2025 REGIONAL THEATRE TONY AWARD RECIPIENT
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in ConcertSep 18–20Edward Scissorhandsin ConcertEvery Note, Every MomentOct 23–25HARRY POTTER All characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS © 20th Century Studios. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts © All rights reserved. Mercy Holiday CelebrationPresented by Dec 17–20Opening WeekendItalian Splendor Sep 26–27Tickets are on sale now.slso.org 314-534-1700
WELCOME TO THE MUNY 3This Is a Theatre for EveryoneThe Muny has provided a world-class theatrical experience for hundreds of thousands of patrons each summer for over a century, and we’re proud to be rooted in St. Louis. Our mission:Exceptional Musical Theatre • Every summer, we build seven spectacular musicals from the ground up. The experience brings stars from St. Louis, Broadway and beyond, and our acclaimed education programs are always inspiring the next generation.Accessible to All • The Muny was established on the civic idea that shared experiences build a stronger community. Nearly 100,000 patrons attend at no charge each year, and our accessibility services eliminate barriers to allow all patrons to experience every production. In Forest Park • What began as a grassy spot between two mighty oaks has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. We’re located at the heart of beautiful Forest Park, and Mother Nature takes the spotlight as often as our artists onstage.Do not use cellphones or other electronic devices during the performance. The use of any cameras or recording equipment during the show is strictly prohibited. Performances begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. Please wait for a pause in the action before finding or returning to your seat.We know it’s tempting, but please avoid singing along with the performance. Each guest must have a ticket.If your child moves to your lap, please be mindful of those around you.The show isn’t over until the curtain call. Our performers cherish the Muny audience — please remain seated and show your appreciation during their bows.Please Be a Courteous Audience MemberWhether it’s your first Muny production or your 101st, we’re so glad you joined us! To ensure a magical evening for all patrons, please follow these simple theatre etiquette guidelines. If you need assistance, just contact an usher.Scan this code to learn about dining, preshow entertainment and more across our 11½-acre campus.
Moneta is honored tosupport The Muny.As dedicated financial advisors, ourgoal is not just growing wealth butenriching our community. Yoursuccess is our purpose, and togetherwe can build a better future.Finerty Teammonetagroup.com/finerty314.726.2300
About a month ago, The New York Times posted an article with the headline “No One Once Told Him the World Was Gonna Meme Shrek.” Back in 1988, author and illustrator William Steig released — against the instincts of his editor — the seemingly slight children’s book Shrek, the story of an ugly ogre who was just fine being an ugly ogre, and would the world just leave him alone and let him be an ugly ogre. Shrek was a fairy tale that seemed to go against all things fairy tale.Well, that ugly ogre crashed into all our hearts and minds in 2001, with the release of the DreamWorks film Shrek. It fast became a worldwide phenomenon, spawning multiple sequels (Shrek 5, summer 2027), film and TV spinoffs, a 2008 Broadway musical, and now a never-ending Instagram/TikTok life of memes and stories. The universe of Shrek is as eternal as Donkey’s need to ask questions. So, yes, for kids, adults and all in between, Shrek is a thing. Every year since our last production (2013), dozens of young musical theatre aficionados have marched into my office, sat me down, and made sure I knew that Shrek The Musical was the great beloved and unrecognized genius musical of their generation, and it must return to The Muny now.For the record, I happen to be a card-carrying member of their fan club. Shrek The Musical is ridiculously smart, insightful and humane. Jeanine Tesori’s music and David Lindsay-Abaire’s book and lyrics are a marvel of surprising and inspiring contemporary musical theatre writing. Together they offer us powerful insights into the tale, the characters and the lives of these wonderfully fractured fairy-tale creatures. And tonight’s production even includes “More to the Story,” a song cut during the show’s out-of-town tryout. Ms. Tesori gave us special permission. So there is more to this fabulous story. Director John Tartaglia has directed 10 Muny productions, and his first was our 2013 Shrek. That makes him the first director to return to a show during my 15 seasons. John’s impact on The Muny has been profound, his vision for our stage inexhaustible. If you remember the 2013 production, you will find this one completely new, start to finish. (True story: During the 2013 run, the old turntable decided that for the night it would only turn one way. That was fun.) You’ll also see us pioneer some new stagecraft we’ve never attempted before. John is working with many familiar collaborators, beginning with the astonishing choreographer Patrick O’Neill. With his dance team of Bryan Thomas Hunt and Kelly Sheehan, Patrick is our reliable Peter Pan, inspiring magical flights from all his casts. Music director/conductor Ben Whiteley has been part of 18 Muny productions — 18! — and never fails to gloriously serve the composer, the Muny musicians and his colleagues. After triumphing with last year’s Evita, set designer Adam Koch has created a Shrek world that winks at the original illustrations and, for good crazy measure, throws in an aspirational nod to ’90s glam rock. The mighty heroic costume designer Robin L. McGee (14th Muny production) melds the looks of well-known characters with marvelous invention, style and vigor for this very, very large cast. The video work is under the witty command of Kylee Loera. So all this for a grumpy ogre who just wants to be left alone.Enjoy!Mike IsaacsonMuny Artistic Director & Executive ProducerMIKE’S NOTES 5
Emerson is proud to support The Munyin its mission to enrich lives throughexceptional musical theatre accessible to all.The Emerson logo is a trademark and a service mark of Emerson Electric Co. © 2023 Emerson Electric Co.
Kwofe A. Coleman President & Chief Executive OfficerMike Isaacson Artistic Director & Executive ProducerandShrek the Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. mtishows.comAny video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. “I’m a Believer” by Neil DiamondBased on the DreamWorks Animation motion picture and the book by William SteigMusic Direction byBen WhiteleyChoreography by Patrick O’NeillDirection by John TartagliaArtistic Director & Executive ProducerMike Isaacson Tyler Joseph Ellis Aymee Garcia Salome SmithAmelie Lock Solomon Rosenthal Lake Schultz— also starring —Book and Lyrics byDavid Lindsay-AbaireMusic byJeanine Tesori— in —Nik Walker Kara Lindsay Marcus M. Martin Troy IwataOriginally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks and Neal Street ProductionsOriginal Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford— present — 108TH SEASON • SECOND PRODUCTION • 8:15 P.M. JUNE 25–JULY 2, 2026 7Video DesignKylee LoeraWig DesignJeff KnaggsPuppet DesignJim Henson’s Creature Shop Dragon Puppet DesignJames W. Wojtal Jr.CastingThe Telsey OfficeLindsay Levine, CSAProduction Stage ManagerLarry SmiglewskiScenic Design Adam KochCostume DesignRobin L. McGeeLighting DesignJason LyonsSound DesignJoshua HummelBased on original costume design by Tim Hatley
Ameren.com/CommunitiesBright tomorrows start with doing good today.For more than 100 years, Ameren and The Muny have partnered to power the lives and livelihoods of creatives and our communities. This year, we are proud to sponsor a storyline that highlights the meaning of true love, friendship and the power our differences have to make us stronger in Shrek The Musical. Ameren is investing in our community to light the path for future generations. We proudly support The Muny.
FROM OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR 9
WE ARE A PROUD SUPPORTER OFThe MunyWE CAREabout enriching lives and communities.
