April 29th - May 21st, 2016
Comedy

When Joe, a young prize-fighter, finds himself in heaven after his passing, he is certain that he's there too soon. Sure enough, when it's discovered that Joe has indeed been "taken" early, plans are made to "return" him to his body, but now it's too late - his body has been cremated. How will Mr. Jordan get Joe back to earth and into the life he deserves to live? A comedy with a heavenly twist.

Ticket Prices:

Adults - $15
Seniors (65+) - $14
Students (HS and College) - $14
Children (12 and under) - $13
Group rates available for ten or more

The Cast

MATT VICTORY
(Joe Pendleton)

Matt is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage after recently playing Gaston in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and Georg in SHE LOVES ME. Matt was born and raised in Cleburne but moved away 17 years ago to attend Harvard University. He performed regularly at several commercial and community theatres in the Boston, Seattle, and New York City areas. Favorite past roles include Anthony in SWEENEY TODD, Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Scarecrow in WIZARD OF OZ, Pharaoh in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, and Don in A CHORUS LINE. He spent 9 years as a hedge fund trader outside of New York before moving back to Cleburne last year to join the family business.
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JAY A. CORNILS
(Mr. Jordan)

With his appearance in this Plaza Theatre Company (PTC) production of HEAVEN CAN WAIT, Jay is performing in his 57th show here in Johnson and Hood Counties since 2005 when he made his Texas debut as Buzz Adams in the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players production of SOUTH PACIFIC. Jay’s last performance with PTC was as Felix Geisel in THE GAMES AFOOT. Some of his other favorite rolls include Capt EJ Smith in TITANIC (2014), Uncle Henry in THE WIZARD OF OZ (2010 & 15), Charlie in THE FOREIGNER (2006), Captain Keller in THE MIRACLE WORKER (2005), and Al Lewis in THE SUNSHINE BOYS (2007). Jay is the author of two published novels, The Cross of Lorraine and A Litany of Angels. In all things, Jay is supported by his greatest blessing, his astonishing and lovely wife Corlis.
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ROBERT SHORES
(Messenger 7013)

Robert is delighted to once again grace the Plaza stage. Most recently he has been seen on stage in ROCKET MAN and THE GAME'S AFOOT. Among his favorite roles and shows he has appeared in over the years are: Marc Antony in JULIUS CAESAR, Charlie Baker in THE FOREIGNER, Detective Sargent Troughton in RUN FOR YOUR WIFE and Fredrick Fellowes in NOISES OFF. He would like to thank the talented cast and crew of HEAVEN CAN WAIT for letting him be a part of the magic. Currently he is in rehearsals for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING playing this summer right here in Cleburne, as well as THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT which he is directing and acting in at the Granbury Opera House May 16 and 17 at 9:00 P.M.
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ANGELA BURKEY
(Julia Farnsworth)

Angela has lived In Granbury for 12 years. This is her 4th 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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ELIZABETH CONLY
(Julia Farnsworth)

Elizabeth is excited to make her first appearance at Plaza. She is a graduate of Baylor University, where she received her BFA in Theatre Performance, and has recently received her certification in Single Rapier through Dueling Arts International. Elizabeth is currently teaching A.C.T.S. classes at Theatre Arlington, as well as being involved in the theatre’s various outreach programs. She was last seen as Claire Ganz in RUMORS, at Onstage in Bedford. Elizabeth would like to thank Soni and Jodie for the opportunity to be a part of this great show, as well as her dear friends and darling family for their love and support.
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DAVID GOZA
(Tony Abbott)

This is David's 16th show at Plaza (If you count his work in White Christmas, which he does) and is very excited to be working here again. You remember David and the clever Del Delmonaco in BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO or as the ruggedly handsome Benjamin in 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS or as the divinely charming Rev. Oglethorpe in SANDER'S FAMILY CHRISTMAS. But lets face it... he is often Clever, Ruggedly Handsome, and Divinely Charming.
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JOANNA PHILIPS
(Bette Logan)

is ecstatic to be back on the Plaza stage! Some of her favorite roles include, Judy Haynes in WHITE CHRISTMAS, Minne Fay in HELLO DOLLY, Amy March and Beth March in LITTLE WOMEN.. Joanna works full time as an office manager and feeds her theater addiction at night. She enjoys reading, drawing, making her baby nieces and nephew laugh, and spending time with her family and friends. For every blessing personally and professionally, Joanna gives all the glory to God.
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MICHAEL LAIN
(Max Levene)

