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History and Trivia

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The Cast (in alphabetical order)

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	Delaney Amatrudo (Charlotte) - Delaney is ecstatic to be performing in her third show with Circle Players. She was last seen in Circle's production of Footloose. Prior to that, she played the role of Mary Sawyer in Tom Sawyer. She has also appeared in many church and school productions, including Fish Tales, The Bachelor King, and as the White Witch in The Chronicles of Narnia. Also an accomplished studio singer, Delaney's voice can be heard on various recordings including Broadway Junior's The Aristocats, A Year with Frog and Toad, and everyone's favorite, High School Musical.
	Ed Amatrudo (Mr. Brownlow) -  After surviving his return to the theater as Capt. Smollet in Circle's production of "Treasure Island",  as Jeff Thatcher in "Tom Sawyer", and as Reverend Shaw Moore in "Footlosse" he is now a Circle veteran!. Ed has film and TV credits ranging from "Power Rangers" to "NYPD Blue" and can be seen every day on "The Foreclosure Show". Watch it online at ForeclosureShow.com.
	Laura Amond (Chorus) - This is Laura’s first production at Circle Players – or in the Nashville area.  Past credits include shows in the Pittsburgh and Detroit areas, including roles in George M!, Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, The King & I, Gypsy, Grease and West Side Story.  Since moving to Nashville, Laura has been a member of the Music City Community Chorus for three seasons.  By day, Laura is hospitality sales professional and a busy mom to her two amazing children, Nick and Morgan.
	Rachael Bernard (Nancy) - Rachael Bernard is proud to return to the Circle Players stage. A native of Nashville, Rachael began acting at a young age only to decide later to make a career of it. After starring in high school productions, local theatre and with some encouragement from her acting coach, Arita Trahan, Rachael soon left for New York City , to continue her acting studies at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Upon graduating, Rachael eagerly attended many auditions, taking part in several off Broadway Productions. After staying in the “Big Apple” she returned to Nashville to appear in both independent films, national commercials, and began working for Tennessee Mornings on Fox 17.
	Amber Boyer (Chorus) - Amber is tickled pink to be re-joining Circle, as she makes her musical debut in Nashville with this production of Oliver!, where she is FINALLY getting to portray a female on stage! Hahaha!  A 26 year old native of both North AND South Carolina, Amber holds a B.A. in Theatre Performance from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC in 2004. When she is not working her day job as a Check Out Receptionist/Scheduler for Tennessee Oncology at Skyline Medical Center, Amber enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, spending “quality time” with her friends, and of course (the obvious) being involved with theaters around town. Having been a performer since the age of 7, Amber has been involved with NUMEROUS shows, both on and backstage. Her favorite performance credits include: “Janet Weiss” in USC Upstate’s The Rocky Horror Show, “Effy Crayneck” in Theatre Converse’s The Spitfire Grill, “Mindy” in Theatre Converse’s 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress, “Sue Lawson” in Spartanburg Little Theater’s Not Now, Darling, “Jim Hawkins” in Circle Players’ Treasure Island, and most recently playing “8 different characters” (mostly males…go figure! haha) in Community Players’ Around the World in 80 Days. She is THRILLED to be working with such a fabulous cast and crew, and would like to thank her friends, family, and housemates (who ARE her family) for all their love. I LOVE YA’LL!!!!! Enjoy the show!
	Tim Bush (Bill Sykes) - I am proud to be a part of this fantastic production. I received my kickstart in theater with Rick White's old company in Hendersonville a little more than 7 years ago. I thank him for his indulgence and guidance as I grew into roles he allowed me to fill. "Glass Menagerie" was my first play and have felt the same thrill each time continuing in productions including "Dracula" and "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" for Rick's company and "Love, Sex, and the I.R.S." with Steeple Players (thank you Kym and yes, I'll do that role if you re-run it), "The Devil's Blessing" with Scott Crain's Oracle Productions (Scott, your brilliance shines) and with Circle Players in "Treasure Island" where Jim Manning taught me so much about acting and getting it right.  Thank you Jim and that wonderful, fantastically talented cast. I want to dedicate my performance to my family who are my heart. Hopefully "Sugar Booger/ Puddin'" will take time out from MTSU .. and that boy... to watch the durn show and tell her brother "Li'l Buddy", serving in the Navy like his Pa, all about it. Oh, and to Ma, without her and her heart, this just wouldn't be happening.
