KEVIN POOLE
(Judge Harry Wilkins)
Kevin is always at home performing in a straight play and with DEAR RUTH he is doubly grateful to finally having the chance to learn at the feet of Taffy Geisel for whom he has the utmost respect. Kevin is a veteran actor and director here at PTC. Favorite Plaza performances include Bunsen/Jacobi in NEWSIES, Arch-Deacon Frollo in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, Matthew Cuthbert in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, and Scrooge in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Earlier this year he was honored to receive THE COLUMN AWARD for Best Director of a Play (non-Equity) for TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Heartfelt thanks to the Producers, this amazing cast and crew, our lovely volunteers and to each and every patron who continually amaze us with such loyal backing. Also, special thanks goes to my family, Vanessa and Eli, for their love and support.
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LUKE HUNT
(Judge Harry Wilkins)
This is Luke's 49th production with Plaza Theatre Company. He has appeared as an actor most recently in the roles of Joseph Pulitzer in NEWSIES, Ken De La Maize in THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940, Dickens in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He received the 2019 COLUMN AWARD for Best Actor in a Play Non-Equity for Atticus Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD at Plaza Theatre last spring. He is thrilled to be able to reprise the role of Judge Harry Wilkins which he played in the 2013 production here at Plaza, and counts it among his favorite characters. He is the Theatre Arts Director at Alvarado High School, which produced their own production of NEWSIES in December, and is happy to get a chance to act in the show. He is a co-owner of Dance Across Cleburne with his wife and co-director Rachel.
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KATHY LEMONS
(Mrs. Edith Wilkins)
Kathy was last seen on the Plaza stage as Maude Atkinson (COLUMN AWARD Nominee) in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Other favorite Plaza roles include: Mrs. Peacock in CLUE THE MUSICAL, Mother Abbess in SOUND OF MUSIC, Marmee in LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL, Glinda in WIZARD OF OZ, Marilla in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Additional favorite roles include Jan Marrow in PILLOW TALK at Southwest Reprise Theatre; Penelope Sycamore in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU at Granbury Opera House; Miss Andrew, the evil nanny, in MARY POPPINS at three different theatres including Plaza. Kathy is thrilled to finally work with Taffy Geisel and has enjoyed working with so many of her dear friends in this wonderful production of DEAR RUTH. Kathy grew up writing letters to her friends and family the old fashioned way – with pen, paper, envelope, and a stamp. (“To write is human, to receive a letter: Divine!” — Susan Lendroth.) And, as always, “All my love to Jim for keeping a song in my heart!” Eph. 3:20
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KATY WOOD
(Mrs. Edith Wilkins)
Katy Wood is officially half-way to the illusive bathrobe! This is her 10th show at Plaza Co, and her second time to play Edith Wilkins. She is thrilled to play beside her daughter...as her daughter, and to play beside Luke Hunt again along with so many other fine actors. She was last seen as Lillian Gilbreth in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, Mrs. Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN, and Marilla in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. When she’s not on stage, she is teaching middle school theatre at Applied Learning Academy in Fort Worth. “Thank you, my wonderful husband, for being my biggest fan, and my greatest support.”
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JULIA WOOD
(Ruth Wilkins)
Julia is thrilled to be back in her 9th Plaza production after performing as a Bowery Beauty in NEWSIES! She is also very excited to be returning to the stage alongside her mother, Katy Wood. Some of her favorite roles at Plaza have been Anne in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, Sandra in ALL SHOOK UP, Grace in JUNIE B. JONES, and Anne in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, where she starred along side Jude Laine and Gabriela Yarbrough. She's also had the pleasure of playing a Silly Girl in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Ancestor Lin in MULAN, JR. and Alice in THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. Julia is a Junior at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts where she has spent the past nine years of her life pursuing her passion, musical theatre. She would like to thank Taffy for letting her play in another one of her fabulous productions.
