Announcing the Principal Staff for Sister Act!

Sister Act will make its Muni debut as our second show this season! Sponsored by Edward Jones, Sister Act will run June 22-24 and 27, July 1. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

 

Co-Director/choreographer: Morgan Kaplan
Morgan is co-Director/choreographer for Sister Act. By day, she is an Associate Director for Tri Sigma National Sorority. She has been active in local theatre for more than 15 years. Morgan most recently co-directed A Chorus Line for STC with Andrew Maynerich in 2017. She has been on staff and on stage for numerous productions at Muni, STC, SHS, HCFTA and SHG. Favorite shows include Chicago (HCFTA), Cats (OTM) Hairspray, The Producers, and Shrek at Muni; Hair, Rock of Ages, Gigi in Miss Saigon, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (STC) and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (HCFTA); Beauty and the Beast and Ragtime at SHS.  She is most proud of the role of Mommy to Sawyer. Get ready for a heavenly summer!

 

Co-Director/choreographer: Andrew Maynerich
Andrew is excited to make his Muni Co-Director debut of Sister Act with Morgan Kaplan!  After Co-directing A Chorus Line for STC's 2017 season, Andrew and Morgan and stoked to the heavens for this show!  No stranger to the stage, however, Andrew has been performing at the Muni since 2003, and has most recently performed as Emcee in Cabaret (2015), Jimmy Winter in Nice Work (2016), and Bert in Mary Poppins (2017), and many others throughout the community.  Having choreographed and assistant directed many shows over the years, including Shrek, Spamalot, South Pacific, and Rocky Horror, Andrew is excited to put on a new hat!  Andrew is an advanced tap instructor for Springfield Dance Company, and owns and operates Maynerich Financial where he works as a Financial Advisor.  

 

Producer: Greg Donathan
Greg is a hospital administrator at a mental health center. Greg has directed several local productions, including Sister Act, The Sound of Music and Legally Blonde. Greg has been seen on the Muni stage as Phil in last summer’s White Christmas, the Tinman in the Wizard of Oz, Josh in Big, Billy in Anything Goes and Henrik in A Little Night Music. Greg played the title role in Pippin and Lt. Cable in South Pacific at TIP and Adam/Noah in Children of Eden and Bobby in Company st STC. Greg loves sharing his love of theatre and music with his wife Elizabeth and children Edward, Cecilia, Matthew and Mary.

 

Assistant Director: Stacy Kolaz
Stacy has been involved in theater most of her life. Stacy has appeared in and worked on many different shows throughout the Springfield theater community. She recently assistant directed for HCFTA Charlie Brown Christmas and apprentice directed for Muni’s Marry Poppins.  Stacy is currently the Makeup/Hair co-chair for the Muni and has coordinated make-up and hair for many productions around the area, including Muni’s The Little Mermaid, South Pacific, Seussical, Shrek, Dream girls and Beauty and the Beast. Stacy is looking forward to spending her summer under the stars.

 

Vocal Director: Damien Kaplan

Damien Kaplan is Vocal/Music Director for Sister Act. By day, he is the Director of Choral Activities at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. He is also the Director of the Lincoln Troubadors. He has conducted and Vocal directed numerous productions for The Muni, HCFTA, STC, SHS and SHG. Favorite credits include vocals for Les Miserables (Muni and HCFTA), Big River (Muni), Forever Plaid (HCFTA), Music Direction for Parade (HCFTA), Urinetown (OTM), Hairspray, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins (Muni), and the role of Lord Farquad in Muni’s Shrek. His most recently added credit (and his favorite one) is dad to Sawyer!

Stage Manager: Jennifer Gronewold

Jennifer is the Learning Lab Coordinator at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. She has worked behind the scenes for several shows at SHG, Muni, Legacy, and STC. She is beyond thrilled to stage manage for Sister Act and provide props for Legally Blonde this summer at Muni. A big thank you to the staffs of these shows for these exciting opportunities. She is sincerely grateful to be surrounded by family and friends, who continue to inspire her love of all things theatrical.