Michael is delighted to return to Plaza Theatre as Max Levene in their production of Heaven Can Wait. It has been an immense pleasure for him to work with old friends and meet new ones as they bring the show to life. He was last seen on stage as several characters, in particular Bertha Bumiller and Reverend Spikes, in Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players production of GREATER TUNA. Some of his most memorable roles to date have been Heck Tate in Granbury Theatre Company's production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Owen Musser in Plaza Theatre Company's production of THE FOREIGNER, and Cheif Bromden in Hill College Players' production of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST. "What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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JENNIFER MEACHEM
(Mrs. Ames)

This is Jennifer's first production here at Plaza Co. After a 15 year absence, while raising her kiddos, Jennifer was so pleased to receive the role of Mrs. Ames as her first dip back into stage waters! Some of her favorite past productions include ANNIE, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GREASE, and THE MUSIC MAN. "Thank you Plaza Co., Soni and Jodie, McKenna, McLaine, IJ and especially my "Honey" Ira, for allowing me to return to my first love, the stage."
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STORMY LEE
(Susie)

Stormy is thrilled to grace the Plaza stage for another fantastic show. She plans to eventually move out in the middle of nowhere and become a Sasquatch herder. Until she collects enough Sasquatches to herd, Stormy anxiously awaits the opening of AS IF! The Clueless musical, which she plans to star in. She firmly believes she is a descendant of Attila the Hun, and knows she was King George II in a past life. Stormy likes sunflowers, gummy bears, interpretive dance, and face painting. She would like to thank Cessany for writing yet another bio for a show she has nothing to do with.
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BARBARA ROSE
(Ann)

returns to Plaza delighting in her part as Ann. Her past favorite roles have been Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Aida in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS. Best roles ever is "Lovie" to 5 Granddaughters Emma, Haley, Madilyn, Abigail and Loralai, Mom to Jason, Julie and Dallas and wife to Robert. Special thanks to Soni and Jodie Barrus, ya'll are the best! To JTAM, she says many thanks for taking a chance on an unknown lady walking in with a bucket list and a dream.
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BENTLEIGH NESBIT
(Williams)

Bentleigh is delighted to be returning to Plaza Theatre Company for her second show after debuting in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She is a senior BFA Performance major at the University of Texas at Arlington and is very excited to be missing her graduation to be in this show! She has previously appeared on stage as Valentine in TWELFTH NIGHT at Artes De La Rosa, Mama Ogre/Pig in SHREK THE MUSICAL at Kids Who Care, and recently costume designed BIG FISH at Artes De La Rosa. Bentleigh will also be seen this summer as Ursala in Plaza Theatre Company's Shakespeare in the Park production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and thanks Soni and Jodie for another wonderful opprotunity. She would like to thank her family, Rodney, Ryan and Beyonce for their continued love and support.
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RODNEY HUDSON
(Lefty)

Rodney is excited to be back on the Plaza stage after having made his debut in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Rodney is in the final stretch of finishing his Bachelors of Arts in Theatre at The University Of Texas At Arlington. Some of his past roles include Ensemble in EVITA at Greater Lewisville Community Theatre, Curio in TWELFTH NIGHT at Artes De La Rosa and Ensemble in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Plaza Company. He also recently costumes designed BIG FISH at Artes De La Rosa and can be seen next as Conrade in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING with Plaza Theatre Company. Rodney would like to thank his directors Soni and Jodie for this opportunity, his family for supporting his dreams, Justin for going along with his sometimes hectic schedule as well as a big thank you to Armani, Bentleigh and Courtney Cox!
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AMY SKINNER
(Nurse, Passenger)

In July of 2010 Amy and her family attended the production of INTO THE WOODS at Plaza Theatre and has been in love with this theater ever since. Enjoying every production she made many friends along the way and harbored a dream deep within. Making her theater debut in Heaven Can Wait fulfills that dream for Amy in portraying the part of a Nurse and a heavenly bound passenger. Even more so she is thrilled to be performing alongside her daughter Megan Skinner. Amy would like to thank her wonderfully patient husband to allow her the time she enjoys at the theater where she is costuming assistant to award winning Tina Barrus. A special thanks goes to the director Soni Barus for her friendship and encouragement and for taking a chance on her.
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CODY VERNON
(Plainclothesman, Passenger)

