The Springfield Municipal Opera Announces 2019 Season

The Springfield Municipal Opera Announces 2019 Season

Springfield, IL (November 15, 2018) – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) 2019 Season will feature dreamers and seekers looking for adventure, success and answers. “Wishes really do come true, and the 2019 Springfield Muni Opera season proves it," said Jim Leach, President of the Muni Board of Managers. "But it's not just the wishes of the characters in our four shows. It might be the wish to let your talent shine on stage, or to be a part of the team backstage that makes Muni magic, or maybe just a wish to spend a summer night in Springfield in the best way possible -- at the Muni. So all this year, we'll be asking: what's YOUR wish?"

The Muni will present Peter Pan, directed by Elizabeth Cheney and sponsored by Springfield Clinic, from May 31-June 2, June 5-9; Evita directed by Craig Williams II and sponsored by UCB from June 21-23 and June 26-30; Thoroughly Modern Millie, directed by Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich and sponsored by Sikich LLP from July 12-14 and 15-21; and The Wizard of Oz, directed by Anna McFarland and Connor McNamara and sponsored by Edward Jones from August 2-4 and 7-11. All the shows will start at 8:30 p.m., except for The Wizard of Oz which will begin at 8:00 p.m.

“We are all thrilled to bring the magical and well-loved story of Peter Pan to life, and are busy planning for some amazing sets, costumes and effects. We can’t wait to see and hear all the energetic auditions this spring, and work with the actors, singers and dancers,” said Cheney, who last directed White Christmas on the Muni stage in 2017. “We will be looking for Pirates, Warrior Girl Dancers, Lost Boys, and, of course, our Peter and Wendy, and many other delightful roles we will share with you in our upcoming workshop in February. Come and be part of the magic this summer with us!”

Evita hasn’t been done at Muni since 1985. Based on the life and death of Eva Peron, Evita follows her rise from working class to the upper ranks of Argentina. “This show has a glorious score, a heart wrenching message and the immense strength of one woman. Evita is a memorable musical that will resonate with audiences in today’s tumultuous political climate of America,” said Williams II, who last directed Mary Poppins at the Muni. “It will have roles for young and old, dancers and non-dancers...there will really be something for everyone...on and off the stage.”

Maynerich and Kaplan made their directorial debut on the Muni stage last season with Sister Act and are looking forward to bringing Thoroughly Modern Millie, a new show to the Muni, this summer. “This show is one that is very special to us, personally, so it’s really quite thrilling to have the opportunity to direct it together at The Muni! Based on the 1967 movie, starring Julie Andrews, the glitz and glamour of 1920s Manhattan, a beautiful score, energetic dance numbers and a hilarious, mixed-up love story all make this production a thrilling one, not to be missed!” said Kaplan. “This production has roles available for all ages and dance abilities, with several roles for individuals with very strong dance and vocal talents,” added Maynerich.

The Wizard of Oz returns to the Muni stage. It will bring us on a journey with characters that dream of a future where their dreams come true. “We are excited to bring the classic story of The Wizard of Oz to life this summer at The Muni. A family favorite, it reminds us that home is with those we love,” said McFarland, who will make her directorial debut at The Muni along with co-director Connor McNamara. “You never know what you will find just on the other side of the rainbow.”

Those interested in auditioning are encouraged to attend the 2019 Audition Workshop on February 16, 2019 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 2019 season will take place March 2, 3 & 9, with callbacks on March 10. Children’s auditions will take place March 16, with callbacks on March 17. More information about auditions will be available on The Muni website in mid-December.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend, The Muni’s 2019 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 Shore 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.

Frightful Sights at Muni Mayhem!

Frightful Sights at Muni Mayhem!

The sun has set on those warm Muni nights, so step through the gates for new Muni frights! That’s right, it’s back, our frightful fall fest – we’re dying to greet you, our dear mortal guests!

Let’s stray just backstage for some a-MAZE-ing sights. But wait back, just a moment, something’s not right. A few orphans and nuns and an Audrie or two – there’s the old law school where blonde alumni are few. It all seems familiar, but yes, something’s bizarre. You see, these are spirits of Muni seasons afar!

