GHOST THE MUSICAL to Make Regional Premiere at the Barn Theatre School, 6/30

The Regional Premiere of GHOST THE MUSICAL opens at the Barn Theatre School June 30!

This iconic musical is adapted from the 1990 Academy Award winning film starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. It follows the story of Sam and Molly (portrayed by Barn favorites Jamey Grisham and Brooke Evans respectively), a young New York couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown. An original pop score from multiple Grammy Award-winners Dave Stewart, one half of the 80s pop duo the Eurythmics, and Glen Ballard, co-writer with Alanis Morissette on the multi-platinum album Jagged Little Pill, the musical's tale of everlasting love is thrilling entertainment for audiences of all ages.

The Barn is happy to welcome back Shinnerrie Jackson in the role of Oda Mae Brown. Rounding out the cast are Michael Tuck as Carl (last seen at the Barn in 2008), Kevin Robert White as Willy Lopez, Penelope Alex as Mrs. Santiago, Charlie King as Hospital Ghost and Bethany Edlund as Louise and first year apprentice, Dani Apple as Clara.

Receiving three Tony award nominations along with a Drama Desk Award for Best Set Design, the first stage adaptation began previews on London's West End in June of 2011 and transferred to Broadway in 2012.

Hans Friedrichs directs the Barn's production. Choreographer is Jamey Grisham, with Musical Direction by Matt Shabala. Scenic Designer/Artist is Shy Iverson, Costume Designer is Carly Heathcote. Lighting Designer is Andrew Carson, Properties are designed by Bethany Edlund. Sound is designed by Corey Boughton. Technical Director is Nick Hoovler.

Performances for GHOST THE MUSICAL are Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 5 p.m. from June 30 through July 12. The Barn Theatre School's FREE, highly popular, interactive outreach program, The Backstage Experience is offered July 2, 3, 8, 9, 10. Sponsored by Eaton, Denso, and Post Foods, call 269-731-1151 or email bsx@barntheatreschool.org for information.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets are $37 for all performances. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Group rates available. The Box Office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Click on the Box Office link - Tickets may now be purchased on the internet or on your smart phone via PayPal. ~ To reserve tickets at the Box Office - Call today: (269) 731-4121.

Cast List:

Molly Jensen....................................... Brooke Evans

Sam Wheat......................................... Jamey Grisham

Carl Bruner........................................ Michael Tuck

Willie Lopez........................................ Kevin Robert White

Hospital Ghost.................................... Charlie King

Subway Ghost.................................... La Ron Hudson

Mrs. Santiago..................................... Penelope Alex

Oda Mae Brown................................. Shinnerrie Jackson

Louise................................................. Bethany Edlund

Clara................................................... Dani Apple

Ensemble:

Wall Street Bankers, Paramedics, Higher Spirits, Nurses, Doctors, Moving Men: Chance James Armstong, Nicholas Barakos, Alyssa Batsakis, Micala Behrens, Dallyn Brunck, Lephate Cunningham III, Jeremy Feight, Jeremy Feola, Alexander Ghattas, Brittanie Grace, Julie Grisham, Jackie Gubow, Jake Rura, JJ Hoss, La Ron Hudson, Annadelle Kimber, Kasady Kwiatkowska, Sarah Lazar, Brandon Michaud, Cody Stiglich.

BIOS:

BROOKE EVANS, Molly Jensen

It's been 15 years since Brooke first stepped onto The Barn Theatre's stage, and 5 years since the last time. She has performed in 26 main stage productions and is thrilled to be back for her 6th season. (She also hates math so that's enough with the numbers!) She made the trip from New York to Augusta this past winter to join in the holiday fun as part of our Christmas Cabaret to the audience's delight. Some of her favorite Barn roles include Vicki in THE FULL MONTY, Amneris in AIDA, Fastrada in PIPPIN, The Narrator in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING...., Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS, the Wardrobe in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Ursula in THERE GOES THE BRIDE, and her very first role: the hospital Matron in IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY. In the last two years, Brooke has produced and performed two of her own cabarets, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BAR and SO CLOSE, in her home state of Pennsylvania and performed in an experimental Shakespearean production called BASTARD BLOOD in New York. She is currently working on her first NY cabaret.

JAMEY GRISHAM, Sam Wheat

Jamey is ecstatic to embark on his 8th stupendous season at the Barn. An Equity Resident, some of his favorite personations on the Barn stage include the title role in TARZAN, Claude in HAIR, Perchik in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF starring Robert Newman, Billy in 42ND STREET, Pinocchio in SHREK, Warner in LEGALLY BLONDE, George in THE WEDDING SINGER, and Brad in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. He spent his winter in Southwest Michigan choreographing the second annual Barn Theatre Christmas Cabaret and starring in AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND at Farmers Alley Theatre in Kalamazoo. Off-Broadway: Blessed Unrest (Company Member). Regional: Trinity Repertory Company, Secret Theatre, Chicago Humanities Festival, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street, Alabama Ballet, Pied Piper Playhouse, Perishable Theatre, Brown University (TAPS), and Workhorse Theatre Ensemble. Film: CAWDOR (starring Cary Elwes). A published composer and musician, Jamey has devised original music for TWELFTH NIGHT, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, THE MAIDS, SAINT JOAN OF THE STOCKYARDS, VIEUX CARRÉ, and LOOK HOMEWARD, ANGEL. He also continues development for his first full-length musical, GOOD GIRLS ONLY, in collaboration with Charles Leipart, John Kroner, Eric Scott Reed, and The Rehearsal Club of NYC under the presidency of Blythe Danner. GGO is currently a finalist for 6 different festivals including The Sundance Institute Theatre Lab and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. Jamey is an active member of the Dramatists Guild, ASCAP, and the Associated Musicians of Greater New York (Local 802 AFM). Training: LAMDA, Roosevelt University (BFA), and Brown University (MFA, Stephen Sondheim Fellow). Thanks to the About Artists Agency, the Artists Entertainment Agency, and my incredible family. www.jameygrisham.com

