KEVIN POOLE
(Ebenezer Scrooge)
Kevin is incredibly excited to reprise the role of Scrooge in this holiday classic. The story of redemption and the love of family and friends resonate and grows richer with each telling. This is Kevin’s 19th production with PTC. So far this year, he has portrayed the villain Frollo in HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, the fairy king Oberon in MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, and proudly directed an amazingly talented cast and crew in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. He also could be found playing the role of Caiaphas in the 30th season of THE PROMISE in Glen Rose. Thank you to Luke, Rachel, the Producers, this cast and crew for this opportunity to tell this story. To Vanessa and Eli go my undying love for all you do. “Merry Christmas Bob!”
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LUKE HUNT
(Co-Director/Dickens/Fred)
This is Luke's 46th production with Plaza Theatre Company. He has appeared as an actor most recently in the roles of Atticus Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Long John Silver in TREASURE ISLAND, and Theseus in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. This is the 4th time he has portrayed Dickens/ Fred in a Plaza production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and the 1st time he has directed the show for PTC. Luke is the Theatre Arts Director at Alvarado High School and is a co-owner of Dance Across Cleburne with his wife and co-director Rachel.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Dickens/Fred)
Appearing in a Plaza production for the 75th time, JaceSon is pleased to once again play in one of his most cherished productions in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Other favorite roles at PlazaCo include Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Will Rogers in THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES and Pap Finn in BIG RIVER for which he received a Column Award for Best Supporting Actor in a non-Equity musical in 2016. When he's not on stage, JaceSon's day job is as Artistic Director here at Plaza Theatre Company - an organization he co-founded with wife Tina and business partners Aaron and Milette Siler. He sends all his love and holiday wishes to his favorites; Tina, Tabitha (and Saul), Parker, Cameron, Eden, Mimi, JJ and Charlie as well as granddaughter Gemma.
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KAT ENDSLEY
(DQ 1/Charwoman/Mrs. Fezziwig/Georgina)
Kat is thrilled to be apart of another fantastic Plaza show. You may remember her as Titania in A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM, or Kate in TAMING OF THE SHREW. Other local roles include Mary in A WONDERFUL LIFE, and Vera in AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, both at Carnegie. After acting around the metroplex during high school she earned her BA in Theatre from the University of Arkansas and a MFA in Acting from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Post grad school she spent 2 years in Oceano, CA working for The Great American Melodrama, and 3 months touring the east coast with the Hampstead Players. After which, she moved to LA to pursue her dreams. During that time she hosted The True Blood After Show, Game of Thrones Seasons 1-4 recap, The Blacklist After Show, and Scandal After Show. She was also a guest host on AMC Movie News and won an early episode of Celebrity Name Game. "Thank you to this amazing cast/crew, my loving family and wonderful friends for supporting this crazy lady!" XOXO
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TRA NEUMAN
(DQ 2/Poor Husband/Young Scrooge/Charity Man 2/David)
From the moment Tra was introduced to the world, he knew it would be his stage. He and his sisters knew how to "ham it up" during their childhood skits performed for family and they kept things rolling when they started acting in church plays. Tra continued acting in school theater, with productions such as: The GLASS MENAGERIE and TEN LITTLE INDIANS, and one-act plays such as WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN. After his move from Whitney to the Houston area, his friends and family urged him to audition for a production called THE FOUL CASE OF THE MISSING PHEASANT - which he obliged. Though years have passed since last he performed, the flame has remained kindled. Tra would like to thank his friends and family, both here now and those who have passed on, for helping him become the man he is today. He believes this would not work without you! Remember: "we choose this time, above all others, when want is keenly felt, and abundance rejoices" to remind you of the true reason for the season!
