The Springfield Municipal Opera Announces 2018 Show Season

The Springfield Municipal Opera Announces 2018 Show Season

Springfield, IL – November 16, 2018 –The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) announced details for its 2018 summer season including selected productions, show and audition dates and season ticket sales. “The Muni’s 2018 features a sci-fi comedy, a story of self-discovery, a group of women finding their voices and an orphan on a quest to find her parents,” said Michelle Eccles McLaughlin, Muni Board President.

The Muni will present Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Laurie Barnes and sponsored by Springfield Clinic, from June 1-3 and 6-10; Sister Act, directed by Andrew Maynerich and Morgan Kaplan and sponsored by Edward Jones from June 22-24 and June 27-July 1; Legally Blonde: The Musical, directed by Anna Maisenbacher and sponsored by UCB from July 13-15 and 18-22; and Annie, directed by Carly Shank and sponsored by RSM from August 3-5 and 8-12. All the shows will start at 8:30 p.m., except for Annie, which will begin at 8:00 p.m.

“Little Shop of Horrors has a little bit of everything - great Doo-Wop style music, a nostalgic 60s B movie feel, a beautiful love story, and of course a bloodthirsty, man-eating plant just for good measure,” said Barnes, who last directed Jekyll and Hyde at The Muni. “Fun for the whole family!”

Maynerich and Kaplan are no strangers to The Muni. Both have choreographed and played roles on The Muni stage, and now both are thrilled to be co-directing the debut of Sister Act at The Muni. “Though you may be familiar with the story from the hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg, we can promise this is a very different type of ‘church!’” Maynerich said. “Our stained cathedral glass will come alive with pulsating lights like that of a night club and our habits will take on a fun and sassy disco vibe. We promise you will leave The Muni tapping your toes and singing ‘Halleluiah!’” added Kaplan.

Maisenbacher is excited to get back in the director's chair to lead Legally Blonde: the Musical at The Muni this summer. “Follow Elle Woods, the famously perky and fashion forward sorority girl who finds her life turned upside down when dumped by her boyfriend, Warner. Proving that she is more than just a ‘blonde,’ she earns entrance into Harvard Law. While there, she defies expectations while managing to stay true to her delightfully pink personality. Come do the bend and snap with us at Muni this summer!”

Shank was an orphan in Muni’s first production of Annie in 1985, and has had a love affair with the show ever since. “This is a heart-filled production of a family favorite,” said Shank, who is delighted to be directing. “It will be full of poignant comedy and attention to historic detail as it explores the question of what makes a family.”

Those interested in auditioning are encouraged to attend the 2018 Audition Workshop on February 17, 2018 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 2018 season will take place March 3, 4 & 11, with callbacks on March 12. Children’s auditions will take place March 17, with callbacks on March 18. More information about auditions will be available on The Muni website in mid-December.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend, The Muni’s 2018 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 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. 

How to Survive Muni Mayhem

How to Survive Muni Mayhem

By J. Ryan Blesse

Muni’s gates have closed to give us a rest, now our ghouls have planned a new autumn fest! Let’s go inside for the spookiest sights, wander the maze and relive Muni nights. Wonka and Poppins, White Christmas and Grease, tossed in a cauldron and – oh, I should cease.

But something’s different… yes, something’s strange – you see they’ve had this mysterious change. Oh, dear, come along and don’t be so sad, come hold a hand really it’s not so bad. Friendly ghosts on stage to scare up a show, dancing and singing it won’t be so-so.

We are good (g)hosts here not just to say boo, that’s why we will have concessions for you. Come sit by the campfire when you are through, we think you’re going to want a s’more or two.

Sure, there are fiends but don’t worry ‘bout them, you can survive all this Muni Mayhem.  Follow our concierge’s tips below to have all the fun and none of the woe.

1. Step right up to the box office

To get a ticket, go to the box office where the friendly human(oid) will help you get to the Other Side. At this time, we are not accepting any new souls as a method of payment – we’re quite full, as you shall see – but we will accept your cash or credit/debit cards.

2. But do bring some cash

The ghosts and goblins running the concession stands and selling the s’mores kits do not know of “credit” and “debit.” They only know of two methods of payment: cash or souls. As we’ve stated, we are running amuck with souls as is, so please… do bring your cash.

3. Halloween costumes are encouraged

Don’t fret, mortals. The Other Side is fun! Come as you are, or come dressed as your favorite ghoul. We’d love to see what you might look like when you become a part of our little show…

4. Remember, mayhem is family friendly

We are rather frightful… and it’s no fun being scared when you’re alone! Lucky for you, we have activities for the whole family. Bring your friends, bring your family!