	Victor C. Garcia (Chrous) - Victor loves The Beatles. He believes they encompass all that is good in the world concerning Rock n Roll. Peace, Love, Equality, Rebellion, and Hope. "All you need is Love." has to be the coinciding theme between both The Beatles and Oliver. Plus they both have their origins in England. Coincidence? Probably, but it's one that makes me feel fuzzy inside so I'm going with it.
	Rachel Garvin (Chrous) - This is the first production of Oliver that Rachel Garvin has ever been in--- in fact it is the first bit of theater that she has been in since the 4th grade. Finally, after nearly two decades, she has answered that siren's call to join what is sure to be known as this city's preeminent showcasing of ... Oliver!" "Thank you, Gwyneth McEuen, for being my photographer." That's all, thanks again!
	LaQuita James (Chorus) -  LaQuita is excited to be working with Circle Players for the first time. LaQuita is a Tennessee native with a bachelor’s degree in Speech and Theatre and master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. She has an extensive background in theatre and has appeared in 13 productions. Some of her favorite roles include: Big Mama (Shakin The Mess Outta Misery), Lena (A Raisin in the Sun), Bessie Delaney (Having Our Say), and JoAnn in Dreamgirls. Other musical theatre credits include: Ragtime the Musical, Sweeny Todd, The Wizard of Oz, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Hello Dolly. She was last seen in Tom Sawyer the Musical.
	Macon Kimbrough (Mr. Bumble) - Macon is excited to be singing onstage again.  He is, by trade, a decorative painter and for the past decade has worked with some of Nashville’s top designers in the homes of such celebrities as Ashley Judd, Kid Rock, Big Kenny, and Sara Evans.   Macon performed in Circle Players productions of OKLAHOMA! , The King & I, Treasure Island, and Singin’ in the Rain; Shining Light’s Love Laughs Last, and Act I’s Don’t Drink the Water.  For Community Players, he played Waldgrave in The Nerd and several roles in Around the World in 80 Days.  Macon played Teddy in Street Theater’s The Full Monty and can next be seen in Street’s production of Evita.
	Jamie London - Jamie has been away from the boards for ten years enjoying the greatest role of her life, mother to Stella. She is thrilled to be making her way back under the lights and especially proud to be sharing the stage with her amazing daughter. She has a wide and various 30 year resume of performance, directorial and choreographing credits and is an active Teaching Artist for Artsmart, Wolftrap, Metro Parks Theatre Department and Green Room Projects. She has had tons of fun with the Circle Family and wishes everyone blessings and all the best! Namaste’
	Alan Nettles - Alan  is a sophomore at Nashville School of the Arts. Alan excells in clarinet, writing plays, dancing, and of course singing. Alan comes from a very talented family, and loves to use his God given talents. When Alan is not to be busy with school or work he enjoys singing in his church choir. Alan is thrilled and excited to be apart of "The Circle Player's " production of Oliver.
	Victor Phelps (Artful Dodger) - Victor is 13 years old. He has been in multiple theatrical productions and is very happy for this opportunity to play the Artful Dodger in Circle Player’s production of Oliver!. He would like to thank Clay Hillwig for making this a great experience for everyone. He would also like to thank everyone that drove him to rehearsals!
