May 22-26
July 24-28, 2013
TRACY LORE (Joyce Chilvers) returns to Music Theatre of Wichita where she has been seen as the title character in The Drowsy Chaperone, as Betty Blake in The Will Rogers Follies, as Lady Jaqueline in Me and My Girl, and as Ethel McCormack in Footloose. She made her New York debut as Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby, and recently played Dorothy Brock in in 42nd Street (Musical Theatre West) and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (Moonlight Amphitheatre). Other regional highlights include Hairspray (Velma), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide),The Full Monty (Vicki), All Shook Up (Sandra – Ovation nominee), Crazy for You (Irene), The Producers (Hold Me-Touch Me), Carousel (Mrs. Mullen), Brigadoon (Meg), Happy Days (Mrs. Cunningham), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Mrs. Meers), The Wizard of Oz (The Witch), Into the Woods (The Witch), Company (Joanne), and Chicago (Velma – AriZoni Award). Recent non-musical productions include Boeing, Boeing, Proposals and Noises Off. Upcoming: Young Frankenstein, appearing with her current ‘husband’ Larry Raben. Member of The Musical Theatre Guild and Actor’s Equity.
LARRY RABEN (Gilbert Chilvers) has been seen at MTWichita as Sir Robin in Monty Python’s Spamalot, as Lt. Frank Cioffi in Curtains and as Leo Bloom in The Producers, a role he also played on Broadway, in Las Vegas, and around the country. Other New York credits include the Off-Broadway hits I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Man # 1), Forever Plaid(Sparky/original company) which he also performed on London’s West End and at L.A.’s Canon Theatre (Ovation and L.A. Drama Critics Awards), Chess in Concert (New Amsterdam Theatre), and two performances at Carnegie Hall. Regional favorites: Robert in Boeing, Boeing(Norris Theatre), Patrick in The Andrews Brothers (Musical Theatre West – Ovation Award), Johnny Angel in SUDS (Coyote StageWorks), Jerry/ Daphne in Sugar (Gateway Playhouse), Ens. Pulver in Mister Roberts (Old Globe), Ross in Bright Ideas (Laguna Playhouse), Hysterium in A Funny Thing … Forum (Reprise!), Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! (Pittsburgh CLO), Felix inThe Odd Couple (Norris), and Forbidden Broadway (MTWest – Ovation nomination). Film and television include: Lost and Found, Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, “General Hospital,” “Party of Five,” “Caroline in the City,” and “Genetically Challenged” (pilot) among others. Larry is also an award winning director who received the L.A. Ovation Award for Best Direction of Singin’ in the Rain, and directed a recent new Off-Broadway musical, Falling For Eve, written by Tony Award winner Joe DiPietro. He re-created his original role in Forever Plaid – The Movie which is available on DVD. He is also a newly published children’s book author of Ibby Makes A Wish available at amazon.com.
MARY STOUT (Mother Dear) returns to MTWichita where she previously appeared as Yente in Fiddler on the Roof and Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods. Mary’s lengthy Broadway career has included such roles as Aunt Sadie in My Favorite Year, The Duchess in Me and My Girl, Peggotty in Copperfield and Enid in A Change in the Heir. On June 10, 2001, she closed out her run as Mrs. Fairfax, the delightful housekeeper in Jane Eyre, after being a part of the production for six years. Mary has also toured extensively in Beauty and the Beast, Nine, The Pirates of Penzance, and played Mrs. Claus in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. On AMC’s “Remember WENN” she was Eugenia Bremer for all four seasons. Rupert Holmes was so fond of her work that he kept her character in the show, even when Mary herself was with Jane Eyre in Toronto. When she got a break from Eyre, Eugenia was conveniently brought back on screen without missing a beat. She has also appeared in several films, including Woody Allen’sSweet and Lowdown, and has done vocal work in Disney’s animated Hunchback of Notre Dameand Aladdin. She was recently thrilled to appear at Playwrights Horizon in the new musical Far From Heaven (with fellow MTWichita alum Kelli O’Hara) after a heavenly summer tryout engagement at Williamstown Theatre Festival.
