Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Our second show also raised the roof here – the wonderfully athletic Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (June 21 – 25), based on the rip-roaring MGM musical film. Kim Huber (Beauty and the Beast, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Phantom) and Ed Watts (Annie Get Your Gun) both received raves for their performances the leading roles, and the audience roared their approval at the spectacular choreography by Peggy Hickey, especially as performed by such an amazingly talented company of singers and dancers.

Guest Stars:

KIM HUBER (Milly)

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers marks Kim’s 10th performance at Music Theatre of Wichita, beginning as a company member in 1992 and starring in Phantom, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Into the Woods, 1993’s World Premiere of Good News! (and cast album), Paint Your Wagon, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast as Belle, a role she created on the National Tour and played on Broadway. Also on Broadway, Kim was an original Broadway cast member of Sunset Blvd (with Glenn Close) and Marie Christine. Her portrayal of Nellie Collins in the Floyd Collins National Tour earned her nominations for both Jeff and Barrymore nominations for Best Actress. Her favorite moment this year was starring as Maria in The Sound of Music opposite her daughter, Paige, as Gretl at the 5th Ave Theatre. Favorite regional: The Last Five Years (Cathy), The Spitfire Grill (Shelby), Children of Eden (Eve/Mama Noah), and The Will Rogers Follies (Betty Rogers). Kim can be heard as the singing voice of Sleeping Beauty on the Disney Princess Christmas Album. Love and thanks always to Wayne, Mark and Nancy for their years of friendship, and unending generosity!EDWARD WAITS (Adam)

Edward is thrilled to return to MTW for his second show! Audiences may remember him from the 2004 production of Annie Get Your Gun as Frank Butler. This past spring, Edward debuted at the New York City Opera in the role of Joe in The Most Happy Fella with Paul Sorvino. Other recent credits include Tomas in the new musical The Girl in the Frame at Goodspeed Opera (also the staged reading at MTC in New York), and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast at the Aladdin Theatre in Las Vegas. Other regional favorites include Beast in Beauty and the Beast (B&B, Indianapolis), Lancelot in Camelot (Stages St. Louis – Judy Award for Best Actor), Thomas Jefferson in 1776 and Count Philippe de Chandon in Phantom (Gateway Playhouse), Hillary Trask in The New Yorkers (Musicals Tonight! NYC), Percy in The Scarlet Pimpernel (CAP) and Jim Farrell in Titanic (Patchogue Theatre). TV/Film: Bartender (recurring) in season 6 of HBO’s The Sopranos, the new Maitre d’ on All My Children, Guiding Light, MTV, Nickelodeon, We Die Proud, Welcome to America Brian Wong. Thanks once again to Wayne for the opportunity!WES HART (Benjamin)

Wes gratefully returns to MTW for a third summer, where he has played such roles as AI DeLuca (A Chorus Line), Action (West Side Story), and Wickersham Brother (Seussical). He just received a BM in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University, where he enjoyed roles such as Nathan Detroit (Guys and Dolls), Mortimer (The Fantasticks), and Njegus (The Merry Widow). Thanks to Wayne and Nancy. Love to Mom, Dad, and Ash. www.weshart.netDAVID HULL (Caleb)

Davidis excited to be returning for this, his second season at Music Theatre. Favorite credits include A Chorus Line, The Boys From Syracuse, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Biloxi Blues, Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as various appearances with Paramount Productions and the recent KIDZ BOP Live Concert Tour. Before returning to Ann Arbor for his senior year as a Musical Theatre and Political Science student at The University of Michigan, he will appear in Gypsy with Patti LuPone. Thanks and love to God, his family and friends.PETE LAY (Daniel)

Pete  is returning for his third season in the MTW summer ensemble after recently graduating from Butler University. You might recognize him as Young Carriere from Phantom or the All-White Ceremonial Indian Dancer from Annie Get Your Gun. He would like to thank Wayne and Nancy and send love to Mom, Dad, and Kat.JAKE PFARR (Ephraim)

A recent graduate of Oklahoma City University, Jake greatly appreciates this opportunity to join MTW in his first season of shows. Some favorite roles have included Joseph in Joseph … Dreamcoat, the Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz, and Tommy Djilas in Music Man. Many thanks to Mom, Dad, & Kylee, the MTW staff, and most importantly, the ”big man” upstairs!TIM HAUSMANN (Frank)

