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LaToya Gardner (Deloris Van Cartier) -Meet sassy, sexy, silly and sarcastic Sister Mary Clarence, aka Deloris Van Cartier, aka LaToya Gardner! This Tennessee State University alum is positively ecstatic to have the opportunity to play Whoopi Goldberg's iconic role on the stage of her alma mater. The Nashville native has always loved to perform and is thankful to God to have another opportunity onstage to share her gifts and to hopefully bring a bit of happiness to others. Favorite roles include Celie in the musical The Color Purple (Circle Players); Wanda in the gospel musical Crowns (Christ Church Cathedral); Elizabeth in In the Next Room (Actors Bridge Ensemble); Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun (Circle Players); Lexie in The Dixie Swim Club (Lakewood Theater); and the title role of Aida in Circle Player's production of the Tim Rice and Elton John musical.  But her absolute favorite role is being the proud mother of the greatest 12-year-old daughter in the world! “To our audience: Thank you for choosing to spend your time here with us. I hope you have a blast and leave really happy!!! To my cast mates: You're some beautiful, talented, FABULOUS people! Break all the legs and spread the love around!"

Mary Corby (Mother Superior) - Mary returns to the Circle stage after several years in an iconic role that isn't a far stretch from her real-life calling as music director at St. Henry Catholic Church.  Mary, who grew up Catholic, says the nuns she was around as a girl played guitar, taught cool folk music and brought joy to worship. So, her idea of "acting" as a nun was a fun thought. She cherishes her many friends who are nuns saying "They are the sweetest, coolest people who do wonderful work in our cities. If [Mother Superior] would let loose and realize that not everyone prays-thinks-worships-lives with her tunnel vision, she could experience more of the joy that life brings!" Mary's past credits include the role of Ida Straus in Titanic the Musical as well as characters in Jekyll and Hyde the Musical and Fame.

Rae Robeson (Sister Mary Robert) – Rae is excited to be back with Circle Players in Sister Act. A recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, she studied Media Production, Theatre, and Dance, and was a company member of the MTSU Dance Theater. Previous credits include Sweet Charity (Rosie), Legally Blonde (Margot), Don Coyote (Riley), The Fantasticks (Luisa) and Annie Get Your Gun (Annie Oakley). Previous credits with Circle Players include American Idiot (Alysha), Titanic, the Musical and Fame Forever. “Love and thanks to family and friends.”

Abbie Mummert (Sister Mary Patrick) – Abbie is thrilled to make debut with Circle Players! She  graduated from high school in Pennsylvania in June of 2015 and quickly made the big move to Nashville to continue performing. This is her first show locally; however, Abbie is no stranger to the stage. She has been performing since age five and was most recently seen portraying Smitty in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Abbie sends love to all of her cast/crew mates, family, and friends for supporting her on this incredible journey. 

Taylor Simon (Sister Mary Lazarus) – Taylor feels very blessed and “sanctifunkadelic” to have been given the opportunity to play this role in her second Circle Players’ production! She graduated from Belmont University with a BBA in Marketing and Classical Vocal Performance Minor. Her most recent performances include:  Into the Woods,(Florinda), Ragtime, (Emma Goldman),  A Christmas Carol: The Musical, (The Ghost of Christmas Past), Bye Bye Birdie, (Rosie), Songs for a New World (Woman 2) and  performing around town with Nashville’s Yes & Improv Comedy Troupe. She would like to thank her incredibly supportive family and friends, especially Travis Kern, for their unwavering love and encouragement. She would also like to thank her parents, who are cheering her on from heaven. “I’ll ‘sing pretty’ for you, Mommy!” 

Ron Veasey  (Monsignor O’Hara) – Fresh from the role of Candy in Of Mice and Men, Ron feels blessed to be a part of Sister Act The Musical.  A resident of Nashville for 16 years, Ron has done theatre periodically since high school, and has recently been afforded the time to do it as much as he wants. He performed live improv for several years locally with Fusebox Theatre. Ron also worked on a NBC "Movie of the Week" in 1989 called Your Mother Wears Combat Boots as assistant technical director and actor-- where he really caught the "Hollywood" bug. He has produced and directed several independent films under his own company, Flying V Films, including entries in the 48-Hour Film Festival. Ron is excited to work with his Sister Act family and is looking forward to many more projects with Circle Players.

