Meet the Cast

Meet the cast of Barter Theatre's Les Misérables!

Listed in alphabetical order

David Alford (Fauchelevant et al.—Les Misérables) was most recently seen as Kyle, the UPS Guy, in Legally Blonde: The Musical, Marquis St. Evrémonde and others in Richard Rose’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and Monsieur d’Arque in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Regional credits include: Bob Cratchit (Scrooge!), Hap (Death of a Salesman), Orpheus (Metamorphoses), Lt. Pittman (Titanic), Harry (Brilliant Traces), Rev. Hale (The Crucible), Gremio (Taming of the Shrew) and Joe (Damn Yankees). A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, David has a certification in theatre arts for secondary education and serves as the artistic director for the Barter Youth Academy.

Kristy Bissell (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is a proud graduate of Seton Hill University where she received her BA in music theatre with a minor in vocal performance. She is currently a Barter Player and honored to work with so many wonderful artists. Some of her favorite roles are: The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe (Lucy), Miss Nelson is Missing (Miss Nelson & The Swamp), Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Pepper McGee) and A Thousand Cranes (Mother & Spirit). She would like to thank the amazing Katy Brown, John Hardy, Cathy Bush, her fellow Barter Players and her amazing family who has always loved and believed in her.

Paris Bradstreet (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is excited to find herself at Barter this season. Hailing from Danvers, Massachusetts, she holds a BFA in musical theatre from Ithaca College and an MFA in acting from California State University, Fullerton. Favorite regional credits include Hello, Dolly! (Dolly Levi), Always… Patsy Cline (Louise), The Spitfire Grill (Effy Krayneck), Steel Magnolias (M’Lynn), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Mrs. Meers), The Full Monty (Jeanette) and the NETworks national tour of Spring Awakening (Adult Woman U/S). She thanks Katy and Rick for this wonderful opportunity and sends her love and gratitude home to her   parents, who make everything possible. 

Parris Cromer* (Ensemble—Les Misérables) a graduate of Penn State University, is honored to be back performing in Barter’s 2013 season. Originally from Washington, D.C., Parris has had the pleasure to sing for President George W. Bush, as well as world-renowned mezzo-suprano Denise Graves. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, Constitution Hall, and is a recipient of the Robert J. and Doris P. Prindle Memorial Award and the Lauren M. Becker Memorial Award in creative arts. Favorite credits: Crystal (Little Shop of Horrors), Spat Palazzo (Sugar), Acid Queen (Tommy) and Serena (Porgy and Bess). Parris sends special thanks to her family and niece Ee’lon for all their love and support.

Abbey C. Elliott* (Eponine et al. —Les Misérables) is thrilled to be a member of Barter’s Resident Acting Company. Favorite Barter roles include, Fritzie Kost (Cabaret), Lucy T. Slut (Avenue Q) and Esther Jane (A Christmas Story). A graduate from Millikin University, Abbey performed around the world with Holland America Cruise Line. Regional credits: Promises, Promises (Stages St. Louis); Mack & Mabel (Surflight); Hairspray (Little Theatre on the Square) and Follies starring Joan Roberts and Ann B. Davis. A proud AEA member, Abbey gives all the praise to her Heavenly Father, and sends lots of love and thanks to Byron, her family and her Barter family.

Emily Grove (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is thrilled to be returning to Barter's main stage this season. Emily is a member of The Barter Players, and has appeared in productions of Miss Nelson is Missing; A Thousand Cranes and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She was also seen in last fall's production of The Wind Farmer. Thanks go out to her friends and family for their support and guidance. 

Micah Hein (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is thrilled to return to Barter’s main stage this summer! He is a grateful member of The Barter Players, and recently toured the southeast changing lives through theatre and teaching. His favorite credits at Barter include Tarzan (Ensemble), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Willy Wonka), and The Cat in the Hat (Cat). Thanks to KB, JH, RR, and my Player family for their endless support. Love to Gilda, Kramer and Fatty. Be of good courage and know that you are loved.