Tim is so excited to be back at MTW this summer. He is a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University where he studied with Florence Birdwell. OCU credits include: Parade (Leo Frank), Songs for a New World ( Man #2), Kiss Me Kate (Bill Calhoun), Seussical (Wickersham #2), and Pirates of Penzance. Tim would like to thank both his MTW and South Dakota families for their love.ROY LIGHTNER (Gideon)

Roy is elated to be returning to MTW. Favorites here include West Side Story (Baby John), Seussical (Wickersham), and Joseph … (Benjamin), and Aida. He attends Oklahoma City University, studying under Brenda Holleman. OCU credits include: Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely), Seussical (Horton), Secret Garden (Dickon). Other performances include a guest solo artist with the Kansas City Symphony in The Polar Express and Peanuts, and the title role in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown with Oklahoma City Rep., a role which he’ll reprise at St. Louis Stages after Sweet Charity. Thanks to Wayne, Roger, Nancy, and my family.KAITLYN M. DAVIDSON (Alice)

Kaitlyn, a sophomore Musical Theatre major at Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music, is ecstatic to be in her 2^nd MTW season. She was in all 5 shows last season and enjoyed playing Kristine in A Chorus Line. Recently she performed in CCM’s Crazy For You. Other theatres: Starlight Theatre, 5th Avenue, .The Ordway; New Theatre Restaurant, The Coterie, The MUNY. Other Credits: 42nd Street (Peggy), Crazy For You (Polly), Kiss Me Kate (Kate), Grease (Sandy). Thanks to family and friends for all their support and love. MARISA FIELD (Dorcas)

Marisa is thrilled to be making her debut at MTW. She currently studies in New York City at the Jen Waldman Studio, the Matthew Corozine Acting School, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and Peridance. She was recently a character performer in Cinderella’s Princess Court at the World of Disney: NYC. Marisa would like to thank her family; friends, and her teachers for their love, support, and encouragement.MELINDA HEITZMAN (Liza)

Melinda has just finished her sophomore year as a dance major at Oklahoma City University and is, delighted to be joining MTW for the first time this summer. She recently toured in Taiwan as a member of the American Spirit Dance Company and performed with the Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company in Guys and Dolls last Fall. She sends love and thanks to her parents for supporting her God-given passion for the stage.SHINA ANN MORRIS (Sarah)

Shina is so happy to be back for her 4th season in the MTW company! After this summer, she will be a junior in the Musical Theatre program at the University of Michigan, where she was in the cast of The Bays From Syracuse and Seussical. Performing at MTW, some of her favorite shows to be in were Good News!, Chicago, West Side Story, Phantom, and Aida. She thanks God, her parents, Wayne, and Mark for their love and support through the years.LISA ROHINSKY (Ruth)

Lisa  is thrilled to be making her debut at MTW this summer. In the fall, she’ll be a senior musical theatre major at Penn State University. Her recent credits include The Bay Friend (Polly Browne), Bat Bay (Maggie/Ron), The Wild Party, and Sweet Charity. Lisa sends her thanks to her family and friends and to those who always believed in her.GABRIELLE RUIZ (Martha)

Gabriella is delighted to return for her 3rd season at MTW. Favorite roles include the “dynamite” Diana Morales (A Chorus Line), Belladova (Phantom!) and Consuela (West Side Story). A senior at Oklahoma City University; she recently performed in Taiwan with the American Spirit International Touring Company. “Heartfelt gratitude to my family for their unconditional love and support, Wayne and Nancy for believing in me, and above all, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Supporting Cast:

ZAK EDWARDS (Joel)

Zak is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Regionally; he has worked at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma City in Jesus Christ Superstar (Simon/Jesus understudy) and Hello, Dolly! (Ambrose Kemper, with Sally Struthers), and at Casa Manana in Fort Worth in A Chorus Line (Frank). At OU, he has performed in Sweet Charity (Ensemble/Ernie), Chess (Ensemble/Gregor), A Little Night Music (Mr. Erlanson), My One and Only (Rhythm BOY)’ Marat/Sade (Marquis de Sade), Assassins (Charles Guiteau), and most recently Pal Joey (Ludlow Lowell). Zak would like to thank his phenomenal professors, his incredible friends, and, most of all, his amazing family!TAUREAN EVERETT (Matt)