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RACHEL BROWNING
(Ruth Wilkins)
Rachel is delighted to return to the Plaza stage in one of her favorite shows. You may have seen her in Plaza’s first production of DEAR RUTH as the younger sister, Miriam. Recent performances include Ancestor in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Estella in WEST SIDE STORY and a gypsy dancer in ZORRO:THE MUSICAL. In her younger days, Rachel portrayed Annie in ANNIE, Mary Lennox in THE SECRET GARDEN with Granbury Theatre Company, as well as performances with Casa Mañana and the Fort Worth Opera. In addition to theatre, Rachel enjoys competitive Irish dance. She has achieved the level of Open Champion and will compete at the North American Irish Dance Championships in Vancouver this summer. Her many other passions include competing on her school Youth and Government team, creating with make-up, and ballet. Rachel will graduate next month and plans to attend Abilene Christian University in the fall as a biochemistry major. Many thanks to Taffy for the opportunity to be a part of such a great show!
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GABRIELA YARBROUGH
(Miriam Wilkins)
Gabriela is thrilled to be in her second Plaza show! She played Martha Gilbreth in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, and feels fortunate to be directed by the amazing Ms. Taffy Geisel once again. Other favorite roles include Flounder in THE LITTLE MERMAID and Logainne Schwartzandgrubenierre in THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Gabriela is a freshman at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. She would like to thank her mom for the car rides, her friends and family for their constant support, and the amazing actors in this show for being so kind. A special shout out goes to her CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN sisters, Jude and Julia!
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JUDE LAINE
(Miriam Wlikins)
Jude is beyond excited to be in her third show with PlazaCo! You may have seen her at Plaza as Ernestine Gilbreth in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN and Annie in ANNIE. Other favorites include Mushu, MULAN JR. Theatre Arlington and Julie, FROSTY THE SNOWMAN, Casa Manana. “I’d like to thank My wonderful counter-part Gabriela Yarbrough for all the car pool rides and being an amazing friend, my mother for her unconditional love and support, and Taffy for giving me the opportunity to be a part of another amazing production!”
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JESSE BOWRON
(Lt. William)
Jesse first performed as Hugo Peabody in BYE BYE BIRDIE at Plaza and has since felt most at home on the Plaza stage and appeared in numerous shows including CAMELOT, TREASURE ISLAND, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and most recently, he played Morris Delancey in NEWSIES, which is one of his favorite roles, as well as Zorro in ZORRO THE MUSICAL, and Bob Cratchit in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Jesse is quite fond of Bill Seawright, and this show. He hopes you will be too!
Look for Jesse in Romeo & Juliet this June! He plays someone, maybe.“To my Wife, you are my greatest friend and support. I love you.”
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RODNEY HUDSON
(Mr. Albert Klummer)
Rodney is thrilled to be on the Plaza stage once again. Some of his previous roles with Plaza Theatre include Dan in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, Gladhand in WEST SIDE STORY, Boo Radley in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and Mr. Pinky in HAIRSPRAY among others. Rodney would like to thank his director Taffy for including him in this hilarious cast of characters. He would also like to thank his parents, sisters, nieces, nephew, brother in-law, Bentleigh, Armani and Goldie Hawn.
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DAVID GOZA
(Sgt. Chuck Vincent/Mr. Albert Klummer)
David is glad to be back for his 22nd production with Plaza Theatre Company. He was last seen at PTC as Jetsam in THE LITTLE MERMAID (2017). You may have also seen David in shows here at Plaza such as; A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2016 (Bob Cratchit), GOOD MAN...CHARLIE BROWN (Schroeder), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Claudio) and HEAVEN CAN WAIT (Tony Abbott), just to name a few. He was also in the 2013 production of DEAR RUTH here at Plaza where he portrayed Bill Seawright, also directed by Taffy Gesiel. David would like to thank everyone at Plaza for this opportunity to be in this amazing production. A special thanks to Lindsay Batt for writing his bio for him.
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QUENTIN SCOTT
(Sgt. Chuck Vincent)
Quentin Scott is a human, who is delighted to be in yet another Plaza Theatre Company production, this time as Sgt. Chuck Vincent! Quentin has been in numerous Plaza shows in the past (such as MARY POPPINS, ANNE OF... GABLES, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD to name a few), however this is his first time to be given the opportunity to perform in a production of DEAR RUTH. He would like to thank his friends and family that make practicing his favorite hobby at his favorite theater a reality.