Hannah Ingram* (Fantine—Les Misérables) can’t believe this marks her sixth wonderful year at Barter! Recent roles: Jo March (Little Women), Delilah Strict (Zombie Prom), Kala (Tarzan), Kate Monster (Avenue Q) and Annabella/Margaret/Pamela (The 39 Steps). Other Barter roles: Sally Bowles (Cabaret), Belle (Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, 2008), Narrator (Joseph...) and Evita (Evita). She has performed in NYC and regionally, at theatres such as The Kraine, Porthouse and Walnut Street. As a USO performer, she’s been honored to entertain both military and veterans. She's a proud University of Michigan graduate. Many thanks to Rick and the Barter family, and love to Mom, Dad, Leelah and ZHC4.1.

Zacchaeus Kimbrell (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is so blessed to be part of the Barter family! Originally from Fayette, Alabama, he received a BA in voice and a minor in theatre from the University of Alabama. Zacchaeus has been seen and heard in many performance venues in the Southeast, New York City and South Korea. Favorite credits include: A Little Night Music (Henrik Egermann), Chicago (Mary Sunshine), Godspell (“We Beseech Thee”), The Violet Hour (Gidger) and Hair (Woof). “For Matthew Burkholder.”

 Rick McVey* (Javert—Les Misérables) is proud to be in his ninth season as a member of Barter’s Resident Acting Company. Since his first Barter appearance in 2003, he has performed in over 55 Barter productions, most recently as Reverend Bass in Walking Across Egypt and Mayor Meekly in Unnecessary Farce. Some favorite roles include Robert E. Lee (The Road to Appomattox), Scrooge (A Christmas Carol, 2011), George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life), The Cowardly Lion (The Wizard of Oz), Victor Fleming (Don’t Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell) among many others. He has also had the pleasure of directing several Barter Players’ productions.

Pat McRoberts* (Jean Valjean—Les Misérables) is delighted to return to Barter after 15 years. Pat starred as Chris in Miss Saigon on Broadway, Los Angeles and Chicago. Understudied Jeff Daniels in Turn of the Century directed by Tommy Tune at the Goodman Theatre. He was Lucius in Debbie Allen’s Twist at the Alliance Theatre and Pasadena Playhouse. Pat also starred as Buddy in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story the national tour and Yoko Ono’s New York Rock off-Broadway on Capitol Records. Pat has a BA in music from Otterbein University. Follow Pat on twitter @PatMcRoberts or www.PatMcRoberts.com.

Nick Koesters* (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is in his second year in Barter’s Resident Acting Company, and favorite roles include: The Glass Menagerie (Tom), 9 to 5 (Franklin Hart), Avenue Q (Trekkie and Nicky), Tarzan (Kerchak), Zombie Prom (Eddie Flagrante) and I’ll Never Be Hungry Again (Whet/Whammy). Raised in Weaverville, NC, he spent 17 years in Cleveland, OH, working in over 60 productions such as: Toby in My Barking Dog (an Eric Coble premiere), Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened… and Jean Francois Millet in Is He Dead? Nick splits his precious free time between his garden at his home in Abingdon and his two beautiful muses: his amazing wife Carolyn and their daughter Calliope.

Justin Tyler Lewis (Enjolras—Les Misérables) is eager and proud to be a part of the 2013 season having joined the Resident Acting Company in August. He appeared most recently in A Christmas Story (Young Ralphie), The Wind Farmer (Leo) and Zombie Prom (Josh). Prior to joining Barter’s Resident Acting Company, Justin performed in numerous shows as a member of The Barter Players. Some of his favorite roles from that time include The Call of the Wild (Buck), Aesop's Fables (Xanthus) and Alexander & The... Very Bad Day (Alexander). Justin is constantly grateful to Carrie, Katy, John, Rick, his Barter family and his family-family.