JUSTIN ROBERTSON (Henry Allardyce) has appeared at MTWichita in ten productions: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Good News!, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Seussical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, My Fair Lady, Camelot, The Music Man, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. He has also appeared at Milwaukee Rep, Casa Mañana, Theatre Under the Stars, and throughout Southern California where he resided for almost 20 years. Justin is also known as “Squigs,” which is how he signs the caricature illustrations he creates for clients around the world, and weekly for the leading theatrical website www.Broadway.com. He was born and raised in Oregon, currently lives in New York, and has always been grateful for his visits to Wichita and this wonderful company.
MONTE RIEGEL WHEELER (Inspector Wormold) has enjoyed a rich and varied career in the arts. He is a familiar face to Wichita audiences, having performed at Cabaret Oldtown, Mosley Street Melodrama, Stage One, The Crown Uptown, and The Forum. For MTWichita Monte’s performances include Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress, Harold Nichols in The Full Monty, and Lancelot / Knight of Ni / Tim the Enchanter / French Taunter in Monty Python’s Spamalot. Other regional credits include Mr.Sowerberry in Oliver!, Mr.MacAffee in Bye Bye Birdie and Lady Enid/ Nicodemos in The Mystery of Irma Vep for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, and Herr Zeller in The Sound of Music, and Dr.Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show for The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St.Paul, MN. His performance in Rocky Horror received raves, and he was named Best Actor in a Musical, 2007 by The Twin Cities Star Tribune. While in New York, Monte performed in the original Off-Broadway casts of two new musicals,Streakin’ Through The 70′s and The “IT” Girl (Original Cast Album). He is also a published visual artist, and serves as resident set and costume designer at Cabaret Oldtown. He is overjoyed to be a part of the Summer Season with MTWichita.
TIMOTHY W. ROBU (Dr. Swaby) 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 Thenardier inLes Misérables, Bedevere in Spamalot, John Hancock in 1776, Billis in South Pacific, the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Amos Hart in Chicago, Oscar Shapiro in Curtains, Mr. Feldzeig in The Drowsy Chaperone, Herbie in Gypsy, and Lazar Wolf in Fiddler. Tim also performs at several other venues in the Wichita area, including Mosley Street Melodrama and the Crown Uptown Theatre. Tim served as Technical Director for the Crown Theatre and Artistic Director of the children’s program for over twenty years. He now works as an Exhibit Technician for Exploration Place. 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.
ROBERT ARIZA (Francis Lockwood) This is Robert’s second season at MTWichita. He is a rising senior pursuing a BFA from The University of Michigan. Recent UM credits: Sunday in the Park with George (Mr./Lee Randolph), Spring Awakening (Hanschen), Next Fall (Brandon). Recent awards: Emerging Talent Award from the Lotte Lenya Competition sponsored by the Kurt Weill Foundation, Roger Sturtevant Award in Musical Theatre through Actors’ Equity. Thanks to everyone at MTW, and his family and friends in NY and at UM.
JOHN BOLDENOW (Sutcliffe / Cunliffe) is well known regionally for his exemplary work in the performing arts. Over the past twenty five years he has worked extensively with many local theatre venues, has been the recipient of nearly a dozen Mary Jane Teall Awards for acting directing, and props design, and was named to the Teall Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2008 John was also the recognized with the Individual Artist of the Year Award from the Wichita Arts Council, and has been the recipient of the Linn Copeland Award for Life Time Achievement in the Performing Arts. Since 2001 he has served as Director of Theatre at the Wichita Center for the Arts, and maintains a private practice as a member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America, specializing in fine and ethnographic art and antiquities. John is very proud of his 30+ years of performing with MTW, which has allowed him to share the stage with some of the greatest, most talented young people and veterans working in the business today. Thanks to Wayne, and the MTW staff for their continued commitment to excellence in the performing arts, and to his own Board of Directors for their continued support!
KAREN L. ROBU (Mrs. Allardyce) happily returns to MTW having performed in 15 of the past 18 seasons. Highlights include Rose in Gypsy, Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables, Golde inFiddler on the Roof, Roz in 9-5, Mayor Matilda Hyde in All Shook Up, Ms. Darbus in High School Musical, Martha Watson in White Christmas, the Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz, Emma Goldman in Ragtime, Maureen / Lowbutt in HONK! (2001 and 2012 productions), Dolly inAnnie Get Your Gun and Mayzie in Seussical. Karen’s credits as a director include Children of Eden , Cotton Patch Gospel, Tuesdays with Morrie, and Violet, as well as her own original pieceNo 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’s two beautiful daughters, age 14 and 10, enjoy performing as well and will be seen onstage this summer. Karen recently graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. She is Minister of Faith Formation for Plymouth Congregational Church in Wichita and invites the entire city to her ordination ceremony on September 15. Thanks to Wayne for another opportunity to spend the summer at MTW and to her favorite actor, husband Tim for his love and support.
