Twelfth Night Playbill- MTWichita 2021

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As we move past the challenges of 2020, like our friends at Music Theatre Wichita,

WELCOME TO THE SHOW! We are thrilled to welcome you back to Music Theatre Wichita’s 50th Anniversary Season! Yes, the schedule, programming, and venues have changed to accommodate this unique environment, but you will still experience the Broadway-quality productions you’ve come to expect from us.

Our wonderfully talented MTW team of professionals has curated a season of entertainment designed to keep all of us safe while fulfilling Music Theatre Wichita’s mission to advance the musical theatre art form by educating and nurturing creators, artists, and audiences.

Music Theatre is here because of, and for, you. Thank you for your patronage.

And, enjoy the show!

LORA BARRY 2021 MTWichita Board President I can’t stop thinking about the song, “Everything Old is New Again!”

Music Theatre Wichita is half a century old — and yet, everything about MTWichita is new this year, including the extended dates of the season, the lineup of seven shows instead of five, and the very venues in which we’re performing.

Many of the songs you’ll hear this season have been loved for decades, and we treasure them as “classics” — and yet, when performed by dynamic, distinctive, blazingly talented artists, these vintage songs feel newly minted.

Theatrical performance is an ancient art — and yet, every night in the theatre is a brand new experience, freshly created in that particular moment, to be shared only with the people who are present.

We are very grateful to be performing again — and very glad you are here to share the moment with us!

WAYNE BRYAN Producing Director

PROUD TO FILL THE SEATS AND SKIES WITH DREAMERS.

MEET THE CAST JESSICA REESE (Viola) is a senior at the University of Oklahoma, who recently made her MTWichita debut as Marty in Grease. She has been featured in Hairspray, Songs for a New World, Legally Blonde, Into the Woods, Cabaret, Grand Hotel, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Instagram: @jessica.hailey RYAN VASQUEZ (Duke Orsino) is thrilled to be back at MTWichita as a small part of the reemergence of live theatre. Broadway: Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton, others), Waitress (Original Broadway Cast), Wicked. Off-Broadway: The Wrong Man (Drama Desk Award nomination). Film/TV: Tick, Tick… BOOM! (Netflix), In the Heights, Vivo, “The Good Fight” (CBS), “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO).

BRIANNA STOUTE (Olivia) is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan, and is so excited to be back on stage doing what she loves. She is so thankful to her friends and family for their love and support and to all those involved in Twelfth Night for creating such a magical show.

EMILY ORR (Feste / Vocal Music Director / Keyboards) is thrilled to

return to her hometown and to be part of live theatre once again!

Favorite MTWichita performance credits include 42nd Street, The Sound of Music, A Chorus Line, and West Side Story. For five years, Emily traveled the world performing as a singer and pianist on cruise ships; she is currently earning her MFA in musical direction at Penn State University, where she will music direct Brigadoon next spring. She thanks the MTWichita family for allowing her to integrate both performing and music directing skill sets as Feste and Vocal Music Director for Twelfth Night. “Play on!”

MONTE RIEGEL WHEELER (Malvolio) starred in two Off-Broadway

shows in New York, and in numerous productions in regional theaters across the country. Music Theatre Wichita audiences may remember him as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. He is currently co-owner and Producing Artistic Director of Mosley Street Melodrama in Old Town.

MEET THE CAST TIMOTHY W. ROBU (Sir Toby Belch) “I don’t believe I’ve ever meant this as much — I am so happy to be part of MTW’s season. I’m glad to be working and performing with friends old and new, and to see live theatre start its comeback! Except for the past year, I’ve been a part of MTW’s seasons since the early 1990s, and gotten to perform great roles such as Amos in their production of Chicago. Thanks for being back, and for all your support.”

KAREN L. ROBU (Maria) has appeared in over 50 shows with MTW since 1995. She gets recognized most often for swinging from the chandelier in Nice Work If You Can Get It, but her favorite role at MTW was Rose in Gypsy. Karen is Associate Minister for Plymouth Church and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree. Her research uses theatre to explore stories of why people leave church.

