Past Members of the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company
Julie Abner
Julie Abner is appearing in her first Gaslight Dinner Theatre production with Anything Goes. She made her debut at The Renaissance Center in the MET series production of HONK! Her regional credits include New American Theater, Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre, Bearcreek Farms Resort, Thunder Bay Theatre, Northeastern Repertory Company and Stage Left Theatre of Chicago. Favorite roles include Christine in Phantom, Becky Thatcher in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and title roles in Gypsy, Sugar and Cinderella. Julie thanks her excitable and supportive family and her brand new husband, Kyle, for being the best partner on and off the stage she could ever have. She is a native of Elburn, Ill., and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance from Rockford College.
Emily Winters Bergen
Emily Winters Bergen received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Memphis State University, her Master of Arts from Austin Peay State University and her Doctor of Education from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. She has served as an assistant professor of Communications and Theatre at APSU and Tennessee State University. She has appeared in productions of To Kill a Mockingbird, Cabaret, The Importance of Being Earnest, Tartuffe and Sister Mary Ignatious Explains It All for You at APSU and founded the APSU Improv Troupe. A co-founder of Back Lot Productions, she has appeared in The Taming of the Shrew, The Merry Wives of Windsor and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other theatre credits include Southern Fried Murder, Godspell, The Haunting of Hill House, Annie Get Your Gun, The Odd Couple and The Curious Savage.
Daniel Bissell
Daniel Bissell came to The Renaissance Center from Fairview, Tenn., and now resides in Dickson. He has appeared in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of Lend Me a Tenor, Nuncrackers, Run for Your Wife, The Foreigner, Anything Goes and The Complete Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged), with cameo appearances in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash and The Honky Tonk Angels. For the Mind Enriching Theatre series he has appeared in Wiley and the Hairy Man, Aladdin, HONK!, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr., Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, A Christmas Carol Revisited, Pinocchio and Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs. For the Renaissance Players, Daniel has appeared in productions of Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Mousetrap, Children of Eden and Dracula, winning three Jimmy Awards. He is a proud member of ImprovNashville’s Troupe 93.
Chris Boerner
Chris Boerner, a native of Minnesota, recently completed the role of Big Josh in Big: The Musical in Fargo, North Dakota. He is excited to be making his Gaslight Dinner Theatre Debut in My Way. After a one-year hiatus, he is thrilled to be doing what he loves, again. Having worked all over the country, he has been seen as Smudge in Forever Plaid, Rico in Copacabana, Mr. Green in Clue: The Musical, and Alan Delucca in A Chorus Line.
Jaclyn Brown
Jaclyn Brown earned a degree in Studio Vocal Performance from the University of Miami School of Music and is quickly becoming a preeminent performer and songwriter in the South and beyond. Jaclyn has enjoyed roles in musicals and operas such as Smoke on the Mountain, Schoolhouse Rock LIVE!, Grease!, Once Upon a Mattress, Tosca, Romeo et Juliet and more. When she’s not involved in theatre, Jaclyn freelances as a live performance and session singer and is actively pursuing a publishing deal. Jaclyn enjoys and performs all styles of music. Her favorite songs are Yesterday by Paul McCartney and whatever she wrote this morning. Jaclyn is making her Gaslight Dinner Theatre debut with Sanders Family Christmas. Her CD Unsolicited Material is available in The Virtually Unlimited Bookstore or at The Renaissance Center box office or at www.jaclynbrown.com.
Nathan W. Brown
Nathan W. Brown has appeared in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, Anything Goes, Nuncrackers, A Grand Night for Singing and Smoke on the Mountain. He has appeared in Renaissance Players productions of The Music Man, Annie, Cats and Children of Eden and in the Mind Enriching Theatre productions of High School Musical on Stage, Snoopy!!!, HONK! and Pinocchio. As resident musical director for The Renaissance Center, he has worked on more than 20 productions. He also was musical director for the Houston County Community Theatre production of Hello, Dolly! A native of Sterling, Ill., Nathan is a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. He also has been Musical Director for Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Montana, The Stage Door Theatre in Florida, Bearcreek Farms Resort in Indiana and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Karen Burns
Karen Burns is appearing in her first Gaslight Dinner Theatre production with Anything Goes. The Alexandria, La., native received a double degree in Theatre and Psychology from Northwestern State University in 2004. She is currently seeking an MA in Professional Counseling. Some of Karen's favorite roles include Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, Amanda Gronich in Laramie Project, Laurey in Oklahoma, the Baroness in The Sound of Music and Sue Lawson in Not Now Darling. She wants to thank her family and Ross for being real.
Bret Churchill
Bret Churchill grew up in Davenport, Iowa, but his work has taken him all over, from Disney’s California Adventure and Disneyland in California to the Bahamas. He has performed in everything from an NFL halftime show to opening ceremonies of the Senior Olympics to regional theatres throughout the country. Bret is very excited to be back at The Renaissance Center where he appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of A Chorus Line, Chicago and My Fair Lady and the Mind Enriching Theatre series productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, High School Musical on Stage, Alice in Wonderland and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He also has served on the technical crews and as master electrician for productions at the center. In June Bret married the absolute love of his life, Erin. Thank you all for all your years of support.
Aaron B. Coleman
Aaron B. Coleman graduated from Cleveland State University in 2004 with a degree in Theatre. Since then he has appeared onstage with The Theater at Monmouth (Maine), Lexington Children's Theatre (Ky.), Actors' Summit (Ohio), Cleveland Shakespeare Festival and also has toured nationally with The Hampstead Stage Company out of New Hampshire. Off stage, Aaron loves the outdoors and is an avid hiker. Earlier this year, he enjoyed a trek to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up to the top -- a feat he did in a mere 12 hours! Special thanks to family and friends.
Bryce Conner
Bryce Conner, a Tennessee native, is currently a senior majoring in Theatre Performance at Austin Peay State University where he recently played Mr. Zero in The Adding Machine. He has worked professionally for both People’s Branch Theatre and the Nashville Children’s Theatre while teaching Theatre and Speech for the YMCA. He also has appeared in numerous shows here including South Pacific, The Who’s Tommy, Guys and Dolls and Annie Get Your Gun. Bryce is proud to be making is professional debut with A Chorus Line and High School Musical on Stage and is thankful for this exciting opportunity!
Eric Deiboldt
Eric Deiboldt, originally from Albion, N.Y., is a recent graduate of the State University of New York at Fredonia from which he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre/Dance. Eric’s favorite college credits include Damn Yankees, The Fantasticks, Barnum, The Wizard of Oz, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) and Pippin. Previously, Eric has worked with Dramatis Personae in Buffalo, N.Y., Mt. Washington Valley Theatre Company in New Hampshire, Galveston Island Musicals in Texas and Derby Dinner Playhouse in Indiana. His favorite regional/stock credits include West Side Story, Assassins, A Chorus Line, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Peter Pan, 42nd Street and Hello, Dolly! Eric is excited to be making his Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company debut.