Isiah Tatum (Curtis) - Isiah is a dreamer, visionary, and leader whose life’s goal is to help others discover purpose in life. He believes the only way to tap into greatness is to serve people, overcome fear and create the life you’ve always dreamed of obtaining.  As a kid Isiah loved to sing, so he knew one day he would sing around the world and on stage. He's had roles in the following shows: Dream Girls, A Christmas Carol, High School Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Once on this Island, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Toymaker's Apprentice. He is the CEO of the IDTatum Creative Group, a multi-faceted entertainment company that specializes in Entertainment Development and Project Management for music, film, and television.

Stewart Romeo (Police Officer Eddie Souther) - Stewart Romeo is a junior at Tennessee State University, with a double major in Theater and Psychology. This is his first show with Circle Players, although he has performed in multiple productions at TSU. Stewart looks forward to graduating and pursuing a career in acting.

Leon Blandon (TJ) - Leon is gracing the stage again with his favorite community theatre troupe: Circle Players!  He gives special thanks to the awesome stage and musical direction of Tim Larson and John Kennerly, respectively, for this opportunity and is elated to be a member of such an amazing and talented cast.  Leon is a frequent on-stage performer in the local theatre community and was last seen on stage as the l Davey Battles in Act One’s production of Take Me Out. Other notable productions and performances include One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Martini), Memphis the Muscial (Wailin’ Joe), Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (James Monroe), bare, a Pop Opera (Lucas), Band Geeks! (Jake) and Jesus Christ Superstar to name a few. Although Leon is happy to call Nashville home, he is a proud native of Pensacola, Florida, and has several production credits from his hometown as well. 

Brian Best (Joey) -Brian is excited to be back onstage at Circle , helping to Spread The Love! A graduate of Belmont University, Brian is a Dove Award nominee for his children's musical PROMISE U! and his national touring children's ministry BB Angelo has ministered to crowds from 50 to 15,000 at events such as The Billy Graham Kids Gig (www.bbangelo.com). Brian performs with the 40's swing trio, Two Tall Divas and a Tip Top Daddy. Recent roles: Gomez in The Addams Family and Henry Ford in Ragtime the Musical (Circle Players); Mr. Collins in Memphis (Street Theatre); Max/Maxine Andrews in The Andrews Brothers and Jerry Schiff in Barbara's Wedding (Gaslight); and Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and Marcellus in The Music Man (Larry Keeton Theatre).

Joshua Andrew Hosale (Pablo/Ensemble) - Andrew is delighted to be back with Circle Players for this amazing show. Andrew graduated from MTSU with a BA in Theatre Performance, and was last seen in Circle Players’ productions of American Idiot (Ben) and in The Addam's Family (Uncle Fester). Other roles include: ”Princeton” in Avenue Q (MLT) "Buck Wiley/Martin Holton" in Memphis (STC) “The Showman” in Woyzeck (MTSU), “The Man in Chair” in The Drowsy Chaperone (MTSU), “Andrew Aguecheek” in Twelfth Night (New Castle Players), and “Norman Bulansky” in The Boys Next Door (Pull-Tight Players). Andrew is honored to share the stage with his fellow cast members bringing this amazing show to life. “I would like to thank Mom and Dad for always believing in my crazy obsession with theater; to Nanny for being my biggest Cheerleader; to Allison for putting up with my drama; to Tim for giving me the opportunity to tell this hilarious and heartwarming story; and to Daniel who always pushes me to my best. I love you more than words! Now raise your voice for the Sunday morning fever!!!”

Adele Akin (Sister Mary Martin-Of-Tours) – Adele is excited to be working with Circle players again after many years of absence. Adele is a New York actress and graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In Nashville, she has performed for Tennessee Women’s Theatre Project, Circle Players, ACT 1, Mockingbird, Nashville Stages and The Boiler Room Theare. Her favorite roles include Gooch in Mame, Sister Mary Amnesia in Nuncrackers, Ms. Hannigan in Annie, Rita in Scattered, Smothered and Covered Christmas and numerous Alices in A... My Name is Alice. This is the third time she has donned a habit for the stage. If only all her costumes fit so well!

