JONAH J BARRUS
(Oliver)
Jonah (or JJ to his friends) is loving every minute of getting to play such an iconic role in a musical. He's also pleased to be performing in his very first Mainstage show here at PlazaCo. He is the sixth of seven Barrus children and is a great big brother to his youngest sibling Charlie. JJ loves to play video games and VR, watch funny videos and most of all to work with his big brother Cameron on lighting design. He is excited to be helping with the design for the upcoming Plaza Jr production of THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. He hopes you have a great time tonight at OLIVER!
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NICHOLAS REED
(Oliver)
Nicholas is excited to return to the Plaza Theatre stage. He made his theater debut in MARY POPPINS as Michael Banks here and is forever grateful to Tina Barrus for seeing something in him at age 8. Recently, Nicholas has returned from his second National Broadway tour in A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL as Randy, his first was FINDING NEVERLAND as Micheal Llewelyn-Davies. Nicholas is based out of Fort Worth and also is working on a tv series in the area. Nicholas is thankful for his family who support him in following his dreams. @nicksterreed
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STAN GRANER
(Fagin)
STAN GRANER (Fagin) is pleased to return to the Plaza stage after having recently played Walter Hobbs in ELF THE MUSICAL, and Captain E. J. Smith in TITANIC. Theaters worked at include WaterTower Theatre (A RAISIN IN THE SUN, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, OUR TOWN), Theatre Three (COMPANY, CAROLINE OR CHANGE), Uptown Players (BENT, THE YOUNG MAN FROM ATLANTA), Casa Mañana (CAMELOT, KISS ME KATE, MAN OF LA MANCHA), Lyric Stage (THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, THE PAJAMA GAME), Stage West (CANTERBURY TALES, SONGWRITER), Circle Theatre (BECKY’S NEW CAR, THE COUNTESS), The Classics Theatre Project (THE CHERRY ORCHARD, SUMMER AND SMOKE), Amphibian Stage Productions (HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS), Garland Summer Musicals (THE MUSIC MAN, CRAZY FOR YOU), Stolen Shakespeare Guild (THE MUSIC MAN, BLITHE SPIRIT), and Kitchen Dog Theater (THE JUNIPER TREE). Stan is a recipient of a DFW Theater Critics Forum award and several Column Awards.
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GAVIN CLARK
(Artful Dodger)
Gavin is so excited to be in his 13th show on the mainstage at Plaza. His previous roles include, but are not exclusive to: Dill in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Bill in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, Bruce in MATILDA, and Hugo in TUCK EVERLASTING. Gavin also performs at Granbury Theatre Company with previous roles being Pugsley Addams in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, Dick/Young Fool in BIG RIVER, and Franz in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Gavin would like to thank his parents, Darren and Leslie Clark, for constantly supporting him in what he does. Gavin would also like to thank Caitlan and Josh Leblo for always driving him to rehearsals! “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal” - Ben Rongey
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WILLIAM POWER
(Artful Dodger)
William is excited to be back on stage at Plaza as the Artful Dodger! This show holds a special place as he played the title role of Oliver 5 years ago. Some of William's other favorite roles include Crutchie in NEWSIES, Hugo in TUCK EVERLASTING, an d Michael Wormwood in MATILDA, all on the Plaza stage. He was most recently seen as Friedrich Von Trapp in THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Granbury Theatre Company. William trains with Plaza's Senior Company, Shannah Rae Vocal Studio, and summer intensives with iTheatrics. William would like to thank his family for their support and the OLIVER! creative team for this opportunity
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CAITLAN LEBLO
(Nancy)
Caitlan hopes you get a “bit of excitement” today from the “small pleasure” that is live theatre! Favorite shows with PTC include PATSY CLINE, ELF, TITANIC, MATILDA, THE…WONDERETTES, SMOKEY JOE'S, ADDAMS FAMILY, LITTLE SHOP, BREAKING UP...DO, [TITLE OF SHOW], DROWSY CHAPERONE, BYE BYE BIRDIE, CRAZY FOR YOU, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT and BEAUTY...BEAST. Other favorites include ADDAMS FAMILY, WONDERETTES: DREAM ON, SHREK, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, HELLO DOLLY, THE…WONDERETTES, MEET...ST. LOUIS, GODSPELL, LITTLE WOMEN and DECADES OF DIVAS with Granbury Theatre Co. Music directing credits: ELF, SMOKE…MOUNTAIN, TITANIC, FROZEN KIDS, BREAKING UP…DO, FOREVER PLAID, MATILDA, FREAKY FRIDAY, JUNGLE BOOK, NEWSIES, and IN THE HEIGHTS, all for PTC. 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 opportunity to share the stage with her wonderful husband and beautiful daughter!
