Follies Cast | Encore Theatrical

meet the cast

Susan Christophel

Sally Durant Plummer

Susan has been performing on area stages for about 26 years. She was most recently seen in Encore’s USO Radio Show and as Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret. Other roles include Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables, Sonia in Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike, Ivy in August: Osage County, Hold Me Touch Me in The Producers, Yvonne in Sunday in the Park with George, Sarah in Company, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, and in the ensemble of Merrily We Roll Along. She is a founding company member of Encore Theatrical Company, and the 2014 inductee into the Encore Hall of Fame. She is most proud of her children, Abby & Graham, not so much for their good looks and smarts, but for growing into good human beings.

Nancy Duckles

Phyllis Stone

Nancy is thrilled to return to the Encore stage where she first flew as Peter Pan in Encore’s inaugural production, then returned as Velma Von Tussel in Hairspray. Nancy has also performed in Knoxville with the Word Players, the Actors Co-op, and the Clarence Brown Theatre. She has, through her own DuckEars Theatre Company, produced and acted in The Heidi Chronicles, Wit, and Rabbit Hole. Nancy is a retired anesthesiologist, an occasional violinist, forever the proud mother of three amazing kids, and just passed 25 dedicated years of marriage to her loving (and patient) husband Cameron. She thanks her fellow cast and crew for a wonderful experience, and is grateful for the day Micah-Shane Brewer came into her life and enriched it with loyal friendship, artistic guidance, and sushi lunches.

Jim Richardson

Buddy Plummer

Jim is thrilled to make his Encore debut with Follies, and to work with Micah Shane and crew as well as this massive cast of actor friends, old and new. An alumnus of UT's theatre department, Jim has performed in more than 110 productions in the greater Knoxville area (over an impossibly lengthy number of years) in roles such as Huck Finn in Big River, Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, and Luther Billis in South Pacific. Other Sondheim shows include Into the Woods, Company, and Gypsy. His credits on the big and small screen run the gamut of the good (Box of Moonlight), the bad (Unsolved Mysteries, Snapped), and the ugly (a commercial for McDonald's Coke floats).

Oliver Hoig

Benjamin Stone

Oliver is grateful for the opportunity to join the cast of this ambitious production. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, he and his family have been residents of Knoxville since 2005. He has a degree in vocal performance from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. His first experiences in musical theater were at the Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP) and other regional theaters as a pit orchestra violinist. He has appeared on the OCP stage in several productions including the role of Joe in the OCP 75th Anniversary production of The Most Happy Fella directed by Charles Jones. His operatic credits include performances with the Westminster Opera Theater, Opera Omaha and the Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds.

Amie McGaha

Young Sally

Amie is from Johnson City, TN and is a recent graduate from Carson-Newman University. Some of her favorite past roles include: Little Red in Into the Woods, Anne Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Eve in Children of Eden, and Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Amie would like to thank her friends and family for their love and support!

Lindsey Davis

Young Phyllis

Lindsey is ecstatic to be a part of her 9th Encore production. She was most recently seen as Rachel/Roscoe Crabbe in One Man, Two Guvnors, and has been a part of shows such as Les Miserables, Hairspray, Chicago, and more. Lindsey teaches sociology and psychology at Morristown East High. Her favorite part of this show has been sharing the stage with her husband, Alex.

Steven McCoy

Young Buddy

Steven s grateful to have been given the opportunity to perform in such a beautiful show! Steven was most recently seen as Horton in Seussical the Musical and in ensemble for A Christmas Story: the Musical. He is a theatre major at Carson-Newman University and has a deep love for dogs and milkshakes, if anybody wants to hit him up with a gift. Steven would also like to give a big thank you to everyone else who helped with the show!

Matthew Mimbs

Young Ben

Matthew is a graduate of Carson-Newman University, where he was seen onstage in The Secret Garden (Ben), My Fair Lady (Freddy), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon, III), and Seussical: the Musical (Horton). He has been involved with Encore since 2009, appearing in shows such as Big: the Musical, White Christmas, Chicago, Hairspray, Legally Blonde: the Musical, 9 to 5, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. He was also music director for ETC’s The Full Monty and The Little Mermaid, Jr. Matt was awarded the Encore Theatrical Company Scholarship in 2011, and is thrilled to be doing his third Sondheim show with the company (and Sondheim’s biggest fan, MSB) after Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods. He is currently the office manager at the Rose Center Council for the Arts here in Morristown and serves as accompanist/assistant director for the Knoxville Gay Men’s Chorus.

