MEREDITH BROWNING
(Lily Craven)
is thrilled to be returning to PlazaCo in this extraordinarily beautiful musical. You may remember Meredith from her portrayals of Amalia in SHE LOVES ME, Guenevere in CAMELOT, Anna in THE KING AND I, Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Marguerite in THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS, and Marian Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN. Meredith’s first love is the opera stage, and she has performed several operatic roles professionally in venues including Fort Worth Opera, Opera East Texas, and Living Opera. Some favorite roles include Mabel in PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Yum Yum in THE MIKADO, Adina in ELIXIR OF LOVE, Fiordiligi in COSI FAN TUTTE, and Donna Anna in DON GIOVANNI. Meredith performs regularly with the Fort Worth Opera, on both the Bass Hall stage and as part of their “Frontiers” program, a showcase for new operas. She is forever grateful for the support of her loving family and sends them all lots of hugs and kisses.
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LILY MCCLENDON
(Mary Lennox)
Lily is so excited about her debut experience with Plaza Theatre. She is happy to be double cast with Mimi, her Plaza BFF. She is also excited to be working with Tabi, her Plaza teacher and all the other cast members she has watched in the past. Lily's past experience includes Gabriella in High School Musical Jr, and ensemble casts in Charlie Brown Christmas, Peter Pan, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory with Plaza Academy. Lily is a sixth grade student at Elder Elementary in Joshua. She would like to thank Mrs. Loewe, her first grade teacher, for suggesting Plaza Academy. It has become her place of inspiration and passion.
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MIRANDA BARRUS
(Mary Lennox)
Mimi is a precocious 10 year old girl who has grown up on the Plaza stage and is now playing her first leading role in THE SECRET GARDEN. She has loved playing roles like Chip in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Tiny Tim in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and Molly in ANNIE. When she's not on stage Mimi loves playing dressup and baking and inventing new recipes in the kitchen. She is grateful to you for coming here today and hopes you enjoy the show.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Archibald Craven)
JaceSon is very pleased to be able to reprise a role that he played 10 years ago opposite his oldest daughter Tabitha. Now he is grateful for the chance to play this beautiful show with such and accomplished cast and crew. JaceSon has appeared here at PlazaCo in several productions that he has loved including a few favorites like Will Rogers in WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, Bob Wallace in WHITE CHRISTMAS and Pap Finn in BIG RIVER. JaceSon has also been honored to receive multiple Column Awards including sharing the honor with wife Tina as co-Directors of PlazaCo's Best Musical winner AIDA. As ever he sends love to the best parts of his life Tabitha, Parker, Cameron, Eden, Mimi, JJ, Charlie and Tina.
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G. AARON SILER
(Dr. Neville Craven )
Aaron is one of the four founding producers of Plaza Theatre Company and has performed in many different shows here such as Shrek in SHREK THE MUSICAL, 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 including Best Actor in a Musical (as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), 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 the incomparable and recent TCU graduate Milette Siler!
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EMILY POTTER
(Martha)
Emily is blessed to be in this beautiful production. You may have previously seen her as Ms. Watson in Big River. She was also in Little Shop, Seussical, Bye Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, The Drowsy Chaperone at PlazaCo. Some of her favorite roles are Missy in Marvelous Wonderettes, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Lady of the Lake in Spamalot at Granbury Theatre Company. Emily is the Costume Designer for Granbury Theatre Company.
