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 “How do you measure the life of a woman or man?” — “Seasons of Love” Within 24 hours after Rent’s final dress rehearsal on January 24, 1996, the world changed. Minutes after the curtain went down, word went out far, wide, and fast that here, at last, was a wildly talented, wholly original, deeply moving and revolutionary new musical that was destined for monumental success. With its gorgeous music, its potent lyrics, and a story that spoke to the real struggles of its audience, Rent was lightning in a bottle. The second change, however, was shocking and tragic: the morning following this dress rehearsal, Rent’s composer, lyricist, and book writer Jonathan Larson died from an undiagnosed aortic aneurism. The instantaneous discovery and disappearance of Larson’s great talent shocked pop culture. A sense of loss colored Rent’s meteoric rise from off-Broadway success to Broadway phenomenon. The Rent CD became a world-wide bestseller, and the world’s press clamored to write about Rent. (The show even landed on the cover of Newsweek.) On Broadway, tickets became impossible to get, and each night hundreds slept on the street outside Rent’s theater in hopes of getting a chance at the next day’s handful of $20 tickets. Tours of Rent headed out around the U.S. — and haven’t stopped for nearly 25 years. “Will I Lose My Dignity? Will Someone Care?” — “Will I” Larson started writing Rent in 1988. He wanted to create a contemporary rock opera based on Puccini’s La Bohéme, transporting the story to New York’s East Village, a 20th-century illustration of bohemia right where Larson lived. While he waited tables and wrote Rent, he reveled in his grungy neighborhood, which was filled with deserted buildings, squatting artists, musicians, punks, drag queens, addicts and anyone and everyone looking to live “outside the mainstream.” HIV/AIDS was spreading throughout New York’s gay community, and Larson had friends who were dying. As more lost their lives or struggled to manage the disease, the brilliant, reckless vitality of New York’s artists was literally deadened. They had no choice but to re-awaken into a community of greater service, compassion, action and outcry. The reality of immeasurable loss in the late ’90s hit Rent’s audiences hard, intensifying the show’s already powerful impact. As director Lili-Anne Brown told our Muny cast on their first day, “Rent may be the first American musical that directly asked its audiences to have compassion.” The first time I saw Rent, I was sitting with a friend who had just been diagnosed with HIV. “Forget regret – or life is yours to miss” — “No Day But Today” Larson’s profound and beautiful accomplishment with Rent was that in a world collapsing around him, he still found a uniquely American spirit. Somehow he managed to write a musical that bursts with the same energy and joy we find in the greatest American musicals. Rent captures the never-ending vistas of opportunity and expression that are part of this nation’s story. It gives us a bold and daring hero living within a community of friendship and support. Like our Sharks and Jets in West Side Story, the denizens of Rent are young, hungry, eager for life, and prone to the inevitable heartbreaks and mistakes of their age. In the profound way possible only for a great musical, Larson invites all of us to live, to love, to live and love now, and to live and love for each other. After 27 years, Rent has arrived at The Muny. No Day but Today.
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 • SIX TH PRODUCTION • AUGUST 4 — 10, 2023 • 8:15 P.M. 5 and Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Sound Design Arnel Sancianco Raquel Adorno Heather Gilbert John Shivers & David Patridge and Book, Music and Lyrics by JONATHAN LARSON Musical Arrangements Steve Skinner Production Stage Manager Kelsey Tippins Casting The Telsey Office Bethany Knox, CSA Charlie Hano, CSA; Alexis Brown Wig Design Rueben D. Echoles Video Design Paul Deziel Choreography by Breon Arzell Music Direction by Jermaine Hill RENT was originally produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop Mike Isaacson Artistic Director & Executive Producer Kwofe A. Coleman President & Chief Executive Officer Direction by Lili-Anne Brown Starring Lincoln Clauss Ashley De La Rosa Tré Frazier Vincent Kempski Evan Tyrone Martin Anastacia McCleskey Lindsay Heather Pearce Adrian Villegas Music Supervision & Additional Arrangements Tim Weil Original Concept & Additional Lyrics Billy Aronson Rent is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com Dramaturg Lynn Thomson
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
Welcome to another night of magic at the Muny in Forest Park. For over 100 years, the Muny has given St. Louis the gift of fantastic outdoor theatre and that continues with tonight’s performance of Rent, sponsored by Commerce Bank. We at Commerce are excited to have the opportunity to present this award-winning show in such a historic theatre. The Muny is a place where artists come together to share their work, and we at Commerce have shared its dedication to supporting the arts in our region. We are thrilled to collaborate with the Muny to enrich the St. Louis community with the excitement of musical theatre and the beauty of the outdoors. Commerce Bank has served the St. Louis area for more than 50 years, always striving to empower and strengthen our region as an essential part of our culture. We are proud to collaborate with the community in support of the arts and to be a part of these moments which matter so much to St. Louis. Thank you so much for being here with us tonight. Enjoy the show! Bob Holmes Chairman & CEO Commerce Bank, St. Louis 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 ACT ONE Tune Up A..................................................................................................................Mark, Roger Voice Mail #1 ........................................................................................................... Mark’s Mom Tune Up B........................................................................................Mark, Roger, Collins, Benny