	Maggie Pitt (Chorus) - Maggie is bloody excited to be a part of this show and to be working with a jolly good cast and crew.  She has previously appeared as a sailor/pirate in Treasure Island (Circle Players), as a chorus girl in Singin' in the Rain (Circle Players), and as various international characters in Around the World in 80 Days (Community Players).  She'd like to thank her friends and family for all their support.
	Wes Richardson (Oliver) - Wes, a 5th grader  at J.T. Moore Middle School, is thrilled to be playing Oliver in Oliver!, his second production with Circle Players.  Wes made his Circle debut in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer earlier this year, in which he played the role of Ben Rodgers.  During the summer of 2008, he played Winthrop in a Dallas, Texas production of The Music Man.  In addition to singing and acting, Wes also enjoys playing football, soccer and basketball, and attending Vanderbilt football games (Go Dores!!).  Wes would like to thank his family for their support, and Clay for giving him this incredible opportunity!
	Megan Roddick (Bet) - Megan absolutely adores Circle Players and is thrilled to be back! Previous roles with Circle include: Baby June in Gypsy, Liesl in The Sound of Music and Zaneeta in The Music Man.  She has also appeared in shows with Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre and the Boiler Room. Offstage, Megan can be found  loving life as a sophomore at Vanderbilt University .  Big thanks to Clay for the opportunity, My family and friends for their unconditional love and support, and most importantly: thanks to Starbucks for keeping me awake!
	Howard Snyder (Mr. Sowberry) - Howard is thrilled to return to the Circle Players’ stage, eleven years after he appeared in Circle’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. His involvement in community theatre spans 25 years. In Galveston, TX, Howard appeared in Da, The Student Prince, She Stoops to Conquer, and Damn Yankees – for which he received a Best Supporting Actor award. He received rave reviews as Noah in Two By Two in Ada, OK, where he also appeared in A Christmas Carol, Here Lies Jeremy Troy, and Da – which he also directed. At the Nashville JCC, he appeared in Shalom Theater’s first production, The Good Doctor, and as Sam, the Pickleman in Crossing Delancey. More recently, Howard appeared in Shalom Theater productions of Fiddler On The Roof (Nachum, the Beggar) and Gypsy (Pop; Mr. Goldstone; and Phil).
	Deborah Stoltzfus (Chorus) - After a three year hiatus from the stage, Deborah is proud to make her Nashville debut with Circle Players. She moved three years ago from Washington D.C. to pursue music - and promptly stopped singing. By day she is a Claims Specialist for the steel industry, but when she escapes from the office, she can usually be found in the kitchen or out with friends. Favorite past roles include Liesl, The Sound of Music; Joanne, Godspell; and Pirates of Penzance. Much thanks to the fabulous Rosie Dyer, without whom theater would not have been an option.
	Debbie Tannacore (Mrs. Sowberry) - This is Debbie's forth show with Circle Players. She appeared in "Singin' In The Rain", "Oklahoma" and "Music Man". Other shows she has been in since moving to Nashville from New York include "Twelfth Night", "Midsummer Nights Dream", "Annie", "Annie Warbucks", "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Mister Roberts". By day she is an audio engineer for CMT Radio Network and a wedding planner.
	Susan Taylor (Old Sally/Chorus) - Susan is excited to be involved in her second production with the Circle Players  and especially to be working with some of the same fabulously talented actors.  She recently was seen as 'Vi' in Circle's production of "Footloose", and before that had the pleasure of performing as 'Jeanette' in Street Theatre's "The Full Monty".  Susan is blessed to be involved with commercials, film and television, print work, and modeling, though nothing compares to the thrill of Live Musical Theatre.  When not onstage, Susan's passions include spending time with her 3 dogs, riding her horse,  and Ballroom Dancing.  Salsa!
	Seth Teegarden (Noah) - Seth Teegarden is thrilled to make his Circle Players debut as the part of Noah Claypole. Seth has been in several productions elsewhere such as; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fiddler on the Roof (Perchick), Music Man, Guys and dolls (Rusty Charlie), Wizard of Oz (Emerald City Guard), and High School Musical (Zeke, Troy). Thanks to all the support from family and friends (you know who you are) and ENJOY the SHOW!