Erin Dickerson
Erin Dickerson comes to Dickson most recently from Rock Island, Ill., where she’s spent the past two Christmas seasons as Judy Haynes in Circa 21’s White Christmas. She travels across the country performing for various regional and dinner theatres, including last year’s Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of Chicago. Some other professional credits include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Stand by Your Man: the Tammy Wynette Story, Cats and Grease! Originally from Rockton, Ill., Erin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University and spends “extra” time drawing charcoal portraits from photographs. She is ecstatic to be back in Dickson with friends and her new fiancé, Bret.
Alex Dittmer
Alex Dittmer is a native of rural Illinois but a recent transplant to New York. He has performed in theatres all around the Midwest. Most recently he was in a staged reading of several new works at The Director’s Company in NYC. Alex also has been seen on television in commercials or industrial films for United Medical Resources, U.S. Bank and Cintas Uniforms, as well as doing episodic television work for Ohio Public Broadcasting. He has worked in award-winning independent short films including The Vacation and Climax, as well as playing the title character in the indie film The Turtle. Alex earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University. He is thrilled to be part of the Sanders Family again and rejoin familiar faces and friends. Alex wishes to thank family and friends for their love, patience and support.
Kyle Donahue
Kyle Donahue is appearing in his first Gaslight Dinner Theatre production in Anything Goes. He made his debut at The Renaissance Center in the MET series production of HONK! His credits include New American Theater, Cedar Point Theme Park, Bearcreek Farms Resort, Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre, Theatre IV (national tour), Without Shoes Modern Dance Company, Stage Left Theatre and the Barn Theatre of Augusta, Mich. Favorite roles include Matt in The Fantasticks, Jerry/Daphne in Sugar, Lucky in Dames at Sea, Jess in The Complete Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged) and Garvin in Footloose! Kyle thanks his family and friends for their continued support and his soul mate, Julie, for her perfect love. A graduate of Rockford College, Kyle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance.
Rory Dunn
Rory Dunn hails from Vale, N.C., where his family runs a small farm in their spare time. He holds a degree in Musical Theatre from Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., and has been seen all over the country putting it to use. Some of Rory’s favorite roles include Amos in Chicago at Bigfork Summer Playhouse, The Frog in HONK! at the Highlands Playhouse and the title role in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd at Catawba College. Rory is proud to make his debut at The Renaissance Center in My Fair Lady and has enjoyed working with everyone involved in these productions.
Peter Durkin
Peter Durkin is very happy to be making his debut this fall with the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company. Peter hails from Chicago and just recently received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan University. Some of his favorite roles include Willard in Footloose and the Cat in the Hat in Seussical: The Musical. He would like to thank and send all his love to his girls, Mary and Dan, Julie and John, his brothers, and Mom and Dad and, of course, Nonna, for all their love and support.
Marilyn Fair
Marilyn Fair has appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of Driving Miss Daisy and the Renaissance Players production of Annie. Marilyn came to Tennessee after a very long and successful run as Luisa in the original Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks on Sullivan Street in New York City. This Florida native earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts at Florida Southern College and has been performing for more than 20 years in such roles as Margot in Dial M for Murder, Sheila in The Boys Next Door, Meg in Crimes of the Heart, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Fiona in Brigadoon, Katalin Hunyak in Chicago, Maggie in A Chorus Line, Grace in Annie as well as numerous commercials, industrials and print advertisements. Marilyn left New York to portray the role of Fairlight Spencer in Christy The Musical at The Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, the beautiful Smoky Mountain Amphitheatre in Townsend, Tenn., and The Roy Acuff Theatre in Nashville. She met her husband, singer/songwriter Joe Fair, and the couple has settled in Fairview to raise their son, Nicolas. Marilyn is an adjunct voice instructor at The Renaissance Center.
Harold Fann
Harold Fann is a native of Castle Rock, Co. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Russian from the University of Minnesota (1979), while acting, singing and playing guitar around Minneapolis. Some of his show credits include roles in The Fantastiks, Man of La Mancha, Fiddler on the Roof, The Trojan Women, The Crucible and a stint as Horace Tabor in a summer stock production of The Affairs of Baby Doe Tabor in Victor, Co. Recently, he co-wrote and directed a drama, The Present, while acting in a variety of roles for the Renaissance Players including Lt. Brannigan in Guys and Dolls, Dr. Seward in Dracula and Noodler in Peter Pan. He won the Rising Star Award at the 2006 Jimmy Awards and Best Supporting Actor in a Play in 2008. Other recent roles include Jonathan in Arsenic and Old Lace, Felix in The Odd Couple, Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing and Sheriff Tate in To Kill A Mockingbird.
Shain Fike
Shain Fike is a native of Morgantown, Ky., and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Western Kentucky University and his Master of Music in Musical Theatre from Oklahoma City University. He is appearing in his first production at The Renaissance Center in the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shane has appeared in productions of Chicago at the Broadway Dinner Theatre, Oklahoma! at Lyric Theatre, The Music Man and Annie Get Your Gun at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, Camelot at Northern Lights Playhouse as well as productions of The Sound of Music, Sleeping Beauty the Musical, Murder Masquerade and others. He enjoys rock climbing and other outdoor sports.
Alvaro Francisco
Alvaro Francisco is happy to be returning to The Renaissance Center after making his debut in the Ensemble of Chicago as well as in Cats in the role of Rum Tum Tugger. Since then, Alvaro has returned to Memphis to continue working at Playhouse on The Square in such shows as Suessical (Wick), Forever Plaid (Jinx) and The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic). Being a native South American, he is happy to call Memphis is hometown after several years. Having worked with several theater companies in Memphis, he is very excited to be once again working with the Renaissance Repertory Theater Company. Some of Alvaro’s favorite shows include Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party (Oscar), Take Me Out (Martinez), Songs For A New World (Man 1) and Godspell (Judas). Alvaro would like to thank this amazing cast and crew for such a memorable experience and his family for their endless love and support.
Ashton Frey
Ashton Frey appeared in Renaissance Players productions of Charlotte’s Web, Peter Pan, The Miracle Worker, The Sound of Music, Annie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Cinderella. The Dickson resident has appeared in the video for Martina McBride’s Joy of Christmas and a production of Cinderella for Bellevue Home School Enrichment. A home-schooled student, Ashton enjoys writing, singing, reading, riding bikes, dancing and acting.
Greg Frey
Greg Frey of Dickson has appeared in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of I Do! I Do!, The Boys Next Door, Anything Goes and Run for Your Wife. He has had roles in Renaissance Players productions of A Christmas Carol, Dearly Departed and The Miracle Worker. With the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company, Greg appeared in productions of Jane Eyre, Davy Crockett: Titan of Tennessee, Mother Goose Mayhem, Richard III and It’s Greek to Me. Other theatre credits include The Fantastiks, Blithe Spirit, Godspell, Trilogy of Tales and he has traveled the past three years as part of Martina McBride’s Joy of Christmas national tour. The owner of Custom Tile and Remodeling in Dickson, Greg enjoys skiing, travel, remodeling, reading, singing and spending time with his wife and eight children.