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JACOB HANSON
(Bill Sykes)
Jacob is thrilled to be making his return to the Plaza Stage. You may have recently seen him in SHERWOOD: THE ADVENTURES OF ROBINHOOD, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, and SHREK: THE MUSICAL. He could not be more excited to be sharing the stage for the first time with his wife Lauren, and their scene stealing daughter Iliana.
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ANNA HOPPER
(Bet)
Anna is excited to be in her fourth main stage show at Plaza Theatre Company. You may have seen her in FREAKY FRIDAY, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, and CINDERELLA. You can also catch her at Plaza’s junior theatre where she has done A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE, JR, and FROZEN, JR, among others. Being Hodel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, JR, and being Martha in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, have been her absolute favorite so far. Anna wants to thank Jay Lewis for trusting her with this role and to her entire Plaza family for being loving and accepting of her. Also, many thanks to her parents, her doggies, and Gideon for being her biggest supporters. "BEEF!"
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JOLEY GOW
(Bet)
Joley is so excited to be a part of OLIVER! at Plaza Theatre Company. She has recently been seen on the Plaza stage in CINDERELLA as Gabrielle and THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY as a singer. Some of her recent credits include a big kid in MATILDA at The Firehouse Theatre and Annelle in STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Magnificent Theatre Company. Joley is represented by The Linicomn Agency and takes acting classes with Fort Worth Actors Studio, along with voice lessons under James McQuillen at Casa Mañana. She would like to thank her friends, family, and the cast/crew for their love and support. Enjoy the show! Instagram: @Joleymae
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JOSH LEBLO
(Mr. Bumble)
Josh is grateful for another chance to be on the Plaza stage! Favorite shows at PTC include ELF, TITANIC, FOREVER PLAID, MATILDA, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, LITTLE SHOP…, BREAKING UP…, BYE, BYE BIRDIE, a quick step-in run as a gangster in DROWSY CHAPERONE, ANNIE, CRAZY FOR YOU and JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT. Other favorites include THE ADDAMS FAMILY, HELLO DOLLY, GODSPELL, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and LITTLE WOMEN with Granbury Theatre Co. Josh is the IT and Family Ministry Director, and sings on the praise team at Granbury FUMC. He would like to thank God, his loving wife, and daughter for always believing in him.
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HANNAH MIDKIFF
(Widow Corney)
Hannah is thrilled to be back on the Plaza stage! Some of her past roles include Fantine in Les Miserables at Carnegie Players, Mother in AMAHL. . .VISITORS with Wadley Productions, Lorraine in ALL SHOOK UP and Corliss in KISS AND TELL at Plaza Theatre Co. She has enjoyed playing this role but her favorite role is mom to Tommy and Sutton who are making their plaza MainStage debut together!
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TRACIE GRIFFITHS
(Widow Corney)
Tracie has been in the cast, crew or directing team of over 100 plays and musicals and is a theatre arts teacher. This is her first production at Plaza. She was recently seen as Sister Berthe in SOUND OF MUSIC and Fruma Sarah in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at Granbury Theatre Co. Some favorite past roles are Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS and Bloody Mary in SOUTH PACIFIC. "Huge thank you to Jay for giving me this opportunity, and to my amazing family for their support."
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BUD GILLETT
(Mr. Brownlow)
Bud is excited to be cast as the grandfatherly Mr. Brownlow in OLIVER! Bud's previous work on the Plaza stage is as FDR in ANNIE, the barbershop-singing Olin Britt in THE MUSIC MAN, Doc in WEST SIDE STORY, Jacob in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, Mr. Laurence in the musical LITTLE WOMEN, Santa Claus in ELF, and most recently as Jonathan Hardcastle in ONE FOR THE POT. Bud has also appeared across town with the Greater Cleburne Carnegie Players in THE FOREIGNER, THE HOMECOMING, and in last summer's productions of FARCE OF HABIT and DEARLY BELOVED. Long time local television news viewers will remember Bud from his 37-years as an on-camera reporter for Fox 4 News and CBS 11 News. And he can still be seen on TV in reruns of WALKER,TEXAS RANGER and THE FORENSIC FILES. When not rehearsing or onstage he's the full time mentor to canine buddies Rascal and Boo, who he'd like to thank for being "Good Dogs" while he's off performing in Plaza's wonderful shows.