DREW TANABE (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) is thrilled to be back at MTWichita, where he was recently seen in Grease. Other credits include Bobby Mills in A Chorus Line (Porchlight Music Theatre) and An American in Paris (Drury Lane Theatre). A huge thanks to Wayne, Brian, Queen Nancy, and his family for their love and support. Gaman.

JEREMIAH PORTER (Sebastian) was born in Brooklyn and is

a recent graduate of Texas State University. Jeremiah made his MTWichita debut as Kenickie in Grease. Regional credits: Singin’ in the Rain at the MUNY, The Producers at Casa Mañana, and La Cage Aux Folles at The Red House Center. “We are limitless.”

IG: @JeremiahPorter.

BRITTON HOLLINGSWORTH (Antonio) is thrilled to be back at

MTW to take on the role of Antonio in Twelfth Night, after being last seen here as Clopin in The Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2017. Thanks to Wayne, Nancy, and Brian for the opportunity to come back to this home away from home.

MEET THE CAST DARRON HAYES (Fabian / Illyrian) from Winston-Salem, NC, was

thrilled to join MTWichita this season as Clouk in Mirette and Doody in Grease. He is a recent alum of Penn State University, where he received a BFA in musical theatre. @darronhayes_

ALEX APONTE (Illyrian) is excited to be returning to MTWichita

during his senior year at Texas State University, majoring in musical theatre! His previous MTW credits include In the Heights (Sonny), A Chorus Line (Paul u/s), Grease (Doody u/s) and Chicago (ensemble). Alex would like to thank Brian for the opportunity to perform after the recent events of our world, and he would especially like to thank his mom and dad for their constant love and support.

ELENI DEMOS (Illyrian) (she/her) is a recent graduate from the

University of West Florida with her BFA in musical theatre. She performed in 8 productions at UWF, and was dance captain and assistant choreographer for several productions. She has worked professionally at CPCC Summer Theatre (2017), Flat Rock Playhouse (2018), trained in the Theatre/Jazz Dance Summer Study in NYC at Steps on Broadway (2019), and recently made her MTWichita debut in Grease. She would like to thank her family and friends for their never-ending support and love!

CLINTON FOSTER (Illyrian) is glad to be back home on stage

with MTWichita after a long COVID intermission. He was last seen during the 2014 season with West Side Story, South Pacific, and Catch Me if You Can. When not home in NYC, Clinton has been traveling the world performing with Oceania, Regent, and Norwegian Cruise Lines.

ANTHONY GIANDILETTI JR. (Illyrian / Dance Captain) recently

performed in MTWichita’s 50th Anniversary Concert, and played Sonny in Grease. Anthony received his BPA from Oklahoma City University in May 2020. Some of his past performing credits include In the Heights (Graffiti Pete), Chicago (Fred Casely/Dance Captain), A Chorus Line (Mike Costa) at Music Theatre Wichita.

MEET THE CAST SOPHIA HILLMAN (Illyrian, Officiant) is overjoyed to be making

her Music Theatre Wichita debut! She is a sophomore musical theatre major with a minor in dance at Wichita State University.

Sophia was last seen on the Century II stage performing Bring It On! (Kansas All-State Thespians). She hopes you enjoy the show!

JADEN KINDLE (Illyrian), an Oklahoma City native, is so excited to be making his Music Theatre Wichita debut! Jaden is currently a sophomore at Wichita State University earning a BFA in musical theatre. He sends his love to his family, who has supported him since the beginning. @jadenkindle CONNOR OLNEY (Illyrian) is thrilled to return to MTWichita, where he recently made his debut as Roger in Grease. Originally from Albany, NY, he holds a BFA in musical theatre from Florida State University. Regional credits include Singin’ in the Rain (Cosmo), 42nd Street (Billy), and Matilda (Escapologist). Special thanks to his family and friends for their love and support!

HOLLY O’NEAL (Illyrian) is excited to return to MTWichita, after making her debut in Grease. She received her BFA in dance performance from Oklahoma City University in 2020. Her past credits include Grease at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. Holly would like to thank God and her wonderful family for their continuous love and support.