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HOPE ARENDSE
(DQ 3/Dora/Musician - Lap Dulcimer )
Hope is so excited to be in A CHRISTMAS CAROL! She most recently appeared in THE LITTLE MERMAID here at Plaza and loved every second of it! She enjoys sewing, reading, painting, playing with her Collies, and spending time with her family. "Thanks to my Mama, for all of her love and support, my siblings for their patience, and to Rachel and Luke for giving me this opportunity!" “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
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TIM HERNDON
(DQ 4/Fezziwig/Charity Man 1/Topper)
Tim is excited to be making his debut here at Plaza Theatre. He previously portrayed the redneck Owen Musser in Carnegie Players production of THE FOREIGNER. Prior to that, Tim acted at Granbury Theatre Company as the legalistic preacher in FOOTLOOSE, the sleazy car salesman in HANDS ON A HARDBODY, the gentle missionary in GUYS AND DOLLS, the foul-mouthed sheriff in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS or the bumbling Doctor Einstein in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Tim works in Granbury as a repairman for Windstream Communications.
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G. AARON SILER
(DQ 5/Present/Old Joe/Poulterer)
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, Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, 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 DFW area Column Awards including Best Actor in a Musical (as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), Multiple Best Director, Best Scenic Design, and Best Sound Design awards and the Rudy Seppy Volunteer Award. Aaron is a proud father of three wonderful kids and husband to Milette Siler.
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VIOLET HARLESS
(DQ 6/Poor Wife)
Violet is performing her first show at Plaza! With her only previous experience being for competitions in plays and short films for her church (Westhill Church of Christ here in Cleburne), she is excited to be on a stage expanding her knowledge of theater! "I'm thankful to Plaza for giving me an opportunity to perform and to improve my skills to present the best show possible. I also want to thank my family and friends for their incredible support"
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DAVE WENDE
(DQ 7/Marley/Undertaker/Charles)
Dave Wende is honored to make his North Texas debut on the Plaza stage. He sang the last two Christmas concerts at Church of the Holy Comforter. Dave feels a kinship with money changers, he’s been a representative with the New York Stock Exchange the last 32 years. Thanks to Episcopalians for guiding him here.
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MEGAN A. LILES
(DQ 8/Belle/Fred's Wife/Assistant Music Director)
Megan is so excited to be rounding out a wonderful 2018 at Plaza with this timeless Christmas tale. She appeared as Florika in the inaugural production at Dudley Hall, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and was subsequently seen as Anita in WEST SIDE STORY, the Bride Ancestor in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Miss Brill in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, and Flotsam in THE LITTLE MERMAID. In addition to performing, Megan also has a passion for music education—she earned her undergraduate degree in Choral Music Education at the University of Texas at Austin-Butler School of Music. She would like to thank Luke, Rachel, Meredith, and JTAM for this fantastic opportunity. “And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people.”
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JESSE BOWRON
(Bob Cratchit)
Jesse Bowron first performed as Hugo Peabody in BYE BYE BIRDIE at Plaza and has since appeared in several shows including KISS ME KATE, CAMELOT, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Most recently, he played a ancestor in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. His favorite roles include Zorro in ZORRO THE MUSICAL, and Black Dog in TREASURE ISLAND. Jesse is honored to get the chance to make this character come to life from this classic, heartwarming story. This is not the first, but second role that Jesse has shared with Kermit the Frog. Someday we’ll find it, that rainbow connection.“To my Wife: thank you for everything, without you I could never make it.”
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RACHEL HUNT
(Co-Director/Choreographer/Mrs. Cratchit)
Rachel is happy to be playing Mrs Cratchit for the third time here at Plazaco now in this amazing new theatre space! She loves any opportunity to perform, choreograph, or direct. She has worked here at PlazaCo with talented husband Luke as Co-director on MARY POPPINS and SECRET GARDEN. Rachel also choreographed SECRET GARDEN, SHREK, CAMELOT, and DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS here at PlazaCO. She has also choreographed Granbury Theatre’s production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS among other things. Most recently you may have seen Rachel as a member of the IMPLAZABLES improv troupe or at her day job teaching partner dancing at Dance Across Cleburne. She says, "Doing theatre is the only way I know to make friends."