SCENES & MUSICAL NUMBERS 11ACT ONEOverture......................................................................................................................OrchestraSCENE 1 FAIRYTALE BOOKSBig Bright Beautiful World ............................Shrek, Young Shrek, Mama Ogre, Papa Ogre, Fiona, Young Fiona, King Harold, Queen Lillian, Happy PeopleSCENE 2 SWAMPStory of My Life................................................................................. Guard, Fairytale CreaturesSCENE 3 FORESTDon’t Let Me Go.................................................................................................... Donkey, ShrekSCENE 4 FARQUAAD’S TORTURE CHAMBERRegiment......................................................................................................................... GuardsSCENE 5 GATES OF DULOCWhat’s Up Duloc?.................................................................... Lord Farquaad, Duloc PerformersSCENE 6 FIONA’S TOWERI Know It’s Today.........................................................................Young Fiona, Teen Fiona, FionaSCENE 7 SUNFLOWER FIELDTravel Song........................................................................................................... Donkey, ShrekSCENE 8 DRAGON’S KEEPForever ..................................................................................................Dragon, Donkey, KnightsSCENE 9 FIONA’S TOWERThis Is How a Dream Comes True..................................................Fiona, Shrek, Donkey, DragonSCENE 10 CLIFF’S EDGEWho I’d Be..................................................................................................Shrek, Fiona, DonkeyACT TWOEntr’acte......................................................................................................................OrchestraSCENE 1 BLUFFMorning Person................................................................. Fiona, Pied Piper, Bluebird, Company I Think I Got You Beat..............................................................................................Fiona, ShrekSCENE 2 FARQUAAD’S TORTURE CHAMBERBallad of Farquaad................................Lord Farquaad, Thelonius, Captain of the Guard, GuardsSCENE 3 OLD BARNSCENE 4 OLD BARNMake a Move....................................................................................... Donkey, Three Blind MiceSCENE 5 INSIDE/OUTSIDE OLD BARNWhen Words Fail ...............................................................................................................ShrekSCENE 6 THE RED WOODSMorning Person (Reprise)..................................................................................................FionaBuild a Wall .......................................................................................................................ShrekSCENE 7 THE RED WOODSFreak Flag......................................................................................................Fairytale CreaturesSCENE 8 SWAMPSCENE 9 CATHEDRALMore to the Story...............................................................................................................FionaBig Bright Beautiful World (Reprise) ................................................................................ShrekBeautiful Ain’t Always Pretty ...........................................................................................ShrekSCENE 10 SWAMPFinale ...........................................................................................................................CompanyBows.............................................................................................................................CompanyI’m a Believer ...............................................................................................................Company“I’m a Believer” (Neil Diamond) ©1966 Stonebridge Music, Foray Music. All rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC (SESAC), on behalf of Stonebridge Music, and by Foray Music (SESAC). All rights reserved. Used by permission.
At Commerce Bank and Commerce Trust, a division of Commerce Bank, our commitment to St. Louis goes beyond banking. We’re committed to investing in things that make our communities stronger. That’s why we’re proud to support The Muny and the arts: bringing people together, sparking creativity, and helping St. Louis thrive.Supporting what matters, right here at home.Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce BankInvestment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee
CAST 13Shrek NIK WALKERPrincess Fiona KARA LINDSAYDonkey MARCUS M. MARTINLord Farquaad TROY IWATAYoung Shrek SOLOMON ROSENTHALYoung Fiona LAKE SCHULTZTeen Fiona/Humpty Dumpty AMELIE LOCKSugar Plum Fairy/Gingy AYMEE GARCIAPinocchio/Knight/Pied Piper TYLER JOSEPH ELLISVoice of the Dragon/Gnome SALOME SMITHGuard/Dragon Puppeteer/Mad Hatter MATHEW BLASIOBricks DESHAWN BOWENSFairy Godmother/Bluebird/Blind Mouse MONIQUE CHURCHILLWhite Rabbit/Duloc Intro MATTHEW DAVIESBaby Bear/Blind Mouse KYLIE EDWARDSKing Harold/Papa Bear/Thelonius/Knight RYAN FITZGERALDBig Bad Wolf/Captain of the Guard MATT GIBSONMama Ogre/Wicked Witch SHELBY GRISWOLDStraw MICHAEL HARPShoemaker’s Elf/Greeter GWEN HOLLANDERTweedledum/Blind Mouse ABBY LINDERMANPeter Pan/Knight/Bishop SEAN McMANUSQueen Lillian/Mama Bear SHELBY RINGDAHLSticks TREVOR MICHAEL SCHMIDTUgly Duckling KELLY SHEEHANPapa Ogre/Wizard/Knight JONAH D. WINSTONSwings JACK GIMPEL, CAITLIN STEBELMANDance Captain KELLY SHEEHANEnsembleMATHEW BLASIO, DESHAWN BOWENS, MONIQUE CHURCHILL, MATTHEW DAVIES, KYLIE EDWARDS, TYLER JOSEPH ELLIS, RYAN FITZGERALD, AYMEE GARCIA, MATT GIBSON, SHELBY GRISWOLD, MICHAEL HARP, GWEN HOLLANDER, ABBY LINDERMAN, AMELIE LOCK, SEAN McMANUS, SHELBY RINGDAHL, TREVOR MICHAEL SCHMIDT, KELLY SHEEHAN, SALOME SMITH, JONAH D. WINSTONYouth EnsembleCHRYS AUCLAIR, EMMA BRIDGEMAN, ADDISON BUCKNER, GRACIE COOK, JACK ESTOPARE, BRODY FRANK, MARK HILL, ABBY HOGAN, FLORENCE LEWIS, CHRISTOPHER LOWERY, AMARA LOYND, RICCO MARTIN JR., BRYNN MEYER, LEVI MONEY, KAYLA MONTGOMERY, ARDEN POWELL, EVIE PRETILA, ARIANA PRUETT, TEAGAN RICE, SOLOMON ROSENTHAL, COOPER SCHEESSELE, WILL SCHULTE, SPENCER SLAVIK, LILLY SMITH, CHARLOTTE SMITH, NORA SPROWLS, AVERY STARK, MALIAH STRAWBRIDGE, TATUM WILSON, LEIA YOGIThe Muny is a professional theatre, and the Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are proudly represented by Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional Actors and Stage Managers in the USA.
CAU-12038D-A © 2026 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Member SIPCSupporting The Muny’s mission to make theater accessible to allEdward Jones believes the arts are vital to the health of our St. Louis community. Organizations like The Muny bring diverse perspectives to life, enriching our hearts and minds.edwardjones.com/findingfulfillment
NIK WALKER(Shrek) is a Boston native, ADHDer and unqualified NYU professor who’s survived this industry for 20 years and counting. Broadway and Broadwayadjacent roles include Sir Galahad in the 2023 revival of Spamalot, Aaron Burr in Hamilton and one of the six original Phantoms in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Masquerade. On screen, he’s been seen on Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, in the Apple TV film The Instigators (alongside his hometown hero, Matt Damon), and he’s lent his voice to the new Adult Swim cartoon President Curtis, debuting this year. As a writer, Nik’s first original cartoon, Cleaners, is in development with Warner Bros. Animation and Amazon Studios. Nik can be found in NYC with his amazing wife, Sarah, or on vacation at one of Disney’s or Universal Studios’ many incredible theme parks. Dedicated to the dearest dears, Charlotte and Marissa — long live the spice. Long live Shrekcellence. @nikkywalksKARA LINDSAY(Princess Fiona) most recently appeared off-Broadway as Michele in Romy & Michele: The Musical. Broadway: Wicked(Glinda), Beautiful (Cynthia Weil), Newsies (Katherine, original cast and Fathom Events film), Once Upon a Mattress (standby for Sutton Foster, Winnifred). National tours: Wicked (Glinda), Little House on the Prairie (originated Laura). Paper Mill Playhouse: Newsies, A Jolly Holiday, Little House on the Prairie. Sacramento Music Circus: Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy Selden). NCT: Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins). Kansas City Rep: Cabaret (Sally Bowles). 5th Avenue: Lone Star Love (Miss Ann Page). TV: Murphy Brown(CBS), Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Singalong(ABC) and Disney Family Singalong Volume II. Film: Wicked (female vocalist). With love to Kevin, Emerson and Mom. Representation: Amplified/Stewart Talent. BFA, Carnegie Mellon University. @karalindsayMARCUS M. MARTIN(Donkey) is ecstatic to make his Muny debut this summer, crossing an item off his theatre kid bucket list! Marcus is currently making his Broadway debut as a Genie standby in Disney’s Aladdin after granting wishes as the Genie on the show’s North American tour, which included a 2023 stop at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Regional: Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), The Wiz (The Lion), The Music Man(Marcellus Washburn), Carousel (Enoch Snow). TV: Power Book II: Ghost, Law & Order. Baldwin Wallace Music Theatre graduate. Endless thanks to his village, his team at Daniel Hoff, his girls at home and God. For Bigmama. @marcusm_330 TROY IWATA(Lord Farquaad) was last seen on the Muny stage as Jacob in La Cage aux Follesand as Ogie in Waitress. You can catch him as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show or in his hit independent film Summoning Sylvia — a horror-comedy in which he stars alongside Michael Urie and Frankie Grande — which still holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Troy recently recurred on Netflix’s The Perfect Couple, opposite Nicole Kidman, as well as on the Apple TV limited series WeCrashed alongside Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway. He also starred in the Netflix series Dash & Lily, which garnered 12 Emmy nominations. Troy made his Broadway debut in the viral sensation Be More Chill in 2019.WHO’S WHO 15Sign up now to learn how to access this exclusive discount!STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS: SAVE 20% ON MUNY TICKETS!