	Evan Williams (Fagin) - is pleased and enthused to be portraying a sleazy, but lovable pickpocket in his second musical with the Circle Players, having just recently performed the dual role of Cowboy Bob and Jeter in their production of Footloose this summer. A graduate of Maryville College's Theatre Arts Program,  he has performed roles on stage in various dramas, comedies, and musicals,  and on film in commercials, independent films, and music videos. Soon folks can see him as one of the ballroom dancers in Taylor Swift's music video for the new single, "Love Story" from the upcoming album, Fearless.  His favorite musical roles include Seymour Krelborn in Little Shop of Horrors, Prince Christopher in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Rolfe Gruber in The Sound of Music, and Frankie Epps in Jason Robert Brown's Parade. He is sure Fagin will become another of his favorites. Evan would like to thank Clay, Suzanne, Doug, Thom, cast and crew for a wonderful experience and companionship. He would also like to extend his immense gratitude to Mom, Dad, Matt, Cullen, friends, and family. Nothin but love.
	Kathy Jean Williams (Chorus) - This is Kathy's 4th production with Circle Players, she also performed in "The King and I", "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Babes In Toyland" with Circle.   In the past year, Kathy appeared at the Nashville Dinner Theatre in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, the Musical", "Mame", "Sweeney Todd", "Could It Be Love, the Musical", "The Foreigner" and "The Wizard of Oz".  A former radio deejay and news announcer at her hometown radio station in Sandusky, Michigan, Kathy now works for a health advocacy group, studies violin and is a volunteer book reader for the Nashville Talking Library.

	Elizabeth Cameon - Elizabeth Cameron is an 11 year old 6th grader at IT Cresswell School for the Arts. Oliver! is her eighth musical, and her fourth show with Circle Players. Her latest role was Jack is Sondheim's Into the Woods. When Elizabeth is not in rehearsal she can be found in the back yard, singing show tunes to her dogs.
	Hailey Cunningham - Hailey was born in Phoenix, AZ, and later moved to Cincinnati, OH. Her family has uust moved to Franklin, TN from Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Her first performance at the age of 4 was in Cincinnati, OH, as a "Poppy" and "Munchkin" in "The Wizard of Oz".  She was "Mary" in a school production of "The Christmas Story".  Her latest role was in "12 Dancing Princesses" in Toronto, Ontario.  She enjoys attending theatre camps, singing, dancing and performing with her twin sisters for her parents!
	Tucker Day - Tucker was born with a song in his heart because he sings all of the time!  He is delighted to be in “Oliver!,” especially since he discovered the joy of acting in musical theater when he performed as Lt. Ward in the Scales Elementary school production of “Annie, Jr.” He plays select soccer and ice hockey and enjoys anything having to do with a fun group of boys.  He is learning to play piano, and lives with a musical family in Brentwood where is has two brothers, Noah and Thomas (Thomas is also in this production!) and an older sister, Alex. Broadway, here we come!
	Thomas Day - Young master Thomas is a kindergarten student at Scales Elementary and is thrilled to be in “Oliver!,” one of his favorite all-time musicals.  He comes from a musical-theater loving family and is not shy about singing in front of people.  He lives in Brentwood with his mom and dad and is the youngest of four children.  He loves books, pets and all of his “buddies.”  “Oliver!” marks Thomas’s debut in musical theater.  His brother, Tucker, is also in the cast.
	Nicholas Driscoll  - Nicholas is thrilled to be in his second production with Circle Players. He had an incredible experience playing Joe Harper in Circle Player's production of Tom Sawyer and is looking forward to many more performances with the troupe. In his spare time he enjoys playing the guitar, camping with his Boy Scout troop and playing with his brothers. Next year he hopes to attend Nashville School of the Arts... the  greatest school on the planet!
