KIMBERLY BILLINS
(Aida/Assistant Director)
Kimberly is excited and most of all humbled to play one of her dream roles at Plaza. She holds this place very close to her heart and is so happy to be back. You may remember her from Plazas 2016 production of SMOKEY JOES CAFE. Kimberly would like to thank her Plaza Family for giving her this opportunity as well as their continuous efforts to be change agents and progressive in this community. She’d also like to thank her own family and friends for always supporting her and keeping her uplifted. Lastly, a special thank you to her son who supported her through this show even though it came during a time that is supposed to be all about him - his graduation! Thanks, kiddo! Mom loves you and is super proud of you.
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JACOB CATALANO
(Radames)
Jacob is ecstatic to be making his Plaza Theatre Company debut under the direction of JaceSon Barrus. Previous roles for Jacob include Michael/I DO, I DO, Enjolras/LES MISERABLES, Adam/CHILDREN OF EDEN, Juror #5/12 Angry Men, and Carl Magnus/A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Special thanks to Chelsea Wolfe for always cheering him on through the big and small parts.
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COURTNEY SIKORA
(Amneris)
After a 6 year hiatus from the stage raising babies, Courtney is so honored to return to Plaza to reprise her Column Award winning role as Amneris. Previous roles at Plaza include Millie in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and Miss Sandra in ALL SHOOK UP. Other favorite roles include Maureen in RENT at Theatre Arlington, Deelee in SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE at Watertower Theatre, Lucy in JEKYLL AND HYDE at GLCT, and Susan in TICK...TICK...BOOM! at Uptown Players. "I want to thank my village. Steven, Mom, and Dad. Thank you for making this possible, I can’t wait for Scarlett and Simon to see Mommy on stage for the first time."
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ZACHARY J. WILLIS
(Mereb)
Zachary is honored to be back at Plaza at the beautiful new Dudley Hall! You may remember him as The Cat in The Hat in SEUSSICAL and Donkey in SHREK at PlazaCo. He previously played Mereb in AIDA at The Firehouse Theatre and he is so excited to return to the role. Zachary has been seen regionally at Casa Mañana, Jubilee Theatre, Uptown Players, Stages Repertory Theatre, and will be making his Circle Theatre debut in A 3D ADVENTURE this summer! "A huge thank you to my family for all of their unwavering support and the company of AIDA for all of their trust." BFA Musical Theatre, Sam Houston State University. www.zacharyjwillis.com
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DAMOND COBIN
(Mereb)
Damond Cobin is a native of Dallas. He attended Booker T. Washington High School for The Performing and Visual Arts where he received classical vocal training. Damond was apart of the Grammy Award winning, three time Platinum and Dove Award winning God's Property. He's performed and shared the stage with the likes of Kirk Franklin, Celine Dion, Richard Smallwood and The Smallwood Singers, Patti Labelle to name a few. Damond later joined The Hensley Ensemble, he shared his anointed vocals on CD recordings and had opportunities of singing at The House of Blues in Dallas, Houston, and Las Vegas. You may remember Damond from HAIRSPRAY where he played Seaweed here at PlazaCo. he was also in HANDS ON A HARDBODY as Ronald McCowan at Granbury Theatre Company and recently performed in BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY as Apollo Theater MC, backup singer for Marlena Madison and The Tri-Tones. Damond currently sings with the Dallas Opera.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Zoser/Director)
JaceSon considers it a great honor to have been a part of bringing ELTON JOHN AND TIME RICE'S AIDA to the Plaza stage. He loved being involved in the Plaza production of the show 10 years ago and is very happy to be back directing as well as getting to play a genuine bad guy as Zoser. Other favorite roles here at Plaza include Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Pap Finn in BIG RIVER for which he received the 2016 Column Award for Best Supporting Actor in a non-Equity musical, and as Frank Butler in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. He's the fortunate father of seven great children, the lucky husband of 26 years to the astonishing Tina and the happy Grandfather of one, soon to be two, lovely Granddaughters. He send his sincere thanks to the cast and creatives for making working on AIDA such a blast. Good will ever come!