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WHO’S WHO 17SOLOMON ROSENTHAL(Young Shrek) is honored to make his professional debut as a member of the principal cast of Shrek The Musical. Last seen at The Muny in the Youth Ensemble of Disney’s Frozen and Fiddler on the Roof. Recently seen in The Music Man (LifeLight Youth Theatre). He is a current member of the Muny Kids troupe. Solomon, 12, dances at Rokita Dance Center and takes voice with Dr. Jeffrey Carter. He is incredibly grateful for this opportunity — what a dream come true! He extends his appreciation to the entire Shrek team and the Muny education department for this amazing experience. Special thanks to his teachers, friends, and family for guidance and love and for always believing in him and encouraging him to keep pressing on. “What makes us special, makes us strong!”LAKE SCHULTZ(Young Fiona) is 10 years old and makes her Muny debut. Favorite community credits include 101 Dalmatians (Lucky, Visitation Academy), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Vulgarian Child, Shooting Star Productions), Frozen Jr. (Sven, GCPA), Finding Nemo(Squirt, Young People’s Theatre) and multiple productions under the direction of Marty Strohmeyer. She is a vocal student at Lisa Christine Studios, studies dance at St. Louis Ballet and enjoys figure skating.AMELIE LOCK(Teen Fiona & Others) is truly honored to be back at The Muny for her ninth consecutive season! Amelie was grateful to represent St. Louis at the 2025 Jimmy Awards as the Ken Page Award winner for best leading actress, honoring her performance as Emma in The Prom. Muny: The Sound of Music (Louisa von Trapp), Gypsy (Baby June), Jersey Boys, Little Shop of Horrors, Les Misérables, Waitress, Footloose, Mary Poppins (Jane Banks standby) and Beauty and the Beast. Amelie can be heard as Ribberta in DreamWorks’ Madagascar: A Little Wild and as Rooney Lane in Welcome to Hope Springs. A junior at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Amelie serves as Missouri’s State Ambassador for Arts Education and is a proud member of the Muny Teens troupe. Most recently, she appeared as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. She is immensely grateful to the Shrekteam and her Muny family. Special thanks to Tali Allen and Michael Baxter for their incredible mentorship! DDO Artists Agency; NOW Talent. @amelie.lockAYMEE GARCIA(Gingy & Others) is thrilled to make her Muny debut! She originated Mama Bear in Shrek on Broadway and on tour. She is beyond excited to reunite with John Tartaglia any time she is able. Recent credits include Madame Morrible in Wicked and Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods (Broadway revival and tour). Other theatre: Les Misérables, Cinderella, Avenue Q. TV: Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Splash and Bubbles, Sesame Street. Love to her partner, Brands — “My whole heart is yours. xo”TYLER JOSEPH ELLIS(Pinocchio & Others) Muny debut! Tyler recently stopped through St. Louis playing Storyteller 2 in the Shucked first national tour. TV: That ’90s Show (Netflix), The Sex Lives of College Girls(HBO). You may recognize him from his comedy videos on TikTok and Instagram. He’s not a puppet; he’s a real boy. @tylerjosephellisSALOME SMITH(Voice of the Dragon & Others) Theatre credits: 1776 (Broadway, national tour), Jelly’s Last Jam(off-Broadway), Little Shop of Horrors (off-Broadway), A New Brain (Barrington Stage Company), The World Goes Round (Everyman Theatre), The Wiz (Theatre Under the Stars, Lyric Stage Company), Take the Lead (Paper Mill Playhouse). Film/TV: East New York (co-star).
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WHO’S WHO 19MATHEW BLASIO (Guard, Dragon Puppeteer, Mad Hatter, Ensemble) Muny debut! Touring: Beetlejuice(Ensemble/Adam cover). Regional: Ensemble/Charlie in Elf (Bucks County Playhouse), Ensemble in White Christmas (The Lex), Nicodemus in His Story (world premiere). Other credits: Netflix’s White Noise (dancer), Disney Cruise Line. Longtime barista, so if you see him getting coffee, say hey! Love to the parents. @blazi0DESHAWN BOWENS (Bricks, Ensemble) is thrilled to make his Muny debut! Off-Broadway/NY: DogMan, Carnegie Hall. Tour: Mean Girls. Regional: La Jolla Playhouse, Goodspeed, Ogunquit Playhouse, Asolo Rep, Bucks County Playhouse, Marriott Theatre, Maine State, Fulton Theatre. TV/film: Two Many Christmases (BET), Harlem (Amazon Studios). BFA music theatre, Elon University. Big thanks to God, John, Patrick, the cast, HCKR and the Muny team! For Mom. @deshawnbowensMONIQUE CHURCHILL (Fairy Godmother, Bluebird, Blind Mouse, Ensemble) Muny debut! Regional: Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy Selden) at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre; Grease (Sandy Sumbrowski) and Kinky Boots (Lauren) at The Carnegie. Many thanks to The Telsey Office and the Muny team! She also thanks God, her family and her fiance, Benjamin, for their endless support! Recent CCM alum. California native. @moniquenchurchillMATTHEW DAVIES (White Rabbit, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to The Muny. Muny credits: Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Joseph, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Guys and Dolls, Paint Your Wagon. Tours: Finding Neverland, R&H Cinderella. Select regional: Music Theatre Wichita, Arena Stage, The Metropolitan Opera. Matthew’s debut album, Not Standard, is available anywhere you listen to music. @matthewddaviesKYLIE EDWARDS (Baby Bear, Blind Mouse, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to The Muny this summer! She is a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where she earned her BFA in musical theatre. Other Muny: Disney’s Frozen, Dreamgirls, Evita, La Cage aux Folles. She would like to thank her friends and family for their unwavering love and support. @kylie.edwards1RYAN FITZGERALD (King Harold, Papa Bear, Thelonius, Knight, Ensemble) just completed the first national tour of Shucked and is thrilled to be returning home to The Muny. Other Muny: Matilda and Shrek. Off-Broadway: Black No More (The New Group). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Signature Theatre, Arvada Center, Stages St. Louis, Cape Playhouse, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. @whoframedryanrabbitMATT GIBSON (Big Bad Wolf, Captain of the Guard, Ensemble) Muny debut! Broadway: Gypsy. AEA tours: Annie (Bert Healy), Austen’s Pride. UK/Toronto: Joseph ... (Reuben, Pharaoh). London: My Favorite Things Concert (Royal Drury Lane, PBS). NYC: Carnegie Hall, MSG, New World Stages, The Shed, Duke 42, Irish Rep. Regional: 35+ AEA principal roles. Film: Wonka. @mrmattgibson mrmattgibson.comJACK GIMPEL (Swing) is thrilled to return to The Muny, where he was last seen in Disney’s Frozen. Other theatre: North Shore, Flat Rock Playhouse, The Lex, national tour of Legally Blonde. Thanks to Patrick, Johnny and this magical team. Love to his family. @jgimps92SHELBY GRISWOLD (Mama Ogre, Wicked Witch, Ensemble) is overjoyed to be making her Muny debut! She was most recently seen in the Broadway and first national touring companies of & Juliet. Off-Broadway: Cats: The Jellicle Ball (PAC NYC). Cruise: Seymour in Six the Musical. Endless gratitude to her friends and family! BWMT @shelby__griswoldMICHAEL HARP (Straw, Ensemble) has appeared in more than 20 Muny productions. New York: Jimmy Awards. Regional: The Sound of Music (Lyric Opera, Paramount Theatre), Billy Elliot (Drury Lane), A Christmas Story (Paramount Theatre), White Christmas (Bucks County Playhouse). Television: Chicago Fire (NBC), Somebody Somewhere (HBO). Resident host for the Ken Page Awards. Former Muny Kid and Teen. Graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston.GWEN HOLLANDER (Shoemaker’s Elf, Duloc Greeter, Ensemble) Muny debut! Favorite theatre: Little Women(Broadway/national tour, Amy, Carbonell Award), Les Misérables (Eponine, Carbonell Award), Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Avenue Q (Kate Monster), Come From Away (Diane), Mean Girls (Ms. Norbury), Urinetown (Hope). Favorite TV: Kidding, Future Man. Endless thanks to Johnny. Love to Ben. For Mom. @gwenstagram811
Celebrating THE MUNY formore than a century ofcapturing hearts and sparkingimaginations through themagic of live theatre.Don’t give to get,Give to Give.– MICHAEL STAENBERG
