EVELYN WOODY
(Pollyanna)
Evelyn is so glad live theatre is back! She is elated to be returning to the Company where she got her first Main Stage break in Annie (Molly). Some of her favorite roles since then include MATILDA (Lavender), FROZEN JR. (Little Anna), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Coroner), WINNIE THE POOH KIDS (Tigger), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Tiny Tim), and THE LION KING JR. (Young Simba). She is a student at GTA and Sing for Joy Studio, and takes acting lessons with Tina Barrus. She recently attended JTF Texas where she was awarded All Star. Many thanks to Tina and Tabitha for believing, challenging, and celebrating her on a regular basis. A special shout out to her GTA instructors, family, and friends who above all make her feel loved.
"Because where there is love there is family, and where there is family, there is home." ~Pollyanna
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
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KYLIE KIMBALL
(Pollyanna)
Kylie is delighted to be performing again on the Plaza stage and is excited to play the role of Pollyanna who has taught her to be “glad” in every situation. Kylie recently concluded the role of Matilda in MATILDA THE MUSICAL at PlazaCo and was last seen as Carrie Ingalls in LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE when Plaza had to close its doors last March. Some of her favorite roles include Junie B Jones in JUNIE B JONES JR. at Theatre Arlington as well as Susan Waverly in WHITE CHRISTMAS, Young Elsa in FROZEN JR, and the Ghost of Christmas Past in CHRISTMAS CAROL, all at PlazaCo. Kylie takes guitar lessons, tap class at Plaza Academy, and recently attended the Junior Theatre Festival with Plaza Academy’s Senior Company. Kylie would like to thank Tabitha for trusting her with this special role as well as all her family and friends for their support. Kylie would like to give a special shoutout to her Grandpa Scott and well wishes for his recovery!
“Be glad in the Lord and rejoice.” Psalm 32:11
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LUKE HUNT
(Father)
This is Luke's 55th production with Plaza Theatre Company. He has appeared as an actor at Plaza most recently as The Man in the Yellow Suit in TUCK EVERLASTING. He received the 2019 Column Award for Best Actor in a Play Non Equity for Atticus Finch in Plaza’s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Notable roles include Long John Silver in TREASURE ISLAND at Plaza and Sweeney Todd in SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET at the Granbury Theatre Company. He is the Theatre Arts Director at Alvarado High School. He is a co-owner of Dance Across Cleburne with his wife and co-director Rachel.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Father)
With all that has been and continues to be a struggle in the world right now, JaceSon has felt a special bond with this show and this role as a touchstone for what is truly good in the world. He thanks Tabitha for the lovely adaptation of a story that has always been dear to his heart. Other roles that you might have seen JaceSon in include Sky Masterson in GUYS & DOLLS, Archibald Craven in THE SECRET GARDEN, Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST or Pap Finn in BIG RIVER for which he received the Best Supporting Actor in a Musical (non-Equity) Column Award in 2017. JaceSon is also grateful to be back at work full time as the Artistic Director here at Plaza as the Company has once again opened its doors following the pandemic. He is the very blessed husband of 28 years of the beautiful and talented Tina Barrus, the proud father of seven splendid children, father-in-law to an amazing son and "Pap-Paps" to two adorable granddaughters.
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MADISON HEAPS
(Nancy)
Madison is so happy to be a part of this production! You may have seen her as Rhoda in WHITE CHRISTMAS or Diana in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. She also has stage managed multiple productions here at Plaza. She currently works as a personal assistant. Thank you for coming and supporting live theatre again!
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JESSICA COPE
(Nancy)
Jessica is thrilled to be back on stage in her fifth Plaza show! You may have seen her on the Plaza stage as Tracy Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY, for which she received a Column Award nomination for Best Leading Actress, Dan's Wife in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, SHREK THE MUSICAL, or THE LITTLE MERMAID. Other credits include Ado Annie in OKLAHOMA, Margot in LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, and Jo March in LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL. Jessica earned a BFA in Theatre Performance at Baylor University. She then went on to work for The Walt Disney World Resort as a "Fairy Godmother in Training"! Jessica now owns and runs the theatre company The Hopeful Theatre Project and serves as a Board of Directors Member for THE COLUMN AWARDS. She was recently awarded Baylor University's Young Alumna of the Year for her work with The Hopeful Theatre Project. Jessica would like to dedicate this performance to her family - "because where there is love there is family, and where there is family, there is home."