Kedzie Frey
Kedzie Frey appeared in the Renaissance Players productions of Charlotte’s Web and Annie. The fifth-grade home-schooled student enjoys weaving, singing, dancing, acting and riding bikes.
Tawny Frey
Tawny Frey is no stranger to The Renaissance Center stage. She started some of her first theatre experiences here, which include playing Sandy in Grease! and Joy in Cinderella. Tawny started working here professionally when she was 17, as a member of the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company appearing in shows such as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The Dining Room, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, My Fair Lady, High School Musical on Stage and The Honky Tonk Angels. She spent the last two years as a performer at Dollywood in the show Dreamland Drive-in. She’s happy to be back at The Renaissance Center and looks forward to another great year.
Emilee Furmanski
Emilee Furmanski is very excited to be making her debut on The Renaissance Center stage in the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of High School Musical on Stage and the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of A Chorus Line. She graduated from Shenandoah University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre. Last summer she worked for Galveston Island Musicals where she played the role of Liat in South Pacific. She also was seen in Hana’s Suitcase with the Lexington Children’s Theatre. She would like to thank her family for their never-ending love and support.
Joshua Gibby
Joshua Gibby is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas. His regional credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Will to Laugh and A Comedy of Errors with Arkansas Repertory Theatre and Tecumseh! 2005 with Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre. Other favorite roles include the Magician in Steve Martin’s Patter for the Floating Lady, Limping Man in Fuddy Meers, Fortinbras in Hamlet and the loveable Milky White in Into the Woods. At The Renaissance Center, he appeared in the MET series production of Wiley and the Hairy Man. He enjoys reading, music, film, golf and poker. Josh wishes to thank all his family and friends for their never-ending love and support.
Kayleigh Gregg
Kayleigh Gregg is making her Gaslight Dinner Theatre debut in Chicago. After pursuing a career in ballet and attending the School of Nashville Ballet and Virginia School of the Arts, Kayleigh came to The Renaissance Center to participate in the Young Actors Studio, for which she appeared in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Young Cherokee, A Christmas Carol and Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. She has been in a number of Renaissance Players productions, including Cinderella, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Dracula, Annie and Fiddler on the Roof, and was on the crew for The Wizard of Oz. For the Mind Enriching Theatre series, she appeared in Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. A Licensed Massage Therapist, Kayleigh is a graduate of the Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Movement and works at Basic Kneads in Nashville.
Rachel Gunn
Rachel Gunn of Dickson holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in psychology, which perfectly complement her minor in theatre by helping her with character analysis. She has performed in eight productions for the Renaissance Players and has won three Jimmy Awards (Best Actress in a Play for A Christmas Story, Best Supporting Actress in a Play for A Christmas Carol and Outstanding Technical Crew Member). Her favorite role to date is Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. She is making her debut in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre in My Fair Lady. Rachel has five beautiful children and one great husband, John. She loves to run and most recently ran in the New York City Marathon in November.
Tory Gunn
Tory Gunn of Dickson appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of My Fair Lady. She has appeared in Renaissance Players productions of The Music Man, Cats, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, The Sound of Music, A Christmas Story, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and A Christmas Carol, for which she won a Jimmy Award as Best Actress Under 16 in a Play. She has appeared in Disney’s Aladdin Jr. and Disney’s Jungle Book Kids with the Young Entertainers on Stage series and Why the Rain Falls in the Jungle with the Youth Theatrical Outreach Program. As a member of The Renaissance Center’s Young Actors Studio, Tory appeared in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, A Christmas Carol and Young Cherokee and she appeared in the Mind Enriching Theatre series productions of Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland and High School Musical on Stage. Some of her other favorite theatre credits include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as Alice and Lisel in The Sound of Music with Houston County Community Theatre, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever as Imogene with Whole Heart Drama Team and the title role in Cinderella with the Bellevue Home School Enrichment Drama Troupe. Tory also appeared in a teen pregnancy awareness campaign video produced by The Renaissance Center for the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.
Catherine Hammer
Catherine Hammer, originally from Leavenworth, Kan., is a graduate of Friends University in Wichita where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet. As a singer, dancer and pianist, she has traveled and performed throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Australia. Some of her favorite roles include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Shelby in The Spitfire Grill and Good Luck Bear in the Care Bears Live National Tour. Other credits include Grease!, Cinderella, The Boyfriend, The Music Man, The Canticle of the Plains, Little Women, The Firebird, Deliver Us! with Ballet Magnificat and Kickin' Up Country at Bearcreek Farms Resort. She was last seen at The Renaissance Center in My Fair Lady, Alice in Wonderland and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Anna Hammonds
Anna Hammonds is ecstatic to return to the Gaslight Dinner Theatre to play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. A native of Evansville, Ind., she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Business from Anderson University in Anderson, Ind., where she toured Scandinavia and the United States as a member of the AU Chorale. She has appeared in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of Lend Me a Tenor, Anything Goes, Nuncrackers, The Foreigner, Chicago, A Grand Night for Singing and Run for Your Wife. She won the first Rising Star Award at the 2005 Jimmy Awards and has had roles in Renaissance Players productions of Children of Eden, Annie, Faith County and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, for which she won Best Actress in a Musical. For the MET series, she has appeared in SNOOPY!!!, Auschwitz Lullaby, HONK!, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr., Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, Pinocchio and Bird Woman (The Story of Sacagewea). Anna also appeared in Now That’s Country and Fabulous Flicks at Bearcreek Farms and Resort in Indiana and most recently appeared in the Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s national tour of A Christmas Carol. Her upcoming plans include being a starving artist in the windy city, Chicago. Please send food.
Ayla Harrison
Ayla Harrison received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting in 2005 from the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. Ayla appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of The Miss Firecracker Contest. Her credits include Driven to Abstraction for the Orlando-UCF Shakespeare Play Fest, Blithe Spirit, The Marriage of Bette and Boo and 5th of July at UCF, West Side Story and Little Women at PA Summer Theatre and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Alice in Wonderland for the Young Actors Theatre. She won the UCF Ten-Minute Play Contest with The Progeny, a play about the events that inspired Mary Shelley to write Frankenstein. Her play My ‘Gina was featured in a concert reading at the La Mama Experimental Theatre Company in April 2006. She has appeared in several school and independent film projects, including The Karaoke King.
