2023 105 T H SEASON
LOCAL LOVES LOCAL! We’re proud to support the arts in St. Louis. PICK UP ALL YOUR MUNY PICNIC FAVES BEFORE THE SHOW! PICK UP ALL YOUR MUNY PICNIC FAVES
3 Mike Isaacson Artistic Director & Executive Producer MIKE’S NOTES A minute after we announced our 2023 Muny season, a friend texted: “I guess it’s Alan Menken’s year!” Countless hours and more than a few sleepless nights go into planning and preparing for each Muny season. So as God as my witness, it wasn’t until that text that I fully realized our 2023 season contained not one, not two, but three shows with music by Alan Menken. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, and Sister Act all have brilliant, heartfelt, simply wonderful songs that not only tell the story but takes audiences straight to the hearts of their characters. I have thought for a long time – and I once wrote a letter to him expressing this – that Alan Menken is my generation’s Richard Rodgers. He is, in other words, a composer whose melodies have become a part of our lives, part of our collective experience. His work with the Disney films alone (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas, Aladdin, Newsies, Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame…and more) has made him a cornerstone of worldwide culture. Go to any country in the world and start humming “Tale as old as time…” and they will know it. And love it as much as you do. Little Shop of Horrors was Menken’s 1982 break-through show. After years of struggling, Menken teamed up, at age 37, with lyricist and director Howard Ashman. Together, they turned a silly, low-budget horror film into a silly, low budget off-Broadway musical. The show’s venomous humor, sly wit, and thrilling songs were borne from Ashman and Menken’s years of hard work and study. Little Shop’s writing was musical theatre gold, and this quirky, odd show got rave reviews and rapturous word-of-mouth. For four years, audiences flocked to a sketchy Manhattan neighborhood to watch a singing man-eating plant. (Local footnote: the first U.S. regional production of Little Shop was at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis in 1986.) Little Shop bursts with the youthful passion of writers in love with musical theatre, rock ’n’ roll, and American pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s. From the doo-wop title song to the epic “Downtown,” the heart-breaking “Somewhere That’s Green,” and the soaring “Suddenly Seymour,” the music of Little Shop offered a promising new voice for musicals. What would Menken create for Broadway next? But around the time Little Shop opened in New York, Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg were reinventing Disney, which by then was running on the fumes of nostalgia. Disney hadn’t had a hit film in years; TRON had just bombed. Katzenberg wanted a renaissance inspired by the great Disney animated musicals of the 1930s through the 1960s. When he and Eisner went looking for a song-writing team that could lead them to fresh glory, they found Ashman and Menken. The Little Mermaid was the first result: a critical and commercial hit that won Menken an Oscar for Best Score and started Disney’s story over. How to capture a songwriter’s gift in words? When you think of the dozens of Alan Menken songs that are already part of your life – “Under the Sea,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Friend Like Me” – definitions feel too small and dry, and the essence of that talent eludes you. After months of conversations about the quirky, blissfully strange show that is Little Shop, our wonderful director Maggie Burrows said to me, “I think I know what this show is about – it’s about love. Our need for it. How we all yearn for it. And what happens when we don’t get it.” And there it was. If there was one word to characterize what Menken’s songs capture, it is yearning. A Menken song unites us in our desires, our dreams, our hopes. Honoring both innocence and pain, a Menken song reminds us of our common humanity by embracing our communal need to dream. Enjoy tonight as you again revel in Alan Menken’s talent. He is one of our all-time greats. And for Heaven’s sake don’t feed the plant.
THEATRE ETIQUETTE • Use of cameras or recording equipment of any kind is strictly prohibited during the show. • Curtain time at The Muny is promptly 8:15 p.m. Please wait for a pause in the action before you find or return to your seats. • All guests must have a ticket. If your child moves to your lap during the performance, please be respectful of those around you. • Please avoid singing along with the show. • Please remember...the show is not over until after the actors have taken their curtain calls. Muny performers have said, “There is no greater theatre audience than the Muny audience.” Please show them your gratitude by remaining at your seat until after the curtain call. Please Do Not Use Your Cell Phone and Electronic Devices During the Performance. 4 A BIG MUNY THANK YOU! On behalf of The Muny, we are grateful you joined us tonight. To ensure a wonderful evening under the stars for all, please be considerate to those around you. We encourage you to take photos before the show! #muny105 JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
105TH SEASON • FIF TH PRODUCTION • JULY 25 — 31, 2023 • 8:15 P.M. 5 and Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Kristen Robinson Leon Dobkowski Rob Denton John Shivers & David Patridge and Book & Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN Music by ALAN MENKEN Production Stage Manager Matthew Lacey Casting The Telsey Office Rachel Hoffman, CSA Priya Ghosh Wig Design Kelley Jordan Video Design Greg Emetaz Choreography by William Carlos Angulo Robin de Jesús Patti Murin Michael McGrath Ryan Vasquez Nicholas Ward Music Direction by Andrew Graham Starring Mike Isaacson Artistic Director & Executive Producer Kwofe A. Coleman President & Chief Executive Officer Direction by Maggie Burrows -also starringTravis Patton Taylor Marie Daniel Stephanie Gomérez Kennedy Holmes Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director) Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). www.mtishows.com Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith Puppet Design James Ortiz Vocal Arrangements by Robert Billig Orchestrations by Robert Merkin
For 103 years, Ameren and The Muny have partnered to power the lives and livelihoods of creatives and our communities. This year we bring you a family favorite, Beauty and the Beast. Like Belle with her beloved books, we hope this show takes you to places that only a story can. And to encourage young readers to reach for the stars, we hope you will consider a book donation to the official community partner of this evening’s performance, Ready Readers. “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” — Ernest Hemingway Bright tomorrows start with doing good today. Ameren.com/Community
FROM OUR SPONSOR 7
Connecting Students with Musical Theatre Professionals In one of the first partnerships of its kind between a university conservatory and a professional musical theatre, Webster University and The Muny are working together to train students for careers in musical theatre. This creative collaboration is another example of how Webster University ensures high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Learn more at: webster.edu/conservatory Pictured: Josh Hoon Lee ’23 in Webster’s 2023 production of MYTHS AND HYMNS, set design by Lily Tomasic ’24 (photo by Phillip Hamer). See Josh in The Muny’s production of RENT this season and Lily’s work as the scenery design intern. MYTHS AND HYMNS was directed by Evangeline Rose Whitlock, with music direction by The Muny’s Director of Education, Tali Allen.
