Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
February 3 - March 17
SYNOPSIS - Musical
Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life your favorite characters from the novel-the Widow Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck’s partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pals; Huck’s drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family. Propelled by an award winning score from Roger Miller, the king of country music, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana.
NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
CAST LIST
~ The show will be performed in Sign Language on Monday nights and Saturday matinees. There will be music and dialogue so hearing persons can enjoy all performances regardless. ~
***West Seating has been temporarily reassigned. Please contact the Box office for more information: 817-284-1200.***
DIRECTED by:
Dennis Canright
BASED ON STORY by:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain
MUSIC BY:
Roger Miller
BOOK by:
William Hauptman
LYRICS by:
Roger Miller
PRESENTED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH:
R&H Theatricals, Inc.
Cameron Allsup
Role: Andy/Ensemble
Cameron is thrilled to be a part of this production of BIG RIVER, he was recently seen in SCROOGE here at Artisan and you might recognize him from PHANTOM and PRINCE CASPIAN. Cameron’s favorite role was Glenstorm in PRINCE CASPIAN. He is known as the king of customer service, he says helping people is one thing that makes him happy no matter what. Cameron likes to play golf, volleyball, and other sports. He would like to thank his grandmother, God and all his other supporters.
Brianna Ballow
Role: Joanna Wilkes
Brianna is very excited to be a part of BIG RIVER. Her other acting credits include MUSIC MAN at Artisan, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Theatre Arlington, and SUESSICAL JR at Life Stage Theater. Her favorite role was Madame Thénardier in LES MISÉRABLES at Artisan. She would like to thank her family for their unending support. She would also like to thank God for the gift of musical theater and the opportunity to perform.
Chalea Blair
Role: ASL Interpreter/Sign Language Choreographer
Chalea is thrilled to be onstage at Artisan again after having played the roles of Ms. Maude in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, Ensemble in CINDERELLA and Myrtle Mae in HARVEY. Other favorite roles include Mary in RUN FOR YOUR WIFE and Joanie in LOOK WHO’S LAUGHING. When she's not onstage, Chalea works as an Interpreter for the Deaf, obsesses over Twilight, goes on girl night outs, and spends time with her three amazing children and her wonderful and supportive husband. Be an organ donor. You will save lives!
Erikah Blair
Role: Ensemble
Erikah is pleased to announce this as her acting debut, as well as her first show onstage at Artisan. Erikah has been involved with dance and acting classes since she was three years old, and loves to entertain everyone. Erikah is grateful to be in this show with her brother, Nathaniel, and her mother. She is thankful for her Heavenly Father, and for organ donors. If it were not for organ donation, she would not be here to entertain you today.
Nathaniel Blair
Role: Ensemble
Nathaniel is grateful to be a part of this show, his first Main Stage production at Artisan. He was most recently seen playing the role of Grandpa George in Artisan Acting Academy’s production of WILLY WONKA JR. Nathaniel loves to play the piano, the Wii, and wishes to become a software engineer when he grows up. Nathaniel dedicates this performance to anyone with Asperger’s Syndrome and autism in general.
Charles I. Bryant
Role: Ensemble
Charles would like to thank God first. He would also like to thank the patrons, volunteers, Artisan staff, and fellow thespians for making this possible. This is his tenth year doing Community Theater in the metroplex. He last appeared as Lewis Barnett in PROPOSALS here at Artisan. He hopes the audience enjoys watching this play as much as he enjoys performing in this classic written by Mark Twain.
Tiffany Carter
Role: Ensemble
Tiffany is ecstatic to be a part of BIG RIVER! This will be her fifth performance at Artisan, her latest being SCROOGE. She would like to thank her Lord and Savior, her family and friends for their support, the cast, and the director and crew!
