June 18-22
July 19-23, 2006
In late July, it was all about the fabulous Nancy Lemenager, leading a stellar cast in Sweet Charity. This Bob Fosse sizzler came to vibrant life on our stage, and the songs like “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now” sent our audiences out singing! People loved the characterizations and humor, especially the hysterical elevator scene with John Scherer. And what dancing! Choreographer Linda Goodrich turned our talented resident company into a most convincing team of Fosse experts, and director Mark Madama revealed all of the show’s humor and pathos.
Nancy returns to MTW, where she earned rave reviews for her portrayal of Cassie in 2005’s A Chorus Line and as Roxie Hart in our 2003 production of Chicago. Nancy starred as Penny in the Jerome Kern musical Never Gonna Dance on Broadway, a stage adaptation of the Fred Astaire – Ginger Rogers film Swing Time. Nancy then joined the Broadway cast of the Billy JoelTwyla Tharp musical Mavin’ Out, repeating her performance on the National Tour. Other Broadway credits include Kiss Me Kate, Dream, How to Succeed … , Guys and Dolls, and Meet Me in St. Louis. For the City Centers Encores! Series she has appeared in A Connecticut Yankee, Do-Re-Mi (and its cast album), and Li’l Abner. Regional theatre credits include Chicago (Velma), Damn Yankees (Lola), Sweet Charity (Nickie), Company (Amy), George M (Agnes) and Anything Goes (Erma). This is her first time in the role of Charity.
John’s most recently appeared in The Most Happy Fella at the New York City Opera. He has appeared on Broadway in By Jeeves, Sunset Boulevard, and the Actors Fund Benefit performance of Funny Girl at the New Amsterdam Theater. He worked with legendary director Harold Prince in 3hree at the Ahmanson in Los Angeles. He will be working again with Mr. Prince next season on Broadway in Lovemusik by Alfred Uhry. He toured nationally in Cats and 42nd Street. He won the Connecticut Critics Circle Award for his performance as George M at the Goodspeed Opera House. Other regional credits include the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Goodman Theater, Paper Mill Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Oeveland Playhouse, St Louis Rep, Studio Arena, and the Coconut Grove. Recordings include By Jeeves, 3hree, Preppies, and Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now and Forever. On television he has made guest star appearances on “Crossing Jordan,” “The Sheild,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Law and Order: CI,” and “Titus.” He will be in the upcoming film Spinning Into Butter starring Sarah Jessica Parker. MTW audiences may remember his performances as Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, and Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!
Toni is thrilled to appear at MTW for her 5th season! She was last seen as Anita in MTW’s production of West Side Story. A graduate of the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre program, Toni now resides in Los Angeles, CA where she starred in the original Showtime TV series “Barbershop,” and recently completed work on two feature films: Dreamgirls (Jamie Fox and Eddie Murphy) and Music and Lyrics By … (Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore), both coming out in December. Other theatre credits include Children of Eden at Ford’s Theatre, Two Gentlemen of Verona (Julia) at Baltimore Center Stage, and Oklahoma! (Ado Annie) at University of Michigan. “Wayne Bryan is my absolute Hero!! I can NEVER thank you enough!! Mark, you are my champion and Linda my heart. MTW has given me the best summers of my life!” Special Thanks to “Team Toni:” George, Gina, Pete and Lee. Buckets of Love to Mama Trucks and Daddy.
Ellynis so excited to make her MTW debut with this amazing cast. She was last seen as Nickie at OCT’s Sweet Charity. National/European tours include West Side Story (Anita), Grease (Rizzo), A Chorus Line (Diana Morales). Favorite regional credits include Pippin (Fastrada), Joseph … (Narrator), Chicago (Liz), and She Loves Me (Ilona). Ellyn was one of three Americans chosen to sing in an international concert on the BBC entitled “The Voice of Musical Theater.” She was also thrilled to share a stage with one of her favorite composers, Stephen Flaherty, in a concert series honoring his beautiful music. Ellyn holds a BFA in acting from Emerson College in Boston and feels lucky to do what she loves every day, and to travel the world singing and dancing. Many thanks to all the kind folks at MTW, family, family of friends, teachers, and Travas. Let’s have some fun .. .
