March 28 - April 20, 2002
Missy Miller (Director/Choreographer) Missy is the Artistic Director of The Showstoppers Academy of Musical Theatre and the Executive Director of The Josephine Theatre. Her favorite shows to direct and choreograph to date include The Who's Tommy, Evita, Once on this Island, Crazy for You, Ain't Misbehavin', And the World Goes Round, and Joseph…Dreamcoat, 1997,1999, & 2001. She would like to thank her Assistant Directors Ray and Terry, for their dedication, hard work, and expertise, as well as unending emotional support. She'd also like to thank her family and the cast for their hard work on this production. Special thanks to her husband for his love and support. Missy is the winner of the ATAC Globe awards for Best Director, Best Choreography, and Best Musical, in 1998 and 1999, and the ATAC award for excellence in Choreography in 2000 and the ATAC awards for excellence in Choreography for The Sound of Music and 42nd Street in 2001
Ray Cook (Assistant Director/ Vocal Director) whose first job in New York was 3 Operettas at Carnegie Hall; Merry Widow, Chocolate Soldier and New Moon (for $35 a week), then into Ziegfeld Follies of 1943 , starring Milton Berle, Ilona Massey and Arthur Treacher. Many jobs followed as actor, singer, dancer, and pianist. TV shows include: Your Hit Parade, Show of Shows with Sid Ceasar and Imogene Coca, six years on the Garry Moore Show , touring with Carol Burnett and teaching music theatre at Neighborhood Playhouse (with Peter Gennaro and Sanford Meisner) followed by many years in Greece directing and teaching at Athens College. "Working with Missy and The Josephine gang is a great way to spend my 'golden years'".
Terry Bailey (Assistant Director) whose first television job in New York was three years on the Fred Waring Show. After that it was Your Hit Parade, Kraft Theatre, Hallmark, Martha Raye Show, Tullelah Bankhead Show, CBS News, and Johnny Carson, etc. for 40 years. Then he was in Greece for 11 years producing musicals. Now he is at The Josephine "having a ball!"
Terry Miller (Technical Director) is on the staff as the technical Director and Scenic Carpenter for the Josephine. He has worked on projects for St. Mary's University, Trinity University, USM, Fiesta Texas, S.A. Festival, Arts S.A., UTSA, Palo Alto College, River Center Mall, Showstoppers, S.A. Shakespeare Festival, and various conventions and commercial productions. Terry was nominated for an ATAC Globe award for his co-lighting design of the award winning musical And the World Goes 'Round.
Jeremy Smith (Co-Lighting Designer) is excited to make Gone to Texas his 9th outing with The Josephine Theatre after just completing the run as Co-Lighting Designer for Annie, and The Fantasticks. He began a little over a year ago operating lights for Once on This Island, then for Oliver, The Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, and Joseph … Dreamcoat. He has also enjoyed designing lighting cues for the various Showstopper shows since Scrooge's Rude Awaking as well as those for Joseph … Dreamcoat. He is currently taking care of his basics and is studying music theory at SAC and plans on attending the Berkley College of Music, majoring in Music Production and Engineering, and Music Synthesis.
