Mary Poppins Cast

The staff of Mary Poppins would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2017 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Mary Poppins 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.

• Mary Poppins - Mary Kate Smith
• Bert - Andrew Maynerich
• George Banks - Gus Gordon
• Mrs. Winifred Banks - Carly Shank
• Jane - Madigan Sweeney
• Michael- Copper Coker
• Mrs. Brill -  Karee Prince
• Mrs. Cory - Sherry Frachey
• Miss Andrew -  Karen Gerdes
• Neleus/Chimney Sweep - Rigoberto Ernst
• The Bird Woman - Kathy Sees
• Admiral Boom -  Gil Opferman
• Bank Chairman - Pat Foster
• Robertson Aye - Graham Haven
• Katie Nanna - Olivia Huber
• Policeman/ John Northbrook - Greg Runyard
• Park Keeper - Luke Petersen
• Chimney Sweep  - Rayden  Meyer, Anthony Munar, Hannah Levin, Justin Brandon,  Cassie Gray, Maddie Booth, Haley Muller
• Mrs Lark/ Chimney Sweep - Mary Matheny
• Von Hussler / Ensemble - Brett Rutherford
• Miss Smythe/  Ensemble - Amanda Hoffman
• Valentine / Ensemble - Augusto Elias
• Ensemble - Mike Gascoigne, Sarah Kline, Campbell Coker, Ann Opferman, Sydney Assalley, Brock Kemp , Sydney Weber , Sophie Nuding, Lacey Shiffer, Jori Clark
• Kids ensemble/Annie - Maddie Sievers
• Kids ensemble/Fannie - Anna Headman
• Kids ensemble - Bella Lazarides, Rylee Kate Brinkman
• Pit - Molly Thornberry, Kaitlin O’Neill, Lucas O’Neill, Sierra Gosteli, Hayley Tolan, Ken Carter, Grace Portz, Natalie Young

Willy Wonka Cast

The staff of Willy Wonka would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2017 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Willy Wonka 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.

• Willy Wonka - Jefffery Prince
• Charlie Bucket - Susan Wheeler
• Grandpa Joe  - Jim Dahlquist
• Augustus Gloop - Jack McLaughlin
• Mrs. Gloop – Joey McLaughlin
• Mrs. Bucket – Laura Mitkos
• Mike Teavee - Gabe Woodruff
• Mrs. Teavee - Lisa Luper
• Veruca Salt - Amalia Schneider
• Mr. Salt - John Sivak
• Violet Beauregarde - Nina Litvak
• Mrs. Beauregarde - Nicole Sivak
• Mr. Bucket - Zeke Kern
• Phineous Trout  - Peyton Knowski
• Grandpa George - Thomas Sagins
• Grandma Georgina - Maggie Cluck
• Grandma Josephine – Lisa Tossi
• Featured Oompa Loompa - GraceAnne Prince, Sabrina Schackmann, Madison Reiterman, Kamille Henson, Parker Nichols
• Oompa Loompa -  Gianna Antonacci, Olivia Baker, Rachel Binegar, AnnaMarie Boarman, Sarah Carley, Isabella Cavanagh, Sarah Cavanagh, Samantha Cere, Sara Cere, Gabrielle Deller, Maddie Eickhoff, Sophie Gebhart, Reagan Gentry, Margaret Hacke, Lucy Harmon, Jack Harris, Charleigh Hoecker, Ella Hohenstein,Claire Huntley, Liam Huntley, Grace Ingersoll, Arabella Johnson, Jillian Kohlrus, Madalyn Linderman, Lavanya Mani, Luke McGinness, Hope Miller, Faith Miller, Nadia Mitchell, Maja Mulvey, Kyleigh Nguyen, Lydia Ressler, Kayla Simon, Ava Southern, Ella Sullivan, Megan Thing, Trent Tholen, Addelyn Warren, Annelyse Warren, Juliet Woodruff,

Grease Announces Cast

The staff of Grease would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2017 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for Grease 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.

• DANNY ZUKO – Andrew Brant

• SANDY DUMBROWSKI – Kelsi Frost

• RIZZO – Sydney Assalley

• KENICKIE –  Nathan Moss

• FRENCHY –  Shelby Bayless  

• DOODY –  Evan Rumler  

• MARTY – Haley Muller  

• ROGER – Kevin Kulavic  

• JAN –  Carly Stroud

• SONNY – Will Barnhart

• PATTY SIMCOX –  Anna Benoit

• EUGENE FLORCZYK – Sam Kauerauf

• MISS LYNCH – Cynthia Higginson

• BLANCHE – Carmen Arnberger

• CHA CHA – Maddie Booth

• VINCE FONTAINE – Jim Leach

• JOHNNY CASINO – Wes Bridges

• TEEN ANGEL – Jacob Deters

• BEAUTICIANS/ENSEMBLE – Brianna Emmert, Hannah Levin, Tori Londrigan, Payton Reichensperger, Ellen Tuttle, Emily Wilkerson