Hayden Cawood
Role: Jo/Ensemble
Hayden is thrilled to be returning to the Artisan stage. He was last seen in SCROOGE THE MUSICAL as Peter Cratchit. He also appeared in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES as Moody Spurgeon. Hayden studies piano, acting, choir, and band at Travis Academy of Fine Arts. He would like to thank his parents and brothers for their love and encouragement and the Artisan for the opportunity to be a part of BIG RIVER! But above all, he would like to thank God for the talent and abilities He has given him. May this show bring him glory! James 4:7
Louise Childs
Role: Widow Douglas/Strange Woman
Louise has been active in all phases of theater work in Canada, playing Matilda Cartwright in GUYS AND DOLLS and the Queen at the Embassy Ball in MY FAIR LADY as well as many chorus roles. Producer, Stage manager, props, costumes and stage crew are just some of the jobs she has enjoyed. She has worked with ICT in Irving doing props and set decorations for LAURA, PICNIC and THE FIRST BAPTIST OF IVY GAP. She has worked with Artisan as a volunteer over the last 6 years. This is her tenth appearance on stage in Texas and is thrilled at the opportunity. She played a Nun in SOUND OF MUSIC, Mrs. Shinn in THE MUSIC MAN, a lady-in-waiting in CINDERELLA and Mrs. Chauvenet in HARVEY, Mrs. Higgins in MY FAIR LADY , Assistant stage manager for MIKADO, Mrs. Rebecca Lawton in OKLAHOMA!, Clairee in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, and Mrs. Greer, in ANNIE, Frau Schmidt, in SOUND OF MUSIC and now gets to play several roles in BIG RIVER. Thanks to her husband Jim for his patience with her theater stuff.
Nate Davis
Role: Huck Finn
Nate started acting in 2003 making short films with his best friend. In 2006, he made his live theater debut in Creative Arts In Action's performance of CINDERELLA as the King. He then went on to do seven more plays with CAIA, such as WIZARD OF OZ, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and LITTLE WOMEN. Nate performed in MUSIC MAN as Harold Hill, and THE SOUND OF MUSIC as Captain Von Trapp, even TOM SAWYER as Huck Finn. He moved to Los Angeles, CA in January of 2011 and studied there under Deborah Lemen at Lemen Studios and Rage Talent in Hollywood for six months, transitioning into film. Nate moved back to Texas in August, and this is his first musical in over two years, and his first production at Artisan. Nate would like to thank his family, the Sutton family, the Carrigan family, and the Lord for his blessings and opportunities.
Kevin Dilks
Role: Judge Thatcher/Harvey/Doctor/Lafe
Kevin is excited to be in his first production at Artisan. He majored in theatre education at Abilene Christian University. For the past twenty six years, he has worked at Haltom High school during which time he taught social studies and theatre. However, he started a new adventure in his educational career when he switched to teach at Richland High School in January. He'd like to thank everyone who has come to see him in this production.
Christopher Dorf
Role: Huck Finn
Christopher is excited to be back on the Artisan stage after performing as Tom Jenkins in SCROOGE THE MUSICAL. Previous Artisan shows include PETER PAN, THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE and he was honored to play the role of Marius in LES MISERABLES. Other shows include Ralphie in A CHRISTMAS STORY and Freddy Rogers in The WILL ROGER’S FOLLIES. Outside of theatre, Christopher is a commercial voice talent for Radio Disney. He enjoys leading worship for the youth on Wednesday nights and playing the keyboard on Sunday mornings at Abundant Life Church. Christopher would like to thank Jesus, his friends, and his amazing parents.
Chad Ecklund
Role: Jo/Ensemble
Chad is very grateful to be in his second production at Artisan. His involvement in Artisan Theater began as a stage tech for THE SOUND OF MUSIC, and since then he has played the roles of Ishmaelite and Egyptian guard in JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. He’d like to thank Dennis Canright and Dee Ann Blair for giving him this opportunity, as well as his family for their love and support.
Andrew Gentry
Role: Ben/Young Fool
Andrew is overjoyed to be in BIG RIVER! His previous appearances at Artisan include PRINCE CASPIAN, and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (he played Edmund in both). Other credits: JEEVES IN THE MORNING, at Stage West, as Edwin. Andrew would like to thank Dennis, his parents and family, and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom it all goes to. “ And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus...” Colossians 3:17
Eric Gentry
Role: Duke
Eric is excited to be returning to Artisan to act with his son Andrew and to rejoin with Dennis after playing Doc with his oldest son, in WEST SIDE STORY. Eric has performed other roles at Artisan including Bert Healey in ANNIE for which he was a finalist for a Column Award, and Max in THE SOUND OF MUSIC. He has also enjoyed playing Bob Crathchit in CHRISTMAS CAROL and playing the lead in the STINKY CHEESE MAN at CATS. Eric enjoys developing children in arts by serving on the board at CATS in Arlington and developing young men as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Boy Scouts. He wants to thank his beautiful wife of 22 years for letting Andrew and him “play” this year. His favorite role is being dad to his four awesome children whose talents exceed his greatest expectations. John 15:11
Morgan Gerdes
Role: Susan Wilkes
Morgan is extremely excited to be in her 9th show at Artisan Center Theater. Her favorite credits include Factory Girl #5 in LES MISERABLES and CINDERELLA as the Fairy Godmother. You may have recently seen her in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, SCROOGE and CATS as Jennyanydots. She enjoys singing, dancing, and reading. She would like to thank her parents for bringing her to rehearsals and supporting her.