WHO’S WHO 21ABBY LINDERMAN (Tweedledum, Blind Mouse, Ensemble) Muny debut! NYC: MTI Frozen guide vocal (Anna), Tangled workshop (Rapunzel). Regional: Tuacahn, Ogunquit, New London Barn. Pace BFA MT. Gratitude to friends, family, educators, the Shrekcompany and creative team, her reps at BWA, Telsey and everyone at The Muny. Extra special thanks to Erin Dilly, Patrick O’Neill, Michael Baxter and Mike Isaacson. @abby.lindermanSEAN McMANUS (Peter Pan, Knight, Bishop, Ensemble) is so excited to be making his Muny debut! Broadway: Beetlejuice. Tours: Cats, Beetlejuice. Favorite regional credits include Paper Mill Playhouse, Lexington Theatre Company and the Fulton Theatre. BFA, Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Love and endless gratitude to family and friends. @seanmcmanusofficialSHELBY RINGDAHL (Queen Lillian, Mama Bear, Ensemble) is honored to be back at The Muny! Muny: Les Miserablés, Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar. National tours: Disenchanted (Snow White), West End’s Abba Mania (Agnetha). Select regional: Million Dollar Quartet Christmas (The Rep, Dyanne), Million Dollar Quartet(Stages, Dyanne), Heathers (Ensemble, u/s Heather Chandler), Catch Me If You Can (Cheryl Ann), Seussical(Mayzie). Former Miss Missouri. Recording artist: Merry Ol’ Missouri. Love to TCU, her family, Taylor and her sweet babies, Hudson and newborn Elsie. @shelby_ringdahlTREVOR MICHAEL SCHMIDT (Sticks, Ensemble) is excited to be back in St. Louis! He was last seen on the Muny stage in Evita. Previous Muny credits: Footloose, Matilda, Chicago. Other theatre credits: Beetlejuice(Broadway/tour), Sacramento Music Circus, MTWichita, The Rev. CESD Dance. FSU alum. Love to Mom, Dad and Daniel. @trevormichaelschmidtKELLY SHEEHAN (Assistant Choreographer, Dance Captain, Ugly Duckling, Ensemble) is thrilled to return home for the summer! Muny: Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Guys and Dolls, Holiday Inn, Bye Bye Birdie, Singin’ in the Rain, 42nd Street, White Christmas. Broadway: 42nd Street, White Christmas. Huge thanks to this incredible team making the world a better place! Much love to her parents and her sweet husband, Bryan!CAITLIN STEBELMAN (Swing) is grateful to be back at The Muny for Shrek and Something Rotten! A St. Louis native, Caitlin fell in love with theatre because of her time spent performing here at The Muny and feels blessed to be part of this family. Recent Muny: Fiddler on the Roof. Other regional: Ragtime, A Chorus Line (Stages). BFA musical theatre from Penn State University. Love and thanks to Michael, Mike, her mentors, family and Connor. @caitlinstebelman caitlinstebelman.comJONAH D. WINSTON (Papa Ogre, Wizard, Knight, Ensemble) Muny: Frozen, La Cage aux Folles, Waitress. Chicago: Sister Act, Frozen, Waitress, Big Fish, Damn Yankees, Avenue Q, Little Shop of Horrors, Clue, Young Frankenstein, Spamalot, A Christmas Carol, Parade, The Great Comet of 1812. Tour: The Play That Goes Wrong. Regional: Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Cleveland Play House, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago. Represented by Gray Talent Group.ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION “Equity,” founded in 1913, is the US labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors’ Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. #EquityWorksJEANINE TESORI (Music) is a composer of musical theatre, opera and film. She is a two-time recipient of the Tony Award for best score and a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama. In 2015, she and Lisa Kron became the first female team to win the Tony for best score for Fun Home. Her other works include Kimberly Akimbo (with David Lindsay-Abaire); Soft Power (David Henry-Hwang); Caroline, or Change (Tony Kushner); Mother Courage and Her Children (Tony Kushner); Twelfth Night (LCT); Violet (Brian Crawley); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Dick Scanlan); and Shrek The Musical(David Lindsay-Abaire). For her opera Grounded (with librettist George Brant), she became one of the first two women to be commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera and the first woman in its history to open a season. Her operas include A Blizzard on Marblehead Neck (Tony Kushner); The Lion, The Unicorn and Me (J. D. McClatchy); and Blue (Tazewell Thompson), which received the MCANA Award for best new opera. Tesori is
WHO’S WHO 23the founding artistic director of New York City Center’s Encores! Off-Center Series and is co-creator of the Cast Album Project. She was the supervising vocal producer on Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and wrote the score for numerous Disney animated sequels, including Mulan 2 (with Alexa Junge). Graduate of Barnard College and a professor of practice at Yale University. Proud member of The Dramatists Guild. DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE (Book/Lyrics) is a Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, screenwriter, lyricist and librettist. His most recent show, Kimberly Akimbo, written with composer Jeanine Tesori, premiered off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Co., where it won the Lortel, NYDCC, OCC and Drama Desk Awards for best musical before it moved to Broadway and won five Tony Awards, including best musical, best book and best score, as well as a Grammy nomination for best musical theatre album. His play Good People premiered on Broadway at MTC and was awarded the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best play, The Horton Foote Prize, The Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award and two Tony nominations. His play Rabbit Hole also premiered on Broadway at MTC and received the Pulitzer Prize for drama, five Tony nominations and the Spirit of America Award. David also wrote the book and lyrics for Shrek The Musical, which was nominated for eight Tonys, four Oliviers, a Grammy, and earned David the Kleban Prize as America’s most promising musical theatre lyricist. His newest play, The Balusters, premiered on Broadway at MTC in April. David’s other works include Ripcord, Fuddy Meers, Kimberly Akimbo and Wonder of the World, which all premiered at MTC, as well as A Devil Inside at Soho Rep. David’s screen credits include his film adaptation of Rabbit Hole (starring Nicole Kidman, Oscar nomination), DreamWorks’ Rise of the Guardians and The Family Fang. He is also, along with Tanya Barfield, co-director of the Lila Acheson Wallace American Playwrights Program at the Juilliard School.MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (Licensing) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. mtishows.comJOHN TARTAGLIA (Director) returns to his summertime home, where he has directed Disney’s Frozen, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast; Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins; Matilda; Annie; The Wizard of Oz; Tarzan and Shrek. Muny (actor): Disney’s Frozen (Oaken), Forum (Hysterium, St. Louis Theater Circle Award), Seussical (The Cat in the Hat), Disney’s Aladdin (Genie). Other theatre: Stephen Schwartz’s The Secret Silk (writer/director); Elf The Musical and Mamma Mia! (Bucks County Playhouse, director); Disney’s Frozen and Beauty and the Beast(Maltz Jupiter Theatre, director); John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean (writer). Broadway (actor): Avenue Q(Tony nomination), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Shrek. TV: Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (Emmy Award), Wowsabout, Johnny and the Sprites, Sesame Street, Jim Henson’s Word Party, Julie’s Greenroom, Jim Henson’s Splash and Bubbles. John hosts Sunday Funday on SiriusXM On Broadway. With love for Gabe. @johnnytartags johntartagliaproductions.comPATRICK O’NEILL (Choreographer) With five Muny productions and three St. Louis Theater Circle nominations to his credit, Patrick always loves coming home to Forest Park. He was last represented on Broadway as the associate choreographer for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical School of Rock, which he also staged in Sydney, Melbourne and Seoul. Upcoming in London: On the Edge. Upcoming in New York: Radio 930, The Violin. Other favorites: On a Clear Day …, starring Harry Connick Jr. (Broadway); Ever After(Alliance Theatre); Barry Manilow’s Harmony (Ahmanson Theatre, Alliance Theatre); The Nutty Professor(directed by Jerry Lewis). He is the co-creator of The Time Step Symposium, a program that connects and supports choreographers and musicians to ensure the future of dance music on Broadway. @itspatrickoneill patrickoneill.meBEN WHITELEY (Music Director/Conductor) is honored to be the Charles W. and Janet T. Mueller Conductor. Muny: Evita; Anything Goes; The Sound of Music; Singing in the Rain; A Chorus Line; 42nd Street; My Fair Lady; The Addams Family; Spamalot; Pirates!; Beauty JEANINE TESORI, CONTINUED
