Thoroughly Modern Millie

It was very rewarding to see a starring role like Millie Dillmount interpreted so brilliantly by a former MTW company member. Megan Osterhaus, a graduate of University of Central Oklahoma, has spent the last year in the Broadway cast of Mamma Mia!, and took a leave of absence to join our production. But now she begins rehearsals for the new Broadway production of Mary Poppins.

Other former MTW company members who returned as guest stars were the handsome and talented Chris Peluso (Broadway’s Assassins and Lestat, national tour of Wicked) as Millie’s love interest, Jimmy; beautiful Anne Horak as her new friend Miss Dorothy, and delightful Eng Kian Ooi as the enigmatic henchman Bun Foo. His partner in crime is Devin Ilaw, who had spent most of this summer in our performing company.

The hysterical Kathleen Huber (Gigi, Wizard of Oz 1996) provoked gales of “politically incorrect” laughter as the conniving villainess Mrs. Meers, and everyone is still raving about the handsome and hysterically funny Jeremy Stolle, who made a terrific MTW debut as Trevor Graydon.

Guest Stars

MEGAN OSTERHAUS (Millie)

Megan Osterhaus has just concluded understudying the role of Sophie in the current Broadway production of Mamma Mia. Other credits include the national tours of Mamma Mia (Sophie u/s), Martin Guerre (Bertrande u/s), and Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator u/ s to Jodi Benson & Deborah Gibson). Her regional credits include productions at the Paper Mill Playhouse, the Guthrie Theatre, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Flatrock Playhouse and the Hangar Theatre. She is delighted to return to Music Theatre of Wichita, where she started her professional career during the 1995-1996 seasons. After Millie, she’ll begin rehearsals for the upcoming Broadway production of Mary Poppins understudying the role of Mrs. Banks. Love to Mom, Dad & Chris. Thanks to Wayne for welcoming me back to such a wonderful community.

KATHLEEN HUBER (Mrs. Meers)

Kathleen graduated with Wayne Bryan from the University of California, and came to New York City as assistant to director Brian Murray on A Scent of Flowers, doubling as standby to Katharine Houghton. New York credits include Luisa Baccara and Aelis Mazoyer in Tamara, Volumnia in Coriolanus, Countess Aurelia in The Madwoman of Chaillot, Queen Margaret in Richard III, and Oaudius in the Jose Quintero Theatre’s all-female Hamlet. Regionally, she has been seen at the Paper Mill Playhouse (An Ideal Husband), Caldwell Theatre (Les Liaisons Dangereuses), Stages St. Louis (Music Man and High Society), Do,rset Theatre Festival (Hay Fever), American Heartland Theatre (Lettice and Lovage), Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (The Secret Garden), Stamford Theatre Works (Collected Stories) and the Alabama, Orlando and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festivals, among others. Kathleen has directed shows for New Jersey Rep, Boston Light Opera, Forestburgh Summer Theatre, Wayside Theatre, and aboard luxury cruise ships. Later this summer, she will be seen as Marnita in Gigi at the Merry-GoRound Theatre in upstate NY. MTW audiences may remember her as haughty Aunt Alicia in Gigi, and the Wicked Witch in the 1996 production of The Wizard of Oz.

CHRIS PELUSO (Jimmy Smith)

Chris is thrilled to be back in Wichita for his third season with MTW. His past roles here include Tom Marlowe in Good News!, Younger Brother in Ragtime, and Armand in The Scarlet Pimpernel, plus a special appearance in Standing Ovation 2004. Since his MTW days Chris performed in the Broadway shows Assassins, (Balladeer / Oswald u/ s) and most recently Elton John’s Lestat (Louis u/ s). Also, he could have been seen touring the country in the first national tour of Wicked (Fiyero u/ s). Following Millie Chris begins work on a new project called Ace Gohn Robert Anderson) at the St. Louis Rep. with fellow MTW company member Matt Bogart. Much thanks to Maria, family, and the MTW team for their continued support and encouragement.

