9 to 5

Guest Stars

PAULA LEGGETT CHASE (Violet Newstead) Paula Leggett Chase is delighted to return to MTWichita where she played Carmen Bernstein in Curtains in 2010, and thrilled to once again be working with pals Mark Madama and Darcie Roberts! PLC is a long-time Broadway veteran, appearing in several original Broadway casts:Bye Bye Birdie (2010), Curtains, The Pajama Game (revival w/ Harry Connick Jr.), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Kiss Me, Kate (1999), Damn Yankees (1994), Crazy for You, A Chorus Line (final cast of the original Broadway run). Other NYC stages: Applause at New York City Encores and Princess Diana in The Queen of Hearts. On the road, PLC was featured in Cabaret with Joel Grey, and as Judy Turner in A Chorus Line. On the little screen, “30 Rock” fans will recognize PLC as Randi from the popular “Queen of Jordan” episodes on NBC. Other TV roles include Judge Dorothy Parnell on the long-running “Law & Order,” appearances on “Unforgettable,” “Bored to Death,” and two seasons as rhyming witch Mediva on the PBS kiddie program “Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego?” In her younger years, PLC was a showgirl regular on “The David Letterman Show,” appearing in numerous comedic skits, dances and ditties at the Ed Sullivan theatre which was, conveniently, only two blocks away from her apartment at the time! Her extensive work in regional theaters from coast to coast includes her recent turn as wicked Stepmother in “Cinderella” for Mark Madama at KC Starlight. Originally from Evansville, Indiana, PLC studied voice and theatre at Indiana University. She lives in New York with her husband, Broadway dance music arranger David Chase, and their sons Dashiell and Kyler.

DARCIE ROBERTS (Judy Bernly) Darcie Roberts is a Broadway actress whose credits on the Great White Way include Crazy for You, Curtains, Aida, Dream – The Songs of Johnny Mercer, and the pre-Broadway tour ofBusker Alley, as leading lady opposite Tommy Tune. She starred in the National Tours ofThoroughly Modern Millie and Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, and the international tour of42^ndStreet. A familiar face to MTWichita audiences, Darcie began here as a 15-year old, playing Maggie in A Chorus Line, with subsequent roles including Mother in Ragtime, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Gigi in Gigi, Martha Jefferson in 1776, Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, Peggy Sawyer in 42^nd Street, Emily Arden in State Fair, in addition to Smokey Joe’s Café, Georgia in Curtains and Polly in Crazy for You two summers ago. Other starring roles in regional productions include Rita in Leap of Faith, Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, Eva Peron in Evita, Cassie in A Chorus Line, Polly in Crazy for You, Lola in Damn Yankees, Cindy Lou in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Peggy in The Andrews Brothers. Darcie has been married for 15 years to her best friend Troy and together they have 3 crazy boys- ages 6, 2 and 10 months! She is thrilled to be back on the MTWichita stage working with such wonderful friends – old and new.

JENNI BARBER (Doralee) Jenni Barber returns to MTWichita directly from her starring role in the world premiere musical Nobody Loves You at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre. Jenni’s other theatre credits include Sam Mendes’ Bridge Project productions of As You Like It and The Tempest (Brooklyn Academy of Music / The Old Vic), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Broadway),From Up Here (Manhattan Theatre Club), Cactus Flower (Off Broadway, Westside Theatre),The Wii Plays (Ars Nova), The Unauthorized Autobiography of Samantha Brown (Orange County Performing Arts Center) and the world premiere of Burt Bacharach and Steven Sater’s original musical Some Lovers (The Old Globe). Her television credits include “Smash,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and as series regular Lisa on the multiple-Emmy Award-winning “The Electric Company” (PBS). She is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, and spent several of her collegiate summers here at MTW, where audiences might remember her as Maggie in A Chorus Line, Flo in Good News!, and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical. Boundless love and gratitude to Nancy, Wayne and Mark.