CAROLYN ANNE MILLER (Veronica) was thrilled to make her MTWichita debut as Eponine in Les Misérables, and is enjoying her first season here. As an upcoming junior at the Chicago College of Performing Arts, her other favorite credits include Roxie Hart in Chicago, Kim MacAfee in Bye, Bye, Birdie, and Lost Boy (Twin Two) in Peter Pan. A special thanks to MTWichita for this lovely opportunity, and all of my love and thanks to my dear friends and Mom, Dad, Ali, Mock, George, Camille, and Grandma.
EVAN MAYER (Sgt. Noble) 2nd MTW season. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Evan recently graduated from Indiana University with a BFA in Musical Theatre. MTW: Fiddler on the Roof(Motel), Legally Blonde (Kiki), 9 to 5, Honk!, Singin’ in the Rain. Other favorites include Cabaret(Emcee), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), and Sweeney Todd (Anthony). While in school he spent two years recording and performing with IU’s Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers as a featured soloist, with notable performances in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Love and thanks to Wayne and Nancy, and to my family and friends for their incredible support.
KIM CORBETT (Mrs. Lester / Princess Elizabeth) made her MTW debut in Les Misérables, and also performed in The King and I. This fall she will begin her senior year as a BFA in musical theatre at Penn State University, where she was most recently seen as Susan in [title of show].Previous credits also include All Shook Up (Natalie), Bernstein’s Mass (Swing), and Grand Hotel(Raffaela). Love to Mom&Dad.
DANIEL BEEMAN (Butcher Metcalf) debuted here in Les Misérables. Originally from Bellevue, Nebraska, Daniel will be a senior at UMKC in the fall. His favorite performances include Next To Normal (Gabe), The Nutcracker (Ensemble), the World Championships of Irish Dance, the Celtic Irish Dance Festival at Walt Disney World, and many performances with the Omaha Symphony. Many thanks to friends, the Stanek clan, Mom, Dad, Jean, Chris, Bri, and Tricia for their undying support!
DANIEL BEVINS made his MTW debut in Spamalot. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Daniel is a rising junior at Elon University pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre. He has worked professionally at Artpark (Cinderella) and The Muny (Thoroughly Modern Millie and Aladdin!). Past favorites include: Hair, A Man of No Importance, The Wild Party, Into the Woods, and Les Misérables. So much love and gratitude to his outstanding family, friends, teachers, and to Wayne, Nancy, and the entire MTWichita family for making this wonderful opportunity possible!
KATHRYN BOSWELL (Mrs. Tillbrook / Billy Carroll Trio) made her MTWichita debut as Cosette in Les Misérables. She is a recent musical theatre graduate of CCM and some of her favorite recent credits include: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Naomi) at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, [title of show] (Heidi), Chess (Svetlana) Spring Awakening (Wendla) at CCM, Little Women (Amy) and Seussical (Mayzie) at CVC, and The Importance of Being Earnest (Cecily) with Hamilton Theatre. Kathryn is also a voice actress with Radio Disney. Thanks to my family, the Lookers, and to God for these pockets of grace!
JACOB CHANCELLOR 2nd MTW season. Originally from Edmond, OK, he is going into his senior year at The University of Oklahoma! Credits: OU University: On The Town (Chip), …Forum (Protean). Lyric Theatre OKC: Xanadu, 42nd Street, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Broadway Rose (Oregon): The Drowsy Chaperone (George). MTWichita: Spamalot, The Music Man, Finian’s Rainbow, Sunset Boulevard, Xanadu, Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Thanks and love to family and friends for all the love and support.
DARCEE DATTERI (Mrs. Roach) is thrilled to be making her MTWichita debut! Favorite past roles include Cunegonde (Candide), Stella (A Streetcar Named Desire), and the Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods). She has a BS from St. Ambrose University, earned a Masters and PhD in psychology from TCU, and works in leadership development at Cessna. She enjoys volunteering her time with MTWichita, Leadership Wichita, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, and the Miss Kansas Organization. Special thanks to Wayne and the entire MTWichita family for this opportunity. Much love to her parents and friends for their support.