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JACESON P. BARRUS
(Mr. Sowerberry)
After a lifetime of appearing on stage in roles large and small, JaceSon feels that the role of Mr. Sowerberry in OLIVER! may just be the one that most suits his personality and he's loving it. Some other favorites from among those have been as Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Adam Pontipee in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS 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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STACEY BREEN BLANTON
(Mrs. Sowerberry)
Stacey is excited to return to the Plaza stage in this awesome production. She has a BFA in Theatre Performance from UT Arlington. You may remember her from past shows like CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, TREASURE ISLAND, or SEE HOW THEY RUN. In her off stage life, she spends her days taking care of her family and planning projects. ‘Thank you to all my friends and family for supporting my dreams!’
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ALLISON STANKEY
(Mrs. Sowerberry)
Allison is excited to make her debut at Plaza Theatre after years away from the limelight. She trained in tap, ballet, jazz, and musical theatre with Persis Forster from Arlington. During her years as a teacher with Miss Persis, Allison performed as Virtue in ANYTHING GOES, and in the Ensemble in MAME - both through Theatre Arlington. In 1984, Allison moved to Los Angeles to raise her family. Being in OLIVER! is personal to her, as it was the musical that began her love of Broadway, and of England. She would like to thank her friends, Maternal Unit, Mitchell, Allie, and her DTA family for their support through the years, and special love to Cameron & Chloe!
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MIRANDA BARRUS
(Charlotte)
PlazaCo was founded at almost the very same time that Mimi was born so the theater has been her second home since she was a baby. She has loved playing Mary Lennox in THE SECRET GARDEN, Junie B. Jones in JUNIE B. JONES JR. and Scout Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD for which she received the Best Actress Column Award (non-Equity) in 2018. From the earliest age Mimi's passion has been to sing, dance and act. She's thrilled to be a part of OLIVER! and hopes that you enjoy the show!
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BRAEDON CARLTON
(Noah Claypole)
Braedon Carlton is excited to be back at Plaza Theatre Company. You may have seen Braedon recently in shows like, SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN as Dennis Sanders, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2, as Chad, or THE ADVENTURES...HUCK FINN at Granbury Theatre Company. Other shows he has been in are, MATILDA, NEWSIES, FROZEN JR, and many others. When Braedon is not acting he is auditioning for tv, focusing on school, or spending time with his family and friends. "I would like to thank all the people who have been there for me in my times of need, and have welcomed me with open arms to families other than my own."
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MATTHEW LEAKE
(Noah Claypole)
Matthew is agog to be back on the Plaza stage. Some of his favorite roles include
Fyedka in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Centipede in JAMES PEACH JR, Uncle Fester in THE ADDAMS FAMILY SCHOOL EDITION, Big Kid in MATILDA, Dance Corps in WHITE CHRISTMAS, Jeb in SEVEN. BROTHERS, Laurel in FREAKY FRIDAY Frank Jr in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, and Charlie Sloane in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
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TOM BLOSS
(Dr. Grimwig)
Tom is excited to be in his first ever show for Plaza Theatre. Tom has been "chewing the scenery" since being bit by the acting bug in the 8th grade, but these will be his first performances in over ten years. Favorite roles for Tom include The Cowardly Lion in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Andrew Carnes in OKLAHOMA, Dr. Einstein in ARSENIIC AND OLD LACE and The Mayor in THE FRONT PAGE. Tom wants to thank his wife Nancy, the OLIVER cast, and all of his family and friends for the love and encouragement.