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BRANDON SHREVE
(Dickon)
Brandon is excited to be returning for his third show with Plaza Theatre Co. after having just closed BIG RIVER as Huckleberry Finn; he is thrilled to be playing Dickon in THE SECRET GARDEN. Regional credits: 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: 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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HENRY CAWOOD
(Colin)
Henry is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage! You may remember him from other performances here at Plaza such as Pugsley in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Jimmy Bean in POLLYANNA, Young Shrek/Pig in SHREK THE MUSICAL, Mayor of Munchkinland in WIZARD OF OZ, Linus in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Jojo in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, Louis Leonowens in KING AND I, Randolph in BYE, BYE BIRDIE, and the little boy in RAGTIME. His other acting credits include: Charlie Bradley in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER (Carnegie), Billy (the grandson) in THE PROMISE, River City Boy in THE MUSIC MAN (Lyric stage), Oliver in OLIVER! (ACT), Chip in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (ACT), and Aladdin in ALADDIN, JR. (TAFA). Opera credits include Amahl in AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. Henry attends Travis Academy of Fine Arts where he studies music, art, violin, and musical theater. He also studies tap with Gracey Tune and Eli Holley at Arts 5th Avenue.
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RACHEL GIFFORD
(Rose Lennox)
Rachel is a Portland, Oregon native and a senior at TCU pursuing a BFA in Theatre, emphasis Musical Theatre. Locally, Rachel has appeared in CURTAINS at Mainstage Irving and A TRIBUTE TO MARVIN HAMLISCH with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. TCU credits include THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE, EVERYMAN, and GUYS AND DOLLS. Rachel thanks her parents for their constant support, encouragement, and unconditional love. Psalm 89:1
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TABITHA BARRUS
(Rose Lennox)
Tabitha is thrilled to be playing for the third time in one of her all time favorite musicals! Tabi teaches Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballet, and Voice at Plaza Academy, and she sends oodles of love to her wonderful students who fill her life with so much joy. Past favorite roles include Peggy Sawyer in 42ND STREET, Eponine in LES MISERABLES, and Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. She sends love and thanks to her sweet family for always believing in her, and to Saúl for being her constant source of support. "To beloved students Mimi and Lily, I am endlessly proud of you! It is a joy to see you 'safely grown and on your way', I love you both."
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NATE MILSON
(Albert Lennox)
Nate is overjoyed to be back on stage for Plaza Theatre Company's SECRET GARDEN! Nate recently played Don John, the Villain, in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING during Cleburne's Shakespeare in the park. Other recent credits include Ambrose Kemper in HELLO DOLLY with Granbury theatre. Caleb Pontipee in 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS, with Plaza. Fred in OKLAHOMA! with Stolen Shakespeare Guild. And a German Soldier in the Fort Worth Opera Chorus for SILENT NIGHT. Nate has had a great year so far with Plaza Theatre Company and thanks all the producers for these fantastic opportunities. Nate would also like to thank his Mom and Dad for all their support.
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KEVIN POOLE
(Ben Weatherstaff)
Kevin Poole (Major Shelley; Ben Weatherstaff) If memory serves, this is Kevin 12th production with Plaza Theatre and his fourth since returning from his self-imposed exile to the Land Down Under otherwise known as Houston. He was last seen as Leonato in Cleburne’s recent Shakespeare in the Park production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Other favorite roles include Polonius (HAMLET), Link Hansen (MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES), Uncle George (CASH ON DELIVERY), Zoser (AIDA), and Burl Sanders (SMOKE…). Kevin has directed a few Plaza productions as well and would like to take this opportunity in the presence of a few thousand witnesses to once again submit his request to direct. (Hint, Hint) Thanks to Vanessa for her continued love and support, and to my son Eli I wish much encouragement as he embarks in his theatrical journey. Break legs, Face!
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JAY LEWIS
(Major Holmes)
bio
JAY is making his 32nd Plaza stage appearance as Major Holmes. His recent acting endeavors have included King BIG RIVER, Uncle Stanley SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS, Mal Beineke THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Prof. Callahan in Granbury's LEGALLY BLONDE, Mr. Archer in KISS & TELL(Column Award Nomination), and Thenardier in LES MISERABLES. 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 an educator with the Cleburne school district. Kisses, a dozen roses and a standing ovation for his supporting wife, both onstage and off, Shauna.