Taurean is thrilled to be returning for his second season with MTW. A senior dance major at Wichita State University, Taurean’s most recent musical theater credits include Richard the Nurse in A New Brain and Yertle the Turtle in Seussical. University dance credits include acclaimed pieces Patterns of Change by Sabrina Vasquez, Angels Rising by Nick Johnson, and Ostinato by Janice Garrett. Local dance credits include Snow, Arabian, and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker, and Mordred in Merlin’s Song, both by artistic director Jill Landrith of Ballet Wichita. Taurean would like to thank his Lord above for the many bleSSings he has received, followed with thanks to my MTW family, my own family, and a special thanks to all my friends who believed in me. I love you all, but I gotta go … they called “places!”COLIN ISRAEL (Luke)

Colin is thrilled to join MTW for another fantastic summer season! New York: A Christmas Carol (Peter Cratchit, Personal Space Theatrics), Prometheus Passion (Hermes, Durm and Strang Theatre Co.). Regional: The Full Monty (Malcolm, MTW), A Chorus Line (Bobby; Casa Manana and MTW), Seussical (Wickersham, MTW), A Man of No Importance (Breton Beret, Speakeasy Stage), The Last Five Years (Jamie, Ovation Theatre). BFA: Boston Conservatory. Thanks to my family and the folks at MTW for their constant support and faith!PATRICK LAVALLEE (Jeb)

A recent graduate of Oklahoma City University, Patrick is thrilled to perform in his first professional season with MTW. Recently returning from Taiwan, Patrick has performed with American Spirit Dance Company, regional theatre and national tour. Additionally, he has trained with Aaron Tolson of Imaginative Tap and Professor Robert L. Reed. Patrick would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support.COLBY Q. LINDEMAN (Zeke)

Colby is totes excited to be back in Wichita for his third season. Favorite past roles include Larry in A Chorus Line; Diesel in West Side Story, and being dance captain for several shows. Also, he has enjoyed performing in the 2005 Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Pittsburgh / Minneapolis. OCU graduate, Colby graduated first in his class last year. Thank you to my fun family, WB, NR, TD, & NM for all of the love! I couldn’t have done it without you! xoxo!ALEX STOLL (Carl)

Alex is excited to be in his first season with Music Theatre of Wichita, and had a great time playing Keno (the stripper) in The Full Monty. Currently attending Wichita State University, Alex is majoring in both Dance and Musical Theatre. He has also performed with Ballet Wichita, and is a company member of Alithea Mime Theatre. Thanks to Wayne for the opportunity to live and love the arts, and much thanks to Nick, Sabrina, Lindsey, Jeff, and all of my ever patient parents.JOHN BOLDENOW (Mr. Bixby)

John has worked extensively with many local theatre venues over the last 28 years, receiving several Mary Jane Teall Awards for acting, directing, and most recently for properties design. John has had the great, good fortune of working across the country; most recently with the first national tour of 1776 out of New York City. Other Big Apple credits include Our Young Black Men Are Dying and Nobody Seems to Care, The American Dream, with Tony Award winners Len Cariou and James Naughton, and What About Black Womyn? Film credits include the Emmy Award winning Mary White and Twister. John currently serves as Director of Theatre at The Wichita Center for the Arts, and as the principal director for the Wichita Children’s Theatre & Dance Center Touring Company.BRIAN EMERSON

Brian is overjoyed to be back for MTW 2006 season, and loved playing Donald O’Connor- wannabe Ethan in The Full Monty. Coming straight from the Caribbean, he performed with Disney Cruise Lines, on the Disney Wonder. Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2004, Brian has been working for various regional theatres, cruise lines, and hoping to and from NYC. Some credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Male swing and u / s for DCL, Swing! The Musical (dancer), Cabaret (Emcee), Much Ado … (Claudio), West Side Story (A-rab), Oklahoma! (Dream Curly), … and more. Brian would like to thank Wayne for amazing opportunities and Nancy (his lovely “agent”). Much Love to Brittany, dad and mom, and his endearing family and friends for their eternal love and guidance. God bless. Romans 8:28JESSICA CHESBRO (Mrs. Perkins)

