STEPHEN NEWTON
(Jim Hawkins)
STEPHEN is thrilled to be performing in Treasure Island, which happens to be the first show he ever saw at Plaza. He was last seen on Plaza's stage playing JoJo in SEUSSICAL JR. Stephen has also had the honor of performing at Bass Hall, Casa Mañana, The Firehouse Theatre, and Artes de la Rosa. Selected previous credits include Smee in PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, Dill in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Gavroche in LES MISERABLES, Young Will in BIG FISH, Young Cain in CHILDREN OF EDEN, Billy in FROSTY THE SNOWMAN, Michael in PETER PAN, and Jeremy Jacob in HOW I BECAME A PIRATE. Stephen has been honored with two Dallas BroadwayWorld.com Awards and The Caleb Midkiff Child Performer Award. "Thanks to my family and HCCA for the constant love and support, Mr. Barrus for this incredible opportunity, and The Lord for His constant blessings."
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LUKE HUNT
(Long John Silver/Jim's Fathers/Fight Choreographer)
This is Luke's 37th production with Plaza Theatre Company. He first appeared as Long John Silver in the 2011 PlazaCo production of TREASURE ISLAND and still considers it his favorite role. He has also appeared on the Plaza stage as Froggy LeSeuer in THE FOREIGNER, George Banks in MARY POPPINS, and most recently as Dickens in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. 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.
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SAUL SANCHEZ
(Jemmy Rathbone/Cut Purse/Tom Morgan)
This is Saul's first show at Plaza and he is super excited to be teamed up with such a wonderful cast! For the past few years, Saul has been an active performer and officer of the Thespian Troupe 4243 at the Alvarado High School. His strongest roles consist of Hades in PERSEPHONE, Mal Beineke in ADDAMS FAMILY, and Percy Shelley in MONSTER. "A huge thank you to my main theatrical inspirations, Mariah, Jake, and Mentors, Hunt and Mills."
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FREDDY MARTINEZ JR.
(George Merry)
Freddy is exceedingly, exceptionally, extraordinarily excited to be returning to Plaza Theatre for his third show this year. Recently he played the bass in Plaza Theatre's ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE, and Grrrremio in Plaza Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park production of TAMING OF THE SHREW. He was the Assistant Stage Manager at the Artes de la Rosa Rose Marine Theatre in 2016. His next project is dramatic reading of STOMP in an empty basketball court. He'd like to thank his mother, father, and as always, Meryl Streep
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JAY A. CORNILS
(Blind Pew/Calico Jack/Bailiff)
Since first appearing on stage in Johnson County in the Carnegie Players 2005 production of SOUTH PACIFIC, Jay has appeared on stage in over sixty productions. This production marks his thirty-eighth performance with the Plaza Theatre Company (PTC). In 2011, Jay appeared in PTC’s first production of TREASURE ISLAND as the inimitable Captain Smollett. In this year’s production, he is delighted to be appearing on the pirates' side as Blind Pew and Calico Jack. Perhaps, he is most well-known for his portrayal of characters on the brighter side; for instance, Elwood P. Dowd in HARVEY, Clarence Odbody in IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, or Mr. Jordan in HEAVEN CAN WAIT. But his performances as Bob Ewell in Carnegie’s 2011 production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD or as Mr. Henry Potter in Carnegie’s 2016 production of IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE may show that his acting range can also include the “dark” side. Fortunately for Jay, his beautiful wife Corlis supports him no matter the role.
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ROBERT SHORES
(Captain Flint/Dr. Livesly)
Robert is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage. Most recently he has been seen in THE MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, and THE GREAT DICTATOR. Among his favorite shows he has appeared in over the years are JULIUS CAESAR, RUN FOR YOUR WIFE, SHAKESPEAREAN DEATHMATCH, SAMURAI NOSFERATU, THE FOREIGNER, MONTY PYTHON MADNESS, NOISES OFF, PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, and BOLLYWOOD LYSISTRATA. When not on stage this elusive Robert can be seen in season 3 of PRISON BREAK, DEALEY PLAZA ,and ZUGIO AND TBE SUNSHINE KIDZ.
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JONATHAN KENNEDY
(Ben Gunn)
Jon has played many roles over the last 15 years, but the character of Ben Gunn has been his favorite. Some other notable roles at Plaza have been "The Beast" in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, "Smudge" in FOREVER PLAID. and "Jacob Marley" in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He wishes to first thank you the audience for allowing the actors to tell the story and for being a part of the story. "I also wish to thank the theatre for the opportunity, my friends and family for their support and love, my church who not only supports my doing theatre, but also attends the shows, and finally my partner who introduced me to theatre and is constantly there for me and loving me."
