The Springfield Municipal Opera Announces 2017 Show Season

The Springfield Municipal Opera Announces 2017 Show Season

Springfield, IL – November 17, 2016 –The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) announced details for its 2017 summer season including selected productions, show and audition dates and season ticket sales. “The Muni’s 2017 season includes four family favorites, three of which are new to The Muni stage. We are featuring shows that bring back memories from our childhood, teenage years and spending the holidays with family,” said Muni President Mike Rogers.

The Muni will present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, directed by Mac Warren and sponsored by Springfield Clinic, from June 9-11, 14-18; Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, directed by Craig Williams II and sponsored by Illini Bank, from June 30-July 2, July 5-9; Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, directed by Joe-Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Cheney and sponsored by Edward Jones, from July 21-23, 26-30; and Grease, directed by Bill Bauser Jr. and sponsored by RSM, from August 11-13, 16-20.

“We are expecting to have a whole lot of fun creating a supportive and welcoming team of players as we bring ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA to life on stage for our audiences!” said Warren. “I'm confident our audiences are going to have a wonderful evening of Broadway Under the Stars as we take a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination!”

Mary Poppins is sure to delight the entire family. “All of your favorite songs, scenes and characters will come to life on The Muni stage, or above as it were. We can't wait to bring some more magic to another Disney production,” said Williams II, who directed Disney’s Little Mermaid last season.

The Muni will feature Christmas in July with White Christmas. “We want to bring a classic holiday story to life on The Muni stage, and make a magical family experience for every Muni patron,” said Cheney.  “Our cast will energize and excite with their beautiful singing and terrific dance numbers. We can't wait to start this journey with our Muni family!” said Jackson.

Grease, a Muni favorite, returns to the stage for the first time since 2007. “We are excited to bring an updated family friendly version of GREASE to The Muni stage featuring dance music from the 2007 revival and best loved songs from the original movie version of GREASE,” said Bauser, Jr.  “So, throw your mittens around your kittens and away we go!"

Those interested in auditioning are encouraged to attend the 2017 Audition Workshop on  Saturday, February 18, 2017 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts; the children’s session will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the adults’ at 1:00 p.m. Directors and staff from all four shows will be on hand to discuss casting requirements and answer questions.

Adult auditions for the 2017 season will take place March 4, 5 and 11, with callbacks on March 12. Children’s auditions will take place March 18, with callbacks the same day. More information about auditions will be available on The Muni website in mid-December.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend, The Muni’s 2017 Season Passes will be on sale for pickup at various locations throughout the Springfield area. Patrons may also purchase season passes by calling (217) 793-MUNI for mail delivery. For a full list of season pass retailers, please visit The Muni’s website at www.TheMuni.org.

About The Muni

The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) is a not-for-profit theatrical organization that has become a Springfield summer tradition, providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50 years. Located lakeside at 815 East Lake Drive in an outdoor amphitheater, The Muni is one of the largest all-volunteer community theatre organizations in the nation. For more information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org. 

Disney’s Little Mermaid makes its debut and closes out the 2016 Springfield Muni season

Disney’s Little Mermaid makes its debut and closes out the 2016 Springfield Muni season

Springfield, IL – August 15, 2016 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) closes its 2016 season with Disney's Little Mermaid, sponsored by RSM and directed by Craig Williams II. The production will run August 19-21 and 24-28. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.

This will be the first time Disney's Little Mermaid will be performed on The Muni stage. This musical debuted on Broadway in 2008, and is based on the animated 1989 Disney film and the story written by Hans Christian Andersen.

Little Mermaid takes you under the sea to tell you about Ariel (played by Sophie Lanser), a mermaid who desperately wants to be part of the world above the sea and falls in love with Prince Eric (played by Ryan Fisher). The book is by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

“The cast and staff are so excited to take children and children-at-heart on a magical journey under the sea with the fun-loving characters we have come to love," said Williams II. “We are striving to make every detail of our debut production as beautiful and engaging as possible. We are confident you will fall in with the Little Mermaid all over again.

Disney's Little Mermaid at The Muni will also feature free, special activities before the show every night from 7-8 p.m. The Under the Sea pre-party will include  themed crafts for young girls and boys.  On Family Night, Wednesday, August 24 from 7-8 p.m., Ariel's Shellabration will be held. This party will include a light up wand, crafts, mermaid face paint and a shell pass for a picture with Ariel after the show. The Shellabration will cost $5 per child, which will be collected the night of the show. On Family Night, ticket prices for children 12 and under are half price when accompanied by a paid adult – $6 for Reserved Seating and $3 for General Admission.