Rent ........................................................................................................................ The Company You Okay Honey?...................................................................................................Angel, Collins Tune Up—Reprise.....................................................................................................Mark, Roger One Song Glory................................................................................................................... Roger Light My Candle ......................................................................................................Mimi, Roger Voice Mail #2..............................................................................................Mr. & Mrs. Jefferson Today For You ..................................................................................Angel, Mark, Collins, Roger You’ll See..............................................................................Benny, Mark, Roger, Collins, Angel Tango Maureen.......................................................................................................Mark, Joanne Support Group..........................................Paul, Gordon, Mark, Angel, Collins, Support Group Out Tonight ...........................................................................................................................Mimi Another Day.............................................................................................Mimi, Roger, Company Will I?.......................................................................................................Roger, Steve, Company On The Street......................................................................................................... The Company Santa Fe.....................................................................................Collins, Angel, Mark, Company I’ll Cover You..........................................................................................................Angel, Collins We’re Okay ........................................................................................................................Joanne Christmas Bells ..................................................................................................... The Company Over The Moon ............................................................................................................. Maureen La Vie Boheme / I Should Tell You ...................................................................... The Company ACT TWO Seasons of Love A................................................................................................. The Company Happy New Year A.................................. Mark, Mimi, Roger, Maureen, Joanne, Collins, Angel Voice Mail #3........................................................................................................... Mark’s Mom Voice Mail #4...........................................................................................................Alexi Darling Happy New Year B......................Mark, Mimi, Roger, Maureen, Joanne, Collins, Angel, Benny Take Me or Leave Me ...................................................................................... Maureen, Joanne Seasons of Love B................................................................................................. The Company Without You.............................................................................................................. Roger, Mimi Voice Mail #5...........................................................................................................Alexi Darling Contact................................................................................................................... The Company I’ll Cover You—Reprise ...................................................................................Collins, Company Halloween............................................................................................................................ Mark Goodbye Love ........................................ Mark, Roger, Mimi, Collins, Maureen, Joanne, Benny What You Own ................................................................... Pastor, Mark, Collins, Benny, Roger Voice Mail #6......................................Roger’s Mom, Mimi’s Mom, Mark’s Mom, Mr. Jefferson Finale A.................................................................................................................. The Company Your Eyes............................................................................................................................. Roger Finale B.................................................................................................................. The Company
CAST 11 Swings ALICIA REVÉ LIKE, ERIC SHAWN Dance Captain ERICA STEPHAN 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. VINCENT KEMPSKI LINCOLN CLAUSS EVAN TYRONE MARTIN TRÉ FRAZIER ANASTACIA MCCLESKEY ADRIAN VILLEGAS ASHLEY DE LA ROSA LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE JULIA YAMEEN SHELBY BROWN JHARDON DISHON MILTON RICKY CARDENAS JOSH HOON LEE SAGE LEE ERICA STEPHAN IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE Roger Davis Mark Cohen Tom Collins Benjamin Coffin III Joanne Jefferson Angel Dumott Schunard Mimi Marquez Maureen Johnson Mark’s Mom and others Mrs. Jefferson, Blanket Person and others Mr. Jefferson, Steve, Pastor and others Gordon, The Man, Mr. Grey and others Man with Squeegee, Waiter and others Paul and others Alexi Darling, Roger’s Mom and others ENSEMBLE Shelby Brown, Ricky Cardenas, Josh Hoon Lee, Sage Lee, Jhardon DiShon Milton, Erica Stephan, Julia Yameen TEEN ENSEMBLE DeKylah Epps, Caroline Geringer, Spencer Jones, Kiki Leung, Noah Macam, Jack Mullen, Adriano Robins, Johanna Thornsberry, Noah Van Ess, Evelyn Vordtriede, Ethan Williams, Anna Wright OFFSTAGE SINGERS Victor de Paula Rocha, Aria Garrett, AyKira Hinkle, Ben Iken, Ally Willeke, Thomas Woodrow NEW! The Muny is pleased to offer a special 25% discount for students for select seats at each performance! 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 Register here!