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PATRICK BILBOW
(Tiny Tim)
Patrick is delighted to be back at Plaza! Favorite credits include Winthrop in THE MUSIC MAN with Plaza Theatre Company, NEWSIES with Lyric Stage, and JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, SANTA CLAUS and THE LITTLE MERMAID with Casa Manana Theatre. Patrick studies musical theatre as well as classical ballet and electric guitar. He would like to thank Plaza for this wonderful opportunity. Merry Christmas!
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JJ BARRUS
(Tiny Tim)
JJ loves Xbox, baseball and theatre - probably in that order. While you won't be watching JJ's gaming or sporting skills tonight, he's thrilled you are here to see A CHRISTMAS CAROL and he's pleased to be a part of the show. In the past he's also enjoyed playing a sea creature in THE LITTLE MERMAID and an apple seller in ANNIE. JJ loves being a little brother as well as a big brother and is looking forward to a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. He wishes you and yours a most joyous Christmas season!
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MATTHEW LEAKE
(Peter/Dick Wilkins)
Matthew is agog to be a part of the Christmas Carol cast. He enjoys musical theatre and dance classes at Plaza Academy. He also enjoys being in the bullpen for The ImPlazables, where he practices his improv skills. Some of his favorite roles include Frank Jr. in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, Captain Bones in THE MAGIC TREE HOUSE PIRATES PAST NOON, Charlie Brown in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, Charlie Sloane in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, and “Charlie” the Warden in ALL SHOOK UP.
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ANTHONY SULLIVAN
(Peter/Dick Wilkins)
Anthony is excited to be in his 9th mainstage show at Plaza Theatre Company. His favorite roles have been, Jem in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Young Ramone in ZORRO THE MUSICAL, and Young Gilbert Blythe in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Outside of theatre Anthony enjoys video games, reading, and singing. Not necessarily in that order. He would like to thank his brother for driving him to the theatre, and his parents for letting him do shows. He also wants to give a big shout out to food, beds, and his friends who help him be happy sometimes.
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RYLEIGH JOCHENS
(Martha/Leticia)
Ryleigh is thrilled to be making her debut on the Plaza stage! She is a 6th grader at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts and a member of the Children’s Choir of Texas. She has most recently been seen on the Casa Manana stage as Miss Muffit in BIG BAD MUSICAL. Her favorite roles include Princess Winnefred in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Lucy in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN and Jojo in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL. She wants to thank Plaza for this opportunity and her family for encouraging her to live out her dream!
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MIRANDA BARRUS
(Martha/Leticia)
Fans of Plaza will recognize that Mimi has almost quite literally grown up on the Plaza stage. When her Mom and Dad, Tina and JaceSon, helped co-found the theatre in 2006, Mimi was an infant. She turned 12 years old this year and so will Plaza which means the stage at the Company has been almost a second home for her and A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be her 25th show at PlazaCo. Other favorite roles include Scout in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Chip in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Jane Banks in MARY POPPINS and Young Anne in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Mimi is also an active participant at Plaza Academy - Plaza Theatre Company's after school arts program - and greatly enjoys the time she gets to spend honing her craft under such excellent teachers at the studio. She is grateful to be number 5 of 7 Barrus children and sends all her love to Tabi, Park, Cam, Eden, Jax and Charleston oh, and of course Mom and Dad.
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LANDON DENMAN
(Eben/Future)
Landon Denman is so thrilled to be returning to the Plaza stage for his third Main Stage Show. He has also appeared as Dance Core in THE MUSIC MAN, and A-Rab in WEST SIDE STORY. Landon has also starred in several Plaza Junior shows, such as MADAGASCAR JR. A MUSICAL ADVENTURE as Melman, and the Dodo Bird in ALICE IN WONDERLAND. He's so thankful for the opportunity to once again appear on the stage. "I would like to thank my family for the opportunity to perform and the directors for giving me a chance to be in this wonderful production with such an amazing cast and crew."