Delaney Griffith
Role: Mary Jane Wilkes
Delaney is excited to be a part of another production at Artisan. She was most recently in the dance ensemble for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT and HELLO DOLLY. Some of her favorite roles have been Fantine in LES MISERABLES and Bloody Mary in SOUTH PACIFIC. She would like to thank her awesome friends and family for their love and support.
Kyle Holt
Role: Duke
Kyle is excited to be a part of this production. He was recently seen in ALL HANDS ON DECK as the Announcer and Pharaoh/Simeon in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT both here at Artisan. Kyle has also been seen in PHANTOM as Phantom, LES MISERABLES as Jean Valjean, CAMELOT as Lancelot, and all here at Artisan. Other places he played Frederic in PIRATES OF PENZANCE at GPAC and Javert in LES MISERABLES in Grapevine. Kyle would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support.
Meredith Jeppson
Role: Miss Watson/Sallie Phelps
Meredith is excited to be in BIG RIVER, her eighth show at Artisan! Meredith has recently been seen on the Artisan stage in SCROOGE (Hannah Hartley), SOUND OF MUSIC (Sister Sophia) and ANNIE (Miss Hannigan). When not lurking around backstage, she is crocheting and skyping with her almost 9 grandbabies! “Thanks to my family for letting me play!”
Dan Johnston
Role: Mark Twain/Counselor Robinson/Silas/Hank
Dan is excited to be part of this production. Dan has performed at the Artisan Center Theater in nine productions including SOUTH PACIFIC, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. He is active in the theater community both on and off the stage and currently serves on the board for Artisan Center Theater. He thanks his wife, Delta, for her continued support, Dennis for his vision, and Dee Ann for her faith in him.
Seth Johnston
Role: Pap
Seth is thrilled to be with Artisan again. Seth last appeared here as Atticus Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. He has worked every aspect of theatre at a variety of Metroplex venues including Water Tower, Circle, Hip Pocket, Fort Worth Theatre, Butterfly Connection, The Rose Marine, Runway, Artisan, Stage One, Scene Shop, Theatre Arlington, and has produced “weird” shows under his own moniker, Drag Strip Courage at Arts Fifth Avenue. During the day and most nights, Seth teaches theatre at Eastern Hills High School. As a new father, Seth wants to tell his family that he appreciates their help with the boy while he feeds his id. He also thanks Lark, his wife, who has more than earned her wings.
Cheryl King
Role: Miss Watson/Sally Phelps
Cheryl is thrilled to be making her fifth appearance at Artisan. Past roles at Artisan include SCROOGE (Mrs. Fezziwig), PHANTOM (Carlotta) ANNIE (Miss Hannigan) SOUTH PACIFIC (Genevieve Quale.) Other credits include ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (Annie ), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Chava ), OKLAHOMA (Laurie ), 45 MINUTES FROM BROADWAY (Mary ), SOUTH PACIFIC (Nellie ), CINDERELLA (Fairy Godmother ) and many more! She holds a Bachelor of Music from The University of Texas, where she majored in Vocal Performance. She taught elementary music and theatre arts for many years before 'redirecting' in 2008.
Sadie Leyva
Role: Ensemble
Sadie is so excited to be in another wonderful Artisan production. She comes from an acting family and is so happy to be performing with her brother in this show. Sadie has been a featured performer in such productions as THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, PRINCE CASPIAN, LUCKY AND THE FAIRIES, 101 DALMATIANS, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD for which she was nominated for a Column Award as Best Supporting Actress. She is a 5th grader and enjoys dancing, art and acting. Sadie would like to thank her friends and family for this great experience.
Zach Leyva
Role: Ben/Young Fool
Zach is proud to be in this production of BIG RIVER. He has been seen in such Artisan productions as THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, CAMELOT, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD for which he won a Best Supporting Actor Award from The Column! Zachary is a musician and athlete and is a scholar and member of the National Junior Honor Society. He works behind the scenes as well as an Assistant Stage Manager for various productions. He is so happy to be in this performance with his sister. Zachary would like to thank his friends and family for their support.
