Matthew Mason Baker is incredibly excited to be returning to Post Playhouse! He’s a graduate of Indiana University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. For Post Playhouse: Spongebob: The Musical (Patrick), Wizard of Oz (Lion), Jersey Boys (Bob Crewe), Kiss Me Kate (Gangster #1). For Millbrook Playhouse: Cinderella (Ensemble, Jean Michel u/s), Escape to Margaritaville (Ensemble), Don’t Let the Pigeon…Bus (Pigeon). For Constellation Stage & Screen: Matilda (Ensemble, Doctor/Escapologist u/s). For IU: Head Over Heels (Musidorus), Something Rotten! (Ensemble, Nigel u/s), Cabaret (Hans, Schultz u/s), Gross Indecency (Harris/Taylor/Lockwood), Carrie (Swing), Light in the Piazza (Fabrizio), Boys in the Band (Emory), Footloose (Jeter). He is extremely grateful for his friends and family for helping and encouraging him along the way. matthewmasonbaker.com @matthewmasonbaker

Eric is thrilled to be back at Post Playhouse! He is a graduate of the Florida School of the Arts. He would like to thank Dewayne for having him back, and for having his best friend Giancarlo and his girlfriend Cassie! Tours: The Lightning Thief: TYA Edition (Luke & Others). Regional: My Fair Lady (Freddy), Jersey Boys (Bob Gaudio), Bright Star (Jimmy Ray Dobbs), We Will Rock You (Galileo). Instagram: @eric.barnum.3975.

Dewayne had his first season in 2016 and immediately fell in in love with the theatre, the region, and the people. In 2017, he became associate artistic director, as well as directing and choreographing several productions. Now he is excited to be the Artistic Director. He is originally from Atlanta, where he danced with the Atlanta Jazz Theatre and the Georgia Ballet Company. Dewayne has performed leading roles around the country, appearing in Cats, Crazy for You, Annie, West Side Story, Singin’ in the Rain, and A Chorus Line. He has directed and choreographed for national tours, regional theatres, cruise ships, dinner theatres, community theaters, movies, high schools, parades, and internationally at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. He is also a choreographer for Rand Productions where he choreographed Finding Christmas, Elf, and Footloose at the MGM Beau Rivage.

Hannah Arielle Beatt (Baker’s Wife, Sister Mary Amnesia, Ensemble/Understudy Katherine)

Hannah is ecstatic to be back for her second summer season at the Post Playhouse! Recent credits include: Katie Lane Murphy (Honky Tonk Laundry,) Pearl (SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical,) Dorothy (Wizard of Oz, Colorado,) and Sophie Sheridan (Mamma Mia!). Special thanks to my incredible cast and friends, Corey Fern, Dennis Clark, my wonderful family, and Dewayne Barrett for your incredible generosity and love. How grateful I am to say I get to share these beautiful “moments” with all of you. xo

hannahariellebeatt.com @hannahariellee

Dennis J. Clark (he/him) is an adjunct in the Theater Department at Utica University and a freelance Director/Choreographer and Actor. A proud member of Actors Equity and associate member of SDC. He was the first full time Artistic Director of the Ritz Theater, Sheffield, AL. Dennis has also taught and directed shows for Walnut Hill School For the Arts and Stagedoor Manor. He also serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for Fort Salem Theatre Co. As a director and choreographer Dennis has been involved with theaters across the U.S. including: Cumberland Theater, Riverside Center, New Harmony Theater, Cornwell’s, Fort Salem Theater, Ritz Theater, The Starlight Room, Players Centre, Naples Players, Venice Theater, Swift Creek Mill, Richmond Triangle Players, Sheboygan Theater Company, and Crown Uptown.

Echo is excited to start her first year at post-Playhouse, wrapping up 2nd grade. She loves entertaining and has a passion for gymnastics, singing, and ice skating. With her fun and loving personality, she’s ready to take on the stage in the Newsies musical!

Don has been working with Post Playhouse in some capacity since 2008. A lot has changed since that first season. He married the lovely actress who played opposite him in South Pacific, they had three crazy, adorable children, and they moved to Chattanooga. Lately, Don has been providing Post Playhouse with IT support, and he is happy to be able to continue to help the theatre in this way.