Shaun-Michael returned to Wichita after eleven years in the San Francisco Bay Area. Credits there include Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night, Jasper in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and George in Sunday in the Park With George. Since returning to Wichita, Mr. Morse has become Artistic Director for City Repertory Theatre of Wichita (formerly Stage One), where his credits have included directing The Words & Music of Alan Menken and A Country Christmas Carol, and performing in Lend Me a Tenor, The Words & Music of Sammy Cohn, The Words & Music of Alan Menken, The Words & Music of Oscar Hammerstein and Swing!. MTW credits include the Minstrel in last year’s Once Upon a Mattress, Lun Tha in The King and I (opposite Kristin Chenoweth), Jesus Christ Superstar, and 1776. For Center for the Arts he has appeared in Amadeus, Sunday in the Park with George, and directed Inventing Van Gogh. Mr. Mr. Morse holds a Theatre degree from Wichita State University. He and his partner Bill Dunn are the proud parents of three adopted sons (Nathan, Haden and Henry).
Timothy is enjoying another busy summer with MTW. Audiences might remember seeing Tun last year as General Genghis Khan Schmitz in Seussical, as well as his recent portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in Wizard of Oz, returning to a role he first created in 1996. Tim’s other favorite roles at MTW include John Hancock in 1776, Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady, and Amos in Chicago. Tun 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. Tun thanks Wichita for their support of Music Theatre of Wichita, and for all the wonderful opportunities they’ve given him.
Let’s count: 17 shows at Music Theatre of Wichita, 14 in the pit and 3 on stage! On the MTW stage, Thomas played a stride pianist, an imprisoned king and now a psychedelic preacher. Thanks to Wayne, Mark and Linda for having the confidence that I can crawl out of the orchestra pit to the stage. Thomas 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 other kings, Caiaphas and Balthazar. He is on the faculty of both the Drama and the Music schools at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Thomas is the founder and Artistic Director of the Neighborhood Opera Company and is the Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh.
Marisa was thrilled to make her MTW debut as Dorcas in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and enjoyed multiple roles in The Wizard of Oz. She currently studies in New York City at the Jen Waldman Studio, the Matthew Corozine Acting School, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, and Peri dance. 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.
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.”
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 in Ragtime, 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 Nefertili: A Musical Romance. Ebony would like to thank God, the MTW family, and her own for being supportive, loving and AWESOMELY AMAZING!!
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.
Kaitlyn, a sophomore Musical Theatre major at Cincinnati’s Conservatory of Music, is ecstatic to be in her 2nd MTW season. Her roles at MTW so far include Gideon’s bride Alice in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and tone-deaf 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.
Cody is honored to be joining Wayne and the company for his first summer at MTW. He will be a senior at Jenks High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma this fall. Favorite roles: Young Josh in big, the Musical and Cat in the Hat in Seussical. Cody thanks his family and friends for their support and for making the road trip to Wichita to see him. He sends thanks to God for each and every blessing in his life.
Zak is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Musical Theatre, who has been seen this year as the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz and suitor Joel in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 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, his roles have included Charles Guiteau in Assassins and Ludlow Lowell in Pal Joey. Zak would like to thank his phenomenal professors, his incredible friends, and, most of all, his amazing family!
Brian is overjoyed to be back for MTW’s 2006 season, and loved playing both Ethan in The Full Monty and the Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz. Since graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 2004, Brian has been working for various regional theatres, cruise lines, and hopping to and from NYC. Theatrical credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), Swing! (dancer), Cabaret (Emcee), Much Ado … (Gaudio), West Side Story (A-rab), Oklahoma! (Dream Curly), and last year with Disney Wonder (Disney Cruise Lines). Much Love to Brittany, dad and mom, and his endearing family and friends for their eternal love and guidance. God bless. Romans 8:28
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 the Wmkie General in Wizard of Oz, suitor Matt in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, various roles in The Full Monty, 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. 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.
Wes gratefully returns to MTW for a third summer, where he has played such roles as brother Benjamin (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), 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.netMELINDA HEITZMANMelinda 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. Melinda played Liza in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 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.