Ryan Hunt
Ryan Hunt is a native of Evansville, Ind., holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the University of Evansville and has appeared in professional productions in Georgia, New Hampshire, New York and his home state of Indiana. He has performed in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Barefoot in the Park, The Dining Room, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, 8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s, A Christmas Survival Guide, Run for Your Wife, My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra (in which he met fiancée Sara Schoch), The Miss Firecracker Contest, Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash, Lend Me a Tenor and Chicago. For the Renaissance Players he has appeared in The Miracle Worker (which also marked his directorial debut), Jesus Christ Superstar, Guys and Dolls, Dracula and Children of Eden. For the Mind Enriching Theatre series, Ryan has had roles in Romeo and Juliet, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Death of a Salesman, Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, A Thousand Cranes, The Complete Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged), Wiley and the Hairy Man, Aladdin, Pinocchio, Bird Woman (The Story of Sacagewea), Auschwitz Lullaby and SNOOPY!!!, while he directed the Young Actors Studio production of Young Cherokee. Ryan appeared in New York City in the off-Broadway musical Closer Than Ever and in Kiss Me Kate in Cohoes, N.Y.
Valton Jackson
Valton Jackson of Columbus, Ga., is a graduate of Berea College in Berea, Ky., with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with an emphasis in performance. Through his four years attending Berea, Valton was a highly active performer in the dance, music and theatre departments, as well as a cheerleader his junior and senior years. Some of Valton’s most honored roles include Tony in West Side Story, Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh, Agwe in Once on This Island and Kenickie in Grease. Valton also was named Best Actor at the 4-AAAA Regional One-Act Play Competition for his portrayal of U.S. in Second Samuel in the fall of 2003. Valton appeared at The Renaissance Center in High School Musical on Stage for the Mind Enriching Theatre series and A Chorus Line in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre. Valton also loves his mother and brother very much.
Katherine Jett
Katherine Jett is very excited to return to The Renaissance Center this summer for A Chorus Line and High School Musical on Stage. She recently completed her freshman year at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Wash., where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. Some of Katherine’s other Renaissance Center credits include Chicago, Anything Goes, Run for Your Wife, Cats, Lend Me a Tenor, Honk!, Auschwitz Lullaby, Guys and Dolls, A Thousand Cranes, Smoke on the Mountain and Romeo and Juliet.
Bonnie Cheyenne Johnson
Bonnie Cheyenne Johnson is originally from Kansas City, Mo., and studied theater at Kansas Community College for two years and Missouri Western State University for two years. She appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of A Chorus Line and the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of High School Musical on Stage. She has performed on many different stages across the United States. She was nominated for the Irene Ryan Scholarship award for roles in Cat On a Hot Tin Roof (Maggie) and Tapestry. She also has worked as a DJ entertaining kids with Radio Disney AM1190 Kansas City and as a vocal coach at ROCK U! KC School of Rock. Her favorite theater credits include Dames at Sea, Thoroughly Modern Millie, True Confessions of a Go Go Girl, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror and Disgracefully Yours. Bonnie moved here in hopes of pursuing her music and acting career. Even though she is far from her family and friends they are still supporting her hopes in Nashville. Despite only being here for less than a year, Bonnie feels like she can call Nashville her new home.
Emma Jordan
Emma Jordan has appeared in Renaissance Players productions of Peter Pan, The Music Man, Cats, The Wizard of Oz, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Annie and Children of Eden, winning Jimmy Awards for Outstanding Chorus Member in 2006 and ‘08 and the Renaissance Players Spirit Award in 2005. She appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of A Chorus Line and My Fair Lady. As an intern with the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company for the past two years, Emma has appeared in Mind Enriching Theatre productions of Alice in Wonderland, High School Musical on Stage, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, A Christmas Carol in Prose, HONK! and Pinocchio. She appeared in the Young Entertainers on Stage productions of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids and Disney’s Aladdin Jr. and was stage manager for Disney’s Cinderella Kids. She has been on the technical crews for A Christmas Carol, Little Shop of Horrors, Bird Woman (The Story of Sacagewea) and Auschwitz Lullaby. Other theatre credits for the home-schooled sophomore from Charlotte include The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Hello, Dolly!
Jed Jordan
Jed Jordan appeared in the Renaissance Players productions of The Music Man and Peter Pan and the Young Entertainers on Stage productions of Disney’s Cinderella Kids and Disney’s Aladdin Jr. As an intern with the Mind Enriching Theatre series, he appeared in A Christmas Carol in Prose. The Charlotte resident has appeared in church plays. The home-schooled first grader enjoys swimming, riding his pony, Tae kwon do, target practice, going to the beach, acting, baseball and playing Call of Duty.
Zane Jordan
Zane Jordan has appeared in Renaissance Players productions of The Music Man, Peter Pan, Fiddler on the Roof and Children of Eden and the Young Entertainers on Stage production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. He was on the technical crew for Cats and Disney’s Cinderella Kids. While serving as an intern with the Mind Enriching Theatre series, he appeared in Alice in Wonderland, High School Musical on Stage, HONK!, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Christmas Carol in Prose. Other theatre credits include The Sound of Music. A home-schooled eighth grader from Charlotte, Zane enjoys spelunking, hiking, paintball, riflery, Tae kwon do and computer games.
Graham Keen
Graham Keen is a native of Nashville and is enjoying the opportunity to work with the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company, close by to his hometown! Graham is currently majoring in Music Theatre Performance at Wagner College in New York City, where over the past two years he has performed as various featured/ensemble roles in Footloose, Our Town and Grand Hotel. He also has been involved in many productions in the Nashville area, including Towne Centre Theatre's You Can't Take It With You (Ed) just this past summer. Some other favorite past shows are 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow) and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Lysander). Graham also frequently works as a studio singer and has sung on several projects, including the original demo for Disney's stage adaptation of High School Musical and Michael Crawford's In The Moon of Wintertime. He is so thankful for his parents and all of the wonderful teachers/directors who have encouraged him in his theatrical adventures, and looks forward to what the Lord has planned for his career in the future.
Faith Kelm
Faith Kelm of Franklin is appearing in her first Gaslight Dinner Theatre production. She previously appeared in Renaissance Players productions of Cats, Guys and Dolls and The Wizard of Oz, performed in the Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: A Night of Musical Theatre fundraiser and can be seen in the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of High School Musical on Stage. A student at Brentwood Academy and an assistant dance instructor, Faith has studied at Ann Carroll School of Dance and performed at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Main Street Festival in Franklin, in New York and at Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto.
Paul Kerr
Paul Kerr is particularly pleased to be reprising the role of Burl Sanders in this sequel to last year’s Smoke on the Mountain. He has also been seen here at The Renaissance Center as Tito Morrelli in Lend Me a Tenor and the haunted Doctor Jonah in the critically acclaimed Auschwitz Lullaby. Paul has acted and directed throughout the country at many regional and dinner theaters. Some include Detroit’s Meadowbrook and Attic Theatre, Light Opera Works and New Tuners Theatre in Chicago and Artist in Residence at Elon University in North Carolina. He also has appeared at North Carolina’s Barn Theatre, Tibbits Opera House and Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre in Michigan and Derby Dinner Playhouse just up the road near Louisville, Ky. He has entertained audiences throughout the country in national tours of Pirates of Penzance, Tin Types, Can-Can, The Pajama Game, A Christmas Carol and the Broadway First National Tour of 1776. "Thanks to the Gaslight audiences for supporting live theater and thanks to Kiersten for supporting me."