Jessica recently graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma, and is thrilled to be in Wichita for a second season! MTW credits include Aunt Em / Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Georgie Bukatinsky in The Full Monty, Bebe in A Chorus Line, and a Bird Girl in Seussical. At college she was Queenie in Lippa’s version of The Wild Party, Jane in Jane Eyre, the Witch in Into the Woods, and Amalia in She Loves Me. Originally from Tulsa, OK, she’s performed in many community theatre productions, including Merrily We Roll Along as Beth and as Rizzo in Grease. She’d like to thank her mom and Carl for their constant belief in her, and dedicates her performances this season to her Grandma M&M.EBONY BLAKE

Ebony is ecstatic to spend her second summer in Wichita! A recent graduate of Wright State University’s Acting/Musical Theatre program, Ebony’s favorite roles there include Sarah inRagtime, Berneice Charles in The Piano Lesson, and Phillis Wheatley in Tma Landau and Ricky Ian Gordon’s States of Independence. She recently starred as Nefertiti at The Human Race Theatre Company’s workshop production of Nefertiti: A Musical Romance. Ebony would like to thank God, the MTW family, and her own for being supportive, loving and AWESOMELY AMAZING!!DEVIN ILAW

Devin is currently a senior Musical Theatre major at Carnegie Mellon University, where he has been seen as The Writer in Hello Again and Billy Boy Bill/Dr. Billeaux in Urinetown (dir. John Caraffa). Credits include: The King and I (Lun Tha) at West Virginia Public Theatre, Miss Saigon(Thuy) at Pittsburgh Music Theatre and WVPT, Girl on the Go (Christopher Lee) at Pittsburgh CLO, and Still Writing at the Duplex in NYC. Infinite thanks to friends, family, and everyone at MTW for their love and support.PARISH MECHLING

Parish is a senior musical theatre major at The University of Oklahoma. She is thrilled to be making her debut here at MTW. Regional credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar, Hello Dolly!, OKC Philharmonic’s A Very Merry Pops. OU credits include: Pal Joey (Gladys Bumps), My One and Only (Kipper / dance capt.), Chess, Sweet Charity. Thanks to Lyn, Paul, and amazing family!KEVIN MUNHALL

Kevin is ecstatic and honored to be joining an incredibly talented group of performers this summer. He recently graduated from East High and will be a freshman at the University of Michigan next fall. His favorite roles include Bobby Strong in Urine Town and Conrad Birdie inBye, Bye, Birdie (for both of which he received Jester Awards). He would like to thank Wayne, Mark, Nancy, Mr. G, Mr. Riney and his amazing friends and family.DESI OAKLEY

Desi is looking forward to her senior year at Maize High, couldn’t possibly be more excited to be working with her favorite people in Wichita again! Recent credits include her highly praised portrayal of Dorothy in MTW’s The Wizard of Oz, and her Jester-winning performance as Cinderella. This is her third season as a member of the professional MTW ensemble. She would like to thank God, for she owes Him all her praise, her supportive family, her friends, and of course Wayne, Nancy, and the entire MTW staff! Romans 8:28TIFFANY OCVIRK

Tiffany is ecstatic about her first season at MTW. She is a dance performance senior at Oklahoma City University, and has performed both nationally and internationally as a member of the American Spirit Dance Company. “My deepest thanks to my family for unconditional faith, love, and support, my friends for strength and encouragement, and my Savior Jesus Christ – to Him be all the glory.”MARY LOU PHIPPS-WINFREY (Mrs. Bixby)

Mary always looks forward to performing with MTW. She is a local and regional actress, director, and playwright. As an actress she has performed with MTW, Cabaret Old Town, Wichita Community Theatre, Center for the Arts, and Crown Uptown Dinner Theatre. Her directing credits include shows for Cabaret Old Town, Wichita Community Theatre, Wichita Children’s Theatre, and Botanica. Mary Lou writes productions specifically for an organization’s event. Her writing-directing credits include the interactive children’s show for the Teddy Bear Picnic at Botanica for several years, and the Calamity at Cowtown event. She was most recently seen in the long-running Menopaus-A-Palooza at Cabaret Oldtown. Thanks to all for this opportunity to be JB’s wife.CODY PROCTOR