Wade Young (Travis) was honored last season with three ATAC Globe Awards for roles in Beauty Queen of Lenane with the Firelight Players, Betrayal at San Pedro Playhouse, and The Sound of Music here at The Josephine. Also last season, Wade had the pleasure of working with Alan S. Ross in the dark comedy Sleuth with the S.A.C. Summer Company directed by Jim Mamarella and in the historical drama Inherit the Wind with Firelight Players/Offstage, INC., directed by J. Jay. Michael Berlet (Davy Crockett) has performed in San Antonio theaters for 35 years including The Municipal Theatre, Colonies North Theatre, the Chapperal, Harlequin Dinner Theatre, Church Dinner Theatre, S.A.L.T., and The San Antonio Performing Arts Theatre, as well as countless others across the country. He first started working at The Josephine in the mid 90's and has been here ever since. He is also an industrial performer for several entertainment companies and was awarded the 2000 ATAC Globe Award for Excellence as a lead actor in a musical. Recent roles include The Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, Bill Sykes in Oliver, playing opposite his wife, the starring role of Albert in Bye Bye Birdie, the Pharoah in Joseph … Dreamcoat, and most recently the old actor, Henry Albertson, in The Fantasticks. Michael wishes to thank God for letting him be alive, his parents for letting him be their son, and his wife for letting him be her champion. Daniel Neiden (Bowie) has created roles in more than a dozen Off-Broadway productions performing at Manhattan Theater Club, Joe Papp's New York Shakespeare Festival, BAM and LaMama. Born and bred in Lincoln, Nebraska, he's toured with Broadway Productions of Into the Woods, Fiddler, Baby, and They're Playing Our Song (120 cities in 18 months…). An EMMY winner for narrating Learning Channel's Mad Math, Daniel portrayed Del, the main voice in Bill Plympton's animated musical, The Tune . Sherry Gibbs Houston (Rosanna) debuted at The Josephine as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady which won her the ATAC Globe for Best Lead Actress/Musical (reprised at the Majestic Theatre and San Pedro Playhouse). Other roles include Irene Molloy in Hello Dolly, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Marion Paroo in The Music Man, Nancy in Oliver, Jenny in Company and Peter Pan in Peter Pan. Sherry performed in the 2001 World Premiere of American Iliad at the Victory Theater in Burbank, CA. She holds a degree in Music/Vocal Performance from UTSA. Sid Trice (Almeron Dickenson) has been active in San Antonio theatre for almost six years. Typically a dramatic actor, this is only his second musical here. He has appeared as Atticus in To Kill a Mockingbird, Drummond in Inherit the Wind, and most recently as George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , among many other roles. A native Texan, he is honored and excited to be included in this original production honoring those whose courage and valor created what we know as Texas today. Belinda Harolds (Susanna Dickenson) is happy to be a part of the premiere performance and grateful for the opportunity. Recently she was seen in The Threepenny Opera as Pirate Jenny. Some of her other favorite roles include The Witch in Into the Woods for which she received a Globe Award, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Rita in Educating Rita, and Sarah in Beau Jest. "Thank you for coming, and for your support of theatre in San Antonio. Without you, we couldn't do the thing that we love!" Sixto Elizondo (Gregorio) is in his second production at The Josephine after playing Isachar in Joseph … Dreamcoat. Previous performances include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Bernardo in WSS at SASPA. Sixto graduated from Baylor with a BME specializing in violin. When he's not teaching orchestra or acting, he performs as a violinist with the Corpus Christi Symphony. He is happy to be performing his second show with his wife whom he loves and adores, and wishes to thank his family and friends for their support and encouragement. Tiffany Mock (Anita) made her singing debut at the age of eight on a telethon in Alexandria, LA. The highlight of her musical career was in 1994, when her vocal presentation of Zing Went the Strings of My Heart helped win her the title of Miss Louisiana in 1994-95. Tiffany went on to perform at the 1994 Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City as well. San Antonians may know her best as a former news anchor and reporter for KSAT TV 12. She currently works as