5. Bring something warm

Being the hospitable hosts we are, we wouldn’t want you to get a chill from the fall weather. Our vampires are especially concerned about you getting cold. Although we’ll have the fires fetched straight from the Other Side and hot coffee and chocolate to drink, please do bring a jacket, a blanket, or anything else you might need to keep you nice and toasty! We can chill you in other ways…

6. Don’t forget to tell your friends

Be sure to tell your friends where you are that night (that’s @springfieldmuni on Facebook, @TheSpfldMuni on Twitter, and @themuniopera on Instagram)… just in case. Many wayward souls have lost their way through the Haunted Maze – that’s how we got a haunted maze. The more, the merrier, as they say.

A show, a maze, and some other good frights, you get all this for $10 a night!

October 26, 27 & 28 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sponsored by the Landmark Automotive Group.

 “Muni Mayhem’s Mainstage Massacre”

Frightful performances of song and dance runs four times a night so don’t miss your chance!

7:15-7:45pm, 8:00-8:30pm, 8:45-9:15pm, & 9:30-10:00pm.

Haunted Maze

Beware of the haunts as the name suggests, our maze is open to all honored guests. Please wander the trail as much as you want, but don’t get lost else you be our next haunt!

Other Mayhem Buy popcorn and soda, Muni dogs too, coffee, or a hot chocolate or two. Gather round the campfires beyond the gates with s’mores kits on sale!

 

About J. Ryan Blesse 

Aside from being a talented audience member, J. Ryan Blesse is the author of dark, horror, and speculative fiction, usually with a twist of humor. He maintains a blog that he updates weekly with writing tips and writing prompts (and sometimes other stuff). He lives in Springfield, Illinois with his husband Craig, their very hairy children Grizabella and Boots, and an oversized unicorn pool float named Melinda. Read his blog at www.jryanblesse.com/blog or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @jryanblesse.

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 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. 

Mark your calendars now for Muni Mayhem

Come and take part in Muni Mayhem. See what takes place after the Muni shuts down from the season. The ghosts and ghouls will take over the stage, and you may choose to take a haunted maze to get there. Enjoy smores by the fire pit, hot chocolate and Muni dogs and popcorn.

You won’t want to miss this new Muni event. Tickets are $10.00 at the door.

Mark your calendars now for Muni Mayhem:

October 26, 27 & 28 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Stay tuned for more information.

Grease returns to the Springfield Municipal Opera

Grease returns to the Springfield Municipal Opera

Springfield, IL – August 7, 2017 – Grease, sponsored by RSM and directed by Bill Bauser Jr., will return to The Muni stage on Friday, August 11. The production will run August 11-13 and August 16-20. Curtain time is 8:00 p.m.

Grease, the book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, features head “greaser” Danny Zuko (Andrew Brant) and new girl Sandy Dumbrowski (Kelsi Frost) trying to relive the high school romance of their “Summer Nights” as Rydell High’s "Burger Palace Boys" and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking "Pink Ladies" in bobby sox and pedal pushers look on. This show features songs such as "Greased Lightnin'," "It's Raining on Prom Night," and "Alone at the Drive-In Movie.” Grease was nominated for a Tony award for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical (1972) and twice for Best Revival of a Musical (1994/2008).  The Muni’s production will also include some favorite songs from the movie, arranged by Robert Stigwood: “You’re the One That I Want,” “Sandy,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “Grease.”

Frost, who has been on The Muni stage before in Peter Pan, All Shook Up and Guys and Dolls, is excited to play the role of Sandy because she identifies with the character. “Sandy is known for being nice to everyone and my theory in life is to make at least one person smile a day even if you don’t know them,” said Frost. “The most challenging part for me will be when she changes by the end, gaining confidence and fitting in by changing her ‘pure’ image.”  

Frost’s partner in the show, Brant, says playing Danny is a challenge because you have to strike a balance. “You have to balance finding your own voice and living up to the legacy of John Travolta’s iconic performance in the classic film,” said Brant. “This is my first time doing this show, and my first time performing on the Muni stage, and I’m lucky to have such an experienced director at the reins.”

Bauser Jr. was a part of The Muni when Grease was performed on the Muni stage in 2000. He’s also directed two area high school productions of the show, as well as a concert version. “The cast has been working extremely hard to put on a high energy, fun-loving musical,” said Bauser Jr. “Our choreographer, Tiffany Riech, has an amazing ability to create high energy dance numbers and challenge the actors to be at their best.”

The Muni encourages audience members to come dressed up in 50s clothing and to get their  pictures taken with the classic  cars out at the show. Wednesday, August 16, will be Family Night. On Family night, ticket prices for children are $10 for a reserved seat and $5 for the general admission (or lawn seating).