Cody is from Stilwell, KS and is excited for his first season with MTW after graduating from WSU’s Theatre and Dance programs. He tours occasionally with Alithea Mime (yes, mime) Theatre, with whom he’ll perform at the UN in NY as part of a youth leadership conference in August. Cody made his MTW debut playing Teddy (the fiancée) in The Full Monty. Past shows include Raised in Captivity (dir.), Singin’ in the Rain (Don), Pippin (Player), and Into the Woods(Baker). Much thanks to Wayne and much love to the family.TIMOTHY W. ROBU (Mr. Perkins)

Tim is gladly looking forward to another busy summer with MTW. Audiences might remember seeing Tim last year as General Genghis Khan Schmitz in Seussical. John Hancock in 1776, Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Amos in Chicago are just a few of Tim’s favorite roles at MTW. He will have a chance to reprise another favorite role as the Cowardly Lion in this summer’s season. Tim is still living in Newton with his talented wife Karen, beautiful daughters Katie and Francie, cats, fish, tadpole and a three legged dog named Lobo. Tim thanks Wichita for their support of Music Theatre of Wichita, and for all the wonderful opportunities they’ve given him.AARON UMSTED

Aaron is a sophomore Musical Theatre major at the University of Oklahoma and made his MTW debut with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Regional credits include: Footloose, Hello, Dolly!, Aida, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s Very Merry Pops. University Credits: Pal Joey (Joey u/ s), and Anything Goes (Billy Crocker). Many thanks to Lyn, Paul, Vince, Mom, Dad, and Friends for their love and support.SELINA MICHELLE VERASTIGUI

Selina has just completed her sophomore year as a BFA Musical Theatre major with a dance concentration minor at Otterbein College. She is thrilled to be making her MTW debut and is excited to be working with such talented people. Selina comes to MTW after playing Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street which was directed by Randy Skinner, Kelli Barclay, and Trip Phillips. Some of her other credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), Into the Woods(Witch) and On Your Toes (Vera Baranova). She would like to thank Wayne, Roger, and Nancy for being so wonderfully nice, her friends at Otterbein, Brett for his love, and her parents and bro for all the encouragement and support. My heart goes out to you all.TOM WINE (Preacher)

Tomis director of choral activities at Wichita State University and directs the chancel choir at Eastminster Presbyterian. Thank you Wayne for the chance to be on “this side of the stage” with my daughter!

Artistic Staff:

WAYNE BRYAN (Director)

Wayne is celebrating his 19^th season as MTW’s producing director, and relishes the chance to share the occasion with his colleagues Peggy Hickey, Thomas Wesley Douglas and David Neville, not to mention the stellar talents of Kim, Ed, and so many wonderful young people. Wayne grew up in L.A., graduated from U.C. Santa Barbara, and served for three years as a U.S. Navy Officer during the Vietnam War. He has performed on Broadway (Good News, Tintypes, Rodgers and Hart) and on television (“M*A*S*H” on CBS,”Keystone” on A&E, “American History” on PBS), and has won many directing and acting awards across the country. Favorite moments at MTW include directingPhantom, HONK!, Children of Eden, and Beauty and the Beast, acting in Me and My Girl andThe Will Rogers Follies, and receiving both the Kansas Governor’s Arts Award and the NCCJ Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award. Profound gratitude to all who support MTW in any fashion, and love to family and friends, including EES & CLKS, SCS & MGS, MM, VW, B&A, and Ozbeau. Special thanks to the small but mighty year-round staff, Nancy, John, Vickie, and Mary Sue, for their incredible loyalty and tireless commitment to MTW’s growth and success.PEGGY HICKEY (Choreographer)