Throughout the run, two types of seating arrangements are available – Reserved Seating and General Admission (lawn seating.) The price of Reserved Seating is $14 for adults and $12 for seniors/military/students/children; General Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/military/students, $6 for children (age 3-12), and free for kids age 2 and under.

Additionally, Thursday, August 25 is Senior Night. On Senior Night, ticket prices are reduced to $11 for Reserved Seating and $7 for General Admission. A Senior Shuttle Bus Service, sponsored by the King’s Daughters Organization, will also run on Senior Night. 

An interpreted performance for the hearing impaired is scheduled for Sunday, August 21.

Reserved Seating tickets can be purchased in advance online – www.TheMuni.org – or by calling or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium Box Office at 217-793-MUNI (6864.) Patrons can also purchase Reserved Seating and General Admission tickets on-site at The Muni’s Box Office, which opens 90 minutes prior to curtain time.

About The Muni

The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) is a not-for-profit theatrical organization that has become a Springfield summer tradition, providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50 years. Located lakeside at 815 East Lake Drive in an outdoor amphitheater, The Muni is one of the largest all-volunteer community theatre organizations in the nation. For more information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org. 

Nice Work If You Can Get It makes its debut at the Springfield Muni

Nice Work If You Can Get It makes its debut at the Springfield Muni

Springfield, IL – July 26, 2016 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) continues its 2016 season with Nice Work If You Can Get It, sponsored by Illini Bank and directed by Doug Hahn and Gary Shull. The production will run July 29-August 1 and August 4-8. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.

This will be the first time Nice Work If You Can Get It will be performed on The Muni stage. This musical debuted on Broadway in 2012, and features songs by George and Ira Gershwin. Nice Work is set in the 20s, and features great dance numbers and an unlikely love story. Fun-loving bachelor Jimmy Winter (Andrew Maynerich) meets rough female bootlegger Billie Bendix (Anna Bussing) the weekend of his wedding, and it turns out to be a riotous bachelor party.

“This show has just come off of Broadway, and will be The Muni at its best, with lots of good dancing, great Gershwin music and wonderful costumes,” said Hahn.  “There is just simply something delicious, pure, good and all-American in sitting back on a summer evening under the stars and smiling at the unforgettable songs left to us by the amazing George and Ira Gershwin.”

Two types of seating arrangements are available – Reserved Seating and General Admission (lawn seating.)

The price of Reserved Seating is $14 for adults and $12 for seniors/military/students/children; General Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/military/students, $6 for children (age 3-12), and free for kids age 2 and under.

Additionally, Wednesday, August 3  has been designated as Family Night and Thursday, August 4 as Senior Night.

On Family Night, ticket prices for children 12 and under are half price when accompanied by a paid adult – $6 for Reserved Seating and $3 for General Admission. On Senior Night, ticket prices are reduced to $11 for Reserved Seating and $7 for General Admission. A Senior Shuttle Bus Service, sponsored by the King’s Daughters Organization, will also run on Senior Night.  

An interpreted performance for the hearing impaired is scheduled for Saturday, July 30.

Reserved Seating tickets can be purchased in advance online – www.TheMuni.org – or by calling or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium Box Office at 217-793-MUNI (6864.) Patrons can also purchase Reserved Seating and General Admission tickets on-site at The Muni’s Box Office, which opens 90 minutes prior to curtain time.

About The Muni

The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) is a not-for-profit theatrical organization that has become a Springfield summer tradition, providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50 years. Located lakeside at 815 East Lake Drive in an outdoor amphitheater, The Muni is one of the largest all-volunteer community theatre organizations in the nation. For more information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org.

Getting To Know Nice Work If You Can Get It's Anna Bussing

Getting To Know Nice Work If You Can Get It's Anna Bussing

What is your favorite part about this role?  

My favorite part of playing Billie Bendix is working with Andrew Maynerich.

What has been the biggest challenge during rehearsals? 

The biggest challenge has been not to laugh while we run scenes because this show is so silly.

What's your favorite song and why?

"Will You Remember Me" is my favorite song from Nice Work If You Can Get It. It's such a simple, beautiful song, and is sung during one of the very rare serious moments of the show.

How did you get involved in Muni, and when?