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DAMION D. RUSH
(Amonasro)
Returning back to play Amonasro, Damion was a part of the award winning cast of AIDA (2009) here at Plaza. He was also was featured as Peter in WILL ROGERS FOLLIES (2010). Damion began acting in 2005 for a non-profit faith based organization called Coalition of Life in the Dallas area. He has since performed in a number of stage plays and films ranging from gospel, comedy, and drama. One of his most cherished roles was that of Tom Robinson in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (2011) at Carnegie. Most recently he played a lead role in Derrick Pointer's LORD I WANT TO COME HOME. He is looking forward to pursuing a theater degree this fall, and after he receives it he would like to teach locally or work at a theater. During his free time he enjoys reading reviews in THE COLUMN (Subscriber), going to support local talent at shows, and family time.
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JAY LEWIS
(Pharoah)
Aida marks Jay’s 40th show to either direct or perform in at Plaza. Jay was busy this past year directing MAMMA MIA and INTO THE WOODS (recognized by John Garcia’s Column as Best 2018 non-equity musical in DFW) and vying for a new truck as JD Drew in HANDS ON A HARDBODY for Granbury Theatre Co. For Plaza he directed THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES and appeared as Roger Hopewell in MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 and Grigsby in LITTLE MERMAID. Favorite performance roles include Thenardier in LES MISERABLES; Prof. Callahan, LEGALLY BLONDE; Tevye, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF; Rev. Moore, FOOTLOOSE; Horace VanderGelder, HELLO DOLLY; Daddy Warbucks, ANNIE; and Ben Franklin, 1776. Jay is an educator with the Cleburne ISD 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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NYCHELLE WINTERS
(Nehebka)
Nychelle Winters, is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and graduate of Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. While at Booker T, she was one of the lead singers in the Jazz Singers and performed with them when the group won the Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey, California for Best Jazz Ensemble. The group also went on to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival and even performed at the NCAA Final Four. Since going to Boston, she has performed in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island and has been a part of numerous productions on the Berklee stage. Nychelle has performed with artists like Kim Burrell, Marvin Winans, and Kelly Price and has portrayed many roles including Effie White in DREAMGIRLS and Queen of Hearts in ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Nychelle is excited for her Plaza Theatre Co. debut and hopes you enjoy the show.
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BRITTANEE BAILEY
(Aida Understudy/Nubian)
Brittanee started her performing arts Journey at the age of 15 as a dancer. She then started acting at Barbizon and the Intenational Model and Talent association 3 years later: Her goal was to be a triple threat so she later combined both skills and received her degree at KD conservatory by the earning her degree in Musical Theater Fine Arts. She furthered her education in Dance by becoming a work study at Broadway Dance Center in New York City. Since coming back to Dallas, she has choreographed, taught dance to our youth, danced backup for local artists, and has been in music videos all while in a show. She has been in shows such as CABARET, HAIRSPRAY, IN THE HEIGHTS, CHILDREN OF EDEN, WEST SIDE STORY, RAGTIME and WORKING.
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ALEX OWENS
(Palace Lady)
Alexandria is a homeschooled junior. She is enthused to be in her 6th main stage production at Plaza and has been singing and dancing since she was 4 years old. Alexandria recently started dancing at Plaza Academy and danced competitively until just last year. Some of her favorite roles at Plaza include Brenda in HAIRSPRAY, Dance Core in ZORRO: THE MUSICAL, Featured Dancer in THE MUSIC MAN, and Rosalia in WEST SIDE STORY. Alexandria also had the privilege to play Vanessa in IN THE HEIGHTS last Summer at Plaza Academy. She would like to thank PlazaCo. for giving her the chance to be in this amazing show, her family for all the gas and food money, and God for giving her a way to express her talents.
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AMAYA ADAMS
(Nubian)
Amaya started training in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and contemporary dance when she was seven years old. Later, when auditions for musicals came along, she started to become interested in theater. She did her first community theater show as Peppermint Patty in CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, with PlazaCo! Since then, Amaya has balanced her time between dance and theater since they are both things she loves. Some of her favorite performances include: Maureen & Dance Ensemble in HONK JR., Elf & Female Ensemble in SANTA CLAUS A NEW MUSICAL, Dancing Fairy in A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM and Emily Hobbs & Dance Ensemble in ELF JR. Amaya has really enjoyed her time working on AIDA with the amazing cast that comes with it and can’t wait to see the final product!
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ANGEL SOMARRIBA
(Soldier/Minister)
Angel is so excited to be apart another Plaza show! Aida is one of his favorites! Previous Credits include ZORRO THE MUSICAL (Diego De la Vega/ Zorro/ Ramon) THE LITTLE MERMAID (Prince Eric) NEWSIES THE MUSICAL (Finch)! So ecstatic to be apart this magnificent show! “I would like to thank Jaceson for giving me this opportunity and all of plaza for being an amazing theatre. My mom there who is always supportive of me. Hannah for always pushing me to be better!” ENJOY AIDA!!!!