Bryan Lee
Bryan Lee is a Georgia native and has just received a Bachelor of Science degree in Theatre from Northwestern State University. He has enjoyed roles in musical theatre as well as straight plays. He is proud to make his debut with The Renaissance Center in the Gaslight production of Anything Goes.
Caitlin Teal Little
Caitlin Teal Little of Clarksville is making her Gaslight Dinner Theatre debut in A Chorus Line. She has appeared in the Renaissance Players productions of Guys and Dolls, Annie, Children of Eden and Cats and is the 2007 winner of the Mel Romine Memorial Scholarship. She will be a sophomore at Columbia College in Chicago, majoring in Theatre Performance. Caitlin’s other theatre credits include Pullman Car Hiawatha, Tom Sawyer, Queens of France and A Christmas Carol at the Roxy Regional Theatre in Clarksville and Speakeasy and The Golden Boy at Ward Theatre. She will be moving to Chicago in August and “I’m super excited! Yay!”
Jewel Lucien
Jewel Lucien is a Nashville native and professional gospel singer making her Gaslight Dinner Theatre debut in Chicago. She most recently appeared as Effie in a Nashville production of Dreamgirls and previously participated in several local theatrical productions in Port Arthur, Texas, before returning to Tennessee after Hurricane Rita. Jewel studied at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and was awarded a vocal scholarship to Austin Peay State University. She has performed in jazz and R&B clubs in the region and abroad. In 2005, Jewel opened for several gospel artists such as Shirley Caesar, The Williams Brothers and Dr. Timothy Wright and appeared on the Bobby Jones Gospel Showcase at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas in 2004. She recorded a gospel CD entitled Believe and Receive and was selected to perform for the 2004 I Hear Music in the Air conference in Cincinnati hosted by Gospo Centric Records. She is married to the love of her life, Melvin E. Lucien, Jr., her biggest fan and best friend. The two of them love life and live for Christ.
Mike Lyttle
Mike Lyttle is making his Gaslight Dinner Theatre debut as Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady. Mike has appeared in numerous community theatre productions in Nashville and Dickson, including portraying Abraham Van Helsing in the Renaissance Players production of Dracula. Other credits include Julius Caesar in ACT I’s production of Julius Caesar, King Duncan in MacBeth presented by the Kingston Springs Players and Dickson-area productions of Much Ado About Nothing, Pirates of Penzance, It’s a Wonderful Life, To Kill a Mockingbird and Arsenic and Old Lace.
Janet McMahan
Janet McMahan graduated from David Lipscomb University with a degree in Piano performance. After graduation, she toured with the legendary Roy Orbison as a keyboard player and has subsequently appeared on numerous Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning works. Over the course of her career, Janet has performed with Steve Winwood, John Denver, Michael W. Smith, Sandy Patti, Bill Gaither, Dolly Parton and Big Bird, to name a few. Janet’s writing, acting and producing credits include McDonald’s, Toyota, General Tire and Target. On stage, her most recent performances include Our Town, Prisoner of Second Avenue, A Christmas Carol and Wildwood Flowers. She previously appeared on The Renaissance Center stage in the Renaissance Players production of The Sound of Music.
Julie Meirick
Julie Meirick is an Iowa native who resides in Nashville. She has appeared in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of Chicago, A Grand Night for Singing, My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, Nuncrackers and Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash. She moved to Tennessee 10 years ago as a member of Gaylord Entertainment and has been active in the Nashville theatre scene, performing with The Circle Players, Gaylord Entertainment and Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre. Favorite roles include Carla in Nine, Dorothy in The Wiz and Margy in State Fair.
Cheyenne Nelson
Cheyenne Nelson is very excited to be back at The Renaissance Center for Chicago. She was most recently seen at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis as the Sour Kangaroo in Seussical! The Musical, Madalaine True in The Wild Party and Madame de la Grande Bouche in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. She spent last summer in interior Alaska playing Fannie Quigley, Mistress Quickley in The Merry Wives of Windsor and directing Parallel Lives. Other favorite roles for the Arkansas native include Princess Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes here at the Gaslight Dinner Theatre. She also has performed in the Mind Enriching Theatre series productions of HONK! and SNOOPY!!!
Eddie Nichols
Eddie Nichols directed his first show at The Renaissance Center with the Renaissance Players production of ’night, Mother. A member of the center’s Toy Shop, Nichols received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts from Austin Peay State University where he appeared in productions of Buried Child, MacBeth and As You Like It, while directing Bug Man’s Coming. Nichols also appeared on stage in the Renaissance Players 2005 production of Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus and the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of High School Musical on Stage. Eddie spent seven years at Green Enterprises in the entertainment business before coming to The Renaissance Center in May 2004. During his time at Green Enterprises, he worked in numerous entertainment mediums such as videos, film, television and live stage performances. Some of his more notable work includes HBO comedies for George Carlin and Chris Rock, Christmas in Washington for the president, A&E’s 4th of July Celebration for the Nation, Celine Deon’s Farewell at Radio City Music Hall, Country Music’s Benefit for 9/11, MTV’s X Games, TNA Wrestling, the Dove Awards and the opening intro for Monday Night Football, which won a regional Emmy award. In addition, he also worked on the first Nashville Star, CMT Crossroads, the Flameworthy Awards, updated the CMT Studios and numerous music videos including artists such as Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Alan Jackson, Jessica Andrews and the Shania Twain Thanksgiving Special. Eddie’s versatile credits also include the Rockettes Christmas, staging for a special Nickelback, Filter and Montgomery Gentry concert, independent films such as Existo and Masterpiece Theatre’s A Death in the Family and scenery for still shot photography.
Tracy Nichols
Tracy Nichols of Ashland City has more than 20 years of experience on and off stage with professional, educational and community theatres. A full-time faculty member at Austin Peay State University’s Communication and Theatre Department, she teaches theatre and public speaking. Tracy earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from APSU. She has appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of Anything Goes and Lend Me a Tenor and directed The Miss Firecracker Contest. She appeared in the Renaissance Players production of Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus for which she won a Jimmy Award as Best Supporting Actress. She directed Little Shop of Horrors, The Music Man and co-directed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Tracy performed the role of Mama in ‘night, Mother with Amy Scott and was directed by her husband, Eddie. She also performed in the Mind Enriching Theatre series productions of Wiley and the Hairy Man, High School Musical on Stage, Alice in Wonderland, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Christmas Carol. She and her husband Eddie, Toy Shop Scenic Artist and Shop Foreman, have three wonderful daughters. Tracy is an avid Titans fan and enjoys the opportunity to participate in theatre at The Renaissance Center.
