Jay Poff
Guest Artist
Jesus, Jesus Christ Superstar
Jay is thrilled to be returning to The Barn after 10 years and we couldn’t be happier he’s here! Barn audiences will remember Jay’s wonderful portrayals in our 2016 JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and Dr. Frank “N” Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW that same season. A Huntsville, AL native, Jay holds degrees in Music Business and Vocal Performance from Lee University where he met Megan, his wife of 17 years. They now reside in Central PA with their two sons, Brendan and Jameson. Jay has travelled in multiple U.S. tours, most recently FOREVER YOUNG and the Jane Austen Playlist. He has been selected for highly competitive masterclasses with such Broadway professionals as Stephen Schwartz, John Bucchino, Jason Robert Brown, and Shoshana Bean and made his Broadway debut in Rocktopia. Regionally his credits include the titular role in the World Premier of MOSES at Sight and Sound Theatre, Treasure Island, and The Irish AND How They Got That Way at the Fulton Theatre, Kinky Boots and SOUND OF MUSIC at Maine State Music Theatre, CABARET at the Renaissance Theatre, and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT at the Media Theatre. His TV/Film credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, “The Greatest Showman,” and Quantico. Representation: Josh Sassanella, Ann Steele Agency (NYC). Full bio and media at www.JayPoff.com. Follow Jay on IG: @jaypoffdotcom. Excited to share this experience with my Bestie, Michael Fisher (Judas). Thanks to Brendan and Penel and the whole Barn community for this wonderful reunion. Much love to Megan and my boys back in PA!
Michael Ray Fisher
Guest Artist
Judas, Jesus Christ Superstar
Michael is so excited to be back at The Barn, one of his favorite places, and even more excited to take on the dream role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar! We are equally thrilled he’s back! Michael has appeared here at the Barn in HEARTBREAK HOTEL as the Reverend, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID as Sebastian, THE CIVIL WAR as Frederick Douglass, and HAIRSPRAY as a Gilbert/Dynamite. Michael has performed all over the world- from the high seas to the Mississippi River, from Broadway to National Tours. Favorite credits include Rocktopia on Broadway, in the National Tour of Elf the Musical as the Store Manager, as Barry Belson in Jersey Boys, James Early in Dreamgirls, and Jim in Parade. He has also appeared on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” As always, endless love and gratitude to his friends and family for their constant love, encouragement, and support. Instagram: @MichaelRayFisher
Alex Osborne
Guest Artist
Jesus Christ Superstar
Alex is making his Barn debut with Jesus Christ Superstar! Born in Holland, MI, Alex now studies at Western Michigan University for Musical Theatre and Dance. There he has been seen as Don John in Much Ado About Nothing and Macavity in Cats. He can soon be seen in The Three Musketeers as Athos at WMU in the fall. He would like to thank his mom for the constant support and guidance. We welcome Alex to the Barn family!
Brendan Andrea
Guest Artist
Jesus Christ Superstar
Brendan is so excited to be joining the Barn for the 80th Season! He is a WMU student from St. Charles, IL. Barn audiences will remember Brendan from last year’s Christmas Cabaret but this is his main stage debut! Brendan has been seen locally in productions at WMU such as Sweeney Todd as Judge Turpin and CATS as Bustopher Jones and you can catch him this coming fall in The Three Musketeers. His other notable roles include Dennis in Rock of Ages at Tibbits Opera House, Barfée in THE 25th ANNUAL…SPELLING BEE, and Lloyd in Noises Off in St. Charles, IL. He would like to thank his family, friends, and YOU for being such ”Superstars” and coming to support the arts!
Jordan Smaka
Guest Artist
Jesus Christ Superstar
Jordan is excited to be making his Barn debut! He is a rising junior at WMU from Grand Haven, MI. He has been seen locally in Much Ado About Nothing during which he was an Understudy and Titanic: The Musical as Lightoller at WMU and will be in their upcoming production of The Three Musketeers. His other notable roles include Nigel/Alfred u/s in Alice by Heart at Overbrook Theatre, Leaf in The 25th Annual …Spelling Bee at the Acacia Theatre, and Bert in Mary Poppins at Grand Haven PAC. He would like to thank his family, friends, and all the lovely people who let him crash on their couches! Thank you all for coming to the show!