Chevy Anz

Carlotta Campion

Chevy is new to Encore; this is her first time performing in eastern East Tennessee. She recently completed a run of Urinetown at Oak Ridge Playhouse. In Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg she has worked at Dixie Stampede, Sweet Fanny Adams, and Silver Dollar City (now Dollywood). Knoxville audiences have seen her at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, Clarence Brown Theatre, Knoxville Opera Company, Bijou Theatre Centre, and Tennessee Valley Players. Performances around the US include Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Connecticut Repertory Theatre, Organic (Chicago), Virginia Musical Theatre, The Hippodrome (Florida), Galveston Outdoor Musicals, Gateway (Long Island), Amish Acres Indiana and The Media Theatre (Philadelphia).

Sheryl Lawrence Howard

Stella Deems

Sheryl, originally a Jersey girl (exit 38A), has set up roots in East Tennessee. She is happy to be back on the stage with Encore. She was last seen on stage as Diana in Next to Normal but has frequented the orchestra pit playing for Putnam County Spelling Bee and Into the Woods along with vocal direction and back stage singing for 9 to 5. Favorite roles included Emma Goldman in Ragtime, Sally Brown in You’re A Good Ma,n Charlie Brown, Martha in Secret Garden and the Narrator in Joseph and Amazing…Coat. Mrs. Howard would like to thanks to Micah-Shane and Seth for giving her this opportunity to sing this amazing score!

Mabel D. Smith

Hattie Walker

A founding Company Member of Encore, Mabel has been involved in Tech aspect of many of their productions. As an actor she has been in The Sound of Music, The Full Monty, Sunday in the Park with George and Les Miserables. She was Professor of Humanities prior to her retirement at LMU and some credits in past productions as a singer/performer or director include Amahl & the Night Visitors, Noye’s Fludde, Albert Herring, Fiddler on the Rood, Guys & Dolls, Into the Woods, The Importance of Being Earnest, Poulenc’s GLORIA and Handel’s MESSISAH. In 2009 she was the recipient of Encore’s “Hall of Fame” award. Dr. Smith holds degrees from Westminster Choir College of Music, Appalachian State University and University of Colorado/Boulder where her original research dissertation was on “Belting: The Broadway Sound”. Appropriately in this, her 5th Encore musical, she belts!

Wendy T.

Solange La Fitte

This is Wendy T's first performance with Encore . She is thrilled to be part of the Follies production. Wendy was born and raised in Denver,Colorado., the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. She performed at Dinner Theaters in Boulder and Denver as Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Molly Brown in The Unsinkable Molly Brown. She also studied at The Denver Center for the Performing Arts. She has headlined as a celebrity impersonator in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach, and Memories Theater in Pigeon Forge,Tennessee. She fell in love with a local Morristown boy and now loves living here in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Nancy Hope Major

Emily Whitman

It is exciting and fun for NancyHope to be a part of Follies! She has met theatre friends of the past and enjoyed making new friends. Some of the roles she has enjoyed on stage are On Golden Pond (Ethel), Steel Magnolias (Clairee), Cinderella (wicked step-mother), Grace and Glorie (Grace), Maggie's Getting Married (Cass and has also directed this play). She does music therapy for the Crumbly House for the Brain Injury. Other passions are playing golf and gardening. She has studied piano and violin. Thank you, Micah-Shane for this opportunity.

Donald Thorne

Theodore Whitman

Donald last worked with director Micah-Shane Brewer in 2014 on A Christmas Carol, playing Jacob Marley, at Clarence Brown Theatre. Recent shows at CBT include: Threepenny Opera, Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, On the Razzle, and Kiss Me Kate. Donald is a retired Knox County science teacher that now works in Quality Control for a medical diagnostics manufacturing company.