CALEB DICKE 2nd MTW season, having performed last summer in Fiddler on the Roof(Russian), 9 to 5, Honk! (Barnacles), Singin’ in the Rain, and Legally Blonde, and in Spamalot, Les Misérables and The King and I this year. He will be a senior dance performance major this fall at Oklahoma City University. While at OCU, he has performed in the American Spirit Dance Company’s Home for the Holidays Christmas Show and Spring Show, as well as Legally Blonde(Kiki) and The Wedding Singer (Billy Idol).
ELEANOR FISHMAN (Billy Carroll Trio) is from Pennington, NJ and made her MTWichita debut as Fantine in Les Misérables. She is a rising junior Musical Theatre major at the University of Michigan where she has played Amanda Gronich in The Laramie Project and ensemble in Spring Awakening. Some other favorite roles include Erma in Anything Goes and Maria in The Sound of Music. Thanks to MTW for this wonderful opportunity and to her family both in New Jersey and at UM for their unending love and support.
HANNAH FREEMAN (Mrs. Turnbull / Billy Carroll Trio) 2nd MTW season. Hannah is a senior musical theatre major at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Favorite CCM credits include Jenny (The Threepenny Opera), Dream Laurey (Oklahoma!) and Fredrika (A Little Night Music). Other credits: Solo Dancer in Oklahoma! with Ashley Brown at the Lyric Opera of Chicago (dir. Gary Griffin). Many thanks to Wayne, Nancy and MTW, and much love to family and DB.
REBECCA GANS, recently featured as Topsy in The King and I, is a Wichita native and a dance performance major at Oklahoma City University. Her favorite credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie), Footloose (Ariel) and The Pajama Game (Gladys). Performing with MTW created some of Rebecca’s favorite memories as a kid, and she is excited to be a company this summer. Thanks to her family, friends, and The Man up above for supporting her in all her dreams.
CLAIRE GERIG (Mrs. Metcalf) made her MTWichita debut in Les Misérables. A Wichita native, she will be a senior at Wichita State University pursuing a BFA in Music Theatre where she was last seen as Amalia in She Loves Me, directed by Wayne Bryan. While a student at Maize High School, Claire was selected to represent the Jester Awards in the Leading Actress category at the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City. Thanks to Wayne and all of MTWichita. Love to Linda, Amy, Pina, Marie, Bret, Mom & Dad.
MICHAEL HARTUNG (Personal Assistant to “Betty”) made his MTW debut with Spamalot,played Feuilly in Les Misérables, and King Simon of Legree in The King and I. A native of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Michael is a rising senior Musical Theatre major at the University of Michigan. Michael also trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Past favorites include The King and I, Thoroughly Modern Millie (The MUNY) Oliver!, Cats (West Virginia Public Theatre) All’s Well That Ends Well, The Last Tempest (RADA), Chicago, Brigadoon, The Full Monty, Crazy for You (U of M). So much love to family and friends. Go Blue!
CATHERINE HELM 2nd MTW season. A rising senior at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music’s Musical Theatre program, Catherine’s favorite roles include: Mae inStreet Scene, Molly in The Threepenny Opera, and Lucinda in Into the Woods. Other favorites include Oklahoma!, Out of this World, Under Construction II, and Into a Lamplit Room. Love and thanks to friends and family, and to Wayne, Nancy, and the MTW family.
DAN HORN (Reg Bowen, Handyman) 3rd MTWichita season. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma class of 2013. Some of his favorite roles at the University are Ozzie inOn The Town, Wickersham Brother #2 in Seussical the Musical, and The Puppet Master in The Adventures of Pinocchio. Thanks to Wayne and Nancy for giving him such an amazing opportunity and his family for their endless love and support.
EMILY KELLY 1st MTW season. She is from Sacramento, California, and will be entering her sophomore year as a BFA Musical Theatre student at Indiana University. Favorite roles include Thea in Spring Awakening (IU Theatre), the Witch in Into the Woods, Mayzie La Bird inSeussical, and Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Thanks to her family and friends back home and at IU for their endless support, and the entire MTW team.
BROOKE LACY (Mrs. Lockwood) 2nd MTW season. She is an upcoming senior Musical Theatre major at the University of Oklahoma. Favorite credits include: On the Town (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Avenue Q (Mrs. T/ Bad Idea Bear U/S), Seussical (Bird Girl), The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Soloist), and OKC Philharmonic’s A Very Merry Pops (Mistletoe). Love and thanks to her wonderful family for their support, to Cary and Julie Danielson for inspiring her, and to Wayne, Nancy, Josh, and all of MTW for this amazing opportunity!