LENA OWENS (Illyrian) is so pleased to be back at MTWichita, where she was most recently seen in Golden: MTWichita at 50, as well as the 2019 MTW season. She has also performed at the Kennedy Center, the MUNY, and the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Much love to my parents and my dear, dear friends!

KATIE POHLMAN (Illyrian / Dance Captain) is overjoyed to be part of the Twelfth Night company. She recently performed in Grease and in MTW’s 50th Anniversary concert, and was a member of the resident company from 2016-2019. An Oklahoma City University graduate, Katie was recently seen on the national tour of Bandstand as the swing and dance captain. She would like to thank her husband, Andrew, and her family for their love and support, especially this past year. katiepohlmanperfomer.com

MEET THE CAST LARKIN REILLY (Illyrian) is absolutely ecstatic to be back

in Doo-Dah! For Music Theatre Wichita: Grease (Frenchy), A Chorus Line (Val), Chicago, An American in Paris, The Sound of Music. Other: Spamalot (Ogunquit Playhouse). Love to her incredible family and friends, Matt at DGRW, and the MTW creatives and staff. @larkin_reilly

VIOLET BAKER (Young Illyrian) is elated to be involved in her second

show this season at MTWichita. She had the time of her life playing the understudy to Mirette in Mirette. Previous experiences for Violet include Amanda Thripp in Music Theatre for Young People’s Matilda, roles at Magdalen Catholic School and participation in The Studio Singers. She would like to thank everyone at MTW, Amy Menas, and her family.

JONATHAN BANKS (Young Illyrian), a senior at Heights High

School, is ecstatic to be making his MTWichita debut as a performer in Twelfth Night! Recent performances with the MTW Teen Choir include the MTW Holiday Special, Golden: MTWichita at 50! and Grease. Special thanks to Wayne and Brian for this wonderful opportunity! Psalms 19:14

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

MEET THE ARTISTIC STAFF WAYNE BRYAN (Director / Producing Director) is now concluding

his 34-year tenure as producing director at MTWichita, where he has produced 168 Broadway-scale shows, directed 56 of them, and appeared in 14 of them. Deepest thanks to Craig Noel for launching me, to Belden Mills for recommending me for this job, and to Mark Madama for supporting this decision. Love and thanks to Craig Barna, Toni Kaye, Robin Taylor, MSD, NR, AC, BJM, TWD, CK, LG, PH, and all the incredibly generous and hardworking staff, artistic teams, performers, technicians, musicians, Board members, Guild members, and community colleagues who have so enriched my life. Music is, indeed, the food of love, and MTWichita has provided me a rich, nourishing, and constantly surprising banquet.

BRIAN J. MARCUM (Choreographer) is honored to join

MTWichita this 50th Anniversary season as Artistic Director. Brian is a veteran of six Broadway shows and has been on faculty of three major universities training the theatre artists of the future. He has directed and choreographed shows all over the country. But there is no place he would rather be than standing next to Wayne Bryan and Angela Cassette in this – his artistic home!

FLINT HAWES (Band Leader / Keyboards) is very excited to

return to Music Theatre Wichita, where he began his career many years ago. Between then and now he has had the privilege of spending most of his career touring with Broadway shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Peter Pan, The Lion King, Avenue Q, Wicked, Bat Out of Hell, and most recently, the international tour of An American in Paris.

J BRANSON (Scenic Designer) is proud to have begun his

theatrical career as an Apprentice at Music Theatre Wichita over 40 years ago. J’s national tour credits include The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, and Brigadoon. J’s many designs at MTWichita have included Mary Poppins, Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, The Drowsy Chaperone, 1776, Sunset Boulevard, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Many thanks and much much love to the many wonderful people who have touched my life here at MTW!

MEET THE ARTISTIC STAFF MICHAEL COLE (Lighting Designer) is based in New York City

and has worked as a lighting designer for dance, opera, theatre, and musical theatre through Europe and the US. He has worked on various tours and Off-Broadway productions including: The Lion (Off Broadway), EMD Does Brubeck, 1:3:4:1, (Elisa Monte Dance), Chicago, Sister Act, Shrek: The Musical (The Little Theatre on the Square), Sweeney Todd (Tri Cities Opera).