WHO’S WHO 25and the Beast; Kiss Me, Kate; Oklahoma!; The Music Man; Meet Me in St. Louis; South Pacific. St. Louis Symphony: A Little Sondheim Music and Muny at 100. Music director for 1776 at NY City Center Encores! Broadway/first national tours: Hello, Dolly!; A Christmas Story; The Addams Family; Spamalot; The Full Monty; Cats; Grand Hotel; Falsettos; Big. Carnegie Hall: Sail Away with Elaine Stritch. Madison Square Garden: A Christmas Story. Sacramento Music Circus: Oklahoma!, Something Rotten! Choral direction/preparation: Carousel (NY Philharmonic/PBS), 33 City Center Encores! productions. Other: Paper Mill Playhouse, 5th Avenue Theatre, University of Michigan, Three Irish Tenors. Recordings: Allegro, Boardwalk Empire.BRYAN THOMAS HUNT (Associate Choreographer) Muny: Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Holiday Inn, 42nd Street, Billy Elliot. National tours: Some Like It Hot, White Christmas, Billy Elliot. Regional: Alliance, Ahmanson, Asolo Rep, North Shore Music Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Paper Mill, Westchester, Goodspeed, North Carolina Theatre, Riverside, the Engeman Theater. BFA, Boston Conservatory. Thanks to The Muny, Patrick and Johnny. Love to the Ugly (beautiful) Duckling.ERIC WRIGHT (Puppet Director) Previous Muny productions include Disney’s Frozen (2025), The Wizard of Oz (2016), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (2019), Matilda (2019), Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins (2022), and Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2017, 2024). Mr. Wright’s designs have also appeared in Frozen at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, the New York Mets mascot races, Thom Browne Fashion and behind the scenes in the movie IF. He co-founded the Puppet Kitchen, which has been delighting audiences with innovative puppetry around the world since 2008. puppetkitchen.comADAM KOCH (Scenic Designer) Previously at The Muny: Evita. Broadway: A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. Additional credits include off-Broadway, national tours and projects around the world, including Dreamgirls (Seoul), Sister Act(Tokyo), and Pretty Woman and Mean Girls (São Paulo). Hundreds of regional productions, with multiple awards and nominations, including the Carbonell Award for outstanding scenic design for A Wonderful World (Miami New Drama), the Suzi Bass Award for outstanding scenic design for the submersive outdoor production of Titanic(Atlanta), as well as Helen Hayes Award nominations for both Kiss of the Spiderwoman (Signature Theatre) and Bat Boy (1st Stage). Additional projects for Disney Live Entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages. Education: Carnegie Mellon University. For William and Mary. @instadamkochROBIN L. McGEE (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be part of The Muny! A native of Highland, Ill., she has fond memories of coming here as a teen! Robin is an award-winning costume designer. Her work has been seen on Broadway (As Long As We Both Shall Laugh), on ice with Disney On Ice Presents Jump In!, and at renowned regional theatres including Goodspeed, The Maltz Jupiter Theatre, The Fulton Theatre, Musical Theatre West, Gulfshore Playhouse, Palm Beach Dramaworks and Ogunquit Playhouse, among others. Her diverse portfolio spans opera, plays, dance, film, parades and even circus clowns! Robin is passionate about her craft and looks forward to continuing her design journey while pursuing her goal of visiting all 50 states and all seven continents. Proud member of USA 829. rlmcgeedesign.comJASON LYONS (Lighting Designer) Muny: La Cage aux Folles, Bring It On: The Musical, Les Misérables, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Joseph … Dreamcoat, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Broadway: Hand to God, On the Town, Bronx Bombers, Bring It On, Rock of Ages, The Threepenny Opera, Barefoot in the Park, Good Vibrations. Recent: Between the Lines, Baipás (George Street), Gloria: A Life (ART, McCarter), Mamma Mia! (TUTS), Familiar (Old Globe), Call Me Madam (NY City Center Encores!), Austen’s Pride (5th Avenue), Junk (Arena Stage), Skylight (McCarter), Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (TUTS), Clueless (The New Group), Sugar in Our Wounds (MTC), Between the Lines (KC Rep), Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Robin Hood, Red Velvet, Macbeth, Love’s Labor’s Lost, Kings, Dry Powder, Barbecue, Crazy for You, Jesus Christ Superstar, Girlstar, Cabaret, Heathers. Obie Award for Sustained Excellence in Lighting Design. jasonlyonsdesign.comJOSHUA HUMMEL (Sound Designer) returns for his eighth season at The Muny. Recent associate design credits on Broadway include The Lost Boys, Sunset Blvd., The Phantom of the Opera and Miss Saigon. National tours: The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, School of Rock. @joshhummelsoundBEN WHITELEY, CONTINUED
Take the stage atThe Magic Housewhere every kidis a star!In Story Time Magic, children are invited to step into beloved stories, craft a tale of their own, dress for their debut behind the scenes, and shine on the big stage! In partnership with516 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122 • magichouse.org
WHO’S WHO 27KYLEE LOERA (Video Designer) is a video designer/content creator for live performances. Selected credits: Opera Theatre of St. Louis (A Streetcar Named Desire), Warner Theatre (Hispanic Heritage Awards), WNO Kennedy Center (Gods and Mortals, Fidelio), BAM/Little Opera Theatre of New York (Zemlinsky’s Room), 92nd Street Y Kaufman Concert Hall (The Lovers, The Dreamers and Me; Stardust), Alabama Shakespeare Festival (Murder on the Orient Express, Frozen), 59E59 Theaters (The Light and The Dark), The Muny (Jersey Boys, La Cage Aux Folles, Frozen, Anything Goes), Children’s Theatre Company (The Wizard of Oz), Rice University (Ghosts of Versailles), Pittsburgh CLO (Young Frankenstein, The Color Purple). kloeradesign.comJEFF KNAGGS (Wig Designer) Broadway: 25th Anniversary Mamma Mia! Selected regional: Come From Away, Ring of Fire, The Bodyguard, Camelot, Frozen, South Pacific, Clue, Beautiful, Beauty and the Beast, Jersey Boys, Waitress, Clue, Heartbreak Hotel, Memphis, Dreamgirls, Into the Woods, Rocky Horror Show, Heathers, Mary Poppins, Sweet Potato Queens, Bonnie & Clyde, A Christmas Story, Joseph, A Christmas Carol, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Pittsburgh CLO (2017-2025 seasons). Cruise lines: Kinky Boots, Footloose, Six, After Midnight, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, Flight, The Effectors. Other regional: Peepshow, Dancing With the Stars, America’s Got Talent and Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl.JIM HENSON’S CREATURE SHOP (Puppet Designer) provides animatronic creatures, digital puppetry and soft puppets for film, television, theatre, live events and advertising. Recent credits include the Emmywinning Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock (Apple TV), The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Netflix), the Five Nights at Freddy’s film franchise, The Naked Gun and an upcoming all-puppet episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Additional Shop credits include Sesame Street, the Muppets, Julie’s Greenroom, Where the Wild Things Are, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Dinosaurs and Farscape. Work is featured in stage productions like My Neighbour Totoro, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jim Henson’s Inspired Silliness and Emmet Otter’s JugBand Christmas. The Shop collaborates with musical artists including The Avett Brothers, Ben Rector, Lady Gaga and Deadmau5.JAMES W. WOJTAL JR. (Dragon Puppet Designer) has been a professional puppet designer and puppeteer for over 30 years, having worked with such companies as Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre of Central Park, Puppetworks (Park Slope, Brooklyn), Monkey Boys Productions and Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, as well as his