 “Oh, my! What is that?” you say with a gasp. My dear, you’ve just stumbled into our grasp. Oh, no, I don’t mean to take you aback – it’s just that our ghosts are eager to welcome you back! Where? Right up there! Scaring up a good show – friendly ghosts singing and dancing how can you feel woe?

Let’s sit by the campfire now that we’re through, gather around to share a s’more or two. Yes, we’re still good (g)hosts not just here to say “boo!” I believe our roaming thespians are popping up a performance for you.

Don’t be scared of the shadows – no, don’t worry ‘bout them. You can survive all of the Muni Mayhem!

1. How to ward off spirits at Muni Mayhem

We spirits are frightened by bright lights! If you want to wander through our Haunted Backstage Maze without getting spooked, please get a magical glow wand at the front of the maze to ward off our more scary haunts.

2. Watch out for our traveling thespians

We’ve welcomed new ghouls to our hallowed grounds! Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up performances from wandering spirits – but, please, don’t stop for hitchhiking ghosts.

3. S’mores kits and other concessions available for purchase

Our ghosts and goblins running the concession stand only accept cash payments so, please, be sure to bring some old fashioned money with you to our happy haunt.

4. Bring something warm

We spirits have a habit of chilling our corporeal guests. So, please, bring a jacket, blanket, and anything else you might need to stay warm. Being the hospitable (g)hosts we are, we’ll have coffee and hot chocolate for sale and import campfires from warmer regions beyond.

5. Come dressed as you are or dressed as us

We’re happy to welcome you to the Other Side in your mortal state. But if you want to come dressed as your favorite ghoul, we’d love to see what you might look like when you become part of our little show…

6. Tell your friends

Our Haunted Backstage Maze is full of wayward souls who have lost their way. If only they had tagged @springfieldmuni on Facebook, @TheSpfldMuni on Twitter, or @themuniopera on Instagram to tell their friends where they were!

A show, a maze, a story or two – so many good frights for only a few dollars a night!

October 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Sponsored by the Landmark Automotive Group.

$10 for children & adults 13 and over

$5 for children ages 3-12

Children under three are free

Muni Mayhem’s Mainstage Massacre!

A spooktacular performance of song and dance!

7:30 p.m. and 8:45p.m.

Haunted Backstage Maze

Wander the maze as much as you’d like, but beware of frights that are hiding out of sight.

Open 7 p.m – 10 p.m.

Choir Performance

They’ll put a spell on you!

8:15 p.m.

Pop-up Performances

Frightful theatrics from thespian ghouls! They wander the grounds looking for an audience like you.

7:15 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.

Spooky Characters Take Over The Muni for Muni Mayhem

Spooky Characters Take Over The Muni for Muni Mayhem

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (October 2, 2018) - Spooky characters will take over the Springfield Municipal Opera on October 11-13 for Muni Mayhem. From ballet zombies to Jack Skellington and the Addams family, you’ll enjoy fun Halloween performances, pop-up performances and a haunted maze backstage.

“This is a great family event. You can spend the entire evening at The Muni taking in the shows, going through the maze and enjoying some time by the fire,” said Muni Board of Managers President Michelle McLaughlin. “The haunted maze can make you jump out of your skin, or if our haunters see you’d prefer a little less haunt, they’ll tone down their scariness.”

Admission for Muni Mayhem is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12, and children under 2 are free. There will be two stage performances scheduled at 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Pop-up performances will take place in a couple of spots on the grounds. There will be a limited selection of concessions available including coffee and hot chocolate. And of course, there will be a campfire and S’mores.

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 Shore 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.

The Muni Incredibles Take the Muni Stage

The Muni Incredibles Take the Muni Stage

There is still more fun to come at the Muni before summer ends. The Muni Incredibles! will feature children who have taken part in the Muni’s Children’s Audition Program. Children have spent the summer learning what it takes to be a part of the  magic of a Muni production. They will show what they have learned in two performances on Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18 at 8 p.m. The program will be a revue-style performance featuring song and dance numbers from Muni shows past and future. 