Erin Parker* (Madame Thenardier—Les Misérables) Recently seen on Barter's stages as Starlett O'Hara (I’ll Never Be Hungry Again), Randy (A Christmas Story), Doralee Rhodes (9 to 5) and in MAS Nashville’s FIVE–A Cabaret, Erin is a Southern Illinois native with a theatre degree from University of Evansville. Favorite credits: Svetlana (Chess in Concert—1st US production), May Ferris (Long Way Down—staged reading), Cathy (Last 5 Years), Audrey (Little Shop), Louise (Always…Patsy Cline), Roxy Hart (Chicago) and Erin (Ring of Fire—1st National Tour). She has also toured with CMA award winner/Grammy nominee Martina McBride’s Joy of Christmas and received the 2011 Tennessee Arts Commission Individual Artists Fellowship Grant in Theatre.

Bob Payne (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is an actor, musician and songwriter. He currently lives in Strasburg, VA, near Middletown, where he has worked extensively at Wayside Theatre. His favorite roles are Pap Finn in Big River (Lincoln Amphitheatre), Phillip Gotschall in God’s Man in Texas (Wayside Theatre), Stanley Banks in Father of the Bride (Circa 21), Mayor Shinn in Music Man (Lincoln Amphitheatre) and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (Texas Shakespeare Festival). In May of this year one of Bob's songs will be produced on a children's album by Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary. Bob would like to thank Karen, Richard Rose and all the great people at Barter for making him feel so welcome.

Alex Pearlman (Bamatabois et al.—Les Misérables) is thrilled to be joining Barter this summer. Regional: Children of Eden (Father), Yeston and Kopit's Phantom (title role), Evita (Magaldi), Camelot (Arthur), Carousel (Enoch Snow), Oliver! (Bill Sykes), Forever Plaid (Smudge). Other credits include The Who's Tommy (Arts Center Of Coastal Carolina), Ragtime (Astoria Performing Arts Center), and Oliver! in concert on Broadway for the Irish Repertory Theatre. Alex also works as a videographer and cameraman filming Broadway and Off-Broadway publicity materials in addition to features for BroadwayWorld.com and events for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Actors Fund. BFA, Marymount Manhattan.

Wendy Piper* (Ensemble—Les Misérables). This year marks Wendy's 5^th as a year-round Barter Resident Acting Company member. A proud alum of The Barter Players, she has also been an acting teacher and coach for Barter’s education program for the past seven years, including the Artist-in-Residence at Abingdon High School in 2010. Originally from Corsicana, Texas, Wendy graduated with a BFA in theatre arts from Texas Tech University, has lived and worked in NYC and LA and is now happy to call Abingdon home, with an amazing Barter family, an incredible Nick, and a beautiful little Lucy. “Special thanks and love to Catherine Bush for making our lives possible. Miss you, AC.”

Michael Poisson* (Thenardier—Les Misérables) came here from his native state of Massachusetts in 2001 and has appeared in over fifty productions at Barter. Favorite roles include: Dracula (Dracula!), Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird), Ryan (The Liquid Moon), Felix (The Odd Couple), Herb (Lying in State), Matthew (Green Gables), Ronnie (The Quiltmaker), Boolie (Driving Miss Daisy), Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), Selznick (Don't Cry for Me, Margaret Mitchell), Gordon (Dead Man's Cell Phone), Uncle Billy (It's a Wonderful Life), Truman (Holiday Memories), Cogsworth (Disney's Beauty & the Beast, 2008) and Kipps (The Woman in Black). “Love to Kritter and the biscuit.”

Andrew Slane* (Ensemble—Les Misérables) is overjoyed to be returning to Barter Theatre after taking the Barter Stage last year in Legally Blonde (Nikos/Ensemble), Avenue Q (Rod), Zombie Prom (Jake) and Tarzan (Leopard/Snipes). Since last appearing at Barter, Andrew has been performing on the many stages of Walt Disney World and appeared in national commercials for Universal/Adrenaline Films and WWE Productions. A Florida native, Andrew got his BFA in musical theatre with a minor in dance from the University of Central Florida. Andrew would like to thank his mom, Javier, and family for their loving support.