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KYLIE KIMBALL
(Past/Carol Boy/Turkey Boy)
Kylie is very excited about performing at Dudley Hall again. You may have recently seen here onstage at Plaza as as Darla Gilbreth in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN which she thoroughly enjoy. Kylie also had a great time attending musical theatre camp at Plaza this summer, where she played the role of Genie in ALADDIN JR. Kylie's acting debut was this past Spring at Theatre Arlington, playing Young Fiona and Ugly Duckling in SHREK JR. She is currently in the 5th grade at the STEAM Academy at Stribling Elementary located in Burleson. I would like to send thanks to the wonderful directors at the Plaza Theatre for this opportunity and to my mom and dad for driving me to rehearsals, as well as my family, friends, and teachers for their support. “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37
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ZOE PHILLIPS
(Elizabeth)
Zoe is thrilled to be doing her first show at Plaza! She is currently enrolled as a sophomore at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, but she has also done shows at Artisan Center Theater and Stage West. Her past roles include Peaseblossom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Ugly in HONK!, Zoe in SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!, The Hairy Man in WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN, Lefou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Shanti in THE JUNGLE BOOK, and Nevaeh in FESTIVAL OF THE KID. "Thank you to my family, friends and the cast and crew of A CHRISTMAS CAROL for all of their support."
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FAITH SMITH
(Elizabeth)
Faith is excited to make her Plaza debut in this beautiful show! She has been a student at Travis Academy of Fine Arts for four years and is very grateful to all of her teachers! Past shows include ALADDIN JR, ONCE UPON A SHOE, and YANKEE DOODLE DANDIES at TAFA, and 101 DALMATIANS KIDS at Artisan Children's Theater. "Thank you to my Mom, Dad, and family for all the love and support! Soli Deo gloria!" 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
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GAVIN CLARK
(Boy Scrooge/Frederick/Ignorance)
Gavin is so excited to be in A CHRISTMAS CAROL! The other roles you have seen him in are Young Diego in ZORRO THE MUSICAL, Childrens Ensemble in THE MUSIC MAN, Dill in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Bill in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, and most recently Sea Creature in THE LITTLE MERMAID! He has also been in a few Plaza Jr productions. “I would like to thank my parents for driving me to Cleburne and being so supportive of me, as well as my sister and my amazingly talented friends in this show. ‘And I knew exactly what to do, but in a much more real sense, I had no idea what to do.’”
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AMANDA FOSTER
(Little Fan/Want/Caped Girl/Belinda)
This is Amanda’s 6th show with Plaza Theatre Co. Her past credits include being in the ensemble for THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE MUSIC MAN and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Young Louisa in ZORRO THE MUSICAL and Carol Cratchit in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2016). Amanda has performed in many of the Plaza Jr. shows this year such as, JUNIE B JONES, ALICE IN WONDERLAND JR., LION KING JR., WINNIE THE POOH KIDS, ALADDIN JR., MADAGASCAR JR., and MAGIC TREEHOUSE: PIRATES PAST NOON. She is a 6th grader at Nichols Middle School in Joshua, TX and will be attending the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, GA with Plaza Academy in January. "Thank you to my parents for getting me to rehearsals and Lucie for being a wonderful sister. I love singing with you every day!"
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MADISON HEAPS
(Laundress/Topper's Girl)
Madison is so thrilled to be working on this production! She is currently a junior at Texas Christian University where she is majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Arts Administration. Madison's favorite past roles include Annelle and Shelby in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, Narrator in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, and Diana Berry in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. She has found a new interest in stage managing and has had the pleasure of being the stage manager for multiple Plaza Junior productions. Madison loves baking, thrift shopping, and lifeguarding. She gives a huge thank you to everyone who worked on this show, her parents, and her sweetheart, Cameron.
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CADE SULLIVAN
(Baby Christmas)
Cade is an adorable three month old. This is his third show, having played the part of “the unannounced pregnancy” in both ANNIE and THE MUSIC MAN. He loves music, cooing, and wrapping each of his seven older siblings around his little finger! He would like to thank the cast members for their beautiful Christmas lullabies and his brother Anthony for teaching him how to be so charming.