Here more about the program here. 

Tickets for these special performances are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-18. Kids two and under are free. All tickets will be available on show night at the Muni box office, and all seats are general admission; audience members may sit in the reserved seating section or may bring lawn chairs. The box office and concession stand open at 7 p.m. 

THE SUN’LL COME OUT TOMORROW – BUT THE STARS COME OUT AT NIGHT AS ANNIE CLOSES OUT THE SPRINGFIELD MUNI SEASON

The Springfield Muni Opera’s season of leading ladies comes to a close starting Friday, August 3, with the youngest of the group – the beloved orphan Annie.

Based on the adventures of the plucky comic strip heroine Little Orphan Annie, this timeless favorite tells the story of little Annie (Caroline Dahlquist), who toils away in the orphanage run by mean Miss Hannigan (Tiffany Williams), but who never loses sight of her dream to find her real parents. Annie’s plans take an unexpected twist when billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks (Gus Gordon) decides to spend the Christmas holiday with an orphan. His assistant Grace (Kristen Wolfe) thinks Annie would be the ideal choice, and her arrival in Warbucks’ life will change them both forever.

This Tony Award-winning musical first appeared on the Broadway stage in 1977, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and book by Thomas Meehan. It features some of the most popular songs ever to emerge from a stage production, including “Tomorrow” and “Hard-Knock Life.” Director Carly Shank says her goal with this production is to emphasize that families come in many different forms.

Annie is sponsored by RSM. The show runs August 3-5 and 8-12. Please note the early start time for this production with curtain time is 8:00 p.m. each night. Reserved seats are available in advance by calling (217) 793-MUNI or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium box office. Tickets (both reserved and general admission) are also available on show nights at the box office at the Muni site.

Even after the regular season is done, there is still more fun to come at the Muni before summer ends. The Muni Incredibles! will feature children who have taken part in the Muni’s Children’s Audition Program. Children have spent the summer learning what it takes to be a part of the magic of a Muni production. They will show what they have learned in two performances on Friday, August 17 and Saturday, August 18 at 8 p.m.

Tickets for these special performances are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-18. Kids two and under are free. All tickets will be available on show night at the Muni box office, and all seats are general admission; audience members may sit in the reserved seating section or may bring lawn chairs.

Get more details at themuni.org.

MUNI’S 2018 SEASON GOES PINK FOR LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL

OH MY GOD, YOU GUYS! MUNI’S 2018 SEASON GOES PINK

FOR LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL

                       

            The Springfield Muni Opera will be in the pink for the third show of the 2018 season – the Muni premiere of Legally Blonde: the Musical.

            This adaptation of the hit 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon still tells the story of everyone’s favorite law student, Elle Woods (played here by Zoey Zara). But now the story of Elle’s journey from sorority girl to courtroom force comes with peppy and memorable songs from husband-and-wife team Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, with book by Heather Hach (Freaky Friday).

            Elle thinks she’s about to be engaged to perfect boyfriend Warner (Dalton McGhiey), only to find instead that she’s getting dumped because Warner doesn’t think she’s serious enough. So Elle sets out to prove him wrong by applying to join him at Harvard Law School. But Elle soon finds that law school is a long way from the Delta Nus, and she has to use all of her unique skills and talents to balance the scales of justice for a famous client, and for herself.

            Just as pink is Elle’s favorite color, audience members are also encouraged to “Paint the Muni Pink” on the second Saturday of the show, July 21. Everyone attending the show that night is invited to wear pink, and there will be several opportunities to donate to the American Cancer Society. More details are available at the Springfield Muni Opera Facebook page.

            Legally Blonde: The Musical is directed by Anna Bussing Maisenbacher, and is sponsored by UCB. The show runs July 13-15 and 18-22. Showtime is 8:30 each night. Reserved seats are available in advance by calling (217) 793-MUNI or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium box office. Tickets (both reserved and general admission) are also available on show nights at the box office at the Muni site on Lake Springfield. The 2018 season of memorable leading ladies will close with the final production of the summer, Annie, opening August 3. Get more details at themuni.org.