own work as a freelancer, particularly with the Bronx Zoo and political parody show Puppet Regime, and numerous shows on the high seas for Carnival and Royal Caribbean. This is his third time working with The Muny and a chance to revisit his first venture on the stage in St. Louis by re-creating the dragon for Shrek. He can’t wait for the audience to see what he and his team have created. @puppetdungeonTHE TELSEY OFFICE (Casting) With offices in both New York and Los Angeles, The Telsey Office casts for theatre, film, television and commercials. The Telsey Office is dedicated to creating safe, equitable and anti-racist spaces through collaboration, artistry, heart, accountability and advocacy.LARRY SMIGLEWSKI (Production Stage Manager) Nine Muny seasons, including Matilda, The Wizard of Oz, Chicago, West Side Story and the Centennial Gala. Broadway: Fallen Angels; Mamma Mia!; Kiss Me, KateTours: Mamma Mia!, Tina, Ain’t Too Proud, School of Rock, White Christmas. Off-Broadway: Cagney, All Is Calm. Larry is also a marriage and family therapist at Equity Therapy and Fire Island Pines Psychotherapy. For Smigs and always Nettie. @therapywithlarry TherapyWithLarry.comDORA JANE TRENBEATH (Assistant Stage Manager) Over a dozen shows at The Muny, most recently last summer’s Jersey Boys! Broadway: Fallen Angels, Mamma Mia! National tours: Parade, Mamma Mia!, Ain’t Too Proud. Off-Broadway: The Play That Goes Wrong, Cheek to Cheek, Perfect Arrangement, Exit Strategy. Dora is a proud graduate of the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University, where she earned her BFA in stage management.ABIGAIL ZACCARI (Assistant Stage Manager) Broadway credits include Paradise Square. Off-Broadway credits include A Sign of the Times and ¡Americano! Regional credits include Native Gardens at Westport Country Playhouse; A Chorus Line, All Shook Up, Maggie and A Christmas Story at Goodspeed Opera House; Here You Come Again and A Complicated Womanat The Norma Terris Theatre; The Nutty Professor at Ogunquit Playhouse; and Chicago at The Muny. Thank you to Willy, Mom, Dad, Anthony, Anna and Chris for everything. abigailzaccari.com
Museum admission is free every day, but Fridays at SLAM aretaken up a notch! Enjoy free live music, gallery activations,performances, ticketed exhibitions, and more.Scan the QR code for a list of upcoming events.slam.org/Fridays | @stlartmuseumGenerous support provided byArt BridgesFoundation’sAccessforAllprogramStart your weekends at SLAM!ACCESS FOR ALL
WHO’S WHO 29ALYCIA MARTIN (Assistant Stage Manager) is a freelance stage manager and lighting assistant with a focus in opera and musical theatre. Other Muny: Bring It On: The Musical (2025), Frozen (2025), Dear Evan Hansen (2025), In the Heights (2024). Regional: Lyric Opera of Chicago, Seattle Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Madison Opera, The Florentine Opera, Opera San Antonio.MIKE ISAACSON (Artistic Director & Executive Producer) is happy you are here. In his 15 seasons, Isaacson has produced 96 Muny shows, 39 new to the Muny stage. In 2025, The Muny received the Regional Theatre Tony Award recognizing The Muny as a theatre “that has displayed a continuous level of artistic achievement contributing to the growth of theatre nationally.” With his partner Kristin Caskey, Isaacson has produced more than 45 Broadway musicals, plays, national tours, and off-Broadway and London productions. Together they have received eight Tony Awards, including all four major producing categories: Best Musical, Best Play, Best Revival of a Musical and Best Revival of a Play. This fall, they are producing the first Broadway revival of Jon Robin Baitz’s Other Desert Cities, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, Lily Rabe and Joe Keery. In London this summer, they are producing Midnight at the Never Get, starring Ben Platt. Career highlights include Appropriate (Tony); the first Broadway revival of The Wiz; Gutenberg! The Musical (Tony nomination); David Byrne’s American Utopia (Tony and Emmy nomination); Fun Home (Tony; Olivier Award nomination); The Humans (Tony); Legally Blonde: The Musical (Olivier Award, Best Musical); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tony); Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, starring Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker (Broadway and London); Bring It On: The Musical (Tony nomination); Red (Tony); You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Tony nomination); Caroline, or Change (Tony nomination); and Death of a Salesman (Tony). For the IPN, he produced the Broadway productions of Spamalot (Tony), Ragtime (2009 revival, Tony nomination) and The Color Purple (Tony nomination). His productions have received more than 139 Tony Award nominations and 41 Tony Awards. Isaacson has received the St. Louis Arts and Education Council’s Award for Excellence in the Arts and The Commercial Theater Institute’s Robert Whitehead Award for Excellence in Producing. He has served on the board of governors and executive committee of The Broadway League and received the Star of Touring Broadway Award. He received the Equality Award from the St. Louis Chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. St. Louis University recently honored him with an Alumni Merit Award from the College of Arts and Sciences. He’s grateful to work with everyone on and offstage and offers all gratitude to his husband, Joe.All musicians of the Muny Orchestra are members of Local 2-197 of the American Federation of Musicians.Violins Tova Braitberg CONCERTMASTERBeth HoffmanNathan BanksViolas/Violins Carolina Neves PRINCIPALWendy Lea ORCHESTRA MANAGERCellos Nathan Hsu PRINCIPALShannon MercielBass Tim Weddle PRINCIPALWoodwinds Robert HughesTrumpet Andy Tichenor PRINCIPALFrench Horn Corbin Castro PRINCIPALStephen HanrahanTrombones Tom Vincent PRINCIPALTyler VahldickHarp Megan StoutPercussion Erin Elstner PRINCIPALDrums Matthew HenryAdditional musicians Ryan Carpenter KEYBOARDKatie Kopff KEYBOARDPhil Ring GUITARAaron Brown GUITARMike Karpowicz REEDSBen Reece REEDSGarrett Schmidt TRUMPETTova Braitberg is the William R. Orthwein Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Concertmaster.The Muny Orchestra
YOUR STORY STARTS HEREFlourish in a tight-knit community. Prosper where passion meets purpose.AT WEBSTER
ENSEMBLE & SWINGS 31IN ALPHABETICAL ORDERKelly Sheehan Caitlin Stebelman Jonah D. WinstonTrevor Michael SchmidtGwen Hollander Abby Linderman Sean McManus Shelby RingdahlRyan Fitzgerald Matt Gibson Jack Gimpel Shelby Griswold Michael HarpMathew Blasio DeShawn Bowens Monique Churchill Matthew Davies Kylie EdwardsSCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT MUNY.ORG/SHOWSURVEYVOTE NOW FOR OUR 2027 SEASON!Which shows do you want to see next year at The Muny?
www.tarltoncorp.comLASTING TRADITIONS. BUILT TOGETHER.
STAFF & CREDITS 33Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.The painters and designers at The Muny are members of Local Union 829 of United Scenic Artists.All scenery, audio, lighting and props are constructed by members of IATSE Local 6.All costumes, hair and makeup at The Muny are created and maintained by members of IATSE Local 805.Associate Choreographer BRYAN THOMAS HUNTAssistant Choreographer KELLY SHEEHANPuppet Director ERIC WRIGHTAssistant Scenic Designer CLAYTON DOMBACHAssistant Costume Designer JEANNA DiPAULOLighting Department Lead ROB DENTONAssociate Lighting Designer SHELBY LOERASound Script Manager NAOMI SCHWARTZBURTAssociate Sound Designer DAN MIELEVideo Department Lead BENJI ARRIGOAssociate Video Designer TAYLOR GORDONVideo Content Creators JACK EISENMAN, DAVID SAJEWICH, CLAIRE TALBOT, ZAVIER TAYLOR Assistant Wig Designer SAVANNAH WILLISStage Management Department Lead EVANGELINE WHITLOCKAssistant Stage Managers DORA JANE TRENBEATH, ABIGAIL ZACCARI, ALYCIA MARTINRehearsal Pianists RYAN CARPENTER, KATIE KOPFFRehearsal Drummer MATT HENRYYouth Ensemble Choreographer JEANA SMITHYouth Ensemble Music Director CHARLIE MUELLERYouth Ensemble Coordinators CAROLINE JOHN, REBECCA YOUNGPrincipal Youth Coordinator MYAH SHELTONPuppets by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop KOURTNEY DAYSound Equipment Provided by MASQUE SOUNDSpecial Thanks toKATELYN LONG, ACACIA HELTON, ARNOLD LEVINE MILLINERY, NINA REED, ELIZABETH EISOFEL, JC DARLYN DESIGNSLET’S STAY CONNECTED.Join us on social media to stay in the loop with all the latest news from The Muny!