Theo is excited to be joining the Post Playhouse for his first season as a Tech worker and Lighting Designer in the space. He has been designing lights for shows such as Legally Blonde, Picture of Dorian Grey, Hadestown (Teen Edition)—and many more—for years. He looks forward to continuing to practice his passion on a new stage—the midwest! Currently studying at Olympic Community College, Theo will be transferring to a four-year university next year to further his existing knowledge of Lighting Design and theater tech. Although wary of tornadoes and bison, Theo is enthusiastic about his first ever trip to Nebraska, and can’t wait to get started with the cast and crew.

Lauren Elise Dunn is SO beyond thrilled to be making magic at Post Playhouse this Summer! She is a rising Senior at Long Island University pursuing a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. This past spring she was honored to perform in the premiere of the newly devised musical, Vincent. Lauren is from St. Louis, Missouri and is so excited to be back in the Midwest this Summer! Favorite credits include Leading Player in Pippin and Little Red in Into the Woods. Lauren would like to thank her parents, Jennifer and Randy, for always believing in her, and her sister Payton for being the best friend she could ever ask for. She hopes you enjoy the season! @laurenelisedunn

Riley is thrilled to be returning to Post Playhouse for her third summer! Originally from Los Angeles, Riley now calls New York City her home. She is also a proud graduate of Indiana University’s Musical Theatre Program. Post credits include Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz, Francine Valli in Jersey Boys, and Liesel von Trapp in The Sound of Music. For Indiana University: Carrie White in Carrie, Rusty in Footloose, and Martha in Spring Awakening. Riley would like to thank her family for their unwavering support, and her partner Noah, who is returning to Post with her. And thank you to Dewayne for the opportunity to perform at Post again!

Brooke loves creating alongside the incredibly talented folks at Post Playhouse. As she enters into her fourth season behind the computers and phones, she’s looking forward to supporting our team remotely from the sunny streets of Texas. When she isn’t designing marketing materials or spending time with the box office, she loves writing for children and enjoying time with her wonderful family.

Gemma is so excited to be a part of Post Playhouse this summer as their Production Stage Manager. She is currently a student at Arizona State University, getting her BA in Theatre Design and Production with an emphasis in Stage Management. Previously Gemma has stage managed Over My Dead Body There’ll be a Pillow Fight and assistant stage managed Eva Luna at ASU. She looks forward to exploring a new part of the country, and a new theater, here in Crawford!

Michael is so excited to be spending his summer at the Post Playhouse! Regional: Slow Burn Theatre Company, The Wick Theatre & Costume Club, MNM Theatre Company, Hippodrome Theatre, Empire Stage. Education: CAP21 Conservatory and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Professional Training Program. New York City/South Florida based actor. Love to his family, dog and kitties! Many thanks to Dewayne! Follow me on Instagram: @therealmichaelanthonyharper

Alan Highe is an independent Director/Designer from Redford Michigan, proudly making his Post Playhouse debut.

Over the past decade, Alan has had the opportunity to work nationwide with some of the industry’s best including: Seth Rudetsky, Allie Trimm, Ray DeMattis, Jackie Burns, John Tracey Eagen, and Alix Korey.

Previous design credits include Sober Songs (Theatre Row), The Night the Ocean Met the Bay (ARTC), Newsies Jr (Irvington), Seth Rudetsky’s Broadway Celebration (Theatre by the Sea), Matilda Jr. (Theatre by the Sea), Love and Loss (ARTC), Shrek (Irvington) and Skyscraper (UrbanStages).