DAMON KIRSCHE (Franklin Hart Jr.) Damon Kirsche is also a familiar face at MTWichita, where he has starred as The ScarletPimpernel, as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, as King Arthur in Camelot, and in concert withKelli O’Hara. Highlights of the past year include appearances as Carrasco in Man of La Mancha with Davis Gaines at the Carpenter Center, Logos in Eric Whitacre’s Paradise Lost: Shadows & Wings at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Joseph Pujol, tragic-comic hero of A Passing Wind (Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center, premiere, Barrymore Award nomination), Jeffrey Moss inBells Are Ringing (Reiner Reading Series), and headlining an evening of Broadway standards and rarities at NY’s Metropolitan Room. Favorite roles: Ravenal in Show Boat with Casa Mañana, Carl Magnus in A Little Night Music at South Coast Repertory, the Dentist (and others) in Little Shop of Horrors at Cabrillo Music Theatre and Freddy in My Fair Lady for McCoy / Rigby Productions (Ovation nomination). Damon is a veteran of the staged concert, having appeared numerous times with NY’s Encores Series, LA’s Reprise Series and as a proud member of the Musical Theatre Guild. He has been featured in concert at Carnegie Hall, Weill Hall, The Kennedy Center, City Center, the 92nd St Y, Lincoln Center, the Berliner Dom and with the California Philharmonic. Damon sings and records with vintage swing orchestra and big band “Dean Mora and his Orchestra” (recordings: “Goblin Market” and “Devil’s Serenade.”) Training: Juilliard. DamonKirsche.com.

Supporting Cast

KAREN L. ROBU (Roz) happily returns for her 16th season at MTWichita, where she has been seen as Rose in Gypsy, Ursula in Disney’s Little Mermaid, Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables,Mayor Matilda Hyde in All Shook Up, Martha Watson in White Christmas, the Wicked Witch inWizard of Oz, Emma Goldman in Ragtime, Maureen / Lowbutt in HONK!, Dolly in Annie Get Your Gun, Mayzie in Seussical, and as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof. Karen’s solo CD “Songs for My Baby” features Broadway tunes and 40′s style music, available at cdbaby.com. Her credits as a director include Children of Eden , Cotton Patch Gospel, Tuesdays with Morrie, andViolet, as well as her own original piece No Cross, No Crown, about suffragist Antoinette Brown Blackwell. Karen has also directed for MTYP, the Crown Uptown Theatre and taught classes for MGM Studio of the Dance and Camp Allegro. Karen has one more year before graduating from Phillips Theological Seminary with her Master of Divinity degree. She is currently Director of Faith Formation for Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita.

RYAN VASQUEZ (Joe)  is a UMich Musical Theatre Class of 2014 student, thrilled to become a part of the MTWichita family for the first time this summer! UM: Spring Awakening (Moritz),Cabaret (Cliff). Other credits include Candide (Candide), The 25th Annual … Bee (Leaf Coneybear). Love to Mom, Dad, JB, MT14, Wayne, Nancy, and all of MTWichita.

ZACHARY WILHELM (Dwayne) is thrilled to be returning to MTWichita for a second season! Zachary was Nachum the Beggar in Fiddler on the Roof, and will be going into his Senior year in the Musical Theatre BFA program at Otterbein University. He is very grateful to everyone at MTWichita for this opportunity. And he would also like to thank Nick, Mom, Hayley, and the good Lord for keeping him going in this wonderful life.

JOHN KECKEISEN (Dick) is thrilled to be returning to MTWichita for the summer! Regional credits: Sunset Boulevard, Finian’s Rainbow (Mary Jane Teall nomination, Best Supporting Actor in a Musical), The Music Man, and Fiddler on the Roof (MTW); Leading Ladies (Black Hills Playhouse), Love, Sex, and the IRS (Crown Uptown), High School Musical (Topeka Civic Theatre). Thanks to Wayne, Nancy and the whole MTW family for this opportunity. Big love to Moogi, Dad, and Katie! BFA, Wichita State University.

ALEX FINKE (Missy Hart) was thrilled to make her MTWichita debut as Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof! She is a recent University of Michigan graduate, hailing from Dayton, Ohio. Favorite roles include: Jane in Tarzan (Regional Premiere) at Wagon Wheel, and Vicki in The Full Montyat University of Michigan. Thanks and love to Mom, Dad, Sarah, Chris and Jimmy!