The Springfield Muni Opera’s 2018 season of great leading ladies continues Friday night (June 22nd) with the opening of the summer’s second show, Sister Act.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (June 20, 2018) The Springfield Muni Opera’s 2018 season of great leading ladies continues Friday night (June 22^nd) with the opening of the summer’s second show, Sister Act.

Based on the hit 1992 film comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg, Sister Act was adapted for the musical stage in 2006, with music by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast), lyrics by Glenn Slater (The Little Mermaid, School of Rock), book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner (Cheers) and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane (Xanadu).

Nightclub singer Deloris Van Cartier (Jasmine French) is in danger after discovering the criminal activity of her boyfriend, Curtis (Roger Finnell). Deloris runs to the police and reconnects with her old friend Eddie (Lex Glover), who decides she needs to be hidden away in the last place Curtis would look – a convent. From there it’s a culture clash as Deloris (now undercover as Sister Mary Clarence) tries to adapt her Vegas dreams to the cloistered life of a nun – or perhaps to get the nuns to loosen up and put a little “Wow!” in their worship.

In keeping with the show’s theme of sacrifice for a greater good, the Springfield Muni Opera will conduct a food drive on the second weekend of the show, June 29-July 1. Anyone bringing non-perishable food items to benefit Kumler Outreach Ministries will be entered into a drawing (one entry per donated item) for four tickets to our third show of the season, Legally Blonde the Musical. Thanks also to Landmark Automotive Group for assisting with storage of the donated items.

Sister Act is co-directed and choreographed by Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich, and is sponsored by Edward Jones. The show runs June 22-24 and June 27-July 1. Showtime is 8:30 each night. Reserved seats are available in advance by calling (217) 793-MUNI or visiting the Sangamon Auditorium box office. Tickets (both reserved and general admission) are also available on show nights at the box office at the Muni site on Lake Springfield. And don’t forget the rest of Muni’s 2018 season, Legally Blonde the Musical, and Annie. Get more details at themuni.org.

Little Shop of Horrors Cast

Little Shop of Horrors Cast

The staff of Little Shop of Horrors would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2018 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Little Shop of Horrors 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

•         Seymour - Kevin Hart
•         Audrey - Courtney Wick
•         Audrey II - Kevin Ford
•         Mr. Mushnik - Jim Leach
•         Orin Scrivello - Matt Ratz
•         Crystal (Trio) - Calia Cole
•         Chiffon (Trio) - Lindsey Rudd
•         Ronnette (Trio) - Brianna Gude-Price
•         P. Martin 
•         Wino    
•         Mr. Bernstein - Chuck McCue
•         Mrs. Luce - Katina Price
•         Skip Snip - James Weitzel
•         WSKID Radio Announcer             
•         Customer           
•         Ensemble - Logan Baskett, Angela Covert, Rachel Douglas, Ava Giacomini, Gabrielle Gray, Regina Ivy, Alexsis Page, Ben Selsor, Leanne Telger, Bradyn Wambach, Samantha White, Hunter Woods, Natalie Young

Legally Blonde Cast

Legally Blonde Cast

The staff of Legally Blonde would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2018 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Legally Blonde 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

•          Elle Woods - Zoey Zara
•          Emmett Forrest                - Ryan Fisher
•          Warner Huntington III - Dalton McGhiey
•          Professor Callahan - Eric Huber
•          Paulette - Courtney Wick
•          Vivienne Kensington - Lindsey Rudd
•          Brooke Wyndam - Hope Cherry
•          Kyle B. O'Boyle - Jacob Deters
•          Enid Hoopes - Meredith Vogel-Thomas
•          Nikos Argitakos/Padamadan - Matthew Woodson
•          Aaron Schultz - Luke Petersen
•          Carlos - Bradyn Wambach
•          Whitney - Malone Moretti
•          Judge/Store Manager - Katina Price
•          Mrs. Woods - Julie Staley
•          Mr. Woods - Chuck McCue
•          Chutney - Hannah Levin

                               