Harry Liston
Role: Mark Twain/Counselor Robingson/Silas/Hank
Harry is excited to be returning to the Artisan stage. Harry is a retired rocket scientist (Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin) who has been dabbling in Community Theater for about the last seventeen years. Harry has appeared in shows at various venues around the DFW area including (at Artisan) THE MUSIC MAN (Mayor Shinn), THE FOREIGNER (Owen Musser), THE SOUND OF MUSIC, BIG RIVER, THE MAN WITH THE POINTED TOES, and CINDERELLA. He appeared in the 2010 Column Award winning production of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST at ONSTAGE in Bedford as Scanlon (one of the inmates). He has appeared at other venues in INHERIT THE WIND, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, THE PROMISE, TAMING OF THE SHREW, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, GOD’S FAVORITE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, PHANTOM OF THE COUNTRY OPERA, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET, ROOM SERVICE among others. He thanks Dennis for casting him, his lovely and patient wife, Judy, for tolerating his thespian tendencies and God for his many blessings.
Max Mandudi
Role: Ensemble
Max is excited about making his debut at Artisan, though he is no stranger to the theater. He has helped crew some of the shows here as well as support many of his friends that have been in shows. In his free time Max enjoys comics, video games, hanging out with his friends and going to the movies. He would like to thank Dennis for this opportunity to be part of a great show.
Ty Mashia
Role: Ensemble/Interpreter
Ty is excited to be making his debut at Artisan. Ty was brought to Texas due to hurricane Katrina, which we are blessed to have him here. Using his skills of sign language, Ty translates for students of the Fort Worth ISD and the deaf community of DFW. In his spare time, he models at Dallas Fashion Events.
Claryce McConnell
Role: Ensemble
Claryce is enjoying her debut performance at Artisan. This is her first acting credit ever. Claryce is studying journalism, band and drama at Travis Academy of Fine Arts. When she is not acting, Claryce likes to hang out with her friends, read really long books and spend time with her family. She would like to thank her family for their encouragement, her drama teacher for all of the support, and the Artisan Theater for giving her this opportunity to be in BIG RIVER. Above all she would like to thank God for the talent that she has been able to exercise and discover. May this show bring glory to his name!
Michael Molina
Role: Dick/Ensemble
Michael is so excited to be in his sixth production at Artisan. Michael was previously seen in ANNIE, PHANTOM, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, HELLO DOLLY and most recently as Benjamin in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (his most favorite role). He has been in several productions locally including Richard Mason in JANE EYRE, Sports Fan in GODSPELL, and Bumps in SLEEPING BEAUTY OF LORELAND. In his free time, Michael enjoys biking on the Trinity Trails with his brother. Michael would like to thank Dennis, Rick and DeeAnn Blair.
Rachel Nelson
Role: Ensemble
Rachel is very excited to make her debut here at Artisan. She is a senior at Richardson High School and is planning on continuing musical theater throughout her life. Rachel would like to thank Meredith Jeppson for informing her about the show. She would also like to thank her family for always believing in her abilities and voice.
Dan Nolen
Role: King
Dan is delighted to be involved with his 66th show at Artisan, 29 on stage and 37 behind the scenes, directing, costuming, set building or providing props. Recent roles were Nunzio in OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS and Pelinore in CAMELOT. Favorite roles include Norman Thayer, Jr in ON GOLDEN POND, Maurice in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Grandpa in YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU and Governor in BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. As always, Dan would like thank his wonderful wife of 45 years, Connie, for her love, support and patience.
Kevin Ortega
Role: Dick/Ensemble
Kevin is glad to be back at Artisan. He has been in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES and SCROOGE. He likes theater very much and dreams of being in Hollywood as an actor. He likes music and dancing. He gives thanks to his family for supporting him and thanks the director for allowing him to be in a wonderful play that tells a story how it is. He also thanks you, the patron for watching him perform.