JENNIFER J. FISHER (Signing Interpreter / Sign Language Coach) is honored to perform during MTW’s 50th anniversary season. She is proud to be the performance interpreter for a company that’s committed to inclusion, having an interpreter for the Deaf for 25 years. Since her first season in 2009, Jennifer has translated [into ASL], memorized and performed over 50 shows, receiving a MJT Theatre Special Merit Award in 2018. Love and thanks to God, Grant, Kara Stephanie, Wayne and MTW family. SDG DIXON REYNOLDS (Costume Designer) is thrilled to be back at

MTWichita where his credits include Mamma Mia!, Disney’s Newsies and Freaky Friday, Aida, Billy Elliot, Hello, Dolly!, Catch Me If You Can, and Betty Blue Eyes. He is an Associate Professor of Costume Design at State University of New York at Fredonia, and is resident designer for the Kavinoky Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Dixon has designed for the Hangar Theatre, Irish Classical Theatre, ARTPark, Summer Repertory Theatre, Buffalo United Artists, Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Hartt School of Music, Triad Stage, and American Dance Festival, and has worked at Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Playmakers Repertory Company, Roanoke Festival Park, HBO Productions, and CBS Productions.

DAVID MUEHL (Co-Sound Designer) is MTWichita’s primary sound designer. During MTWichita’s “off season,” David works for Wichita State, where he is the Performance Facilities Audio Producer and advises technical theater student sound designers. Some of his favorite sound designs have been for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Into the Woods, Les Misérables, and The Wizard of Oz.

MEET THE ARTISTIC STAFF RYAN MORROW (Co-Sound Designer) Ryan Morrow is glad to be back in Wichita, and a part of live theater. Some favorites include: Buddy..., (Casa Mañana), Avenue Q (Playhouse at Westport), The Addams Family (MTYP), Guys and Dolls (MTWichita). Thanks to all involved in creating the support system I have in my career and life.

MARY SUE DYMAK (Property Master) WOW! 47 seasons! Who would have thought that back in 1976, a summer job would turn into such a career!! This will mark stage productions numbering well over 228. My life remains happily engaged in large and complex tasks, including running our rentals business and oversight of two warehouse facilities. Thanks and love to WB…..I offer my deepest love and respect to all who work in this fabulous building and for our organization. Bon chance!

ALLY HASSELBECK (Production Stage Manager) she/her - Ally is ecstatic to return to MTWichita for her third season! In May of 2020 Ally graduated with her MFA from Carnegie Mellon University, and over the course of her 15-year career has worked in the theatre scenes of Buffalo, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Wichita. Love and gratitude, always, to her crazy family.

JEREMY LITTLEFIELD (Technical Director) is excited to be

returning to MTWichita for the big 50th season. Jeremy has his MFA from Carnegie Mellon University and his BFA from Oklahoma City University. He has worked places from Texas all the way to New York.

He would like to thank this summer's staff and the 190 Local.

MITCHELL SOUTHERLAND (Director of Production) now in his eighth season with MTWichita, is excited to be a part of the 2021 season! Mitchell has spent time at both the Santa Fe Opera as well as Chicago's Goodman Theatre, but is happy to call Wichita home these days. Special thanks to the rest of the MTWichita staff and to our dedicated designers and technicians who work behind the scenes to make these shows possible!

MEET THE ARTISTIC STAFF JACOB KRAMER (Wardrobe & Hair / Makeup Supervisor ) is thrilled

to be working at MTW again! This is Jacob’s third year backstage, but has been involved with MTW since joining Teen Choir in 2014. Having graduated from Wichita State earlier this year, they plan to move to New York City sometime this year.

MIRIAM HYFLER (Stage Manager) Credits Include: Shakespeare

& Company: hang, Time Stands Still, In the Heights (Park Playhouse), Death of a Driver (Urban Stages), On Blueberry Hill, Maz and Bricks (Origin Theatre/Fishamble), It's a Wonderful Life, Woman and Scarecrow (Irish Repertory Theatre), The Dingdong (Pearl Theatre Company), Henry V (New York Classical Theatre), Ludic Proxy (The Play Company), several seasons with Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, Pan Asian Rep, and New Century Theatre. Much love to @orangefreddyg.