	Zoe Garner - Zoe is very excited to be part of the cast of Oliver! Zoe has appeared in the Centennial Youth Ballet's Mini-Nutcracker for the past two years as a soldier and "Little Tea."  And if you have young children who watch NPT, they may have seen a younger Zoe in commercial spots for NPT.  Zoe was also an extra in the upcoming Disney movie for Hannah Montana.
	Joanna Jones - Joanna is excited to be in her first production ever with Oliver!.  Having just turned 6 years old, Joanna is getting settled as a kindergartner at St. Henry School, and handling it like a champ.  Along with school and Oliver!, she’s in her 3rd  year of dance at Bellevue Dance Center. While Joanna is certainly a typical six year old playing with her girlfriends and discovering Hanna Montana, she never misses an opportunity to perform and has since the age of 2 when she mimicked the Tin Man’s dance routine in the Wizard of Oz.   Future star?  Who knows… we’ll just have fun with Oliver for now!
	Nico Krell - Nico is honored to be doing his first production with the Circle Players and is looking forward to many more. He move to Nashville last year from Reno, NV. He was recently the White Rabbit in his school's performance of Alice in Wonderland. He also was Chad in High School Musical, a Who in Seussical the Musical, and participated in many other school and community performances. In his spare time, Nico likes to swim, travel, read, and hang out with his friends and family.
	Stella London - Stella is excited and happy to be a part of Circle’s production of OLIVER this season. She made her theatrical debut this past summer as Milky White for Arts in the Parks; Metro Youth Theatre and was “bitten- by -the -theatre -bug”. She LOVES rehearsals and hopes that this is just the beginning of many shows in her performance career. She is a “Principals List- Honor Roll” third grader in Wilson county, participates in performance arts education and training opportunities, has a variety of vocal performance credits, is a Brownie in troop 1399, makes pottery under the tutelage of Donna Rizzo and also holds a green belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Circle Family and sends “Good Luck and Break-a- Leg” to the entire cast.
	McKensie Miller - McKensie is thrilled to be rejoining her theatre family in the cast of Oliver.  This is her 4th Circle Players production, having appeared previously in The Music Man, The King and I and Tom Sawyer.  Nine year old McKensie is active in music, ballet, church and school work.  She's also enjoys horseback riding and taking care of her new puppy Pippo.
	Maya Riley -  Maya is 11 years old and thrilled to be in the cast of “Oliver!” as a member of Fagin’s Gang of Thieves.  This is Maya’s third production with Circle Players after appearing in “Tom Sawyer” and “The King and I.” Maya has studied voice, piano, and flute for several years and performed in several school, church, and community productions.  Besides her passion for musical theater, Maya enjoys playing travel soccer and loves being a student at Abintra Montessori.  She lives with her parents in Nashville and has two older brothers.   Maya wants to thank Clay Hillwig for this exciting experience.
	Ashley Robinson - Ashley is thrilled to be included in the cast of Oliver.  She has previously appeared in the Circle Players production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.  In addition to acting, she enjoys participating in competative cheerleading with Prime Tyme Athletics.
	Joey Syracuse  -  Joey , age 7, was born in Nashville to Suzanne Franklin & Jeff Syracuse, both music majors at Middle Tennessee State University.  Joey found a proclivity for music at an early age, starting piano lessons at age 5 and recently began the violin.  He participated in the Steinway Piano Gallery of Nashville's 2nd Annual Fun Piano Competition.  Joey was a member of the ensemble in the recent production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer at the Senior Center for the Arts in Donelson.  He attends Dodson Elementary School and is currently in 1st grade.
	Josh Wagner  - Josh Wagner has been singing for 5 years, since he joined the Nashville Boychoir in the third grade. As a member of the Boychoir, he has performed several times at TPAC and the Schermerhorn with the Nashville Symphony and the Chieftains. He is also on the Nashville Symphony recording of "Porgy and Bess". Josh is an 8th grader at J.T. Moore Middle School and regularly appears in their Drama Club productions. In addition to theater, Josh  plays soccer and lacrosse, loves to travel, and knows quite a few great card tricks.