Gary Payne
Role: King
Gary is very happy to be appearing at ACT again, in one of his favorite shows, and one that he has wanted to be in for quite some time. He has had the good fortune to perform here at Artisan in some of his most favorite roles, including: Horace Vandergelder in HELLO, DOLLY, Boolie in DRIVING MISS DAISY, Pooh Bah in THE MIKADO, and Burt Hines in PROPOSALS. You might also remember him from our productions of WEST SIDE STORY, BRIGADOON and WALKING ACROSS EGYPT. Other favorite roles include Ray in LONE STAR, Arnold and Norman in multiple productions of THE BOYS NEXT DOOR, and Kanute in A DON’T HUG ME ON CHRISTMAS CAROL. Gary has also been the recipient of numerous awards from The Column (multiple), Stage West (twice), and ONSTAGE in Bedford (twice).
Myles Phillips
Role: Ensemble
Myles is excited about being a part of his second show at Artisan. His first was LES MISERABLES, in which he played the part of Enjolras. He most recently played the role of Horton in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL at Mansfield High School. Over the summer he played Major Holmes in THE SECRET GARDEN at Casa Mañana. Myles would like to thank everyone who gave him the chance to appear in BIG RIVER here at Artisan.
David Plybon
Role: Judge Thatcher/Doctor/Harvey/Lafe
David is returning to the Artisan for his 10th production. Favorite roles include Jud Fry in OKLAHOMA!, Bob Ewell in TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD (for which he received a Column Award nomination), Alonzo Smith in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, the title role in THE MIKADO, and Tony in HEAVEN CAN WAIT. David is honored to have the opportunity to work with director Dennis Canright, thanks God for each precious day, and thanks his family for encouraging him.
Billy Poole
Role: Jim
Billy's theater credits have spanned roles from Romeo for Shakespeare-in-the-Park to Paul in Theatre Arlington's production of SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION to Paris in Jubilee Theatre's adaptation of Shakespeare's ROMEO (& Juliet). He returns to Artisan for BIG RIVER where he has previously performed it at Casa Manana. His other theater credits include Lyric Stage, Dallas Children's Theater, OnStage, also ICT MainStage where he played Homer in THE LILIES OF THE FIELD.
Sandy Pruitt
Role: Alice
Sandy learned at an early age of her desire to entertain and perform. She has been singing and acting professionally for years and has gained a variety of professional experience in, Commercials, Theatre Productions, and touring in Bands and Choirs. She is thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful cast for the 3rd time here at Artisan in BIG RIVER. At Artisan she was also in PROPOSALS and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Other acting credits include Jewell in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, A…MY NAME IS ALICE in Flower Mound Performing Arts Theater, and THE COLORED MUSEUM in Dallas's TBAAL Theater. She maintains a solid commitment to entertain others through her professional, emotional, inspiring and live performances. Currently she is developing a stage play "From the Darkness to the Light" depicting the struggles of "mis" educated youth and the journey to find the "Their Truth", which is due to start touring early 2012.
Patrick Reyna
Role: Simon/Ensemble
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Tasia Robinson
Role: Alice's Daughter
Tasia is excited to be back on the Artisan stage. Her acting credits include: JOSEPH, CATS, ANNIE, and LES MISERABLES, at Artisan. BUGSY at Ed Willkie MS, STUART LITTLE at Theatre Arlington, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL at Casa Manana, and OZ THE MUSICAL at Majestic Theater. She is a member of DVA KIDS with DVA Productions, and wants to study Business and Theatre in college.
Neil Rogers
Role: Pap Finn/Sheriff
Neil is pleased to be returning to the Artisan stage after performing in WOMAN IN MIND (Gerald) at ICT MainStage, the regional premier of A CATERED AFFAIR (Sam/Mr. Halloran) at Theater Three and the critically acclaimed GYPSY (Pop) at Lyric Stage. Neil has been seen on the Artisan stage in HELLO DOLLY (Horace Vandergelder), Camelot (King Arthur), SOUTH PACIFIC (Luther Billis / Emile de Becque), OKLAHOMA (Jud Fry) and BRIGADOON (Archie Beaton). Neil has also been seen recently at ICT Mainstage in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Mr. Kirby) and THE LITTLE FOXES (Oscar Hubbard) and in THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS (Senator/Rufus) at Casa Manana.
Michael Salvador
Role: Simon
Michael is excited to be in his second Artisan show after debuting in HELLO DOLLY. He would love to continue to be in more shows here at Artisan. Michael likes to sing, have fun and he also plays football for Euless Trinity High School. He would like to thank God, Dennis Canright and the Artisan for the wonderful opportunity.