MUSICAL NUMBERS 9 From show T-shirts and commemorative ornaments to show stickers and travel mugs, the memories of the season can be yours! Shop at the souvenir stand located next to Café One or online at muny.org/shop! TAKE HOME YOUR MUNY MEMORY! ACT ONE Prologue (Little Shop of Horrors) ..........................................Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette Skid Row (Downtown) ................................................................................ The Company Da-Doo................................................................... Seymour, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette Grow for Me .........................................................................................................Seymour Don’t It Go to Show Ya Never Know......Mushnik, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette, Seymour Somewhere That’s Green ...................................................................................... Audrey Closed for Renovations.........................................................Seymour, Audrey, Mushnik Dentist! ..........................................................................Orin, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette Mushnik and Son..........................................................................Mushnik and Seymour Feed Me (Git It).............................................................................Seymour and Audrey II Now (It’s Just the Gas) .........................................................................Seymour and Orin ACT TWO Call Back in the Morning................................................................Seymour and Audrey Suddenly, Seymour..........................................................................Seymour and Audrey Suppertime ......................................................................................................... Audrey II The Meek Shall Inherit............................................................................... The Company Sominex/Suppertime (Reprise)...............................................Audrey and Audrey II Finale (Don’t Feed the Plants) ................................................................... The Company
é é CAST 11 The 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. Dance Captain TAYLOR MARIE DANIEL Fight Captain NICHOLAS WARD KENNEDY HOLMES TAYLOR MARIE DANIEL STEPHANIE GOMEREZ MICHAEL MCGRATH PATTI MURIN ROBIN DE JESUS RYAN VASQUEZ TRAVIS PATTON NICHOLAS WARD IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE Crystal, an Urchin Chiffon, an Urchin Ronnette, an Urchin Mr. Mushnik Audrey Seymour Krelborn Orin Scrivello, Bernstein, Mrs. Luce, Snip & Others Audrey II (Manipulation) The Voice of Audrey II YOUTH ENSEMBLE Carter Eiseman, Owen Hanford, Hannah Lieberoff, Amelie Lock, Adaeze Loynd, Amara Loynd, Courtney Lucas, Kayla Montgomery, Gavin Nobbe, Spencer Slavik, Lilly Smith, Jacob Tuteur, Noah Van Ess, Brynley Wall, Thomas Woodrow, Anna Wright VIOLIN Tova Braitberg CONCERTMASTER Julie Leonhardt Beth Hoffman Isabel Tannenbaum Nathan Banks VIOLA/VIOLIN Carolina Neves PRINCIPAL Wendy Lea Orchestra Personnel Manager CELLO Nathan Hsu Shannon Merciel BASS Tim Weddle PRINCIPAL WOODWINDS Michael Buerk PRINCIPAL Elsie Parker Robert Hughes Nancy Summers TRUMPET Andy Tichenor PRINCIPAL Vicky Smolik FRENCH HORN Corbin Castro PRINCIPAL Steven Hanrahan TROMBONE Tom Vincent PRINCIPAL Tyler Vahldick TUBA Jason Tanksley HARP Megan Stout PERCUSSION Erin Elstner, PRINCIPAL GUITAR Steve Schenkel ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS All Musicians of The Muny Orchestra are members of Local 2-197 of the American Federation of Musicians. MUNY ORCHESTRA Tova Braitberg is the William R. Orthwein, Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Concertmaster. MUSIC DIRECTOR/KEYBOARD Andrew Graham KEYBOARD Ryan Carpenter DRUMS Matthew Henry DRUMS Joe Pastor
CEA-15384-A-AD EXP 19 SEP 2024 © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD Member SIPC Talent deserves an audience We are proud to support The Muny that shines the spotlight on diverse perspectives and brings art to life. edwardjones.com/purposeinaction
ROBIN DE JESUS é (Seymour Krelborn) is a three-time Tony Awardnominated actor for In the Heights, La Cage aux Folles and The Boys in the Band. Other Broadway: Rent, Wicked. Muny: Disney’s Aladdin (Aladdin). Regionally, Robin starred in Grease and Godspell (Paper Mill Playhouse) and A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings (Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey). Most recently, he joined the cast of Hulu’s Welcome to Chippendales as Ray Colon (opposite Kumail Nanjiani). Robin can be seen in the Netflix adaptation of Tick, Tick… Boom! (2021), directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, opposite Andrew Garfield, as well as the Ryan Murphyproduced Netflix film, The Boys in the Band (2020). Moreover, he played George in the acclaimed indie-film Milkwater (2020). He is also lovingly known for his breakout role in the cult-classic feature, Camp (2003). @RobinofJesus PATTI MURIN (Audrey) is thrilled to be back on the Muny stage after playing Paulette in last year’s Legally Blonde. Other Muny credits: Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ariel), Chicago (Roxie) and Holiday Inn (Linda Mason). Patti is best known for originating the role of Princess Anna to critical acclaim in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway. Other Broadway/national tour credits include the title character in Lysistrata Jones, flying by bubble as Glinda in Wicked and roller skating her way to Broadway in Xanadu (Euterpe). Off-Broadway: Love’s Labour’s Lost (Shakespeare in the Park), Fly By Night (Playwrights Horizons), Lady Be Good! (NY City Center Encores!). Almost Broadway: Nerds (Sally). TV: Many Hallmark Channel movies including In Merry Measure, Love on Iceland and To Catch A Spy, and recurring roles on Chicago Med and Royal Pains. Patti is also an audiobook narrator for bestselling authors such as Jodi Picoult, Christina Lauren and Katherine Center. @pattimurin MICHAEL MCGRATH (Mr. Mushnik) Muny: A Funny Thing…Forum, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, South Pacific, Side By Side By Sondheim. Broadway: Plaza Suite, Tootsie, The Front Page, She Loves Me, On The Twentieth Century, Nice Work If You Can Get It (Tony Award), Born Yesterday, Memphis, Is He Dead?; Spamalot (Tony nomination), Wonderful Town, Little Me, The Goodbye Girl, My Favorite Year, Swinging on a Star. Off-Broadway: The Government Inspector, The Cocoanuts, The Butter and Egg Man, Exactly Like You, Forbidden Broadway. Stock and Regional: A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine;You Never Know, 1776, Room Service, The Music Man, Tomfoolery, George M! and The Robber Bridegroom to name a few. Along with his coveted Tony Award, Michael is the recipient of The Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. During the 1996 Broadway season, Mr. McGrath received The Theatre World Award for his outstanding Broadway debut in Swinging on a Star. RYAN VASQUEZ (Orin Scrivello, Bernstein, Mrs. Luce, Snip & Others) Broadway: Hamilton Alexander Hamilton; standby for Aaron Burr, George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette/ Thomas Jefferson and Hercules Mulligan/James Madison), Waitress (original Broadway cast), Wicked. Off-Broadway: The Wrong Man (The Man in Black, Drama Desk nomination). World premiere productions of The Notebook (Noah Calhoun, Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Outsiders (Darrel Curtis, La Jolla Playhouse) and Water for Elephants (Jacob Jankowski, Alliance Theatre). Film/ TV: The Good Fight (CBS), The Code (CBS), Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) and Tick, Tick… Boom! (Netflix). Voice work: Vivo (Netflix), In the Heights (film). WHO’S WHO 13
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é TAYLOR MARIE DANIEL (Chiffon, Dance Captain) recently had the privilege of being a part of Mary Poppins and Legally Blonde at The Muny and is so thankful to be back for another summer! A recent graduate from the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Program (Class of ‘22), her credits include Bulda in Frozen (national tour) and Deena Jones in Dreamgirls (Paramount Theatre). Taylor wants to thank her friends and family for their constant support of her career. Exist loudly! @taylor.marie.daniel STEPHANIE GOMEREZ (Ronnette) Muny: On Your Feet! (Rachel, Ensemble). Broadway: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Swing). Off-Broadway: Green Card: A New Musical (Ensemble). Regional: Miss You Like Hell (Olivia), In the Heights (Vanessa), Mamma Mia! (Sophie), Spring Awakening (Thea). TV: New Amsterdam, Inventing Anna. @stephaniegomerez KENNEDY HOLMES (Crystal) is beyond thrilled to be returning to The Muny for her eighth season! Regional credits: The Color Purple (Olivia, Ensemble, u/s Nettie), Sweeney Todd, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Footloose, Godspell (Singer), Newsies, All Shook Up, Jesus Christ Superstar, James and the Giant Peach (Aunt Sponge), Snoopy (Snoopy), A Christmas Carol (Belinda Cratchit), Aida, Annie and Hairspray (Little Inez). Educational Theatre credits: Chicago (Velma) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona Lisa Peretti). TV: Season 15 Finalist on The Voice and A New Holiday. NICHOLAS WARD (The Voice of Audrey II, Fight Captain) is excited to return to his Muny family. Muny: Jesus Christ Superstar (Caiaphas). Most recently seen in the Broadway revival of The Music Man (Oliver Hix) with Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. Broadway: The Lion King (Mufasa), Frozen, (King Agnarr, OBC), In Transit (Chris, OBC), On the Town (Workman, Announcer). NY City Center Encores!: Brigadoon, Cabin in the Sky, Pipe Dream, The Golden Apple, 1776, Zorba, Paint Your Wagon, Annie Get Your Gun. Lincoln Center: Camelot, I Am Harvey Milk, Symphony Space’s A Little Night Music. Tours: Show Boat, Porgy and Bess. Film/ TV: Schmigadoon!; Frozen 2, Ricky and the Flash, The Tony Awards, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, One Night Only: The Best of Broadway; The Disney Holiday Singalong. Regional: Ragtime, Man of La Mancha, Smokey Joe’s Cafe. Cast Recordings: The Music Man, Frozen, In Transit. Currently touring with The Doo Wop Project. Love to Mom! Instagram: @NicholastheWard TRAVIS PATTON (Audrey II Manipulation) Muny debut! Broadway: Disney’s Frozen (u/s Sven, OBC). National tours: Fosse, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Can-Can de Paris. Regional: A Chorus Line, Cats, Chicago, Pippin, Fosse, Swing!; The Wedding Singer, Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol. Las Vegas: Viva Elvis, Zarkana, Jubilee, Simply Ballroom. Film: Tick, Tick… Boom! Catch Travis as “A” in the first season of Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin on Max. For Dad and Daniel, all my love. Instagram: @trvspttn WHO’S WHO 15