Eric Petersen
Guest Artist
Boolie Werthan, Driving Miss Daisy / Annas, Jesus Christ Superstar
Eric is overjoyed to be back at the Barn for his 23rd Barn production! Audiences may remember him from last summer as Juror #3 in Twelve Angry Men, or from The Play That Goes Wrong, which he directed during the Barn's 2024 season. Eric met his wife, fellow Barnie Lisa Marie Morabito, while working at the Barn in 2003. They have now been together for more than 20 years and are proud parents to two children, Sophie and Miles. Eric has worked extensively in television, film, and on the Broadway stage. His television credits include Kevin on Kevin Can F** Himself* (AMC), Ant'ney on Madagascar: A Little Wild (Hulu), which earned him an Emmy nomination, and the series regular role of Arlo Barth on Kirstie alongside Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman, and Michael Richards. He has also appeared in High Desert (Apple TV+), The Curse (Showtime), The Big Bang Theory, Modern Family, NCIS, CSI, GCB, and the Lifetime film The Brittany Murphy Story. His Disney Channel credits include Jessie, Sydney to the Max, Kirby Buckets, and Pair of Kings. Eric also appeared in the Oscar-nominated Coen Brothers film The Ballad of Buster Scruggs for Netflix. On Broadway, Eric has appeared in School of Rock as Dewey Finn, Jimmy Buffett's Escape to Margaritaville as Brick in the original Broadway cast, Peter and the Starcatcher as Ted, and Shrek the Musical as Shrek on the First National Tour and Shrek standby on Broadway. Eric is a proud graduate of Bradley University. @ericpete @theportlygentleman
Kim Zimmer
Guest Artist
Daisy Werthan, Driving Miss Daisy
Kim has spent quite a few seasons here at the Barn thrilling audiences with performances in THE RAINMAKER, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, JAKE’S WOMEN, DAMN YANKEES, LOST IN YONKERS, SHIRLEY VALENTINE, BLOOD BROTHERS, GYPSY, SUNSET BOULEVARD, HELLO, DOLLY!, and THE LION IN WINTER in which she starred opposite Robert Newman. Barn audiences will also remember her hilarious portrayals of Rosie in MAMMA MIA! and Ouiser in our 2019 production of STEEL MAGNOLIAS as well as her frightening portrayal of Annie Wilkes in 2023’s MISERY. She is best known as Reva Shayne on Guiding Light where she received four Lead Actress Emmys along with 11 Nominations. Kim’s regional and off-Broadway credits include FOUR DOGS AND A BONE; LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE, DIRTY BLONDE, and CURTAINS to name a few. Kim also toured nationally with Broadway’s WICKED as Madame Morrible. Kim appeared with Ewan McGregor in “Bleeding Love” written and produced by her daughter-in-law for Deux Dames Productions. Other television credits include SEINFELD, DESIGNING WOMEN, MODELS, INC. and MACGYVER. Zimmer’s experience in Daytime T.V spans 32 years and is chronicled in her bestselling memoir “I’m Just Saying!” available on Amazon.com. Married to A.C. Weary for 45 years, they have produced three beautiful and successful children, Rachel, Max & Jake as well as the addition of five grandchildren Vincent, Sophie, Reed, Zsa Zsa and Nina! Kim, as always, is thrilled to be back home at the Barn! Life is good! We’re so happy to welcome Kim back to the Barn.
Byron Glenn Willis
Guest Artist
Collins, RENT
Byron Glenn Willis is happy to be returning to the Barn where he was previously seen in HEARTBREAK HOTEL, Hair, Big River, THE Civil War, as well as our 2017 production of RENT. Other credits include Smokey Joes Café, Alabama Story, The Full Monty, Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, Dreamgirls, Once On This Island, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Porgy & Bess, Caroline or Change, Pullman Porter Blues, Purlie, and Ragtime. His TV/Film credits include Barbershop 2, Detroit 1-8-7, Chicago Code, Chicago P.D. Byron is proud member of AEA. “Much thanks to Brendan Ragotzy!! Thanks to the Creator of All for All.”
