CAST BIOS

JOE AIELLO, Richard Willey

Joe returns to the Barn after celebrating his 25^th season last summer with acclaimed performances as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and Harold in THE FULL MONTY as well as returning to a role he originated at the Barn, the infamous Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Season after season Joe has demonstrated his talent and versatility with such varied roles as Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/Zaza in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Arthur in CAMELOT, Mozart in AMADEUS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, and Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS.  A gifted director as well, Joe has earned accolades for his Barn treatments of CABARET, SHE LOVES ME, CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, LOST IN YONKERS, STEELMAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the latter two co-directed with Scott Burkell).  Joe lives in New York City where he is Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.

SCOTT BURKELL, George Pigden

Scott comes back for a 24^th summer after another eventful year in New York.  Scott and Barnie Paul Loesel’s brand-new musical treatment of Mark Dunn’s popular novel ELLA MINNOW PEA just had a major reading this spring and over the winter Scott staged Barnie Marin Mazzie’s solo cabaret show at Feinstein’s Supper Club.  Burkell/Loesel songs have become increasingly in-demand by such B’way performers as Rebecca Luker, Susan Egan, Kristin Chenoweth, and Marin Mazzie, who recorded two selections with husband and fellow actor Jason Daniely for their recently released “Opposite You” album.  Scott played in both the Broadway and First National Tour companies of TITANIC.  Here in Augusta, his career has been unforgettable.  Some faves include Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Georg (opposite Marin Mazzie) in SHE LOVES ME, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and perhaps his all-time gem, Riff-Raff in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (including last-season’s closing production).  Also last year Scott acted in LI’L ABNER (Marryin’ Sam), THE GRADUATE, HAIR, THE FULL MONTY (Malcolm), and directed our hit revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.  Visit www.scottburkell.net

PENELOPE ALEX – Jane Worthington

Celebrating her 20th season, Penelope has more than established herself on the Barn stage.  She has delighted audiences with a series of compelling performances… Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Maria in LEND ME A TENOR, and Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come immediately to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Nellie in SOUTH PACIFIC (with Tom Wopat), Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and at the head of the list, Annie Oakley opposite Tom Wopat’s Frank Butler in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.  Last season Penelope was seen FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde), LI’L ABNER, THE FULL MONTY, and closed out the season as Magenta in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Offstage and closest to her heart are her star roles of Mom to Luke (11), Calli (9), Jacob (6), and Melina (2), and wife to Barn producer Brendan Ragotzy.  In addition to her full slate on stage and at home, Penelope serves as Publicist for the theatre and also coordinates the hiring of our apprentice company.  Her work in this regard includes attending auditions, reviewing submitted resumes and audition tapes, and matching apprentices’ skills with departmental demands at the theatre.  As busy as all this keeps her, Penelope still makes time for voice-over and commercial work throughout the region.  Be sure to listen for Penelope on the Barn’s new TV commercials this summer!  She is a native of San Jose, CA, and like husband Brendan, is a proud San Jose State University alum.

ROY BROWN - Waiter

Roy is very pleased to be returning to the Barn for his first season as an Equity resident.  He’s gained quite a following locally for a series of wonderful performances during his apprenticeship: Renfield in DRACULA, Stewpot in SOUTH PACIFIC, Reuben in our ’99 JOSEPH…, Lefou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Mrs. Taylor in BAT BOY, Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, and most famously, Da Jimmer in our hit productions of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT in ’03 and ’04.  Roy’s professional experience includes a role in the Theatreworks USA 2004-05 National Tour of FREEDOM TRAIN and an independent film (working title: SUMMER DAZE) currently in post-production.   A native of Hastings and a veteran of major roles for all the prominent local civic theatres, Roy calls New York City home.  In addition to his acting load Roy is responsible for maintaining the beautiful grounds here at the Barn. 

HOWARD McBRIDE – The Manager

In his 25 Augusta summers, Howard has given audiences a series of wonderful performances of the type known in the old days as “first business”.  A few of his favorite roles are Jacob in JOSEPH…, Max in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Dr. Scott in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Herr Schultz in CABARET, and the Old Actor in THE FANTASTICKS.  He has stage managed tours of A CHORUS LINE, MAN OF LA MANCHA, and JANE POWELL: INSIDE OUT as well as three years with the Staten Island Civic in New York.  With us, Howard also lends his unique charms to his offstage role of General Manager.

ERIC PARKER - Ronny

Eric comes home for a 14^th Augusta summer after another busy season in Chicago.  His growing list of Barn credits includes several favorites: Jerry in THE FULL MONTY last summer, Rocky and Eddie in seven go-‘rounds of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Cousin Kevin in TOMMY, Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, the title role in PIPPIN, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Jinx in FOREVER PLAID, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Remnar in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook.  His career has continued there with several roles in their dinner theatre and TYA productions, most recently Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL this past winter.  Regional: THE THING ABOUT MEN (Sebastian), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Henrik), A FUNNY THING…FORUM (Miles), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Rocky), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Jesus), and HAIR (Claude-European Tour).  TV: GUIDING LIGHT.  Eric’s an Adrian native now living in Chicago.  On our off-stage staff Eric helps oversee the maintenance of the physical plant and also moves up a notch artistically this summer by directing our popular Bar Shows. 

JANA DeBUSK – Nurse Foster

Jana is ecstatic to return for a second season at the Barn.  Last year Jana’s credits include Stupefyin’ Jones in LI’L ABNER and Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  While at Western Michigan University, where she just finished her sophomore year, Jana  performed in  University Productions of BRIGADOON, THE PAJAMA GAME, and played Kate in THE WILD PARTY.  She is also pleased to announce she’s just been cast as the lead in the musicalized DEBBIE DOES DALLAS at Whole Art Theatre this fall.   She would like to thank her family for their unending support and faith in her dreams.  Jana hails from Kendallville, IN.

BETHANY WOOD - Pamela

Bethany is happy to rejoin the Barnies for her second summer season. She most recently has been in the Barn’s OKLAHOMA! in which she portrayed Gertie.  Last summer Bethany was seen in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, LI’L ABNER, HAIR, and as Pam Lukowski in THE FULL MONTY.  Other credits include ANYTHING GOES and THE WILD PARTY. Bethany is a recent graduate of Kent State University in her native Ohio.

HEIDI VanSLAMBROOK – The Maid

Heidi is thrilled to be working at the Barn for her first summer apprenticeship.  She just graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Music Education but also hopes to pursue a career in professional theatre.  Her favorite credits include Shelly in BAT BOY, the Baker’s Wife in INTO THE WOODS, the Narrator in JOSEPH…, and Gabby/Bobbi in CITY OF ANGELS.  Heidi thanks the Ragotzys for the opportunity and her parents for their support.

NICK HORTON – The Body

Nick is excited to be back in Augusta for a second summer.  Audiences may remember him from his turn as Perchik in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Nick was also seen in LI’L ABNER, HAIR, THE GRADUATE, and THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  He comes fresh off the Asian Tour of GREASE where he performed in the ensemble and understudied Sonny and Eugene.  Previous to that he was seen as Fred Casely in CHICAGO at the New Hampshire Palace Theatre.  Nick is an alumnus of Kent State University and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre.  Nick’s a Cincinnati native.