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WHO’S WHO 17 ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION “Equity,” founded in 1913, is the U.S. 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. #EquityWorks HOWARD ASHMAN (Book & Lyrics) Best known as a pivotal creative mind behind the renaissance of Disney animation and his work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast (which is dedicated to, “Our friend, Howard Ashman, who gave a Mermaid her voice and a Beast his soul...”), Ashman’s first love was theatre. Ashman was a founder of off-off-Broadway’s renowned WPA Theater, where he conceived, wrote and directed God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater; as well as the classic musical, Little Shop of Horrors (both with music by Alan Menken). In 1986, he wrote and directed the Broadway musical Smile (music by Marvin Hamlisch). Lamented as a lost treasure of the 1980’s theatre scene, Smile remains popular on high school and college campuses throughout the country. Howard Ashman died in 1991 from complications of AIDS. For more information, please visit howardashman.com. ALAN MENKEN (Music) Theatre: God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater; Little Shop of Horrors, Real Life Funnies, Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy; Kicks, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, Weird Romance, King David, Der Glöckner von Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Aladdin and Newsies. Film: Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Life With Mikey, Lincoln, Home on the Range, Noel, Enchanted, Shaggy Dog, Tangled and Mirror Mirror. Songs: Rocky V, Home Alone 2 and Captain America. Awards: 8 Oscars (19 nominations), 11 Grammys (including Song of the Year), 7 Golden Globes, Tony (plus 4 nominations), Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, New York Drama Critics, Olivier and London’s Evening Standard Award, Drama League. Honors: Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Doctorates from New York University and University of North Carolina School of the Arts. MAGGIE BURROWS (Director) is thrilled to be returning to The Muny after directing On Your Feet! and Legally Blonde. She has directed and developed work with Playwrights Horizons, Atlantic Theater Company, New York Theatre Workshop, WP Theater, Williamstown Theatre Festival and The Geffen. Member of Lincoln Center Directors Lab, nominee for Yale’s Sudler Prize, 2018 Sagal Directing Fellow at Williamstown, and the 2018-2020 BOLD Resident Director at Northern Stage. Select credits: Indecent (Juilliard), Man of God (Williamstown, Geffen), TRAYF (Geffen), The Sound of Music (Northern Stage), Spacebar (Wild Project). Film: Condolences and the GOTV video for Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote organization. Associate Director: My Fair Lady (Beaumont), The Taming of the Shrew (Delacorte) and Constellations (Manhattan Theatre Club). Upcoming: Mark Sonnenblick’s new musical Devotion. WILLIAM CARLOS ANGULO (Choreographer) is thrilled to return to The Muny where he choreographed On Your Feet! and Legally Blonde. Favorite projects include La Havana Madrid with Teatro Vista (Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre), In the Heights (Milwaukee Rep, Seattle Rep, Cincinnati Playhouse), Footloose (Marriott Theatre), MICHA: Visions (Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater) and Indecent with the Juilliard fourth years. He serves as Director of Education for Dance Lab New York and is under commission by Portland Center Stage, alongside Isaac Gómez and Micha Rodriguez, to devise a new musical about their families. He is a member of SDC and the Alliance of Latinx Theater Artists (ALTA). ANDREW GRAHAM (Music Director/Conductor) is honored to be The Charles W. and Janet T. Mueller Conductor. New York: Avenue Q, Wicked, The Book of Mormon. Las Vegas: Spamalot, Avenue Q. National tours: Moulin Rouge, The Book of Mormon, Wicked, Avenue Q, Pippin, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Music Man, Footloose. Regional: Signature Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Cleveland Play House, Alley Theatre and The Muny. Degrees from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and Trinity College of Music in London.
WHO’S WHO 19 KRISTEN ROBINSON (Scenic Designer) is an awardwinning designer, artist and educator. Her work ranges from experimental opera to regional theatre and everything in between. Select design credits include Drinking in America (Audible Productions, Minetta Lane), Jane Anger (Shakespeare Theatre Company), The Flaming Arrow (Riyadh Seasons, Saudi Arabia), Heather Christian’s Oratorio for Living Things (Ars Nova), In the Green (LCT3), [PORTO] (WP Theater), Heart of Darkness (Baryshnikov Arts Center), Minor Character (Under the Radar Festival), Everybody Black, The Thin Place (Humana Festival, Actors Theatre of Louisville), Miller Mississippi (Long Wharf Theatre), graveyard shift (The Goodman Theatre), Familiar (Steppenwolf Theatre), Ethel (Alliance Theatre). She is the Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at Purchase College. A Princess Grace Fellow, she holds her MFA from Yale University and is a proud member of USA 829. kristenrobinsondesign.com LEON DOBKOWSKI (Costume Designer) 10 seasons at The Muny (St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Outstanding Costume Design for Seussical and The Wiz; nomination for On Your Feet), Paper Mill Playhouse, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars, Weston Playhouse, Feld Entertainment’s Disney Live!; George Street Playhouse, Irish Repertory Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, Music Theatre Wichita, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Penguin Rep, Epic Theatre Ensemble, New York Musical Festival (Outstanding Costume Design, Claudio Quest), TheatreWorks Hartford (CT Critics Choice nomination, The Legend of Georgia McBride). MFA Yale School of Drama. LeonDobkowski.com @MrLeonD ROB DENTON (Lighting Designer) is thrilled to be back for his 11th season. Select Muny designs include Chess, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Chicago, Legally Blonde and Mary Poppins. Regional: Fun Home and The Wolves (TheaterWorks), Jersey Boys and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Fly and The Wizard of Oz (Capital Repertory Theatre), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park), The Will Rogers Follies (Goodspeed Musicals), The Cake (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (TUTS), Tosca (Opera San Antonio) and Daughter of the Regiment (Atlanta Opera). Upcoming lighting designs include Lizzie The Musical (TheaterWorks). @rdentexdesign JOHN SHIVERS (Sound Designer) Shucked (2023 Tony and Drama Desk nominee), Beauty and the Beast, Pretty Woman (Worldwide), Paramour, Kinky Boots (2013 Tony Award), Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway; Leap of Faith, Bonnie & Clyde, Sister Act, 9 to 5, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays. International: Wicked, Tarzan, The Lion King (Shanghai, Singapore). Regional: The Muny (2015-Present), Trading Places, The Wanderer, 42nd Street, Heart of Rock & Roll, The First Wives Club, The Nutty Professor, Tales of the City, Emma, Robin and the 7 Hoods, Ace. Associate: Mary Poppins, Hairspray, The Producers, The Lion King, Titanic, Big, How to Succeed…; Tommy, The Buddy Holly Story. Other credits: Savion Glover, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Gregory Hines and engineering at Electric Lady Studios. DAVID PATRIDGE (Sound Designer) is really happy and honored to be back at The Muny for his eighth season partnered with John Shivers as Sound Designers. He has worked in theatre for 38 years around the world and on Broadway and considers his experiences here in St. Louis as some of the most memorable! These days, when not overeating BBQ here in STL, he can be found working at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in NYC. Special thanks this year to Josh Hummel who has gone above and beyond to supervise putting the system together. GREG EMETAZ (Video Designer) is a filmmaker and video designer. Theatre: Joseph…Dreamcoat, Newsies, All Shook Up, Footloose, Singin’ in the Rain (The Muny), Man of La Mancha (Asolo Rep), The Vagrant Trilogy (Public Theater). Opera: Champion, Fire Shut Up in My Bones (The Metropolitan Opera), La Fanciulla del West (NCPA Beijing), Tristan und Isolde (Croatian National Theatre), Bel Canto (Lyric Opera of Chicago), Dolores Claiborne (San Francisco Opera), An American Soldier, Shalimar, 27, The Golden Ticket (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis). Film: Camp Wedding, Bowes Academy, Spell Claire, Get the F K Outta Paris, Death by Omelette and web series Do it Yourselfie (codirected with Amanda DeSimone). He’s also created behind-the-scenes documentaries for Julie Taymor’s The Tempest and Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. MINORapocalypse.com
Don’t miss the excitement when legends like Bernhard Langer, David Toms, Timothy O’Neal and John Daly compete at the Ascension Charity Classic presented by Emerson. All proceeds will benefit area charities including Marygrove, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. Pro-Am foursomes, hospitality packages and tickets available at AscensionCharityClassic.com © 2023 Ascension. All rights reserved. Players subject to appear. LEGENDS RETURN! The SEPTEMBER 5–10, 2023 | NORWOOD HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