24/7Crisis Helpline314.531.2003call or text anytimeFree TraumaCounselingfor all genderssafeconnections.org1976-2026Workplace &school workshopscustomized topics foradults & teensYou are not aloneTogether we facedomestic & sexualabuse
THIS SEASON’S MUST-SEE SHOW.Celebrate the 150th anniversary of Forest Park with this all-time Muny favorite — running for eight nights!COMING SOON • AUG. 6–13SATURDAY, AUGUST 29GET YOUR TICKETS AT MUNY.ORG/RICHIE
The Show Ends...Your Escape BeginsPlan your next getaway with AAABeaches•Cruises•Rail•AdventureStart Planning Today!CLICK: AAA.com/travel | CALL: (866) 222-7587Your Vacation Starts Here →
1919 • MUNICIPAL THEATRE ASSOCIATION • 2026 37OFFICERSBOARD CHAIR Tracy E. HartVICE CHAIR Edwin B. Broadhurst IIISECRETARY Sherry SissacTREASURER Anna Reby BertmanASSISTANT SECRETARY Ashley B. KemperASSISTANT TREASURER Opal M. JonesB O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S Benjamin Ola. AkandeMary V. AtkinAndrew S. BaurLee F. BearmanCheree BerryAnna Reby BertmanAkberet Boykin FarrSuzanne S. BrauerEdwin B. Broadhurst IIILouis A. CellaParker B. Condie Jr.Ed DeVaultJune McAllister FowlerChristopher GaglianoTracy E. HartNancy M. HawesDavid A. HoganRick Holton Jr.Celia L. HoslerGregory A. IkenHope Welles JernaganSteven T. JohnstonGrace JonesOpal M. JonesAshley B. KemperTimothy J. KertzChristopher A. KosterJohn W. LemkemeierStephen D. LillyKathryn E. LoveMichael LoyndArt J. McCoyKitty McDonnellMichael P. McMillanRichard L. Nix Jr.Henry B. Pflager IIIElizabeth J. SchlesingerNicole SchnuckStephanie A. SchnuckShawn E. SchukarTamara SheffieldKaren SherSherry SissacMichele R. SowersLucie N. SpringmeyerMary Ann SrencoCori Cunnane StebelmanMichael J. TorneyJames S. TurleyJasmina H. WalkerAlice C. BehanThomas H. Brouster Sr.Carole L. BuckAugust A. Busch IIIParker B. Condie Sr.S. Bryan CookClark S. DavisDonald G. FassoldSteven L. FinertyRaymond R. FournieRonald A. FrommLouis J. Fusz Jr.E. Douglas HarbisonEarle H. Harbison Jr.Robert R. Hermann Jr.Douglas E. HillWilliam F. HolekampDavid M. HolloJoseph F. Imbs IIIStephen G. JansenBettie S. JohnsonStephen C. JonesPeter B. KrombachF. Mark KuhlmannJ. Mark LashlyMichael D. LattaRichard H. McClureJames S. McDonnell IIIRichard G. MillmanSteven C. Roberts Sr.William N. ScheffelTerry E. SchnuckHugh Scott IIIE.C. Simmons IIIDavid L. StewardDonald M. SuggsThomas R. VossJohn K. Wallace Jr.Douglas H. YaegerD I R E C T O R S E M E R I T U S PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kwofe A. Coleman
A summer reading and exploration program powered by St. Louis Public Library and St. Louis County Library.Visit stlsummeradventure.org for details.Support provided by St. Louis Public Library FoundationCall 314-338-7792 or visit slpl.org for details.
THE MUNY STAFF 39President & Chief Executive Officer: KWOFE COLEMANADMINISTRATIVE STAFFADMINISTRATIONExecutive Assistant & Board Liaison: BARB ECHELEReceptionist: JOY BOLANDDEVELOPMENTDirector of Development: CORY SMALLWOODSenior Director of Capital & Major Gifts: COURTNEY SIMMSAssociate Director of Development: JORDAN BOUCHARDDonor Relations & Stewardship Coordinator: DELYN STEPHENSONDevelopment Database Manager: RACHEL BUTCHKOEDUCATIONDirector of Education: TALI ALLENEducation Programs Manager: CHARLIE MUELLEREducation Production Manager: GUNNAR BOUCHEREducation Administrator: LIBBY SALVIAFINANCE / ACCOUNTINGChief Financial Officer: TAMMY MCKIMAccountants: LINDSEY R. GALANTI, JOEY KLEBAAccounting Assistant: COLE JOYCEHUMAN RESOURCESDirector of Human Resources: SHARON M. STONEHuman Resources Associate: TONYA RENÉE YOUNGMARKETINGDirector of Marketing: AMY MAIERDirector of Business Insights: COLBY DEZELICKCommunications & Public Relations Manager: GABE HARTWIGGroup Services & Community Engagement Manager: JANE SCHELLGraphic Designer: ALEX WIESELMANMulti-Media Marketing Associate: MARYKATHERINE PATTESONOPERATIONSDirector of Operations: SEAN M. SMITHSecurity Specialist & Safety Manager: PATRICK J. CROWLEYFacilities Supervisor: JAMES T. SPIESOperations Associate — Facilities: LUNDYN TAYLOR Operations Associate — Grounds: ELLEN KIELYEVENTS & RENTALSEvent Experience Manager: EMILY SANTELBOX OFFICEDirector of Ticketing: LAWRENCE P. WALSHFOOD & BEVERAGE / CONCESSIONSDirector of Food & Beverage: LAURIE WATERHOUSEAssistant Manager of Food & Beverage: ELIZABETH ROBBERSONHOUSE MANAGEMENTDirector of Audience Experience: LINDSEY R. GALANTIHouse Managers: PHILLIP CAMPBELL, LUNDYN TAYLORPRODUCTION STAFFArtistic Director & Executive Producer: MIKE ISAACSONPRODUCTIONDirector of Production: TRACY UTZMYERSAssociate Artistic Director: MICHAEL BAXTERTechnical Director: THEO PRIFTICompany Manager: RYAN HARRISProduction Manager & Casting Assistant: ISABELLE SCHEIBECostume Production Manager: STACY MYERSAccounting Production Manager: KIMBERLY PETERSENWARDROBECostume Shop Director: SIMON BRETTWardrobe Director: BRENDAN WOODSWardrobe Supervisors: ZACH BRUNKHORST, VALERIE CUEVASCostume Shop Assistant: KATY REKOWardrobe Assistant: MICHAELA DUINGCostume Inventory Manager: KRISTIE METZGERWIGSHair & Makeup Supervisors: ALISON HORA, KAITLYN PASSMUSICMusic Supervisor & Orchestra Librarian: MICHAEL HORSLEYMusic Supervisor: EVAN ROIDEROrchestra Manager: WENDY LEAKeyboard Designer: ETHAN DEPPESCENICAssistant Technical Director: EMILIE WEILBACHER-McMULLANHead Carpenter: DAVID McCARTHYScenic Build Foreman: MATT MOURNINGScenic Charge Artist: JAMES VAN WELLScenic Lead: SCOTT LOEBLAutomation Head: KEVIN McCARTHYProperties Head: JIM ROBERTScenic Stitcher: KIM STONELIGHTING / SOUND / VIDEOHead Stage Electrician: ERIC ELZSound Head: SEAN WILHITESound Engineers: JOSHUA HUMMEL, ADAM SMOLENSKIVideo Head: JOHN ROGLIANOPhotographers: PHILLIP HAMER, ERIC WOOLSEY
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ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES 41Live Closed Captioning • Borrow a tablet from either Muny Merch stand, or download the free GalaPro smartphone app. Available Monday and SaturdaySPONSORED BYAmerican Sign Language Interpretation • To purchase a seat in view of ASL interpreters, located on the left side of the stage, call the box office at (314) 595-5750. Available Monday and SaturdayLive Audio Description • Narration of the action onstage is provided for patrons who are blind or partially sighted. Listening devices may be borrowed at both Muny Merch stands. Available Monday and SaturdayIN PARTNERSHIP WITHAssistive Listening Devices • Patrons with hearing loss may enjoy amplified audio using ALDs, available at Muny Merch stands and Stand 6. Available nightlyLarge-Print Programs • We can provide an enlarged program upon request. Available nightlyWheelchair Assistance • Patrons may receive assistance between the parking lots and the auditorium. Assistance is available with both personal and provided chairs. Available nightlyAccessible Seating • Available in all terraces and at every price level, including our free seats. Fold-away and companion seats are also available. For help with purchasing a wheelchair accessible seat, call the box office at (314) 595-5750. Available nightlyAccessible Parking • Accessible spaces in our surface lots are first-come, first-served with a valid state-issued hangtag or license plate. Guests without a permit may use the Lower Muny Lot for drop-off and pickup. Available nightlySSM Health Cardinal Glennon Infant Care Suite • Our air-conditioned space includes gliders for nursing, a changing station, a vanity sink and a minifridge. The suite is located on the lower west pergola, across from Purina Plaza. Available nightlySPONSORED BYLearn more about accessibility services at muny.org/accessibility.How We’re Eliminating BarriersThe Muny is committed to making exceptional musical theatre accessible to all, and we are proud to provide these free services that allow everyone to experience each production from the comfort of their own seat. SPONSORED BY
GrandCenterArtsAcademy.orgTuition FREE | 6th-12thDiscover exciting arts pathways, and learn from professional art instructors in the heart of the city’s vibrant arts district. At Grand Center Arts Academy, art is integrated into all of our creative and core classes. In both ARTS & ACADEMICS, we hold our students to a high standard of excellence.WHAT’S YOUR PATHWAY? WHAT’S YOUR PATHWAY?ENROLL NOW ENROLL NOWMUSIC • THEATER • VISUAL ARTS • DANCESEPTEMBER 9–27 OCTOBER 7–25DECEMBER 2–23FEBRUARY 3–21 MARCH 17–APRIL 4SCAN TO SUBSCRIBEWWW.REPSTL.ORG | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL @REPSTL