Other technical credits include: Enter Laughing (York Theatre), The Fantasticks (Mac-Haydn Theatre), Grease (MMC), Gypsy (MT University, Rancho Mirage), The Producers (Birmingham, MI), The Jerusalem Syndrome (York Theatre), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Theatre by the Sea), and A Doll’s House Part II (Coyote Stageworks, Palm Springs CA). While not immersed in theater, Alan spends his free time running D&D games, composing and arranging music, Disc Golfing, and cuddling with his cat, Anna. Alan would like to thank his friends, family, and wonderful girlfriend Julia for their undying and constant patience, love, and support throughout his theatrical endeavors. @AlanHighe

Bill is excited to be at the Post Playhouse for his fifth season. He is extremely excited to renew old acquaintances and to make friends with the staff and crew new to him. You may have seen him in Music Man, Damn Yankees, Something Rotten, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and SpongeBob the Musical. He would like to thank Dewayne and the cast and crew for another great season. Also to Thank the audience members who faithfully support the Post and cheer us on.

Jack is a musical theatre performer originally based near Cincinnati, Ohio, who is excited to be making his Post Playhouse & Nebraska debut! Some of Jack’s favorite recent credits include James Gallagher in Joseph and Marsha at Theatre for the New City in NYC, as well as regional productions of Jersey Boys, Matilda, The Secret Garden, Cats, & Saturday Night Fever! B.M. Music Theatre, NYU. Big thanks to Dewayne Barrett & Mom, Dad, Rachel, Dylan, & Payton. @jack.ice http://jackissler.my.canva.site/

Anika Jones is excited to be making her Post Playhouse debut this summer! Her most recent stage management work includes This Side of the Dirt, Jersey Boys, It’s A Wonderful Life, and Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe at Cumberland Theatre. She was the production stage manager for the world debut of Westphalia at Luna Stage. Anika has also worked as an electrician at Buck’s Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp and Two River Theater.

Deborah Katz is thrilled to be making her Post Playhouse debut this summer! Last seen onstage in Slow Burn Theatre’s production of Something Rotten, select favorite roles include Olive Ostrovsky in Spelling Bee (Lynn University), Velma in West Side Story (NCC Summer Theatre), Katherine Plumber in Newsies (Syracuse OnCenter), and Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain (JCC LV). She will be going into her senior year at Lynn University. As always, thanks to God, her family, and shoutout to Simba! Instagram: @debskatz

Em is delighted to be part of the team at Post again this year. Em worked as an actress at Post Playhouse for four seasons spanning from 2009–2019 before joining the administrative team. She received her BFA in music theatre from Elon University and her MPA in nonprofit management from Indiana University. Em has worked in administration and advancement for arts organizations around the country since 2015, most notably The Cleveland Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony. You may remember Em on the Post Playhouse stage in The Wizard of Oz ‘10 (Dorothy), Oklahoma! ‘12 (Laurie), and The Music Man ‘19 (Marian). She looks forward to visiting her home away from home in Nebraska again this year.

Oakley is a 8 year from Chadron NE. Oakley is very excited to return to Post Playhouse for her second season. Oakley made her first appearance on stage last year in The Wizard of Oz and couldn’t be more excited to return to be part of the cast for Newsies. Oakley will be entering the fourth grade at Chadron Public Schools this upcoming year. Oakley is the daughter of Jared and Alyssa Maez. In her free time Oakley enjoys sports, the outdoors, and playing with her younger sisters. Oakley would like to thank the Post Playhouse for the amazing opportunity to be back on stage for the 2025 season.

Noah Is thrilled to be returning for his second summer at Post Playhouse! Last summer, he starred as Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys and was featured in The SpongeBob Musical, Kiss Me Kate and The Wizard of Oz. Noah is a native New Yorker from Long Island and Proud IUMT Alum. He recently made his Off Broadway debut in Honeyland the Musical at the Triad Theatre (22Q Entertainment). Favorite past credits: Joey Pesci in Jersey Boys (Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre), Maximus in Tangled The Musical (Disney Cruise Line). Noah is so grateful to Dewayne for bringing him and his partner Riley back for another great season at the Post. He is also immensely grateful for his family and mentors for their endless support. Instagram @thenoahmarcus

Chris May is so happy to be joining Post Playhouse this summer. Chris has worked for Norwegian Cruise Lines and performed at multiple dinner theaters in America. Chris also spent time with a non-Profit group called the Young Americans where he had the opportunity to perform and teach over 15,000 students all over the world. His favorite roles include Peter and The Starcatcher (Peter/Boy), She Loves Me (Arpad), and Jersey Boys (Norm Waxman/Others). He’d like to thank the cast, the crew, and his family.