Jamila Joiner
Guest Artist
Joanne, RENT
Jamila is excited to be back at The Barn Theatre in RENT! She was previously on the Barn stage in HEARTBREAK HOTEL. Some of her Principal credits include All American Boys at Stages Theater, Reboot at Walking Shadow Theater, The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Lyric Arts Theater, Mary Poppins at Artistry Theater, Cinderella at Sidekick Theater, Antigone at Park Square Theater, and The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley at Buffalo Theatre Ensemble. She was also in the ensembles of Gloria: A Life and Teen Idol: A Bobby Vee Story at History Theater, A Christmas Carol at The Guthrie Theater, Rigoletto at Minnesota Opera. Jamila graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a BA in Theater Performance Creation with a focus in Musical Theater. @jamilajoiner, www.jamilajoiner.com
Hannah Eakin
Guest Artist
Mark’s Mom/Ensemble, RENT
Hannah is delighted to return to The Barn for their 80th Season and we are thrilled to have her back! Past Barn credits include Eliza Doolittle in MY FAIR LADY, Mary in MARY POPPINS, Jane in TARZAN, Hodel in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Irene Molloy in HELLO, DOLLY!, Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS, Kathy Selden in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. She also had a featured role in Brendan Ragotzy’s “Raunch and Roll” film. Other theatre credits include THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, YEOMEN OF THE GUARD, H.M.S. PINAFORE, TRIAL BY JURY, THE SORCERER, UTOPIA LIMITED, THE GONDOLIERS, and RUDDIGORE with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players; LES MISÉRABLES, MARY POPPINS, and THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre; SISTER ACT at Westchester Broadway Theatre; and OUTSIDE OF EDEN at The New Ohio Theatre. Also a writer and filmmaker, Hannah is a two-time recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts Support for Artists grant: for her documentary THE WITCH OF ESPERANCE, and for her new musical adaptation of JANE EYRE. Her short film THE POET’S DAUGHTER – which she wrote, directed, and starred in – won Best Short Film in the Hot Springs International Women’s Film Festival as well as an Inwood Film Festival Filmmaker Fund grant. Currently, Hannah is working on THE SARA TEASDALE PROJECT, an ambitious poetry and film history project culminating in 92 short films. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and a graduate of Oklahoma City University. Connect with her at www.hannaheakin.com or IG: @hannaheeakin
Joshua ‘Jah-Jah’ Devour Mitchell
Guest Artist
Benjamin Coffin III, RENT
Jah-Jah is an American Actor, Singer/Songwriter born and raised in Chicago, IL. In high school Jah-Jah participated in Free Street Theatre, a Chicago arts initiative that helps develop young adult creatives through writing and music workshops. While there he was a contributing writer and original cast member of MAD JOY, a critically acclaimed performance art production featured at Chicago’s prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre and toured several cities throughout Germany. Jah-Jah went on to study at Northwestern University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Musical Theatre, Theatre & Psychology. Very soon after his undergraduate studies Jah-Jah moved to New York City where he earned Off-Broadway & Film credits, and Executive Produced his first independent solo album entitled, A Soul Progressive. Jah-Jah’s upcoming projects include the film, “The Love Factor.” He is super excited about making his Barn Theatre debut as Benny in RENT, working with the entire cast and crew on such a relevant piece of American Theatre. We are thrilled to welcome Jah-Jah to the Barn!
Lucia Carew
Guest Artist
Young Anna, Disney’s FROZEN
We are so delighted to welcome a new Barnie to our stage! Lucia is ten years old and is delighted to play Young Anna in Disney’s FROZEN. She loves being in musical theatre and played Middle Elsa in FROZEN Jr. at the Kalamazoo Civic last fall. When not in rehearsal, she also performs as a dancer and figure skater. She is excited for the opportunity to perform at the Barn Theatre and is grateful to her friends and family for their support.
