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Debra Wagoner is an award-winning actress and vocalist, based in Richmond, Virginia. Locally, she is perhaps best known for her performances as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz", and her crowd-pleasing portrayal of Patsy Cline in "Always, Patsy Cline". Debra was born and raised in small-town Elkin, North Carolina. In her tender years, she had a passion for capturing attention, often "performing" for family and friends. As a teen, she moved with her family to Richmond, Virginia, where she began singing and acting at J. R. Tucker High School. Her portrayal of Annie Oakley in "Annie Get Your Gun" is still talked about today! While attending Virginia Commonwealth University, she met John Glenn, who helped facilitate her move from "student actress" to "professional". She began touring with Theatre IV -- a Richmond based children's theatre -- bringing a wide range of fairy tale and children's story characters to life. On the professional stages of Richmond, Debra quickly established herself as a phenomenal vocalist as well as an actress. Here is a short list of her theatrical roles: > Lizzie in "Baby" > Cinderella in "Into the Woods" > Cinderella in "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella" > Brunhilde in "Das Barbecu" > Julie Jordan in "Carousel" > Sister Mary Amnesia in "Nunsense" -- Best Supporting Actress in a Musical, Richmond Times Dispatch > Amalia in "She Loves Me" -- Best Actress in a Musical, Richmond Times-Dispatch > Violet in "Violet" -- Best Actress in a Musical, Style Weekly > Patsy Cline in "Always, Patsy Cline" -- Best Actress in a Musical, Richmond Times Dispatch; Pollack Prize for Excellence in the Arts-Theatre, Richmond Magazine For the recording of her first CD, "The Hopeful Romantic", Debra contacted her old friend and musical genius Ron Barnett. His inspired arrangements are masterfully executed, whether on his own or accompanied by string bass and drums. The collection of love songs, showtunes and standards was recorded in the Winter of 2005 and is now available for sale. She sends love to her parents, Mickey and Janet Wagoner. "The Hopeful Romantic" is dedicated to her husband, Joe Pabst, who helps make things possible.