CORY LINGNER (Josh) is a native of Indianapolis and next fall will be a Musical Theatre senior OU. He is thrilled tomake his MTWichita debut. Credits: Lyric Theatre OKC: Hairspray, 42^ndStreet, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; OKC Philharmonic’s The Christmas Show (Mistletoe); City Rep: Harry in My Fair Lady; OU: Larry in A Chorus Line. Favorite roles: Dickon in The Secret Gardenand Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Love and thanks to all his family and friends for their continued love and support and full-hearted thanks to Wayne and the rest of the MTW Company for this wonderful and lavish opportunity.

DANI YOUNG (Margaret) is so honored to be back at MTWichita! Favorite MTW performances include Fiddler on the Roof, The Producers and Les Miserables. Favorite roles include Miss Jones in How to Succeed (WSU) directed by Wayne Bryan, Pennywise inUrinetown (WSU) and the Witch in Into the Woods (Friends University). The biggest thanks to Wayne, Nancy, Roger, Josh, and Mary Sue for this amazing job! Lovies to Mom, Dad, John and Graham!

TIMOTHY W. ROBU (Tinsworthy) is delighted to be a part of this year’s MTWichita season, as well as many previous ones. Audiences may remember Tim in past roles such as John Hancock in 1776, Billis in South Pacific, the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Amos Hart inChicago, Oscar Shapiro in Curtains, Mr. Feldzeig in The Drowsy Chaperone, Herbie in Gypsy, and Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof. Tim also performs at several other venues in the Wichita area, including Mosley Street Melodrama and the Crown Uptown Theatre. Tim has served as Technical Director at the Crown Theatre and Artistic Director of the children’s program there. When not working at Wichita’s fine theatres, Tim has plenty to keep him busy as father to his two daughters, Katie and Francie. An added bonus to this year’s season is the chance to perform with his talented wife Karen in three of the season’s shows. Thanks to Wayne and all the folks in Wichita who produce theatre, perform theatre, and enjoy theatre. They make the Wichita area a great place to work, live, and bring up kids in.

NADINE STANNARD  (Lady in the Wheelchair – Special Walk-On Performer) The Wichita area has been Nadine’s home for her adult life. Music has been a lifelong hobby for Nadine. She enjoys membership in Plymouth Chancel Choir and Plymouth Bell Choir. Associated Material, a sand and gravel production company, is Nadine’s “9 to 5” business.

Artistic Staff

WAYNE BRYAN (Producing Artistic Director) celebrates his 25th season at MTWichita, where he has now produced 120 Broadway-scale musicals, including dozens for which he also served as director or performer. Raised in southern California, Wayne began his professional career as both actor and director at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre, while stationed as a Navy officer in Coronado. Wayne performed on Broadway in Good News!, Rodgers and Hart, and Tintypes, and on television in such shows as “M*A*S*H”(CBS), “American History” (PBS), and “Keystone” (A&E). He also directed productions for theatres all across the country before coming to Kansas, but he feels he’s doing his most challenging and rewarding work now. Wayne is co-author with Mark Madama of a revised version of the collegiate musical Good News!, whose 1993 Wichita premiere has been followed by over 300 subsequent productions around the U.S., Canada and Great Britain, plus an internationally acclaimed cast album. Wayne was a 2002 recipient of the Kansas Governor’s Arts Award as an Individual Artist, and received the NCCJ Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award, recognizing individuals who fight discrimination and encourage diversity. Wayne has served on arts panels for the NEA and the Kansas Arts Commission, and is a frequent lecturer and guest teacher at various universities.

