Arsenic and Old Lace Cast

Deborah discovered her love of theatre at age 5. Focusing on business administration and theatre arts at San Francisco State University, she’s performed in numerous plays and musicals. She also sang lead vocals with Moon Raven, performing funk, rock, and Motown music throughout the Bay Area. Retiring from 25+ years of nonprofit management, Deborah moved from San Francisco to Rio Rancho and found the Players. She’s dived into performing again and serves on the Executive Committee. Deborah’s stage credits include Dolly Levi in 'Hello Dolly,' Anita in 'West Side Story,' Rizzo in 'Grease,' Cleo in 'Most Happy Fella’, Leena Younger in 'A Raisin in the Sun,' and Rita in the Players’ recent production of 'Airport Encounters.'

Joel is honored to be involved in his first production with the Rio Rancho Players. After retiring, Joel followed his daughters, Tasha and Alice, and his wife, Leigh, into community theater and acting as a past-time. Since retiring, Joel has performed in community, college and summer productions in five different states. Some of his favorite roles include Bill Austin in Mamma Mia! (Gallery Players, Burlington, NC), Judge Omar Gaffney in Harvey (El Paseo Arts, South Padre Island, TX) and Otto Frank in Diary of Anne Frank (San Juan Community College, Farmington, NM). A massive thanks to Theresa, and to Mollie, wherever you may be.

Bryce began acting in high school, playing in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as Bob Ewell, 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [abridged]' as himself, 'You Can’t Take it With You' as Grandpa, and 'Guys and Dolls' as Nicely-Nicely. Although he’s no stranger to the stage, his real passion is writing, with his longest-running project being a modern retelling of Grease called “17”. You may also find him on stage under a different name: Vendetta. He’d eventually like to try his hand at directing as well! He wishes to thank his late mother, Sherrie (1972-2021), and knows she’s watching over him.

Samantha is grateful and excited to be back for her fourth consecutive production with the Rio Rancho Players! She was last seen this past September in 'Adam's Eve' as Katie Matthews, in which she obtained a "kudos" from the Rio Rancho Observer. Currently, she is earning her bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Theatre at UNM. She would like to thank her parents and her boyfriend Mike for all their support!

Kristin grew up in NYC and trained in dance at Alvin Ailey for thirteen years. She attended City Lights Youth Theatre in Manhattan. Kristin presented an exceptional degree of innate musicality on cello in the pit during a 'West Side Story' production. She has incredible equestrian skills. Rio Rancho Players: 'Airport Encounters' as Tess & Jane; 'Adam’s Eve' was her first lead role as Eve. “Two thumbs up” the critic raved about her acting from Rio Rancho Observer. Kristin enjoys the stage and the process. Recently, in Albuquerque she worked the light board on 'Into the Woods' at MTS.

Leigh has been in community and professional theater for over 20 years. Some favorite roles include Alice in 'Addams Family Musical,' Tanya in 'Mamma Mia!,' and Rose in 'Dancing at Lughnasa.' Since relocating to Albuquerque last year, Leigh has appeared as Aunt Em in 'The Wizard of Oz' and Sister Mary Enigma in 'Nunsense,' both with the Albuquerque Little Theatre, and as a Pickalittle Lady in 'The Music Man' with Landmark Musicals. When not “acting up,” Leigh works as a government contract investigator and as a simulation actor, helping to train first responders and medical students. She has loved working with this amazing cast!

Carrie grew up in Georgia and moved to Albuquerque eleven years ago. She attended Rutgers University in New Jersey, where she studied English Education and Theatre. In addition to studying ballet and hula, Carrie is currently working as a women’s Biblical counselor. Carrie was involved in a New Jersey community theatre’s production of Pippin. This is Carrie’s first time performing with the Rio Rancho Players, and she is having fun meeting new people and working with such a professional cast. She thanks her husband and daughter for all their support, and thanks you for supporting local arts in the Rio Rancho community.

Jeffery was an ensemble actor for 14 years at Theatre of Western Springs in Western Springs, IL. He recently moved to Albuquerque from Chicago, IL. Favorite characters include roles in 'The Government Inspector, 'The Great Gatsby,' 'Tin Woman,' 'Picnic,' 'Dracula,' 'Dead Man’s Cell Phone,' and numerous director’s workshops, one act plays, and New Plays Workshop. Theatre has been a life-long pursuit for him for over 40 years. Jeffery has acted at Albuquerque Little Theatre. He retired from teaching college English and Developmental Reading classes. He now works part-time as a mental health counselor.

Rod has been with the Rio Rancho Community Players since its inception and acted in all productions, such as 'Airport Encounters' and 'Adam’s Eve.' He worked with Paul Ford at the Vortex with Theater In The Making in the production of 'The Fable Factory' and last year, Shakespeare in the Park’s production of 'Comedy of Errors.' He enjoys being on stage and working with talented actors from all over the state. He received several outstanding reviews over the past few years.

Larry was raised on the mean streets of Brooklyn where everyone knew your face. His prior theatrical accomplishments include playing a grumpy old farmer, reviving old Nichols and May skits, acting both roles in 'The Zoo Story' and appearing in a cookie commercial. His checkered career led him to New Mexico where he enjoys the bliss of retired life, staring at the mountains with his wife and dog. This is his third appearance with the Rio Rancho Community Players and he thanks you all for coming out to experience the thrills and laughs of homemade community theater.

Steve has been acting and singing since 2017 for Adobe theatre, Albuquerque Little Theatre, Rio Rancho Players, and others. Some favorites are 'Mikado' at Adobe (ensemble); 'Addams Family' at ALT (Mal Beineke); 'Sister Act' at ALT ( Mons. O’Hara); Mr. Mayweather at Foul Play Café; and 'Our Town' at RR Players (Narrator). Having fun with all the great people involved with the Rio Rancho Players. Love to my line running partner and biggest fan (and critic), my wife Lorraine.

BrieAnn is excited to be a part of her first Rio Rancho Players show as Ohara for this wonderful show! She was last seen in Sweeney Todd at Musical Theatre Southwest. Other favorite shows she has been in include Cinderella (MTS), Mrs Peacock in Clue: On Stage with HAP, Amadeus (ALT), A Christmas Carol (Landmark Theatre), and assistant stage manager for Disney’s NEWSIES (MTS). Shout out to everyone who made being a part of this show possible!

Amina relocated to Rio Rancho from St. Louis in 2018. She has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She has been involved in the administration of various state and local government programs, as well international programs, supporting imports and foreign exchange for United Nigerian Textiles, a joint venture between the Nigerian government and private investors in Hong Kong. She believes in fostering community engagement and has graduated from the Rio Rancho Citizen’s Police Academy and the Rio Rancho 101 Citizen’s Academy. In her leisure time, she is an active participant and supporter of theatre arts productions of the Rio Rancho Players.

Thom joined this cast after a 40 year hiatus from acting. He is an artisan jeweler and is originally from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. His interest in drama began in 1967, in the Tahlequah, Oklahoma High School Drama Department. There, Thom excelled in debate, oratory, dramatic duet and one act plays. After graduating from college and beginning his silversmithing career, Thom joined the Tahlequah Little Theatre where he won the best actor award in 1980 for his portrayal of Lord Brockhurst in the musical ‘The Boyfriend.’ Thom has also portrayed Henry The Eighth in ‘The Lion in Winter’ and Mr. Flint in ‘Night of January 16th’. This role in ‘Arsenic And Old Lace’ is his first in 42 years.