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. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Children’s Book Drive. Together we were able to collect and distribute over 4,500 books for St. Louis chidren in need. “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” — Ernest Hemingway Bright tomorrows start with doing good today. Ameren.com/Community
LINCOLN CLAUSS (Mark Cohen) is thrilled to return to The Muny after playing Tobias in last season’s Sweeney Todd. New York: Bat Out of Hell (New York City Center). Regional credits: Cabaret (Asolo Rep), Fly (La Jolla Playhouse), Burn All Night (American Repertory Theater), Evocation to Visible Appearance (Actors Theatre of Louisville, Humana Festival of New Plays), Peter Pan (Laguna Playhouse). TV: Batwoman (CW). Proud alum of Ball State University. Gratitude to Mike, Michael and the entire Rent team, with big love to the fam back home. @lincolnclauss ASHLEY DE LA ROSA (Mimi Marquez) is a multi-hyphenate artist working in theatre, television and music. She was in the original company of Mean Girls on Broadway and the closing company of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical as Janelle Woods. National tours: Hamilton: An American Musical (Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds) and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (swing). TV: Apple TV’s Dear Edward (Sienna) and the third season of HBO’s The Other Two (Natalie). But before all of that, her first professional theatre gig was as a swing and understudy in Rent: The 20th Anniversary Tour, so she’s ecstatic to return to this show again after six years. Ashley’s original music is available for streaming on all digital music platforms. She’s a founding member of the Hamilton Racial Task force, Ham4Progress and works directly with numerous civic engagement organizations. ashleydelarosa.com Instagram: @ashdelarosa TRÉ FRAZIER (Benjamin Coffin III) Muny debut! Credits include Hamilton (Principal Standby in the Peggy, Eliza and Angelica touring companies), Sister Act (TJ) for Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Kansas City Starlight, Mamma Mia! and Pride and Prejudice (Ensemble) for Idaho Shakespeare Festival and Great Lakes Theater and The Nolan Williams Project (Ensemble) for Cleveland Playhouse. Graduate of Baldwin Wallace University in Music Theatre (2018). Originally from Hartford, Connecticut. Proud AEA member. Represented by The Hybrid Agency. Special thanks to The Telsey Office, my Mom, Dad, Janae, Allen, Xyla, Bella and my beautiful fiancée Kayla! Instagram, TikTok, Twitter: @jtfsings VINCENT KEMPSKI (Roger Davis) is thrilled to be making his Muny debut. He was most recently seen in Kinky Boots (Charlie Price, Olney Theatre Center) in his hometown of Washington D.C. Other select regional credits include Assassins (John Wilkes Booth, Helen Hayes nomination), Rent (Roger Davis), Into the Woods (Cinderella’s Prince), A Chorus Line (Al DeLuca), Gypsy (Tulsa), Spring Awakening (Melchior Gabor), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip Tolentino). Film/TV: A Capitol Fourth. @vinnykempski EVAN TYRONE MARTIN (Tom Collins) is so excited to return to The Muny after playing Mister in The Color Purple! Other select credits: Grease (Teen Angel) at Drury Lane, Blues in the Night (Man in Saloon, Black Theatre Alliance Award) at Porchlight Music Theatre, Queer Eye: The Musical Parody (Karamo) at Second City, The Black Clown (Ensemble) at American Repertory Theater and Lincoln Center’s 2019 Mostly Mozart Festival, Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus, BTAA nomination) at Paramount Theatre, Dreamgirls (Curtis), Far From Heaven (Raymond, Jefferson nomination) at Porchlight and Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Martin also toured with the hit one-man revue An Unforgettable Nat King Cole Christmas and stars in his one-man show Let’s Fall In Love, celebrating the music of Cole and other iconic performers of his time. Thanks to the everyone at The Muny, this WHO’S WHO 13
