Playing Both Good & Evil, Hero & Villain

Playing Both Good & Evil, Hero & Villain

5 Questions with DJ Shultz

Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde, Jekyll & Hyde The Musical

by Alexa Giacomini, Member – Muni Board of Managers

AG: Tell us a little about yourself…

DJS: I’m married to my beautiful, supportive wife Karen with 2 awesome kids, Kinsley (8) and Kreston (4.)  I've been at Western Oaks Baptist Church for 14 years as the Music Minister and recently became the Executive Pastor at WOBC.  I also own a construction company, Lifestory Homes.

I enjoy spending time with my family, performing/directing local theatre, and golfing when I can squeeze it in. Unfortunately I'm also a long suffering Cubs fan.

AG: What's your Muni experience? 

DJS: My first experience with the Muni family was in 2002, when I played Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I've also served as musical director for All Shook Up and was most recently in Les Miserables, which was performed last year.

The best part of The Muni is the people. The Muni is a big family and it's all heightened and intensified every summer as we spend countless hours together; everyone working together toward a common goal of high quality musical theatre.

AG: In Jekyll & Hyde The Musical you get to portray both the hero and the villain, sometimes switching between both in the middle of a scene. What do you see as your greatest challenge in doing this realistically (without the assistance of makeup/effects), and how will you prepare?  

DJS: When I first learned that Muni was doing Jekyll & Hyde The Musical, I was pretty indifferent because I was not familiar with the show. Once I listened to the music and started digging into the story, I was really intrigued by the role and its many challenges.

I have been classically trained in vocal performance and I believe that foundation will be very important in this role. I've always had the God-given ability to change/modify my voice /tone to whatever genre of music I was singing. That will be critical to this role. Jekyll and Hyde not only switch in the middle of a scene but at one point every two measures in the “Confrontation” song towards the end of Act 2.  It will also be a stretch/challenge for me in the acting realm. Definitely the most challenging role I've played so far.

AG: Are there any themes from this show that speak to you in particular, given your background in the ministry/church or otherwise?  

DJS: Definitely, the theme of good and evil is the central theme to this show. It's a question that mankind has been dealing with since the beginning. We all are on a journey and each of us has a choice on how we try and live our lives. It's not a stretch for us to know what evil is. Mankind is fallen because of choices they made in the garden of Eden but God provided a way for good to prevail by sending His son, Jesus Christ. Good wins.

AG: Why should people come see Jekyll & Hyde The Musical?  

DJS: The haunting yet beautiful music itself is worth the ticket price. A talented cast, production crew, and staff will give their all to bring this Tony-nominated musical to life for the first time on the Muni stage.

Bringing a Larger-Than-Life Movie Musical to the Stage

Bringing a Larger-Than-Life Movie Musical to the Stage

5 Questions with Craig Williams II

Director, Shrek The Musical

by Alexa Giacomini, Member – Muni Board of Managers

AG: Tell us a little about yourself…

CW: I have performed onstage since I have 4 years old. My mom would bribe me with toys and chocolate to sing at church or for her friends. Since then, I have been tuned onto the community theater scene; I audition and participate in as much as I can.  

Professionally, I started in public accounting in 2006 with Sikich LLP in Springfield, IL. For the past 2 years, I have been the Chief Internal Auditor for the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission.

AG: What's your Muni experience? 

CW: I started performing and volunteering in Muni productions when I was in high school. My first Muni show was My Fair Lady in which I played in the Cockney Quartet. Since then, I have only been absent from “the magic” for 1 year while I was in college. I have been in many different productions, including Oklahoma, Miss Saigon and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.  

While performing, I had a growing interest in the creative process of theatre. In college, I began as an architecture major and designing was still something I enjoyed. So, I joined the staff of The Music Man as the Assistant Director and Stage Manager. Thereafter, I had the bug.  

The following year, I expressed my interest in directing Disney's High School Musical and my hope came true. With a vibrant staff behind me, we had a blast putting together my first Muni show. Since then, I have directed Hairspray, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and Dreamgirls.

Each year, I meet more new and talented individuals.  The people are what make “the Muni magic” happen and I try to surround myself with creative, fun and passionate individuals who aren't afraid of trying new things or having an opinion.

AG: You've produced multiple big ensemble, movie-to-musical shows at the Muni the past few years. What's the biggest challenge and greatest reward in producing this type of show?