WHO’S WHO 21 KELLEY JORDAN (Wig Designer) is a wig, hair and makeup designer with over 30 years of experience that started here in St. Louis. Previous Muny designs: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Color Purple, Disney’s Mary Poppins, On Your Feet!; Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Matilda, Footloose, Annie and All Shook Up. Other work: An Officer and A Gentleman (national tour), Theatre Under The Stars, KC Rep, Variety Theatre, the Fabulous Fox and PBS. She is also the founder of K. Jordan Theatrical Academy, is the first African American female wig designer to work at The Muny, and credits her talents, her love of hair, and her belief that dreams come true and all things are possible through God to her mother, Clara “Mickey” Wings. @k.jordantheatrical JAMES ORTIZ (Puppet Designer) is a cross-disciplinary designer whose recent creation of Milky White for the Broadway revival of Into the Woods, as well as the Dino designs for Lincoln Center’s Tony-nominated The Skin of Our Teeth,have both become fan favorites and tattoos! Most recently: Disney’s Hercules (Paper Mill Playhouse), Poor Yella Rednecks (American Conservatory Theater), Kiss My Aztec (Hartford Stage), As You Like It (Public Theater). Selected additional credits include The Public Theater, Carnegie Mellon University, Dallas Theater Center, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Opera Saratoga, Ars Nova and New World Stages. 2016 OBIE Award winner for puppetry design for his off-Broadway creation, The Woodsman. American Theatre magazine’s “Six Theatre Workers You Should Know” for 2020. 2022 Drama Desk Award for The Skin of Our Teeth. jamesortiz.co BART WILLIAMS (Fight Coordinator) is an instructor with Dueling Arts International and associate faculty with Theatrical Intimacy Education. He is also a member of the Society of American Fight Directors, Fight Directors Canada, and the British Academy of Dramatic Combat. He has worked at the Stratford Festival of Ontario, all over the UK, and regionally in the US from Michigan to South Dakota. Currently, he is a professor of Stage Combat at the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. THE 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. MATTHEW LACEY (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to come home to The Muny, where he began his career in 1997. Some favorites include last season’s Legally Blonde and the Muny premieres of On Your Feet!; Smokey Joe’s Cafe; Jerome Robbins’ Broadway; Newsies, Hairspray, Les Misérables and Crazy for You. Broadway: MJ the Musical, Tootsie, SpongeBob SquarePants, Sunset Boulevard, Waitress, An American in Paris, On the Twentieth Century, Motown the Musical, Ghost the Musical, Relatively Speaking, Arcadia, La Bête, A Little Night Music, Chicago and Urinetown. Off-Broadway: Stomp, Pete ‘n’ Keely; Mnemonic, Johnny Guitar, World of Mirth. The Kennedy Center: Spamalot, Sunset Boulevard, Guys and Dolls and The Music Man. Other: The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and American Ballet Theatre. Matt is a graduate of The Sargent Conservatory at Webster University. WILLIE PORTER (Assistant Stage Manager) Muny: Legally Blonde, Disney & Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, On Your Feet!; Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, Jerome Robbins’ Broadway and Jesus Christ Superstar. Broadway: Almost Famous, MJ: The Musical; Moulin Rouge!; Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. NYC: Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall) and Evita (New York City Center). Regional: Spamalot (Kennedy Center), Becoming Nancy (Alliance Theatre), The Music Man (Kennedy Center). Big thanks to her family for always supporting her dreams and Matt Lacey for his constant encouragement and tomfoolery. KENTRELL JAMISON (Assistant Stage Manager) is a Chicago native who graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor’s of Performing Arts. From 2021 to present, he has been a Production Assistant at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis for the world premieres of The Gradient, Stick Fly, Private Lives, Side by Side and Gruesome Playground Injuries. Concurrently, he was also the Assistant Stage Manager for Big Machine, Matilda and Little Dancer at COCA. In 2022, Kentrell was the Production Assistant intern for Joseph and the Amazing TechnicolorDreamcoat and this year he’s back as an Assistant Stage Manager for Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act!
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WHO’S WHO 23 ERIC ELZ(Assistant Stage Manager) A graduate of Truman State University, Eric has spent his time as a lighting designer for a variety of corporate clients and musicians over the years as well as for academic institutions and special events. His time at The Muny began in 1996 and he is thrilled to be returning for his 17th season. MIKE ISAACSON (Artistic Director & Executive Producer) is the third person to hold the position in The Muny’s 105-year history, and he’s so grateful you are here tonight. Now in his 12th season, Isaacson has produced 74 Muny shows, 28 of which were new to The Muny stage. With his partner Kristin Caskey, Isaacson produced Parade, starring Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond, which received the 2023 Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical,” his 8th Tony Award. In 2022, they produced David Byrne’s American Utopia, which also became an HBO film by Spike Lee, for which Isaacson received an Emmy nomination as an executive producer. Isaacson and Caskey have produced more than 26 Broadway musicals and plays, national tours, offBroadway and London productions. They are producing the much-anticipated Broadway return of The Wiz, which begins a pre-Broadway national tour this Fall. Career highlights include: Fun Home (2015 Tony Award, Best Musical; 2018 Olivier Award nominee, Best Musical), The Humans (2016 Tony Award, Best Play), Legally Blonde the Musical (2011 Olivier Award, Best Musical), Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002 Tony Award, Best Musical), Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite, starring Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker (premiering at London’s Savoy Theatre in January 2024), Burn This starring Adam Driver and Kerri Russell, If/Then starring Idina Menzel, Bring It On: The Musical (2013 Tony nomination for Best Musical), Red (2010 Tony Award, Best Play), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Caroline, or Change; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Death of a Salesman (1999 Tony Award, Best Revival). For the IPN, he served as producer for the Broadway productions of Spamalot (2005 Tony Award, Best Musical), Ragtime (revival), The Color Purple, along with the national tour of 9-to-5 The Musical. All told, his productions have received more than 130 Tony nominations and 37 Tony Awards. Isaacson has received the St. Louis Arts and Education Council’s Award for “Excellence in the Arts” and The Broadway League’s and Theatre Development Fund’s Commercial Theater Institute “Robert Whitehead” Award for Excellence in Producing. He has served on the board of governors and executive committee of The Broadway League and received “Star of Touring Broadway” Award. He received the Equality Award from the St. Louis Chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. He’s honored to work with everyone on and offstage, and offers all gratitude to his husband Joe. PROVIDING OVATIONS FOR EVERYONE We thank our partners for helping to make this possible: Crawford Taylor Foundation, Thomas A. Kooyumjian Foundation and for the Patti’s Pick program, a gift in memory of Patricia Wolf Gould, from the A.J. Bitker Charitable Foundation. We are no longer accepting Community Access applications for the 2023 season. If your organization has interest in participating in the 2024 season, please contact Jane Schell at [email protected] or 314-595-5708. muny.org/tickets/ticket-savings For more than 100 years, The Muny has welcomed all attendees, regardless of race, economic standing or ethnic background and has provided free admission to more than 10,000,000 since 1919. Besides making available nearly 1,500 free seats nightly on a first-come, first-served basis, The Muny partners with more than 140 social service organizations to provide free tickets that enable underserved and special needs audiences to enjoy a night at The Muny free of charge. LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH! Tag and follow us on our socials! @themuny COMMUNITY ACCESS
The painters & designers at The Muny are members of Local Union 829 of United Scenic Artists. All scenery, audio, lighting & props are constructed by members of IATSE Local 6. All costumes, hair & makeup at The Muny are created and maintained by members of IATSE Local 805. STAFF & CREDITS 25 Sound equipment provided by: MASQUE SOUND Costumes created by: SHANA ALBERY, ESTHER ARROYO, ANTONIO CONSUEGRA, ANNALYNN LUU, RACHAEL RALBY, THE MUNY COSTUME SHOP Fight Coordinator Associate Costume Designer Associate Lighting Designer Associate Sound Designer Production Video Department Lead Production Video Design Lead Emeritus Associate Video Designer Assistant Scenic Designer Assistant Costume Designer Assistant Wig Designer Assistant Stage Managers Video Content Creators Rehearsal Pianists Youth Ensemble Vocal Director Youth Ensemble Coordinators BART WILLIAMS AMBER PAUL SHELBY LOERA DANIEL MIELE BENJI ARRIGO MATT YOUNG KYLEE LOERA BLAINE FUSON ROGER TENG NINA STEWART WILLIE PORTER, KENTRELL JAMISON, ERIC ELZ SYDNEY DYE, TAYLOR GORDON, SPENCER ROE-WEAVER RYAN CARPENTER, CULLEN CURTH CHARLIE MUELLER GUNNAR BOUCHER, RACHAEL BRITTON Custom Fabric Painting by: JULZ KROBOTH Special Thanks to: LAURA GREEN AND THE PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE COSTUME SHOP Little Shop of Horrors was originally Directed by Howard Ashman with Musical Staging by Edie Cowan The videotaping of this production is a violation of U.S. Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense.