Kathy Tallent

Heidi Schiller

Kathy is happy to be appearing in her second consecutive Stephen Sondheim show, having played Madame Armfeldt in Oak Ridge Playhouse’s production of A Little Night Music last spring. Favorite shows include Seascape (Nancy), Gypsy (Rose), Bye Bye Birdie (Mae Peterson), and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Sonia). Kathy is an Elementary Music Teacher and Director of Music Ministry at Graystone Presbyterian Church in Knoxville.

Hobart Smith

Dimitri Weismann

Hobart returned from Texas in 1989, auditioned for a Guild play, and did many plays thereafter. When Encore was established he then did several plays with them. He was last seen in Inherit the Wind. He is very excited to be a part of Follies and would like to thank MSB. He thinks this is a fine play and an excellent cast.

William Beard

Roscoe

William is from Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. The last time he was on stage with Encore was in the production of Les Miserables, where he performed the role of Jean Valjean. "I still enjoy singing everything from gospel to heavy metal," he has said, which can be quite a contrast in musical styles. William studied music at the University of Tennessee after attending Walter State Community College, and due to pride of not revealing his age, will not state the years he matriculated to either. He performed in shows at Silver Dollar City, Dollywood, and Knoxville Opera Company. He is excited about returning to the stage with Encore Theatrical Company once again.

Cathy Scott

Dee Dee West

Cathy is new to Encore, but not to live theatre; having appeared in some 25 productions of the Theatre Guild. A few favorites are: …Forum, Daddy’s Dyin’…, Dearly Departed, Steel Magnolias (Ouiser), Last of the Red Hot Lovers, and especially Vanities which she credits with providing her soulmate of 33 years. Doug saw her and vowed to marry her. Retired for 10 years, Cathy spends her time sewing, reading, gardening, long-distance grandparenting and traveling. Two trips to the western U.S. and 7 trips to Europe have enabled many items to be checked off her bucket list. It has been 50 years since she last wore tap shoes. Luckily it comes back like riding a bicycle. Cathy trained 12 years with the Holloway School of Dance in Johnson City; teaching in the later years, until studies at ETSU became too time consuming.

Carol Collins

Sandra Crane

Carol is happy to return to the stage. You will usually find her back stage painting or building sets and working on costumes, but has also been in a number of plays with Encore. Her last performance was My Favorite Year. Carol was an art major at Western Michigan University and still does some art, but not as much as she would like to. She went back to work after retiring for two years. She is the Assistant Executive Director of the Senior Citizens Center where she has worked for four years.. Carol moved to East Tennessee in 1980 from Michigan and once had a bumper sticker that read "Yankee by Birth, Rebel by Choice". Carol loves the climate, beauty of the Smoky Mountains and especially the people here. Her hobbies are hiking, walking and art.

Alice Lafever

Christine Donovan

Madison Brewer

Young Carlotta

Madison has been performing since she was eight years old, and is thrilled to be on stage with Encore for the second time! Over twelve years she has been trained in various styles of dance including ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, liturgical, modern, and tap. She has performed in Downtown Dance Theater's The Nutcracker (Snow Queen), Encore's A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Dancer/Ensemble), and in 2014 she was given the opportunity to work with 20th Century Fox as an extra in the film adaption of "The Longest Ride" by Nicholas Sparks. Madison would like to thank Donna Belisle, Allison East, and Micah-Shane Brewer. She also sends a special thank you to Matt Byrd. She hopes that you enjoy Follies.

Rebekah Frith

Young Stella

Rebekah is a freshman at Walters State studying theatre, and is also very excited to be working along side such amazing and talented actors! Rebekah was last seen in Encore's Spamalot. Her credits also include Crucible, Aladdin Jr., A Christmas Story, and many others. She would like to thank Micah-Shane Brewer for giving her this opportunity to work on such an amazing show, her mother for supporting her, and God for giving her the ability to do what she loves!