Holly Williams* (Cosette et al. —Les Misérables) A native of Jacksonville, FL, Holly joined Barter’s Resident Acting Company in 2011. Previous experience includes The Alhambra Dinner Theater (FL), Broadway Palm Dinner Theater (FL), Weathervane Playhouse (OH), Dollywood Entertainment (TN), Dutch Apple Dinner Theater (PA), Heritage Theatre Festival (VA), Music of Denali Dinner Theatre (AK) and several readings and cabarets in NYC. Favorite Barter credits include Harriet Perry (Civil War Voices), Belle (Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, 2011), Toffee (Zombie Prom), Jane (Tarzan) and Amy in Little Women. AA Florida School of the Arts; BFA UMiami. Love and thanks to my endlessly supportive friends and family. Holly-Williams.com

Stephen Scott Wormley* (Marius—Les Misérables) is excited to return the wonderful Barter family. He just finished a limited engagement performing “Can I Sing for You Brother,” a one man musical. Selected credits off-Broadway: Alfred Preisser’s Black Nativity Now! Regional: Hairspray (Helen Hayes award), originating the role of Milton Honeyfield in Sean Hartley’s SNOW; Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly and most recently Barter’s productions of Tarzan and Zombie Prom. Stephen is blessed beyond measure to have the endless support of his loving family and friends. He dedicates this, and every performance, to his mother. “All I do is for you. I’ll never stop working to make you proud…closer to our dream.” StephenScottWormley.com

Youth Actors

The young ladies sing "Castle on a Cloud" in rehearsal.

Haley Keene (Young Cossette, Young Eponine—Les Misérables) is excited to be in her first Barter Theatre production. She is an eleven-year old from Abingdon, Virginia. She is a vocal and piano student of Janet Haynes. In her spare time she enjoys singing, playing outside and spending time with her family and friends. She would like to thank Barter Theatre for this exciting opportunity and her friends and family for all their love and support.

Caedmon Oakes (Gavroche—Les Misérables) is excited to join Barter Theatre’s cast for his first role. He lives with his parents and younger sister, Cate, in Greeneville, TN, where he attends Highland Elementary School. He previously played JoJo in Theatre-at-Tusculum's production of Seussical in 2012. Caedmon is also a member of Marilyn DuBrisk's GLAWPIGT (Great Literature Alive, Well and Playing in Greeneville, TN) class. He enjoys playing basketball and listening to music. Caedmon would like to thank director Richard Rose for the encouragement in his Barter debut.

Ginny Osborne (Young Cossette, Young Eponine—Les Misérables) is delighted to be back on the Barter stage! Previously at Barter she was cast in A Christmas Carol (2011) and Tarzan (2012). In addition to acting, Ginny enjoys dancing and singing. This spring she traveled to Hartford, Connecticut, where she was selected for the OAKE National Children’s Choir. She sings with East Tennessee Children’s Choir and her church choir. Ginny also plays violin, piano and bass. Ginny is a 4^th grade homeschooler from Bristol, TN. She wishes to send a big thank you to Katy and Rick for this amazing opportunity.

Virginia Pillion (Young Cosette—Les Misérables) 10, is thrilled to be back on stage at the Barter Theatre.  Virginia is a fourth grade student a Abingdon Elementary and enjoys reading, swimming, and playing with her three younger brothers.  She has been seen at Barter in past shows including Annie, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and most recently Tarzan. Virginia played Gracie Shinn in the University of Tennessee's Clarence Brown Theatre's production of The Music Man.  Many thanks to Rick, Amanda, and Katy for another exciting opportunity.  Love to Mommy and Daddy.