My first show at Muni was in 1995. My mom asked if I wanted to audition for The Muni. I didn't know what it was at the time but I made it, and I've done it every year since. 

What is it about Muni that keeps you coming back?

The people at The Muni are family and Muni is my summer home. I can't not go back each summer. 

Getting To Know Nice Work If You Can Get It's Andrew Maynerich

Getting To Know Nice Work If You Can Get It's Andrew Maynerich 

What is your favorite part about this role?

My favorite part about this role would be the Comedic Timing of lines, movements, and scenes.  Not only just for myself, but the playing with other actors in the scenes.  It's been a riot!

What has been the biggest challenge during rehearsals?

The biggest challenge has been not to laugh during scenes.  By the time you get all these characters (and the people playing them!) in the same room, it's difficult to not crack a smile.

What has helped you to get to know your fellow cast members and gel with them?

Off stage time, and getting together after rehearsals.  A few of us have been able to get together after rehearsal to not only relax, but also joke about the show and give each other pointers.

What's your favorite song and why?

"S'Wonderful" is my favorite. Playing on stage with Anna, and finally getting to dance with her is a pleasure, and the song really adds an integral part to show.  

How did you get involved in Muni, and when?

I got involved in Muni in 2003 with BIG: The Musical. I auditioned as a kid, and had never auditioned before.  With the support of family, and the benefit of a dance background, I was excited to be cast as a "Big Kid!" 

What is it about Muni that keeps you coming back?

I love the family atmosphere and the friends I have made all these years.  Some of the people I have done shows with are some of my best friends today!  I also love the size of the venue, and the crowd it attracts.  Performing in front of HUGE audiences is just an experience you can't stay away from!

Getting to know Sweeney Todd's Meredith Vogel-Thomas

Getting to know Sweeney Todd's Meredith Vogel-Thomas

What is your favorite part about this role?

My favorite part about Mrs. Lovett is her tenacity.  She is a hard working woman.  A survivor.  She also adds a much needed element of levity to the show.

What has been the biggest challenge during rehearsals?

My greatest challenge during rehearsals has been learning such challenging music.  Sondheim's score is a terrifying and magnificent puzzle.  I have had to spend several hours both in and outside rehearsal learning all of the songs.

What has helped you to get to know your fellow cast members and gel with them?

I came in to this production knowing two or three people, at the most.  This show requires a great deal of trust between cast members.  Fortunately, our director Carly created a safe space to take risks and allow vulnerability.  These are fragile relationships that must be treated with care.  That having been said, we also try to find lots of opportunities to laugh backstage.  Without a lively sense of humor, the heavy content of Sweeney might drag us down.  I was also fortunate enough to carpool with our music director Addie several evenings.  I am so fortunate to have made a new friend in her.

What's your favorite song and why?

My favorite song in this show is "Not While I'm Around."  It is a beautiful ballad, so sweet and sincere.  The song also reveals the true nature of the relationship between Toby and Mrs. Lovett, which then shifts dramatically.  I used to think of the song as a tender lullaby.  Now it breaks my heart, in the best way possible.

How did you get involved in Muni, and when?

This is my third season at the Muni.  I had actually auditioned for nearly four years before I was ever cast in a role, but I am not easily deterred.  I came back every year because I wanted to be a part of at least one of the shows presented each season.

What is it about Muni that keeps you coming back?

I keep coming back to the Muni because I love the venue.  I love the quality of the shows.  I have also come to adore the people who volunteer so many hours and resources to bring the shows to life.  It is an crazy, talented, diverse family here.  I am lucky to be a part of it.

Getting to know Sweeney Todd's John O'Connor

Getting to know Sweeney Todd's John O'Connor

What is your favorite part about this role?

JC: Its complexity. I have played some of history's top traitors--Judas Iscariot, John Wilkes Booth--but none has seemed, at least from one perspective, so two-dimensional and loathsome as Sweeney Todd.  Yet, he's the protagonist, and the audience has to see his redeeming qualities. With lots of help from director Carly Shank and assistant director John Paris (for whom Sweeney is among his favorite characters on the stage), I've tried to make him complete, showing the (sometimes-contradictory) nuances in his character. 

What has been the biggest challenge during rehearsals?

JC: Without question, the music.  Sondheim's score is exacting and unforgiving.  With most musicals, a performer can come in and make a song his or her own, bring a personal style to it.  Not so with Sondheim. His work is a 3-D puzzle that fits one way, and it a piece is out of place, the melodic mastery is lost. 