MARK MADAMA (Director) has directed productions on both coasts, and as far away as Ireland, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, and yet he happily celebrates his 24th consecutive MTWichita season, with 9 to 5 being his 40th production as director. Favorite shows here include The Full Monty, Sunset Boulevard, The Music Man, Curtains, Big River, Aida, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story, Oklahoma!, Damn Yankees, Cinderella, How to Succeed…, Funny Girl,Fiddler on the Roof (2001 and 2012), The Pajama Game, Evita, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, State Fair, Meet Me in St. Louis, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, The Secret Garden, Tintypes,Sweet Charity, Gigi, Cabaret, Into the Woods, They’re Playing Our Song, and Good News!, plus his performance as Zach in MTWichita’s first A Chorus Line. Other recent credits includeCinderella at Kansas City Starlight (where he’ll return this summer to direct Aida), Hello, Dolly!at the New London Barn Playhouse, and two engagements teaching at Music Theatre Italy near Venice. Mark Madama and Wayne Bryan are the co-authors of the revised version ofGood News!, which has received over 300 productions in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. Mark is an Associate Professor of Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan, where he has directed Ragtime, Into the Woods, The Full Monty, Rent, Big River, City of Angels, The Pajama Game, Guys and Dolls, Assassins, Good News!, Nine, Children of Eden, Company and Horton Foote’s 1918.

LYNDY FRANKLIN SMITH (Co-Choreographer) is thrilled to be returning to MTWichita, where last summer she and her husband Jeromy choreographed Finian’s Rainbow and Sunset Boulevard.  Her performance credits include the Broadway Companies of A Chorus Line (Dance Capt.) and The Little Mermaid; Three seasons at Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular(NYC); National Tours of Fosse and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas as well as numerous regional theatre credits including 42^nd Street (Peggy Sawyer) and Finian’s Rainbow (Susan the Silent). After serving as Dance Captain and Associate/Assistant Choreographer on numerous projects, she made her choreography debut with Ragtime at University of Michigan MT Program in 2010, and shortly followed with It’s a Grand Night for Singing with the University of Kentucky Opera Program. She is a proud graduate of Oklahoma City University as well as AEA Member. She is also proud to be choreographing here with her husband, Jeromy, after all their years of performing together at MTW. Great thanks to Wayne, Nancy, Mark and Josh for their never-ending support.  It’s great to be back!

JEROMY SMITH (Co-Choreographer) is so happy to be back at MTWichita, after years of performing in the summer ensemble. As a performer, Jeromy appeared in the National Touring Companies of 42^nd Street and Swing, as well as regional productions at Paper Mill Playhouse, Houston Theatre Under the Stars, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and, of course MTW! Jeromy also worked for several years behind the scenes on Broadway with Jujamcyn Theatres, as well as Richards/Climan, Inc.  He served as Associate General Manager with RCI, and worked on many Broadway, Off-Broadway and Touring productions including August: Osage County, November, Race, The Pee-Wee Herman Show, Blithe Spirit, Speed the Plow, Enron, Superior Donuts, All My Sons, to name a few.  He is pleased to be creating choreography alongside his wife Lyndy again this summer. Jeromy is a graduate of Oklahoma City University. Thanks to Wayne for this amazing opportunity.

THOMAS W. DOUGLAS (Musical Director / Conductor) is thrilled to be celebrating thirteen seasons with such a wonderful artistic family at MTWichita, having led 41 productions with this remarkable company. Thomas has done more than 200 musical theater, opera, orchestral and oratorio productions, including conducting Webber’s Phantom of the Opera in Switzerland. Highlights include Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Bizet’s Carmen Jones, Master Class and Mondo Mangia with the late Jillene Ringle. As the Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, he is receiving acclaim for adventurous, innovative debuts and premier programs, including Carmina Burana Africana, Messiah in Space, and a presentation of standard choral masterpieces with a fusion rock band and string orchestra accompaniment. On stage he has enjoyed the roles of Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Amonasro in Aida, and Fats Waller in Ain’t Misbehavin’, both in the U.S. and in Malaysia. Thomas is on the faculty of both the Drama and the Music schools at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, is the proud recipient of the Mary Jane Teall Award, and is the Musical Director of the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony Orchestra. He is now developing his one man show entitled “Under the Influence” based on his eclectic group of musical experiences.