ELLIOTT MATTOX 2nd MTW season. Elliott has performed here in Les Misérables, The King and I, The Music Man, Finian’s Rainbow, Sunset Boulevard, Xanadu, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Other credits include Jack (Into the Woods), Tobias Ragg (Sweeney Todd), Phil D’Armano (The Wild Party) at Oklahoma City University; Hugo Peabody (Bye Bye Birdie) at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. He will be a senior musical theatre major at OCU in the fall. Love and gratitude to Wayne and everyone at MTW, and to his friends and families at OCU and in Kentucky.
TREVOR McCHRISTIAN just completed his senior year at Maize High School and will be an incoming freshman at Wichita State University this fall! He is thrilled to be working at MTWichita for his third summer in a row, and was proud to represent the MTW Jester Awards at the 2013 National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City. Trevor has previously been seen at MTW in The King and I, Fiddler on the Roof, Singin’ in the Rain, Finian’s Rainbow, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. He gives many humble thanks to Wayne, Nancy, Josh, Thomas, Doris, and his family for providing him with more opportunities than he can imagine at such a young age.
ALEXANDER H. MILLER made his MTW debut as Jean Prouvaire in Les Misérables. From OKC, OK, Alex is a musical theatre major at the University of Michigan in the class of 2016. Thanks to Amy, JBR, Jay, Dr. Bill, and Dr. H. for years of training and continued encouragement. Love to Mom, Dad, and Elle for the unconditional support, and thanks to Wayne, Nancy and MTW. Thank you to the entire UMICH faculty and friends especially Brent Wagner, Linda Goodrich and Catherine Walker Adams. Credits: UMich: Crazy for You; Lyric Theatre OKC: Oliver!, Hairspray. Go Blue!
CHET NORMENT (Prince Philip) 2nd season at MTW, where credits include Les Misérables, The King and I, Legally Blonde (Pforzheimer), Singin’ in the Rain, Honk!, 9 to 5, and Fiddler on the Roof. Regional: Joseph…Dreamcoat (Theatre of the Stars), Hairspray (IQ/Dance Captain, ZACH Theatre), Deborah Cox’s Everybody Dance (The Mirage). University: Crazy for You (Pete/Dance Captain), She Loves Me, Tapped Out, and Dancing in the Blackbox. Film: Right on Sunset (Steve). Chet will be a senior BFA Acting major at Elon University this fall. Love to Wayne, Nancy, the Fam, and Kit!
NICHOLAS PALMQUIST (Dance Captain) 3rd MTWichita season. Nick is a 2013 graduate of Oklahoma City University, with a Bachelor of Performing Arts, Nicholas’ fifteen MTW shows include Spamalot, Les Misérables, The King and I, Legally Blonde (UPS man Kyle), 9 to 5, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Music Man, and of course, Singin’ in the Rain. Nicholas sends thanks to Wayne, Thomas and Nancy for the overwhelming opportunities and support, and love to his friends, his family, and his outrageously beautiful fiancé.
BECCA PETERSEN 1st MTW season. She is originally from Carmel, Indiana and will be a senior in the fall studying musical theatre at Brigham Young University. Favorite credits:Thoroughly Modern Millie at The MUNY (Lucille/ensemble), Dreamgirls at The MUNY (Sweetheart/ensemble), Oklahoma! (Laurey), and Beauty and the Beast (Belle). She recently performed in China with the BYU Young Ambassadors, and this fall will play Clara in The Light in the Piazza at BYU. Gratitude to everyone at MTWichita, and a big thank you to her family and friends for their endless support!