What has helped you to get to know your fellow cast members and gel with them?

JC: There's nothing like theater to bring strangers together, along with bringing long-time acquaintances back together, for a common goal: Taking a two-hour show and transforming it from scribbles on a page to a living, breathing piece of art in six weeks. Everyone comes in the door ready for the challenge, knowing that one person cannot do it alone. But I have to say I could relate to Sara Baltusevich Goeckner, who starred in Muni's first show this season, "South Pacific," when she lamented not being able to spend much time with the cast.  It's great to be the star, but often, you're on stage when everyone else is off, and vice-versa. There's something to be said for being a member of the ensemble and all the jocularity that goes with it. 

What's your favorite song and why?

JC: "A Little Priest," for its morbid hilarity. It's catchy, clever, and the way Meredith Vogel-Thomas delivers this homage to meat pies made of priests and politicians and lawyers and artists has ensured it a special place among my Broadway favorites. 

How did you get involved in Muni, and when?

JC: In 1996, Don Bailey cast me in a featured role in "Little Me," starring Muni trustee Stephan Kaplan. I then appeared on the Muni stage in each subsequent summer until 2008. In 21 years of association with Muni, I've been on stage 17 times. 

What is it about Muni that keeps you coming back?

JC: Muni is a group of helpers.  I am repeatedly amazed at the number of newcomers each year, and each is welcomed and typically given the tools to succeed.  The spirit of helping is clearly evident in the Sweeney Todd cast and staff.  In the cast are musical theater veterans, expert straight actors, others who are vocal performers without a lot of acting experience. I have seen the cast members help one another based on the strengths of each. This spirit is an undercurrent throughout the Muni community. 

Sweeney Todd makes its debut at the Springfield Muni

Sweeney Todd makes its debut at the Springfield Muni

Springfield, IL – July 6, 2016 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) continues its 2016 season with Sweeney Todd, sponsored by Maynerich Financial and directed by Carly Shank. The production will run July 8-10 and 13-17. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.

This will be the first time Sweeney Todd is performed on The Muni stage. This dark comedy won a Tony award in 1979 for Best Musical, and features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and is based on the 1973 play, “Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” by Christopher Bond.  

This is a musical for mature audiences only due to its dark nature. It is the unsettling tale of a Victorian-era barber who returns home to London after fifteen years of exile to take revenge on the corrupt judge who tore his family apart. When revenge eludes him, Sweeney Todd and his accomplice, the resourceful pie shop owner Mrs. Lovett, plot an indiscriminately murderous plan that leads them down a dangerous path with deadly consequences.

Shank says John O’Connor (Sweeney Todd) and Meredith Vogel-Thomas (Mrs. Lovett) will lead us on the journey. “Walking a mile in Sweeney Todd's shoes helps us understand more about the extremes of the human condition,” said Shank. “It forces us to consider the times in our own lives when we have let the wrongs committed against us control us. Did we make better choices than the Demon Barber of Fleet Street? Of course we did. Could we have made even better choices? Of course we could have. We learn and we continue to get better at this job of being human.”

Two types of seating arrangements are available – Reserved Seating and General Admission (lawn seating.)

The price of Reserved Seating is $14 for adults and $12 for seniors/military/students/children; General Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/military/students, $6 for children (age 3-12), and free for kids age 2 and under.

Additionally, Wednesday, July 13 has been designated as Family Night and Thursday, July 14 as Senior Night.

For families, ticket prices for children 12 and under are half price when accompanied by a paid adult – $6 for Reserved Seating and $3 for General Admission (But please remember Sweeney Todd is recommended only for adult audiences). For seniors, ticket prices are reduced to $11 for Reserved Seating and $7 for General Admission. A Senior Shuttle Bus Service, sponsored by the King’s Daughters Organization, will also run on Senior Night.  

An interpreted performance for the hearing impaired is scheduled for Friday, July 15.

Reserved Seating tickets can be purchased in advance online – www.TheMuni.org – or by calling or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium Box Office at 217-793-MUNI (6864.) Patrons can also purchase Reserved Seating and General Admission tickets on-site at The Muni’s Box Office, which opens 90 minutes prior to curtain time.

About The Muni

The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) is a not-for-profit theatrical organization that has become a Springfield summer tradition, providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50 years. Located lakeside at 815 East Lake Drive in an outdoor amphitheater, The Muni is one of the largest all-volunteer community theatre organizations in the nation. For more information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org.