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MEGAN A. LILES
(Aunt Polly)
Megan is a Filipino-American mezzo-soprano with a passion for music education, storytelling, and advocating for authentic cultural representation in media. Her favorite Plaza roles include Florika in THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, Anita in WEST SIDE STORY (Column Award Nominee), Nikki Crandall/Helsa Wenzel in THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940, and The Tallest Box in WHITE CHRISTMAS. She also frequently music directs (TUCK EVERLASTING, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR, CHILDREN OF EDEN JR) and costume designs (LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, DEAR RUTH, SHAKESPEARE ABRIDGED). Many thanks to Tabitha and Freddy for their guidance in creating this sweet show. "We do not get to decide whether or not to be loved, only whether or not to love in return."
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CHRISTINE ATWELL
(Aunt Polly)
Christine is so excited to be back on the Plaza stage and making her first ever Dudley Hall appearance after an extended hiatus. Christine’s last project as Plaza director was Steel Magnolias in 2018, and her last performance was Florence Raines in Plaza’s 2017 MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES. In her everyday life, Christine works her dream job as a Team Leader for Fidelity Investments, and is the proud mom of Lauren, Garrett, Morgan, and Blake. “To my babies: Thank you for simply always loving me. And for bringing more gladness into my life than I ever imagined possible”.
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KEVIN POOLE
(Mr. Pendleton)
Several years ago, Kevin had the distinct pleasure to perform in the Tabitha Ibarra original adaptation of ANNE OF GREEN GABLES as Mathew Cuthbert. It comes as little surprise he would jump at the chance to bring another of her adaptations to life. POLLYANNA is such a needed message and reminder of the power of basic human decency and gratitude. Kevin is a veteran actor and director here at PTC, a member of the Plaza 20 Club, as well as the recipient of the Column Award for Best Director (Non-Equity) in 2018 for TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Thank you to our patrons for your continued support of Plaza. Special thanks also go to his family, Vanessa and Eli, for their love and support.
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JAY A CORNILS
(Mr. Pendleton)
Like most everyone else, Jay has not been on stage since Carnegie’s Christmas show OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS in December of 2019. His last appearance on the Plaza mainstage was in FREAKY FRIDAY in September of that same year. So, it is no surprised how excited he is to return to the stage and to reprise his performance of John Pendleton in Plaza’s last production of POLLYANNA in October of 2015. This show will be Jay’s 44th performance with the PTC. He’s hoping you are as GLAD as he to see live theatre back alive and well here in Johnson County, Texas.
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MATT VICTORY
(Dr. Chilton)
Matt's previous Plaza appearances include ZORRO, HAIRSPRAY, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, THE LITTLE MERMAID, MARY POPPINS, HEAVEN CAN WAIT, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Matt was born and raised in Cleburne but moved away to attend Harvard University where he completed a degree in Computer Science. He performed regularly at several professional and community theatres in the Boston, Seattle, and New York City areas. He spent 9 years as a hedge fund trader outside of New York before moving back to Cleburne in 2015 to join the family business.
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CARTER MANNING
(Jimmy Bean)
Carter is going into the 7th grade at Alvarado Jr. High and is most looking forward to theatre class. Along with taking private voice lessons he plays the oboe in honors band. This is Carter’s second production on Dudley Stage with his first being Fletcher in FREAKY FRIDAY. He has also preformed in THE JUNGLE BOOK and THE NUTCRACKER. Carter is thrilled to be a part of this amazing cast. He wants to thank Tabitha for always having faith in him and giving him the confidence to keep reaching for the stars.
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DARREN CLARK
(Rev. Ford)
Darren is very GLAD to be a part of POLLYANNA. He’s previously appeared on the Plaza stage in MATILDA, WHITE CHRISTMAS, FREAKY FRIDAY, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, and THE MUSIC MAN. Darren also played in LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE prior to the pandemic shutdown and is excited to continue that role this fall. He would like to thank everyone involved with the Plaza Theatre Company for the tireless efforts in reopening the theater as well as his wife, Leslie and children Makenna and Gavin for their unending support through theatre and life. “Love y’all!”