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BAYLEE ARLEDGE
(Palace Lady)
Baylee is thrilled to perform in her fifth production with Plaza. She has been acting since the age of five with her church choir, Shout!. Her hobbies include horseback riding, dancing, drawing, attending concerts, traveling, and playing with her pet parrot, Piña. Some of her favorite roles include Wendy Darling in PETER PAN, Tigger in WINNIE THE POOH, Margot Frank in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, the Cowgirl Ancestor in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and Shprintze in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. “I want to thank my family and friends for always being so supportive and for taking me to each practice and show, as well as the directors and entire executive team for casting me and giving me the opportunity to perform.”
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BRAEDON CARLTON
(Nubian)
Braedon is honored to be a part of this fantastic production. His performance credits include 101 Dalmations, Suessical The Musical Jr., Charlie Brown's Christmas, Junie B. Jones, Alice and Wonderland, To Kill A Mockingbird, Lion King Jr., Aladdin, Madagascar Jr, West Side Story, Cheaper by the Dozen, The Little Mermaid, and his favorite, Newsies, with the amazing Plaza Academy. When he is not acting, Braedon enjoys studying new musicals, playing drums, and hunting with his Papa Cows. The instruction at Plaza Academy, has truly been a blessing in preparing Braedon for the main stage. He is grateful for the love support he receives from his Plaza family and believes he has truly found his passion. While Brae loves his theater family, his all time favorite role is being a big brother to Ramsey, Kaemon, and Mariah!
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BRISA WATTLEWORTH
(Palace Lady)
Brisa Wattleworth is absolutely thrilled to be participating in her third main stage show at Plaza Theatre Company. Some of her favorite past roles include Estella in West Side Story, Alana in The Little Mermaid, as well as various ensemble roles in Madagascar Jr. and Winnie the Pooh (Harmony connection), all experienced at Plaza! While she is somewhat new to the theater community, she is not new to the arts. Brisa has been dancing from a very young age, trying many styles from ballet to Irish, pointe, jazz and many others. Performing is one of her passions, and her goal is to share that love of performing with as many people as she can. Brisa is thrilled to share the stage yet again with so many talented people to create another masterpiece on this stage.
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CAMERON BARRUS
(Soldier/Minister)
Cameron is happy to be performing at PlazaCo for this production of AIDA. Cameron has enjoyed designing lights for this show and for countless others at Plaza. Past performances include Young Fool in BIG RIVER, Diesel in WEST SIDE STORY, Daniel in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS, and Nelson in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. In his spare time Cameron likes to design lights, tinker with computers, and hang out with his beautiful girlfriend Madison.
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CARSON CLAY
(Soldier/Minster)
This is Carson's second show with PlazaCo and he is excited to be in AIDA and can't wait to be in more productions in the future here. You may have seen Carson as a Goon/Ensemble in NEWSIES here at PlazaCo. He has also played Crutchie in NEWSIES at Alvarado High School and Owen in THE FOREIGNER. Carson was recently Yertle in Seussical Jr. at Plaza Jr. “I would love to thank my mom and dad for always being there to take me to rehearsals.”
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ELIZABETH JEMANEH
(Nubian)
Elizabeth Jemaneh is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Music. She is now the Choral Director at Alvarado Junior High and is doing wonderful things there as she expands their program. Her past performances include: CATS, LITTLE WOMEN, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Elizabeth is thankful for the opportunity to continue her joy of performing by participating in her first show here at Plaza Theatre Company.
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EMILY BENNETT
(Palace Lady)
Emily is thrilled to be a part of this amazing production as her sixth show at Plaza Theatre Company! She is a part time Elementary Pastor in Burleson with a major passion for theatre. Her most recent roles include Judah’s Wife in JOSEPH.... DREAMCOAT, Mrs. Squires in THE MUSIC MAN and Head Maid/Sailor/Sea Creature in THE LITTLE MERMAID here at Plaza. Emily is very excited to perform in such a fantastic show with a wonderful cast. She would like to thank her friends and family and most importantly her awesome sister Christina and wonderful boyfriend Dane for their constant support and encouragement. She wouldn’t be able to do this without them.