Barbi is thrilled to be back at the Post Playhouse this season. She last appeared on The Post Playhouse stage as Meg Boyd Damn Yankees, Mavis Church Basement Ladies, Sr Berthe/Frau Schmidt Sound of Music, and Ensemble Something Rotten. Her most recent performances include Gaylord National Harbor Story time With Mrs Claus Milton Theatre Nunsense Myers Dinner Theatre Moon over Buffalo, Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre Church Basement Ladies, Savannah Sipping Society, Sight and Sound Jonah Forte Theatre Little Women, Troika National Tour Fiddler on the Roof. It has been a very long time since her Costume Designer’s hat has been worn but she is thrilled to have had this opportunity to throw it in the ring. Thanks Dewayne for his trust in her and Lonnie for his love.

Dr. Jenna Lee Moore is excited to return for her second season at Post! Jenna currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at Southeast Missouri State University and has earned a DMA in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance from the Frost School of Music. Jenna is active as an actor, singer, pianist, and music director. Favorite music directing credits include the world premiere of Unlimited: The Music and Lyrics of Stephen Schwartz, Nine, Urinetown, Little Shop of Horrors, Avenue Q, Jesus Christ Superstar, and the New York premiere of An American Hero: A World War II Musical at the New York Musical Festival. Jenna serves as the treasurer for Musical Theatre Educator’s Alliance. Special thanks to Spike and Spencer for their continued support.

Grant Newcombe is an upcoming junior at FSU studying BA Theater(Performance) with a voice music minor. His most recent credits include Young Frankenstein (Quartet/ensemble), Once Upon a Mattress (Jester), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), Romeo and Julian (Julian), and The Great Comet of 1812 (Opera Dancer/ensemble). Lastly, he is so grateful for the opportunity to perform at the Post Playhouse, and for his friends and family’s endless support. @newcombegrant

Max is so excited to join the Post Playhouse family this year! Max has had a passion for technical theatre since the 2nd grade and graduated high school May 2024 and Metropolitan Community College in November 2024. Some of Max’s favorite works have been, Cabaret (Omaha Community Playhouse), Jekyll & Hyde (Brownell Talbot), Puffs (BT), and The Sleeping Beau (BT, Performed at Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland). Max would like to thank his mom and dad, Ms. Morgan, Casey, Aidan, and all of his friends for their support. Portfolio: https://sites.google.com/view/max-newman/home  Ig:@max.techie

Giancarlo is ecstatic to make his Post Playhouse debut! Prior credits include Titanic: The Musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Dog Man: The Musical, When Calls the Heart: The Musical, and more. Big thanks to his loved ones for their continued support. Special thanks to Dewayne, Eric & Cassie for welcoming him to a Brasky summer! @osoriogianca

Wyatt is thrilled to be making his theatre debut in Disney’s Newsies! At just 8 years old, he’s already fallen in love with the magic of performing and is excited to share the stage with such talented cast members. Wyatt has been attending the shows at the Post Playhouse since he was an infant and is grateful for being welcomed into the Post family at such a young age. When he’s not acting, you can find him riding his horse, wrestling, or taking care of his 4-H animals for the county fair. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless support, and he hopes you enjoy the show!

A Dallas native and graduate of Syracuse University, Reagan is excited to be performing at Post Playhouse this summer! Reagan has received the title of NYC’s Next Cabaret Star at The Stonewall Inn, where she performed her first cabaret. She spent the last year performing on AIDA cruise lines where she sang everything from ABBA to Queen to Andrew Lloyd Webber. Other credits include Beauty and the Beast as Babette and Theatre Aspen’s Chicago and Rock of Ages as Regina, for which she received a Henry Award nomination. Thank you to Mom, Dad, and Harry! Insta: @reaganrees

Wendy had her first season with us in 2023 as vocal director of Leader on the Pack. She is thrilled to return to the Post family this summer where she will be the Company Manager and Director of Lucky Stiff. She performed and directed in regional and professional theaters in Colorado for many years. She has a passion for teaching and directing children’s theatre, and has worked to create summer drama programs in both Colorado and Nebraska. Wendy’s family has deep roots in the panhandle and the Post Playhouse holds special memories for her as her grandmother took her to shows and introduced her to the gift of musical theatre.