	Karissa Wheeler - This is eleven year old Karissa’s second opportunity to perform with Circle Players.  Karissa is delighted to be working with some of the “Tom Sawyer” family and new friends from “Oliver”.  She is grateful to be learning from Clay and Suzanne Hillwig and Tom Garrison.  Karissa’s world revolves around church, school, acting, singing, and dancing.  She is active in band, student government, and 4-H speaking.  She is a member of the Nashville Children’s Choir at Belmont University.  She has performed at TPAC as an angel and Drosselmeyer’s helper in Nashville Ballet’s “Nutcracker”.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading historical novels and playing with her niece, Kendall, and her nephew, Broden.  One of the highlights of her summer was spending a day on location at the filming of Disney’s Hannah Montana movie.  She is a workhouse boy and chorus member in “Oliver”.
	Mack White - Mack has done a commercial with Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization. Oliver will be his first real production displaying just a few of his many talents. He has been singing since before he could talk.... Mack is self taught and he will continue to blossom as he gets opprtunity to do so. He is excited about being part of the circle players family and doing "Oliver".
	Jack Williams -performed the part of a pig in ‘Oink’, a performance following a stint at acting camp with the Nashville Children’s Theatre.  He attends St. Joseph School where he is in the fourth grade.  Jack sings in the school choir, plays trumpet in the band, and can also play the piano.  This is his first time appearing with the Circle Players – he hopes it is the first of many
	Emilie Williams - is in the second grade at St. Joseph School.  She has sung in the choir at her church, participated in ballet recit als, and is currently learning the piano.  This is her debut performance in community theatre!  She is excited to be a part of Circle Players.
	Rachel Wooley - Rachael is excited to be back on stage with Circle Players.  This is her third Circle production having played the youngest princess in The King and I and a village child in Tom Sawyer.  Rachel also acts in school and church plays.  She enjoys drawing, playing with her animals (both alive and Webkinz) and spending time with family and friends.
	Karimah Safiyah Young  - Karimah is attending Kipp Academy in Nashville and is in the seventh grade. She enjoys singing in the school choir, church choir, and in the bathtub.  She also loves to dance and watch Cartoon Network.  Karimah is a girl scout of seven years.  This is Karimah's first opportunity in a play and looks forward to being one of many more.

Director Clay Hillwig Clay has been acting on stage and in various film and voice over projects for over 11 years, with the past 8 years being here in Nashville. He has  appeared in various local productions such as “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest” “Birds in Church” and  “The Normal Heart”, “Mr. Roberts”, “12 Angry Men”, Death of a Salesman” and many others. “Oliver! is Clay’s 7th production for Circle Players and third term as director, with past director credits of  “The Music Man” in 2006 and last seasons production of “Tom Sawyer”.   In 2005 Clay was awarded the “Best Actor in a Supporting Role” for Circle Players for his role as Bob Crachitt in “A Christmas Carol”.  Clay is also the Artistic Director for the Vineyard Christian Fellowship-Nashville.  Clay is married to Suzanne Hillwig (Producer) and when this is production is over they can be found in Franklin, on the porch, enjoying a cup of coffee. Oh yeah and then there is that whole Football thing...BOOMER SOONER!!!!

The Crew Thom Garrison - Music Director Kate Johnson  - Choreographer Douglas C. Shaffer - Stage Manager Katie Leis - Assistant Stage Manager Jim Manning - Set Design John Todd - Music Accompianist Cathy Matthews - Light Design Katie Witten- Costumer Karen Bernard - Costumer Ed Amatrudo - Props Liason Regine McClain - Marketing Technical Director - D.J. Ranta Suzanne Hillwig - Producer Tim Larson - Website, Program, Graphics