CW: First, unlike original stage plays, movie-to-musical shows have a story that many people already know, so accounting for preconceived notions is a big part of the initial, creative process. I try to go through and determine what is iconic to the show, then design a new or modified production around it. On the other hand, because many people know the story and really enjoy it, they come expecting to be entertained and are usually easy to please!  

Also, the shows I have directed have been very popular on Broadway and draw a fun, energetic audience, which energizes the actors and boosts the performance to a new level. 

Lastly, each year, I learn something new, whether it is a better way of doing something or an innovative set design. Trying to surprise or amaze the audience in even the smallest way is a fun way to spice up a show that people might already know.

AG: What special costumes, sets, and/or effects can we expect to see at Shrek The Musical this summer?

CW: Being a fantasy, Shrek The Musical has lots of room for fun and over-the-top designs! At Muni, we have no ceiling, so sets can be large and detailed to draw the audience into the world of ogres, fairytale creatures and dragons.

This year, the stage will become a giant, green swamp. From his swampy home, Shrek, with his extensive prosthetic make-up, will emerge to fight a 30 foot long dragon that breathes smoke, flies around the stage and falls in love with a donkey, whose ears actually move. Also, we can't forget about Pinocchio and his nose that grows right in front of your eyes! Fantasy will become real in Shrek The Musical at The Muni. Our costumer and makeup artists have some work cut out for them, but there is lots of magic coming to the Muni stage.

AG: Why should people come see Shrek The Musical?

CW: Shrek The Musical has heart. It teaches the importance of being different and being proud of who or what you are. Not everyone fits into a cookie cutter world nor should we, and by standing out of the crowd, Shrek is able to lead the way for many others to be who they are and stand up for what they believe.

Just as important, you will enjoy the music. It's fun and contagious. You will toe tap and hum your way through the show and back home at the end of the night. It is the perfect show for a night under the stars at The Muni.  

From Leading Lady to the Director’s Chair

From Leading Lady to the Director’s Chair

5 Questions with Anna Bussing

1^st Time Muni Director, All Shook Up

by Alexa Giacomini, Member – Muni Board of Managers

AG: Tell us a little about yourself…

AB: I was born and raised in Springfield and went to SHG and the University of Illinois for undergrad and grad school.  I have my doctorate in audiology and currently work at SIU Audiology with pediatrics and adults. 

AG: What's your Muni experience?

AB: My first role at The Muni was in 1995 when I was 9 years old; I played Tootie in Meet Me in St. Louis. My sister and I used to practice my song “Under the Bamboo Tree” on our fireplace. We can still do it together.

Favorite shows to date include Big and Grease. I was in the chorus for both shows. Favorite roles I’ve played are Wendy and Peter Pan in Peter Pan. It's my favorite show; I think the show is just magical.  

I started working behind the scenes on staff as a choreographer in 2010 for Disney’s High School Musical. I later also choreographed Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  

This will be my 20^th season at The Muni. I've never skipped a season. It's my summer home and I can't imagine being anywhere else on summer nights. People always ask how I can dedicate so much time and effort to shows but the people there have become like family. It's the most enjoyable thing I do. I want to be there every night. 

AG: What do you think your biggest challenges will be as a first time Muni director? What is different about directing a Muni show than other productions in town?

AB: The scariest thing is that I've been given this responsibility from people who have directed me and led me since I was a kid. I respect their opinion so much and I don't want to disappoint them. I often forget that I make the final decisions now. I'm so used to asking others for their permission and opinion. I have to make the final decision now and it's nerve racking. But it's comforting knowing that I have guidance from tons of people if I need it.

The Muni is different because the shows are so gigantic. There are big sets, a big cast and so much happening in each scene. It will be a challenge being responsible for so many people. 

AG: How did you make the transition from lead actress to director? Any advice for other aspiring directors?

AB: It seemed like a natural transition. As you do more shows and gain more experience, you formulate an opinion about things that work and things that don't. The biggest thing is to make sure that you decide to be on staff for shows for which you have a true passion. Do it wholeheartedly or don't do it. I'm trying to hold myself to that for both auditioning and being on staff.

AG: Why should people come see All Shook Up?

AB: This show is pure fun and rock-n-roll.  It has energetic choreography, a simple plot, familiar Elvis songs and high energy.  It’s good old fashioned theater that is pure entertainment and takes no effort to watch. It's cliché but a simple sit back and relax kinda’ show. 