SHAINA TAUB (Music and Lyrics) Raised in the green mountains of

Vermont, Shaina Taub is a New York-based songwriter and performer.

She has the won the Jonathan Larson Grant, the Fred Ebb Award and the Billie Burke Ziegfeld Award and has an ongoing concert residency at Joe's Pub. Taub has starred in her musical adaptations of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and As You Like It at the Public Theater’s Delacorte in Central Park, commissioned for their groundbreaking Public Works initiative. She's currently writing a musical about the American women’s suffrage movement and she's writing lyrics for the upcoming musical of The Devil Wears Prada, with music

by Sir Elton John. Taub’s work was featured in Lincoln Center’s American Songbook concert series and she recently made her Carnegie Hall debut performing her music with the New York Pops.

She wrote songs for and co-starred in Bill Irwin and David Shiner's Old Hats, directed by Tina Landau at the Signature Theatre and A.C.T. She earned a Lucille Lortel Award nomination as Mary in the off-Broadway run of Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, and appeared in the original cast of Hadestown at New York Theatre Workshop. Her songs have been performed by Audra McDonald and Sutton Foster, and she wrote the theme song for Julie Andrews’ Netflix series Julie’s Greenroom, performed by Sara Bareilles. Her two albums, Visitors and Die Happy are available at shainataub.com.

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SING A SONG OF TWELFTH NIGHT DIRECTOR’S NOTES BY WAYNE BRYAN

“If music be the food of love, play on!”

That famous opening line from Shakespeare’s play immediately directs our attention toward romance and music, and tonight’s final offering of MTWichita’s 2021 season – and my final offering as producing director – happily celebrates both of those priceless commodities.

Although this production was not originally planned as the season finale, the timing actually provides a sweet opportunity for my career to come full circle.

My first professional work in the theatre, as both actor and director, took place at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, best known for its annual Shakespeare festival. It now seems particularly apt to conclude my 34-year tenure here with a joyful and timely interpretation of one of the Bard’s most popular plays, smartly transformed into a brand-new musical.

Considering he’s probably the world’s most famous playwright, it’s surprising how few things we actually know about William Shakespeare. We know he was baptized in 1564 in the town of Stratford-on-Avon; and he was 18 years old in 1582 when he married 26-year-old Anne Hathaway, becoming a father six months later with the birth of their daughter Susanna. Two years later, William and Anne also became parents of twins – a boy named Hamnet and a girl named Judith.

THE LIFE OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

1564

William is born in Stratford-UponAvon.

1582

William marries Anne Hathaway and starts a family (they have a daughter, followed by twins).

1585

William moves to London and begins his theatrical career.

1589

William’s first plays are a success.

Unable to provide adequately for his family in his hometown, William left them behind in Stratford and ventured to London, where he found great success in the theatre, first as an actor and then as a playwright. One of his earliest writing triumphs was The Comedy of Errors, an ingeniously constructed farce in which mistaken identity is caused by two sets of identical male twins.

Sadly, not long after its premiere, Shakespeare’s son Hamnet died of unknown causes. A few years later, Shakespeare again used the device of identical twins in a comedy, but in Twelfth Night the twins would be a boy and a girl (like his own children). This time, the plot would explore the complexity of gender identity, and would combine unbridled hilarity with bittersweet touches of melancholy and loss.

After creating a bountiful legacy of timeless literary works, Shakespeare died in 1616 at the age of 52.

Twelfth Night was probably completed in 1600, very likely written for a command performance for Queen Elizabeth in her Palace at Whitehall in January of 1601. The title does not refer to any specific themes in the play, but instead reflects the yuletide season during which the play was first introduced. In English tradition, “Twelfth Night” refers to the Feast of the Epiphany, signaling the arrival of the three Wise Men twelve days after the birth of Jesus. January Sixth, the last of the “twelve days of Christmas,” was often celebrated with plays and musical festivities, including masquerade parties where people might costume themselves as the opposite gender and lose their inhibitions.