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(EVAN TYRONE MARTIN BIO CONTINUED) ADRIAN VILLEGAS (Angel Dumott Schunard) is a passionate up-and-coming Puerto Rican and Colombian artist who is absolutely honored to be making their debut at The Muny! Regional credits: Grease (La Mirada Theatre), Evita (The REV). Adrian graduated from Hussian College In Studio in 2021 majoring in Contemporary Musical Theater and Film. He also had the honor of being a two-time Jimmy Award nominee at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in 2016 and 2017. They would like to thank The Muny from thebottom of their heart for believing in and giving them this incredible opportunity. Love you Mom! Instagram: @ad_vi SHELBY BROWN (Mrs. Jefferson, Blanket Person and others) is thrilled to be making her Muny debut! Regional: Aida (Ensemble, Weathervane Playhouse). Amusement Parks: Cedar Point’s The Swell Tones, Come See About Me (Amber) and The Shrieks (Vampira), Cool Yule at WinterFest Carowinds. Ball State University graduate. Much Love! Instagram: @shelbyebrown_ RICKY CARDENAS (Gordon, The Man, Mr. Grey and others) is thrilled to be making his Muny debut this summer! Regional credits: A Chorus Line (Mike Costa), Mamma Mia! (Pepper/Dance Captain) and Footloose (Travis) for New London Barn Playhouse. Upcoming Senior in Musical Theatre at Rider University. All the love to his friends and fam<3. @rickyycardenas JOSH HOON LEE (Man with Squeegee, Waiter and others) Stoked to make his Muny debut! Regional: The Karate Kid (Stages St. Louis), A Christmas Carol (The Rep), Pippin (COCA), Jesus Christ Superstar (Timber Lake Playhouse), graduate of Webster University Sargent Conservatory, BFA Musical Theatre. Much love to my family. 소을 찾아라! “Find your small happiness!” @josh.lee joshhoonlee.com SAGE LEE (Paul and others) is elated to return this summer to The Muny! Muny: Chess, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Camelot, The Color Purple. National tour: Hairspray (Gilbert, u/s Seaweed). Regional: Spring Awakening (Moritz, Short North Stage), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey 2, Carnegie Theatre). Much love to my family and MMV team. @theeonesage creative team, Paonessa Talent and Mom! Spread love. Instagram: @3vanMart1n ANASTACIA MCCLESKEY (Joanne Jefferson) starred last summer as Celie in The Color Purple (St. Louis Theater Circle Award). She recently starred as muse Thalia in Disney’s Hercules at Paper Mill Playhouse, Dotty in the Broadway revival of Caroline, or Change; and Nurse Norma in the Broadway production of Waitress. Other Broadway: Violet, The Book of Mormon, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Hair, Tarzan. Favorite select credits include Hairspray (first national tour), Close to You (London’s West End), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Barrington Stage), world premieres of The Secret Life of Bees, Afterwords and The Tattooed Ladies, and Murder Ballad (Helen Hayes nomination). TV: Annie Live! (NBC), New Amsterdam (NBC), The Good Fight (CBS). Anastacia has received an Alliance Award and Audelco Award for her work as a choreographer, started the podcast Them 3 Podcast with her brothers and created #HelloBeautifulSpirits to spread the message of sharing, loving and leading with kindness. LINDSAY HEATHER PEARCE(Maureen Johnson) is honored to be making her Muny debut with this special show. Broadway: Wicked (Elphaba). First national tour: Mean Girls (Janis Sarkisian). Regional: American Idiot, Spring Awakening, Bare. TV/Film: The Glee Project, Glee, Recovery Road, Grey’s Anatomy, Drop Dead Diva. Deepest thanks to Telsey + Co, LA Talent and Reel Talent Management. To my cherished friends, thank you for being the brightest of lighthouses. To my family, thank you for your steadfast love. To Jonathan Larson, thank you for this gift. Viva La Vie Boheme. Instagram: @lindsayheatherpearce WHO’S WHO 15
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WHO’S WHO 17 ALICIA REVÉ LIKE (Swing) is thrilled to be returning to The Muny! Muny: The Color Purple (Swing). Regional: Peter and the Wolf (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra), Matilda (COCA: Center of Creative Arts), Puss in Boots (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis). Graduate of University of Missouri, BA in Music. Instagram: @aliciareve aliciareve.com JHARDON DISHON MILTON (Mr. Jefferson, Steve, Pastor and others) Muny debut! Broadway: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (OBC), A Bronx Tale. Off-Broadway: the bandaged place (Roundabout), The Black Clown (Lincoln Center, American Repertory Theater), Carnegie Hall, Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour, Tantrum Theater). TV: Blue Bloods, Harlem, And Just Like That. Gratitude to God, mom, friends and Rochel. @jhardondishon ERIC SHAWN (Swing) Regional: The Little Mermaid (Jetsam) and