We are very excited about IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE here at Meridian Little Theatre. We proudly introduce you to four of our leads from our 35 member cast. Take a moment to get to know Scott Stevens (George Bailey), Shae Fuller (Mary Bailey), Keith Farmer (Clarence) and Paul Spurlin (Mr. Potter).
SCOTT STEVENS (George Bailey) is Operations Manager at the Radio People and co-host of The Morning Show on 97.1 WOKK. He has appeared on the MLT stage in Hairspray, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Bye Bye Birdie, Legally Blonde and Camelot. He also serves on the Jimmie Rodgers board, is President of the MLT Board of Directors, and the United Way Campaign Chair. When not at work, he enjoys playing golf. A newlywed, Scott and his wife, Carla, were just married in June. He has one daughter, Samantha, and two step daughters, Paige and Olivia.
SHAE FULLER (Mary Hatch Bailey) has been seen in MLT productions of Christmas Belles, The Foreigner, and Dashing through the Snow. She is currently playing the part of Nicole Taylor in “A Journey Through Pines,” a feature film to be released in October, 2017. A graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, she has a BS in Early Childhood Education and Biblical Theological Studies. Married to Blake Fuller, Shae loves homeschooling their 3 children.
KEITH FARMER (Clarence Odbody, A-S-2) is returning to the MLT stage after being in Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, Dashing Through the Snow, A Christmas Carol, and Cabaret. A 4th grade teacher at Northeast Elementary School, Keith is a graduate of MSU with a Bachelor of Education degree. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of two children—Eva and Emmett. His hobbies are vacations, movies and anything Disney.
PAUL SPURLIN (Mr. Henry F. Potter) is making his stage debut as Mr. Potter! A graduate of the University of Mississippi, he holds a Ph.D. in Finance and is known as Dr. Spurlin at Mississippi State University—Meridian, where he is an Assistant Professor. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Bay Springs, MS, where he is a deacon at First Baptist Church.
SCOTT STEVENS (George Bailey) is Operations Manager at the Radio People and co-host of The Morning Show on 97.1 WOKK. He has appeared on the MLT stage in Hairspray, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Bye Bye Birdie, Legally Blonde and Camelot. He also serves on the Jimmie Rodgers board, is President of the MLT Board of Directors, and the United Way Campaign Chair. When not at work, he enjoys playing golf. A newlywed, Scott and his wife, Carla, were just married in June. He has one daughter, Samantha, and two step daughters, Paige and Olivia.
SHAE FULLER (Mary Hatch Bailey) has been seen in MLT productions of Christmas Belles, The Foreigner, and Dashing through the Snow. She is currently playing the part of Nicole Taylor in “A Journey Through Pines,” a feature film to be released in October, 2017. A graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, she has a BS in Early Childhood Education and Biblical Theological Studies. Married to Blake Fuller, Shae loves homeschooling their 3 children.
KEITH FARMER (Clarence Odbody, A-S-2) is returning to the MLT stage after being in Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, Dashing Through the Snow, A Christmas Carol, and Cabaret. A 4th grade teacher at Northeast Elementary School, Keith is a graduate of MSU with a Bachelor of Education degree. He and his wife, Sarah, are the parents of two children—Eva and Emmett. His hobbies are vacations, movies and anything Disney.
PAUL SPURLIN (Mr. Henry F. Potter) is making his stage debut as Mr. Potter! A graduate of the University of Mississippi, he holds a Ph.D. in Finance and is known as Dr. Spurlin at Mississippi State University—Meridian, where he is an Assistant Professor. He and his wife, Julie, reside in Bay Springs, MS, where he is a deacon at First Baptist Church.
Take a moment to get to know a few of our cast members who make up the Bailey Family: Jo Ellen Reeves (Ma Bailey), Brad Hampton (Uncle Billy), Deborah Blair (Aunt Tilly) and Christopher Collis (Youngest George).
JO ELLEN REEVES (Ma Bailey) has appeared in many MLT and MCC productions, as well as productions in New Mexico, including Anything Goes , A Christmas Carol, Oklahoma Crimes of the Heart, and Carousel. She is a graduate of MCC and JCJC, and will receive a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from MSU-Meridian in December. She has two children—Howard Reeves, III (Bubba) and Lorrie Reeves Clark, who has given her 4 grandchildren—Shelby, Trey, Hannah Sue and Sophie Clark.