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KEDDRICK VERNON
(Baby Christmas)
He is excited to be in his first show at Plaza Theatre. It is an honor to be a part of a tradition at Plaza, A Christmas Carol. He would also like to thank his Mommy and Daddy for their encouragement to overcome his fear of performing on stage. He could not have done it without their love and support, as well as their continuous feedings and changing of countless diapers. Without them, he could have never made it on stage. “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.” -Psalm 127:3
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SARAH ARENDSE
(Musician - Hammered Dulcimer)
Sarah is delighted to be part of this show with PlazaCo. In case you were wondering, her instrument is called a hammered dulcimer. The hammered dulcimer is a very old instrument, originating in the Middle-East and going back as far, in some form, to Biblical times. Many different countries around the world have instruments like the hammered dulcimer. While there are many diverse set-ups for the dulcimer, the basics are the same. Boxes, which are trapezoid in shape, have strings which are pulled tight over bridges that sit on the top of the box, called a soundboard. The strings are then hit with "hammers" (mallets) to produce (hopefully) music. Another interesting characteristic of the dulcimer is that it is set up diatonically, unlike a piano, which is set up chromatically. The word dulcimer means "sweet music" or "sweet song". Sarah enjoys running her photography business, writing novels and laughing too hard with her friends and crazy family. To God be the glory!
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JOHN HUNT
(Musician - Clarinet)
John is very excited to be in his first theatre production as a musician. He has been playing clarinet for ten years.
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PARKER BARRUS
(Musician - Guitar)
Parker is excited to be a part of another production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL here at Plaza. He's enjoyed playing roles like Willard in FOOTLOOSE and Yurlte the Turtle in SEUSSICAL here at PlazaCo in the past. He's also loved playing drums for SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, BIG RIVER, and JOSEPH, also at Plaza. In his spare time he loves learning to play new musical instruments.
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ELYZA WHALEY
(Musician - Violin)
Elyza is very excited to be performing in her first play! Although she is new to the theatre scene, she has been in the music world since she was six years old. Her love is jazz violin, swing, folk and Texas fiddling. Elyza currently plays on the worship team at her church. She enjoys entering in fiddle contests, learning new styles and she also plays various types of music gigs. Elyza's passion is to live each day with Jesus Christ and to share His incredible love through everything she does - whether that's family, music, dancing or sewing.
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BETH CHEATHAM
(Musician - Violin)
Beth is so excited to be in her first production at Plaza! She loves fiddling and participating in fiddle contests. Beth also loves listening to fiddle-music (she's not a very well-rounded person). "I'd like to thank the McKenzie's for their patience in teaching me how to fiddle and my family for their love and support."
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean unto thine own understanding. In all acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
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MEREDITH BROWNING
(Music Director)
Meredith happily returns to Plaza’s production team, having recently music-directed THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. With a Masters degree in music from Boston University, Meredith’s background is in opera and classical music. She has performed many roles on the opera stage, but some of her favorite performances have been right here at Plaza. You may remember her from recent shows such as THE MUSIC MAN, ZORRO THE MUSICAL, MARY POPPINS, THE SECRET GARDEN, and SHE LOVES ME. Other recent performing credits include Baker’s Wife in Granbury Theatre’s INTO THE WOODS, and a soloist in Fort Worth Opera’s FRONTIERS concerts. She sends all her love to her incredibly supportive husband, Tyson.
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STORMY LEE
(Stage Manager)
Stormy has the honor of working on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for the second time here at Plaza Theatre Co. She enjoys stage managing with such an incredible cast and crew! As Stormy approaches this Christmas, she is incredibly blessed to be completing 30 shows with three companies in four years. She is more blessed to have met so many people she now calls family, to have learned so much from them, and to have so much to look forward to in 2019. Most of all, Stormy is thankful for her parents and beautiful children who make her laugh and smile every day! She would like to say a special thank you to Luke and Rachel who make her job so much fun and trust her to do what she loves most at the theatre!
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