SARAH QUINN 4th MTW season. Sarah, a Wichita native, recently completed her freshman year at the University of Oklahoma (BFA Musical Theatre), and made her University Theatre debut in On the Town. Favorite MTW shows include Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ariel u/s), 9 to5, and Legally Blonde (Greek Chorus). Thanks to Wayne and the entire MTWichita family, and love to family, friends, and Jeff for their constant love and encouragement. 1 Peter 4:10-11
BENJAMIN RIVERA 2nd MTWichita season. He recently finished his junior year at Oklahoma City University as a dance performance major. Some favorite past shows include: 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (Benjamin) and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Simeon). Favorites at MTW include: Legally Blonde (Nikos), Spamalot, Les Misérables, The King and I, Singin’ in the Rain,and 9 to 5. He would like to thank his friends and family for all their unconditional love. Jeremiah 29:11
SEAN RONAYNE (Butcher Barraclough), originally from Lake Zurich, Illinois, is excited to be back for his second season with MTWichita, and loved playing Enjolras in Les Misérables! He just graduated from Elon University with a BFA in Music Theatre, and will be moving to New York in the fall. Favorite roles include Robbie in A Man of No Importance (Elon University), and all five shows last season at MTWichita, including the Production Tenor in last season’s Singin’ in the Rain.. Thanks and love to Mom, Dad, Brian, Bridget, and also Wayne, Nancy, and Thomas for the wonderful opportunities and endless support!
RIZA TAKAHASHI has performed here in Spamalot, Les Misérables, and as Little Eva in The King and I. Education: BFA in Musical Theatre at The Hartt School. Recent credits include: MUNY: Little Eva/Fan Dancer (King and I), Ensemble (Thoroughly Modern Millie). Woodstock Playhouse: Connie Wong (A Chorus Line), Crissy (HAIR), Charity (Anything Goes). Love and thanks to my family, friends, and the Hartt family, and also to MTWichita for this amazing opportunity!
ANDY TOFA 1st MTW season. Andy is currently a student at OU’s School of Musical Theatre (2016). OU credits include: School of Dance’s Cinderella and School of Musical Theatre’s On the Town. He is from California, but he currently lives in Saint George, Utah. His nationality is Filipino and Samoan, he enjoys playing sports, and greatly enjoys food from different ethnicities. He is grateful for the love and support of his friends and family. He is excited to be a part of the MTWichita family.
KATIE WESLER (Kitt) 1st MTW season. A senior Musical Theatre major at CCM, Katie received the 2013 Kurt Weill Foundation of Music Emerging Talent Award and the 2013 Roger Sturtevant Award from Actors’ Equity. CCM credits include Parade (Sally Slaton), Chess(The Arbiter’s Assistant), and Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite. Professional roles include Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street (Tent Theatre), Shelby Thorpe in The Spitfire Grill and Maggie Pelletier in Red Herring (Timber Lake Playhouse), and Hunyak in Chicago (Red Mountain Theatre Company). Thanks to Wayne and Nancy, and to her family for their support.
HAYLEY WILHELM 1st MTW season. Hayley is a dance management major at Oklahoma City University and just completed her junior year. She has been seen in numerous American Spirit Dance Company shows at OCU and in Legally Blonde at OCU. She has also danced in the Mary Kay Cosmetics 2012 International Seminar. Thanks to Wayne, Nancy, and Josh, and to her husband Zachary, Mom, Dad, Hannah, and Grandmommy for their support!
ZACK WILHELM (Butcher Nuttall) 3rd MTW season. Zack is a part of the 2013 graduating Musical Theatre class at Otterbein University, where credits include Paul in Carnival, Eddie in Andrew Lippa’s Wild Party, and Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone. Thanks to everyone at MTWichita for the amazing opportunity, and endless gratitude to his wife Hayley (whom he has the joy of performing alongside this summer), Nick, Mom, and to the Good Lord for a truly wonderful life!
SUMIRE YU is ecstatic to be making her MTWichita debut and to be a part of the family this summer! Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Sumire is a junior musical theatre major at Elon University. Elon credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park) andHair (Tribe). Thank you to my family at home and at Elon for their endless love and support, as well as Wayne, Nancy, and MTW for this incredible opportunity.
LINDA WEIR-ENEGREN (Hotel Patron/Walk-On Performer) has pioneered and founded numerous programs for children including Rainbows United, CASA of Sedgwick County, and Pathways, and has actively advocated for issues affecting children in foster care or with disabilities. In addition to two birth children, she and her husband, Phil, adopted and raised five children with special needs. Linda is the President and General Manager of LS Industries, a. Wichita based manufacturing company.