Getting to know South Pacific's Emile

Getting to know South Pacific's Emile

Rich Beans

What is your favorite part about this role? 

RB: My favorite part is capturing the passion and vulnerability of Emile de Beque. He is the prototypical strong and sensitive male.  Emile has clearly let his passions get the best of him in the past, but he has not let his failures embitter him. In some ways, he is looking for a redemption of sorts, and Nellie is his chance for that redemption. Wooing her and then seeing that love returned brings him great joy. 

What has been the biggest challenge during rehearsals?

RB: Creating the illusion that a young woman as beautiful as Nellie would be attracted to me has been my biggest challenge.  In order for this romance to work the audience has to want to see the two of us together.  They have to believe that Nellie would be attracted to a man like Emile. They have to fall in love with this May-September romance, as they follow me somewhat awkwardly trying to work out this relationship.  Sara Goeckner (the young woman who plays Nellie Forbush) and I have worked hard together to make this attraction believable.  

At times this romance can lapse into melodrama, and when that happens it can elicit groans and chuckles instead of the emotions we intend. The audience can be embarrassed by the intensity of the emotions displayed, and our role is to help them experience these emotions. It is a delicate balance finding that sweet spot each night.  Sara makes it so much easier to accomplish this task. Her ability to emote convincingly on stage raises the bar for everyone in our cast, and just brings out the emotions in me. I am blessed to have been paired with her in this production.   

What has helped you to get to know your fellow cast members and gel with them? 

RB: The rehearsal time is obviously key to getting to know each other, but to be frank, all rehearsals remind me of that old army joke where soldiers say that that they are always being told to “Hurry up and wait.” Sara and I have made good use of that down time during rehearsals by practicing our scenes, talking about our motivations, and just getting to know each other better. Anytime a romance occurs on stage the actors must feel safe with one another. We have established a good relationship of trust and I hope that shows in our performance.  

With respect to the other cast members, since I am in the wings a lot, I have the pleasure of getting to watch all of these Seabees and nurses perform and interact.  We have so much youthful energy and vitality in our cast. They are all wonderful people who make this process, which can be arduous at times, a lot more fun.   

What's your favorite song and why? 

RB: My favorite song is Some Enchanted Evening. It is a classic romance song. Whether instantaneous love is advisable or not, this song speaks to our cultural ideal of “love at first sight”, and it reminds many of that thrilling experience from their youth. The way that the song rises and falls and builds to a crescendo is masterful. It is an absolute pleasure to sing it every night.  

How did you get involved in Muni, and when? 

RB: Well, that's kind of a long story but here goes. When our four children were very young, each summer, my wife Marty would plan a trip to the Muni to see a show. We would travel up from Greenville, IL where we live, and would often spend the night in a hotel. It was a wonderful family outing to Springfield.  Our children enjoyed this very much, and two of my children, Owen and Hollyn, were particularly enthralled by the shows and felt drawn to the stage. Years later, in 2011 we took a leap and the two of them, along with myself auditioned.  I will never forget how nervous I was.  We were absolutely thrilled to all three be cast in a show (Guys and Dolls and The Wizard of Oz).  That began several summers, including one with my daughter Noelle, as well, that were wonderful experiences for our family.  It was challenging, but I was able to act, sing, and dance (barely) with my children on stage.  That is an experience I cherish.  My two children have now studied musical theatre in college and are now both working professionally.  I am so grateful for the early experiences they had on the Muni stage.  Since then I have been in several shows at the Muni and I haven’t looked back.  

What is it about Muni that keeps you coming back? 

RB: I know it sounds cliché, but it is the people. When I began at the Muni, I was very anxious. So many people came along side of me and said, “You can do this. We will help you. You are doing a good job.” That makes an impression. The Muni welcomes newcomers. I came to the Muni as a stranger and now I count so many people here as dear friends.  The Muni is filled with real people, with all their foibles and faults, but each summer they put aside their differences and create something special, and just for a moment the world seems a better place for it. That's what keeps me coming  back. 

Getting to know South Pacific's Nellie

Getting to know South Pacific's Nellie

Sara Baltusevich-Goeckner

What is your favorite part about this role?