Jenny Norris-Light
Jenny Norris-Light is a graduate of Belmont University with a Bachelor of Music degree. She was a featured member of Belmont’s musical theatre ensemble “Company” for three years. She performed for Opryland USA in shows such as I Hear America Singing and A Gift for Santa, and Fire on the Mountain performing live with Dolly Parton at Dollywood, various industrial shows for Gary Musik Productions, and the Lee Greenwood Show. Her most recent role was Kathy Seldon in the musical Singin’ in the Rain performed at the Looby Theatre. She has been the featured entertainer for national shows, conventions and pageants and has played leading roles in various musicals in the Middle Tennessee area. Aside from being a performer Jenny is also a mother of two, voice and performance coach and choreographer, having directed and choreographed the Miss Teen America Pageant, The Miss Oregon America Pageant, and the televised Miss Virginia USA Pageant. Jenny is very excited to be in Seussical, which is her first show with the Mind Enriching Theatre series at The Renaissance Center.
Hal Partlow
Though he considers himself a Tennessean, Hal Partlow is originally from upstate New York and has worked professionally throughout the country for over 25 years. He is the Managing Director of the Mind Enriching Theatre (MET) series and Company Manager of the Repertory Company at The Renaissance Center. Hal has appeared in or directed most of the MET series productions since The Renaissance Center opened, including Death of a Salesman, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jane Eyre, Twelfth Night, MacBeth, As You Like It, Richard III, Romeo and Juliet, The Belle of Amherst, The Glass Menagerie, And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank, Auschwitz Lullaby, SNOOPY!!!, and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. For the Gaslight Dinner Theatre, Hal has appeared as Sparky in Forever Plaid, Lucien P. Smith in The Boys Next Door, Bobby Franklyn in Run for Your Wife, Andy in The Star Spangled Girl, Owen in The Foreigner, Mac Sam in The Miss Firecracker Contest, Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy, and Marc in Yasmina Reza’s ART. Other directing credits for the Renaissance Center include Sanders Family Christmas, Smoke on the Mountain, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, A Christmas Survival Guide, Nuncrackers, Dearly Departed, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie, Children of Eden and CATS. Some of Hal’s regional credits include directing Ruthless, Suddenly Last Summer, Steel Magnolias, Pippin and Chapter Two, and appearing in Hello Dolly (with Metropolitan Opera star Stephanie Blythe), 1776, Evita, SideShow, Peter Pan, A Tale of Two Cities, and King Lear.
L.A. Pauza III
L.A. Pauza III hails from the Sunshine State of Florida. He grew up performing in Jacksonville before deciding to pursue an acting career. L.A. has worked professionally onstage and in front of the camera during high school, and appeared in a U.K. commercial for the British telecommunication giant Orange. He worked as a professional actor in his hometown while attending the Florida Community College of Jacksonville, where he earned his Associate of Arts degree in Theatre. He found a home away from home at the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, where he gained membership candidacy to Actor’s Equity Association, the professional actor’s union. In his time at Alhambra, L.A. appeared onstage in Footloose, Cabaret and Cinderella. He also appeared offstage at the Alhambra in the Box Office as a Customer Service Representative and the Donations Coordinator. In 2005 L.A. made the move to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida Conservatory Theatre. In his time at UCF he appeared onstage in The Boyfriend, Fiddler on the Roof and A Devised Theatre Piece. While at UCF he served as the New Student Liaison Undergraduate Chair and the Student Chair for the conservatory’s first Study Abroad Trip to London. For the university he worked in the dorms as Resident Assistant in the on-campus upscale living dorms, The Towers at Knight’s Plaza. Helping to oversee the day-to-day functioning, maintenance and student body for two of the four seven-story apartment styled dorms, he gained a greater understanding of managing others. In his final year L.A. opted to use the skills he honed as an R.A. to serve as Associate Choreographer for the Fall Main-Stage musical, Frank Loesser’s The Most Happy Fella. His choreography received critical and audience acclaim. The Central Florida Future raved about his “...brilliant choreography of the 30-plus cast...” L.A. graduates this August with Honors in the Major for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre Performance. L.A. is a proud dog owner and enjoys poker, working out at the gym, traveling and using his Mac in his free time.
Barbie Pitts
Barbie Pitts appeared in the Renaissance Players productions of The Music Man, Children of Eden and Fiddler on the Roof. The Erin homemaker and home-school mom has appeared in Houston County Community Theatre productions of Hello, Dolly!, Uh-oh, Here Comes Christmas, Frankenstein Radio Play, Oklahoma!, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Sound of Music and All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. She is managing director for Houston County Community Theatre and secretary on the board of directors of the Houston County Arts Council. She enjoys acting, singing and spending time with her family – especially her husband of 22 years, Andy.
Daniel Pitts
Daniel Pitts is a home-schooled sophomore from Erin and is appearing in his fourth Mind Enriching Theatre series production. Favorite theatre experiences include The Music Man and Children of Eden (Renaissance Players), Oliver! (Houston County High School), The Homecoming and Oklahoma! (Houston County Community Theatre) and HONK! (M.E.T.). When not doing theatre, Daniel enjoys playing tennis, running, playing fiddle and banjo, reading, tap dancing and a good cup of tea.
Greg Pragel
Greg Pragel is from Buffalo, N.Y., where he graduated from Niagara University. Since then, he has performed with Downstairs Cabaret Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, Sesame Street Live! He appeared in the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of Disney’s High School Musical on Stage (Ryan) and the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of A Chorus Line (Mike). He recently finished as a Resident Company Member and the Fight Choreographer for Playhouse on the Square in Memphis. Some of his favorite roles there were Malcolm MacGregor in The Full Monty, Tom Sawyer in Big River, the Cat in the Hat in Seussical, Peter in And Baby Makes Seven, Charlie in Purlie and the title role in Scapin. Greg would like to thank Snooker for all the laughs, his friends and family for all the love and support, love always to Tim, the Seussical cast for a blast again with this show and a special thanks to his BP.
Jason Richards
Jason Richards is glad to be back for a second time at The Renaissance Center. The Texas native previously appeared last April as Jess in The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (abridged). He spent the summer back in Texas at the Texas Shakespeare Festival playing numerous roles, including Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Malcolm in MacBeth. Some of his other favorite roles include Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest and George in All My Sons at the Roxy Regional Theatre in Clarksville. Jason received his MFA from the University of Nebraska. He is an avid reader, runner and baseball fan.
Stacie Riggs
Stacie Riggs appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of A Chorus Line and the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of High School Musical on Stage. She has previously been seen in productions of Chicago, Cats and Children of Eden at the center. Her favorite roles include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Ruth in Blithe Spirit and Maria in The Sound of Music. Stacie has been performing since the age of four in theatre, dance and television and even attended a performing arts high school to study musical theatre. Before moving to Tennessee to pursue a singing career in country music, the California native worked at The Walt Disneyland Resort as a parade dancer/performer and in 2002 had a recurring role on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless. She would like to thank her family for all of their support and encouragement. Special thanks to the cast and crew for all of their hard work and for all the many moments of fun and laughter.