Vice President of Marketing and Development for Junior Achievement. Tiffany is more than excited to be making her musical theatre debut in Gone to Texas. Jonathan Jones (Charles Travis) is a New Orleans native who is proud to call San Antonio home. He began his musical career as a child, touring the world in a family oriented gospel singing group. Jonathan has made many notable appearances on the stages of San Antonio, including productions of Guys and Dolls, All My Sons, Meet Me in St. Louis, Fame, and The Sound of Music. He is happy to be returning to The Josephine Theatre where he has appeared in the roles of Joseph in Joseph … Dreamcoat, Daniel in Once on This Island, as Angelique in La Cage Aux Folles, and most recently in The Fantasticks as Matt. Jonathan would like to thank Missy and the Miller family for this wonderful opportunity. Also, many thinks to Ray Cook, Terry Bailey, and all the cast and crew for their help and support. Much love and thanks also go to his family and friends. Tim Miller (Jake/Stage Manager) is proud to once again share the stage with many members of his family in another production at The Josephine. Some of his recent roles include, Lt. Ward and Hull in Annie, The Chairman/Knife Grinder in Oliver, Armand in Once on This Island, The Voice of the Plant in Little Shop of Horrors, Bob Cratchet in Scrooge's Rude Awakenings, Simeon in Joseph … Dreamcoat, and most recently as Bellomy in The Fantasticks. He also appears regularly as the singing Santa Claus in the Showstopper Christmas shows. When Tim isn't busy as the owner of his prominent auto business, Ace Auto Repair, he can be found singing Karaoke, or performing as an industrial actor doing convention work. Brian K. Teeters (Mose/Stage Manager) has been involved in theater for only 3 years. With no formal training, he learns on the job, and with every production, his enthusiasm grows. He has performed in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, The Music Man, La Cage aux Folles, Oliver, Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins, 1001 Chickens, Out of Ur, and The Pirate Princess. He just finished as Huckelbee in The Fantasticks. For Brian, acting is cheaper than therapy. Eric Lozano (Frenchy/Francisco) has done a wide range of shows such as Macbeth, A Doll's House, Blood Wedding, West Side Story, Proposals, Lost in Yonkers, A Beaux's Stratigem, and Glengarry Glen Ross. Over the last couple of years Eric has been in over 20 shows including two in Los Angeles, and most recently he was seen on this stage as El Gallo in The Fantasticks. Eric has received recognition for his work by The FORSCOM Theatre Festival, and has received two ATAC Globe Wards for Best Supporting Actor in a comedy, and Best Supporting Actor in a drama. He would like to thank Missy and Ray for their faith and the opportunity. He would also like to thank his mother, his grandparents, his brother, Shawn, and all of his friends who give him their continued support. "I love you all. Enjoy the show!" Pete Sanchez (Captain Antonio Tenorio) has been involved in local community and professional theatre, appearing in over 50 productions since 1971. His most recent role was Charlie in Death of a Salesman at the San Pedro Park Playhouse. He has appeared with the San Antonio Symphony Productions of Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Peer Gynt, The Last Night of Don Juan, and Anything Goes. He was cast out of New York for the summer stock productions of Little Shop of Horrors in Lockhaven, PA and for Cactus Flower and Barefoot in the Park in Lascaster, PA. His PBS TV credits include Ramon Marquez in Sequin for American Playhouse, and appearing in Carrascolendas, Sonrisas, and Khan Du. Pete has been a part-time company member of the Magik Children's Theater for three years and was the recipient of the Best Actor Gold Medal Award for the S.T.A.G.E. Production's 2001 season in Bulverde, Texas. Brad Milne (Santa Anna) started acting in 1991. He has starred in the movies Crisis, Expect to Die, and Death Junction, Iand guest starred in Peter Bogdanovich's Song of Songs, The Hardy Boys (90's Edition), Kids in the Hall, and Tiger Claws II, to name a few. He has also played the lead in the Team Xtreme series-pilot, and appeared in over 30 Canadian national television commercials. Brad is also an accomplished athlete with many Canadian national and provincial freestyle skiing titles.Ray Baird (James Bohnam) made his debut at The Josephine as Melvin Thorpe in Best Little Whorehouse. Since then he as performed as Louie Miller in