WAYNE BRYAN (Producing Director / Director) is in his 26th season at MTWichita, where he has now produced 128 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). As director, he launched the new musical Festival starring Gregory Harrison, Stephanie Zimbalist and Brian Stokes Mitchell in its Los Angeles, Washington, and New York engagements. He has helmed several award-winning editions of Tintypes across the country, and directed dozens of regional plays and musicals for theatres including Musical Theatre West, Theatre Under the Stars, and 42nd Street Moon. 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. One of Wayne’s happiest MTWichita experiences so far remains the theatre’s involvement with George Stiles and Anthony Drewe on the regional premiere and subsequent cast recording of HONK!. The chance to create the U.S. premiere of another brand new show involving these talented men is a dream come true. Thanks and love to our superlative cast, brilliant artistic collaborators, and tireless crew.
LYNDY FRANKLIN SMITH (Co-Choreographer) is thrilled to be returning to MTWichita, where she and her husband Jeromy choreographed 9 to 5, Finian’s Rainbow and Sunset Boulevard. They also recently made their directoral debut with Spring Awakening at the University of Kentucky Theatre Department. Other choreography credits include Ragtime at University of Michigan MT Program and four seasons of It’s a Grand Night for Singing with the University of Kentucky Opera Program. 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 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer) and Finian’s Rainbow (Susan the Silent). Proud graduate of Oklahoma City University and 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. He and his wife, Lyndy, choreographed 9 to 5, Finian’s Rainbow and Sunset Boulevard, here at MTW, as well as It’s A Grand Night for Singing at UK Opera Theatre. They also recently made their directoral debut with Spring Awakening with UK Theatre. As a performer, Jeromy appeared in the National Touring Companies of 42nd Streetand 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 begin his 14th season with his wonderful artistic family at MTWichita, having led 45 productions with this remarkable company. Thomas has done more than 200 musical theatre, 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, includingCarmina Burana Africana, Messiah in Space, and a concert of standard choral masterpieces with a fusion rock band and string orchestra accompaniment, plus a presentation of Charlie Chaplin shorts with an all Bach soundtrack. On stage he has enjoyed the roles of Caiaphas inJesus 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 Designer) is thrilled to re-join the creative team of MTWichita, having designed Xanadu and 9 to 5 in the last two summers. Off Broadway – 45th Street Theatre: Around the World in 80 Days; 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, Fulton Opera House, Phoenix Theatre, and others. He has Art Directed and Designed for TV, Print Ads, Corporate, and Commercials for such clients as the Food Network, General Motors, Jockey, Canon, among a few. Robert would like to thank Wayne and the entire talented Wichita team. Robert is a proud member of, United Scenic Artists (USA 829).www.KovachDesigns.comwww.KovachDesigns.com
DIXON REYNOLDS (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be back at Music Theatre of Wichita! He is an Associate Professor of Costume Design at State University of New York at Fredonia and a freelance designer. His designs are seen in a broad range of styles from Theatre, Dance, Opera, Film and his favorite: new and experimental theatrical works, including musicals! Dixon is the resident costume designer at the Kavinoky Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Some of his designs have been seen at The Irish Classical Theatre, ART Park, Buffalo United Artists, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, The Hartt School of Music, Triad Stage, Summer Repertory Theatre, and American Dance Festival. He has also worked in the Costume Departments at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Playmakers Repertory Company, Roanoke Festival Park, HBO Productions and CBS Productions.
DAVID NEVILLE (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to begin his 30th 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 includeLes Misérables, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Cats, Ragtime, Once on this Island, and Jesus Christ Superstar. David also teaches lighting and scenic design at Wichita State University.
DAVID MUEHL (Sound Designer) begins his eighth 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 the fourth season as wig and makeup designer, having been assistant the first year. For her work with MTWichita, Alena is the recipient of a Mary Jane Teall Merit Award for the hair and makeup department. She lives in Wichita and spends most of the year working at Allure Salon. She has been doing hair for fifteen years, has spent six years as an Aveda Color Educator, and is grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented people. A special thanks to Sandy, Joy and Jocelyn for all your hard work.
MICHELLE A. BISBEE (Property Master) is excited to be joining the MTWichita for the British Invasion! She is a MFA Scenic Design Graduate from the University of Arizona. At the University she scenic designed Nine and Hay Fever, prop mastered four main stage shows, and managed the properties shop. Other credits include Assistant Head of Props for Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE, Properties and Puppets Technician for Cirque du Soleil’s KA, and Scenic Artist for the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Michelle would like to thank her family, friends and new family at the Music Theatre of Wichita for all of their support.
