Prairie Folklore Theatre | Outlaws / Outlaws browse

THE ENSEMBLE

Prairie Folklore Theatre, founded by Brian "Fox" Ellis and Barry Cloyd, regularly works with Emmy winning actors, nationally renowned Native American Dancers, and award winning songwriters to build an ensemble of the best talent for each of our productions.

Brian "Fox" Ellis travels the world collecting and telling stories specializing in ecological, international, and American folklore. Through stories and song he celebrates what is most life-affirming and beautiful in the human experience. Author of six books and three plays, co-author of eleven musicals, and a freelance writer for a dozen magazines, he teaches workshops on creative writing and storytelling across the curriculum and has produced five CDs. He is a frequent keynote speaker at national and international conferences on ecology and education and recently hosted the pilot for a new television series, Tell Me A Story! Fox is also the Riverlorian for the Spirit of Peoria riverboat. To learn more about Fox, his solo performances, books, CDs and DVDs, please visit his web page Fox Tales International.

Barry Cloyd is a Midwestern based singer/songwriter who has spent a lifetime perfecting a vocal and guitar style that weaves the diverse genres of Folk, Celtic, Blues, and Country into a unique blend which is all his own. A strong vocalist and multi-instrumentalist as well as a theatrical performer, Barry delivers his music on a multitude of guitars and other stringed instruments. He has co-authored eleven musicals, written more than 200 songs, and put out three CDs. In addition to his musical ventures, Barry has appeared in over 300 TV commercials and 70 industrial films, and is a regular contributing writer to several magazines. He has also produced musical dramas and vaudeville programs for area theaters. Please visit Barry's new web page Barry Cloyd Productions, or email barryc1025@aol.com.

Charlie Brown is a Peoria native who has performed in theaters across the western half of the country from Peoria to Los Angeles. Now, an instructor at Illinois Central College, Charlie teaches Sociology and Psychology bringing with him a rich experience in performing. From a chorus part in The Music Man in high school to production assistant on feature films in Hollywood, he has seen a lot of different aspects of the industry. He has directed and written shows, "did" talk radio, was a NBC page working for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show, appeared in TV and Film productions, and has sung with several bands. For someone who doesn't "know" music, Charlie loves being around it and brings his enthusiasm and love of storytelling to his musical and dramatic performances.

Susie Somerville Brown comes from a performing family. Her father Ross (on sax and clarinet) traveled with many of the best bands of the 40's 50's and 60's including Tex Bennicke and Gene Krupa. He had the unique experience of seeing Tony Bennett turned down at an audition because he wasn't a "good enough" singer. Susie's brothers Scott and Mike performed in many bands locally and throughout the Midwest, with Mike getting nationally known for his writing and performing with Head East as an original member of band. Her mother Alma taught music and led choirs at her church. Susie took the opposite direction from her husband, Charlie and performed in theaters from Peoria eastward to New York City. After several years in Chicago, Susie climaxed her professional career on Broadway in Cats and touring with the National Company. Susie is a gifted singer, writer and arranger. She has directed the music for several local theater productions, and is in great demand for both vocal and acting lessons.

Fran Moss' warmth and charm have been enchanting audiences throughout the United States for more than 30 years. Fran's passion in life is to nurture creativity in others, children and adults alike, and through the stories and music of many cultures, inspire all of us to make this world a better place. In her work with children, Fran instills curiosity and a love of learning. Fran teaches how the arts can be an important springboard for literacy, math, science, history and for integrating the curriculum. Fran has shared the joys of music, storytelling, puppetry and literature with thousands of children as a Ready to Learn Educator with PBS-TV and has given hundreds of workshops for educators, caregivers and parents. She’s acted, sung and taught across the country including performances at Carnegie Hall and for a First Lady. For seven years, Fran appeared on an Emmy Award winning CBS-TV children's show.

Jo Lakota is the great grand-daughter of a man who rode in the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, performing for European Royalty. She has been telling stories professionally for more than a dozen years, performing at powwows, schools and camps. She is a founding member of the board of directors for the Seven Circles Cultural Heritage Foundation. Currently she is a special education teacher at Pekin High School.

The Eagle Ridge Singers are comprised completely of Central Illinois Natives lead by Chip Roberts. This group has served as host drum for many powwows, and their songs come from numerous Southern Plains Nations. Their award winning fancy dancer is Jimi Roberts.