Steven Riggs
Steven Riggs is a native of California having grown up in “The O.C.” He comes directly to The Renaissance Center from the World Tour of Disney Live! Presents Mickey’s Magic Show. He has performed all across the globe in more than a dozen countries and in half a dozen languages. He is a versatile actor, portraying roles as varied as Prince Charming and Snow White’s Prince, and as diverse as Belle’s Prince and Prince Eric. He is thrilled to once again be involved with High School Musical, having previously starred in the High School Musical Pep Rally at Walt Disney World as well as the 2006 Christmas Day ABC special live from WDW with the original High School Musical cast. Both videos currently can be seen on YouTube. If you don’t catch him on YouTube, then Steven can next be seen with the 2008-09 European Tour of Disney Live!
Zak Risinger
Zak Risinger appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of Nuncrackers, Anything Goes and The Foreigner, the Renaissance Players production of Little Shop of Horrors and the Visual Arts Gallery presentation of Art. He directed the MET series production of A Christmas Carol Revisited and appeared in HONK! A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, Zak has worked at numerous regional theatres throughout the county, including Playhouse on the Square, The Barter Theatre, Oklahoma City Theatre Company, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, Weathervane Repertory Theatre and Galveston Island Musicals. Past productions include Man of La Mancha, The Servant of Two Masters, A Man of No Importance, Parade, Idols of the King and Drive-In America.
Catherine Rogers
Catherine Rogers is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She made her Gaslight Dinner Theatre debut as June in Chicago. Her favorite roles to date have been Donkey in Sheldon Harnick’s world premiere of Dragons (Luna Stage) and Agnes Gooch in Mame (The Show Palace Dinner Theatre). Other favorite shows include The Will Rogers Follies, Cabaret and Jekyll and Hyde. Catherine would like to thank everyone at the Gaslight Dinner Theatre and she also would like to thank her parents, her future in-laws, her Scottish terrier Angus and, above all, Jason. XOXO!
B.J. Rowell
B.J. Rowell appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of A Chorus Line, Chicago and My Fair Lady, the Renaissance Players production of Cats and the Mind Enriching Theatre series productions of High School Musical on Stage, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Alice in Wonderland and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. B.J. has studied theatre at Auburn University as well as the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. His favorite roles include the Emcee in Cabaret, John Proctor in The Crucible and Stanley Gardner in Caught in the Net. B.J. would like to thank everyone who supports his career, especially his new wife Hannah, with whom he is looking forward to sharing many fun adventures in the very near future.
Ross Schexnayder
Ross Schexnayder is a happy, tall, Cajun from the marshy waters of Louisiana, and is thrilled to be making his debut with Renaissance Repertory Theatre for Anything Goes. He recently graduated from Northwestern State University in Louisiana in three years with a BA in Theatre. His credits include the roles of Stephen Belber in NSU’s production of The Laramie Project, Cinderella’s Prince in Into the Woods, the Messenger in the rock musical Medea, and wrote/performed in his one-man show Clean Sweep. His regional credits include work at Flat Rock Playhouse where he played in the ensemble of Beauty and the Beast and Sandy in The Man Who Came to Dinner, as Donald in You Can’t Take It With You at Tibbits Opera House, and recently as Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe in Smoke on the Mountain at Cumberland County Playhouse. Ross is just jazzed to be here in Dickson, and now, on with the show... as soon as he stops that comet from hitting the earth.
Sara Schoch
Sara Schoch originally hails from Cleveland, Ohio, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from State University of New York at Fredonia and has been seen in numerous productions throughout the country. She has appeared in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of Smoke on the Mountain, My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra (in which she met fiancé Ryan Hunt), The Miss Firecracker Contest, Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash, A Grand Night for Singing, Chicago and the Renaissance Players productions of Children of Eden and Guys and Dolls, for which she won a Jimmy Award for Best Actress in a Musical. For the Mind Enriching Theatre series, Sara has appeared in Aladdin, Pinocchio, Bird Woman (The Story of Sacagewea) and SNOOPY!!! Past roles include Mona in A Class Act, Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! at Mercury Summer Stock, Vi Petty in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Cathy in The Last Five Years, Squeaky Fromme in Assassins, and Cunegonde in Leonard Bernstein's Candide at SUNY Fredonia. She can also be heard on the original concept recording of Jim Balmer and Jon Dorf's musical Day One as Erika Golddigger.
Friesia Schuil
Friesia Schuil is making her second Gaslight Dinner Theatre appearance with Anything Goes, having debuted with A Christmas Survival Guide. The Nashville native has appeared in two Renaissance Players productions, playing Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music and Philia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. She recently completed a tour of Asia appearing as Elsa in a production of The Sound of Music. Other regional credits include shows with College Light Opera Co. and Bearcreek Farms. Friesia holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice Performance from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and formerly taught voice at The Renaissance Center.
Donna Adams Schulte
Donna Adams Schulte comes to Tennessee from the Tibbits Theatre in Coldwater, Mich., where she appeared as Mrs. Potts in Picnic. Prior to that she appeared as Louise Seger in Always… Patsy Cline at Cornwells Dinner Theatre in Marshall, Mich. A Texas native and graduate of Baylor University, Donna currently lives in Marion, Ind., with her husband Ed and their cat Zeke and has appeared in theatres across America. In addition to Ousier in Steel Magnolias, Donna’s other very favorite role is Grace Stiles in Grace and Glorie. Other favorites include Aunt Eller in Oklahoma, Aunt Martha in Arsenic and Old Lace, Eulalie McKechnie Shinn in The Music Man, Penny Sycamore in You Can’t Take It With You, Opal Kronkie in Opal’s Million Dollar Duck and Opal’s Wedding and Veta Louise Simmons in Harvery. Donna’s absolute favorite role, however, is being Grandma Donna to 10 grandkids! Donna would like to thank Pacer for giving her the opportunity to work with him and everyone associated with the Gaslight Dinner Theatre.
Minnie Scronce
Minnie Scronce is from Newton, N.C. She recently graduated from Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Arts and a minor in dance. She just recently finished working for Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre in Minnesota. She played the evil stepmother and the fairy godmother. Some of Minnie’s memorable roles would be Marianne in Tartuffe, Ms. Krumholtz in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying and Emma from Pterodactyls. Minnie would like to thank the cast of Seussical for making this experience one of the best she has ever had. She would like to thank her parents and family for all of their support. “I love you!”