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ANNA LOONEY
(Martha Seawright)
Anna is excited to be a part of this show. She has been performing with Plaza for the last five years, her most recent roles include Ensemble in THE LITTLE MERMAID and Misustardseed in MIDSUMMER....DREAM. She would like to thank the director Taffy Geisel for this opportunity, her parents, and Nate, her amazing boyfriend of 2 years, for all his love and support.
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MADISON HEAPS
(Martha Seawright)
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 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 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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BARBARA ROSE
(Dora)
Barbara is shouting "Woo Hoo" to be back at Plaza Theatre Company, Dudley Hall. She performed her first play at Plaza as Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS. Now she has 12 shows at various theatres under her belt, most recently as Miss Etta in HOMECOMING at Carnegie Players here in Cleburne and Gay Wellington in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU at Granbury Theatre Company. She will be reprising her role as Aida in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS, this fall at Carnegie. Barbara admits this is her favorite role because she portrays a doting Grandmother and that's how she rolls in real life. She would like to give thanks to her fellow castmates, and Producers JTAM for taking a chance on her many years ago. Also, a big thanks to Taffy Geisel, the Director. She is one classy lady according to Barbara. Love and thanks also to her husband of 38 years, Robert, her 5 sassy Granddaughters and 3 amazing children.
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BECKI ESCH
(Dora/Assistant Director)
Becki is super excited to be returning to Plaza with the same show that was her debut Plaza production. Some of her favorite roles were Rhetta Cupp in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, Lucy in YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN and Cookie Cusack in RUMORS. She just finished directing ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN with The Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players. Becki can be found on stage, back stage whether cast or crew in as many productions as possible. She loves costuming and directing as much as performing. Becki works as a Program Specialist for an early childhood education center and truly loves her job. She would like to thank Taffy and JTAM for allowing her to be a part of the production team for this amazing show! Taffy is one of her biggest mentors and learning from her direction has truly been a blessing. Also, a big shout out to her amazing family for their support in all she does! Her advice to you all is be loud, be proud, be you! Oh - and "DON'T EAT THEM EGGS"!!
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ASHER RENFROE
(Harold Klobbermeyer)
Asher Renfroe is excited to be making his Dudley Hall debut in the role of Harold Klobbermeyer! Past roles include Peter Pevensie in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Matt Spencer in The Homecoming, Mr Mayor in Seussical, and Sherrif Earl in All Shook Up. He would like to thank his parents for always getting him to rehearsals, and Rachel Kuhns for always being there to support him in his endeavors. And, as always, For Narnia!
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STORMY LEE
(Stage Manager)
Stormy is so thrilled to join you on this adventure with Ruth, Miriam, and the Wilkins family. She loves stage managing but especially with such charming, sweet and caring people that comprise this cast and crew. Stormy is so humbled by their talent, spirit of unity, and most of all their amazing sense of humor! She can’t wait to cheer on the characters, share in the giggles, and celebrate their success each and every performance. Stormy loves this script because these characters each possess qualities that she admires such as loyalty, grace, courage, humbleness, and the willingness to laugh at themselves. She hopes that audiences will laugh, learn, and remember joy along with this amazing cast! Stormy would like to thank her family and children, Aaron and Ady, for all the giggles and joy they bring every day.
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TAFFY GEISEL
(Director)
You should have heard the whoops of joy form Taffy when she was asked to direct this oh-so-funny show! She had the privilege of working on it before, and loves the 1940s vibe, vocabulary, and witty banter. By day, Taffy plays the role of theater teacher at Travis Academy of Fine Arts and Science Etc. Her other roles include wife to the most wonderful Howard in the world, Mom to Joey+Emma and Caroline - who are all answers to prayer - and soon to be the legal mom to miraculous Matt, as well. Who’d have thought she and Howard would have more children at this time of life? Some of her favorite shows at Plaza include CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, ANNIE, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, all three musicals in the SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN trilogy, POLLYANNA, DEAR RUTH and THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE.
“So many thanks to JaceSon, Tina, Aaron and Milette for letting me work at this fabulous theater, to Howard and kids who bring me so much joy, and to the Lord, who created my theater wings, and made me to soar.”
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