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WILLIAM PENA
(Dr. Grimwig)
Being cast in the Plaza production of OLIVER! is the realization of a lifelong, unfulfilled dream for William (you can call him Will) and he couldn't be more grateful. Truth be told, Will would still be sitting in the audience with his dream adrift in the sheltered harbor of his inner secrets (credit to Cobra Bubbles) without a request from his oldest child Kyler to audition with them for the show. Will is excited to perform alongside Kyler. He played trumpet at TCU (Go Frogs) and has performed in countries around the world. Will thanks Director Jay Lewis and JaceSon Barrus for this chance, and his fellow castmates for their example of professionalism. Will thanks Shannon, his wonderful and endlessly supportive wife, and son, Thomas, who is fearless in pursuit of his goals and reminds him to believe in and chase your dreams. Finally, thanks Kyler for the challenge to audition. Your tenacity and strength are second only to your creativity and desire to prove you can...regardless.
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LAUREN HANSON
(Mrs. Bedwin)
Lauren is thankful to be returning to the stage after years without performing. She was previously seen at Plaza in ALL SHOOK UP and THE MUSIC MAN many, many years ago. This show is extra special as she is lucky enough to be cast alongside her family. Lauren would like to extend a big thanks to Jay and crew for this memorable opportunity and their endless supply of patience.
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RUTH ANN WARWICK
(Sally / Ensemble)
Ruth Ann is happy for the opportunity to be a part of her 26th show here at Plaza Theatre Co. You may have seen her on stage in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, RAGTIME, A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2012, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, DEAR RUTH, FATHER OF THE BRIDE, POLLYANNA, HEAVEN CAN WAIT, MARY POPPINS or LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. Ruth Ann has also been privileged to stage manage 16 main stage productions. She will be forever grateful for the experiences and friendships gained with this amazing theatre and thanks the entire team for giving her a home where passion and purpose collide to become destiny. "All my love and thanks to Jim, Jace and Emily who bring light and joy to each and every day." Joshua 1:9 GO BE GREAT!
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LORELEI LEWIS
(Pauper’s Asst.)
Lorelei is thrilled to be on the Plaza stage performing with this outstanding cast. She would like to thank the producers for the opportunity to perform at one of Johnson County‘s finest community theater venues. Next year Lorelei looks forward to being an eighth grade cheerleader for Smith Middle School. A big shout out to the best director ever a.k.a. my grandpa!
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TOMMY ROBINSON
(Pauper's Asst.)
Tommy is making their Plaza MainStage debut! Their past roles include Sven in FROZEN KIDS, Lilly St. Regis in ANNIE KIDS and Silly Monkey in THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS. In their free time they enjoy drawing, watching anima and talking with friends on their iPad. They would like to give a shout out to their SK - mom - for keeping it real.
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CARTER MANNING
(Ensemble)
Carter is currently in the 7th grade at Alvarado Jr. High where he is active in honors band, tennis, drama select and part of the GT program. Carter is currently working on the role of Jonathan in PETER PAN JR. for his school’s spring musical. This is his third appearance on the Dudley Stage. Previously he was seen in FREAKY FRIDAY as Fletcher Blake and as Jimmy in POLLYANNA. Carter was privileged to join Plaza Academy’s senior company this past year and attend his first Junior Theatre Festival in January, where they won the Outstanding Production Award for their performance of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Carter would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support. And a special thank you to Jay Lewis for allowing him the opportunity to be a part of this fun and talented cast.
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KYLER PENA
(Ensemble/ Milkmaid)
(They/Them) Kyler is brand new to theatre, this will be their first main stage production at PlazaCo. After being cast as FLOUNDER in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR, they were grateful to be invited to the cast of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF JR put on by the Senior Company. They also went with the group to JTF Atlanta (2022) where the group won Outstanding Production and the Freddy G. Inspiration Award. After falling ill in 2016, Kyler never thought they would have the opportunity to perform on a real stage with such talented actors. They are grateful for the incredibly accepting and healing environment that Plaza has been for them. “I would like to dedicate my performance to all the disabled people out there that dare to dream.”