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BENTLEIGHT NESBIT
(Mrs. Snow)
Bentleigh is the director of theatre at IM Terrell Academy for STEM & VPA in Fort Worth, She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington. Some of her favorite previous roles include Miss Casewell in THE MOUSETRAP, Coach/Officer in FREAKY FRIDAY, Vi Moore in FOOTLOOSE, and Frau Blucher in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN in addition to directing LEGALLY BLONDE & GREASE at Granbury Theatre Company. She would like to thank Bernie, Rodney, & Beyoncé.
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JODIE BARRUS
(Old Tom)
You'll generally see Jodie in the Plaza Box Office or co-directing productions with his wife Soni. But, occasionally he gets to perform in a production so he's glad to be doing that with POLLYANNA. He has performed in several productions at PTC including Reuben in JOSEPH.....DREAMCOAT, the King and Papa Bear in SHREK THE MUSICAL, and Judge Omar Gaffney in HARVEY. He also co-directed FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, THE KING AND I, THE WIZARD OF OZ, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LITTLE MERMAID, THE MUSIC MAN, and JOSEPH....DREAMCOAT, He's excited to be back on stage with this wonderful cast and adaptation of Pollyanna. Enjoy!
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CHRIS BREWER
(Old Tom)
Chris is thrilled to be back on the PlazaCo stage for the third time in this wonderful production of Pollyanna. Chris’ previous roles include Ewart Dunlop in THE MUSIC MAN, and Owen in LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. It is a privilege to work with so many talented people on the PlazaCo stage. He is a native of Fort Worth and currently lives in Springtown. He studied Music Education at The University of North Texas. He toured in the 1980’s with platinum recording artist Johnnie Taylor. He has also performed with B.B. King, Leann Rimes, and Monty McClinton. He was the praise team leader at several different churches in the Fort Worth area. Chris is also on the Board of Directors for Stars Theater Company which is a children’s theatre Bedford where he has also served as a vocal coach for the past 15 years.
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CASEY COVINGTON
(Milly Snow)
Casey recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Univ. of Texas at Arlington with a BA in Theatre Arts. She has previously appeared on the Plaza stage as Ethel Toffelmier in THE MUSIC MAN and Attina in THE LITTLE MERMAID. She has also stage managed a few shows at Plaza including SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and ZORRO: THE MUSICAL. Her upcoming projects include assistant stage managing BIG RIVER and stage managing SPAMALOT, both at Granbury Theatre Company.
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TABITHA IBARRA
(Director/Playwright)
This production has been a second "dream come true" for Tabitha as she has now written TWO plays that have appeared on the Plaza stage - 2017's ANNE OF GREENE GABLES and now POLLYANNA! She is so grateful to Plaza for giving her the opportunity to work on this piece and to the amazing cast for taking a chance on a new script and bringing this story to life in such a beautiful way. Tabi sends a shout out to Eleanor H. Porter for writing such incredible literature that has affected so many people across the world, and to T and J for always believing in her ability to adapt this script and encouraging her. Tabiitha sends love to Gemma, Nova and Saul, and would like to thank Saul especially for being her very own "happiest of endings".
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FREDDY MARTINEZ JR.
(Assistant Director)
Freddy is exceedingly exceptionally extraordinarily excited to finally be returning to Plaza Theatre. His most recent role was that of Sergeant Trotter in the THE MOUSETRAP at the Granbury Theatre Company. Prior to that he directed THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) for Paza Theatre. You will next see him in a production of "Idaho!" The sequel to "Oklahoma!" where he will be playing a raw potato.
He would like to thank God, his beautiful wife, and as always, Meryl Streep.
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PARKER BARRUS
(Original Music)
Parker is excited to be a part of this amazing production at Plaza and once again to be creating original music for a production. He's enjoyed playing roles like Davey in NEWSIES, Willard in FOOTLOOSE and Yurlte the Turtle in SEUSSICAL here at PlazaCo. Parker also loved playing drums for SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE and JOSEPH both at Plaza, as well as being part of the live band for ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE, AIDA and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Parker is recently back in Texas from Nashville, where he is attending school to further his music career. In his spare time, he loves learning to play new musical instruments and building guitars.
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MADELINE PRIEBE
(Assistant Stage Manager)
Madeline Priebe has worked as a crew member in a number of Plaza Theatre Company shows. Her favorites have been DRIVING MISS DAISY, MATILDA and TUCK EVERLASTING. Making sure the magic of theatre can be seen and heard from all around is what matters most! She has big plans for her future and can’t wait to experience even more adventures with her theater friends!
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