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ETHAN LEAKE
(Soldier/Minister)
Ethan is excited to join this exceptional cast! Some of his recent roles include Newsie in Newsies, Horton in SUESSICAL at Plaza Jr. and Ephraim in 7 BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS at Granbury Theatre. He is a recent graduate from Plaza Academy.
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GABE TARRON
(Soldier/Minister)
Gabe is thrilled to return to the Plaza stage in this fabulous production! Gabe is a recent homeschool graduate who also attended Plaza Academy and Travis Academy of Fine Arts. His favorite roles include Anxious in WEST SIDE STORY and Dan in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT with Plaza Theatre Co. and Kevin Rosario in IN THE HEIGHTS with Plaza Academy. He would like to thank JaceSon Kim and Jay for this great opportunity, and his family, friends and his girlfriend Lena for all their love and support.
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GABRIELLE MONET
(Nubian)
Gabrielle Sharp is thrilled to be joining the cast of AIDA. She is 18 years old and will be graduating this year from Lancaster High School. She has previously been on the Plaza Stage in 2017 as a Dynamite in the production of HAIRSPRAY, as well as participating in many other school productions. Gabrielle is an avid member in her high school choir and is a classically trained singer. She would like to thank her parents and family for always being there to support her.
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JONATHAN TITTLE
(Soldier/Minister)
Jonathan is ecstatic to be performing in his first professionally done musical. He would like to give a huge thank you to Plaza Theatre Company for being patient in instructing and teaching, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the AIDA cast!
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JOSH MCLEMORE
(Nubian)
Joshua is a student at Plaza Academy as well as a tenth grader at Liberty University Online Academy. He loves performing at Plaza and is very excited be in AIDA. Joshua’s favorite past productions at Plaza have been NEWSIES, THE LITTLE MERMAID, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, HAIRSPRAY, ZORRO, IN THE HEIGHTS, ALL SHOOK UP and SUESSICAL. He would like to thank his family for their support and driving around for rehearsals.
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JOSHUA MONK
(Soldier/Minister)
Joshua is excited to be back on the Plaza Stage with this incredible cast and crew! This is his third production with Plaza Co. after being part of the casts of THE MUSIC MAN and WEST SIDE STORY. He would like to thank the production team and directors for giving him this amazing opportunity. In the past he has been involved in THE PROMISE in Glen Rose, playing various roles, including being part of the ensemble, a disciple, and a part of the Promise Dancers. Joshua is a full time student at the University of Texas at Dallas where he is working on his Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Studies. He has also worked on the technical side of theatre with the theatre department at UT Dallas, where he ran sound for JULIUS CAESAR. When not on stage, driving to and from rehearsals, in class, or doing homework, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, cooking, or riding DART and exploring downtown Dallas. Joshua would like to dedicate his performance to his grandma and his nana!
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KATHERINE ANTHONY
(Palace Lady)
This show marks Katherine’s 12th performance with Plaza Theatre Company. She loves getting to be on stage with so many various talents, but this show is definitely a special one for her. Out of the entire cast, she has only worked with a handful of them before, so this was an exciting new experience and she has made many new friends and feels very blessed to be able to share the stage with them. Katherine would like to thank her parents for always supporting her in this adventure she calls life and but, most importantly, she would like to thank her daughter, Jaydn. “Je t’aime, Petite.”
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MADISON HEAPS
(Palace Lady)
Madison is so thrilled to be working on this production! She is currently a senior at Texas Christian University where she is majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in Arts Administration and Women and Gender Studies. 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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NEVAEHA WILSON
(Nubian)
Nevaeha Wilson is beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the amazing cast of Aida. Being a newer member of Plaza Academy, she is so very grateful for the warm reception she has received from the Plaza family. Nevaeha has been involved with several Plaza Academy productions, such as; The Lion King Jr., Aladdin Kids, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Junie B. Jones, and Mary Poppins Jr. Nevaeha is also very active with the vocal band she leads, Grace Evermore. In her spare time, Nevaeha enjoys reading, singing and playing various instruments, and having fun with family and friends. Nevaeha would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Tina and Mr. Jaceson for affording her this opportunity. She is so very grateful!