46 55 ©2023 SSM Health. All rights reserved. CGC-STL-18-458109 5/23 Proud MUNY Partner and Supporting Sponsor of June 22 – 30 Pediatric care that’s as certain as the sun.
SHOW SURVEY 39 Full of excitement as you leave The Muny production and you’re not ready for it to end? We have great news for you! NEW for the 2023 season, The Muny has partnered with Classic 107.3 FM for “Muny Post-Show Conversations.” Learn behind-the-scenes details and fun-facts on how “Muny Magic” is created for each production. Immediately following the performance, tune-in to 107.3 FM, (or 96.3 HD-2) to join hosts Julie Schuster and Gavriel Savit for the inside scoop from actors, designers, creatives, and Muny team members about what it takes to put on our epic shows. Even on the nights when you’re not at The Muny, listen to Classic 107.3 FM (or 96.3 HD-2) each night at approximately 11pm for an engaging half-hour seven days a week during the Muny season. Miss an episode? Find every Muny Post-Show Conversation on the Classic 107.3 website a https://classic1073.org/muny We can’t wait for you to join the conversation! MUNY POST-SHOW CONVERSATIONS Host Julie Schuster 27 Hey Students! NEW! The Muny is pleased to offer a special 25% discount for students for select seats at each performance! The Muny’s Student Rush offer is available to students in high school and college with a valid edu email address or student I.D., as well as participants of The Muny’s Teen, Acting for Musical Theatre and T3 programs. Once registered with The Muny/MetroTix, rush offer emails will be sent out prior to each opening with ticket reservation instructions. To register, visit: muny.org/student-rush or scan QR Code. Register here! STUDENT RUSH
EXPERIENCE EPIC ADVENTURES GET YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TODAY Scan the QR code via your phone camera or call the Box Office at 314-968-4925 Choice seats starting as low as $20 per show REPSTL.ORG Cast, Moby Dick 2017 Photography courtesy of Lookingglass Theatre Company
29 Benjamin Ola. Akande Mary V. Atkin Andrew S. Baur Warner L. Baxter Anna Reby Bertman Suzanne S. Brauer Edwin B. Broadhurst III Louis A. Cella Robert J. Ciapciak Parker B. Condie, Jr. Clark S. Davis Steven L. Finerty June McAllister Fowler Christopher Gagliano Davida Lichtenstein Grindstaff Jasmina Hadzialic E. Douglas Harbison Tracy E. Hart Nancy M. Hawes David A. Hogan David M. Hollo Rick Holton, Jr. Celia L. Hosler Gregory Iken Hope Welles Jernagan Steven T. Johnston Grace Jones Opal M. Jones Ashley B. Kemper Timothy J. Kertz Christopher A. Koster John W. Lemkemeier Kathryn E. Love Michael Loynd Derek L. Martin Richard H. McClure Art J. McCoy Michael P. McMillan Richard L. Nix, Jr. Henry B. Pflager III Kitty McDonnell Pipoli William N. Scheffel Elizabeth J. Schlesinger Nicole Schnuck Stephanie Schnuck Tamara Sheffield Sherry Sissac Michele R. Sowers Lucie N. Springmeyer Mary Ann Srenco Cori Cunnane Stebelman Mary Steward Julio F. Suárez Michael J. Torney James S. Turley Clarence C. Barksdale Alice C. Behan Thomas H. Brouster, Sr. Carole L. Buck August A. Busch III Parker B. Condie, Sr. S. Bryan Cook Donald G. Fassold Raymond R. Fournie Ronald A. Fromm Louis J. Fusz, Jr. Earle H. Harbison, Jr. Samuel B. Hayes III Robert R. Hermann, Jr. Douglas E. Hill William F. Holekamp Joseph F. Imbs III Carmen Jacob Stephen G. Jansen Bettie S. Johnson Stephen C. Jones Peter B. Krombach F. Mark Kuhlmann J. Mark Lashly Michael D. Latta James S. McDonnell III Richard G. Millman Stephen C. Roberts, Sr. Terry E. Schnuck Hugh Scott III E.C. Simmons III David L. Steward Elizabeth J. Stroble Donald M. Suggs Thomas R. Voss John K. Wallace, Jr. Douglas H. Yaeger BOARD OF DIRECTORS HONORARY LIFE DIRECTORS PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kwofe A. Coleman OFFICERS 1919 MUNICIPAL THEATRE ASSOCIATION 2023 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.....John W. Lemkemeier VICE CHAIR.....Tracy E. Hart TREASURER.....Anna Reby Bertman ASSISTANT TREASURER.....Opal M. Jones ASSISTANT SECRETARY......Sherry Sissac SECRETARY.....Edwin B. Broadhurst III
The arts reflect our experiences and expand our lives. At Enterprise, we believe that the arts belong in everyone’s lives, building up our communities and enriching our experiences. ©2022 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. K07298 5.16 Driven to pick people up. Enterprise is a proud supporter of The Muny.
