If you are a fan of Law and Order, Crossing Jordan, or the original Broadway production of Mamma Mia, then you may recognize the professional actor who will help judge the Big Country Idol competition this Saturday at the Mall of Abilene.

Dean Nolen is one of the newest faculty members at Hardin-Simmons University who will be starting this fall as assistant professor of theater. Nolen has been tapped by the Mall of Abilene’s director of marketing, Laurie McAdams, to be one of three judges for the weekend competition.

Nolen, who is an award-winning Broadway actor, singer, and West Texas native, has originated roles in over a dozen new plays and musicals and has performed on stage and screen for over 20 years.

Nolen starred in the original Broadway cast of Mamma Mia, in the role of Harry Bright. He also co-starred as Terence in the critically acclaimed, Pulitzer-Prize nominated Omnium Gatherum and received a 2001 Drama Desk Award for his performance as Jeffrey in Tabletop.

Television audiences might know him for his guest-starring roles on Law & Order, Crossing Jordan, Criminal Intent, and as Philip Montrose on Law & Order: SVU.

Nolen is also an accomplished writer and is currently at work on the Seventh Edition of The Film Encyclopedia published by Harper Collins.

Another current project of Nolen’s is a documentary film on Iowa “Honor Flights,” which bring World War II veterans to Washington, DC, to visit memorials built in their honor.

Nolen is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and Actors’ Equity Association. Dean holds an MFA in acting from Yale University and a 1989 BA in theatre and music from Hardin-Simmons University.

Big Country Idol contest officials say about 20 contestants are set to compete starting at 2 p.m. this Saturday in the Dillard’s courtyard inside the Mall of Abilene. The winner will be named Big Country Idol.