Peggy is delighted to return to Wichita, where previous productions include Annie Get Your Gun, The King and I, State Fair, Meet Me in St. Louis, and My Fair Lady. Other credits include A Little Night Music, Brigadoon, and On the Twentieth Century at the Goodspeed Opera House (two Connecticut Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Choreography); 20th Century for AMT San Jose, Gigi for Musical Theatre West (L.A. DramaLogue Award); My Fair Lady and Carousel for Sacramento Music Circus. Peggy’s work in opera has included collaborations with such artists as Placido Domingo, Samuel Ramey, Susan Graham, and Franco Zeffirelli. Her work has been performed at Los Angeles Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Hansel and Gretel, televised “Live From Lincoln Center” on PBS. She choreographed Fiddler on the Roof for Mexico City and both The Most Happy Fella and La Rondine for New York City Opera. Peggy’s film and television credits include Beck’s “The New Pollution” for MTV (MTV Video Music Award for Choreography), Days of Our Lives, General Hospital and Port Charles, and The Brady Bunch Movie.YVETTE TUCKER (Assistant to the Choreographer)

Yvette’s recent credits include Velma in the West Coast Premiere of Never Gonna Dance, and understudying and performing the role of Lisa, opposite Terrance Mann in South Coast Repertory’s The Studio, directed by Christopher D’ Amboise. Other favorite roles include Tiger Lily in Cathy Rigby’s Peter Pan, Louise in Carousel, and Maggie in Brigadoon. Yvette has appeared as a guest artist/ principal dancer with The Los Angeles Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, Palm Beach Opera, and Pacific Opera. She has also performed at the Goodspeed Opera House, North Shore Music Theatre, L.A:s Reprise, and toured nationally with Damn Yankees and Phantom (Belladova). Film and TV credits include Miss Congeniality 2, Cold Case, Charmed, The Suite Life of Zak and Cody, Passions, and Jack and Jill, as well as over a dozen independent films and national commercials. Yvette has appeared in video and concert appearances for Mandy Moore, Michael Crawford, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Gladys Knight and Placido Domingo. Yvette resides in Los Angeles where she will soon begin work on a new Rob Marshall project. Many thanks to Wayne and Peggy for bringing her back home. Love to Tia and Daddy!THOMAS WESLEY DOUGLAS (Musical Director /Conductor)

Honored, privileged, thrilled … can these words describe how it feels to join the MTW family for his seventh season! Thomas has been musical director for Ain’t Misbehavin’, Show Boat, Ragtime, Good News!, Footloose, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom, and Once Upon a Mattress. He has done more than 150 musical theatre, opera, orchestral and oratorio productions, including conducting Webber’s Phantom of the Opera in Switzerland. On other stages he has enjoyed the roles of Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar, Amonasro in Aidaand 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. He is the founder 57 and Artistic Director of the Neighborhood Opera Company and is the Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh.XuZHENG HE (Set Designer)

XuZheng is a scenic designer, fine artist, and muralist. His career began in China where he designed and painted sets for Ballet and Chinese Opera, and was a member of the National Troup which toured in Australia. In 1987, he received a scholarship to go to school in the United States at the University of Arizona. After graduating, he worked in theatre and movie/TV production. He has designed many sets for MTW, including The King and I, Phantom, Paint Your Wagon, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Destry Rides Again. His art work can also be seen in the movies Tombstone, The Quick and the Dead, Boys on the Side, Tin Cup, The Postman, and others. XuZheng is happy to return to MTW again and enjoys working with Wayne and his other dear friends here.DAVID NEVLLE (Production Manager/lighting Designer)

Designed David Nevlle is thrilled to be returning for his 23rd season of “Camp MTW.” In addition to many productions at MTW, 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, Papermill 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, The 5th Avenue Theatre and Off-Broadway. David’s favorite designs at MTW include Ragtime, Once on this Island, Children of Eden and Jesus Christ Superstar. David starts a new position this fall, teaching lighting and scenic design at Wichita State University. He makes his home in Wichita with his wife Robin and his kids, Ryan and JocelynERIN KENNEDY LUNSFORD (Wig, Hair and Makeup Designer)

