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The Cast

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(Shiek Ilderim, USA)

Perry has performed in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Africa, Argentina, Switzerland, and his home nation, the United States (including two performances at New York's Carnegie Hall). Other credits include: Film - Grizzly Mountain, Two Bits & Pepper, The Godson, Ghostwriter, Norma Jean and Marilyn; Television - Loving, The Bold and the Beautiful, Frasier, Family Matters, Can't Hurry Love, Jake and the Fat Man, City Guys, Wings and The Lot; Stage - leading roles in The 1940's Radio Hour, Annie Get Your Gun, Into the Woods, Guys and Dolls, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Camelot, The Voice of the Prairie, Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Showboat, Brigadoon, The Glory of Easter, The Music Man, The Will Rogers Follies and Phantom. Perry and his wife Jenny live in Los Angeles.

BRUCE LADD

(Messala)

Bruce has played with the USA Regional Theatre: Three Sisters (Rode) and Elmer Gantry (Tom) at La Jolla Playhouse, Twelfth Night (Orsino) and Measure for Measure (Angelo) at The California Shakespeare Festival. With the Actor's Co-op Hollywood: Wait Until Dark (Mike Talman), The Seagull (Konstantin), You Can't Take it With You (Kolenkhov), Terra Nova (Captain Robert Scott), The Importance of Being Earnest (Algernon). Other experience includes: North American West Coast Premiere of Chuck Mee's Orestes (Pylades/Helen of Troy), North Coast Symphony's Concert Version of Phantom of the Opera (Raoul). He has also starred in productions of Bent (Max), Noises Off (Garry LeJeune), Equus (Alan), Ring Round the Moon (Hugo/Frederick) and The Castle (Krak). An Actor's Equity Association Member, Bruce holds an MFA in Acting from the University of California, San Diego.

RICH SWINGLE

(Simonedes, Pontius Pilate)

Rich has written and acted in six "one-man" plays, performed in hundreds of venues around the world: A Clear Leading, Big Fish Little Worm, The Revelation, The Acts, Immigration Training, and Views of the Manager. Rich also coaches presenters in corporate settings through Graceworks, and has acted in a number of New York productions, film, radio, and even CD-ROM. He did 12 voices for "Exodus" of the Audio Visual Bible including Pharaoh, Aaron, and Joshua. For the Beginners Bible series, distributed by Sony Wonder, he did 20 roles including Jesus, Adam, and the Serpent.

(Man from Nazareth)

Stace's experience has brought him on the National Tour: Olympic Spirit (Brundage). And has included several off-Broadway productions: Purim Day (Xerxes), Conundrum (Art), The Word Became Flesh (Dr. Agnos). Equity Showcase/Off-Off Broadway: Conundrum (Stewart), An Advent Carol (Joseph). Workshop/Concert (Featured Singer): Carnegie Hall, Avery Fischer Hall, Alice Tulley Hall, BMI, and Century Center. Regional performances include: Camelot (Lancelot), Into the Woods (Rapunzel's Prince), Bye Bye Birdie (Birdie), The Pajama Game (Prez), South Pacific (Harbison), West Side Story (Riff), La Boheme (Benoit), Oedipus Rex (Oedipus), The Trojan Women (Menalaus), Charlie's Aunt (Jack), and The Philadelphia Story (Dexter). Stace has produced/directed his original plays and musicals in Houston, Chicago, and, most recently, Off-Broadway, and he has conducted several classical and sacred choral/orchestral concerts at various venues in NYC. Stace holds a Ph.D. in Speech Communications, Southern Illinois University. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord!

J. GORDON MCDONALD

(Balthazar)

Gordon began his musical career in high school, singing second tenor with a gospel quartet. He went on to study at Western Washington University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Gordon directed youth and adult choirs in Washington and Montana for a number of years and for the past sixteen years has served as director of a University of the Nations campus branch in Montana, which emphasizes training and opportunities in the performing and fine arts. Gordon has shared his golden tenor voice with audiences in a variety of styles and venues. He traveled throughout the U.S. as a vocalist and narrator for Come Together Again, a musical by Jimmy and Carol Owens. Gordon sang lead and played guitar for a number of years with a popular local country music band called The Stoner Creek Boys. He was also a member of the Glacier Chorale of Montana. Judah Ben-Hur marks Gordon's first theatrical stage appearance.

HANNAH FOWLER

(Tirzah)

Hannah, aged 6, is currently in Preparatory at the Australian International School Singapore. She began ballet training at the age of 3. She has performed in several dance presentations in Sydney as well as an Easter production in the Singapore Indoor Stadium this year. Hannah brings with her a natural aptitude and love for performing. This is her first professional role.