David is excited to be returning for this, his second season at Music Theatre, and loved playing brother Caleb in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 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 perform in Gypsy, starring Patti LuPone. Thanks and love to God, his family and friends.
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.
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), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Luke, 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!
A recent graduate of Oklahoma City University, Patrick is thrilled to perform in his first professional season with MTW, and enjoyed playing suitor Jeb in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Flying Monkey Nikko in Wizard of Oz. 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.
Pete is returning for his third season in the MTW summer ensemble after recently graduating from Butler University. You might recognize him as brother Daniel in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Young Carriere in Phantom, or the All-White Ceremonial Indian Dancer in Annie Get Your Gun. He would like to thank Wayne and Nancy and send love to Mom, Dad, and Kat.
Roy returns to MTW, where favorite shows include Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (Gideon), West Side Story (Baby John), Seussical (Wickersham), 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 he’ll reprise at St. Louis Stages after Sweet Charity. Thanks to Wayne, Roger, Nancy, and my family.
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, suitor Zeke in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, and being dance captain for several shows. Also, he has enjoyed performing in the 2005 Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Pittsburgh I 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!
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!
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 Boys From Syracuse and Seussical. Performing at MTW, some of her favorite shows have been Good News!, Chicago, West Side Story, Phantom, Aida, and as Sarah in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. She thanks God, her parents, Wayne, and Mark for their love and support through the years.
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 in Bye, 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 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 8:28
A recent graduate of Oklahoma City University, Jake greatly appreciates this opportunity to join MTW in his first season of shows, and loved being brother Ephraim in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 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!
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.LISA ROHINSKY
Lisa was thrilled to make her debut at MTW as Ruth in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. In the fall, she’ll be a senior musical theatre major at Penn State University. Her recent credits include The Boy Friend (Polly Browne), Bat Boy (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 is delighted to return for her 3rd season at MTW. Favorite roles include the “dynamite” Diana Morales (A Chorus Line), Belladova (Phantom!), Consuela (West Side Story), and Martha (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers). 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.”
Alex is excited to be in his first season with Music Theatre of Wichita, and had a great time playing both Keno (the stripper) in The Full Monty and suitor Carl in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 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.
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 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.
Mark has directed productions on both coasts, and as far away as Ireland, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, and yet he happily begins his eighteenth consecutive MTW season, with The Full Monty being his 31st production as director here. Favorite MTW shows include Aida, Annie Get Your Gun, West Side Story, Oklahoma!, Cinderella, How to Succeed…, Funny Girl, Fiddler on the Roof, 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 MTW’s first A Chorus Line. Mark is on the Musical Theatre faculty at the University of Michigan, where he has also directed City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, Assassins, Good News!, Nine, Children of Eden, Company and Horton Foote’s 1918. Mark frequently guest directs around the country, including two recent engagements of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at TUTS in Houston and Casa Manana in Ft. Worth, utilizing the sets and costumes created here in Wichita. He and Wayne Bryan are the co-authors of the revised Good News!, which has now received over 300 international productions
Linda has directed and choreographed throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan. Directing credits include Bat Boy and Smokey Joe’s Cafe for TheatreWorks, which both received San Francisco Bay Area Awards for excellence in direction. Other directing credits include Cabaret, Side Show, Oklahloma!, Jesus Christ Superstar, and last year’s MTW production of Seussical. Choreographic credits include Company with Carol Burnett, Strike Up The Band at Goodspeed Opera House, Singin’ in the Rain and Annie at Paper Mill Playhouse, plus a national tour and several regional productions of Singin’ in the Rain (beginning here at MTW). Linda credits much of her artistic development to her work at MTW, which includes Cabaret, Sweet Charity, West Side Story, Funny Girl, Hello, Dolly!, Damn Yankees, South Pacific, Oliver!, The Music Man, On the Town (in which she also played “Miss Turnstiles” Ivy Smith), and the world premiere of the revised Good News!. Other theatres include TUTS in Houston, Seattle’s 5th Avenue, Sacramento Music Circus, St. Louis MUNY, Pittsburgh CLO, St. Louis Rep., La Mirada, and Cincinnati Playhouse. Linda performed in the Broadway and national companies of Cabaret, and staged the European tour. Her work has also been seen in touring editions of Blues Clues Live!, Dora the Explorer, and KidzBop Live!. She lives in Michigan with her husband Eugene Weng and their sons Tyler and Garret, where she is a professor of musical theatre at the University of Michigan.
