Meet the People of Paradise
Jim Dickerson – President-CEO
Jim comes to Paradise Playhouse with a background in public relations, broadcasting and communications. He has hosted a number of television shows, served as the spokesperson for a major metropolitan police department and provides play by play announcing during the high school football season for the WHB 810 Varsity Sports Network. He is the President and CEO of the Prime Business Group which specializes in helping business organizations achieve improved profitability as well as operational and organizational efficiencies. Jim is also an avid pilot and and spent several years as an FAA Designated Operations Safety Counselor where he was named Operations Safety Counselor of the year in 2001. Although he flies mainly for business, he mostly enjoys flying with his wife Sarah, who is also a pilot, in their antique 1947 C-120. Jim and Sarah also write a monthly flying article called “Destinations” for the Fly KC newspaper. Jim is honored to have the privilege to be involved with Paradise and looks forward to preserving the legacy that was started by the founders of Paradise, Frank and Cathy Parrino.
Angela Childers – Operations Director
Angela has been with the Paradise Playhouse since the day it opened in the fall of 1999. She was working at a floral shop in Excelsior Springs for Paradise Playhouse Founders Frank and Cathy Parrino when she first heard of the plans to build the Paradise Playhouse. She talked with Frank and Cathy and told them she thought it would be fun to work at Paradise. As they say, the rest is history. Angela started working in the box office and it soon became her second home. Angela now directs all of the day to day operations at Paradise and coordinates all facilities events and rentals as well. The Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre and Events Center is honored to have Angela as part of the team and we are happy to hear her telling others, “We are going to be bigger and better than before and I look forward to all the exciting possibilities!”
Cress Hewitt – Artistic/Entertainment Director
Cress is excited to return to Paradise Playhouse in the role of artistic/entertainment director. He was one of the founders of the Excelsior Springs Community Theatre in 1980 and in 1999 was honored to become a member of the theatre company at Paradise Playhouse. After performing in 36 shows at Paradise, he undertook his first role as director when he directed "Legends". He appeared in the Bell Road Barn Players' production of "And Then There Were None" in Parkville and last year co-directed his first two shows for the Lawson Community Theatre, "Drop Dead" and “Charlotte’s Web”. He has also appeared several times on the stage of the Corbin Theatre Company in Liberty. Cress is on the board of the Lawson Community Theatre, and is the owner of The Lawson Review newspaper. He is the father of three great children, Ryan, Caitlin and Clark, and a great daughter-in-law, Katie.
Michelle comes to Paradise with a Bachelors Degree in Advertising and Marketing from Northwest Missouri State University. She has several years of experience working with top Fortune 500 companies and contributing to their marketing strategies and events teams. Michelle is also the President and CEO of KC Connections, Kansas City’s premier event planning company. She has an extensive back ground in planning, marketing and executing successful events and campaigns to help bring awareness to businesses and nonprofits. Michelle is excited to be a part of the Paradise team!
Sean Bailey– Technical Director
"I have met many great people at Paradise and look forward to meeting many more at future performances and events."
Bryan Cresswell– Maintenance Director
Bryan attended Graceland College and studied Liberal arts, ballet and modern dance and has been involved in acting for many years. He is married and has two sons. His oldest son is an Iraq veteran and now works as a park ranger. His other son is working on completing his Masters Degree in accounting. Bryan has extensive experience in commercial construction, commercial maintenance and theatrical production involving threatre renovations, lighting, and set building. Bryan has also recently had had roles in the popular performances "42nd Street", "Footloose" and "Barefoot in Park".
Maria Olson– Promotions Coordinator
Maria comes to Paradise with a BA form University of Missouri-Kansas City. In addition to her role as Director of Special Events for KC Connections, she has several years experience in the theater, both on stage and behind the scenes. Maria's background includes time spent in both radio and newspaper, as well as helping several organizations market, promote and execute their fundraising events. She has also worked to create advertising and branding for a number of businesses in the KC Metro area. Maria is excited to be a member of the Paradise Playhouse team!
Martha Lyon - Set Design/Costume Coordinator
Martha has been involved in every production at Paradise Playhouse in one way or another since it opened in 1999. Whether on stage as a cast member or behind the scenes, Martha's talents can always be seen on the stage, as she is the resident set dresser, props mistress and costume coordinator. Although she has appeared in a number of productions throughout the years, she admits her two favorite roles were that of Dottie Otley in "Noises Off" and the unforgettable Ouiser Boudreaux in "Steel Magnolias". Most recently, Martha has appeared on the Corbin Theatre Stage in Liberty. She lives in Liberty with her husband, Dennis.
"I find it hard to believe we are ready to start our 11th season. Thanks for being such wonderful audience for the past several years and we look forward to entertaining you for many years to come."
Helen Price – Ambassador Coordinator
Helen is a native of Excelsior Springs and has always lived in the area. Her nearly forty years in the work force as an administrative assistant has been primarily in the medical field and banking industry.
Helen serves at the coordinator of the Paradise Ambassador Program. The Paradise Ambassadors are made up of a team of volunteers who act as theater ushers, guides and ticket office aides as well as providing many other services for the Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre and Events Center. Paradise Ambassadors are well versed in the community surrounding the Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre and Events Center and are available to help Paradise guests not only with questions about our facility, but area attractions, hotels and shops.
“Having Paradise Playhouse open again is such an asset to Excelsior Springs and I am so excited to be a part of this experience. I look forward to seeing everyone at Paradise!”