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JESSE BOWRON
(Captain Smollet/Black Dog)
Jesse Bowron first performed as Hugo Peabody in BYE BYE BIRDIE at Plaza, and has since appeared in shows such as, KISS ME KATE, CAMELOT, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.
Jesse recently acquired a BA in Theatre Arts from Ouachita Baptist University; while he was at OBU he had the opportunity to play his favorite role, Colonel Dijon in the original student production of NOT A CLUE. Jesse is overjoyed to be returning to Plaza for this show, it is absolutely a dream for him.
"Thank you to my wonderful Wife, without you, I could not possibly be where I am now; I love you."
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MATTHEW WISE
(Squire Trelawney/Bailiff's Son)
Matthew is excited to be making his Plaza Debut and is grateful for the opportunity. Previous credits include Sir Toby Belch in TWELFTH NIGHT, Henry VIII in ROYAL GAMBIT, Richard Hannay in THE 39 STEPS, and a TWENTY-FOUR HOUR PLAY FESTIVAL with the Grex Grouo in New York City. He is thankful to his wife for encouraging him to return to the stage. Jeremiah 29:11.
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TOBY BURRIS
(Isreal Hands)
Toby Q. is happy to be apart of Cleburne Plaza Theater Company's production of TREASURE ISLAND as 'Israel Hands'. Other productions he has been in include THE ADAMS FAMILY as 'Ancestor' at Plaza Theater Company, WEST SIDE STORY as 'Diesel' at Plaza Academy, and AND THEN THEIR WERE NONE as 'Anthony Marston' at Cleburne Carnegie players.
Toby Q. would also like to thank - _________ - for reading this bio, you're the best.
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STACEY BLANTON
(Mary Read/Widow Drews)
Stacey is super excited to be returning to the Plaza stage in this swashbuckling adventure after a 3-year hiatus. You may have seen her in past productions as a Lady Katherine in CAMELOT, or in CASH ON DELIVERY or SEE HOW THEY RUN. Most recently she was the Cowardly Lion in an all female revue of THE WIZARD OF OZ at Art Centre Theatre in Plano. Stacey has a BFA in Performance from UT Arlington and spends her days working for a major airline, knitting, and ferrying her boyos to and from school.
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BENTLEIGH NESBIT
(Mary Read/Widow Drews)
Bentleigh is delighted to be returning to the Plaza stage! She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and the proud theatre teacher at McLean Middle School in Fort Worth. She has been previously seen on the Plaza stage in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (Mrs. Dinsmore/Dora Bailey), THE LITTLE MERMAID (Atina), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Charwoman), and HEAVEN CAN WAIT (Inspector Williams). She recently made her Granbury Theatre Company debut as Bloody Mary in SOUTH PACIFIC. She would like to thank her family, students, Ryan, Rodney, and Beyoncé.
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KATHERINE ANTHONY
(Anne Bonny/Jim's Mother)
Katherine is beyond ecstatic to jump into the role of one of her favorite women from history - Anne Bonny. She was one of the most famous pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy and Katherine has always felt a kinship with her when reading about her life and adventures. Pirates have always fascinated Katherine since she was very young, so she can’t wait for you scallywags to fall in love with them, too. Katherine’s last performance on the Plaza stage was as Andrina in THE LITTLE MERMAID and finds a fun sort of irony in the fact that she went from mermaid to pirate on the Plaza stage in one swift swoosh of a tail. Or a cutlass. Katherine would like to thank her parents, Brenda & Gene Adams and Alan & Cecelia Anthony for supporting her dreams of high seas adventures, unlike Anne Bonny’s father. Most importantly, her love and thanks go to her daughter, Jaydn Eve, for always being excited to hear about her new endeavours. "Je t’aime, Petite!"
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MADISON HEAPS
(Jim's Mother/Anne Bonny)
Madison is so thrilled to be working on this production! She is currently a sophomore at Texas Christian University where she is majoring in English and Communications. Madison's favorite past roles include Mildred in KISS AND TELL, Narrator in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, and an ancestor in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. She is glad she can finally fulfill her dad's dream of her becoming a pirate. She gives a huge thank you to everyone who worked on this show, her parents, and Cameron.
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QUENTIN SCOTT
(Rev Mainwaring/Josaiah Bland)
Quentin is elated to perform in yet another smooth Plaza Theatre Company production. TREASURE ISLAND is a story near and dear to his heart. Some years ago, a chance encounter and a forgotten pencil led to Quentin auditioning for a recently vacant role in his high school's production of TREASURE ISLAND. Of course he got the part, and with it, his start in acting. With that said, he looks forward to this being one of his most memorable productions yet.