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SHAUNA LEWIS
(Mrs. Medlock)
Shauna is happy to be back on the Plaza stage for her 20th show, most recently being seen as Mrs. Archer in KISS AND TELL. Favorite past roles include Ouiser in STEEL MAGNOLIAS and the Wicked Witch in WIZARD OF OZ. During the day, Shauna spends her time in the halls of Smith Middle School here in Cleburne. TCU alum with a MS in Speech. Baylor alum by marriage.Thank you Rachel and Luke and JTAM for the awesome experience to travel back in time to the moor and gardens of Misselthwaite Manor. Big shout out to Emma, David, Lorelei, Louie and Livi! Hey Major Holmes! How about a date after the show?
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ANDREW GUZMAN
(Fakir)
ANDREW GUZMAN is more than excited to be back on the Carnegie stage after a 4 year absence. You may remember Andrew most recently from his turns on the CARNEGIE stage as WOLF/CINDERELLA'S PRINCE in INTO THE WOODS, MR. ANDREWS in TITANIC, MATT THE BOY in FANTASTICKS, NICK CRISTIANO in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, and ROMEO in ROMEO AND JULIET. ANDREW has loved being a part of the PLAZA and CARNEGIE families and would like to thank them for giving him so many opportunities to be a part of great shows like this one. You may have also seen ANDREW on the PLAZA stage where he has had a ton of his first experiences (just ask Tina Barrus), in many shows such as his turn as JINX in FOREVER PLAID, DENNIS in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, and DEAN HYDE in ALL SHOOK UP!. ANDREW would also like to PLAZA for instilling in him a love and passion for the stage. He would also like to thank his family and the Lord.
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KYLE ADAMS
(Fakir)
We are so excited to have Kyle back on our stage even if it just for opening weekend. Kyle is privileged to have been a part of the very first Plaza production of Man with the Pointed Toes in the makeshift theater at the Putt Putt near Hulen Park. Since then he has been able to share many performances and milestones with Plaza such as performing in the opening show of the brand new theater back in 2008. His shows include Charlie Brown (Linus), Oklahoma! (Curly), Man With The Pointed Toes (Tom, Lem), The Secret Garden (Fakir), See How They Run (Clive), Smoke on the Mountain (Oglethorpe), Aida (Radames), Singin in the Rain (Don Lockwood), Beau Jest (Dave-Bob), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy), Into the Woods (Repunzel's Prince).
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JILLIAN GRACE HARRISON
(Ayah)
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 Susan in BIG RIVER, 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 in memory of her Aunt Monica.
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BETHANY ROOKE
(Alice)
Bethany returns to Plaza for her second show, and with a different name! She was last seen on the Plaza stage as Bethany Dahl playing Sister Sophia in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. She is now Mrs. Bethany Rooke and is thrilled to be back. Bethany graduated from UT Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in music, and is now a theatre and speech teacher at a junior high in Arlington. Some favorite roles include: Cinderella in CINDERELLA, Bette in THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO, and Winnie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Much love to her family and friends for all their support. And a huge thank you to her wonderful husband, Josh, for all his encouragement and support. Ephesians 2:4-5
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KORIANN HAMMOND
(Alice, Thurs./Sat. Evenings)
is thrilled to be making her debut on the PlazaCo stage. She has appeared in various roles since birth at The Promise in Glen Rose, on the Glen Rose HS stage in productions like OKLAHOMA! and THE FOREIGNER, as well as ALL UNIVERSITY SING at Baylor University. Koriann currently teaches theatre at Glen Rose JH and is excited to see some of her students in the audience. She would like to thank her husband for encouraging her to pursue her dream of getting back on the stage and her parents for encouraging her from the beginning of her theatre career through every audition, countless hours of rehearsal, and attending every performance.
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STORMY LEE
(Mrs. Winthrop)
Stormy is honored to be apart of such a talented cast and crew. She has been looking forward to an opportunity to perform SECRET GARDEN for quite some time and it is finally here! You might have also seen Stormy in other shows such as HEAVEN CAN WAIT, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SANDER'S FAMILY CHRISTMAS, SHE LOVES ME, and 42ND ST. at Plaza Theatre Co. Stormy has also had the great privilege to costume design MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK for the last two summer Shakespeare in the Park series. She has also enjoyed working with Cleburne Carnegie Players on LES MISERABLES and TWAS' THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and Kids Who Care Inc. on SHREK THE MUSICAL. Stormy would like to dedicate this show to her own children, Aaron and Adalynn, who are too young to understand. "Come to my garden. Rest there in my arms.
