Announcing the Principal Staff of Little Shop of Horrors!

We are happy to announce the principle staff of our first production "Little Shop of Horrors." The show is set to open on June 1 at 8:30 PM. Sponsored by Springfield Clinic this will be a wonderful production to open our Muni season!

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it…blood! Over time, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out-of-this-world origin and designs for nothing less than global domination.

Director: Laurie Barnes

Laurie teaches Physics and Astronomy at Glenwood High School  where she also directs the school musicals.  She was in her first show at Muni in 1975 and has been involved with Muni ever since.  She has directed a number of shows here, including Ragtime, Aida, The Secret Garden, Once On This Island, and Jekyll and Hyde. She is very proud that all 4 of her children have been involved in Muni and she absolutely could not do a show without brother Dave on the piano!

Producer: Mary Matheny

Mary has performed on stage several times, including last summer's Mary Poppins and appeared as Mother in STC’s A Christmas Story. She is grateful for the opportunity to be part of another Muni show and looks forward to taking on this new role.

 

Assistant Director: Kevin Kulavic

Kevin most recently played Roger in our production of Grease. His resume is very extensive from performing and staffing numerous shows throughout the area. To pay his bills, Kevin is Deputy Director at the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules. He is looking forward to working with Laurie in bringing Little Shop to the Muni stage.  

 Vocal Director: Steve Rotello

Stephen Rotello takes on the role of vocal director after having spent many summers working at the Muni for shows such as Jekyll & Hyde, Hairspray, Ragtime, and Seussical. Steve is a long time member of the Muni Board of Managers. 

 
Choreographer: Ronda Brinkman

Ronda Brinkman has been a member of the Springfield arts community most of her life as a dancer, actor, choreographer and volunteer. Ronda danced with Springfield Ballet Company for 16 years, dancing many leading roles, including Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow White and held staff and board positions with SBC. Teaching for 30 years, she is the owner of Springfield Dance and the Artistic Director for Springfield Dance Theatre, a large children’s arts organization dedicated to enriching the community through the performing arts.  

Stage Manager: Kelly Franklin

Kelly has been with Muni since 2009 and is excited to be back for another season! Kelly is a senior at Illinois State University majoring in Theater and Legal Studies and can't wait to graduate in May. Muni was her first opportunity backstage and she hasn't stopped working since! Over the years, Kelly has crewed, sponsored, and managed shows at Muni, GHS, and ISU. She was the Asst. Stage Manager for Muni’s Mary Poppins and Shrek The Musical. She is the former President of Theatre of Ted and Captain of the Mock Trial Team. Kelly is thankful for the opportunity and is excited to make new friends and memories with Little Shop!