From Audience to Star: Alexis Becomes Bonnie Parker

Alexis Verzal has always loved theatre. By age 18, she had appeared in more than 20 productions, but 2018 became a turning point: the year everything changed. She worked with Leah Arington in an after-school production of Jungle Book Kids and saw Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical.

The theatre was small and intimate, with audience members mere feet from the stage. Accessible seating placed Alexis close enough to feel every moment. As the show opened with a bullet-riddled car and launched straight into a death scene, her dad held her stiff right arm—an involuntary reaction left from a traumatic brain injury she suffered as a baby. That was all it took. Alexis was hooked.

It wasn’t just the music or the performances—it was the story. The death of Buck, Clyde’s brother, played out right at her feet. Ten-year-old Alexis cried out, “No!” She wasn’t just watching; she was inside the story. Backstage, the cast watched her reactions on monitors and realized she was feeling everything they hoped the audience would feel. After the show, Alexis met the cast, practiced lines, and immersed herself in the history of Bonnie and Clyde. She even had a replica of Bonnie’s iconic dress made and traveled with her dad to historic sites across the Midwest and South.

A Show That Became a Lifeline

Through surgeries and recovery, Alexis leaned on Bonnie & Clyde for strength, singing songs and sharing facts with nurses and doctors. Leah supported her every step, ensuring Alexis could fully participate onstage without lowering expectations.

Now, as an adult, Alexis finally steps into her dream role as Bonnie Parker, alongside longtime friend Ethan Brown as Clyde. Years of passion, research, discipline, and resilience have led to this moment.

The Dream Takes the Stage

The production is a culmination of dedication, talent, and belief. For Alexis, it’s the chance to bring her love of theatre full circle, embodying the character who’s inspired her for years and showing what happens when talent, hard work, and heart come together.

Visit lincolnchildrenstheatre.org to read more about Alexis’ story and this production of Bonnie & Clyde.

See the Lincoln Children’s Theatre’s production of Bonnie & Clyde on:

• Friday, February 20, 7:00 PM
• Saturday, February 21, 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, February 22, 2:00 PM

All productions will be at the Bethany Park Community Building.