Dahlia Potter
Guest Artist
Young Elsa, Disney’s FROZEN
Dahlia found a home on the stage early through dance. She has studied a variety of styles, but her heart lives with ballet, earning her pointe shoes this past November. Two of those years of dance, she was selected to be a part of her studio’s Performance Company. This spring, she made her theatrical debut as Hortencia in MATILDA Jr. She is extremely excited and honored to be playing Young Elsa in Disney’s FROZEN, and we couldn’t be happier to introduce Dahlia to Barn audiences!
Richard Marlatt
Guest Artist
John Dickinson, 1776; Bishop, Disney’s FROZEN / Priest #2, Jesus Christ Superstar
Barn audiences will recognize Richard as Colonel Pickering in our hit show MY FAIR LADY and as President Lincoln in OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN last season. In 2017 he was seen as Pulitzer in NEWSIES, and in 2015 he was Mr. Banks in our production of MARY POPPINS. In his first Summer here in 1980 he was featured as Sonny in GREASE. He’s played countless roles over four decades at Meadow Brook Theatre, and other Michigan credits include: Tipping Point, Detroit Opera, Boarshead, and Jewish Ensemble Theatre. His Chicago credits include Ravinia Festival as Jules in SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, Light Opera Works as Tateh in RAGTIME, and wok with Marriott Theatre, Goodman, Paramount, Drury Lane, Theatre At The Center, Chicago Shakespeare, Chicago Dramatists (Associate Artist), and Shaw Chicago (Company Member). He’s amassed an impressive resume regionally, playing such roles as Hamlet, Scrooge, Falstaff, Dracula, Don Quixote, and Harold Hill, and working with Cincinnati Shakespeare, Madison Repertory, Nebraska Shakespeare, Little Theatre On The Square, Human Race Theatre, Nebraska Repertory, Peninsula Players, Fireside Theatre, and Actors Theatre of Louisville, among many others. He’s portrayed Abraham Lincoln in numerous productions of his own one man play, ABRAHAM LINCOLN CARVED IN STONE. As a Director, his many credits include acclaimed productions and work in Shakespeare and contemporary musicals, as well as the development of new works. Richard is also a Voice-Over artist, has worked in Independent Film, has a Fine Arts Degree as an Actor and Director, and studied with London’s Royal National Theatre, and New York’s National Shakespeare Conservatory.
Eric Parker
Guest Artist
John Adams, 1776; King Agnarr, Disney’s FROZEN
Eric is extremely grateful to mark season 29. Last season Eric happily enjoyed playing in THE GAME’S AFOOT, MY FAIR LADY, OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN and directing HOW TO SUCCEED…. A proud alum of the Barn's apprentice program, patrons will remember Eric from his roles in OKLAHOMA!, MISERY, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, LES MISERABLES, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, THE FULL MONTY, HANDS ON A HARDBODY, SHREK, HAIR, SUNSET BOULEVARD, GROUNDHOG DAY, most of the roles in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, and EVITA, among many others, as well as directing several mainstage productions and bar shows. An Adrian native, Eric has also proven valuable throughout the region, with multiple Wilde Award nominations (and occasional wins) to go with notable guest artist turns at the Encore Music Theatre in Dexter and the Croswell in his hometown as well as a solid career at most of Chicago's musical houses, too. A couple tours, records, TV appearances, and roles in Barn Films productions dot his resume, too.