Threepenny Opera at the Vexler, Mr. Pringle in Scrooge , and Katopolis in Zorba the Greek at San Pedro Playhouse. He has sung for most of his life in Catholic choirs as well as being a member of the San Antonio Choral Society, Greater Houston Chorus, Mastersingers, and the San Antonio Lyric Opera Chorus. He leads a busy life as an R.N. for the State of Texas, LTC-R. Ray is pleased to be at The Josephine once again and thanks the show's musical director and writer, Tom Masinter, for this opportunity. Thomas Miller (Scotty McGregor) was most recently seen as Jacob and The Butler in Joseph … Dreamcoat, Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Mr. Brownlow in Oliver., and the Indian in The Fantasticks. He appeared in La Cage Aux Folles as Albin and Zaza, as William Barret Travis in the world premiere production of Liberty, and as Jerry and Daphne in Some Like it Hot. In addition to his on-stage talents, he is an accomplished musician, saxophone being his forte, and has served as Musical Director for many Josephine productions throughout the years. By day, Tom is a licensed Massage Therapist specializing in advanced structural body-work and Cranio-Sacral Therapy, and the proud father of Miles and Sarina who display their inherited talents by performing in shows with the rest of the Miller gang. Matt Elizondo (Antonio Fuentes/General Cos) is proud to be in his eleventh production at The Josephine. He was last seen as Charles F. Maude in Bye Bye Birdie, Pauper's Assistant in Oliver, Issachar and The Baker in the 1999 production of Joseph…Dreamcoat, and as Napthali/Baker in the 2001 production of Joseph … Dreamcoat, Daniel Cloud in Liberty, an Aggie in The Best Little Whorehouse…, a T-Bird in Grease, Ewart Dunlop in The Music Man, Francois in La Cage Aux Folles, and a Shark in West Side Story. Matt spent last summer in South Padre Island, Texas, where he was the stage manager for Schlitterbahn Beach's premiere production of Celebration of Water. Matt would like to thank the Miller family for the opportunity and his family for their love and support. Geoffrey Mergele (George Kimball/Texas Guy) last performed at the Sheldon Vexler Theater as Walt Dreary in The Threepenny Opera. Last summer he performed at the Saxtons River Playhouse in Vermont as Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, Mayor Shinn/Choreographer in Music Man, Jonathan in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Anselmo/Barber in Man of La Mancha. Geoffrey has appeared at The Josephine both onstage and behind the keyboard in Joseph … Dreamcoat, Grease, Tommy, and West Side Story. Abby Hankins (Maria) is 11 years old and began her theatre training at the age of 4 as a "Shortstopper" member of The Josephine Theatre's "Showstoppers Academy of Musical Theatre". During the last seven years, Abby has performed in countless Showstoppers productions, appeared in Joseph, Alice, Willy Wonka, Sound of Music, Bye-Bye Birdie and several national and regional television commercials. And most recently she starred as Annie here at The Josephine. Abby loves to perform and her success is attribute to her ability to share that joy with the audience. Jamie Goldman (Enrique) is a 6th grader at Hobby Middle School. This is his 5th Josephine show. He was previously seen in Oliver as a member of Fagin's Gang, in The Sound of Music as Kurt (Red Cast), in Bye Bye Birdie as Randolph, and in the children's choir of Joseph … Dreamcoat. He is also a member of The Showstoppers. He someday hopes to play Rum Tum Tugger in the musical Cats. He would like to thank his friends, family and The Josephine Theatre for their support, love, and opportunity. Niki Prian (Manuel) is a 4th grader at Huebner Elementary. She is a level 6/7 competitive gymnast and a tumbler/cheerleader for the wildcats All-Star squad. She loves to sing, dance, act, and tumble. She has had the opportunity to perform in several Showstopper shows and Josephine main stage productions including Oliver, The Sound of Music as Gretl (Blue Cast) and most recently in Annie as Molly. Nicki would like to thank all of the staff at The Josephine Theatre for giving her the opportunity to participate in all the great productions she has been a part of. Niki Frishberg (Francisco) Niki is a 7 year old second grader at Keystone School. She has been an active member of The Showstoppers for the past 3 years as well as participating in Gymnastics, Ballet, Painting with Mrs. Ahuva, Piano, and most importantly, The Girlscouts and Brownies. She has performed in multiple mainstage productions at