The Captain’s Boatswain Call

The Captain’s Boatswain Call

5 Questions with John O’Connor

Captain von Trapp, The Sound of Music

 

by Alexa Giacomini, Member – Muni Board of Managers

 

AG: Tell us a little about yourself…

JOC: I've lived in Springfield for 20 years, currently with two dogs, Shadrach and Ginger, a permanent visitor. I'm a news reporter for The Associated Press, writing about government and politics at the Capitol. 

 

In addition to The Sound of Music this summer, I will reprise my role as the Union Captain in the musical The Civil War outdoors at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in July, and will take on the one-man show Mr. Lincoln at New Salem's Theatre in the Park in August.

 

AG: What’s your Muni experience?

JOC: The Sound of Music will be my 16^th Muni show. On the Muni stage, I've played both Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, and both Daddy Warbucks and Rooster in Annie. Other favorite roles are Captain Hook in Peter Pan, Adam Pontipee in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun.

 

AG: The Sound of Music is one of theatre's most well-known and loved shows. What do you see as the challenges in taking on the role of the Captain? What are you most looking forward to in portraying this role?

JOC: Captain von Trapp offers one of those complex characters who is both outwardly tough, disciplined and wary of showing emotions, and inwardly loving, caring and sensitive. The challenge of portraying von Trapp is to accurately portray the range of emotions and the transformational arc he must wend through from tough captain to the loving father of seven children whom Maria brings forth.

 

It is difficult to bring subtlety to the role, for it would be rather two-dimensional to have him go from all-tough-guy to sensitive male.  Obviously, there's a lot of nuance, and some of both sides come out at various times, so that's a challenge. 

 

And a character such as von Trapp must not only rely on other characters, namely Maria, to help bring that change about, but to also be aware of the role he plays in helping other characters transform throughout the story. That's the beauty of theatre, the interconnectedness – no one exists in a vacuum, just like in life.

 

AG: What's your personal experience with The Sound of Music?

JOC: When I was a child, and it came on network television, my sister conducted a lottery to determine who in the family would get the best seats in the den, where the television was. It was a huge event for her. I didn't know what all the fuss was about. 

 

As an adult, and seeing it various places such as at the Muni in 2005, I developed a deep appreciation for the story, for it's far more than just the catchy, unforgettable tunes that Julie Andrews made famous. It's not only based on the true story of Maria and the von Trapps, but occurs during a pivotal time in world history, when people really had to make political choices that could mean life or death.

 

AG: Why should people come see The Sound of Music?

JOC: It's a show that is not all just happy-go-lucky, boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl predictability. It has some real meat to it. Captain von Trapp is an Austrian at the time of the Nazi annexation of Austria, and this emotional story plays out in front of a hellish time in world history. There's real substance to the story. The subplot – the Nazi takeover of Austria – has to be among the more chilling in musical theatre. And it really happened.

 

There's also no better place to spend a warm summer evening than at The Muni.  I've participated in 16 shows out there, but have probably attended five dozen more.  I have been amazed at the talent this community produces, and have often sat under the stars and taken it in; The Muni has come to define summer for me in Springfield.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

5 Questions with Mary Harmon

Maria von Trapp, The Sound of Music

 

by Alexa Giacomini, Member – Muni Board of Managers

 

AG: Tell us a little about yourself…

MH: I grew up in Chatham and graduated from SHG in 1989. I attended Millikin University on a musical theater scholarship, but realized my true calling was education.

 

I have been married to my husband Dave for 11 wonderful years. His job relocated us out-of-state for about 6 years. In 2009, we were fortunate enough to move back home to Springfield with our two children, Lucy (age 10) and Peter (age 9). 

 

Since then, I went back to teaching at my children's school, Christ the King, where I am blessed to teach 6th grade again. In fact, two of my current students and some former students will be in the production, as well. 

 

AG: What’s your Muni experience?

MH: My first Muni show was back in 1988 - Annie Get Your Gun. I auditioned for years and Paul Presney, the director, gave me my first opportunity to appear in the chorus at age 16. It was an amazing experience.

I was cast in a supporting role the following year in Fiddler on the Roof. I played Hodel, one of Tevye's daughters, and shared the stage with The Sound of Music's vocal director, Elizabeth Donathan. Since then, I have been in many other Muni shows, but my favorites were playing Rose in Bye Bye Birdie (1998), a storyteller in Children of Eden (2000), and most recently, a chorus member of Les Miserables (2013). 

Moving back home has allowed me the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful Muni family again along with my daughter, Lucy, who has appeared in shows the past two summers and will be Baby Bear in Shrek this summer. 