• THE MOVIE TEAM/ENSEMBLE - Justin Brandon, Luke Busboom, Hope Quarles

• FEATURED GREASERS – Michael Lanham, Patrick Regan 

• GREASERS – Colton Allen, Nick Arnberger, Logan Baskett, Kyle Bolinger, Daniel Cavanagh, Carson Cole, Ryan Fisher, Rayden Meyer

• SOCK-HOPS – Emily Bland, Mia Bentel, Sara Canny, Becky Collins, Kacee Hall, Julia Howie, Regina Ivy, Breckyn Lyons, Savannah Millspaugh, Elyse Morehead, Ashley Ramos, Leanne Telger, Samantha White

The Springfield Muni Opera Announces 2017 Audition Workshop

The Springfield Muni Opera Announces 2017 Audition Workshop

Springfield, IL – February 14, 2017 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (“The Muni”) will hold an Auditions Workshop in preparation for their upcoming auditions for the 2017 Season. The Muni encourages anyone interested in auditioning to attend the FREE Auditions Workshop on Saturday, February 18 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. The 2015 season of Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins, Irving Berlin's White Christmas and Grease requires performers of all ages, sizes and abilities.

The Children’s Audition Workshop will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the Adult Audition Workshop will follow at 1:00 p.m. The Auditions Workshop provides an opportunity to learn about the audition process, including how to register via The Muni’s online registration form and how to prepare for an audition. Attendees will hear from the directors of each show about their expectations, casting requirements and planned rehearsal schedules. Afterwards, the shows’ directors and staffs will be available to answer questions and distribute music. Those attending the workshop will also be granted access to the online registration form to sign up for an audition slot before it is opened up to the public on Sunday.

Auditions for adults will be held March 4, 5 and 11. Auditions for children will be held March 18. There are children’s roles in all shows except for Grease. All auditions and call-backs will be at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. For more information about The Muni’s Audition Workshop and Auditions, please visit www.TheMuni.org.

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 UCB and 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.

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 theater organizations in the nation. For more information on The Muni, please visit www.TheMuni.org.

Muni Tap Audition Preview

Muni Tap Audition Preview

With a season full of dance shows, tap will appear in both Mary Poppins and White Christmas at the Muni this summer(see Sightlines for more specific information).  After general dance audition, a tap combination will be taught. View and rehearse it ahead of time and "wow" them with your moves by watching the video below or on the Adult Audition page.

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. 

Disney’s Little Mermaid makes its debut and closes out the 2016 Springfield Muni season

Disney’s Little Mermaid makes its debut and closes out the 2016 Springfield Muni season

Springfield, IL – August 15, 2016 – The Springfield Municipal Opera (The Muni) closes its 2016 season with Disney's Little Mermaid, sponsored by RSM and directed by Craig Williams II. The production will run August 19-21 and 24-28. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m.

This will be the first time Disney's Little Mermaid will be performed on The Muni stage. This musical debuted on Broadway in 2008, and is based on the animated 1989 Disney film and the story written by Hans Christian Andersen.

Little Mermaid takes you under the sea to tell you about Ariel (played by Sophie Lanser), a mermaid who desperately wants to be part of the world above the sea and falls in love with Prince Eric (played by Ryan Fisher). The book is by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

“The cast and staff are so excited to take children and children-at-heart on a magical journey under the sea with the fun-loving characters we have come to love," said Williams II. “We are striving to make every detail of our debut production as beautiful and engaging as possible. We are confident you will fall in with the Little Mermaid all over again.

Disney's Little Mermaid at The Muni will also feature free, special activities before the show every night from 7-8 p.m. The Under the Sea pre-party will include  themed crafts for young girls and boys.  On Family Night, Wednesday, August 24 from 7-8 p.m., Ariel's Shellabration will be held. This party will include a light up wand, crafts, mermaid face paint and a shell pass for a picture with Ariel after the show. The Shellabration will cost $5 per child, which will be collected the night of the show. On Family Night, ticket prices for children 12 and under are half price when accompanied by a paid adult – $6 for Reserved Seating and $3 for General Admission.

Throughout the run, two types of seating arrangements are available – Reserved Seating and General Admission (lawn seating.) The price of Reserved Seating is $14 for adults and $12 for seniors/military/students/children; General Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/military/students, $6 for children (age 3-12), and free for kids age 2 and under.

Additionally, Thursday, August 25 is Senior Night. On Senior Night, ticket prices are reduced to $11 for Reserved Seating and $7 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 21.

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 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.