The Josephine including Joseph…Dreamcoat as the Messenger, Once on This Island as Little Ti Moune, and The Sound of Music (Red Cast) as Gretl. She would like to thank the Miller family for giving her the best time of her life, performing on stage at such a young age. Valarie Miller (Texas Gal/Santa Anna's Mistress/Dance Captain) is very proud to be playing this challenging role! She was most recently seen as Luisa in The Fantasticks, Lily St. Regis in Annie and as Potiphar's wife in Joseph…Dreamcoat. Valarie is very proud to say that her performance as Peggy Sawyer, in The Josephine's recent 42nd Street production, earned her the award for Best Actress in a Musical at the 2000-2001 ATAC Globe Awards. Other Josephine credits include Crazy for You, Tommy, Music Man, Sound of Music, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, and many more. She is very thankful to be working with a great cast and wishes everyone luck. Heather Elizondo (Texas Gal) is in her 2nd production at The Josephine Theatre after debuting as Isachar's wife in Joseph … Dreamcoat. Heather graduated from Baylor University where she studied music and theater. She is an elementary music teacher and loves being required to act like a kid. She thanks her family for their support of her hobbies all these years and her wonderful husband for making her believe that anything is possible. Stephani Frishberg (Texas Gal) Stephanie is a 7th grader at Keystone School this year, and is proud to be doing her 7th main stage show at The Josephine. This is also her second time performing in Joseph…Dreamcoat. Other shows include The Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, 42nd Street, and Annie. Stephanie has also been a featured soloist in numerous Showstopper performances. When not doing shows, you can find her playing volleyball and softball for the Keystone Cobras. She would like to thank her parents for always being there for her. Shirley McBride (Texas Gal) is in her 1st performance at The Josephine Theatre. She has been singing gospel music in various churches all over Texas and Oklahoma for the past 17 years. Shirley sings in the regular choir and the praise choir at Cornerstone Church. She has a passion for singing and wants to say a very special "Thank You" to Tom Masinter for including her in this terrific stageplay, Gone to Texas. She also says, "I have never worked with such talented artists before – they are certainly inspiring – AND FUN!" Kara Krouser (Texas Gal) is happy to return to her hometown of San Antonio after spending the last few years traveling and working in the radio industry. She moved from Austin, after graduating from The University of Texas, where she spent three years as an afternoon Disc Jockey for KROX-FM and as a performer in The Capitol City Mystery Players Melodrama Theater. From there, she moved to Dallas to be a sales director for Premiere Radio Networks and travel around the country, visiting radio markets from New York to Los Angeles. She returns home to family, friends, margarita, and enchiladas. Michael Phillips (Texas Guy) began performing when he was 5 years old. He was most recently seen at The Josephine as The Mute in The Fantasticks, Benjamin in Joseph … Dreamcoat, Arthur in Bye Bye Birdie, Friedrich in The Sound of Music (Blue Cast), as a workhouse child in Oliver, as Winthrop in The Music Man, as young Tommy in The Who's Tommy, and in the children's choir in the 1999 production of Joseph… Dreamcoat. He performed at the Guadalupe Theatre in The Wiz of The West, at San Pedro Playhouse in Evita, at the Vexlor Theatre in Fiddler on the Roof, and has been a member of The Showstoppers for 5 years. Michael has also been in commercials for Paragon – Kid's Club Card and for Time Warner – KABOINK. Michael won 2 Gold Medals in The Junior Olympics in Orlando in the summer of 2000 in "Sport Dance", and one Gold in Va. Beach in 2001. Currently Michael enjoys being a home-schooled A-B student, and has played 13 seasons of soccer. Keith Franklin (Texas Guy) made his debut at The Josephine as Andy Lee in 42nd Street. A native of Boosier, Louisiana and recent graduate of UTSA with his masters in counseling, he fostered his performing skills with a minor degree in Theatrical Dance at Northwester State University. His credits include West Side Story, Crazy for You, Beau Jest, and several dance ensemble works. His most recent accomplishment was as a dance instructor for Image Dance Co. He only hopes his performances in San Antonio shine for his family and friends.
web site by: Celeste Masinter