Chicago (Fred Casely) at The Lexington Theatre Company, A Grand Night for Singing (Jason) at Summer Lyric Theatre, Something Rotten! (Ensemble) at Le Petit Theatre. Texas State MT 2025. Instagram: @itsericshawn ERICA STEPHAN (Alexi Darling, Roger’s Mom and others, Dance Captain) Muny debut! Regional credits include Drury Lane Theatre, The Marriott Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Goodman Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, The Paramount Theatre and Variety Children’s Theatre. Proud graduate of the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. JULIA YAMEEN (Mark’s Mom and others) is ecstatic to be making her Muny debut! She is a recent graduate from CCM and blessed to begin her post grad journey via Rent. Credits include Footloose (Ariel), Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Charlotte), Cabaret (Lulu). Endless love and gratitude to my family, friends, HH, cast and creatives! Instagram: @juliayameen 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 JONATHAN LARSON (Book, Music and Lyrics) received the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Rent. He also won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical and the 1994 Richard Rodgers Award for Rent and twice received The Gilman & Gonzales-Falla Theatre Foundation’s Commendation Award. In 1989, he was granted the Stephen Sondheim Award from the American Music Theatre Festival, where he contributed to the musical Sitting on the Edge of the Future. In 1988, he won the Richard Rodgers Development Grant for his rock musical Superbia, which was staged at Playwrights Horizons. He composed the score for the musical J.P. Morgan Saves the Nation, which was presented by En Garde Arts in 1995. Mr. Larson performed his rock monologue tick, tick ... BOOM! at Second Stage Theatre, The Village Gate and New York Theatre Workshop. In addition to scoring and songwriting for Sesame Street, he created music for a number of children’s book cassettes, including Steven Spielberg’s An American Tail and The Land Before Time. Other film scores include work for Rolling Stone’s magazine publisher Jann Wenner. He conceived, directed and wrote four original songs for “Away We Go!” a musical video for children. Rent, his rock opera based on La Bohème, had its world premiere on February 13, 1996 at New York Theatre Workshop. Mr. Larson died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm on January 25, 1996, 10 days before his 36th birthday. His music (including songs cut from his shows) is archived in the Library of Congress. LILI-ANNE BROWN (Director) is thrilled to return after directing 2022’s The Color Purple. The Chicago South Side native works as a director, actor and educator, and has directed, performed or produced many award-winning shows in Chicago and nationally. Recent direction includes Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Huntington Theatre), Ain’t No Mo’ (Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage), Once on This Island (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), School Girls; or The African Mean Girls Play; the world premieres of Ike Holter’s I Hate It Here and Lottery Day (Goodman Theatre), Acoustic Rooster... (Kennedy Center) and Put Your House in Order (La Jolla Playhouse). A former Artistic Director of Bailiwick Chicago, she focused on Chicago-premiere musicals and new works development with resident playwrights. Brown is a member of SDC, AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Represented by William Morris Endeavor. lilibrownchicago.com
WHO’S WHO 19 BREON ARZELL(Choreographer) A dedicated teaching artist from Detroit, specializing in hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical and body percussion, and mentor to several universities, studios and theatres. Regional: The Color Purple (Muny), Once on This Island (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Acoustic Rooster… (Kennedy Center), Miss You Like Hell (Olney Theatre). TV: The 4400, Empire. Chicago: Kill Move Paradise (Jeff Equity Award, TimeLine Theatre), The Color Purple (Drury Lane), The Wiz and Head Over Heels (Jeff Award, Kokandy Productions), The Total Bent (Haven Theatre), The House That Will Not Stand (Victory Gardens), Marie Christine, The Scottsboro Boys, Little Shop of Horrors and more. Listed among ‘50 Players for Chicago’ (2018, 2020, 2023), he’s toured the US and internationally. Along with developing original