THE MUNY STAFF STAFF 3931 Director of Operations: SEAN M. SMITH Facilities Manager: TIM MCDONALD Special Events & Facility Rentals: JANE SCHELL Director of Marketing: ERIC PUGH Associate Director of Marketing: AMY MAIER Group Sales Manager: JANE SCHELL Print Project Manager + Visual Brand Designer: JUDY SAKAI Digital Communications Manager: COLBY DEZELICK Marketing Coordinator: EMILY SANTEL Promotions Support: SUSIE JOFFE Chief Financial Officer: TAMMY MCKIM Accountants: LINDSEY R. GALANTI, JOEY KLEBA Accounting Assistants: MEGHAN ALBRECHT, HANNAH ZEISS Director of Education: TALI ALLEN Education Programs Manager: CHARLIE MUELLER Education Assistant: GUNNAR BOUCHER Director of Development: COURTNEY SIMMS Director of Individual Giving: JENNY PRATT Development Gift Manager: ROSEMARY GLIEDT EDUCATION MARKETING DEVELOPMENT Executive Assistant to the President & CEO: BARBARA ECHELE P R O D U C T I O N S TA F F Director of Audience Experience: LINDSEY R. GALANTI House Managers: PHILLIP CAMPBELL, HANNAH ZEISS HOUSE MANAGEMENT FINANCE/ACCOUNTING President & Chief Executive Officer: KWOFE COLEMAN OPERATIONS HUMAN RESOURCES Receptionist: JOY BOLAND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF PRODUCTION Production Manager: TRACY UTZMYERS Artistic Associate: MICHAEL BAXTER Company Manager: STACY MYERS Technical Director: TODD MOORE Costume Director: JAN CREGER Assistant Production Managers: KENDRA HENRY, ISABELLE SCHEIBE Casting Assistant: KAMAL LADO Resident Choreographer: FRANCINE ESPIRITU WARDROBE Associate Costume Director: SIMON BRETT Wardrobe Heads: DEONA OFFIELD, BRENDAN WOODS Wardrobe Assistant: GRACE AUSTIN WIGS Wig Shop Managers: KELLEY JORDAN, ALISON HORA Hair & Make-up Supervisors: ALYCIA BERRY, ALISON HORA, KATE SHAW, PAULA STONE MUSIC Music Supervisor / Orchestra Librarian: MICHAEL HORSLEY Orchestra Manager: WENDY LEA Music Assistant: CHASE ANDERSON SCENIC Scenic Build Supervisors: DAVID MCCARTHY, MATT MOURNING Head Scenic Artist: LARRY BIEDENSTEIN Automation Head: THEO PRIFTI Properties Head: JIM ROBERT Scenic Stitcher: KIM STONE Draftsperson: EMILIE WEILBACHER-MCMULL AN LIGHTING/SOUND/VIDEO Head Electrician: JAMES SPIES Sound Head: SEAN WILHITE Audio Engineers: JOSHUA HUMMEL, ADAM SMOLENSKI Video Heads: JONATHAN RITTER, MICHAEL LEACH Photographers: PHILLIP HAMER, ERIC WOOLSEY Director of Human Resources: JOHN MEYER Director of Ticketing: L AWRENCE P. WALSH BOX OFFICE FOOD & BEVERAGE/CONCESSIONS Food and Beverage Manager: LAURIE WATERHOUSE Artistic Director & Executive Producer: MIKE ISAACSON ADMINISTRATION Director of Strategic Partnerships: SARA SAUL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Popcorn, cold refreshments and more! With five concession stands throughout the theatre, be sure to get your ice cold drinks, frozen treats and delicious eats prior to tonight’s performance or during intermission. THE MUNY EXPERIENCE: PRESHOW DINING Dining at The Culver Pavilion Café One Trying to keep it casual? Stop by before the show and grab a bite at Café One. Its menu features a delicious blend of grab-and-go favorites, including pizzas, sandwiches, finger foods and your favorite frozen treats. Muny Partners receive 10% off at Café One or The Culver Pavilion with coupon. Welcome back to our 2023 summer season! Back by popular demand, enjoy delicious selections featuring various charcuterie selections, hot appetizers and vegetarian options, now enhanced with salad and dessert. A limited a la carte menu is also available at the bar, where you can enjoy a drink or a signature cocktail. Dine under the covered pavilion surrounded by the beautiful sights of Forest Park and enjoy the live music and entertainment from the East Lawn Stage in the Steward Family Plaza. Guarantee your dining experience by visiting Muny.org/dining. 32 Advanced sales are now available as well as walk-ups!
THE MUNY EXPERIENCE: PRESHOW ENTERTAINMENT 3733 Arrive early to avoid traffic and enjoy free entertainment in one of the Preshow areas. Preshow Entertainment for RENT A Special THANK YOU to LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Preshow Festival Participants: • Caleb Middleton • DJ—You Call It Entertainment • Grand Center Arts Academy • Muny Kids • Muny Teens • Renewal by Andersen • Saint Charles West High School Jazz Band • Troy Staten BROADHURST PAVILION • The Black Rep STEWARD FAMILY PLAZA STAGE August 6, 10 August 4, 8 LICHTENSTEIN PLAZA Muny Kids Muny Teens August 4-10 Nathan Rauscher Trio featuring Elle Patterson • DJ—You Call It Entertainment • Renewal by Andersen • CHARIS Women’s Chorus • Renewal by Andersen • Renewal by Andersen • DJ—You Call It Entertainment Friday, August 4 Sunday, August 6 Monday, August 7 Tuesday, August 8 Wednesday, August 9 PURINA PLAZA STAGE August 4-10 Phillip Graves featuring Anita Jackson Thursday, August 10 • AAA
of Feeding American Families 1938 - 2023 Celebrating Years IT’S TIME FOR MUNY MAGIC! WHEN THE SUN SETS
Strength, revolution, survival. 1980s East Village NYC was a place of struggle and angst for impoverished artists living through the AIDS epidemic. They persevered through love and acceptance. This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical taught us to measure our life in love. The Jonathan Larson rock musical that defined a generation features the iconic “Seasons of Love,” along with “Light My Candle,” “One Song Glory” and “La Vie Bohème.” GET THE BEST SEATS NOW! AUGUST 4-10 THE POP CULTURE PHENOMENON FINALLY ARRIVES 35 STAGE B6 C6 Don’t Miss It! Single tickets available at muny.org/tickets, at the Muny Box Office or through MetroTix at 314.534.1111. Box Seats $115 $115 Terrace A (Rows A-M) $92 $69 Terrace A (Rows N-Y) $74 $55.50 Terrace B (Rows A-M) $54 $40.50 Terrace B (Rows N-Y) $36 $27 Terrace C $18 $13.50 SINGLE TICKET PRICE GROUP TICKET PRICE NEXT AT THE MUNY
Open Tuesday–Sunday, Always free | Open late on Fridays Connect with us! DEDICATED TO ART AND FREE TO ALL One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park slam.org #stlartmuseum EXHIBIT NOW THROUGH JAN. 7 2024 Where did you go to High School? Stroll down memory lane while exploring St. Louis Public Library’s new exhibit highlighting the Library’s extensive collection of PROM magazine–a monthly publication from 1947-1973 featuring all the news from St. Louis’ public, private and parochial schools. The exhibit is free and open to the public during normal Library hours. CENTRAL LIBRARY 1301 OLIVE STREET / slpl.org Exhibit sponsored by: St. Louis Public Library Foundation
SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM 37 Each summer, The Muny proudly welcomes interns from colleges and universities from around the U.S. These students support and learn from our creative, production and administrative teams. Mindseye provides Audio Description throughout the Muny Season. Every Monday and Saturday performance is made accessible for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Administrative Runner.............................................................................................................Nathan Smorodin Arts Administration ........................................................................................................................Lauren Marut Automation .............................................................................................................................. Anthony Mueth Carpentry .............................................................................................................................. Kennedy Webb Costume Design ...........................................................................................................................Emma Whetton Costume Shop Materials Coordinator ............................................................................................Kymora Gentry Development .............................................................................................................................. Eva Wilson Directing ................................................................................... Gregory Almanza*, Emma Cavage, Serena Feniger Education............................................................................................................. Rachael Britton, Grace Knight Electrics .............................................................................................................................. Rhett Cunningham Kid and Teens Sound ................................................................................Isabella Garrett, Bee Muzzy, Koy Range Lighting Design ......................................................................................................................... Audrey Wubbena Marketing ...............................................................................................................Sara Akihiro, Anna De Marco Musical Direction .....................................................................................................................Caleb Middleton* Paints..................................................................................................................................... Meredith Rodgers Producing.................................................................................................................................. Courtnee Rouse Production Management .........................................................................................................Mauriea Lawrence Props...........................................................................................................................................Samuel McCoy Scenic Design .............................................................................................................................. Lily Tomasic Scenic Shop Materials Coordinator .................................................................................................Alijah Hunter Sound Design .............................................................................................................................. Darien Durell Sound Script .............................................................................................................................. Aurora Lindsey Stage Management Assistants .............................................................Stephanie Brown, Lexi Sims, Lou Williams Stage Management Production Assistants .....................................Megan Hanna, Sarah Holland, Campbell Tiffin Video Design .............................................................................................................................. Barrett Wagner Wig and Make-Up .......................................................................................................................... Olivia Waszak * Congratulations to Gregory Almanza and Caleb Middleton who are the 2023 Carol B. Loeb Production Fellows. Have questions? Contact Megan Harms, Arts & Culture Director • [email protected] • 618-394-6449
Bike Rehab THE MUNY THANKS MANCHESTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH'S Manchester UMC’s Bike Rehab ministry cleans and repairs donated bicycles, then partners with local nonprofit organizations, such as Circle of Concern, whose food pantry feeds over 1,200 households annually. Over 9,000 bikes & helmets have been donated! To learn more visit manchesterumc.org/bike. for providing bicycles to our cast & crew so they can enjoy an earth-friendly commute to and from the theatre in beautiful Forest Park! 6726 Chippewa St. STOP IN OUR GIFT SHOP! Across the parking lot at our Chippewa location www.teddrewes.com 314-481-2652 IIttrreeaallllyyiissggooooddgguuyyssaannddggaallss...... TM
In addition to nearly 1,500 free seats nightly, The Muny provides: • Wheelchair assistance by our trained usher staff • Accessible parking areas • Accessible restrooms and bottle fillers • Sign language interpreted performances every Monday and Saturday night • Assistive listening devices nightly • Described performances every Monday and Saturday night We express our sincere thanks to our partner, Ascension, for its valuable support as our Official Access Services Sponsor. ACCESSIBILITY AT THE MUNY For more than 100 years, The Muny has provided facilities and productions that are accessible to all, regardless of their physical or financial limitations. 39 SAVE The perfect outing for family, friends or students! BRING 15 FRIENDS 25% Exclusive FREE tours available for group reservations Group dining options available at the Culver Pavilion & Café One Private catered dinners available in the Broadhurst Pavilion for select group reservations Enjoy 25% savings off single ticket prices FREE Bus Parking FREE picnic table reservations (in select area) For Group Ticket Discounts: Go to: muny.org/ticket/group-tickets Call: Jane Schell at 314-595-5708 Email: [email protected] + BRING YOUR GROUP TO THE MUNY & SAVE! BRING YOUR GROUP TO THE MUNY & SAVE!