AG: The Sound of Music is one of theatre's most well-known and loved shows. What do you see as the challenges in taking on the role of Maria? What are you most looking forward to in portraying this role?

MH: Oh my, there will be many challenges ahead of me in taking on the role of Maria! First of all, it is such an iconic musical and just about everyone imagines Julie Andrews playing Maria, as do I. She is not an easy actress to live up to, but I will do my best to bring her idea of Maria along with my own to the Muni stage.

I look forward to portraying a role that has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. The Sound of Music has always been one my favorite musicals because of the ideals and values the story brings to life. Both Maria and the Captain face difficult internal struggles that are not easy to bring to light on a stage, but it is my hope that both John and I will do them justice. 

Our director, Greg Donathan, has put together a phenomenal cast, and I am greatly anticipating working with all of them, especially my dear friend, Johna Keen, who will portray the Reverend Mother. If I can listen to her sing "Climb Every Mountain" on stage every night without crying it will be a miracle. 

AG: What's your personal experience with The Sound of Music?

MH: I remember watching The Sound of Music with my mom as a little girl and singing all the songs. Before the time of VCRs, DVDs and DVRs, we had to wait until it aired on TV, usually just once a year, to enjoy the beauty of it. 

Most little girls dream of being one of the children, usually Liesel, but not me. Julie Andrews as Maria was such an inspiration.  She was pure class, but very loveable and real. 

AG: Why should people come see The Sound of Music?

MH: Why not?  It's a lovely musical with a beautiful message of true love, sacrifice and unconditional faith. As Mother Abbess states, "You have to find the life you were born to live."  Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a night of beautiful music under the stars at The Muni!

All Aboard for the ever popular, Senior Bus!

All Aboard for the ever popular, Senior Bus!

 Tulips are blooming, the days are getting warmer, May is right around the corner, and the exciting 2014 Muni Season will be here before we know it.  If you are a senior or you know a senior that would love an air-conditioned bus ride to some of the best shows in town, this is a wonderful program!

 The Senior Bus Program will be running on Thursdays, June 19 for Sound of Music, July 17 for All Shook Up, Aug. 14 for Shrek the Musical and Sept. 11 for Jekyll & Hyde.  The mailings went out last week to all in our mailing list; if you are not on our mailing list, you can get all the information and the forms to ride the bus by clicking here.

 We pick up at 8 different locations in Springfield, and new this year, a stop at the Villas in Chatham.  In addition seniors are dropped at the back gate near their seating and provided a popcorn and drink complete with an end of performance meet and greet with the cast on the way to board return buses.  The payment and paperwork are due, Wednesday, May 21.  If you have any questions, you can contact Gil Opferman at gil.ann1@mchsi.com or call 217- 487-7342.

 There will also be a Senior Bus Fundraiser at Noodles and Company, 2575 Wabash Avenue, and Monday, May 12^th from 4-9 pm with a portion of the cost of your meal to be donated to the Senior Bus Program.  Also you can meet the Muni representatives working with the Senior Bus Program. 

We hope to see you there!

This program is funded in part by a grant from the King’sDaughters Organization.

All Shook Up Announces Cast

All Shook Up Announces Cast

The Staff of The All Shook Up would like to thank everyone who auditioned for the 2014 season. Casting decisions were difficult due to the many wonderful auditions that took place this year. The cast for The All Shook Up 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.

• Chad - Gavin Gardner 
•  Natalie Haller - Sophie Lanser
• Dennis - Jacob Deters
•  Sylvia - Katina Gude
• Jim Haller - Rich Beans
• Miss Sandra - Cami Kern
• Lorraine  - Calia Cole
• Dean Hyde - Ethan Fant
• Mayor Matilda Hyde - Tamara Bivens
• Sheriff Earl - Jim Leach
• Henrietta  - Angelica Ikejiaku

•   Chorus: Kathleen Brandt, Bailee Brinkman, Marissa Byers, Alex Clifton, Julie Conrad, Elissa Ealey, Erika Ealey, Ashley Eastman, Ryan Fisher, Jay Forness, Chloe Garcia, Briana Gude, Daniel Guttas, Jakob Hankins, Kendall Heuman, Sally Iocca, Dylan Leach, Lindsey Leach, Tori Londrigan,  Dennis O'Brien,  Pat Regan, Tiffany Riech, Lydia Tate,  Lexie Tyus, Kate VonDeBur, Rhett Warner,  Matt Woodson,  Zoey Zara