works, he is restoring and reviving a historical black musical. breonarzell.com JERMAINE HILL(Music Director/Conductor) is honored to be The Charles W. and Janet T. Mueller Conductor and thrilled to return to The Muny for Rent. Hill is an educator, administrator, award-winning music director, pianist, conductor and vocal coach. Recent credits: Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Huntington), The Color Purple (The Muny, Drury Lane Oakbrook), Choir Boy (Steppenwolf), Spunk (Roundabout’s Refocus Project), We Are Out There, Nell Gwynn and Madagascar (Chicago Shakespeare), Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies and Memphis (Porchlight Music Theatre), The Music Man (Goodman) and more. As an actor, he has worked with Erasing the Distance and appeared on television’s Chicago Med. Hill is currently Interim Dean of the Theater Division at Boston Conservatory at Berklee and maintains a small roster of private clients including Tony and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley. Proud graduate of New England Conservatory and Ithaca College. jermainehillmusic.com ARNEL SANCIANCO (Scenic Designer) is excited to return to The Muny for his second season. An awardwinning set designer with a nationally recognized portfolio, Arnel is a graduate of Northwestern University where he received his MFA in stage design. He is currently a Lecturer at UC Berkeley. Credits include The Color Purple (The Muny), Rent, Once on This Island (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), The Lifespan of a Fact (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), The Mortification of Fovea Munson (Kennedy Center), Ain’t No Mo (Woolly Mammoth), Put Your House in Order (La Jolla Playhouse), Lottery Day Goodman Theatre), Choir Boy (Steppenwolf), Nina Simone: Four Women (Arizona Theatre Company), The Mousetrap, Photograph 51 (Court Theatre), Twelfth Night (American Players Theatre), The Nerd (Milwaukee Rep). ArnelDesigns.com RAQUEL ADORNO (Costume Designer) Chicago: Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical (Studebaker Theater), Gospel at Colonus, The Island, Othello (Court Theatre), Describe the Night (Steppenwolf), Measure for Measure; I, Banquo (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Georgiana and Kitty, Intimate Apparel (Northlight Theatre), Wife of a Salesman (Writers Theatre), Unelectable You (The Second City). Regional: The Tempest, Intimate Apparel (Utah Shakespeare Festival), A Raisin in the Sun, The Taming of the Shrew, Cymbeline, A Doll’s House; A Doll’s House, Part 2 (American Players Theatre). Awards: The Michael Maggio Award 2022, The Michael Merritt Academic Achievement Prize for Collaborative Design 2019. raqueladorno.com HEATHER GILBERT (Lighting Designer) is a Chicago based lighting designer. Muny: The Color Purple. Broadway: Parade (Tony nomination, Drama Desk nomination), The Sound Inside (Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, Tony nominee). Chicago: Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, Writers Theatre, Northlight, Victory Gardens, Court Theatre, Steep Theatre, and many, many storefronts. Regional: Center Theatre Group, Studio Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alley Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Magic Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Pasadena Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Olney Theatre Center. She is the Head of Lighting Design at Columbia College Chicago and received her MFA at The Theatre School at DePaul University. 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
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 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. PAUL DEZIEL (Video Designer) is a New York and Chicago based projection designer. Muny: The Color Purple. Selected credits: Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon (Lookingglass Theatre Company), Satellites (Premiere Stages), I Hate It Here (Goodman Theatre), Into the Woods, Hand to God (Paramount Theater), The Great Leap, Eureka Day (Asolo Rep), Photograph 51 (Court Theatre), P.Y.G. or The Mis-Edumacation of Dorian Belle (Jackalope Theatre), The Vagrant Trilogy (Mosaic Theater Company), Tilikum (Sideshow Theatre Company), United Flight 232 (The House Theatre), Beauty’s Daughter (American Blues Theater) and Churchill (SoloChicago). Paul is an artistic affiliate with American Blues Theater and is the recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards and the 1999 Sportsman of the Year Award on his tee-ball team. MFA: University of Maryland. pauldeziel.com RUEBEN D. ECHOLES (Wig Designer) is proud to be making his Muny debut! Rueben is an accomplished playwright, director, choreographer, illustrator, costume and wig designer. He has worked with many theatre companies including Black Ensemble, MPAACT, Congo Square, Porchlight, Drury Lane, Skylight, Writers, Paramount, Theo Ubique, The Goodman, Phoenix Theatre Company and Studio One. His most recent projects include wig design for Dreamgirls at Paramount and North Carolina Theatre, as well as costume design for You Can’t Fake the Funk, which earned Echoles a Joseph Jefferson Award for best costume design. Rueben has also designed costumes for WTTW’s Chicago Stories docuseries, (Ida B. Wells and The Birth of Gospel) which have won Emmys for best production. Rueben would like to thank Christ his Savior for everything! 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. CAROLLETTE PHILLIPS (Associate Choreographer) AEA, SAG-AFTRA. Muny: The Color Purple. NYC: Let It Shine (Joe’s Pub at The Public). Regional: Passing Strange, Detroit ‘67 (Detroit Public Theatre), The Light (Tipping Point Theatre), The Garden of Joy (The Wharton Center). Carollette is a proud Detroit native with a BA, Mass Communications (Miami University) and MFA, Theatre (Wayne State University), including studies at Russia’s Moscow Art Theatre School. Before acting, directing and writing, her first artistic love was dance. Carollette has choreographed many productions for Mosaic Youth Theatre, is Artistic Director of LSODance and a member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance. TV/Film: I Think You Should Leave (Netflix), Block Party (BET+), Detroiters (Comedy Central). Certifications: Cecchetti Council of America (ballet), Dance Masters of America (ballet, modern, tap, jazz). @iamcarollette KELSEY TIPPINS (Production Stage Manager) is overjoyed to spend her first summer at The Muny! Broadway/National tour credits: Pretty Woman the Musical, The Prom, Once on This Island, A Bronx Tale, Finding Neverland, Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Elf the Musical and Shrek the Musical. For Ace. @kelseytippins HOPE F. MICHELSON (Assistant Stage Manager) Raised in New York City, this is her Muny debut! Most recently worked on the premiere of Days of Wine and Roses at the Atlantic Theater. Broadway: POTUS,directed by Susan Stroman. Off-Broadway: The Public, Lincoln Center Theater, BAM Opera House, Irish Repertory Theatre. Proud graduate of LaGuardia High School and BA from UC Irvine. All my love to my Dad, Mom, Aaron, and the Chocolatiers. @hopefmichelson JOSHUA VINIK (Assistant Stage Manager) is thrilled to return to The Muny for his third season! Muny: West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Legally Blonde, Chicago and The Sound of Music. Off-Broadway: Anthony Rapp’s Without You. Joshua is a proud graduate (JOHN SHIVERS BIO CONTINUED)
OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE MUNY PEPSI, the Pepsi Globe and THAT’S WHAT I LIKE are trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. IT’S KIND OF A BIG DEAL
WHO’S WHO 23 of the Savannah College of Art and Design where he earned his BFA in graphic design. Much love and pixie dust to his family and friends for their never-ending support. ANNA K. RAINS (Assistant Stage Manager) First season at The Muny! Immersive: The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience (Netflix/Shondaland). Tour: Blue Man Group, The Phantom of the Opera, An American in Paris. Las Vegas: Blue Man Group. Regional: Tuacahn, North Carolina Theatre, Juilliard, Gateway, Virginia Repertory. Proud NC State University alum. Love and thanks to Mom, Dad, and the dogs at home. 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, off-Broadway 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. (JOSHUA VINIK BIO CONTINUED) 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
ENSEMBLE AND SWINGS 25 Shelby Brown Ricky Cardenas Josh Hoon Lee Sage Lee Jhardon DiShon Milton Erica Stephan Julia Yameen Alicia Revé Like Eric Shawn From show T-shirts and commemorative ornaments to show stickers and travel mugs, the memories of the season can be yours! TAKE HOME YOUR MUNY MEMORY! Shop at the souvenir stand located next to Café One or online at muny.org/shop!
©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.