1594

William becomes a founding member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men Acting Company.

1599

William’s acting company builds the famous Globe Theatre.

1616

William dies at the age of 52 and is buried in the chancel of the Holy Trinity Church.

1623

William’s plays are published in the First Folio. (1,000 copies were printed, 238 survive today)

Here’s a brief reminder of the plot: Viola and Sebastian are twin sister and brother, who are separated when the ship on which they are traveling is broken apart in a storm. Viola is washed ashore in the coastal town of Illyria, which is ruled by the noble Duke Orsino. Viola chooses to disguise herself as a man, using her brother's clothing, in order to secure a job as one of the serving men to the Duke. In this guise, Viola is known as "Cesario."

Duke Orsino is trying to woo the lovely Countess Olivia, but she is grieving the recent deaths of both her father and her brother, and is not in a romantic mood.

Orsino, quickly impressed by his charming new servant, sends "Cesario" to woo Olivia on his behalf. Olivia rebuffs Orsino's message of love, but finds herself instantly attracted to “Cesario."

Traveling between households is the clown / entertainer Feste, who seems to know a great deal about what is going on with all of the characters.

Meanwhile, Olivia's household is exploding with colorful personalities. These include her inebriated uncle Sir Toby, his drinking buddy Sir Andrew, Olivia's lady-in-waiting Maria, and the household's priggish steward Malvolio. Malvolio clearly reflects the pleasure-killing Puritan movement in Britain, which would eventually succeed in closing down all of London’s theatres for 17 years, starting in 1643. (Shakespeare makes Malvolio suffer for his attitude, yet still allows him a bit of tender humanity.)

Interestingly, when London’s theaters re-opened in 1660, women were finally allowed to act on the professional stage for the first time. During Shakespeare’s lifetime, all his female characters were originally played by boys.

Twelfth Night has enthralled audiences for over 400 years now, including many film, radio, and television interpretations. There have also been loose adaptations “inspired by” the original play, including the teen comedy She’s the Man (a sister takes her brother’s place on his soccer team), and the Disney Channel movie “Motocrossed” (brother and sister are dirt bike racers in that one!).

Since music has always been strongly featured in Twelfth Night, it’s no surprise there have been numerous musical stage adaptations, with such titles as Music Is, Your Own Thing, lllyria, Play On (set in Harlem, with music by Duke Ellington), and All Shook Up (featuring the songs of Elvis Presley).

This new version premiered in 2018 at New York's Public Theatre, earning rapturous reviews. Running just 90 lively minutes, this adaptation is about 25% dialogue (all taken directly from Shakespeare’s play), and 75% musical numbers (all completely original, written in modern styles but inspired by Shakespeare’s text). Shaina Taub, the score’s talented young songwriter, happily mixes musical genres ranging from New Orleans Jazz to Motown to Broadway to 80s pop – with impressive storytelling skills and genuine theatricality. Ms. Taub’s collaborator on this project was British actor, director, playwright, and singer Kwame Kwei-Armah, artistic director of London’s Young Vic Theatre. The marvelous 2018 Public Theatre cast recording is available on CD, or on Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube.

As in most versions of Shakespeare’s comedy, the evening concludes with a touching reunion of brother and sister, each of whom has believed the other to be dead. Beyond providing audiences with a happy resolution for the plot, this moment may have also brought some solace to its author, who had recently lost his only son, allowing him through the magic of theatre to create a world in which happier endings prevail.

In the final moments of this new musical, the characters reflect on what they have learned from stepping into someone else’s shoes for a while, with the final song encouraging us to “See Through the Eyes of Another.” If we are able to find empathy with one another, celebrating our shared humanity instead of emphasizing our differences, “what a lovely world it would be!”

Could any message possibly be more timely than that?

CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF WICHITA Bringing world-class chamber music to South Central Kansas

www.cmswichita.org Carpe Diem String Quartet November 14, 2021 Photo by Karina Wetherbee

American Brass Quintet February 6, 2022

Photo by Matt Dine

Zofo Duet March 27, 2022

Photo by Carlin Ma

Outburst Chamber Orchestra April 24, 2022

Photo by Dan Ketter

Our concerts will take place at the S. Jim and Darla Farha Great Hall inside the Wichita Art Museum at 5:30pm

MTW 2021 SEASON INFORMATION AND POLICIES TOUCHLESS TICKETING AND EXCHANGES

MTWichita is pleased to offer touchless ticketing this year.

The box office will email tickets whenever possible; please flag your email tickets for easy access from your smartphone or print them out Patrons will have an option to receive paper tickets via mail Ticket exchanges will be done by phone, mail, or email (boxoffice@mtwichita.org) to reduce the number of patrons needing to visit a physical box office location. The MTWichita administrative offices and box office will not be open to walk-in traffic. Box office staff will be present onsite at performances to handle ticketing exchanges and sales.

BOX OFFICE LOCATIONS AND HOURS OF OPERATION For the 2021 season, all evening performances start at 8:00pm and all matinees start at 2:00pm. On show dates, the box office will open on location (at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater for performances taking place there; at Century II Convention Hall for performances taking place there) two hours before the performance begins. Please note the on-location box office will not have access to phones.

Single tickets are on sale online and over the phone (316.265.3107). The box office staff will generally be answering phones and filling orders from 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. If patrons have difficulties getting through on the phone, they can also email boxoffice@mtwichita.org.

CENTURY II PAC CONVENTION HALL ENTRANCE TO VENUE The 2021 MTWichita productions at Century II are located in Convention Hall, not the Concert Hall.

Patrons should access the Convention Hall through the connecting lobby on the south side of the round building. Enter through the glass doors on either the west or east side of the connecting lobby.

Please have your tickets ready to be scanned when you get to the entrance.

Please maintain at least 6 ft. of distance between your party and other parties while entering the venue.

MASKS INSIDE Masks must be worn by all patrons, employees, and vendors while indoors at Century II, regardless of age or vaccine status.

Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth.

Should these policies change, MTWichita will inform patrons in advance of affected performances. As part of MTWichita’s efforts to keep patrons, staff, and performers safe, mask-wearing will be enforced. Anyone refusing to wear a mask, or wearing one improperly, will be asked to leave; refunds will not be given based on patron unwillingness to wear a mask.

DISTANCED SEATING Patrons will be seated in socially distanced pods, by price level. For example, section 1 will be closest to the stage. Patrons with section 1 seating can choose their own seats within that section.

Ushers will assist with seating to ensure that party size and pod size match when possible.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE Currently, Century II PAC does not plan to have concessions available for 2021 events.

CAPITOL FEDERAL AMPHITHEATER

1607 E Central Ave, Andover, KS 67002

MASKS IN COMMON AREAS

Masks will be worn by all patrons, employees, and vendors in common spaces. Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth: In line for venue entry, bar service, and food truck service In line for and while using restroom facilities Anytime your party cannot remain distant from others At this time, it is assumed that once seated in a “family” pod and distanced from others, patrons may choose to remove masks Should these policies change, MTWichita will inform patrons in advance of affected performances. As part of MTWichita’s efforts to keep patrons, staff, and performers safe, mask-wearing will be enforced. Anyone refusing to wear a mask, or wearing one improperly, will be asked to leave; refunds will not be given based on patron unwillingness to wear a mask.

DISTANCED SEATING Capitol Federal Amphitheater will have pods marked in which your party can sit. All events for MTWichita’s 50th Anniversary Season will be general admission by price section. Your tickets will identify your section.

Flags will mark seating sections as follows: SECTION 1:

Red flags

SECTION 2: Yellow

Flags

SECTION 3: Blue

Flags

SECTION 4: Orange

Flags

Pods will be marked with field paint, which will not stain clothing or blankets. If there are 1-2 people in your party, use 1 pod. If there are 3-6 people in your party, choose two adjacent pods.

RAIN/WEATHER KAKE News is weather sponsor for MTWichita's 2021 outdoor performances. Tune in for weather updates on show days!

