AARON BROOKS
(Buddy Holly )
Aaron is beyond excited to be making his Plaza debut! He can’t believe he gets to portray the revolutionary legend, Buddy Holly. Aaron has been in several musicals at the Granbury Opera House, playing Carmen Ghia in THE PRODUCERS, Reuben in JOSEPH…DREAMCOAT, Pepper in MAMMA MIA, and many more. He also played Tom Sawyer in BIG RIVER at the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival. Aaron is thankful for Jaceson, the crew, and the entire cast for putting together a show through so many obstacles. Above all, he thanks God for every day he is living.
“Rave On.”
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SHANE BROOKS
(Joe Mauldin / The Big Bopper / Band Leader )
This is Shane’s first show here at Plaza! He has directed several shows at The Granbury Opera House including: HANDS ON A HARDBODY and SPAMALOT. He and his family play Country and Gospel music locally. In 2018, they performed their “Hymn Show” at the old Plaza venue, enjoying 9 weeks of sold out shows. Shane is the Pastor of The Bridge Church in Granbury and has been married for 25 years. He’s crazy excited to bring this story to life and to watch his son Aaron portray the incredible Buddy Holly!
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CHRIS UTTON
(Jerry Allison )
Chris has a tremendous passion for the creative arts. He has devoted over 30 years of his life to the creative arts of music. His talent for singing and drumming have been with him for as long as he can remember.
Since he was continuously getting into trouble for making noise, when he found he got positive feedback and praise when he sang or played an instrument… he was HOOKED! That talent has grown into other instruments such as guitar, bass, keyboards and writing.
He has played in many bands and currently plays worship music in various groups. His passion for music will never stop.
Chris has been married for 21 years to his beautiful wife Shana, and together they have raised their 3 talented children Shiloh, Jonah, and Benjamin. Together they share with the world love, joy, hope, and peace.
Chris-"I would like to thank my family and friends who have been the backbone of this lifelong growth, particularly my Wife and Parents for always believing my talent was worth investing in,
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MIKE BUSH
(Ritchie Valens )
Mike is super excited to make his debut with the Plaza Theatre Company! He hails from Arlington, TX and has stared as LTJG Sam Weinberg in A FEW GOOD MEN, Jesus Pena in HANDS ON A HARDBODY, both at Granbury Theatre Company, and Pharaoh in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT. During the day, Mike is a family man and works for TCU as a Systems Administrator and is currently studying Computer Information Technology at TCU. Mike would like to give a very special thanks to his loving wife, Nicole, for her continuing love, encouragement, and support during this production process. He hopes you will enjoy the show! Arriba!! "Daddy loves you, Degen and Florence!"
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KEVIN POOLE
(Hipockets Duncan / Ballroom MC )
Kevin is so jazzed about this production which showcases one of the truly iconic legends of rock and roll; the late, great Buddy Holly. He was the legend that other music legends idolized and his influence continues to this day. Kevin is a veteran actor and director here at PTC. He appeared earlier this year in TUCK EVERLASTING and POLLYANNA. 2022 promises to be a great year at Plaza and we hope you will come along and join us for the ride. 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. “And the rest….well, that’s just rock and roll.”
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LYDIA GALVAN
(Maria Elena )
Lydia is excited to start the new year off by bringing such a fun show to life! She has previously been seen on the Plaza stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL and is thrilled to be back. She is a graduate of TCU, a Realtor, and is passionate about advocacy and justice work, which has led her to serve as the Director of Programs at Leadership ISD. In her spare time she can be found practicing yoga, gardening, or traveling. She wants to thank Madison for the opportunity and for her incredible leadership as a first-time director!
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EMILY ROSS
(Vi Petty )
Emily Ross is currently a choral director at Acton Middle School in Granbury, TX. She is a graduate of ECU in Ada, OK obtaining a B.S. in Music Education with a vocal concentration. Emily grew up in Lawton, OK, but moved to Texas to begin her career in education. She has either played in the orchestra or performed on stage in musicals since she was 14. Emily has performed as Mrs. Meers in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Cho Chang in A VERY POTTER MUSICAL, and has been a musical director for SHREK JR, MARY POPPINS JR, and HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. More than anything, Emily enjoys empowering her students to become well-rounded musicians so they can express themselves with excellence in their craft.
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TAKARA BAILEY
(Marlena Madison )
Takara Bailey is pleased to join the journey of Buddy Holly. You may have seen her in Granbury’s Big River (Alice), Casa Manana’s Bonnie and Clyde (Trish), And recently Elf the Musical at Plaza Theatre Company (Deb). Besides theatre, Takara is an activist for her community and other minority groups. Takara has held many events to speak out and intends to pursue activism further. She hopes to be the representation that the little children in her community need. She would like to thank her parents and brother for their constant support.
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BRANDON CARLTON
(Tyrone Jones )
Brandon is honored to be a part of this amazing production. This is his 5th performance at Plaza Dudley Hall and he could not be more excited and dedicated. You may have recently seen Brandon in Little Women as Professor Bhaer, Aidia as a Nubian and Joseph as Judah. With a undeniable love for drums and music, being part of the Buddy Holly Musical was another wish come true! When he isn’t acting, Brandon is teaching drum lessons at Flam Tap Studio in Cleburne, 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! Special thanks to his lovely wife Amanda for all her love and support!
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ALINA JENNINGS
(Tara Jones / Assistant Director / Choreographer)
Alina is so excited to be back on the Plaza stage and with such an amazing cast. She is a graduated of Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts where she studied musical theater for 10 years. Previous shows: Consuela WEST SIDE STORY, Sylvia ALL SHOOK UP, Dynamite HAIRSPRAY, Buffy STARLIGHT EXPRESS, Hannigan ANNIE, Jetsome LITTLE MERMAID, Cowardly Lion WIZARD OF OZ and many more. She has been New York to be in ITheatrics Choreography DVDs where she was a dancer for Nice Work..... and played the role of Roxie in Chicago! Alina would also like to thank her fabulous sisters and personal stylists Keshia and Saskia her wonderful mother for always supporting her.