Sam Balzac
Guest Artist
Thomas Jefferson, 1776
Sam is extremely grateful to be back at the Barn! You may recognize him from our 2016 season as Princeton/Rod in AVENUE Q, Cosmo in SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, and the dancing waiter in GUYS AND DOLLS. His Off-Broadway credits include FIFTY MILLION FRENCHMEN at the York Theatre, UTOPIA, LIMITED and numerous other appearances with the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and THE CHERRY ORCHARD starring Katrina Lenk in the Prospect Musical’s IGNITE concert series. A writer as well, Sam was featured in THE GUILD: THE MUSICAL, for which he also serves as lyricist, at Dynasty Typewriter in L.A. opposite TV/geek legends Felicia Day, Kirsten Vagsness, and Phil LaMarr. He is a two-time recipient of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Support for Artists grant for his musicals EXISTENTIAL QUESTIONS OF THE 21ST CENTURY and THE WRONG BOX. Other writing credits include The Other Palace’s MTFestUK with THE GUILD in London and the award-winning short musical film “You Don’t Say” in which he also co-starred; Select Regional theatre credits include TWELFTH NIGHT at the Pendragon Theatre, ROUGH CROSSING at the Cortland Rep, and LEND ME A SOPRANO at Shadowland Stages. Other film credits: “The Poet’s Daughter” (Best Short, Hot Springs International Film Festival) and many roles in Barnie Hannah Eakin’s “Sara Teasdale Project.” Sam is a Proud member of Actor’s Equity, the Dramatists Guild, and the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Look him up at www.sambalzac.com IG: @sambalzac
Jim Cummings
Guest Artist
Stephen Hopkins, 1776
Born in 1952, Jim showed early artistic promise and within weeks of graduating high school, he was touring full time. He’s toured the U.S. and other countries with Edgar Winter, Leon Russell, Dick Wagner, The Tubes, Odyssey, the Coasters, The Four Tops, The Classics IV, Gregg Allman, and many others. He has performed at the L.A. Forum, Madison Square Garden, Carnegie Hall, Shea Stadium, Cob Hall, Joe Louis Arena, Whiskey a Go Go, The Troubadour, and many more. Although he still tours, he also started a world-class recording and production facility - Soundstage I Productions. He considers this his greatest accomplishment, providing services such as Radio, TV Industrial and Corporate Communications, Film/Video, Animation, Media Consulting, design and installation, National live sound design and touring systems. For many years he was the #1 producer of high-end musical theme songs and corporate soundtracks in the U.S. Some of his clients include Disney, PepsiCo, Toyota, Whirlpool, Ford, Honda, Chrysler, Kellogg, Upjohn/Pfizer, US Government, Post, Gibson, Birdseye, Delta, Nestle, Gerber, Amway, Archway, McDonald, Comerica...and many more. He also Co-produced a National Broadway Touring Company for 12 years. Mr. Cummings is also a professional actor appearing in regional and national productions including Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, The Voice of Audrey II in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, in MY FAVORITE YEAR, MISS SAIGON, RING OF FIRE, and more. He has also appeared in films and industrial videos. Jim has been and continues to be a National entity, consistently selling music Internationally. He is referred to as a “Legend” amongst the Show-Business people that know him and continues to stay on top of his musical craft, and his business daily. We welcome Jim to the Barn stage!
Bruce Hammond
Guest Artist
Da Jimmer, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT / Richard Henry Lee, 1776
A native Michigander from nearby Brooklyn, audiences will remember Bruce’s wonderful portrayal in last season's World Premiere production of Brendan Ragotzy's OUR AMERICAN ASSASSIN, as well as the Barn's 2019 production of MAMMA MIA! Bruce was also featured in our 2014 season where he appeared in RAUNCH & ROLL, SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, MOVE OVER, MRS. MARKHAM as well as the musical extravaganzas THE RATPACK and NONSTOP DOO WOP. A proud graduate of Western Michigan University, Bruce apprenticed here ’91 - ’93. He returned as an Equity member in ’94 to play the title role in the original musical written by Brendan Ragotzy, BILLY THE KID as well. Bruce starred in Las Vegas as Frank Sinatra in “The Rat pack is Back,” “Shades of Sinatra,” and was featured as Bugsy Seagal in “The Las Vegas Mob Experience.” For the past few years, Bruce has been traveling around the world with Crystal Cruise Lines performing his Tributes to Sinatra, Neil Diamond, and Bobby Darin. We are thrilled Bruce is back at the Barn!