Amber Boyer (Sister Mary Theresa) - Amber is thrilled to return to Circle Players in this production with all of these wonderful sisters and brothers! She was last seen on the Circle/TSU stage in the ensemble of Ragtime!" Amber’s recent credits include The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof and Bye, Bye Birdie (Mama Peterson) at Larry Keeton Theatre. With a B.A. in Theatre Performance from Converse College, Amber has been involved with theatre arts since the age of 7. A few  favorite roles include: Janet in USCS's "The Rocky Horror Show” (USCS), Jim Hawkins in "Treasure Island," Kate Murphy in "Titanic, the Musical” (Circle Players) and Peter Pan in TLC's "Peter Pan." Amber would like to thank her wonderful family and friends for their continuous love and support. She hopes you enjoy the show and reminds everyone to "Spread the love around!"

Katie Bruno (Sister Mary Genisius) - Katie is excited to make her Nashville theatre debut. An Ithaca, New York, native, Katie spent the last two-plus years touring with theatre groups throughout her home state. Katie would like to express her gratitude for Circle Players' welcoming arms and sense of humor. Stay tuned to see her in Clown Nashville's production of Dracula coming this February. “Proud University of Miami grad! For my Dad, always.”

Jarvis Bynum (Ernie/Ensemble) -Thrilled to be making another appearance with Circle Players, Jarvis is a Theatre Performance graduate of Austin Peay State University. He was previously seen in Circle’s productions of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Aide Williams) and bare, a Pop Opera (Zach). Other credits include Dark of The Moon (John), Twelfth Night (Feste), Bat Boy (Ron Taylor) and Spirit (Dean, Elder Sugg Fort). Jarvis is elated to work with a great and super talented cast and crew to put together this awesome show!

Sydney Hooper (Michelle / Sister Mary Persico) - Sydney is thrilled to return to the Circle stage. She discovered her love of theatre at a very young age, and has fed her desire to perform since the age of five. After graduating a conservatory program, Sydney began a film career and can be seen in such films as 42: The Jackie Robinson Story and Hunger Games: Catching Fire. She was most recently seen as Martha “Dumptruck” Dunnstock in Heathers the Musical (Street Theatre Company). Some of her favorite performances include Circle Players’ production last fall of The Addams Family Musical (Alice Beineke), Catch Me If You Can: The Musical (Cheryl Ann Something), The Secret Garden (Martha), Seussical the Musical (Mayzie La Bird), and RSC Beauty and the Beast (Marie Claire). “Love to Mom, Dad, W, B, AL, G, J, B, LD, Smellis, and NB.”

Jamila Hunter (Sister Mary Miguel)

Anna Kaelin-Tucker (Sister Mary Adelard) – Anna is excited to perform in her first Circle Players’ production. After moving to Nashville in 2011, she has focused on performing and was recently seen on “American Idol” and “The Voice”. Past theatre credits include: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Alice), Hello Dolly (Minnie Fay), and her favorite roles of all time Ariel, Cinderella, and Snow White at Disney World. Anna would like to dedicate the run of this show to her mother Susan Kaelin, her dad (and best vocal coach in the world), Dean Kaelin, and supportive husband, Tristan. “I couldn’t have done this without all of your love and support! And a BIG thanks to all those in the audience; the show would not be the same without you!”

Ashley Morrison (Sister Mary Willgis) -Ashley is thrilled to be part of this amazing production and back on stage again with Circle Players. She has been seen in a variety of shows with Circle Players including Titanic: the Musical and Willy Wonka; and the Larry Keeton Theatre (A Christmas Carol and Sweet Charity).  Ashley earned a B.A in Music from Mars Hill College (North Carolina). She thanks her family and friends for their continued support, love and guidance. Ashley would like to “Spread the Love Around” to her fellow cast members, Tim, LaTonya, John and all the crew for this incredible show!