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RYLEE MULLEN
(Palace Lady)
Rylee is so thrilled to be in another Plaza production. In the past she’s enjoyed roles such as Belle in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Ernestine in CHEAPER...DOZEN, Rafiki in LION KING JR, Lorraine in ALL SHOOK UP, Shelley in HAIRSPRAY, Teen Anne in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, Jane in MARY POPPINS, and Narrator in JOSEPH....DREAM COAT. She gives thanks to her family and friends for giving her car rides to rehearsal. Also lots of love to her ferrets (Comet and Leo), as well as Sam for all the love and support they’ve given her. She dedicates her performance and everything she accomplishes in life to her mom, “There are no goodbyes, wherever you go, you’ll always be a part of me.”
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SAM TARRON
(Soldier/Minister)
Sam is so thrilled to be cast in another wonderful production at Plaza! In the past he’s enjoyed roles such as Flotsam (and Jetsam) in THE LITTLE MERMAID, Joseph in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, Ensemble in HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and Dennis in ALL SHOOK UP. Sam has a passion for art and is working on his associate's degree at Hill College and plans on attending LCU for a Bachelors in Graphic Design. He would like to thank his friends, family, Rylee and his tortoise Quasi for all their love and support.
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TIFFANY HYATT
(Palace Lady)
Tiffany Hyatt is a DFW based actor and educator with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Texas at Arlington. Favorite credits include Kelli Mangrum in HANDS ON A HARDBODY (Granbury Theatre Company), Sally Bowles in CABARET (OhLook Performing Arts), a Congregant in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (Plaza Theatre Company), and Rita in WHITE CHRISTMAS (Stolen Shakespeare Guild). Tiffany also leads acting workshops with the AT&T Performing Arts Center and substitute teaches at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. She would like to thank her family, her husband Kade, and their cat Lincoln for their love and support and God for allowing her to do what she loves.
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TREY ESTES
(Nubian/Soldier/Minister)
Trey is a 19-year-old, spontaneously crazy and outgoing person who loves to dance, act, and tumble. He loves doing the most daring stunts that everyone else would be afraid to do even if they did know how to do them. Trey is currently enrolled at KD Conservatory of Film and Dramatic Arts. He has been a Tambourine, Berthe Boy, and ensemble in PIPPIN at KitchenDog Theatre and a Newsie in Disney’s NEWSIES here at Plaza. In the future, Trey plans to shoot for Broadway and Film Productions as well as being able to teach teens and young adults how to tumble. Trey would like to thank Ms.Kim Oliver and Josh Monk for the transportation to and/or from rehearsals and performances.
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LINDSAY BATT
(Stage Manager)
Lindsay is excited to be stage managing AIDA which is her 19th production at PlazaCo. She has stage managed many shows around the D/FW area, with some of her favorites being HUNCHBACK, HAIRSPRAY, RAGTIME, WEST SIDE STORY x 2, MAN OF LAMANCHA, THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE ADDAMS FAMILY x 2, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT x 2, and BIG RIVER. Lindsay is a multiple COLUMN AWARD Winner and is also on the Board of Directors for THE COLUMN AWARDS. In her ever-shrinking free time, she can be found at the ballpark watching her Texas Rangers. "Thank you JaceSon for letting me be part of AIDA, and a special thanks to William, Chloe and Zoe for continuing to encourage my love of theater."
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GENO YOUNG
(Music Director/Lead Pianist)
Geno is a grammy-nominated musician who influences many facets of today’s musical landscape. A native of Oak Cliff, he is graduate of Booker T. Washington HS for the Performing & Visual Arts, and Howard University. Geno has toured in the U.S. and Europe as a performer/musical director/producer/conductor & lecturer. He has served as musical director/producer for some of soul music’s most influential performers like Erykah Badu, Les Nubians and others while garnering critical acclaim as a singer-songwriter. Geno has served as a Board Governor(Texas) for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and is a voting member of the Grammy awards. He has consistently garnered stellar reviews for his work in the theatre. A tiny list of his MD credits include THE COLOR PURPLE, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', LITTLE SHOP, LADY DAY at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Spunk & The Seven by Will Power. Geno is grateful for the opportunity to work with this amazing cast, and wishes them congrats on a successful run.
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EDEN BARRUS
(Choreographer)
Has previously choreographed NEWSIES and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT with her partner in crime, David Midkiff. Past roles include, Amyrillis in THE MUSIC MAN at Lyric Stage, Mary Lennox in THE SECRET GARDEN at Granbury Theatre Company, Ariel in THE LITTLE MERMAID and Teen Anne Shirley in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES here at PlazaCo. Eden also filmed two iTheatrics Broadway Junior choreography DVDs, CHILDREN OF EDEN, Jr. and 42ND STREET, Jr. in NYC. She would like to send love to her family and friends for the constant love and guidance they provide.
