Sheriff Wayne John - true hero in every sense of the word

After playing a bad cop in last year’s performance Murder Can Be Habit Forming, Chris has decided to turn from his evil ways. He finally saw the light and is now back on the right side of the law by playing Sheriff Wayne John and goin’ after the bad guys. It will be nice to be cheered again for a change and hopefully his fancy footwork won’t disturb the peace. Back with BGP for a 5th season, he’s excited to be involved again and hopes ya’ll will enjoy the show! Thanks for your generous support!



Deputy Doowrong - his heart is in the right place, but his brain isn't

This is Jorge’s 2nd year with BGP.  His credits include playing Santa Claus in the 8th grade, and the cranky handyman, Herman, in last year’s show Murder Can Be Habit-Forming.   Jorge was somewhat surprised and relived he remembered most of his lines as Herman, a feat he didn’t quite accomplish as Santa.  (Stage fright!)  Jorge is looking forward to this year’s show because playing the Deputy offers him the chance to be goofy, which is something he didn’t get to experience last year…at least not on stage.  He would like to thank the audience for supporting such a worthy cause. And, oh yes, a big thank you to his lovely wife, Stacey Briceno – this year’s play Director – for her encouragement and support in his second season. 

Polly Wanda Cracker - true heroine

In her first role on stage, Alisha will capture the hearts of the audience as the angelic heroine Polly Wanda Cracker while striving to obtain the affection of her one true love Sheriff Wayne John. She hopes you will enjoy this romantically exciting tale of the old west. Alisha has had a wonderful time during the production of the play, and is excited to have such an opportunity to raise funds for such a worthy cause. This is Alisha's 11th year supporting Relay for Life. 

Bo Best - proprietor of the hotel; always wants what is the best

Charlie McKay is back for his fourth BGP show.   Previously seen in the Variety Revues, he has now graduated to the big stage leaving his friends and coworkers to wonder just what the limit of his considerable talents might be.   We are sure to find out this year as he seeks to sing, dance, and act at the same time.  Any one of those would be enough all by itself.  He would like to thank everyone for coming out to the show and supporting such a worthy cause -- get ready for a rootin’- tootin’ good time! 

Sarsparilla Sal -  runs saloon; helps Bo Best as Bo doesn't always know

This is Jessie's second performance in Bakersfield; in December 2011 she appeared in Hijinks show at the Crystal Palace.  Back in college (it's been a . . .few years now), Jessie was involved in theatre, telecommunications and video production. Having the opportunity to play Sarsaparilla Sal, who runs a saloon in the 1890s, is "pure joy".  Jessie admits that growing up on a farm in Kansas, and religiously watching Kitty and Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke each week may have created an added element of appeal for this character.  Jessie lives in Castaic, and wants to thank this group of actors and volunteers, and all the patrons in the Bakersfield community for their commitment and dedication to Relay for Life, "it's truly impressive!"

Snydley Dastardley - chief bad guy

You have seen him in the critically acclaimed show How Oil is Made on the Discovery Channel. You've watched him hit hard as he played himself in his silver screen debut as an All League Lineman in the box office hit Frog-g-g-er.  You bowed to him in his leading role of the Sensei in Starwar’s Episode 8. You cheered at his explosive solo in the YouTube sensation Nuclear Energy. In his latest Academy Award worthy performance he brings to life to the extremely intelligent and incredibly pulchritudinous villain Snydley Dastardley as he leads his diverse and dense gang of misfits out West. (We suspect that most of this is untrue, but what did you expect…he’s the bad guy) 

Belle Starr - main bad gal

Kay joins the BGP cast in the role of Belle Starr, the villainous femme fatale.  Let’s hope Kay doesn’t keep any bad habits from channeling her inner villainess.  This is Kay’s first time ever on stage so please be kind.  She is excited to have joined BGP to help raise money for Relay for Life When not conning the innocent townsfolk of Low Humidity Chasm out of their money, Kay works for the Belridge Light Oil team at Aera Energy.  She is married, has a 16-year old daughter Stephanie, who is playing the role of June, and is anxiously awaiting the birth of her next child due this summer.

Schizophrenic Kid - has two distinct personalities

James returns to the BGP stage for his third season.  He has played virtuous roles in Peril of the High Seas and Murder Can Be Habit-Forming, but is excited to enter the stage as a deplorable rapscallion this year. He has been involved in numerous plays in school and at the community level. When not at work as a Facilities Engineer for Aera Energy LLC, James enjoys singing with a barbershop quartet, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and practicing yoga. He is delighted to be a part of the cast for a third year and hopes everyone enjoys the show!