Additionally, Thursday, August 17 is Senior Night. On Senior Night, ticket prices for seniors are reduced to $12 for Reserved Seating and $9 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 20.

The regular price of reserved seating is $17 or $15, and general admission (or lawn seating) is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors/Military/Students, and $10 for children 12 and under. 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 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. 

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas makes its debut at the Springfield Municipal Opera

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas makes its debut

at the Springfield Municipal Opera

Springfield, IL – July 14, 2017 – Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, sponsored by Edward Jones and directed by Joe-Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Cheney, will debut on The Muni stage on Friday, July 21. The production will run July 21- 3 and July 26-30. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.

In White Christmas, Bob Wallace (DJ Schultz) and Phil Davis (Greg Donathan), two iconic song-and-dance men, follow a sister act to Vermont, only to discover that the nearly-bankrupt lodge they were o perform at is owned by their former commanding general.

“Wow is there a lot of great music and dancing!  We have been challenged with some professional level choreography, and I think audiences are going to enjoy the ever-moving and creative dance they will see come to life on stage,” said Greg Donathan, who wanted to be part of WhiteChristmas because of the Irving Berlin score. “Berlin's music is classic and makes me happy simply by listening to it!  So, performing it is proving to be more rewarding than I could ever have imagined.”

White Christmas, nominated for two Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Orchestration, premiered on Broadway in 2008. It features favorites such as “White Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” “Sisters” and “Blue Skies.”  

“The musical selections in the movie are heard but featured more in the musical. Even though the music may be a bit different from the movie, the spirit and energy of the movie is still portrayed,” said co-director Elizabeth Cheney. “The warmth of the characters grow more in the stage version as they embrace the spirit of the storyline.”

The Muni will feature free, special activities before the show every night from 7-8 p.m. During the run of White Christmas, The Muni is encouraging all military to come wearing military attire or your branch emblem. On Wednesday, July 26, it will be Family Night and Military Night. On Family night, ticket prices for children are $10 for a reserved seat and $5 for the general admission (or lawn seating). For the active and veteran military it will be $12 for reserved and $9 for general admission seating.

Additionally, Thursday, July 27 is Senior Night. On Senior Night, ticket prices for seniors are reduced to $12 for Reserved Seating and $9 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, July 23.

The regular price of reserved seating is $17 or $15, and general admission (or lawn seating) is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors/Military/Students, and $10 for children 12 and under. 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 theatricalorganization that has become a Springfield summer tradition, providing the best of Broadway to enthusiastic audiences for more than 50 years. Located 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 and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins makes its debut at the Springfield Municipal Opera

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins makes its debut

at the Springfield Municipal Opera

Springfield, IL – June 22, 2017 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) continues its 2017 season with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, sponsored by UCB and Illini Bank, and directed by Craig Williams II. Poppins makes its debut on The Muni stage on Friday, June 30. The production will run June 30-July 2 and July 5-9. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.

“Mary Poppins is a tricky production filled with magic, flight, larger than life people and a giant set,” said Williams II. “Just around every corner a surprise awaits the audience, reminding them of their favorite story.”

In Mary Poppins, jack-of-all trades, Bert (Andrew Maynerich) introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane (Madigan Sweeney) and Michael (Cooper Coker) have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins (Mary Kate Smith) arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it.”

Mary Poppins premiered on Broadway in 2006. The musical features songs from the Disney movie classic (released in 1964): “Spoonful of Sugar,” “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Poppins was nominated for several Tony awards in 2007, including Best Musical and Best Choreography, and winning Best Scenic Design.

“Mary Poppins is one of my all-time favorite characters and stories,” said Smith. “These classic themes of the importance of family and caring for one another are timeless, and this show is a great way to introduce them to our youngest generation.” Smith was last seen on The Muni stage in Les Miserables in 2013 as Fantine.

Williams II, who directed Disney’s Little Mermaid at The Muni last year says the Poppins cast is a great mix of talent. “Our cast is filled with many experienced Springfield favorites as well as some new faces, which are just as exciting to see. From learning to spell Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to dancing from rooftops, I think this Disney classic will have something for everyone,” said Williams II.

The Muni will feature free, special activities before the show every night from 7-8 p.m. On Family Night on Wednesday, July 5, ticket prices for children are $10 for a Reserved seat and $5 for the General Admission section. Throughout the run, two types of seating arrangements are available – Reserved Seating and General Admission (lawn seating.) The price of Reserved Seating is $17 or $15, and for General Admission is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors/Military/Students, and $10 for children 12 and under.