Cody is excited to be back on stage at Plaza after performing in POLLYANNA in 2015 and CRAZY FOR YOU in 2011 . You may also remember him from TREASURE ISLAND as a goodie goodie as well as THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
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C. PAMELA VALLE
(The Doctor)

HEAVEN CAN WAIT is Pam’s 7th appearance at the Plaza, playing Escort 2 and the Doctor. Her favorite past characters were Delilah, in FATHER OF THE BRIDE, and the housekeeper/prisoner in MAN OF LA MANCHA. Other roles include the Sultan’s wife in DON’T DRINK THE WATER, a Nubian slave in AIDA, Frau Schmidt/nun-ensemble in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and the Queen of Transylvania/ensemble in MY FAIR LADY. She is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University, with a BS degree in Liberal Studies, with prior studies majoring in vocal pedagogy. Pam served as a music missionary evangelist for 25 years, travelling throughout the U.S. and internationally. She feels humbled and excited to be a part of the Plaza Theatre family. Pam would like to thank her hubby, Mike, for his support. GOD is Good!!
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JJ SHARP
(Trainer)

JJ i s very proud to be in HEAVEN CAN WAIT. This is his first show at Plaza Theatre Co. He is currently in sixth grade and attends North Joshua Elementary. He is looking forward to many more shows here at Plaza.
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MEAGAN SKINNER
(Nurse, Passenger)

Megan is thrilled to be cast in the production of Heaven Can Wait. This will be Megan’s fifth appearance on the Plaza stage having last played a Jet in Plaza’s Academy’s Summer Camp production of WEST SIDE STORY. Appearing in two productions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL she played the part of Want and again as the young daughter of Bob and Emily Cratchet. Megan has also performed as a royal daughter in THE KING AND I and a child in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Megan would like to thank her Mother for her positive reinforcement and support and a special thanks to Soni Barrus for casting her alongside her Mother, Amy Skinner in this production. Megan is a sixth grader at Grandview Junior High School and has won several awards in UIL for m7sic memory and impromptu speaking and also plays the baritone in the Jr High band.
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JOCK
(Ming Toy)

Making his debut at Plaza, Jock is so happy to be here he is panting with sheer joy. He would like to thank his wife "Lady" for giving him this opportunity while she stays at home enjoying some alone time. Jock enjoys long walks, very rare steaks and lazy afternoon naps on the sofa. He would like to thank his owner, Barbara Rose for giving him a ride every day to rehearsals and performances. Woof-woof, to the family and cast that support him and been giving him treats on the sly.
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RUTH ANN WARWICK
(Passenger, Stage Manager)

Ruth Ann is thrilled to be a part of another amazing production. You may have previously seen her on stage in POLLYANNA, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, DEAR RUTH, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, A CHRISTMAS CAROL in 2012, RAGTIME or FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Ruth Ann has also been privileged to stage manage BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SHREK THE MUSICAL, THE WIZARD OF OZ, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, CAMELOT, THE KING AND I and WHITE CHRISTMAS here at Plaza. She has also appeared in MARY POPPINS , stage managed THE DROWSY CHAPERONE at Granbury Theatre Company as well as costuming 1776 , IS HE DEAD and THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES there with her accomplished daughter Emily. Ruth Ann is grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from this wonderful directing and production team and thanks this outstanding cast and crew for their cooperation and all of their hard work. "All my love and thanks to Jim, Jace and Emily, who bring light and joy to each and every day." Enjoy the show and remember Life goes on.
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JODIE BARRUS & SONI BARRUS
(Directors)

Soni and Jodie are once again collaborating on yet another production. After just finishing the direction for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, they are excited to be in involved in this hilarious HEAVEN CAN WAIT. Since arriving in Texas just five years ago, they have directed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE KING AND I, THE WIZARD OF OZ, FATHER OF THE BRIDE,. and ALL SHOOK UP. Soni has solo directed numerous productions including THE SECRET GARDEN, JOSEPH......DREAMCOAT, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, CHESS, OKLAHOMA, THE MUSIC MAN, BRIGADOON, CARNIVAL, KISS ME KATE, AND MANY MANY MORE.
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