DEBBIE ROBERTS (Costumer / Shop Manager) has designed costumes for many shows here, including Curtains, Fiddler on the Roof, 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 variousFestival 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, for over 20 years Wichita has been my summer home, and I look forward to meeting new people and learning new skills each time. Enjoy the shows!”
JEFF TAYLOR (Production Manager) is extremely honored to be back with this excellent cast and crew for his 12th summer at MTWichita. Throughout the years since 2000, he’s had the chance to apprentice, build, design, and even act for MTWichita, and now become 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.
AJ KELLISON (Asst. Technical Director) started with Music Theatre of Wichita in 2006 and loves working with the excellent people of MTW. AJ also recently spent a year on the road with the gang of Sesame Street Live. Much love to Mom Dad, and sister Laura.
AMY LARINK (Scene Shop Charge Artist) is excited to be back for her second season. She holds a Bachelors in Theatre from Grand Valley in Michigan and completed the two-year scenic program at Cobalt Studios in New York. She currently lives in Chicago and works full time as the charge artist for the Paramount Theatre.
TYLER LESSIN (Assistant Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be returning to MTWichita for his 6th season. A native Wichitan, Tyler has worked with theatre companies all over town. Favorite design credits include: Urinetown (WSU), Chicago, Sweeney Todd, andAnnie Get Your Gun (Crown Uptown), The Mystery of Irma Vep and The Full Monty (Forum Theatre), and Le Nozze di Figaro and Il Trovatore (WGO). Tyler would like to thank Wayne, Nancy, Jeff, David, and the MTW staff for this amazing opportunity, the fantastic electrics crew & IATSE Local 190 for their hard work & dedication, and his family and Kyle for their love and support.
EMILY F. McMULLEN (Stage Manager) is back for her 14th summer with MTWichita. Previous productions here include Legally Blonde, Singin’ in the Rain, Fiddler on the Roof, 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 and also teaches stage management at Tufts University. She has stage managed for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, North Shore Music Theatre, 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 (Production Stage Manager) is originally from Oklahoma. She currently lives in Minneapolis / Saint Paul where she is the production manager 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 andThe Will Rogers Follies.
AMANDA BOWMAN (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to be returning home for her 9thsummer at MTWichita, after having graduated from WSU in December. She has also worked for Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Crown Uptown, IATSE #190, Walt Disney World, and Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Next, she will be heading to Ohio to be a Stage Management Intern at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
MICHAEL BARBOUR (Assistant Stage Manager) is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan and thrilled to be joining the MTWichita team! Recent credits: UM: Sunday in the Park with George, Cloud Nine (SM). Regional: BTF: A Class Act (1st ASM); International: Shakespeare’s Globe SM Student (2011), SOHO Theater: World Premiere, EX (1st ASM). Many thanks to family for their support and to MTWichita for this incredible opportunity!
STEVE LANDES (Director of the Apprentice Program / Shopper-Buyer) is proud to return for his nineteenth 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!).
JENNIFER FISHER (Signing Interpreter) I’m thrilled and honored to be back for my fourth season at MTWichita. Interpreting music theatre is my dream job and I can’t thank Wayne and his staff enough for letting me return. Music is my passion and bringing that form of entertainment to the Deaf Community has been very rewarding. I keep busy with my two wonderful girls, Kara and Stephanie, and lead the Deaf Ministry at Central Community Church. Sporadically I interpret other theatrical productions in Wichita such as Wicked (2009) and Music Theatre for Young People’s production of No Small Feat (2011). My other interpreting passion (besides MTWichita), is concerts. I’ve worked with: Castin Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp, and Clay Aiken. I would like to thank my husband for his support and most importantly God for the blessings He’s given me and the opportunity to work in such an amazing place.
JESSE WARKENTIN (Assistant Musical Director / Keyboards) is amazed to find himself in his 10th consecutive season with MTWichita! He conducted the Festival of Broadway orchestra for five years, and enjoyed music directing High School Musical 2 in 2009. This year he made his debut with the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony as piano soloist, performing Gershwin’sRhapsody In Blue with Maestro Douglas. Throughout the year, Jesse can be found at the new Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre, conducting exciting shows such as this fall’s CATS. “My deepest gratitude to Wayne and Thomas for these special months of rich musical fulfillment at MTWichita, and to my incredible family for their laughter and love.
225 W. Douglas, Ste. 202
Wichita, KS 67202
316.265.3107
office@mtwichita.org