ROBERT A. KOVACH (Scenic and Projection Designer) is thrilled to re-join the creative team of MTWichita, having designed Xanadu last summer. Off Broadway – Theatre Row: The Sphinx Winx; New World Stages: White’s Lies and ImaginOcean (Drama Desk Nom.). National Tours –All Shook Up. Regional Designs – Theatre Under the Stars, Memphis Ballet, Walnut Street Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, and others. TV Designs – MTV’s “Real World Chicago,” CBS Weather Center, All In a Poker Game Show, and others. Corporate Designs – Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, CBS 2, Chicago, GM, Cadillac, Morgan Stanley, and ConAgra Foods. Museum Designs – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Kohl / McCormick Children’s Museum. Robert would like to thank Wayne, Roger, and the entire talented Wichita team. Robert is a proud member of, United Scenic Artists (USA 829).www.KovachDesigns.com

SHANNON SMITH (Costume Designer) This is Shannon Smith’s first design here at MTW and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this production! She is a MFA graduate in costume/scenic design from Ohio University. She received her BFA in 2008 from Wichita State University in Wichita, KS. Last year, she completed an internship in New York City, with Martin Pakledinaz on the Broadway revival of Anything Goes. Her recent credits include costume design for the Metropolitan Ensemble’s production of Pride and Prejudice, and The Seagull, Ohio University’s production of Man Equals Man and, Love’s Labour’s Lost, costume design for WSU’s productions of: Hair, and The Wild Party (both were selected to perform at KCACTF region 5). She has also worked at Music Theatre of Wichita and Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, NY.  She recently received the Zelma Weisfeld award from the United States Institute for Theatre Technology in recognition of her costume designs. Her scenic design for Ohio University’s production of The Wonderful World of Dissocia was selected to be part of the 2011 USITT Praque Quadrenial display. She would like to thank: Wayne for the opportunity, Debbie for everything she did, the costume shop, and last but not least Dennis, for all your love and support! (www.shannonlynnsmith.com)

DAVID NEVILLE (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to begin his 29th season of “Camp MTW.” In addition to many productions at MTWichita, David has designed lighting for North Shore Music Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, Omaha Symphony, The United States Air Force, Stage One, Ordway Music Theatre, Paper Mill Playhouse, The University of Michigan, Penn State University, Portland Center Stage, North Carolina Theatre, Music Theatre West, Arkansas Rep, Santa Barbara Civic Light Opera, George Street Playhouse, California Music Circus, The 5th Avenue Theatre and Off-Broadway. David’s favorite designs at MTW include Les Misérables, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Cats, Ragtime, Once on this Island, Children of Eden and Jesus Christ Superstar. David also teaches lighting and scenic design at Wichita State University.

DAVID MUEHL (Sound Designer) begins his seventh season as MTWichita’s sound designer, having also served as the sound assistant previously for a season. During MTWichita’s off‐season, David is the audio producer for WSU’s College of Fine Arts where he oversees audio recording and live sound for fine arts and other performances. He also serves as sound designer for WSU’s Opera and Musical Theatre programs and is the sound advisor to student musical theatre & opera sound designers and engineers. Some of his favorite sound designs have been Children of Eden, Into the Woods, Les Misérables and Wizard of Oz. David has twice been sound designer for invited productions to the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. David has also done sound design for Wichita Center for the Arts and Cabaret Oldtown. Special thanks to Dave, Jeff and the rest of the crew of Clearwing Productions in Phoenix and Josh with Sound Kingdom and for their continued support of MTWichita.

ALENA SELLERS (Wig and Makeup Designer) is very excited to be returning for her second season as wig and makeup designer, having served as the assistant designer the previous year. She lives in Wichita and spends most of the year working at Allure Salon. She has been doing hair for fourteen years, has spent five years as an Aveda Color Educator, and is grateful for this opportunity to work with so many wonderful people. A special thanks to Sandy, Jocelyn and Anna for all your hard work this season.

LIZ SPRAY (Property Master) is in her fifth season at MTWichita and is excited to take on the role of Prop Master this year. She is a St. Louis native and has enjoyed working around the country. Most recently she has worked at Opera Theater St. Louis as an artisan for their production of Carmen. She also toured this past fall with the National Tour of The Wizard of Oz as the Prop Supervisor and Pyrotechnics Operator. Some of her favorite productions she has worked on include Deathtrap (Northern Stage), Oh! What a Lovely War (National WWI Museum), I Love a Piano (National Tour), Sunset Boulevard, Les Miserables, Drowsy Chaperone (Music Theater of Wichita), Camelot, Dr. Faustus (Utah Shakespearian Festival).