Based out of NYC, Erin is thrilled to be joining MTW for their 2006 season. Off Broadway: Pen; Manic Flight Reaction (Playwright’s Horizons), Dog Sees God (Century Center), The Revenger’s Tragedy (Red Bull Theater Company), The Right Kind of People (Primary Stages), Retzach (59E59 Theaters), The Soldier’s Wife (MINT Theater), Cleansed (Columbia University), Hedatron (Les Freres Corbusier). Opera: LA Traviata (The Bronx Opera Company), Don Giovanni, Gianni Schicchi, Tales of Hoffman (University of Minnesota Opera). She has worked with wig designers Tom Watson (Bach at Leipzig) and Paul Huntley (Grey Gardens). Her work has also been seen in the Guggenheim Museum as well as New York Magazine, The New Yorker and several other international publications. BA, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Department of Theater Arts and Dance.DAVID MUEHL (Sound Designer)

David Muehl is excited to be returning to MTW for his second summer as sound designer, having also been the sound assistant three years ago. During MTW’s “off season,” David is audio producer for WSU College of Fine Arts, and sound designer for the Opera and Musical Theatre program. Some of his favorite sound designs have been Anything Goes, A Chorus Line, Pippin and Into. the Woods. (“How does one mic a giant anyway?”) At WSU David was sound designer and audio engineer for the WSU production of Pippin which was selected to compete at the Kennedy Center Regional College Theatre Festival in St. Louis, and was selected as an alternate to the National Festival. David has also been sound designer for Cabaret Oldtown. David would like to thank Ray for his support and encouragement of professional development. And a huge thanks to Dave Temby and all the great people at Oearwing Productions in Phoenix.KERRY GRISHAM (Property Master)

This is Kerry’s second year with MTW. He lives in Tulsa, OK, where he has 17 years technical experience with the Tulsa theatrical community. He is currently Props Master with Tulsa Ballet, a position he has toured with, both nationally and internationally. Grisham also serves as Assistant Carpenter / Props for Tulsa Opera and Head Props for the TulsaPerforming Arts Center when National Broadway Touring Shows are in that venue. Kerry retired from the Tulsa fire department with 21 years’ service.REBECCA MAHOLLAND (Costume Coordinator)

Rebecca is the Costume Shop Supervisor for the School of Performing Arts at Wichita State University. She received her BA from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas and has an MA in Opera Performance as well as an MA in Theater from Wichita State University. Recent costume designs for Wichita State include The Nightingale and the Rose, ThreePenny Opera and Tales of Hoffmann. Along with coordinating their annual Christmas opera, she has designed costumes for Opera Kansas, including The Music Master during River Festival. She has coordinated costumes for Stage One and has worked as design assistant at American Player’s Theater in SpringGreen, WISCOnsin. Rebecca is thrilled to be working for MTW for her second season.DEBBIE ROBERTS (Costume Shop Manager)

Debbie Roberts has designed costumes for many shows here, including State Fair, Funny Girl, The Most Happy Fella, On the Town and West Side Story, plus special costumes for Aida (the fashion show, in partnership with Matt Mitchell), 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, various Festival of Broadway shows, plus the upcoming Thoroughly Modem Millie. A graduate of Friends University, Debbie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance and Ballet. “1 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 15 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 (Stage Manager)

Emily McMullen is happy to be back for her 7th summer and 4th production of Wizard of Oz. Previous productions here include Phantom, Seussical, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, Chicago, Good News!, How to. Succeed In Business, Cinderella, Show Boat, Fiddler on the Roof, and Pajama Game. The rest of 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.SUANN POLLOCK (production Stage Manager)

Suann Pollock rejoined MTW in 1997 after an eight-year absence. She is one of the resident stage managers with the Tony Award winning Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, where her credits include the world premiere of Notebook of Trigoin with Lynn Redgrave, A Little Night Music with Donna McKechnie, Closer, Art, Wit, and Everything’s Ducky, and John Doyle’s Company, which will be moving to Broadway this fall. While at the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, she had the pleasure of stage managing several premieres, including Edward Albee’s Fragments and Lee Blessing’s The Rights. Professional directing credits include Seussical at Miami University Summer Theatre, Bat Boy at Stage One, Lanford Wllson’s Day at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Soldiers Tale with No. Kentucky Symphony, Company, A Day In Hollywood/ A Night In The Ukraine, and The Nerd, among others. Thanks to Wayne for his support and encouragement.MARY SUE DYMAK (Drop Fabricator / Rentals Director)