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ELI POOLE
(Charlie Bates)
Eli is excited to be in OLIVER! At PlazaCo. You may have seen him last time on the Plaza stage in R&H CINDERELLA in the Dance Corps. Right now he is playing Puck in A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM at Alvarado High School. Some of his favorite roles he has played include Billy in THE PROMISE IN GLEN ROSE, Vlad Popov in ANASTASIA THE MUSICAL, and Scar in THE LION KING JR. In his free time Elijah enjoys spending time with his dear friends and family. He would like to thank his cast members, his mom and dad, and wonderful director Jay. “Never Say Never”- Justin Bieber
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KIAN BERRIOS
(Charlie Bates)
Kian is excited to be in his second performance on the Plaza Theatre Co. stage. He enjoys soccer, horse-back riding, Legos, spending time with family and traveling in his spare time. He formerly played Michael Hobbs in ELF the musical at Plaza Theater Co. and will be playing Sebastian the Crab in LITTLE MERMAID JR. at Plaza Theatre Co. in a few weeks. His new found love for performing arts is growing every show he sees or participates in and is excited for future opportunities to continue developing his talents.
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KYLIE KIMBALL
(Kids Ensemble/Swing)
Kylie is excited to perform this wonderful show and to perform alongside her brother, Cooper, for the first time. Kylie was last seen in CINDERELLA and ELF the MUSICAL at Plaza Theatre Company and has performed other roles such as Pollyanna in POLYANNA, Matilda Wormwood in MATILDA THE MUSICAL and Carrie Ingalls in LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, all at PlazaCo. 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 at PlazaCo. Kylie is active in Show Choir as well as Varsity Choir at her school and attended the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, GA in January with the Senior Company from Plaza Academy where they won an Outstanding Production award as well as the Freddy G. Inspiration Award. Kylie would like to thank her family and friends for their support and hopes that you enjoy the show!
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ALYSSA ROGERS
(Kids Ensemble)
Alyssa is thrilled to be performing for the first time on the Dudley stage in OLIVER! She is 12 years old and has previously been a part of the ensemble cast in THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS, Tessy/Star-to-be in ANNIE JR, young/middle Elsa in FROZEN KIDS, and is currently cast as Ariel in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR at PlazaCo. She enjoys singing, playing the guitar and ukulele, and traveling with her family in her spare time. She is so thankful for her PlazaCo family, and especially thankful to her parents and older brother for their support!
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ARIA LEBLO
(Kids Ensemble)
Aria has been so hungry to get back on the Plaza stage! Previously, Aria was in Plaza’s ELF, TITANIC, and ANNIE. She was also in HELLO DOLLY with Granbury Theatre Co. Aria was a featured dancer in ALADDIN JR. with Second StarTheatre Co. This is her fourth year to take ballet, tap, and hip hop. “I love my family.”
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CALY BLAYLOCK
(Kids Ensemble)
Caly is super excited to be performing in her first main stage production. As well as performing, Caly takes weekly dance, theatre and voice lessons. In her spare time……who I am kidding she doesn’t have spare time! Caly is a 5th grade student, who loves performing and everything Broadway. Some previous roles include storyteller in JUNGLE BOOKS KIDS, Olaf in FROZEN KIDS, Miss Hannigan in ANNIE KIDS. As well as currently performing as Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support along with the Oliver production team for this opportunity.
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CHARLESTON BARRUS
(Kids Ensemble)
Charleston will be quick to tell you that this is his SECOND time in a Plaza Mainstage show as he first appeared as Boy in PlazaCo's summer 2021 production of TITANIC. But OLIVER! is the first time he'll sing and speak on stage so he's thrilled about that. Charlie is a precocious six year old who loves to have fun and play with his brothers, sisters and friends. He's truly never met a stranger and loves to make new friends wherever he goes. He hopes to see you after the show to say "hi" and thanks you for coming to the show.
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COOPER KIMBALL
(Kids Ensemble)
Cooper is very excited to make his debut at Plaza Theatre Company as well as the chance to share the stage with his sister, Kylie, for the first time. Cooper attends the 4th grade at STEAM Academy at Stribling in Burleson, TX. In his spare time, Cooper is active in Cub Scouts, takes drum lessons, and attends the Musical Theatre Stars A class at Plaza Academy where he will be playing the role of Sebastian in THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. at Plaza Academy in April. Previous roles include Pabbie in FROZEN KIDS and Sandy in ANNIE KIDS, both at Plaza Academy. Cooper would like to thank Jay Lewis for giving him this opportunity and his parents for all their support and for driving him to and from rehearsals each week.
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ELISE MENDOZA
(Kids Ensemble)
Elise is honored to have the opportunity to perform with Plaza, this is her first show with Plaza. Elise loves to dance and act and currently takes classes at Plaza Academy. Elise would like thank her best friend Cassie for encouraging all her ambitions, she would also like to thank her mom and dad for picking her up from all her rehearsals and Zacc for doing dishes when she has rehearsal.