STAFF & CREDITS 27 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. Sound equipment provided by: MASQUE SOUND Associate Choreographer Associate Lighting Designer Associate Sound Designer Production Video Department Lead Production Video Design Lead Emeritus Associate Video Designer Associate Scenic Designer Associate Costume Designer Assistant Stage Managers Video Content Creators Rehearsal Pianists Youth Ensemble Vocal Director Youth Ensemble Coordinators CAROLLETTE PHILLIPS SHELBY LOERA DANIEL MIELE BENJI ARRIGO MATT YOUNG KYLEE LOERA ABBEY WIKER JEANNETTE CHRISTENSEN HOPE F. MICHELSON, JOSHUA VINIK, ANNA K. RAINS SYDNEY DYE, SPENCER ROE-WEAVER, TAYLOR GORDON NICOLAS VALDEZ, CHASE ANDERSON CHARLIE MUELLER GUNNAR BOUCHER, GRACE KNIGHT 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. KEYBOARD Chase Anderson Nicolas Valdez DRUMS Matthew Henry GUITAR Aaron Brown Dan Rubright MUSIC DIRECTOR/KEYBOARD Jermaine Hill DRUMS Bernard Long Jr.
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.
31 THE MUNY STAFF STAFF 39 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 Manager: KELLEY JORDAN Hair & Make-up Supervisors: ALYCIA BERRY, ALISON HORA, 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 31
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 SISTER ACT A Special THANK YOU to RENT Preshow Festival Participants: • AAA • Anita Jackson • Cats Jazz Collective • CHARIS Women’s Chorus • DJ—You Call It Entertainment • Elle Patterson • Muny Kids • Muny Teens • Nathan Rauscher Trio • Phillip Graves • Renewal by Andersen BROADHURST PAVILION STEWARD FAMILY PLAZA STAGE August 14, 16 August 19, 20 Muny Kids Muny Teens August 14–20 Vince Clark Trio featuring Anitra Spencer • DJ—You Call It Entertainment • Renewal by Andersen • DJ—You Call It Entertainment • Missouri Department of Conservation • Renewal by Andersen • Missouri History Museum: African American History Inititative Monday, August 14 Tuesday, August 15 Friday, August 18 Saturday, August 19 PURINA PLAZA STAGE August 14–20 Daniel McRath, Kaley Bender Sunday, August 20 • Renewal by Andersen LICHTENSTEIN PLAZA Wednesday, August 16 Thursday, August 17 • Missouri Department of Conservation • Missouri Department of Conservation
of Feeding American Families 1938 - 2023 Celebrating Years IT’S TIME FOR MUNY MAGIC! WHEN THE SUN SETS
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 SEASON FINALE Based on the smash hit film, Sister Act is a heavenly musical comedy that proves nothing can stand in the way of sisterhood! Disco diva Deloris dreams of fame and fortune, but is she prepared for the way she receives it? With songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco, including “Take Me to Heaven,” “Fabulous, Baby!” and “Raise Your Voice,” this score is sure to raise your spirits. The grand finale to the Muny season promises to be divine! GET THE BEST SEATS NOW! AUGUST 14-20 A DIVINE MUSICAL COMEDY!
grandcenterartsacademy.org | @grandcenterartsacademy Calling all aspiring middle and high school artists! Explore your creativity in DANCE, MUSIC, THEATER, and VISUAL ARTS at Grand Center Arts Academy. Learn from professional art instructors in the heart of the city’s vibrant art district. TUITION FREE 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.
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. 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 Mindseye provides Audio Description throughout the Muny Season. Every Monday and Saturday performance is made accessible for individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
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39 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 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 39
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 LifeWise STL, who distribute them to people of all ages. Over 9,000 bikes & helmets have been donated in the ministry's 20 plus years! 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
A GREENER MUNY 41 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. 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!
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 The Muny was proud to receive the Shine The Light Award from Paraquad, the leading disability services provider in the St. Louis region, for its accomplishments in providing enhanced services and access for the disabled. 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. 42
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
46 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
5547 OWN A PIECE OF THE MUNY! All proceeds will benefit The Muny Endowment. For more information, visit muny.org/Auction AUGUST 21-25 Featuring this hand painted boom piece from Legally Blonde! THIRD ANNUAL MUNY VIRTUAL AUCTION Autographed Items! Stage Used Props! Exclusive Experiences! and More!
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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 49 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: AUG 4 RENT AUG 18 Sister Act muny.org/young-friends @munyyoungfriends on instagram MUNY YOUNG FRIENDS
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)