to design lights, tinker with computers, and hang out with Madison.
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DAKOTA JAMES
(Ben Rogers/Young Fool/Hank)
Making his Plaza theatre debut, Dakota is thrilled to be apart of this incredible production of Big River. Past credits include Seymour, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Tobias, SWEENEY TODD, Robert Martin, DROWSEY CHAPERONE, Carl, GHOST: THE MUSICAL, Concord, SPAMALOT, Aaron Shutlz, LEGALLY BLONDE. Raised in the wild western desert of Nevada, Dakota sought opportunities to further himself in his career and moved to Texas. Dakota wishes to thank the Barrus family as well as the Plaza theatre company for all of the opportunity to perform in this moving show. Dakota wants to thank his mother for all of her care and support as well as Joshua for his inspiration. He hopes you enjoy the show and Perhaps find your river in the rain.
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PEARCE COLWELL
(Jo Harper)
Pearce is pleased to make his first appearance on the Plaza stage. Recent credits include Johnny Cade in THE OUTSIDERS at Theatre Arlington and Huckleberry Finn in TOM SAWYER, Arty in LOST IN YONKERS, Donkey in SHREK THE MUSICAL, Billy Ray, Jr. in ON GOLDEN POND, and Young Terk in TARZAN THE MUSICAL at Artisan Center Theater. Pearce thanks God for his talent and opportunities given, and his eccentric, loving family for believing in him and his sometimes crazy endeavors.
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WESTIN BROWN
(Jo Harper)
Westin feels blessed to be a part of this production and would like to thank God for the opportunity. Westin’s favorite roles include Oliver in OLIVER, Colin in THE SECRET GARDEN, Winthrop in THE MUSIC MAN, Young Peter in THE BOY FROM OZ, Snail in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, Christopher Robin in WINNIE THE POOH, Charles Wallace in A WRINKLE IN TIME, Sir Harry in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS and Scott in DEAR EDWINA. Westin attends Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts.
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MARK MIDKIFF
(Mark Twain/Doctor)
This is Mark's second appearance on the Plaza stage. He previously shared the stage with his family in SOUND OF MUSIC. He would like to thank his children for encouraging him to exchange his comfortable seat as an audience member for a set of bushy eyebrows, white mustache and a white suit for as Mark Twain once said: "What can be more depressing than the somber black which custom requires men to wear upon state occasions? A group of men in evening clothes looks like a flock of crows, and is just about as inspiring."
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MCKENNA MEACHEM
(Alice/Tart)
McKenna is so proud to be a part of this cast and production! McKenna has been a performer since she can remember. A few of her favorite past roles include "Paulette" in LEGALLY BLONDE and "Anita" in WEST SIDE STORY. But her first love is make up, wigs and theatre dressing! A graduate from Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, she hopes to one day receive her BFA in Wigs and Makeup while working toward her goal to be a Professional Dresser. She was proudly the dresser for "Morticia" in Plaza's own "THE ADDAMS FAMILY" which won The Column Award's 2015 Best Musical. She also happily served as wig specialist for this year's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.
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NOAH ALAN FOSTER
(Counselor Robinson/Lafe/Man on Skiff)
Big River is Noah's third production with Plaza Theatre Company and he couldn't be more proud and excited to be part of such a powerful and talent filled show. Some of his favorite roles include the Waiter in SHE LOVES ME here at Plaza Co., Captain Smollet in TREASURE ISLAND, Lefou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Percival Browne in THE BOY FRIEND, and Boo in THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO. Noah would like to give a big thanks to his friends and family for supporting his theatrical endeavors and if you're reading this send help.
Enjoy the show!
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HARRISON CAWOOD
(Dick/Andy/Hired Hand/Man on Skiff)
Harrison is excited to be returning to the Plaza stage. Some of his favorite past roles include: Nikko WIZARD OF OZ, Pig Pen A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Kurt SOUND OF MUSIC, and LeFou BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JR. Harrison will be a sophomore in the fall at Travis Academy of Fine Arts where he studies art, music, and trumpet. He loves sharing the stage with his brothers and wishes to thank JaceSon for the opportunity to be a part of this show.
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TOBY BURRIS
(Dick/Andy/Hired Hand/Man on Skiff)
Toby Q. is extremely exited for the opportunity to be apart of BIG RIVER. He is a recent graduate at Blum High School, and plans to do great things very soon. Toby would like to thank the awesome production team for allowing him to be part of this awesome cast, and his best friend 'Red Velvet' for making him audition for BIG RIVER in the first place.