48 2024 SHOW SURVEY Help us select which seven shows will be in our 2024 season! Use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code to pick your favorites. THE Or visit muny.org/ showsurvey SHOW SURVEY A GREENER MUNY Ameren: Ameren has been instrumental in helping The Muny continuously upgrade its electrical systems and related technology. Friendlier Printing: All show programs, marketing materials and office copiers use recycled paper. Missouri Department of Conservation: The Missouri Department of Conservation is the official conservation partner of The Muny. WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A GREENER MUNY The Muny is fortunate to work with partners that share its desire to become a more energy efficient and environmentally responsible facility: Manchester United Methodist Bike Rehab: Manchester United Methodist Bike Rehab provides bicycles as an enjoyable, energy saving transportation option for performers and staff. Second Century Campaign Renovations: All interior lighting in The Muny Administration Building has been converted to LED and a new Building Automation System (BAS) controls our HVAC systems to enhance their year-round efficiency. All systems (originally from the 1940s) have been updated. 41
MUSIC DANCE VISUAL ARTS THEATER ENROLLING 6TH-12TH • TUITION FREE grandcenterartsacademy.org | @grandcenterartsacademy All the World’s a Stage Savor it on a dream vacation! You do not have to be a AAA member to use AAA Travel. AAA Missouri members must make advance reservations through AAA Travel to obtain Member Benefits and savings. Member Benefits may be available for a limited time only, are subject to availability and restrictions may apply. Offers and benefits are subject to change without notice. Not responsible for errors or omissions. The Automobile Club of Missouri acts only as an agent for its travel vendors and is a motor club with a principal place of business at 12901 N. Forty Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141. Copyright ©2023 Automobile Club of Missouri. All Rights Reserved. Call or visit AAA Travel today and SAVE! CALL 866-222-7587 • CLICK AAA.com/Travel Enjoy the Hawaiian Islands, European river cruising, Canadian rail adventures, or an Alaskan cruise. AAA Travel Advisors in the St. Louis area can help you plan and save on your next dream vacation.
SUPPORT 43 The Alberici Foundation Liz Armstrong Rochelle & Louis Cella The Centene Charitable Foundation Bardol Chervitz Family Endowed Fund Marion & Van-Lear* Black Parker B. Condie, Sr. Family Crawford Taylor Foundation Emerson Enterprise Bank & Trust Foundation Charles P. & June Gallagher Patricia Wolf Gould Memorial Endowment Ronald E.* & Anne S. Henges Family Doug & Vicki Hill Carl House Memorial Endowed Fund Interco Charitable Trust The Johnston Family Fund JSM Charitable Trust and Mr. & Mrs. James S. McDonnell III Catherine Frances Juergens Memorial Fund The Tim & Elizabeth Kertz Family Steven S. Kimmel* Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation Nancy & Kenneth Kranzberg Endowment Fund Peter & Susan* Krombach Michael & Margaret Ann Latta Ned* & Sally Lemkemeier Joy & Jay Liss Endowment Fund Carol B. Loeb Lux Family Foundation Maritz Education & Community Outreach Fund Randy Mitchell Endowment Fund Charles W.* & Janet T. Mueller William R. Orthwein Jr. & Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation Greg, Terese & Virginia Portell Sander Foundation Mr. & Mrs. William Scheffel Simmons Charitable Foundation Spoehrer Family Charitable Trust Steward Family Foundation Mary & Joseph Stieven Ruth Davis & Wylie Todd Charitable Foundation James S. & Lynne P. Turley Mary* & Rudolph L.* Wise Endowment Fund and several Anonymous donors Thanks to these generous donors who have already invested $50,000 or more in The Muny Endowment: A list of all endowment donors is available online at muny.org/honor-roll. Contact Jenny Pratt at 314.595.5771 for more information on how making a gift today can impact generations of Muny productions and patrons. One Gift. Endless Possibilities. When you support The Muny Endowment you are ensuring The Muny will thrive for decades to come. Your endowment gift is invested with that investment hopefully growing over time. Then, as that investment grows, just a portion of its proceeds are used in support of Muny projects, programs and productions for decades to come. One gift to The Muny Endowment today creates endless possibilities for the future! * deceased Operational Sustainability Facilities Improvement Education and Community Outreach Production Enhancement SUPPORT THE MUNY ENDOWMENT AND MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN THE MUNY’S FUTURE!
44 THE CRAWFORD TAYLOR EDUCATION INITIATIVE The Crawford Taylor Education Initiative develops new arts education opportunities while supporting ever-evolving Muny education programs. This initiative strives to provide unprecedented, hands-on instruction and mentoring to youth with the hopes of pursuing a career on or offstage in musical theatre. Current programs include: THE MUNY KIDS AND THE MUNY TEENS These performing troupes serve as goodwill ambassadors to the people of St. Louis and the surrounding region. A performance and training ground for talented young people, this intermediate to advanced level program spotlights children and teens who demonstrate exceptional voice and dance talent, stage presence, dedication and discipline. TECHNICAL THEATRE TRAINING (T3) The T3 program was created to expand the network of craftsmen, artisans and theatre professionals who work both locally and nationally in the entertainment industry. This program provides unprecedented training and mentorship to high school students in the industry of technical theatre helping to create a clear path for success in these fields after high school. EDUCATION CLASSES A unique opportunity for students to further their training through area-specific offerings and one-on-one engagement with musical theatre professionals in classes like our Master Audition Workshop, BFA Bootcamp, Musical Theatre Dance class and many more! INTERNSHIPS Interns at The Muny participate in the creation of seven full scale musical theatre productions over the summer. The environment is intense, the stakes are high, and the rewards are endless. Interns have the unique opportunity to work closely with union professionals including IATSE, USA, SDC, AFM and Actors’ Equity. THE MUNY SUMMER INTENSIVE This three-week program in St. Louis, held at Webster University invites rising junior and senior high school students from across the nation to participate in an immersive theatrical experience like no other! MUNY IN SCHOOLS This program partners with various St. Louis area schools to offer tailor-made classes, residencies and/or workshops, as well as produce or assist with their annual school or theatre club production. MUNY U High school theatre classes have the opportunity to participate in online discussions with nationally-recognized musical theatre professionals about any component that exists within the process of “putting on a show.” Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2022