Calamity Jan - that's J-A-N-E   (but the E is silent)

After taking a 3 year hiatus from the stage, Stephanie is very excited to once again be donning her acting cap and returning for this year’s BGP show! You may remember her in previous roles such as Little Victoria in The Masked Canary or Krushin’ Kanisha in The Royal Bachelor. This year, Stephanie is thrilled to be playing a villain for the first time, and she is finding her role as rough and tough Calamity Jan (that’s J-A-N-E with a silent E) very natural to perform – just don’t go callin’ her Jane! Stephanie is performing in memory of her mother, and wants to thank BGP and all of the loyal fans who attend the shows for supporting the ACS in such a great cause. Let the show begin! 

Kid Kid - young, but tough as nails

Lana has been involved in theater for 8 years now and this is her 3rd year with BGP. She’s also played Ritzy in Peril on the High Seas and Little Lavania in Wash Your Troubles Away. Last year She is thankful for everyone that has supported her and the wonderful cast she has gotten to work with this year. 

Black Bart - mean

This is Dick’s second year with BGP and he says he is enjoying the experience twice as much as last year. This may be because he has two roles in our current extravaganza. He is the evil Black Bart as well as the pious Reverend Right. “I think this proves once and for all that I am the true Schizophrenic Kid. Enjoy the show, and please support Relay for Life”. Dick has spent the last 30 years as a smooth talking Snake Oil Salesman in California’s oil fields. 

Blacker Bart - meaner

After playing good guys Sgt. Willy Ketchum in Peril on the High Seas and Sheriff Jack in Wash Your Troubles Away, Todd is returning to BGP stage as the villainous Blacker Bart, not to be confused with his brother Black Bart. If you were to compare the two brothers’ souls Black Bart would be charcoal and Blacker Bart ebony! Last year Todd volunteered as the House Manager where he could often be seen in engaging in his two favorite occupations, lifting and moving.  This is Todd’s 12th year participating in Bakersfield’s Relay for Life and he is the Co-Captain of the API/Black Gold Productions’ Team. 

The Lone Stranger - who is that masked man?

Though born to be a character, this is Vern's first time on stage. Vern is an artist by trade and profession. He received his BFA from Mesa State College in 2009 with a concentration in foundry, stone sculpture and metal sculpture.  A recent transplant from Colorado, Vern is working on establishing his work space and new projects. 

April - one of four sisters from Indiana (a.k.a. "The Indianians") invited to sing for the town celebration despite her terribly annoying yodeling

Christy, who really is from Indiana, and annoying (just ask her husband, Rusty), is returning to BGP for her second performance and is very glad to be back!  You saw her as Peggy, a waif, in Wash Your Troubles Away, and in various skits in the Variety Revue.  Christy has worked as Lab and QC Manager for Clariant Oil Services for almost a year, and has been involved with API for the past five years.  When not at work or play practice she enjoys spending time with her family and chasing her toddler-aged son around the house.  Many thanks for your support and enjoy the show! 

May - another sister, feisty

This will be Lauren’s first performance with Black Gold Productions. She has done a lot of plays… back in middle school and junior high. Hopefully, coming back from the 10 year hiatus won’t be too hard. She currently works as a Landmark consultant at Aera. She spends her free time flying to Houston and raising her two spoiled cats. 

June - another sister, feisty

Saloon Girl

This is Stephanie's first year with BGP, but not her first time on stage; she was featured in The Music Man and Oklahoma in Junior High.  She is very excited to be playing June, one of the singing sisters from Indiana, and a saloon girl.  She is currently a junior at Centennial High School and is in their Chamber choir.  She has been singing since the 2nd grade and participated in Honor Choir for two years in a row.  She enjoys singing, dancing, and acting with the rest of the cast. She's having a blast acting alongside her mother, Kay Coodey, who is expecting a little June bug this summer. 

Saloon Girl #1

Amanda joins the BGP cast for the first time to take on the most challenging role of her career thus far,…. Saloon Girl#1. Amanda is married to the most handsome man ever seen and has two of the most gorgeous children alive (These are facts). She works for the Belridge Light Oil Recovery Team at Aera Energy and has enjoyed this opportunity to participate in this cause. Amanda was in a small high school production of Little Shop of Horrors playing the role of one of the best portrayed Doo-Wop Street Singers of her generation. It’s been a few years since (she won’t tell you how many), but she is ready to take the stage yet again.