The Wizard of Oz

Everyone loved our beautiful Dorothy, the multi-talented 17-year-old Desi Oakley, currently a student at Maize High School, but already a three-year veteran of our professional performing company.

Desi led the large cast of adults, teens, and children through nine performances of this classic show. The auditorium was packed for every show, and we received high praise for the terrific performances, wonderful direction and choreography of Roger Castellano, and all the great special effects.

Guest Stars:

DESI OAKLEY (Dorothy)

Desi, 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! She recently played Cinderella at school (earning a 2006 Jester Award for outstanding leading actress), and has been busy dancing and singing around town. This is her third season as a member of the professional MTW ensemble,  having spent previous summers in children’s roles in The Most Happy Fella and The Sound of Music (Brigitta), as well  as performing in the Teen Choir. 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! “Hope you enjoy the show!” Romans 8:28DON CIMA (Prof. Marvel/The Wizard)

Don is pleased to be return to MTW after making his debut here last season, as the amusingly mute King Sextimus in Once Upon a Mattress. Don is a native Californian and performs primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area where he has had the pleasure of working with Wayne Bryan twice before. Over the past 30 years Don has appeared in some 50 productions including Brigadoon (Jeff Douglas), My Fair Lady (Alfred Doolittle), Kiss Me, Kate (First Gangster), Sound of Music (Max Detweiler), Pajama Game (Vernon Hines), The Royal Family (Oscar Wolfe), Louisiana Purchase (Senator Loganberry), 42nd Street (Bert Barry), Phantom ( Cholet), Harvey (Judge Gaffney), Me and My Girl (Mr. Parchester), The Boy Friend (Percival Browne). Don is married; he and his wife have two grown sons and four grandchildren. It’s good to be back in Oz!KAREN L. ROBU (Miss GuItch / Wicked Witch)

Karen happily returns for her 9th MTW season, 15 pounds lighter than last year (Thank you, South Beach Diet)! Past roles include Emma Goldman in Ragtime, Maureen / Lowbutt in HONK!, Dolly in Annie Get Your Gun, Mayzie in Seussical, and most recently Vicki Nichols in The Full Monty. In Kansas since 1993, Karen is thankful for all the theatres in town that keep her busy, including the Crown Uptown, Mosley Street Melodrama, Cabaret Oldtown, Center for the Arts, and Stage One. Karen’s CD Songs For My Baby (Broadway tunes and 40’s style music, recorded while Karen was expecting her second child 3 years ago) is available at cdbaby.com. Karen is Director of Youth Ministries for University Congregational Church, where she has directed Godspell in 2005 and Jesus Christ Superstar last February. She has also directed for MTYP and taught classes for MGM Studio of the Dance and Camp Allegro. Many thanks to her understanding husband who is always supportive of her crazy ideas, including her recent fulfillment of a childhood fantasy: Karen has leased a horse for the summer and going riding every morning before work!BRIAN EMERSON (Scarecrow / Hunk)

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 8:28ZAK EDWARDS (Tin Man / Hickory)

Zak is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Musical Theatre, who made his MTW debut as 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, 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!TIMOTHY W. ROBU (Cowardly Lion / Zeke)

Tim is enjoying 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 loves having a chance to reprise another favorite role as the Cowardly Lion, which he also played at MTW in 1996. 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.JESSICA CHESBRO (Aunt Em / Glinda)

Jessica recently graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma, and is thrilled to be in Wichita for a second season! MTW credits include 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.JOHN BOLDENOW (Uncle Henry / Gatekeeper)

John is well known locally and nationally for his exemplary work in the performing arts. Over the last 30 years he 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 national touring companies, 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 continues to free-lance direct for other theatres in the city. In his other life, John is a member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America, and specializes in American art and furniture, and ethnographic material from around the world. An inveterate collector himself, he also deals in antiquities and is currently represented by a gallery in New York City. John would like to dedicate this performance to the memory of his friend Deb, who dared to dream of places somewhere over the rainbow.BUSTER HEFFNER (Toto)

Buster is thrilled to be making his MTW debut in this choice role. Coming from a theatre family (Mom and Big Sis), he has already portrayed Dorothy’s lovable pooch in Music Theatre for Young People’s production of Wizard of Oz earlier this spring. Buster would like to thank Wayne and Roger for this wonderful opportunity, Desi for being a good friend, the Costume Shop for letting hlm spend time between rehearsals, and Mom for transportation and a comfy bed. (There’s no place like home!)MARY SUE DYMAK (Munchkin Mayor – as well as Drop Fabricator / Rentals Director, etc. etc.!)