Cooper Woodard (Gavroche—Les Misérables) is thrilled to be back at Barter for the production of Les Misérables. He has performed locally with Theater Bristol and Jonesborough Repertory Theater. Cooper had the pleasure of playing Chip (Disney’s Beauty & the Beast) and Tommy (Miracle on 34^th Street, national touring production) previously at Barter. Cooper is in 7^th grade at St. Mary’s School in Johnson City, and loves to longboard, snowboard and climb anything! He would like to thank his family for all the dedication and love they have given him.

Musicians

Mary Dave Blackman (French Horn—Les Misérables, beginning July 31) is associate professor of music education at East Tennessee State University and the author of the eBook An Introduction to Art Music (Kendall Hunt, 2012). She is a member of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra and has played for productions of Oklahoma!; Annie, Get Your Gun and Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, among others. She spends her free time playing golf and traveling.

Jerry Greene (Percussion—Les Misérables) is honored to be in his eighth Barter production, heard most recently in Tarzan. Favorite past Barter credits include Cabaret, Xanadu, Remember When…the Music, and Green Gables. In addition to theatre and other freelance work, Jerry is a percussionist with both the Symphony of the Mountains and the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra. He is an area native and graduate of the University of Tennessee. Thank you Lee and Rick for another opportunity to be part of this incredible organization.

Roxanne Haskill (French Horn—Les Misérables, until July 28) has been a professional French horn and conducting performer, teacher and clinician both nationally and abroad for more than 35 years. She has been a member of the horn section of the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra for ten years and is the principal horn of the East Tennessee Regional Orchestra. Roxanne maintains a large French horn teaching studio based in Johnson City and Kingsport, Tennessee.

 Lee Harris (Conductor/Keyboard #1—Les Misérables) is thrilled to be back at Barter Theatre as resident musical director. Past Barter productions and Barter national tours: Harry Chapin: Remember When the Music, Always…Patsy Cline, Forever Plaid, Legally Blond, Avenue Q, Zombie Prom and Tarzan. National tours: Little Women; Altar Boyz; Bye, Bye Birdie; Civil War Voices, Miracle on 34th Street and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Radio City Rockettes. Regional: The Light in the Piazza, Cinderella, The Wild Party (Lippa), The Sound of Music, Annie, The Wild Party (LaChiusa), The Music Man, Hairspray. Lee thanks Rick Rose for this amazing opportunity. “All my love to my family back in Tennessee and Texas.”

Shane Ladd (Trumpet—Les Misérables) began his musical education at the age of nine. His musical pursuits and performances have taken him as far away as Tokyo and keep him busy locally. A full-time band director for Sullivan County schools, Shane is honored to make his debut at Barter Theatre. Between playing his trumpet during Les Misérables, Shane will try to fit in some water skiing and horse time with his wife.

Steve Sensenig (Keyboard #2—Les Misérables) is thrilled to return to Barter as a musician. Formerly the Resident Music Director at Barter, some of his favorite shows include Forever Plaid, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Violet, The Full Monty, Cabaret and Tarzan. An accomplished pianist and keyboardist in a wide variety of genres, Steve is currently pursuing a career as a jazz pianist. Many thanks to Lee Harris, Rick Rose and the entire Barter family for a chance to come back! Check out Steve's website at pianosteve.com. Steve and his lovely wife Christy and their two children now live in a motorhome and travel the US when Steve is not playing at Barter!

Joseph Winstead (Trombone—Les Misérables) is a freshman at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville studying Business Administration and Political Science. Throughout his career as a musician, he has performed at the 2009 Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix, AZ, the 2009 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL, the 2011 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, New York and a participant in East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association’s Senior Clinic Blue band placing 7th chair in East Tennessee. Last semester, Joseph performed in the University of Tennessee’s Symphonic Band conducted by Dr. Donald Ryder. Joseph Currently studies under Professor Daniel Cloutier in the University of Tennessee’s Trombone studio.

*Designates members of Actors' Equity Association.