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ETHAN BARRUS
(Simon/Hired Hand)
Ethan is ecstatic to have the opportunity to perform in this production while visiting family for the summer. He is a sophmore at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City and is majoring in Theatre in the performing arts design program. Some of his favorite past roles are Eric Swan in CASH ON DELIVERY, Czar of Russia in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, Courfeyrac in LES MISERABLES, Reekrus in THE BALLAD OF REEKRUS, and Avram in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. You can see him as Lieutenant Shaw in the upcoming production of THE SECRET GARDEN at PlazaCo. Ethan would like to thank JaceSon for this wonderful opportunity, and would also like to thank his parents and grandparents for supporting him in spending the summer with the Barruses. "Considerable trouble, considerable joy."
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JOSH WILSON
(Luke/Hired Hand)
This is Josh's first performance with Plaza Theater! He is 15 years old and just completed his freshman year at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. His favorite past roles have been Rapunzel's Prince in INTO THE WOODS, Jr., Sun King in MIDSUMMERS...MUSICAL, Lion in WIZARD OF OZ, Pinocchio in SHREK and Chef Louis in THE LITTLE MERMAID, Jr. with Artisan Children's Theater. He also performed in the original work, LOOK UP, with international students with Kids Who Care Musical Theater and as Sasha in FIDDLER, Jr with Broadway Kid Starz in NYC. He would like to thank his family for their support and for giving him this opportunity to perform at this amazing theater!
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NOLAN MORALEZ
(Luke/Hired Hand)
Nolan is very excited to be performing in his 13th plaza production. He is 17 years old and enjoys dance and theater more than anything. His favorite roles on the Plaza stage have been Tommy Banks in FATHER OF THE BRIDE, Andy in 42nd STREET, and Ephriam in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVON BROTHERS. His other favorite roles have been Bernardo Nunez in WEST SIDE STORY at Plaza Academy of Fine Arts, Dill Harrel in TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD at Cleburne Carnegie Players, and Leo Ryder in KILROY WAS HERE! at TAFA. He would like to thank Jaceson Barrus for this awesome opportunity and thanks to his friends and family for all of their love and support!
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HAYDEN CAWOOD
(Will)
Hayden is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of his favorite show once again! Some of Hayden's favorite past roles include: Shrek SHREK THE MUSICAL, Genie ALADDIN, JR., Newsboy RAGTIME, Carl Ryder KILROY WAS HERE, Charlie Brown A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, and Jo Harper BIG RIVER. Hayden will be a senior in the fall at Travis Academy of Fine Arts and studies piano at the Music Institute of North Texas under the instruction of Anton Mordasov. Hayden would like to thank JaceSon and all the producers for allowing him the opportunity to "journey down the Mississippi River" one more time!
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MADISON HEAPS
(Ensemble)
Madison is so excited to play a part in this amazing story. She is graduating from Centennial High School where she was a member of National Honor Society and co-captain of the swim team. She will attend Texas Christian University this fall. Madison was last seen at Plaza in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Shoutout to her bae, Cameron.
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MADDIE ALMOND
(Ensemble)
Maddie is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful cast for BIG RIVER . Some of her favorite shows here at PlazaCo have been 42ND STREET, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, CAMELOT, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Maddie enjoys dancing, singing, drawing, and reading in her free time. "Thank you Jaceson for giving me the opportunity to be in this show."
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BRAIDEN NESBIT
(Ensemble)
Braiden is beyond excited to be joining the rest of the cast as they take a considerable joyous journey together! This is Braiden's first apperence on the Plaza stage. Her past performances at Midlothian High School include, Marta in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Lucinda in INTO THE WOODS and Little Red in INTO THE WOODS. Braiden is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Public Relations in Event Management from Tarleton State University where she is expected to graduate spring 2017. In her free time Braiden enjoys being with her family, watching an absurd amount of netflix and spending quality time with her cat Jonsey. Braiden would like to thank Jaceson Barrus for giving her the opportunity of returning to the stage after being away for far too long. She would also like to thank her roommate Adahli for making sure she got home ok after all the late night rehearsals, and for watching Jonsey! Braiden would also like to give a huge thank you to her parents, grandparents, siblings and especially her
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FAITH MELTON
(Ensemble)
Faith is excited to be making her debut on the Plaza Theatre Company stage. Anyone who has visited the Opera House in Granbury may recognize her from her roles as Helen Robinson in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Chef Louis in Granbury Theatre Academy's THE LITTLE MERMAID JR., Hope in GTC Underground's performance of ALMOST MAINE, And numerous ensemble roles in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, MARY POPPINS, SWEENY TODD, GHOST: THE MUSICAL, SPAMALOT, and LEGALLY BLONDE, all at GTC. Faith is not only an actor, but a technician as well. She was an assistant stage manager for GTC's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, ran spotlight for HELLO DOLLY, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, and IT'SA WONDERFUL LIFE. Faith would like to thank Cessany Ford and Jaceson Barrus for helping her and bringing her on to be a part of this show. It holds a special place in her heart and she will never forget the experience she has had.