SHANNON JOY FINDLEY

(Tirzah)

Is nine years old and was born in the U.S. and reared here in Singapore. Shannon studied ballet for five years at Forms Ballet. She enjoys singing and has been a part of the annual Christmas performances at her school, a childrens' musical in the States and is a member of the kids' worship team at her church. A lover of local Singapore food, big sister to one sister and two brothers, Shannon is thrilled to be a part of the cast of Judah Ben Hur's Singapore World Premier.

NATASHA ARVIND

(Rachael)

Born of mixed parentage of Indian and Malay in the year of the golden goat, Natasha just turned ten in September. She has had classical ballet training since age three, and is currently in grade 5 with the Singapore Ballet Academy. At four, Natasha started performing in various school drama performances at the Victoria Theater. As an active member of St. Anthony Canossian Convent's drama club, she continues performing in various dances and plays up to this very day. Four years ago at just six, Natasha danced in a ballet performance entitled The Talisman with PPAS. Her passion for the arts does not stop at singing, dancing and acting; Natasha also plays the classical piano in her spare time.

CAROL BANAWA

(Esther u/s)

In her native land, The Philippines, Carol is a singer and actress who started at the very young age of 13. Having been in the business for 7 years, her vocal skills have opened the doors for regular television shows, albums, concerts and theater. She has received numerous awards, including: Gold and Platinum Awards for her album, Best Produced Album of the Year 2001 for her self titled album. In the international scene, she was a finalist for the Asian Song Festival 2000, and won the Silver Award for the Shanghai Asian Music Festival 1999. As for theater, she has played a number of roles, most recently in the role of Jewel, in the Philippine production of Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid. Now she is widening her horizons as she joins the internationally acclaimed musical, Judah Ben-Hur, a production which is not merely set to entertain but to share a message of hope.

LORI BERG

(Miriam u/s)

In addition to studying Balinese mime at Harvard University, Lori's other studies include opera, for which she's won many prestigos awards. Lori worked as a music announcer for National Public Radio before entering the Miss America Pageant system where she was a talent winner. After recording two CD's, Lori returned to Hollywood where she performs with Actors Co-op. She performs on two public television programs and is a leading role in Rachel's Room for Sony Pictures. In Europe and Asia, Lori is heard in a radio show called Paw's and Tail's, and can be seen in a global commercial for Lenscrafters.

RICK MARCUS

(Drusus, Resurrection Angel, Man from Nazareth u/s)

Rick has performed at Anaheim Disneyland (Captain Hook), Universal Studios Hollywood (Deacon's Henchman), Six Flags Magic Mountain (Batman), and with the award-winning "Actor's Co-op" of Hollywood: Wait Until Dark (Sam), The Hasty Heart (Kiwi), The Foreigner (Rev. David Lee), The Fantasticks (The Boy). His film experience: Oliver Stone's Nixon, and in TV: General Hospital. Rick studied at the New York American Academy of Dramatic Arts (acting), and graduated from Azusa Pacific University (BA, Music Education).

PETER TANNER

(Simonedes u/s, Balthazar u/s)

Making his home in Montana, USA, Peter has performed in theatres across the western United States. His acting experience has covered a broad spectrum ranging from serious drama to musical comedy and operetta. He has recently played lead roles in Shadowlands and The Man Who Came to Dinner. Favorite roles include 'Nathan Detriot'- in Guys and Dolls, 'Luther Billis'- in South Pacific, and 'Willy Lohman' - in Death of a Salesman.

(Sheik Ilderim u/s)

Hailing from the Philippines, Eugene started in the early 70's as a solo recording artist and songwriter, after which he managed for several bands (Wiseguys, Marco Sison, Lei Atienza, and Music Blvd.). He is also an independent producer as well as a performer. Eugene served as an artist and as the Repertoire Director for Warner Music Philippines, (Time/Warner Inc.). He has performed for King Hassan of Morocco, a production of Kumustahan at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and a concert performance with Ms. Nanette Inventor.

(Amrah/Ensemble)

Having worked in TV, Film and Theatre for many years, Diane has been featured in several TV shows and movies in the United States. Theatrical Stage Credits include, As You Like It (Phebe), Private Lives (Sylvia), Servant of Two Masters (Beatrice), Harvey (Myrtle May), and The Real Inspector Hound (Cynthia). An award winning actress, Diane is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the University of the Nation's School of TV and Cinema.

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The Ensemble

PAOLO ALCEDO

(Ensemble)

Paolo from Aklan, Philippines is a current member of Gypsies of Trumpets where he played the role of dancer/actor in The Little Mermaid. He trained with Powerdance for 6 years, and toured with them to Canada and the USA. He was the featured artist in University of the Philip-pines' production of Divinas Palabras. Paolo wants to thank God, family and Epic for this opportunity.