NEDRA DIXON (Muzzy Van Hossmere)

Nedra is delighted to resume her long association with MTW, where she has been seen playing Susannah in Tintypes (a role she created in the original Arena Stage production), Mary Magdelene in Jesus Christ Superstar, Lady TItiang in The King and I, the hideous-turned-beautiful Witch in Into the Woods, Erma in Anything Goes, Bloody Mary in South Pacific, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, and Eve / Mama Noah in Children of Eden. Nikki (as her friends know her) also directed MTW’s critically acclaimed production of Once On This Island. Nedra’s theatrical career has included Broadway and National Tours of Bubblin’ Brown Sugar, Godspell, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, By Strouse, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Gershwin, The All Night Strut, and the Rodgers and Harnmerstein revue Some Enchanted Evening. Her recent regional work includes mounting productions of HONK!, Pippin, Celebration, and Beehive, and appearing in Songs for a New World, Having Our Say, Violet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She also successfully mounted her own one-woman show-You’re Invited: Lady in Red, Men in Black!! She has served as an adjunct faculty member of Elmira College and as Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Coming, NY. She thanks God for all good gifts, most especially for her lovely husband Fred Goodson, and their beautiful daughter Jasmin (who is also a Broadway Baby!).

JEREMY STOLLE (Trevor Graydon)

Jeremy is making his first appearance at MTW. Jeremy is a scholarship graduate of the University of California Irvine. Theater credits include the up-and-coming Broadway production of A Tale of Two Cities – The Musical (Charles Damay u/ s), North Shore Music Theater’s Camelot (Lionel), and productions of Beauty and the Beast in Salt Lake, Orlando, Oklahoma City and Detroit (Gaston). He also directed a production of it in North Carolina. Jeremy won Best Actor in a Musical for the title role in The Scarlet Pimpernel, appeared as the title character in Jekyll and Hyde, and has performed as Billy in Carousel, Tommy in Brigadoon, and Horst in Bent, to name a few. Concerts include A Yuletide Celebration with Sylvia McNair and the Indianapolis Symphony, Hayen’s Lord Nelson Mass with the Golden West Symphony, and multiple works with the Modesto Symphony. Television credits include CBS’ “As the World Turns” (Patrick), ABC’s “All My Children,” and FX Channel’s “Rescue Me.” https://www.stollehouseproductions.com/jeremy-stolle

ANNE HORAK (Miss Dorothy)

Anne is thrilled to be back at MTW, where she has been featured as Judy in A Chorus Line, Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress, Babette in Beauty and the Beast, and Velma in West Side Story. She is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, and has also been seen regionally as Phyllis in 42nd Street, Liza in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, a Silly Girl in Beauty and the Beast, and Grease (Pittsburgh Civic Ught Opera). She would like to send special love and thanks to Wayne, Mark, Roger, Linda, and Nancy for their mentorship and guidance, and thanks to her family for all of their love and support.

ENG KlAN OOI (Bun Foo)

Eng Kian is thrilled to come back to Music Theatre of Wichita. He is a graduate of Wichita State University and was last seen performing here as an ensemble in the 1999 season. Eng Kian moved to New York to attend Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and is now on faculty at the Peridance Center. He recently performed with Lou-Diamond Phillips in The King and I at Casa Manana. He also played the role of King Simon of Legree during the last National Tour of The King and I, starring Sandy Duncan and Stefanie Powers. His past credits include Alithea Mime Theatre, Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita, WSUDE, Martha Graham Dance Ensemble, Pearl Lang Dance Theatre, Peridance Ensemble, H.T. Chen and Dancers, Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre etc. Eng Kian would like to express his appreciation to the dance department of Wichita State University for giving him a good start in his career.

DEVIN ILAW (Ching Ho)

Devin is ecstatic to be here at MTW this summer, where he was in the ensemble for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Wizard of Oz, and Sweet Charity, and proudly joins Actor’s Equity with this production! Devin is currently a senior musical theatre major at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, where he was seen as The Writer in Hello Again and Billy Boy Bill/Dr. Billeaux in Urinetown (dir. John Caraffa). At West VIrginia Public Theatre, Devin played Lun Tha in The King and I and Thuy in Miss Saigon (dir. Michael Licata), a role he then reprised at Pittsburgh Music Theatre (dir. Bob Durkin). Other credits include Girl on the Go at Pittsburgh CLO and Still Writing at the Duplex, NYC. Infinite thanks to family, friends, and teachers for their love and support, and to Wayne, Nancy, Thomas, Roger and the amazing company here at MTW for making this an abso-totes-ridic summer.

KAREN L. ROBU (Miss Flannery)

Karen happily continues her 9th MTW season. Past roles include Emma Goldman in Ragtime, Maureen / Lowbutt in HONK!, Dolly in Annie Get Your Gun, Mayzie in Seussical, Vicki Nichols in The Full Monty, and most recently the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. 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 goes riding every morning before work!