SG: My favorite part about playing Nellie Forbush is the dynamic range of emotions I get to display. She starts out spunky and nervous about her romance with Emile, which later evolves into full-blown giddiness and love. But at the end of Act 1 it becomes frantic fear and betrayal, which then leads to anger followed by fear of losing him to the war and a complete change of heart by the end of the show! Whew! It is a whirlwind of emotions in 2 hours time and it’s exciting and challenging as an actress to try to pull it off! Plus, I love all the music!

What has been the biggest challenge during rehearsals?

SG: I think one of the biggest challenges is staying in character and really focusing on the show through the rehearsal process. We have a lot of young, spirited cast members and they are always doing something fun backstage or at rehearsal and I am the old lady in the corner going through my lines and trying to stay “Nellie” the whole time and not break character.

What has helped you to get to know your fellow cast members and gel with them?

SG: I think a great deal of bonds and friendships have been made during this process and I love to see so many people in the cast getting along so well with their fellow cast members. I think Rich Beans, who plays Emile, and I, working so close together, have really developed a great bond and friendship to where we feel very comfortable with each other both onstage and off. Emile and Nellie have one of the greatest stage romances of all time and we really wanted that to come across to our audiences, so getting to know each other through rehearsals has really helped that along. Rich is just a great guy so I am incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful co-star!

What's your favorite song and why?

SG: I have actually been asked this question several times and it is really hard to answer because there are so many memorable songs in South Pacific. I would say that “Some Enchanted Evening” gives me chills every night because I just get to look lovingly at Rich while he sings it and it really is probably Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beautiful love song. I also really like the “Bloody Mary”-“There is Nothing Like a Dame” section of the show because it really throws the energy and spunk of the sailors right at you after a long love scene between Nellie and Emile and the guys really nail those 2 songs. And then my favorite song that I get to sing would have to be “A Wonderful Guy” because it’s just so cute!

How did you get involved in Muni, and when?

SG: I auditioned for Muni for the first time in 1998 when I was about 11 or 12 and I made it and was an orphan in Annie. I could not have been more excited and I felt like I was on Broadway! Some of my favorite moments come from the Muni and some life-changing moments as well! Almost all of my close friends were made from performing at the Muni and I met my husband, Jeremy, doing “Into the Woods” in 2010. So, needless to say, The Muni is a very special place to me.

What is it about Muni that keeps you coming back?

SG: Like many people say, The Muni really is a family and I couldn’t agree more. I cherish the relationships I have made because of this organization and really my life would not be the same without it. The Muni brought me to my husband and I am thankful for that every single day! Also, there is no thrill like stepping out on that stage opening night and I think that is another reason why I keep coming back. I stress out about auditions every year but when you get that casting call and that role you’ve been dreaming of, everything seems right. This year has been so special to me and I am thrilled to be a part of South Pacific and cannot wait for audiences to see what we have put together!

Disney's The Little Mermaid Announces Cast

The Staff of Disney's The Little Mermaid would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2016 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Disney's The Little Mermaid is listed below.  All cast members should watch emails closely for communications about cast pictures, workdays, and rehearsal schedules. Thanks again to everyone who auditioned.

Ariel	Sophie Lanser
Prince Eric	Ryan Fisher
King Triton	DJ Shultz
Ursula	Lori Ann McCabe
Sebastian	Anthony Glover
Scuttle	Matthew Hanauer
Flotsam	Elizabeth Roehrs
Jetsam	Hannah Levin
Grimsby	Ken Carter
Chef Louis	Jeffery Prince
Flounder	Maddie Eickhoff
Mersisters	Cami Kern
	Haley Muller
	Alyssa Shultz
	Hannah Siehr
	Courtney Wick
	Zoey Zara
Ensemble	Lizzy Benoit
	Justin Brandon
	Rylee Kate Brinkman
	Jeremy Brown
	Ashton Burdell
	Luke Busboom
	Alex Clifton
	Campbell Coker
	Carson Cole
	Kristy Cole
	Cece Donathan
	Stephanie Fahey
	Shishir Gomatham
	Raya Johnson
	Molly McCue
	Chloe Mimms
	Caroline Mitchell
	Montel Morgan
	Anthony Munar
	Holden Nichols
	Parker Nichols
	Ann Opferman
	Gil Opferman
	Elizabeth Ross
	Amalia Schneider
	Brooke Seacrist
	Kayla Simon
	Madigan Sweeney
	Annelyse Warren
	Samantha White
	Matthew Woodson
	Makenna Yeager
	Mercedes Yingling