To learn more about Muny education programs and how to get involved, visit muny.org/education.GENERAL SPONSORSAnita ColumboRandy Mitchell Endowment FundPROGRAM SPONSORSJohnston Family Fund: Muny Youth EnsembleAlbers/Kuhn Family Foundation:The Muny Kids + The Muny TeensHarry & Genie Mueller: Education ClassesCarol B. Loeb: *The Carol B. Loeb Production Fellows Program, which covers housing for two Muny internsDan & Jodi Blake: **The Technical Intern Fellows Program, which covers housing for two Muny internsAutomationPanayiota PreovolosCostume DesignMaya ReddyCostume Shop Material CoordinatorAshley LoebDevelopmentTheron Abel*DirectingTucker DeGregorySarah KaplanMax Rodriguez*Carrena SpannKaycee SwiercEducationMyah SheltonCameron WilliamsEducation ChoreographyMarissa FriedmannElectricsCharlotte Corcoran**EventsThomas WoodrowLighting DesignEthan HoffmanMusical DirectionCarter HaneyLiam MoraczewskiAJ YiPreshow Sound AssistantsSylvie GriffinJazmine JohnsonJoão RibeiroPreshow Sound LeadAlan PhillipsProducing AdministrationAdrien ArmstrongProduction ManagementKaitlyn DorseyProps CarpentryJamaal MuhammadScenic DesignJordan PincusScenic PaintJulia EnglishScenic Shop Material CoordinatorSara EllenSound DesignIan SonnabendStage Management AssistantsJack CastelloAnna CollinsMargaret FeckoStage Management Production AssistantsMichael HamburgIsai Leal**Ginny PisoniLara StoneMatthew ValunasVideo DesignMeixin YuWig & MakeupChristine ChupailoMeet Our Summer InternsEach summer, as part of our Crawford Taylor Education Initiative, The Muny proudly welcomes dozens of interns from colleges and universities across America. These students are an integral part of our team, supporting and learning from our production and administrative departments.CRAWFORD TAYLOR EDUCATION INITIATIVE 4 3
4 4 SUPPORT Our Corporate & Civic PartnersCorporate and civic partners help underwrite production costs, fund educational programs, support engagement efforts in underserved St. Louis communities and ensure The Muny’s continued success for generations to come. We proudly recognize the business and civic partners that have made annual financial contributions as well as gifts of materials and services. $50,000+ $20,000+CRAWFORD TAYLORFOUNDATION
SUPPORT 4 5Many St. Louis employers match gifts made by their employees or retirees to arts institutions. These companies have matched gifts this year, so donors receive Muny Guarantors benefits at a higher level. Contact your human resources department to see if your employer can match your gift and get the process started — we’ll take it from there!Adobe Inc.Anheuser-Busch Inc. Aon FoundationAT&TBoeing Caterpillar FoundationCentene CorporationCiscoDellEdward JonesEmerson Electric CompanyEquifaxJohnson & JohnsonMastercard International Inc.McKinsey & CompanyMicrosoftMissouri Foundation for HealthNETSCOUTPeabody EnergyReinsurance Group of AmericaRLI Insurance CompanyShell Oil Company FoundationSpire Inc.Staenberg Group IncTexas InstrumentsWells Fargo Foundation CORPORATE MATCH ING GIFTS $10,000+ $5,000+DONOR HONOR ROLLFind our list of Muny Guarantors, Henry Kiel Society members and Muny Endowment donors. muny.org/honor-rollGIVE NOWEnsure a future that includes musical theatre for all — become a Muny Guarantor. muny.org/support
4 6 FOR YOUR INFORMATION PROHIBITED ACTIVITYPHOTOGRAPHING, VIDEOTAPING OR AUDIO RECORDING OF ANY PERFORMANCE WITHOUT ADVANCE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THEATRE MANAGEMENT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.In consideration of your fellow patrons, please turn off all electronic devices. Smoking of any kind is prohibited in the auditorium, ramps, pavilions, concessions, restrooms or gathering areas. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping and marijuana in any form for any purpose.PERFORMANCE TIMESAll performances begin promptly at 8:15 p.m. For the enjoyment of all and in consideration of the performers, please arrive on time and remain in your seats until the performance has ended. The regular 8:15 p.m. start time may be delayed by weather or other reasons, but this does not mean a performance will be canceled.VEHICLE ASS ISTANCE & SHUTTLESIf you have a problem with your vehicle after the show, contact a Muny staff member. AAA is available to help Muny patrons with lockouts, battery jumps and flat tires at no charge.The Muny provides a free courtesy shuttle throughout Forest Park from approximately 6:30 p.m. until one hour after the show, using environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Ask an usher for assistance.TICKET DONAT IONWe hope this never happens, but if you are unable to use your tickets, return them to the Muny Box Office at least 24 hours prior to the date printed on the tickets. A donation receipt reflecting the ticket value will be issued for tax purposes.CANCELLATION POLICYThe start time may be delayed or the performance may be interrupted due to inclement weather or other reasons. If a performance is canceled before one hour of playing time has elapsed, including scheduled intermissions, your ticket will serve as your rain check. Rain checks may be redeemed for a ticket of the same value for any performance in the same season, or for a refund of the ticket price. If a performance is given after a delayed start or resumes after an interruption, rain checks are not valid and may not be exchanged or refunded. We will make every effort to present the performance and typically will not cancel the performance before 9:30 p.m. A delayed start time or the length of an interruption in the performance will be determined by theatre management on a per-case basis. Notice of delays or cancellations will be made over the theatre public address system and will also be posted on The Muny’s social media and on muny.org. In the case of a canceled performance, beginning the following day, rain checks may be exchanged at The Muny Box Office for a ticket of the same value for any remaining performance of the same season, subject to availability. Rain checks also may be redeemed for a full refund of the ticket price or donated back to The Muny. A refund will be issued to the purchaser on record with The Muny. A donation receipt reflecting the rain check value will be issued for tax purposes. Rain checks must be redeemed by Aug. 31, 2026, either in person or by mail to the Muny Box Office. Only actual, legible tickets, in their original form will be accepted as rain checks.Get in Touch With UsYou can learn more about our productions, manage your Muny season tickets and Muny Guarantors gift, and more at muny.org. If you need to reach us by phone, here are some important numbers.The Muny Box Office 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through Aug. 23 (314) 595-5750MetroTix Charge by Phone 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily (314) 534-1111The Muny Administrative Offices 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday (314) 361-1900Group Services muny.org/groups (314) 595-5708Muny Guarantors muny.org/munyguarantors (314) 595-5731Corporate Partnerships muny.org/partnerships (314) 595-5730Program & Digital Advertising muny.org/advertising (314) 595-5708 Special Events & Facility Rentals muny.org/host-an-event (314) 595-5703Lost & Found 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday (314) 361-1900EMERGENCY NUMBER • (314) 367-9191If you need to be reached during a performance, leave your seat number and this phone number with your service or sitter.
47 SEASONHEADER 108 SPONSORS 47Special Thanks to Our 2026 PartnersAUG. 17–23 AUG. 29AUG. 6–13PRESENTED BYJ U LY 6 –1 2PRESENTED BYJ U LY 1 6 –2 2PRESENTED BYJ U LY 27–AU G . 2PRESENTED BYJUNE 15–21PRESENTED BYJ U N E 2 5 –J U LY 2PRESENTED BYAnheuser-Busch Bissinger’sHandcrafted Chocolatier Drury Hotels Enterprise Mobility Jim Butler KiaLexus Missouri Department of Conservation MiTek Nestlé PurinaPetCare Company Pepsi Renaissance Financial Safety National Schnucks Siteman Cancer Center SSM Health and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon The Staenberg Group & The Staenberg Family Foundation Steward Family Foundation St. Louis Children’s Hospital St. Louis Sports Commission St. Louis Union Station Together Credit Union U.S. Bank Welsch Heating & Cooling CompanyADDITIONAL SUPPORTING PARTNERSTo learn about showcasing your brand or organization as a corporate or civic partner at The Muny, visit muny.org/partnerships.
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