CHRISTOPHER COLLIS (12 year old George Bailey) is making his MLT debut, but is no stranger to the stage. He has sung in talents shows, appeared in Lamar School’s productions of Pinocchio, Little Mermaid, and Cinderella, and Christmas productions at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A 7th grade student at West Lauderdale Middle School, his parents are Tommie Fitzgerald and Don Fitzgerald. His hobbies are football, soccer, and stage productions.
DEBORAH BLAIR (Aunt Tilly) is a newcomer to the MLT stage, but has appeared in Brigadoon, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The Boyfriend, JB, Up the Down Staircase, and Oklahoma on other stages. Deborah earned a theatre degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. She taught high school drama classes in Arizona and Texas before coming to teach in Clinton, MS. A member of Central Baptist Church, Deborah sings in the choir there. She and her husband, Dr. Gary Blair, are the parents of Jonathan, Joel and Glori.
BRAD HAMPTON (Uncle Billy) is a familiar face to MLT audiences, having appeared in numerous productions. His most recent performance was in Wait Until Dark. He is currently expanding his acting skills as a part of the cast for A Journey Through Pines, a film production which is scheduled for release in theatres in October 2017. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Brad holds a B.A. in Radio, TV and Film. A Lauderdale County Deputy Tax Assessor, his hobbies include reading, writing, and painting. Brad is an avowed movie buff.
JO ELLEN REEVES (Ma Bailey) has appeared in many MLT and MCC productions, as well as productions in New Mexico, including Anything Goes , A Christmas Carol, Oklahoma Crimes of the Heart, and Carousel. She is a graduate of MCC and JCJC, and will receive a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from MSU-Meridian in December. She has two children—Howard Reeves, III (Bubba) and Lorrie Reeves Clark, who has given her 4 grandchildren—Shelby, Trey, Hannah Sue and Sophie Clark.
CHRISTOPHER COLLIS (12 year old George Bailey) is making his MLT debut, but is no stranger to the stage. He has sung in talents shows, appeared in Lamar School’s productions of Pinocchio, Little Mermaid, and Cinderella, and Christmas productions at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A 7th grade student at West Lauderdale Middle School, his parents are Tommie Fitzgerald and Don Fitzgerald. His hobbies are football, soccer, and stage productions.
DEBORAH BLAIR (Aunt Tilly) is a newcomer to the MLT stage, but has appeared in Brigadoon, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, The Boyfriend, JB, Up the Down Staircase, and Oklahoma on other stages. Deborah earned a theatre degree from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, TX. She taught high school drama classes in Arizona and Texas before coming to teach in Clinton, MS. A member of Central Baptist Church, Deborah sings in the choir there. She and her husband, Dr. Gary Blair, are the parents of Jonathan, Joel and Glori.
BRAD HAMPTON (Uncle Billy) is a familiar face to MLT audiences, having appeared in numerous productions. His most recent performance was in Wait Until Dark. He is currently expanding his acting skills as a part of the cast for A Journey Through Pines, a film production which is scheduled for release in theatres in October 2017. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Brad holds a B.A. in Radio, TV and Film. A Lauderdale County Deputy Tax Assessor, his hobbies include reading, writing, and painting. Brad is an avowed movie buff.
Take a moment to get to know two more members of the Bailey family plus a pair of their friends: Logan Polizzi (Young Mary), Eli Kennedy (Young George), Jonathan Crabtree (Sam) and Stacey Pollock (Violet).
ELI KENNEDY (Young George Bailey) is returning to MLT after his stage debut in Camelot. A Junior at Enterprise High School, Eli’s hobbies include playing the piano, choir, and playing tennis. His parents are Matt and Brandi Kennedy.
STACEY POLLOCK (Violet Peterson) has appeared in numerous MLT productions, including Red Velvet Cake Wars, both productions of CATS, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, and A Street Car Named Desire. Holding a BA from the University of Mississippi as well as a MAT from Mississippi State University, she is an English instructor at East Central Community College. Stacey and her husband, Britt, have 2 children—16 year old Olivia and 14 year old Collins.
LOGAN POLIZZI (Young Mary) is making her first appearance on the main stage of MLT, after appearing in the CenterStage production of Princess Whatsername, as well as many other youth productions. A graduate of Russell Christian Academy, she is now a student at East Mississippi Community College pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with emphasis in Dyslexia Therapy. Her parents are Stacey Hutcheson and Tony Polizzi.
