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.