45 The Muny recognizes and salutes the following individuals and organizations for their underwriting and support of these programs: The Randy Mitchell Endowment Fund This fund provides special support to Muny education programs and participants on an asneeded basis. The endowment’s generosity helps to bridge funding gaps, and enables programs and participants to succeed in reaching their goals. Carol B. Loeb Production Fellowship As part of The Muny Internship Program, the goal of this fellowship is to take our outstanding intern program one step further through mentorship and observation. These fellows will work side-by-side with the skilled artisans, deepening their understanding of the specific art form and ultimately change the trajectory of their career path. Muny Kids & Teens Albers/Kuhn Family Foundation Muny Youth Ensemble Johnston Family Fund St. Louis High School Musical Theatre Awards Carol B. Loeb, Presenting Sponsor Muny in Schools Thomas A. Kooyumjian Foundation THE CRAWFORD TAYLOR EDUCATION INITIATIVE For more information visit: muny.org/education ST. LOUIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS (SLHSMTA) This program is designed to celebrate outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre. The year-long adjudication process culminates in an awards ceremony modeled on the Tony Awards®. The winners of the Outstanding Actress and Outstanding Actor categories travel to New York (all expenses paid) to compete in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (Jimmy Awards) program and to participate in a week-long professional development experience. MD OUTREACH PROGRAM The Muny’s music directing professionals share insight, training and opportunities with local musicians of color who have advanced skill and expertise, but need more extensive training and/or experience in order to prepare them for, and integrate them into, the musical theatre profession. THE CRAWFORD TAYLOR EDUCATION INITIATIVE 45
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42 Show your Muny pride by naming one of our seats or inscribing a brick in our plaza. Your tax-deductible gifts to these programs support artistic and operational needs of our productions, fund educational programs and provide community engagement. CELEBRATE, HONOR OR REMEMBER a special person… a life event… a special Muny Memory or tradition. For more information visit our website at muny.org/support/commemorate or scan QR Code here. T R I B U T E A N D M E M O R I A L G I F T S play an important role in fulfilling our mission of enriching lives by producing exceptional musical theatre, accessible to all, continuing our tradition in Forest Park. NAME A SEAT OR INSCRIBE A BRICK SUPPORT STUDENT RUSH 53 MUNY YOUNG FRIENDS The Muny is More Fun with Friends! SCAN THIS QR CODE TO SIGN UP & RESERVE YOUR TICKETS Overheard during a Muny Young Friends preshow event: “I feel like I’ve found my people!” Come find your people on Friday nights. Your discounted ticket includes an exclusive preshow event (with dinner and drinks) and great seats for the show. Scan the QR code to reserve your tickets! Check your calendar and make plans now! Meet us at The Muny for these great nights: Muny Young Friends is sponsored by: JULY 28 Little Shop of Horrors AUG 4 RENT AUG 18 Sister Act muny.org/young-friends @munyyoungfriends on instagram MUNY YOUNG FRIENDS 47
55 TAKE METROLINK AND SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THE MUNY! S H U T T L E S E R V I C E The Muny provides a FREE courtesy shuttle service from the MetroLink DeBaliviere Station to The Muny every performance evening between 7pm and 12 midnight. All electric, environmentally friendly vehicles from Labyrinth Smart Mobility are being utilized as The Muny works to make access easier and transportation cleaner. 48
5755 47 Liz Armstrong Bardol Chervitz Families Patricia Bowolak Thomas & Ruth Brouster August A. Busch III Charitable Trust Barry T. Cervantes The Coleman Family Mr. & Mrs.* Parker B. Condie, Sr. Judy Dichsen* Mr. & Mrs. Robert Dowdy Mr.* & Mrs.* David C. Farrell Donald Fassold David R. Ganz Earle H. Harbison, Jr. Myrtle L. Herwig* William & Kerry Holekamp John & Suvatthana Hudson Mike Isaacson & Joe Ortmeyer HENRY KIEL SOCIETY SUPPORT Donald L.* & Monica L.* Johnson Mrs. Henry O. Johnston Opal M. Jones David Juergens Steven S. Kimmel* Gerald M. Kowarsky Nancy & Kenneth Kranzberg Carol B. Loeb Richard & Sharon Buchanan-McClure Michael McGrath Richard G. Millman Charles W.* & Janet T. Mueller Carla & David O’Brien John & Dotty Parker Eileen A. Pfeifer* Frances H. Shafer Plagemann* Mike & Barb Quinn Peter & Linda Racen Douglas J. Rediger DDS Kathy J. Reuther Alfred & Marsha Rheinnecker Elizabeth Ruwitch* JoAnn H. Sanders* Mary E. Schrey* Ralph C. Simon Maurice St. Pierre Bill & Karen Stebelski Lorayn P. Strauss* Jim & Gerry* Thompson Gene* & Judy Toombs Mike & Erin Torney Dorothy Anna Walters* Bob & Joyce Wendel Mary* & Rudolph L.* Wise and several Anonymous donors Contact Jenny Pratt at 314.595.5771 for more information or go to muny.org/leave-a-legacy to download a free Will Writing Workbook. Are you looking for ways to ensure The Muny’s future? With just one simple sentence in your will, you can help create Muny magic for generations to come. Whether you are sitting in your great-grandparents seats or this is your first season under the stars, you can join this special group of community leaders and friends by including The Muny in your will (or other estate plan). Thanks to all who have already made The Muny a special part of their estate plan: *deceased What if you could create magic with one simple sentence? 49
Hall of Fame Partners make annual gifts of $1,000 or more and include premier benefits. HALL OF FAME Mr. & Mrs. Blackford F. Brauer (‘11) Rochelle & Louis Cella Family (‘30) The Dula-Kobusch Charitable Trust / Mr. & Mrs. Orrin S. Wightman, III (‘85) Steve & Linda Finerty (‘97) David & Catherine Hogan (‘14) William Isaacson & Sophia McCrocklin (‘18) Dennis & Judy Jones Family Foundation (‘89) Mary & John Lemkemeier (‘14) Ned* & Sally Lemkemeier (‘83) Mr. & Mrs. James S. McDonnell III (‘43) Mr. Ed Monser (‘19) Chuck & Jan Mueller Family (‘94) Eric P. & Evelyn E. Newman Foundation ('14) Alfred & Marsha Rheinnecker (‘13) Michael W. & Quirsis V. Riney (‘23) PATRONS CIRCLE ($10,000+) LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999) Mr. & Mrs. Andrew S. Baur ('85) Marion & Van-Lear* Black (‘85) Patti & Chris Blumeyer (‘43) Richard & Sharon Buchanan-McClure (‘08) Thomas & Ruth Brouster (‘87) T. Danis Charitable Trust (‘93) In honor of Judy Dichsen* ('23) Nettie O. Dodge (‘13) Donald Fassold (‘03) Mr. & Mrs. James M. Fiala (‘97) Ray & Mary Fournie (‘95) Ron & Cheryl Fromm (‘07) Earle & Suzanne Harbison (‘87) Donna Jean Hill (‘96) Doug & Vicki Hill (‘03) Michael & Barbara Hurst (‘97) Edward & Margaret Imo (‘98) Mike Isaacson & Joe Ortmeyer (‘12) Bettie S. Johnson (‘85) Mr.* & Mrs. Henry O. Johnston (‘63) Carolyn Kindle ('22) Nancy & Kenneth Kranzberg (‘88) Peter & Susan* Krombach (‘97) Michael & Margaret Ann Latta (‘86) Mark & Patty Mantovani (‘14) Harry & Genie Mueller (‘87) Roy Pfautch (‘91) Mr. & Mrs. Terry E. Schnuck (‘99) Mr. & Mrs. Neal Schroeder (‘02) Jan & John Siemens (‘95) Michele & Brad Sowers (‘13) Lucie & Steve Springmeyer (‘04) Andrew & Mary Ann Srenco (‘07) Kathi & Ken Tacony (‘98) Chrissy Taylor & Lee Broughton ('19) Mr. & Mrs. Jerome W. Thomasson (‘78) James & Lynne Turley Family (‘31) Weissman's Dancewear Solutions ('09) Ms. Barbara Lynn Wells (‘12) Mark & Debbie Wilhelm (‘92) YOU CAN HELP US MAKE THE MAGIC! For more than a century, The Muny has relied on private donations from people like you. Unlike other park institutions, we receive no tax support from the Zoo-Museum District (ZMD) and depend on the generosity of Muny Partners to help bring these amazing musicals to life under the star-filled sky. You can make your own Muny experience even better while also supporting your favorite summer home by joining the Muny Partners. Your gift gives you access to exclusive benefits such as VIP parking, private backstage tours, and more! Listing current as of June 1, 2023. * Indicates deceased. Please call 314-595-5731 for additional information or any questions. 50 SUPPORT DISNEY’S MARY POPPINS, 2022 Please scan the QR code for more information. We thank the more than 1,000 donors that have said YES! to becoming a Muny Partner and helping us to continue making the magic. Nancy A. Ross (‘91) Ted & Lori Samuels (‘23) Mr. & Mrs. William Scheffel (‘11) Stephanie Schnuck (‘13) Edward C. Simmons III (‘03) Andrew & Barbara Taylor (‘11) Linda* & William Wolfinger (‘13)