JONATHAN CRABTREE (Sam Wainwright) is bringing his stage talents to our stage after having appeared in productions at Warren Central High School in Vicksburg and East Central Community College. A graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and Mississippi State University, Jonathan holds a Master’s of Divinity degree as well as an undergraduate degree in Communications, Education and Political Science and is member of the United Methodist Church Clergy. His hobbies include exercising, traveling the world, hiking, studying, reading and writing. He and his wife Kristina are the parents of one daughter, Danika, with another one on the way
ELI KENNEDY (Young George Bailey) is returning to MLT after his stage debut in Camelot. A Junior at Enterprise High School, Eli’s hobbies include playing the piano, choir, and playing tennis. His parents are Matt and Brandi Kennedy.
STACEY POLLOCK (Violet Peterson) has appeared in numerous MLT productions, including Red Velvet Cake Wars, both productions of CATS, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, and A Street Car Named Desire. Holding a BA from the University of Mississippi as well as a MAT from Mississippi State University, she is an English instructor at East Central Community College. Stacey and her husband, Britt, have 2 children—16 year old Olivia and 14 year old Collins.
LOGAN POLIZZI (Young Mary) is making her first appearance on the main stage of MLT, after appearing in the CenterStage production of Princess Whatsername, as well as many other youth productions. A graduate of Russell Christian Academy, she is now a student at East Mississippi Community College pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with emphasis in Dyslexia Therapy. Her parents are Stacey Hutcheson and Tony Polizzi.
JONATHAN CRABTREE (Sam Wainwright) is bringing his stage talents to our stage after having appeared in productions at Warren Central High School in Vicksburg and East Central Community College. A graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary and Mississippi State University, Jonathan holds a Master’s of Divinity degree as well as an undergraduate degree in Communications, Education and Political Science and is member of the United Methodist Church Clergy. His hobbies include exercising, traveling the world, hiking, studying, reading and writing. He and his wife Kristina are the parents of one daughter, Danika, with another one on the way
We proudly introduce you to a few more cast members who are citizens of Bedford Falls: David Malloy (Mr. Gower), Cara Brown (Mrs. Hatch), Jon Cooper (Bert) and Tori Moore (Miss Carter).
CARA BROWN (Mrs. Hatch) is excited to be making her stage debut! A graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, AL, with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Cara taught for 9 years, but is now a stay at home mom. She played the clarinet in marching bands during her years in school, and loves to bake and do crafts. She and her husband, Carson, are the proud parents of Emily and Garrett.
TORI MOORE (Mrs. Carter) is a graduate of MCC and MSU-Meridian and currently employed at Rush Foundation Hospital as Reimbursement Analyst. She has appeared on the MLT stage in Dashing Through the Snow, Sorry! Wrong Chimney!, Legally Blonde, Red Velvet Cake Wars and Rex’s Exes. She was also in the cast of Tony and Tina’s Wedding at MSU Riley Center, as well as Fiddler on the Roof, Steel Magnolias, All in the Timing and Come Blow Your Horn at MCC. Tori is an avid reader. She is married to Adam Moore.
JON COOPER (Bert) has been in various church presentations, but is making his theatrical debut on the MLT stage after getting the theatre bug while assisting with CenterStage productions. A graduate of Mississippi College with a BA in Christian Studies, his hobbies include reading, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Sarah Beth are the parents of Hannah, Emmett and LilyAnn. Jon is currently employed at Broadmoor Home Center.
DAVID MALLOY (Mr. Gower) is joining the MLT in his first theatrical production. A graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax NS, Canada, David is also known as Dr. Malloy and employed with Rush Health Systems. He and his wife, Susan, are the parents of Alex, Scott and Lisa Malloy.
CARA BROWN (Mrs. Hatch) is excited to be making her stage debut! A graduate of Auburn University in Auburn, AL, with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Cara taught for 9 years, but is now a stay at home mom. She played the clarinet in marching bands during her years in school, and loves to bake and do crafts. She and her husband, Carson, are the proud parents of Emily and Garrett.
TORI MOORE (Mrs. Carter) is a graduate of MCC and MSU-Meridian and currently employed at Rush Foundation Hospital as Reimbursement Analyst. She has appeared on the MLT stage in Dashing Through the Snow, Sorry! Wrong Chimney!, Legally Blonde, Red Velvet Cake Wars and Rex’s Exes. She was also in the cast of Tony and Tina’s Wedding at MSU Riley Center, as well as Fiddler on the Roof, Steel Magnolias, All in the Timing and Come Blow Your Horn at MCC. Tori is an avid reader. She is married to Adam Moore.
JON COOPER (Bert) has been in various church presentations, but is making his theatrical debut on the MLT stage after getting the theatre bug while assisting with CenterStage productions. A graduate of Mississippi College with a BA in Christian Studies, his hobbies include reading, hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Sarah Beth are the parents of Hannah, Emmett and LilyAnn. Jon is currently employed at Broadmoor Home Center.