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HANNAH WARD
(Kids Ensemble)
Hannah is so excited to be in this amazing show! She has been at Plaza since she was 9 years old, and some of her favorite roles she has played are Anna(FROZEN), Annie(ANNIE),Veruca Salt(CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY), Alice(MATILDA), Kaa(JUNGLE BOOK), and Sally(CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS). She takes voice lessons at sing for joy music studio with Tabitha Ibarra. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of the support!
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ILIANA HANSON
(Kids Ensemble)
Iliana is bursting with excitement to be in her first Plaza performance! She is a kindergartener at Texas School for the Arts and has attended Frances Lea Dance for 3 years. Iliana hopes there are more shows in her future with all her new friends. "Thank you, everyone, for making this fun; I'll never forget!"
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MICAH FORD
(Kids Ensemble)
Micah is thrilled to be a part of his first PlazaCo Main Stage production. He is currently playing Prince Eric in THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. at Plaza Jr. and loved playing Kristoff in FROZEN KIDS and Oliver Warbucks in ANNIE KIDS at Plaza Jr. in 2021. Micah attends Smith Middle School in Cleburne as a 6th grader where he is also learning to play the French Horn. "A special thanks to Mrs. Tabitha Ibarra, Plaza Academy, and Ms. Ruddick at SMS for helping grow my love of music and performance!"
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PAUL GILCHRIST
(Kids Ensemble)
Paul is so proud to be a part of Oliver! This is his first show at PlazaCo ever, and he is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it. Paul is a 6th grader at Steam Middle School in Burleson. He is a lover of all things Musical Theatre. “Special thanks to my family for supporting me and getting me where I need to be in this production!”
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SUTTON ROBINSON
(Kids Ensemble)
Sutton is making her Plaza Theatre Co. Main Stage debut! Her past roles include Young Elsa in FROZEN KIDS and Kate in ANNIE KIDS with Plaza Academy. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends and her beloved Tiny Dog.
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JAY LEWIS
(Director)
OLIVER marks Jay’s ninth show to direct for Plaza. His most recent Plaza directing project was TITANIC. During the past year he directed BIG RIVER and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF for Granbury Theatre Co. Favorite performance roles include JD Drew in HANDS ON A HARDBODY; Thenardier, 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 a retired educator and granddad to Lor, Lou, Liv and Gus. Kisses, a dozen roses and a standing ovation for his supporting wife, Shauna. Jay wants to especially thank his theatre family for the continued prayers and blood donations on his behalf. “Bring a life back to power. Make blood donation your responsibility.”
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CESSANY CARPENTER
(Stage Manager)
Cessany is thrilled to be back at Plaza for her 26th show! She has stage managed over 60 produc- tions with credits from Plaza, Granbury Theatre Company, Theatre Arlington, FortWorth Opera, and San Diego Opera. 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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TOMMY KENNEDY
(Musical Director)
Tommy Kennedy is a music educator for Cleburne ISD. Before teaching, Tommy would both direct and act in productions at college. He has been part of shows such as OUR TOWN and ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN alongside multiple original productions. He recently graduated with his MM in 2019 from Tarleton State University and his DME from Liberty University in 2021. Tommy is an active musician in the area performing with professional orchestras and chorus ensembles. He lives in Burleson, TX with his wife and three children. This is Tommy’s first production with Plaza as music director.
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STEPHEN NEWTON
(Choreographer/Swing)
Is honored to be choreographing his first Mainstage production. Regional Theatre: NEWSIES (Lyric Stage); CINDERELLA (Bass Hall); BONNIE AND CLYDE, CARRIE THE MUSICAL, LES MISERABLES, CHILDREN OF EDEN, and more (Casa Manana). Community Theatre: PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Firehouse Theatre); BIG FISH (Artes de la Rosa); 7 BRIDES… (Granbury Theatre Co); SOUND OF MUSIC (Brian Clowdus Experience/The Promise); NEWSIES, TREASURE ISLAND, CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (Plaza Theatre). Film: “Aria Appleton”, “Far from the Tree”. “All the love to my family, cast, crew, and God.”
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