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ALINA JENNINGS
(Assistant Choreographer/Swing)
Alina is so excited and honored that she got the chance to work with Eden to help create such a beautiful show. She is a Senior at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts where she has been attending for ten years and has been studying her passion for theater. Alina loves to do theater and wouldn't want to do anything else with her life. She recently went to New York to be in ITheatrics Choreography DVDs where she was a dancer for NICE WORK..... and played the role of Roxie in CHICAGO! Thank you Eden, I loved working with you!!
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JAY CORNILS
(Assistant Director)
This is the forty-fifth Plaza show for Jay A Cornils (Assistant Director) but only his third in any capacity other than as an actor on stage. All three times, he has worked as an assistant to JaceSon Barrus. Their last collaboration was in the 2014 Column Award winning production of ENCHANTED APRIL. All of Jay’s other directorial credits have been with the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players. In 2008, he directed THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE; in 2011, MIRACLE ON 34TH ST; and most recently, Carnegie’s last production of THE FOREIGNER, a production which earned him critical acclaim. Jay wants to extend a major thank you to JaceSon for his confidence and to this cast and crew for their time and efforts. Jay lives here in Cleburne with his greatest blessing, his beautiful and talented wife Corlis.
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BRANDON CARLTON
(Drums)
Brandon is honored to be a part of this amazing production. This is his 3rd performance at Plaza Dudley Hall and he could not be more excited and dedicated. You may have recently seen Brandon in JOSEPH.....DREAMCOAT as Judah where he was grateful to be surrounded by a cast of great singers who gave him the confidence to sing for the first time in a musical! As a former Marine Corps Percussionists, he excited to be in his element once again! When he isn’t acting, Brandon is teaching drum lessons at Flam Tap Studio, teaching his four wonderful children Braedon, Ramsey, Kaemon, and Mariah, and serving Our Lord. While Brandon enjoys his new found talent, his all time favorite role is being a U.S. Marine. The honor, dedication, and discipline learned there is carried over in every aspect of his life!
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CHRIS WILSON
(Second Pianist)
Chris Wilson has a wide range of musical experience, including performing many diverse musical styles (from barbershop to classical, jazz to gospel to musical theater), teaching at several age levels, directing church choirs, teaching private voice, and playing a variety of instruments. He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor's in Music Education in 2005, where he performed with the Chamber Singers, A Cappella Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, and Marching band. He is currently the Music Director at First Baptist Crowley, the Director of Fort Worth ISD’s Lone Star Youth Cantus Choir, and the Head Choir Director at McLean Middle School in Fort Worth ISD. This is Chris’ first performance with the Plaza Theatre at Dudley Hall, and he is very excited to be a part of this production of Aida. Chris is married to his wonderful wife Heather, and they have two children Nevaeha and Nathaniel and a new addition arriving June 2019.
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HOWARD GEISEL
(Violin)
Howard is so jazzed about getting to play the Violin for AIDA. He has played fiddle for SMOKE at Plaza. Howard teaches Music in the Arlington ISD. Many thanks to his beautiful wife Taffy. Job 19::25-27, "I know my Redeemer lives."
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LARAMIE DURHAM
(Bass Guitar)
Laramie is originally from Bowie, TX, but currently resides in Stephenville, TX where he is currently attending Tarleton State University for a degree in music education. Laramie enjoys working and doing anything he can music related in his free time. Thanks to my family friends for supporting my dreams and helping me get to where I am now.
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PARKER BARRUS
(Electric/Acoustic Guitar)
Parker is excited to be a part of this amazing production at Plaza. He's enjoyed playing roles like Davey in NEWSIES, Willard in FOOTLOOSE and Yurlte the Turtle in SEUSSICAL here at PlazaCo. He's also loved playing drums for SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE and JOSEPH both at Plaza. In his spare time, he loves learning to play new musical instruments.
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RYAN SILER
(French Horn)
Ryan just finished his freshman year as a music education major at McMurray University in Abilene Texas. His last show at Plaza was SINGIN' IN THE RAIN in 2017. Previously you may have seen him in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS or a much younger and shorter Ryan in the chorus of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. As a son to Aaron and Milette Siler Ryan has done much around the theatre from cleaning, making popcorn and even occasionally running the sound board.
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