Mary Sue returns to the role she played so memorably in MTW’s 1996 and 1985 productions! 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.)TAUREAN EVERETT (Winkie General)

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!”PATRICK LAVALLEE (Nikko, Leader of the Flying Monkeys)

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. 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.

Supporting Cast:

DAVID HULL

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 appear in Gypsy with Patti LuPone. Thanks and love to God, his family and friends.DEVIN ILAW

Devin is currently a senior Musical Theatre major at Carnegie Mellon University, where he has been seen as The Writer inHello 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 ISRAEL

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!PETE LAY

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 LIGHTNER

Roy is elated to be returning to MTW. Favorites here 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 Q. LINDEMAN

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 / 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 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!SHINA ANN MORRIS

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 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 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.TIFFANY OCVIRK

Tiffany is ecstatic about her first season at MTW, and especially enjoyed playing the “Pony Tail Girl” in Sweet Charity. 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.”JAKE PFARR

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 inJoseph .. .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 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.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 RUIZ

Gabrielle is delighted to return for her 3^rd 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.”MAURICE SIMS

Maurice is so excited to be back in The Wizard Of Oz after being a munchkin in the ’96 production. Maurice Sims will begin his 2nd year as a musical theatre major at WSU in the fall. You may have seen him in Stage One’s Five Guys Named Moe as Eat Moe, University Congregational Church’s Jesus Christ Superstar as Judas, or in the ensemble of MTW’s Aida. Maurice wishes to thank God, Family, KEESS, Wayne, Roger, and Nancy for this amazing opportunity.ALEX STOLL

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 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.

Artistic Staff:

ROGER CASTELLANO (Director / Choreographer)

Roger enjoys working in all entertainment media forms: from television and theme park, to industrials and special events throughout the U.S., Asia and Central America. Hailing from Los Angeles, his director / choreographer credits have received critical acclaim. And now this is Roger’s fifth season with MTW where he is enjoying another year of outstanding productions, working with this year’s talented cast and crew. Roger received the Mary Jane Teall Theatre Award for Outstanding Guest Artist last year, an award he is very proud of and credits this and his achievements to the gracious Wayne Bryan. Director / choreographer credits include Oliver!, La Cage Aux FoIles, A Little Night Music (all receiving the Drama-Logue Award), Me & My Girl (Los Angeles Times Critic’s Pick), The Will Rogers Follies (MTW), A Chorus Line (Arizona’s ariZoni Theatre Award). Roger has also created original shows, parades and industrials for companies like Sesame Street Live, Sanrio Inc. and the Walt Disney Company. Acting highlights include: for MTW, Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), A Chorus Line (Zach), Once Upon a Mattress (Jester). In Los Angeles, My One And Only (Billy) with Susan Egan (Drama-Lougue Award), Anything Goes (Billy) with Tracy Lore, Into the Woods (The Baker), On The Town (Ozzy), How to Succeed in Business … (Bud Frump). Roger received a BA in Theatre from California State University, Fullerton.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’sPhantom of the Opera in Switzerland. On other stages he has enjoyed the roles of Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar, 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. He is the founder 57 and Artistic Director of the Neighborhood Opera Company and is the Artistic Director of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh.J BRANSON (Set Designer)

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.DAVID NEVLLE (Production Manager/lighting Designer)

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.ERIN 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.TIM HAUSMANN (Assistant to the Director/Choreographer)

Tim is excited to be back at MTW this summer, and thoroughly enjoyed playing brother Frank in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. 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.TIIA TORCHIA (Costume Coordinator)

Tiia is happy to be back at MTW. During the year she resides in New York City, where she runs the costume shop for Playwrights Horizons, an Off-Broadway theatre company. In addition to running the shop she is also a costume consultant for Jacques D’Amboise’s National Dance Institute, a not-for-profit company that works with city children, teaching them to dance. Other design credits include MTW’s 2004 productions of Oklahoma! and Beauty and the Beast.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!”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 Sununer 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.EMlLY F. McMULLEN (Stage Manager)

Emily is happy to be back for her 7th summer at “Camp MTW.” Previous productions here include Sweet Charity, The Wizard of Oz, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, 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 (Asst. Sound Designer)Gabriel 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 (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