Erica Patterson (Sister Mary Embert) - Erica is a graduating senior at Tennessee State University, majoring in Theatre. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, she became involved in Germantown High School's "Poplar Pike Playhouse" where she found her love of the theatre. After moving to Nashville for college, she soon became involved in the local community theatre scene. Erica was recently awarded Best Supporting Actress and Best Female Vocalist for her role as Sarah in Ragtime the Musical,  presented by Circle Players. Other previous roles include Bare, A Pop Opera (Kyra); Dreamgirls (Charlene); The Color Purple (Ensemble/ Nettie u/s); The Addams Family (Ensemble);Trial by Jury (Angelina); The Fantasticks (Luisa); Parade The Musical (Angela); Curtains The Musical (Ensemble)."I am honored to be apart of this show. Endless gratitude to Circle Players. Thank you for all that you do for this wonderful community."

 

Melinda Paul (Sister Mary Petroc/Waitress) – Melinda  is thrilled to make her Circle Players' debut in her second show since moving to Nashville. She has a B.A. in Theater Studies from Yale University and is currently in medical school, but grateful for the opportunity to join such an amazing performing arts community. “Much love and gratitude to God, Samantha, Mom, Dad, Nathanael and friends for their support.”

Sarah Shepherd (Sister Mary Antioch/ Hooker) – Sarah is a Nashville native who grew up with an interest in the arts, especially theatre. She's been involved in many local productions, including 42nd Street, Steel Magnolias (Annelle), Footloose (Rusty), Hairspray (Amber), and A Chorus Line (Bebe). Her most recent and notable appearances were on stage for Music City Theater Company's productions of Casey Stampfield The Musical and The Vagina Monologues (as herself), and the Circle Players regional premier of American Idiot (as Heather). Sarah is excited and honored to be part of this amazing cast and this incredible show! “Let's rock this, sisters!”

Taylor Tracey (Tina/Sister Mary Josephat) - Taylor is so happy to be making her Circle Players debut. Some of her more notable roles have been Elle Woods (Legally Blonde), Natalie (All Shook Up), Rizzo (Grease), Ado Annie (Oklahoma), Clara (Light in The Piazza), and Mary Jane (Big River) to name a few. Taylor would like to thank her family, friends, cast, creative team and especially her son, Matty, for their constant support. #YourFabulousBaby 

Elizabeth Turner (Sister Mary Novina/Fantasy Dancer) - Elizabeth is excited to make her Circle Players acting debut after serving as Dance Captain for Circle's production of Green Day's American Idiot. Recent performance credits include ACT 1’s August: Osage County (Karen Weston); Hendersonville Performing Arts Company's A Chorus Line (Val Clark); Music City Theatre Company's The Vagina Monologues (which she co-directed); and Orchard Street Productions' professional touring production of Old Jews Telling Jokes (Debbie). Following Sister Act, she will trade in her nun’s habit for a swimsuit as Marvel Ann in Music City Theatre Company’s production of Psycho Beach Party (June 2016). Elizabeth thanks the Sister Act cast, crew, and creative team for the opportunity and her wonderful, talented husband, Toby, for his love and support.

Susan Walsworth (Sister Mary Cecellia) - Susan is thrilled to be back onstage with Circle Players and under the direction of Tim Larson. She has been seen in several other productions around the area including High School Musical (Ms. Darbus) CFTA Murfreesboro; A Christmas Carol, Sweet Charity, Seussical the musical (Mrs. Mayor) and 9 to 5 the musical (Margaret) at The Keeton Theatre; as well as several other Circle productions: Titanic the Musical, Willy Wonka (Mrs. TeeVee), Hairspray and Band Geeks!  Susan feels extremely blessed to share the stage with this amazing cast and thankful for all her “sisters”. “Thanks to Tim, LaTonya, John and Tosha for all your hard work.” She dedicates her performance to all the friends and family that come out to support her in doing what she loves. Enjoy the show!

Tamera Young (Sister Mary Bournee)

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT:  Circle Players’ aim is to promote public education appreciation and enjoyment of dramatic literature, stagecraft, fine arts and the theatre through the production of plays and by conducting other related activities.

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