David Seil
Role: Tom Sawyer
David is extra excited to be in another production he has dreamed of being in since he saw it the first time at Artisan years ago. This is his 18th show at Artisan; previous shows include JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Asher/Baker), PHANTOM (Joseph Buquet), SOUND OF MUSIC (Kurt), and FATHER OF THE BRIDE (Tommy). He would like to thank Dennis for another wonderful opportunity.
Ansley Speares
Role: Susan Wilkes
Ansley is thrilled to be returning to the Artisan stage! She has performed in over 20 productions in the metroplex and loves to call Artisan home. She was recently seen in SWEET CHARITY (Besty, u/s Charity), her most challenging and favorite role yet, at Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts. Ansley has been busy this last year touring internationally with The Singing Girls of Texas and with her dance company, FootWorks PAC, in which she received national awards last summer in Las Vegas in musical theatre (solo), jazz, lyrical and tap. She also had the unique opportunity of performing on NBC with a national musical theatre ensemble, Broadway Kids, in the 85th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC.
Arianna Stephens
Role: Ensemble
Arianna is excited to be in BIG RIVER. Some of her favorite shows include MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA and ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN both at TAFA. Arianna’s favorite role was Mary Jo Blair in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES here at Artisan. She was also in charge of props backstage for that show which she enjoyed. Arianna enjoys writing songs, poetry, novels and short stories. She would like to thank Shannon Loose and Taffy Geisel for teaching her so much about theater and Dennis Canright for letting her be a part of this production.
Meredith Stowe
Role: Mary Jane Wilkes
Meredith could not be more elated about being a part of BIG RIVER! This will be her ninth show to appear in at Artisan, and another chance to have the time of her life with Dennis, Lindsay, and her friends. She most recently played Minnie Fay in HELLO DOLLY. Other credits include PHANTOM (Florence), OKLAHOMA (Gertie Cummings), CINDERELLA, and THE MUSIC MAN. She would like to thank her wonderful family and friends for being there for her. To God be the glory!
La’Netia D. Taylor
Role: Alice
La'Netia is excited to return to the Artisan Stage in BIG RIVER. She was last seen at Artisan in PROPOSALS (Clemma). Originally from Tyler, TX, La’Netia is RTVF /English graduate of TCU. She has worked professionally in the media world for over twenty years as a writer, producer, and voice talent. With an extensive background in acting, public speaking, ballet/modern dance, music, & the classical discipline of mime, La’Netia’s love of the arts also extends to teaching and mentoring young performers. She has also recently worked on a number of projects for television and film. On the stage, her roles have included Gateway Church’s original production THE ELAVATOR as Kim. She later reprised this character in Gateway’s original musical MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME. Recently, she played the character of Calpurnia in RCT Theater’s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD; the title character in the production THE LIBERATION OF AIN’T JO MAMA (7th Stage Productions) and also played the role of Lisa in the socially-conscious play, BIRTH. Her most recent role was as the character Rafiki in the original musical TRUTHICAL (Gateway Church). Most importantly, La’Netia gives all glory to God, and deeply appreciates her family, friends, and students for their encouragement & support
Jordan Thomas
Role: Joanna Wilkes
Jordan is excited to be back for her eleventh show at Artisan! She appeared most recently as Ermengarde in HELLO DOLLY and Judah’s Wife in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Her favorite roles include Zaneeta in THE MUSIC MAN, Snoopy in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN, and Alice Sycamore in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU. Thanks to Dennis, Rick, DeeAnn and Lindsay for the opportunity to be onstage with a river! To God be the Glory!
Connor Thompson
Role: Tom Sawyer
Connor is excited to have his first full lead role as Tom Sawyer. This is his 5th production at the Artisan, he was also seen in: THE SOUND OF MUSIC as Baron Elberfeld, SCROOGE as Dick Wilkins, HELLO, DOLLY as a Featured dancer and Barnaby Understudy, and PHANTOM as Joseph Bouquet and a policeman. He is ecstatic to be working with such a great cast and crew for such a phenomenal show.
Tyler Vaden
Role: Ensemble
Tyler enjoys dancing and singing at Artisan. She loved being a part of such amazing shows such as JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, CATS, HELLO DOLLY, PRINCE CASPIAN, ANNIE, LES MISERABLES, and, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE.