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ANNA MILSON
(Singers )
After many years anna is thrilled to be back on the stage. And what a show to come back with. Anna grew up listening to Buddy Holly with her sisters and grandfather and she is thrilled to help tell his story. Anna would like to thank Jaceson Barrus and Madison heaps for the opportunity and her husband Nate for his love and support.
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JOLEY GOW
(Singers )
Joley is so excited to be back on the Plaza stage. She has recently been seen on stage for her roles of Annelle in STEEL MAGNOLIAS with Magnificent Theatre Company, Big Kid/Ensemble in MATILDA at The Firehouse Theatre, and Sara/saleswoman/elf in ELF with Plaza Theatre Company. Joley takes acting classes at Fort Worth Actors Studio and voice lessons under James McQuillen at Casa Manaña. Joley would like thank the cast/crew, her family, and friends for all the love and support. All glory to God! Instagram: @Joleymae
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STEVIE SIMMONS
(Singers )
Stevie Simmons is making her Plaza Theatre Company debut! Favorite roles in her theatre career include Heather in HANDS ON A HARDBODY, Ruth in SEVEN BRIDES…BROTHERS, and Molly in AGATHA CHRISTI’S THE MOUSETRAP. She has a BFA in Dance from Texas State University and has been a dance teacher, choreographer, and performer for several years. Stevie is a singer in her church worship team and enjoys traveling in her spare time. I Corinthians 10:31.
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CESSANY CARPENTER
(Trumpet )
Cessany is thrilled to be back at Plaza for her 25th show! She has stage managed over 60 productions with credits from Plaza, Granbury Theatre Company, Theatre Arlington, Fort Worth Opera, and San Diego Opera. While her typical role is behind the scenes, she is excited to be a member of this extremely talented band. Cessany graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a bachelors in theatre and did some continuing education at TCU. Some of her favorite roles include Anytime Annie in 42ND STREET at PlazaCo, Crystal in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Granbury Theatre Company, and the Shoemakers Elf in SHREK at PlazaCo.
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SIMON BROWNING
(Sax )
is proud to be on the Plaza stage for the first time, after many of years of watching his family members perform. Simon is a freshman physics and math major at Abilene Christian University. This past fall, he marched in the Big Purple Marching Band and was selected freshman wind player of the year. He was the only freshman saxophone player chosen for ACU’s select Wind Ensemble. His high school years were spent playing in the TAFA Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and saxophone chamber group, as well as singing bass in his church praise team. Simon’s hobbies include solving Rubik’s cubes, playing accordion, and snuggling with his dog, Marshmallow.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Co-Director - Norman Petty / Jack Daw )
If the "More Info" tab under JaceSon's bio is to be believed, then THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY is the 88th production at PlazaCo in which JaceSon has appeared. Some favorites from among those have been as Miss Trunchbull in MATILDA THE MUSICAL, Bob Wallace in WHITE CHRISTMAS and Pap Fin in BIG RIVER for which he received the Column Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. When not on stage or behind-the-scenes here at PlazaCo, JaceSon likes to spend his spare time watching classic movies, studying American history and spending time with his family who make everything worthwhile. JaceSon would also like to send his love and gratitude to his wife Tina, his children Tabitha, Parker, Cameron, Eden, Mimi, JJ and Charlie, his son-in-law Saul, granddaughters Gemma and Nova and his wonderful Mom and Dad. "Good will ever come".
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MADISON HEAPS
(Co-Director)
Madison is so grateful for the opportunity to co-direct her first show! She has enjoyed stage managing, performing, and creating props for numerous productions here at Plaza, and is excited to be trying on a new hat. She wants to endlessly thank the cast and crew for the hard work and love they have put into this production.
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CAITLAN LEBLO
(Music Director)
Caitlan has been honored by the opportunity to music direct ELF, SMOKE, TITANIC, FROZEN KIDS, BREAKING UP…DO, FOREVER PLAID, MATILDA, FREAKY FRIDAY, JUNGLE BOOK JR., NEWSIES, and IN THE HEIGHTS here at Plaza. Favorite stage performances with PTC include ELF, TITANIC, ALWAYS PATSY CLINE, MATILDA, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, LITTLE SHOP, BREAKING UP...DO, [TITLE OF SHOW], THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, BYE BYE BIRDIE, CRAZY FOR YOU, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT and BEAUTY...BEAST. Other favorites include THE ADDAMS FAMILY, WONDERETTES: DREAM ON, SHREK, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, HELLO DOLLY, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES, MEET...ST. LOUIS, GODSPELL, LITTLE WOMEN and DECADES OF DIVAS (part of the concert series) with Granbury Theatre Co. Caitlan graduated from TCU. She teaches theatre at Acton Middle School and sings on the praise team at Granbury FUMC. She is beyond blessed by the love and support of her family!
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PARKER BARRUS
(Guitar Tech / Additional Instrumentation )
Parker is enjoying being a part of BUDDY at Plaza. He also loved playing roles like Willard in FOOTLOOSE, Davey in NEWSIES and Yurlte the Turtle in SEUSSICAL here at PlazaCo. And had a blast playing drums for SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE and JOSEPH also here at PlazaCo. In his spare time, he loves learning to play new musical instruments. He received his accreditation as a luthier which means he has been trained in custom guitar building and repair. His passion is working with musical instruments and he's so glad he's been able to put that expertise to use in BUDDY.
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