MICHAEL TUCK, Carl Bruner

Michael is so excited to be returning the Barn! Michael first appeared at the Barn as an apprentice our 2008 season. You may recall him in some of his favorite roles such as Tony in WEST SIDE STORY and Marius in LES MISERABLES. Other roles would include Laurie in LITTLE WOMEN, Jamie in THE LAST FIVE YEARS, and Abraham in ALTAR BOYZ. Michael is currently based in New York City and remains very active in staged readings. Most recently, he has contributed to the new musical Spot On The Wall and Illa: A Hip Hop Musical, both of which will be featured in the upcoming New York Musical Theatre Festival.

KEVIN ROBERT WHITE, Willie Lopez

Kevin is thrilled to return to the Barn for his seventh summer! Kevin spent the majority of last fall touring with "The Water Coolers" where he is music director, pianist, and vocalist. In New York, Kevin has been involved with several workshops and readings of new musicals! Credits include Paul in SPOT ON THE WALL, Aesop in AESOP'S FABLES, Aiden in ONE WORD REVOLUTION, and most recently Young Actor in, fellow Barnie, Jamey Grisham's musical GOOD GIRLS ONLY. Last season, Kevin was seen as Motel, the tailor, in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Alistair, the decorator, in MOVE OVER, MRS. MARKHAM, and Berger, the drugged-out hippie in HAIR! Other favorite roles at the Barn include Joseph in JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, Huck in BIG RIVER, Mark in RENT, Max in LEND ME A TENOR, Dr. Frankenstein in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, and Lord Farquaad in SHREK. Kevin is also Music Director and Pianist for the famous BAR SHOW after each mainstage performance. Thanks must be given to his family for their never ending love and encouragement, and the Ragotzys for making the Barn Theatre a home away from home! Special thanks to Nana for providing the best housing in Michigan!

SHINNERRIE JACKSON, Oda Mae Brown

We are thrilled to welcome Shinnerrie back to the Barn stage! Audiences will surely remember her as Jewel from last year's production of BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the University of Tennessee, Shinnerrie has been acting since the age of 6. Favorite roles include Blues Singer in ONE NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, Esther in INTIMATE APPAREL, Gary Coleman in AVENUE Q, and AIN'T I A WOMAN, a one woman show about heroines of African American history.

PENELOPE ALEX, Mrs. Santiago

After 29 seasons, Penelope has more than established herself as the Barn's quintessential leading lady. Her resume here is highlighted by a series of compelling performances. Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA (both opposite Robert Newman), Mona in last season's THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, Janet in our first two productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come to mind, as do her own favorites, the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, and opposite Tom Wopat as Nellie and Annie, respectively, in SOUTH PACIFIC and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Penelope has three film performances in various stages of post-production: Selling Stupid, Chance of Rain, and as Cary Elwes' ex-wife in Cawdor. Last December she was thrilled to direct the second annual Barn Christmas Cabaret. Her longest-running roles are her dearest- wife and mother to Barn Producer Brendan Ragotzy and their children Luke (20), Calli (18), Jacob (15), and Melina (11). Penelope serves the Barn as Publicist and coordinates the hiring and departmental placement of each season's apprentice company as Barn Theatre School Dean. She's a native of San Jose, CA, and is a proud alum of San Jose State University.

BETHANY EDLUND, Louise

Bethany is so excited to return to the Barn as part of the Equity company! Some of her favorite Barn roles include Inga in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Louise in THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAY, Brooke Wyndham in LEGALLY BLONDE, Lydia in SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD, Columbia in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Maggie in 42ND STREET. She was also a cast member of the recent film Cawdor, filmed here at the Barn, which will have a limited release later this fall - so keep a look out! She spends the winter in New York pounding the pavement and doing improv comedy at The PIT. "Special thanks to my family for their support; my friends for laughing at all of my bad jokes; and the Ragotzy's, for continuously hiring such a dork. Love you guys!"

DANI APPLE, Clara

Dani could not be more ecstatic to join the apprenticeship program! Dani is a rising junior at The Boston Conservatory and is working toward her BFA in Musical Theatre. Previous professional credits include Disney's On the Record (Kristen), The Wedding Singer (Holly), Les Miserables (Eponine), Hair (Sheila), All Shook Up (Natalie), Nine (Claudia), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Rosa Bud), and Sweeney Todd (Johanna). Dani has performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade finale, in the National Tour of Evita, and as a member of Radio Disney's Pop Squad. She would like to thank her incredible parents and friends for their eternal support and love!

The Barn Theatre Located on M-96, 1 mile west of the village of Augusta. Box Office Phone (269) 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. Purchase tickets online via PayPal at barntheatreschool.org. Performance times Tuesday through Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday 8:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 5:00pm; (Sunday 8:30pm Added performance, when applicable). Ticket Prices $37.00 Regular season ticket price. Any day, any performance.

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