Delta Nu                             

•          Margot - Hannah Siehr
•          Serena - Sophie Lanser
•          Pilar - Olivia Huber
•          Leilani - Brianna Gude-Price
•          Kate - Hannah Levin
•          Shandi - Hope Cherry
•          Gaelen - Malone Moretti
•          Gabby - Ashley Miller
•          Veronica - Jocelyn Holmes

                               

• Ensemble - Emily Bland, Justin Brandon, Carson Cole, Sydney Compton, Cece Donathan, Alec Glisson, Daniel Guttas, Michael Lanham, Jocelyn Holmes, Amanda Little, Dale Mason, Autumn Meyer, Elizabeth Moose, Linda Rainford, Carly Stroud, Drew Stroud, Emily Smith, Grace Tolley, Lisa Tossi

Annie Cast

Annie Cast

The staff of Annie would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2018 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Annie 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

• Annie - Caroline Dahlquist
• Oliver Warbucks - Gus Gordon
• Miss Hannigan - Tiffany Williams
• Grace Farrell - Kristen Wolfe
• Molly - Carmen Lecocq
• Kate - Grace Klenke
• Pepper - Claire Sagins
• Tessie - Anna Headman
• Duffy - Madigan Sweeney
• July- Nadia Mitchell
• Rooster Hannigan - Craig Williams
• Lily St. Regis - Maddie Booth
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Rich Beans
• Bert Healy - Kevin Hart
• Drake - Gil Opferman
• Harold Ickes - Greg Runyard
• Judge Brandeis - Anthony Rimkus
• Cordell Hull/Ensemble - Mark Zink
• Lt. Ward/Ensemble - Patrick Lyons
• Henry Morganthau/Ensemble - Jeff Guy
• Star-to-Be/Ronnie Boylan/Ensemble - Lizzie Wakelin
• Connie Boylan/Ensemble - Jazmine Patton
• Bonnie Boylan/Ensemble - Megan Costic
• Frances Perkins/Ensemble - Sydney Weber
• Sophie/Ensemble - Andrea Stonecipher
• Mr. Bundles/Ensemble - James Weitzel
• Orphan - Sydney Williams, Annelyse Warren, Rylin Killen, Mary Donathan, Rylee Kate Brinkman, Rachel Wakelin, Lydia Ressler, Reese Wolfe, Nevaeh Woods
• Ensemble - Jack McLaughlin, Austin Crawford, Cody Newcomb, Jacob Pahde, Ben Selsor, Alicia Huntley, Claire Huntley, Paula Zink, Kate VonDeBur, Annie Fulgenzi, Ann Opferman, Fiona Reed, Chloe Franks
• Louis Howe        TBD

Sister Act Cast

Sister Act Cast

The staff of Sister Act would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2018 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Sister Act 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

•          Deloris Van Cartier - Jasmine French
•          Eddie Souther - Lex Glover
•          Mother Superior - Deb Rudis
•          Sister Mary Robert - Grace Cohlon
•          Sister Mary Lazarus - Karen Gerdes
•          Sister Mary Patrick - Cana Roth
•          Curtis - Roger Finnell
•          Monsignor O’hara - Brett Rutherford
•          Michelle - Sydney Assalley
•          Tina - Angelica Ikejiaku
•          Tj - Peyton Knowski
•          Joey - Nicholas Nielson
•          Pablo - TBA
•          Sister Mary Martin of Tours - Carla Wilson
•          Sister Mary Theresa - Lacey Shiffer
•          Ernie - Eric Albrecht
•          Featured Nun - Lizzie Wakelin , Amy Strohman , Emily Ducaji, Savanah Milspaugh
•          Ensemble Nun - Melissa Williams, Sydney Weber, Hillary Hines, Christie Lazarides, Laura Mitkos, Kathy Sees, Amanda Neubauer
•          Ensemble/ Dance Captain - Lisa Mayes
•          Ensemble - Rebecca Heckel, Daniel Cavanagh, Campbell Coker, Kylie Rogers, Emma Dowding, Sarah Kline

Announcing the Principal Staff of Annie!