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JAY LEWIS
(Justice Death)
JAY is making his 34th Plaza stage appearance as Justice Death. Jay spent his summer directing two fabulous shows: SOUTH PACIFIC in Granbury and ALWAYS.... PATSY CLINE for Plaza. Favorite performance roles include Thenardier in LES MISERABLES; Prof. Callahan in Granbury's LEGALLY BLONDE; 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 and granddad to Lor, Lou and Liv. Kisses, a dozen roses and a standing ovation for his supporting wife, both onstage and off, Shauna.
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JAKE BRANHAM
(Ezekial Hazard/Inn Guest/Boy w/ Barrow)
This is Jake's second show with PlazaCo, his first being Grumio in THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. He is a senior at Alvarado High School, and also the Vice President of Thespian Troupe 4243! As an active member of the community he is beyond ecstatic to accompany an amazing cast to put together TREASURE ISLAND. He has been in past roles such as, Lucas in THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL, Lord Byron in MONSTER, and Roger in BAD AUDITIONS BY BAD ACTORS. "Thank you Saul, for putting up with me for five years, while characterizing the two of us into a near single body."
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MEL DIYER
(Job O'Brien/Set Capt.)
Mel is ecstatic to be back onstage with PTC's 2017 production of TREASURE ISLAND. Patrons might recognize Mel as the drummer Bob Bob in ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE or Topper in A CHRISTMAS CAROL both with PTC. While being on stage is tons of fun you will generally find Mel backstage or in the shop designing and building shows. Most recently Mel has built shows for the Plaza Theatre Company, the Granbury Theatre company, and Casa Mañana. Mel's freetime is currently being spent writing an original script and collaborating with different musicians to write an original musical. Mel would like to thank each and every patron who came to see the show. "Without our amazing patronage, we would all be bereft of the chance to do what we love. Thank you."
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CHRISTOPHER COE
(Job O'Brien)
Some fresh blood, Christopher is making his debut here at Plaza Theater Company. Raised with Shakespeare in his ear he certainty has passion and is excited about this opportunity to finally take to the stage with such a talented cast. A man of many interests he has done a variety of jobs thus far ranging from avionics to insurance.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Director)
JaceSon is the resident Artistic Director at Plaza Theatre Company and also directs one or two shows a season at PlazaCo. Having last directed SINGIN' IN THE RAIN here at PTC in early 2017, JaceSon feels privileged to be at the helm of TREASURE ISLAND. Past favorite productions which JaceSon has directed include BIG RIVER, HAMLET, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL and ENCHANTED APRIL - the latter of which was named Best non-Equity play at the 2015 Column Awards. Of course, JaceSon's favorite directorial duties are shared with his lovely wife Tina as they raise their 7 children and are magically reaching their 25th wedding anniversary during the run of this show. They will also be joining the ranks of grandparents as oldest daughter Tabitha is having a little girl she and husband Saul will be naming Gemma Violet. Life is lovely - "How lucky we are to be alive right now".
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LINDSAY BATT
(Stage Manager)
Lindsay is excited to be working on her ninth production at PlazaCo, although this is her first production to work alongside JaceSon! She has stage managed many shows around the metroplex, some of her favorites include HAIRSPRAY, RAGTIME, WEST SIDE STORY, MAN OF LAMANCHA, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, BIG RIVER and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Lindsay is a multiple Column Award Winner and is also on the Board of Directors for The Column Awards. In her free time, she can be found at the ballpark watching her Texas Rangers. "Thank you to JaceSon for letting me be part of TREASURE ISLAND and a special thanks to my husband William for encouraging me to indulge in theater. I love you."
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STORMY LEE
(Stage Hand)
Stormy is pleased to be working with on such an exciting adventure! You will have recently seen Stormy at other Plaza Co shows including SANDERS FAMILY HOMECOMING, CHRISTMAS CAROL, MARY POPPINS, THE SECRET GARDEN, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SANDER'S FAMILY CHRISTMAS, SHE LOVES ME, and 42ND ST.! She has also costumed designed YOU"RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN and the last two Shakespeare in the Park productions that are co-produced by Cleburne Chamber of Commerce and Plaza Theatre Co. (MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK). Stormy absolutely treasures stage managing and dressing for ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE, TAMING OF THE SHREW, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, SINGIN IN THE RAIN, and MAN WITH THE POINTED TOE. Stormy also enjoys working with Cleburne Carnegie Players in AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, LES MISERABLES and 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. Stormy would like to thank her parents and kids for always cheering her on!
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