For 31 seasons at MTW, Seven Brides marks summer production number 152! Stage manager for the Wichita Symphony Orchestra (13 years), Metropolitan Ballet Orchestra (10 years), and Opera Kansas (15 years). I seem to get around a lot but only inside Century n. Every year I try to put something clever into this paragraph. This year, in trying to be different, let me tell you about my family. My paternal grandparents came from Czechoslovakia through Ellis Island and settled in South Omaha. My maternal grandparents began a life in western Nebraska (the sod house Grandpa built is still standing). My Dad invented the Safeway Stores “S.” My Mom was a registered nurse. There are five kids in the family; I’m the fourth. We all lead successful, happy lives in various parts of the country. To them, I lovingly dedicate this season.ROGER CASTELLANO (Assistant to Producer)

Roger has enjoyed being a part of all five MTW productions again this year, including his recent direction and choreography for The Wizard of Oz. As an award-winning director and choreographer, Roger has created original shows, parades and industrials for companies like Sesame Street Live, Sanrio Inc. and Disney, and worked with stars such as Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Bennett, Bill Cosby, Natalie Cole, Christopher Reeve, Kenny Loggins and John Lithgow. Career highlights as an actor include My One and Only (Billy) with Susan Egan (Drama-Logue Award), Anything Goes (Billy) with Tracy Lore, On The Town (Ozzy), How to. Succeed in Business … (Bud Frump), and Into the Woods (The Baker). But the best reward is to be associated with MTW, where he’s directed Me and My Girl, The Will Rogers Follies, choreographed Footloose-directed and co-choreographed Seussical, and acted in Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Once Upon a Mattress (The Jester), and A Chorus Line (Zach). Roger holds a BA in Theatre from California Stare University, Fullerton. He thanks God for his wife Tracy and daughter Carlin, and is grateful to Wayne for the many opportunities that he’s given him.GABRIEL BENNETT (Asst. Sound Designer)

Gabriel Bennett is returning to MTW for his third season; previously he held the position of Sound Assistant. The maFority of Gabriel’s experience lies in the Wichita area, including sound design for Cabaret Oldtown, audio engineering for Cabaret Oldtown. Stage One, Wichita State University and various professional recording studios and musical events. Gabriel would like to show appreciation to his family and friends for their support and understanding with special thanks to David Muehl for all of his encouragement and guidance.STEVE LANDES (Director of the Apprentice Program / Shopper-Buyer)

Steve Landes is proud to return for his thirteenth 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 three 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!)DAWN CHISUM (Rentals Wardrobe Supervisor)

Dawn is happy to be returning to MTW for her 11th season! A graduate of Friends University with a BA in English/Drama she belongs to the local wardrobe union and has dressed everything from rock concerts to ice shows to muppets locally. She would like to thank everyone that she has ever met!JESSE WARKENTIN (Pianist / Musical Assistant)

This year has found Jesse in many musical roles around Wichita. He has been musical director for several shows with MTYP (including Joseph, Annie and their recent Wizard of Oz), Stage One’s production of I Do! I Do!, and he has also been seen at the piano with Mosley Street Melodrama. He conducted the MTW orchestra for the Festival of Broadway in 2005 and 2006, and he is excited to be here playing his third season of summer musicals. During the school year, he also works at Wichita High School East as accompanist to the choirs. Jesse wishes to thank his wonderful (and hilarious) family for their constant love and support in all his endeavors.LINDA STARKEY (Teen Choir Musical Director)

Linda Starkey continues her relationship with MTW, having performed in Oliver!, Cabaret, and The Sound of Music, and having conducted the Teen Choir and assisted with MTW’s apprentice program. She is Associate Director of the Opera and Music Theatre program at Wichita State University, where she has also taught voice for the past 26 years. She has directed for Opera Kansas, WSU Opera Theatre, WSU Theatre, Wichita Community Theatre, Wichita Children’s Theatre, and the Center for the Arts. In 2005, her production of Pippin was chosen to be an alternate for the American College Theatre Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington D. C.KAREN GALE (Teen Choir Company Manager)

With a BS in Environmental Science from Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering, seems to have the wrong education for the theatre, but her attention to detail and organization skills that aren’t utilized in Solid Waste Management anymore are put to work as Executive Director for Music Theatre for Young People. Wanting to have no free time, Karen spends her summers at MTW as Teen Choir Company Manager