We are proud to wrap up our season with the crowd favorite, Annie! Sponsored by RSM, Annie will run August 3-5, 8-12. A heart-filled production of a family favorite, Muni’s 2018 production of Annie will be full of poignant comedy and attention to historic detail as it explores the question of what makes a family.   

Plucky and optimistic, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City orphanage that is run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC, making her way from the Hooverville shantytown to the palatial mansion of billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Along the way, with the help of Warbucks’ personal secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's schemes, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a new home and family. The sun’ll come out this summer at the Muni!

Director: Carly Shank
Carly directed Muni's Sweeney Todd and Oliver! and appeared on stage last summer as Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins. She has also directed Next to Normal and Joseph... for the HCFTA, The Crucible and Mr. Lincoln for TIP, and STC's production of Rent.  Carly works as Director of Audience Development for Sangamon Auditorium, and is delighted to lead the team for this summer's production of Annie, having been in the casts of three previous Springfield productions of Annie, going back to Springfield's very first first production of the beloved musical in 1983. 

Producer: Dennis O'Brien
Dennis has been involved in Muni productions onstage, backstage, and as board member of both the Board of Managers and Board of Trustees for several decades. A three time President of Muni, he knows where most of the bodies are buried, and it is rumored he planted several of them personally. That makes him a perfect candidate for the position of Producer.  He is an attorney with Livingstone, Mueller, O’Brien & Davlin, P.C., and he is the proud father of Sean, Kate, Betsy and Conor, all of whom have graced the Muni stage on numerous occasions. 

 
Assistant Director: John Sivak
John is very excited to be on the staff of Annie this summer! This is his 20th year of involvement with the Muni, he previously directed Muni’s South Pacific in 2016 and has performed in and directed several shows around the area. This is John’s third production of Annie, he was in the chorus of the 2003 STC production and was FDR in the 2010 Muni production. He is very much looking forward to creating new memories with the cast and staff of this year’s show.

Vocal Director: Christie Lazarides

Christie is so excited to be a part of the Annie team! This will be Christie’s 11th year on staff for Muni, having most recently vocal directed Muni’s RENT, Shrek, Spamalot, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and Mary Poppins. This will be Christie’s fourth time being involved in a production of Annie. She performed as an orphan twice, including once as Pepper in one of Muni’s productions. Annie was also the very first show Christie ever vocal directed. 

Choreographer: Casey Tester

Casey is an English teacher at Riverton High School where she has directed, assisted with, and/or choreographed nearly twenty shows, including most recently Legally Blonde, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Shrek; but this is her first time participating in a community theater production, other than supporting and enjoying it from the audience. She is thrilled to be joining the Muni family, and especially for the opportunity to work with Carly, who is the first person to inspire in her a love of musical theater through an unforgettable camp during the summer of 1992 (where she just so happened to perform Annie's "Maybe"). Twelve years ago, Annie was Casey's first opportunity to try out her choreography skills, and she is so grateful to revisit its magic again this summer! 

Assistant Vocal Director: Haley Muller

Haley is thrilled to be on staff for Annie! She is a vocal music education major at Millikin University where she is in multiple student and music organizations. She has been in numerous Muni performances including Les Miserables, Little Mermaid, and Mary Poppins. She has been a cast member in many shows in the Springfield area and is excited for her first time on staff, especially for Annie, having played the role of Annie in sixth grade at Cantrall Intermediate School and it being the first show she was in as an orphan at the Muni in 2010.

 

Stage Manager: Seth Wheeler

Seth served as Assistant Director for Mary Poppins, Apprentice Director for The Little Mermaid, and Stage Manager for Shrek the Musical and Les Miserables in previous Muni seasons. Long ago one might have found him on the Muni stage, faking his way through tap dances with Kevin Kulavic in Crazy for You or trying to pass as a Shark in West Side Story. While he likes being on stage and performing, he's going back to his comfort zone which is backstage, bossing people around and making sure that the audience gets a great show every night. During the day, Seth is the Facilities Manager at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. This will be Seth's eleventh consecutive summer at the Muni and he is excited to work on Annie with yet another amazing Directing team. It may be a hard-knock life, but not when you're doing what you love!