Rylee-Michelle is beyond excited to be making their Post Playhouse debut! They are currently a senior musical theatre major at Ball State University where she has most recently been seen in Kinky Boots as an Angel. A few professional credits include The SpongeBob Musical as Sandy Cheeks(Weathervane Playhouse), Cabaret as LuLu(Glow Lyric Theatre), and The Polar Express St.Louis as a Chef/Conductor. They would like to thank their family and professors for pushing them to be a great person and artist. @Rylee_d13

I am excited to be working at the Post Playhouse for my 3rd year. I grew up on Crawford, spent 30 years traveling the States and overseas while my husband was in the military and then came home to retire. I have two children and three grandchildren that I am very proud of.

Matthew is ecstatic to return for his fourth season at the Post Playhouse performing as Crutchie in Disney’s Newsies! Matthew has been involved in theatre since kindergarten. His favorite roles have been Larry the Lobster in SpongeBob the Musical, King Julian in Madagascar Jr., Michael in Peter Pan Jr. and Friedrich in The Sound of Music. Matthew previously played Crutchie in a middle school production of Newsies Jr. and is excited to revive the role on the Post Playhouse stage! Matthew will be entering his Freshman year of high school in the fall and aside from theatre, he plays basketball and runs track. Matthew looks forward to working with the incredibly talented cast and crew this summer!

Ann Stephens has worked as part of the Post Playhouse for many summers, first as a volunteer usher, a volunteer in the concession stand, and for the past several years, she has managed the Box Office. Before retirement, Ann had a long and rewarding career as a classroom teacher and as a public education administrator, working in Texas, Arizona, Idaho and Nebraska before joining Post Playhouse staff. In off-season months, Ann enjoys being with her grandchildren, reading, baking, and volunteering throughout her home community of Crawford. Whether you are ready to make additional reservations for more of our superb productions or ready to enjoy some treats at intermission, you’re likely to see Ann… and she’s USUALLY smiling.

Adday is gearing up for another exciting summer of performing! With her background in Chadron Summer Junior Musicals, Chadron High School musical productions, and experience at the Post Playhouse, she’s definitely bringing a lot of energy to the stage. Her recent role as Serena in Legally Blonde at Chadron High School was a great experience as well! She’s looking forward to learning more this summer and spending quality time with her mom. She has no doubt it will be a memorable season for her.

Dana is ready for another exciting summer at the Post Playhouse. Being part of Into the Woods is a dream come true for her, especially since it’s one of her all-time favorite musicals. The opportunity to work with and learn from talented cast and crew while also sharing the experience with her daughter makes it even more special. She wants to give a special thank you to her husband for supporting and encouraging her to get out there and break a leg!!!

Cassie is ecstatic to return as a company member of the 2025 Post Playhouse Season! Highlighted previous credits include Carole King (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) and Mary Delgado (Jersey Boys).

Thank you DeWayne Barrett for believing in me throughout this entire artistic process and Eric for being her rock and greatest inspiration to tell these stories (this time together <3). Thank you to my family for giving me this beautiful life. “I have something to believe in, now that I know you believe in me.”

instagram: @cassievitaleofficial website: www.cassievitale.com

Reese is 10 years old and very excited to be alternating the roles of Les and Ensemble in Disney’s Newsies. Reese has been found in past summers at the Post Playhouse playing roles in The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Wizard of Oz, as well as the role of Tina Denmark in Chadron State College’s 2025 performance of Ruthless. Reese will enter 4th grade at Chadron Intermediate School and enjoys theatre, art, dance, music, sports, and playing guitar. She is the daughter of Matt and Loni Watson and has two younger brothers, Grant (7) and Reid (4), who can often be found cheering her on in the audience. Reese and her parents would like to thank everyone at Post Playhouse for their kindness and encouragement.