Additionally, Thursday, July 6 is Senior Night. On Senior Night, ticket prices for seniors are reduced to $12 for Reserved Seating and $9 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, July 2.

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 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. 

Congratulations to our Grand Prize Golden Ticket winners

Congratulations to our Grand Prize Golden Ticket winners, Jen Florent and her daughter, Hannah. They won two season passes to the 2018 Muni Season.

The Florents discovered their Golden Ticket in their program at the Thursday night performance of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, presented by Springfield Clinic. They were then put into a drawing along with all of our other Golden Ticket winners who discovered their Golden Tickets at various locations throughout Springfield. 

·  Rachel Hadley (Mel-O-Cream Donuts)

·  Rachel Mander and Kim Draper (Landmark Chrysler Jeep Fiat)

·  Dapo Arogundade (Davis Cleaners)

·  Ashley May (WICS ABC Newschannel 20) 

·  Jill Hiler (Pease's at Bunn Gourmet)

The Muni received a lot of great feedback from those who participated in the "Finding the Golden Ticket" promotion. Thanks so much!

 

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka makes its debut at the Springfield Municipal Opera

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka makes its debut at the Springfield Municipal Opera

Muni’s 200th producation opens Friday, June 9

Springfield, IL – June 6, 2017 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) opens its 2017 season with Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, sponsored by Springfield Clinic and directed by Mac Warren. The production will run June 9-11 and 14-18. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.

This will be the first time Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka will be performed on The Muni stage. This musical  combines elements of both Roald Dahl's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and of the 1971 movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. The original version premiered on Broadway in 2004.

Roald Dahl's timeless story follows a world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir. The adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale. Jeff Prince of Rochester plays Willy Wonka, while Susan Wheeler, also of Rochester, plays Charlie Bucket. .

“The stage production's first act follows Charlie Bucket and each child as they find their Golden Ticket while the second act takes place in the Wonka Chocolate factory.  I was excited to see how close the factory scenes were to the movie,” said Prince.

Warren, who last directed Spamalot at the Springfield Muni, says this show features many talented kids of all ages. “For about half our children (Oompa Loompas) this is their first Muni show,” said Warren. “Plus for the first time ever, we also went back to the children that were not cast and offered them a special opportunity through a program we call the Muni Trolls.  For the kids that signed up to participate, we provided a basic skills workshop and then have been teaching them choreo and vocals for two songs they will perform just prior to intermission.”

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka will be the 200th production to take The Muni stage. The Muni is asking anyone who has taken part in a past Muni show to come out on Saturday, June 10 (in their old show shirts if they still have them) and be recognized. The Muni will also feature free, special activities before the show every night from 7-8 p.m. There will also be a “Finding the Golden Ticket” Facebook contest the week the show opens.

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Throughout the run, two types of seating arrangements are available – Reserved Seating and General Admission (lawn seating.) The price of Reserved Seating is $17/15 for adults and General Admission is $12 for Adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

On Family Night, ticket prices for children are $10 for a Reserved seat and $5 for the General Admission section. Additionally, Thursday, June 15 is Senior Night. On Senior Night, ticket prices are reduced to $10 for Reserved Seating and $5 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, June 11.

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 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. 

Meet Grandpa Joe! A Q&A with Jim Dahlquist

What is your favorite part about this role?

Helping Charlie survive Willy Wonka’s factory tour. Susan Wheeler is a joy to work with and she’s doing a wonderful job as Charlie.

What has been the biggest challenge during rehearsals?

Getting to know everyone, especially the younger performers. We have a large cast and many people rehearse at different times so for the first few weeks I only saw the oompa-loompas in passing at the stage doors.

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

The Bucket Family is a riot! I spend most of the first act in a bed with three other grandparents while Charlie and the Bucket parents must figure out creative ways to interact with us. We laugh a lot in between scenes. And since the Bucket Shack isn’t very big, it’s easy to whisper and bond with the other actors.

What’s your favorite song and why?

This is tough to answer since there are several entertaining numbers. All of the golden ticket winners do such a good job with their songs. I would have to say my favorite number, though, is “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket” since this is when I finally get to escape my bed.

How did you get involved in Muni, and when?

It’s been 20 years since my first Muni show, when I played Benny Southstreet in 1997’s Guys and Dolls. I had been active with community theater in the Chicago area so when I moved to Springfield I again sought out performing opportunities. Springfield fortunately has a strong theater community, including the Muni.

What is it about Muni that keeps you coming back?

The Muni has created an amazing theater tradition. You meet a wealth of creative, talented people, many of whom become lifelong friends. From the impressive sets, costumes, sound and lighting systems, to of course the vast network of volunteers, it is a privilege to be a part of this incredible summer experience.