DAVID MALLOY (Mr. Gower) is joining the MLT in his first theatrical production. A graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax NS, Canada, David is also known as Dr. Malloy and employed with Rush Health Systems. He and his wife, Susan, are the parents of Alex, Scott and Lisa Malloy.
Get more familiar with Joey Traywick (Goon), Ashley Rickles (Secretary), James Conway (Mr. Martini) and Heather Wadley (Mrs. Martini).
ASHLEY RICKLES (Mr. Potter’s Secretary) appeared in Big River, My Son Pinocchio and Peter Pan on the MCC stage. A graduate of Mississippi University for Women, she has communications major with a minor in vocal performance. Ashley is currently employed at Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter as a Court Advocate. She is married to Casey Rickles. Ashley says, “This one’s for the late Mr. Steve Nabors—a friend and colleague and one who gave me a chance on stage. You are missed.”
JAMES CONWAY (Mr. Martini) is making his first stage appearance. He is a volunteer for EMAR, where he extends his love for his furbabies to others available for pet adoption. He also loves working in his yard and with his flowers.
JOEY TRAYWICK (Mr. Potter’s Goon) is making his theatrical debut, but has appeared in two movies—The Flight of Calvin Waters” in 2010 and is currently filming “A Journey Through Pines,” scheduled for release in 2107. Joey is a DJ, employed with The Radio People. He and his wife, CJ, have 5 children who have given them 7 grandchildren.
HEATHER WADLEY (Mrs. Martini) is joining the MLT family after appearing in Fiddler on the Roof at the Historic Sands Theatre in Alamagorda, New Mexico. She and her husband Keith have 5 children—Constance, Levi, Jeremiah, Gabriella and Titus. She considers her greatest accomplishment raising 5 beautiful children and having the privilege of homeschooling them. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting.
ASHLEY RICKLES (Mr. Potter’s Secretary) appeared in Big River, My Son Pinocchio and Peter Pan on the MCC stage. A graduate of Mississippi University for Women, she has communications major with a minor in vocal performance. Ashley is currently employed at Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter as a Court Advocate. She is married to Casey Rickles. Ashley says, “This one’s for the late Mr. Steve Nabors—a friend and colleague and one who gave me a chance on stage. You are missed.”
JAMES CONWAY (Mr. Martini) is making his first stage appearance. He is a volunteer for EMAR, where he extends his love for his furbabies to others available for pet adoption. He also loves working in his yard and with his flowers.
JOEY TRAYWICK (Mr. Potter’s Goon) is making his theatrical debut, but has appeared in two movies—The Flight of Calvin Waters” in 2010 and is currently filming “A Journey Through Pines,” scheduled for release in 2107. Joey is a DJ, employed with The Radio People. He and his wife, CJ, have 5 children who have given them 7 grandchildren.
HEATHER WADLEY (Mrs. Martini) is joining the MLT family after appearing in Fiddler on the Roof at the Historic Sands Theatre in Alamagorda, New Mexico. She and her husband Keith have 5 children—Constance, Levi, Jeremiah, Gabriella and Titus. She considers her greatest accomplishment raising 5 beautiful children and having the privilege of homeschooling them. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting.
The Bailey girls in our cast:
Alice Roka, Emily Brown, Lucy Vaneckhoven, and Abby McCary. |
Some of the talented young actors in our cast: Max Hodgins, Marcus Boyd, Danika Crabtree and Eva Farmer.
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The Martini Kids from our show: Ashley Purvis, Fruzsina Roka, Ansley Skaggs.
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We proudly introduce you to Harry Bailey, played by Vaughn Threatt.
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We know you do not want to miss our talented cast bring to life this stage version of the classic holiday film we all rejoice in watching every Christmas season. Not only is it the love story of George & Mary Bailey, it also details one man's descent into his darkest hour where he is trapped by circumstances beyond his control and his triumphant struggle for a meaningful life. This tale embodies the moral "No man who has friends is a failure" and clearly teaches us what true happiness is all about. The perfect play for the whole family to enjoy.
Performances are December 1,2,3,5,6 at 7:30 pm plus a 2:00 pm matinee Sunday December 4th.
Call 601-482-6371 to get your tickets today.
This show will sell out so be sure to call soon.
Performances are December 1,2,3,5,6 at 7:30 pm plus a 2:00 pm matinee Sunday December 4th.
Call 601-482-6371 to get your tickets today.
This show will sell out so be sure to call soon.