TERRY JOHNSON (Dorothy Parker)

Terry is a Radio/TV /Film graduate of Wichita State University. She is also a HUGE Shocker fan and active alum. She has voiced and been on-air talent for numerous local commercials for many years, and is currently the spokesperson for Star Flooring and Decorating. With over 21 years in TV advertising sales, Terry is now an account executive with KWCH-TY, Channel 12. Thanks to my husband, Tom, and Wayne for this opportunity, and thanks also to the entire Music Theatre staff for making it a pleasure to serve on MTW’s Board of Directors.

Supporting Cast

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 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 Nefertiti: A Musical Romance. Ebony would like to thank God, the MTW family, and her own for being supportive, loving and AWESOMELY AMAZING!!

JESSICA CHESBRO

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 M. DAVIDSON

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, 5^th Avenue, The Ordway, New Theatre Restaurant, The Coterie, The MVNY. 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 DAVIS

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 God for each and every blessing in his life.

ZAK EDWARDS

Zak is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a BFA in Musical Theatre, who has been seen this year as the Tim 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 most Ludlow Lowell in Pal Joey. Zak would like to thank his phenomenal professors, his incredible friends, and, most of all, his amazing family!

BRIAN EMERSON

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 (Lurniere), Swing! (dancer), Cabaret (Emcee), Much Ado … (Claudio), 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 EVERETT

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 Winkie 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 HART

Wes gratefully returns to MTW for a third summer, where he has played such roles as brother Benjamin (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), Al DeLuca (A Chorus Line), Action (West Side Story), and Wickersham Brother (SeussicaI). 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 Fantasticles), and Njegus (The Merry Widow). Thanks to Wayne and Nancy. Love to Mom, Dad, and Ash.

TIM HAUSMANN

Tim is so excited to be back at MTW this summer, and has enjoyed playing brother Frank in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and assisting director-choreographer Roger Castellano on The Wizard of Oz. 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.MELINDA HEITZMAN

Melinda 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.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!PATRICK LAVALLEE

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 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.

COLBY Q. LINDEMAN (Dance Captain)

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, TO, & 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.

TIFFANY OCVIRK

Tiffiny 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.”

DESI OAKLEY

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! 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

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 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!

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 unconditionallove and support, Wayne and Nancy for believing in me, and above all, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

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

WAYNE BRYAN (Director)

Wayne has served as MTW’s Producing Director for 19 seasons, producing 95 Broadway-scale productions and directing 32 of them. 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 directing Phantom, HONK!, Children of Eden, and Beauty and the Beast, acting in Me and My Girl and The 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.

JOHN MACINNIS (Choreographer /Associate Director)

John MacInnismade his choreographic debut at MTW last season with Once Upon a Mattress, and Wichita audiences may also remember him from his many starring roles here, including Where’s Charley? (Charley), My One and Only (Billy Buck Chandler), On the Town (Gabey), The Most Happy Fella (Herman), Oklahoma! (Will Parker) and the 1996 Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow). John has appeared in such Broadway shows as Thoroughly Modern Millie, Kiss Me Kate, Steel Pier, How to Succeed … , Guys and Dolls, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, and Me and My Girl, and was featured on the MTV documentary “Made,” which followed John for five weeks as he coached an aspiring tapper for her first Broadway audition. He directed and choreographed for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah (the Olympic Medals Plaza). He also directed and choreographed the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes for three years, including the first international production in Mexico City, Mexico. For Theatre Under the Stars in Houston John choreographed Kiss Me, Kate, and continues to receive acclaim for various productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, including the North Shore Theatre near Boston, and a new touring production in the Netherlands. John thanks his family for their love and support. (For more about John’s new touring project with Broadway dancers go to www.DanceBway.com)

MICHAEL BORTH (Musical Director)

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 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.

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!”

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.

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.

MEGAN BEYERS (Asst. Stage Manager)

Megan is ecstatic to be working with Music Theatre this summer. A native Wichitan, she graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois where she stage managed over a dozen shows as well as performed, danced, choreographed and directed many others. Megan recently returns to Wichita after a year at sea working in the theatres and ice rinks aboard several Royal Caribbean cruise ships. During the year, Megan is the resident Stage Manager at City Repertory Theatre of Wichita (formerly Stage One), where she has stage managed Lend Me a Tenor, Dames at Sea and numerous concerts in the “Words and Music” Series. Megan would like to thank her family for the five star accommodations and Wayne for getting her out of free slave labor in her family’s ten acre garden.

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!)

MARY SUE DYMAK (Drop Fabricator / Rentals Director, etc. etc.!)

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 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!

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 also directed Me and My Girl, The Will Rogers Follies, choreographed Footloose, co-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.

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