Jennifer Stone
Jennifer Stone appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of A Chorus Line and the Mind Enriching Theatre series production of High School Musical on Stage. A graduate of Lees-McRae College in North Carolina, Jennifer earned both a Musical Theatre and Dance degree then pursued her career in the performing arts. Some regional performing credits include Anita in West Side Story, Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Guinevere in Camelot, Mrs. Anna in The King and I, Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, Julie in Pizza Man, and touring in the title role of Pinocchio. When Jennifer is not performing, she enjoys the creative side of the arts such as directing and choreographing. Jennifer thanks her family, friends and God for all their love and support.
Jessica Taige
Jessica Taige does not want to start her bio in the usual cliché manner, but please know that she really is excited to be performing in her first Renaissance Center production. Jessica recently graduated from Catawba College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. Favorite past credits include Belle in Beauty and the Beast (Bigfork Summer Playhouse), Mabel in Pirates of Penzance, Rhoda in A New Brain (Catawba College) and Rapunzel in Into the Woods (Mill Mountain Theater). She has also had the pleasure of performing with the WAMI award-winning band, Mr. Lucky Syndicate, in Wisconsin.
Holland Taylor
Holland Taylor has appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of My Fair Lady, the Renaissance Players production of The Music Man (Marian Paroo) and the Mind Enriching Theatre series productions of High School Musical on Stage (Sharpay), Alice in Wonderland (Alice) and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Titania). Originally from Arkansas, Holland graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and then made the move to New York City, where she currently resides. She has worked with The Manhattan Children’s Theatre, Spirit Cruise Lines, three soap operas, Pilates on Fifth and most recently as a singing Christmas tree at Macy’s Department Store. Some of her favorite roles include Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Peter in Peter Pan and Irene in Crazy for You.
Johnny Todd
Johnny Todd has performed with a variety of bands at numerous nightspots since moving to Nashville in 1985. His television credits include Ed McMahon’s Star Search and Charlie Daniels’ Talent Round-up. Some of his favorite roles include Jesus in Godspell, Marvin in Falsettos and Little Big Man in A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline. He was most recently seen in Tennessee Repertory Theatre’s production of Evita. Currently Johnny tours with the Bo Thorpe Orchestra, with whom he performed at the last two Presidential Inaugurations. As a session singer, he has close to 100 TV and radio jingles playing across the country. Johnny appeared in the Gaslight Dinner Theatre’s production of My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra.
Kiersten Vorheis
Kiersten Vorheis is thrilled to be reprising her role as Vera Sanders in this sequel to last year’s Smoke on the Mountain. She has also been seen here at The Renaissance Center as Maria Morrelli in Lend Me a Tenor and a featured soloist in Children of Eden. Kiersten has performed around the country at such theaters as Derby Dinner Playhouse, Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre, Tibbits Opera House, Brown County Playhouse; and has entertained audiences on two national tours of A Christmas Carol. Some of Kiersten’s favorite past roles include Nickie in Sweet Charity, Widow Corney in Oliver, Jan in Grease!, Angel in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Mrs. Peacock in Clue, Wendy Jo in Footloose and Hildy in On the Town. Kiersten would like to thank her family and friends for all their love and support, and thanks to Paul who gives her both these things without a second thought. Enjoy the show!
Carolyn Wickwire is making her debut with the Gaslight Dinner Theatre in My Fair Lady. A native of Dallas, Texas, some of her more recent roles include those in Pride and Prejudice (Dallas Theater Center), The Women (Contemporary Theatre of Dallas), Beauty Queen of Leenane (Quad C Theatre), Kindertransport (Echo Theatre), The Unexpected Guest (Richardson Theatre Centre), A Skull in Connemara (Stage West), and The Mousetrap and Glorious! (Theatre Three). A graduate of Southern Methodist University, she also studied at the Dallas Theater Center. Her television appearances include Prison Break. Many thanks to Pacer for this opportunity!
Karley Willocks
Karley Willocks recently graduated from Shenandoah University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre. This is her debut performance at The Renaissance Center and she is thrilled to be here! Throughout her college experience, Karley appeared in Two Gentlemen of Verona as the Milkmaid, Cabaret as Lulu, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as Philia. She also performed with Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre as Urleen in Footloose and the Coroner in The Wizard of Oz. “Thanks for coming and enjoy the show! Peace and Love.”
Bret Wilson
Bret Wilson received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater Performance from the University of Memphis. He has worked with theater companies such as Memphis Black Rep, the Tennessee Rep, Virginia Shakespeare Festival, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Mockingbird Theater, Nashville Children's Theater and the Robertson County Playhouse. Bret is currently the artistic director of the Sylvan Street Christian Theater Ministry where he also serves as production director. Bret has appeared in the Mind Enriching Theatre series productions of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn, A Christmas Carol Revisited and Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe and the Gaslight Dinner Theatre production of Driving Miss Daisy.
Bryan J. Wlas
Bryan J. Wlas has appeared in Gaslight Dinner Theatre productions of A Chorus Line, My Fair Lady, Sanders Family Christmas, A Grand Night for Singing, Smoke on the Mountain, Anything Goes, Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash and Nuncrackers, and Mind Enriching Theatre productions of High School Musical on Stage, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, SNOOPY!!!, HONK!, Pinocchio and Bird Woman (The Story of Sacagewea). He has appeared in Renaissance Players productions of The Music Man, Children of Eden, Cats and Little Shop of Horrors, for which he won a Jimmy Award as Best Actor in a Musical. As resident choreographer for The Renaissance Center, he has worked on more than 20 productions. He also directed Hello, Dolly! for Houston County Community Theatre. A native of Woodridge, Ill., Bryan is a graduate of Millikin University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a Dance minor. Bryan’s choreography also has been seen at Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Montana, in Smokey Joe’s Café at Lees-McRae Summer Theatre in North Carolina, at Tweetsie Railroad, Bearcreek Farms Resort in Indiana and for the Millikin University Dance Concerts. As a performer he has traveled all over the country and Western Europe, performing in theme parks, on a cruise ship and at various regional theatres.
Past Interns
Christina Griffin
Christina Griffin is a general tech and stage management intern with the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company. The Meridian, Miss., native received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Southern Mississippi. At USM she served as stage manager for productions of Our Town and Doubt: A Parable, receiving American College Theatre Festival Barbazon Award nominations, as well as Bacon Bits and Lovers and Madmen studio projects. She was assistant stage manager for Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage. With Southern Arena Theatre she served as assistant stage manager for The Voice of the Prairie and Shakespeare in Hollywood and was a member of the deck crew for Fallen Angels.
Jenava Moreau
Jenava Moreau is a general tech and stage management intern with the Renaissance Repertory Theatre Company. The Clarksville, Ark., resident is a senior at the University of the Ozarks when she has performed in, as well as been stage manager/properties master, for more than 10 productions, including The Shape of Things, Hedda Gabler and The Last Night of Ballyhoo, and worked in lighting, costuming and scenic construction for more than 20 university and Lago Vista Players productions in the past five years. She enjoys hiking, white-water canoeing, knitting, playing guitar, exploring the outdoors, singing and many other things.