Michael Borthis thrilled to return to his hometown of Wichita after spending the past year conducting the national tour of Will Rogers Follies starring Larry Gatlin. This is Michael’s fourth summer with MTW, having previously conducted Aida, Annie Get Your Gun, Scarlet Pimpernel, and Sweet Charity. Favorite projects include Mame (starring Carol Lawrence and Sally Struthers) and La Cage Aux Folies (both supervised by composer Jerry Herman) at Musical Theater West, a workshop of Gidget, the Musical (written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Dermot Mulroney), as well as work on the national tours of The King and I and Titanic. In 2004, Michael had the privilege to conduct a benefit production of Follies starring Betty Garrett, Julie Wilson, Stephanie Zimbalist, Teri Ralston, and John Raitt at the Irvine Barclay Theater in southern California. Michael is also the composer and arranger of a series of Christmas CDs for charity which feature Tony Orlando, Susan Egan, Cathy Rigby and Stephanie J. Block. This fall, Michael returns to the road as musical director of an international tour of Man of La Mancha. Michael would like to thank Wayne, Mark, and Linda for their support and friendship, and all of the teachers, actors, theaters, and family in Wichita who helped give him the chance to do this “theater stuff’ for a living!
J Bransonhas been based in Chicago for the past 17 years and associated with Music Theatre of Wichita for over 26. He continues on staff, year round, as a Scenic Designer and Artist for several Kansas, Connecticut and Wisconsin theaters. National Tours include The Music Man ’01, ’02, ’03 and Brigadoon ’99. Past regional work includes Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and His …. , Footloose, HONK!, Chess, The Wizard of Oz, Children of Eden, Rags, The Secret Garden, Assassins, Guys and Dolls and The Pajama Game. He has received various local & regional acknowledgements as well as an After Dark Award, and three National Addy Awards. Industrial design credits include the USAF, New World Television (National Addy Award), Viacom and Cessna Aircraft.
Thomas returns to MTW where he has provided the costumes for Annie Get Your Gun, Once Upon a Mattress, Me and My Girl, Chicago, and Phantom. For the North Shore Music Theatre, Thomas has designed both Chicago and Sweet Charity. For Musical Theatre West in California he has designed Never Gonna Dance, Crazy For You, Show Boat, Swing, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, and Me and My Girl with Wayne Bryan. Other theatre credits: Lullaby of Broadway (World Premiere in Los Angeles), Dreamgirls, Carousel and Damn Yankees (CLO of the South Bay Cities), Bingo (World Premiere, Hermosa Beach Playhouse), and Evita, Pippin, 42nd Street, A Chorus Line, City of Angels, 7 Brides For 7 Brothers, Grease and Singin’ in the Rain (American Musical Theatre of San Jose). He was nominated for the L.A. Ovation Award for Once On This Island and Crazy For You (Drama-Logue Award). Television credits: “The Wonder Years,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “That ’80s Show,” and “What I Like About You.” He has designed films such as Bit Players (with Verne Troyer, “Mini-Me”), Outpatient, and Die, Mommy, Die with Charles Busch.
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 Jocelyn.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
Gabriel Bennett is returning to MTW for his third season; previously he held the position of Sound Assistant. The majority 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 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!)
Mary Sue recently returned to our stage as the Mayor of Munchkinland! For 31 seasons at MTW, Millie marks summer production number 155! 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 II. This year’s clever anecdote really isn’t that clever. Milestones are marked this year that create many eye openers. My life is happily engaged in newer and larger tasks working for my favorite employer. My thanks to WB, NR, VK, JM, DN. I dedicate this season to the administration, staff, crew and performers of Music Theatre of Wichita. The first 30 seasons were great, and here’s a toast to the next 3D!! I love this place!!!!!!!!! (Of course, I’m nuts.)
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!
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.
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.
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
225 W. Douglas, Ste. 202
Wichita, KS 67202
316.265.3107
office@mtwichita.org