HELEN BROWNELL

(Ensemble)

Helen, an American who grew up here in Singapore, has been performing since a young age. She has done everything from theatre to modeling. Recent work includes: Modeling for Nike and Zouks, Commercials for Sprite and Taco Bell. She has been a part of a traveling theatre and has had lead roles in The Ole' Cookie Show, and Our Town Play. Helen has been a lead female vocal in many choirs and album recordings.

REBEKAH ANN DOYLE

(Ensemble)

Rebekah Doyle grew up in the U.S.A., privileged to be born into a very musical family. She competed in music and vocal competitions during her school years, winning top vocal awards at state level. Rebekah studied classical ballet with Garden City Ballet Company, developing her skills further by choreographing dance for local plays. She went on to study modern and swing dance during her tenure with University of the Nations Montana Dance Company.

JEREMY FRANCIS

(Ensemble)

Originally from the US, Jeremy has lived and traveled in Asia for 12 years. Here in Singapore he has danced with The Singapore Ballet Academy, Tammy L. Wong Dance Company and Singapore Dance Theatre's recent production of The Nutcracker. Other roles: George (Our Town), Sergius (The Arms and the Man), Harry Goodwill (The Olde Cookie Shoppe) and Jack (The Importance of Being Earnest). Thank you- God, Eileen O'Connor, Ng King Wee, Susan Lawrence, Ong and his family.

LANA ILIYN

(Swing, Ensemble)
Lana's first performance experience was at age 6. Since then she has developed a love of music, theater, and dance. Musical endeavors include: lead vocals in a band that traveled to Australia, church choir, and singing at special events. She was with a Grammy winning choir for three years in her hometown of Salem, Oregon; they later performed at Carnegie Hall. This is Lana's first opportunity to be part of a Broadway-bound musical, and she is very excited to learn, and develop her talents.

JOHANNA LONGFIELD

(Swing)

Johanna originates from New Zealand but has spent the past 12 years living in Australia, where she resides with her husband and three children. This is her first major production and she is honoured that it would be in Singapore, as she has spent some time here before and calls it home. She is so grateful to Art, Ellen and David Sanborn, for their ability to perceive underlying talents and their encouragement, which is ever present.

KIN WEE NG

(Ensemble)

Mr. Ng Kin Wee studied ballet under Madam Lim Fei Shen's & Madam Goh Soo Khim's scholarship in Singapore. From 1983, he was awarded scholarships at The Washington School of the Ballet in Washington D.C., Iowa, and Western Michigan. From 1986 to 1991, he was a teaching assistant for the dance department of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He is currently teaching and dancing in Singapore. He is the Artiste-in-Residence of Hope Centre (S) and Odyssey Dance Theatre.
Kin Wee Ng's participation is made possible by: Hope Center Singapore

ANDREW NG

(Ensemble)

Trained in Classical Ballet from Sylvia McCully's School of Dancing, Andrew has performed in many ballet roles such as- The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Les Sylphide, Napoli, and was a part of the Dances of the Orient series. He has also trained in South East Asian Dance and Chinese Dance. Andrew is now choreographing and teaching dance at schools and community clubs in Singapore.

EILEEN O'CONNOR

(Ensemble)

Born in San Diego, California, Eileen began her dance path at the age of nine with the San Diego local dance school. She moved to Singapore in 1985 and was involved with the Singapore Arts Festival in 1986 dancing with the Manchester Dance Company. Eileen attended the Windows School of Dance in 1990 in Hong Kong for one year as well as toured with the Company/School in Europe. This year she recently played one of the three leads in the musical production, The Carpenter and the Trees - adapted from the American folktale, "A Tale of Three Trees."

ANGELA PRATT

(Ensemble)

Studying dance since the age of 4, Angela has trained in tap, jazz, modern, and ballet. She completed a BA in dance and Graduate Diploma Education (secondary) at Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Working as a high school dance teacher in Australia's largest Christian college, Angela is the founder and choreographer of their dance company. She is the choreographer for two of Brisbane's theatre companies, as well as studying MA (research) in Dance. Angela is grateful to God and her parents.

PAUL SEOW

(Ensemble)

Originally from Malaysia, Paul has been involved in drama for the last 20 years. Having played supporting and lead roles in South Pacific, Brigadoon, and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. He was director of School of Music Ministries Malaysia, a bi-annual, two week long school, committed to training worship leaders, musicians and practitioners of creative arts. He is currently Manager of Drama and Events at Church of our Savior, Singapore.

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Note: Cast Members who joined Judah Ben-Hur after 1 December 2001, are not listed.

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