Hannah Brooks

Young Emily

Hannah is very excited to be returning to the stage for her second performance with Encore in Follies. You may remember seeing her as a reporter in the recent political comedy, The Best Man. Hannah has also been involved in many skits at Manley Baptist Church, and she played Enid Hoopes in Legally Blonde: The Musical for Jefferson County High School’s senior play production last year. Hannah would like to thank God first and foremost for his unconditional love and for the ability to act and sing with a beautiful cast. She would also like to thank director Micah-Shane for this great opportunity, her family for their patience and support, and Wheat Thins for keeping her slightly nourished. She hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Maggie Pettit

Young Solange

Maggie is excited to be in her second Encore performance. She made her Encore debut as Sarafina in The Lion King Junior. Most recently she appeared in Jefferson County High School's Senior play as Uncle Fester's right leg in his moonlight solo, "But Love". Maggie would like to express her love and gratitude toward Donna Belisle for recognizing her talent in the Jefferson Middle School anti-bully play, Thank you For Flushing My Head In The Toilet Bowl. Maggie is an upcoming Senior at Jefferson County High School. She would like to thank her parents for supporting her, Keegan Tucker for inspiring her, and Micah Shane Brewer for giving her this wonderful opportunity.

Rebecca Carson

Young Hattie

Rebecca is excited for the opportunity to be a part of Follies. She was last seen in Encore’s junior production of Beauty and the Beast as Madame de la Grande Bouche, commonly known as the wardrobe. Though this is only her second time in a theatre production, she has been involved in choruses with Walters State and has had various voice training throughout her high school/college years. She wants to thank her mom and family for their constant support, and wants to dedicate this performance to her father, John Carson, who recently passed from brain cancer in March.

Hannah Miller

Young Heidi

Hannah is very excited to be a part of Follies. She was last seen on the Encore Stage as Cosette in Les Miserables. Other credits include Wendla in Spring Awakening, Little Sally in Urinetown, Natalie in Next to Normal, Luisa in The Fantasticks, Catherine in Pippin, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Annelle in Steel Magnolias, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, and Janet in The Rocky Horror Show. Many thanks to Micah-Shane and Seth for the opportunity, and my friends and family for their constant support.

Leah Winstead

Young Dee Dee

Leah is thrilled to be returning to the stage in this wonderful production! She was last seen as Catherine/Ensemble in The Best Man. Other past roles include The Ghost of Christmas Past (A Christmas Carol: The Musical), Snow White/Milky White (Into The Woods), Sister James (Doubt: A Parable), Abigail Williams (The Crucible), Encore's 1940's USO Radio Show, and many different characters in Monty Python's Spamalot!, along with some backstage work. Leah would like to thank her parents, family, and friends for their continued overwhelming support of her love for theatre, her dog, Rocky, for being her at-home audience during the rehearsal process, and the cast, crew, and all who have had a hand in this show. Enjoy!

Dani Tower

Young Sandra

Follies is Dani's 30th show. Dani is thankful to have theatre in her life. It's truly her passion. She looks forward to what the future will bring with theatre opportunities and is thankful for all the great memories she has had throughout all her years of performing. A few of Dani's favorite past performances include: The Crucible (Mary Warren), Cabaret (Helga), Legally Blonde (Serena),The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park), and Little Women the musical (Beth). She is very glad she has her long-time friends Madison Brewer, Lauren Holt, and Amie McGaha to share the stage with this time.

Lauren Holt

Young Christine

Lauren is the new Choir Director at Cherokee High School . She has a degree in Music Education with a Vocal emphasis from Milligan College (Go Buffs!). Lauren loves performing and inspiring others to find their voice. A few of the most recent performances she has appeared in include: Into the Woods (Rapunzel), J.S. Bach’s Coffee Cantata (Leischen), and The Secret Garden (Lily). In April, she directed her first show, The Wizard of Oz, for Cherokee. Lauren is thankful to her husband for his patience and support, to the rest of her family for encouraging her to pursue her dreams, and to God for His will in her life.

Dan Gibson

Max Deems

Dan has written several short stories and poems over the years, some of which have been published. He is a songwriter and musician whose style would be considered Americana. He performed in a country/rock band in the late 70's in Indiana, and he has recently played at The Bunk House, Morristown Got Talent, Pickin' in the Park, Rose Center and other venues in the Lakeway Area. He is a self-taught, colorblind artist and has been painting for over forty years, teaching art classes at the Rose Center and several other locations. He has also been seen onstage in the part of Beverly Weston in Encore Theatrical Company’s production of August: Osage County. He is honored to play the part of Max Deems along with the wonderful and talented cast of Encore Theatrical production of Follies!!!