JEFF TAYLOR (Production Manager) is extremely honored to be back with this excellent cast and crew for his 11th summer at MTWichita. Throughout the years since 2000, he’s had the chance to apprentice, build, design, and even act for MTWichita, and will now be the year round Production Manager, working closely with the awesome MTW staff. A loyal Kansan, Jeff graduated from East High and earned his BA in Musical Theatre from Friends University in 2006. In 2011, he earned an MFA in Design & Technology from UMKC. Jeff would like to thank the staff of MTWichita for their support and guidance, and thanks to his wonderful family for their love.

DEREK OLSON (Technical Director) is excited to be back with MTWichita where he started in 1999 as a floater between the prop shop, paint shop, electrics, sound, and the scene shop. He ended up floating his way permanently into the scene shop. Since then he has held the title of carpenter, master carpenter, technical director and car restoration specialist. He would like to thank his wife Jenny and his two beautiful children, Phillip and Evelyn.

DEBBIE ROBERTS (Costume Shop Foreman) has designed costumes for many shows here, including Curtains, Les Misérables, White Christmas, Thoroughly Modern Millie, High School Musical, State Fair, Funny Girl, The Most Happy Fella, On the Town and West Side Story, plus special costumes for Aida, My Fair Lady (all of Eliza’s gowns), Annie Get Your Gun, Man of La Mancha, Crazy for You, The Sound of Music, My One and Only, and various Festival of Broadway shows. A graduate of Friends University, Debbie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Ballet. “I am so proud of the work that Music Theatre of Wichita does, it is always a pleasure to work each season. While California is home, work in the costume field takes me to New York each Christmas season to work for the World Famous Radio City Rockettes. It has been over 20 years that Wichita has been my summer home and I look forward to meeting new people and learning new skills each time. Enjoy the shows!”

EMILY F. McMULLEN (Production Stage Manager) is back for her 13th summer with MTWichita. Previous productions here include The Music Man, Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Curtains, Gypsy, Crazy for You, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Producers, Les Misérables, Big River, …Forum, Seven Brides…, Sweet Charity, Phantom!, Seussical, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Chicago, Good News!, and ShowBoat. Throughout the year, she is the Production Stage Manager at Merrimack Repertory Theatre outside of Boston. She has also stage managed for North Shore Music Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, South Coast Repertory, Capital Repertory Theater, Musical Theatre Guild, Actors Theatre of Phoenix, Broadway Texas, Theatre Emory, and The Shadowland Theatre. Proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

TIFFANY K. ORR (Stage Manager) is originally from Oklahoma. She currently lives in Minneapolis / Saint Paul where she is the production manger for Theater Latte Da. While in the twin cities, she has also stage managed for companies including the Pillsbury House Theatre, The Children’s Theatre Company, Theatre Latte Da, Park Square Theatre, The Playwrights’ Center, The Director’s, and the Guthrie. Previously she has worked on more than a dozen productions as part of the stage management team at the Phoenix Theatre, including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Women, You Can’t Take It With You, Smokey Joe’s Café and The Will Rogers Follies.

Steve Landes (Director of the Apprentice Program / Shopper-Buyer) is proud to return for his eighteenth summer as the Apprentice Program Director. A Wichita resident for twenty two years, Steve worked for Friends University, the Wichita Center for the Arts, and Shakespeare in the Park. Steve moved to the Kansas City area eight years ago for a teaching position. As an educator, Steve continues to be very excited about working with the apprentices in this unique training program (and MTW is deeply grateful for Steve’s creative dedication to our young people!).

JESSE WARKENTIN  (Assistant Musical Director / Conductor / Keyboards) is so happy to be spending his ninth summer with MTWichita. He conducted MTWichita’s Festival of Broadwayorchestra for five years, and enjoyed music directing High School Musical 2 in 2009. In February he will make his debut with the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony as piano soloist, performing Gershwin’s Rhapsody In Blue under the direction of Maestro Douglas. Throughout the year, Jesse can be found at the Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre, conducting exciting shows such as this fall’s Sweeney Todd. “My deepest gratitude to Wayne and Thomas for these special months of rich musical fulfillment, and to my incredible family for their laughter and love.”