Diann Wells
Role: Widow Douglas/Strange Woman
Diann was most recently in ANNE OF GREEN GABLES as Rachel, ANNIE as Mrs. Greer, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD as Mrs. Dubose. She enjoys performing at the Artisan Theater with so many talented, kind and supportive people. Her husband, Thurston, is her hero and is so thankful for his love and encouragement.
Jean Ann Whittaker
Role: Ensemble
Jean is happy to return to the Artisan stage to act for the second time in the production BIG RIVER. Born and raised in a small island on the coast of South America in the Caribbean called Trinidad & Tobago, Jean Ann is a graduate of Morris County College with an Associate Degree in Nursing. She did four years of Music at Westminister Choir College with a major in voice, and one year of Music Therapy at Mountclair State College in New Jersey. Jean Ann graduated from Christ for The Nations Bible College in 2001 as a Minister of the gospel with a minor in Music. She is now an ordained minister of the Gospel.
Ecko Wilson
Role: Jim
Ecko is excited to be in his first production with Artisan. Ecko has performed in other productions such as Tom Collins in RENT, Horse in THE FULL MONTY, Lovin’ Al in WORKING and Lucien P. Smith in THE BOYS NEXT DOOR just to name some of his favorite roles. BIG RIVER has been a long time love and means so much to him. “This show speaks to my life and the people I love. To all my loved ones and friends, Thank you for your love and support.”
Alexis Zollicoffer
Role: Alice's Daughter
Alexis is excited to be a part of BIG RIVER. She's recently appeared in SCROOGE at Artisan Theater, ALADDIN at ONSTAGE in Bedford, BERENSTAIN BEARS at CATS Theater and many others. Alexis plans on becoming a theater director and her dream is to be on Broadway.
Dennis Canright
Role: Director
Dennis has been an active participant both on stage and off at Artisan for the last six seasons. Audiences may remember Dennis on stage in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, THE ARK, THE MUSIC MAN, I LOVE A PIANO, and THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS. Dennis has also directed HELLO, DOLLY, CAMELOT, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, OKLAHOMA, WEST SIDE STORY, CINDERELLA and most recently JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT for Artisan. A jack of all theatrical trades and master of none, Dennis splits his time between Artisan Center Theater and his day job as a staff member at Uptown Players in Dallas, and is also the official Set Designer for The Column Awards. A multiple Column Award nominee and winner, Dennis was honored with several nominations last year and received the Best Non-Equity Play Award for Artisan’s production of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD! Dennis wants to express his love and gratitude to the cast, staff, Lindsay, Mary Helen, Nita, Jennifer, Lily, Jason and Thurston for their creative genius and Rick and DeeAnn for their constant support and friendship.
Lindsay Hardisty
Role: Stage Manager/Assistant Director
Lindsay is ecstatic to be working on such great production. BIG RIVER was the first show that she saw here at Artisan! Lindsay has stage managed several Artisan productions. Some of her favorites include WEST SIDE STORY, SWING!, OKLAHOMA!, PROPOSALS, JOSEPH and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD for which she won a Column Award for. In addition to stage managing Lindsay has appeared onstage as well, most recently in HELLO, DOLLY here at Artisan as Ernestina and as Morgan Le Fay in CAMELOT. She would like to thank Dennis for being a great friend and always wanting to work with her. "Last but not least, Mom I love you and thank you for the support." Philippians 4:13
Mary Helen Atkins
Role: Music Director
Mary is thrilled to be working with the BIG RIVER cast at Artisan Center Theater. Having completed a twenty-five year career teaching middle school choir, Mary Helen spends her time teaching private voice and piano, accompanying choirs at Birdville High School, and playing piano for First Baptist Church of Hurst. Her favorite theater experiences include acting roles on stage in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU and KISS AND TELL, as well as directing the music for THE SECRET GARDEN, THE MUSIC MAN, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, KISS ME KATE and ANYTHING GOES.
Michael Williams
Role: Assistant Stage Manager/Andy
Michael has been Assistant Stage Managing for about a year now, shows like CAMELOT, SOUND OF MUSIC, HELLO DOLLY!, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT and what a great way to start off the new year with BIG RIVER. Michael has worked with Dennis Canright and Lindsay Hardisty since 2009 where he teched his very first show, WEST SIDE STORY. He has teched several shows and performed in 3 all at Artisan. He played Sir Colgrevance in CAMELOT, Link Dias in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, and Inspector LeDoux in PHANTOM. He's very excited to work with such a wonderful cast and crew and is looking forward to what the New Year brings.