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MCLAINE MEACHEM
(Ensemble/Tart)
McLaine had been dancing and performing since she was two. She has enjoyed appearing in Plaza's productions of SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, SHREK and WEST SIDE STORY. She is grateful for the opportunity to appear in this wonderful production! McLaine is an accomplished dancer and one day hopes to become a professional ballerina. She is an ambassador for the internationally recognized organization Brown Girls Do Ballet where she was honored to be selected as a member of their "Top Five To Watch for 2016". She was awarded a merit scholarship to Joffrey Chicago where she will proudly be attending intensives this summer.
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IJ MEACHEM
(Ensemble)
IJ is so excited to once again be a part of a Plaza Production! He has enjoyed appearing in THE KING AND I, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL and WIZARD OF OZ. IJ is a student at Texas Elementary School of the Arts where he has also appeared in ALADDIN and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. IJ is also into drumming and beat boxing. He wishes to thank JaceSon for this opportunity to be in this marvelous show and looks forward to appearing on this stage again!
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PROMISE HENDERSON
(Alice's daughter)
This is Promise's first production here at Plaza Co. She's been in the spotlight for sometime now from ripping the runway at Fashion X Dallas, to church and school productions, competing in the National American Miss pageants, as well as stealing the hearts of many on social media world wide with her magnificent recital of The Negro mother by Langston Hughes at age 5 on YouTube and Facebook. She is more than ecstatic to take on this role of Alice's daughter and thanks her mom Trakenya, brother Deonn and grandmother Shirley for being her biggest supporters.
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WILLIAM BLANTON
(Ensemble)
William is so happy to be back onstage in this production of Big River. He is a 14 year old who is constantly hungry, reads a lot, loves to be on stage and, enjoys hanging out with his brother and friends. You may have seen him as Jack Scott in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Plaza Showstoppers. He also played Schroeder in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Plaza. Some of his favorite roles include, Munchkin/Flying Monkey in WIZARD OF OZ, Plaza, Ollie Herdman in BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, Carnegie, and Schroeder in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Plaza. A shout out to Mom and Dad for being Totally AWESOME!
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CALEB RICHTER
(Ensemble)
Caleb is so excited to be in BIG RIVER. Caleb enjoyed playing Peter Cratchit and young Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the Plaza, as well as Aladdin in ALADDIN, JR, John in PETER PAN, JR and Grandpa Joe in WILLY WONKA, JR with the Plaza Academy.
Caleb would like to thank his Mom and Dad for taking him to the rehearsals and shows and can't wait to have the opportunity to be in another show.
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JACOB RENFROE
(Ensemble)
Jacob returns to the stage in the ensemble of the musical Big River. You may remember him as JOEL in 7 Brides... Brothers, and JASON in HighSchoolMusical. He enjoys things like singing, playing guitar, skating, and doing parkour as well as acting. It's an honor to babble to work with so many talented people and he can't wait to do more shows with them in the future. Jacob would like to thank his mom for driving him to rehearsal each night, his friends for supporting him, and his dog for listening to him practice his music everyday.
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SAM TARRON
(Ensemble)
Sam is a homeschooled junior who also attends Travis Academy of Fine Arts. He enjoys art, singing, and acting. His favorite roles have been Ralph Herdman in BEST CHRISTMAS...EVER and Barricade Boy in LES MISERABLES, both with the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players. He is enjoying his first role on the Plaza stage in BIG RIVER, and he would like to thank JaceSon Barrus for giving him this opportunity. Enjoy the show!
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CESSANY CARPENTER
(Stage Management)
Cessany is thrilled to be back at Plaza for her 21st show! She is 5 time nominated and 2 time recipient of the Column Award for best stage manager. Cessany 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 will be starting her 2nd bachelors in Theatre Production at TCU this fall. GO FROGS! Some of Cessany's favorite roles have been Anytime Annie in 42ND ST (Plaza) and Crystal in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (GTC) Her upcoming projects include SMing YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN here at Plaza and OLIVER! and MEET ME IN ST.LOUIS at GTC. Cessany is still waiting on her Hogwarts letter, but until then you can find her watching/quoting friends, and closely watching Red Sox baseball. "All the love to my theatre families! You guys rock!"
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CHERI DEE MEGA
(Music Director)
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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BOB GRACEY
(Bass)
Dr. Bob plays the bass, Haiku bios are really hard, Show needs more cowbell
A bio haiku by the Stage Manager.
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PARKER BARRUS
(Drums)
Parker is thrilled to have the opportunity to play for one of his all time favorite musicals. Previously, he has drummed for FOREVER PLAID and CLUE both at PTC. He studied percussion at Travis Academy of Fine Arts for 5 years, where he played in Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Drum Line. He would like to thank his family for their constant support, and his dad JaceSon for this wonderful opportunity.
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