There I'll see you safely grown, And on your way."
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ETHAN BARRUS
(Lt. Shaw)
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 may have seen him in PlazaCo's last production BIG RIVER as one of the boys. Ethan would like to thank Luke, Rachel and the producers for this wonderful opportunity, and would also like to thank his parents and grandparents for supporting him in spending the summer with the Barruses.
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TREVIN MCLAUGHLIN
(Lt. Wright)
Trevin is very excited to make his Plaza debut in The Secret Garden! He was last seen as Rumplestiltskin and Actor in the World Premiere of THE BROTHERS GRIMM SPECTACULATHON: THE MUSICAL (Haltom Alumni Association). Trevin is a theatre teacher at North Oaks Middle School, which he considers the best job in the entire world. Trevin would like to thank his Mom for seeing every one of his shows, Renee Norris and everyone else who helped him get here today, and the wonderful cast and crew of THE SECRET GARDEN, who are some of the most brilliant and kind people on the planet.
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BENTLEIGH NESBIT
(Claire)
Bent Leigh is delighted to be returning for her 4th shoe here at Plaza Theatre Co. She has previously been seen in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (ensemble), HEAVEN CAN WAIT (Inspector Williams), and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Ursala). She recently graduated The University of Texas at Arlington with her BFA in Theatre Performance, and recently co-costume designed BIG FISH at Artes De La Rosa. She would like to thank her family, Rodney, Ryan, and Beyonce for their continued support.
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LUKE AND RACHEL HUNT
(Directors)
Bio
This is Luke's 33rd production with Plaza Theatre Company. He has appeared on the Plaza stage as Long John Silver in TREASURE ISLAND, Froggy LeSeuer in THE FOREIGNER, Stanley Banks in FATHER OF THE BRIDE, and most recently as William Gillette in THE GAME'S AFOOT and had the pleasure to serve as director for SHREK THE MUSICAL. He has also appeared locally as Sweeney Todd in the Granbury Theatre Company production of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET. He is the Theatre Arts Director at Alvarado High School and is a co-owner of Dance Across Cleburne with his wife, Rachel.
Rachel is thrilled to be choreographing and co-directing this show with her favorite person, Luke. She has previously done the choreography for SHREK THE MUSICAL, CAMELOT, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, and others here at Plaza, as well as LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, 1776, and SECRET GARDEN at Granbury Theatre Company. She has appeared on the Plaza Stage as Dorothy Brock in 42ND STREET, Mrs Cratchit in A CHRISTMAS CARO
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SONI BARRUS
(Music Director)
Soni brings her considerable experience and skill to musically directing this production of THE SECRET GARDEN. She has directed the show numerous times in the past and has musically directed many of PlazaCo's recent productions to great success. She recently co-Directed PlazaCo's acclaimed production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST with husband Jodie and continues to bring her lifetime of experience to the Plaza stage in many different capacities. When not working on a show, Soni loves working in her garden (how perfect is that?)
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RUTH ANN WARWICK
(Stage Manager)
It has a special blessing to experience this show with the supremely talented and gifted cast, crew and production team that was selected to undertake this endeavor. This story of love, loss and rebuilding of a family has quicky become one of Ruth Ann's favorite stories. You may have seen her on stage in HEAVEN CAN WAIT, POLLYANNA, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, RAGTIME, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Ruth Ann has also been honored to stage manage numerous other productions here at Plaza Theatre Company. It is a special treat for Ruth Ann to watch her amazing daughter Emily perform for you today. "Thank you Emily for sharing your love of theatre with me and love to you, Jace and Jim for the support and for bringing light and joy to each and every day. "
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