No sun umbrellas will be allowed during performances so please plan accordingly with hats and sunglasses.

If necessary, MTWichita will contact patrons with a weather delay or cancellation notice. Weather information will be shared by email, text (for those who have opted in to text messages), on social media, and on the MTWichita box office line at 316.265.3107.

MTWichita will attempt to accommodate (through rescheduling) patrons whose chosen performance was cancelled due to weather. If we cannot reschedule your performance due to weather, no refunds will be given.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE Shaken or Stirred Bartending is MTWichita’s beverage vendor for events at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater. Bars will carry non-alcoholic beverages like water and soda; domestic and craft beers; wine; and variety of mixed drinks. Please drink responsibly.

Patrons may not bring their own alcoholic beverages to performances.

Food trucks will be onsite beginning two hours before a show start time, with a variety of foods available for purchase.

RESTROOM FACILITIES The Capitol Federal Amphitheater has restrooms onsite in the park. MTWichita will also have rented portable restrooms (including ADA compliant facilities) and handwash stations.

WHAT TO BRING

Chair or blanket

Sunscreen

Hat/sunglasses

Layers

Hand sanitizer

A clean mask

(a sweater or jacket for most shows!)

Earn your degree Associate in Art - Theatre, Music and Dance theatre.bartonccc.edu | music.bartonccc.edu | dance.bartonccc.edu Non-discrimination Notice: Barton Community College is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit equal.bartonccc.edu for more information.

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Imagine the World Through New Eyes

We applaud the talented artists of Music Theatre Wichita and are proud to support the vision they share with the Wichita community.

©2019 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-306294.

Baird Private Wealth Management 8535 East 21st Street N, Suite 125 Wichita, KS 67206 316-609-5200 bairdoffices.com/wichita updated: 10/09/2017

MOVING COMMUNITIES FORWARD Evergy is proud to sponsor Music Theatre Wichita's 50th Anniversary Season

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BOOK AN EXPERIENCE

RESERVATIONS:316.267.4800 Proud Sponsor of Music Theatre Wichita

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We Make Feet Happy

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• Luxurious carpet in hundreds of styles and colors • Luxury Vinyl Flooring – today’s stylish choice for durability and beauty • The warmth of wood in dozens of species • Star’s professional installation backed by our 80-year reputation Get your feet moving and visit with our Design Specialist to get your project started.

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FINANCING AVAILABLE

Visit Our Flooring Showroom at Maple & West Street

WALLACE LEGACY SOCIETY Music Theatre Wichita’s planned giving society is named in honor of well-known Wichita philanthropist Velma Wallace, whose generous Endowment bequest and kind spirit left a lasting impact on Music Theatre Wichita. The Wallace Legacy Society is comprised of donors and friends who guarantee that Music Theatre Wichita will continue to touch thousands of lives each summer.

Common types of planned gifts include: a provision in a will or trust; designating MTWichita as a beneficiary of a retirement account; transferring ownership of an existing, unneeded life insurance policy; or using one of a variety of other methods.

In our donor listings are the members of the Wallace Legacy Society – with MTWichita’s gratitude to them and their families for the thoughtful commitment to the future of Music Theatre Wichita. To receive information on the Wallace Legacy Society, or to inform us of a planned gift, please contact Angela Cassette at the Music Theatre Wichita office (316.265.3253).

Wallace Legacy Society Members Bob & Sue Boewe

Philip E.* & Glorene Haney*

Hazel Lister*

Ron & Marcia Brown

Harriet Hickman

Belden & Anna Mills

Louise F. Brinegar Wayne Bryan

Vera M. Challis*

Charlene Crane* Bob Curtright*

Darthea S. DiZerega* Robert Eberly Jeff Emmot

Durwood D.* & Jean M. Frye* Judy & Hew Goodpasture Leon Greene* & Kay Sommerfeld Jordan Haines*

Carrie Hendrickson

Olga Esquivel-Holman Nicole Howerton Laura Ice

Michael James*

Lucia & Chuck Jenney Tom & Terry Johnson Dr. Robert L. Kasha*

Joseph* & Marian Klebanoff* Delmar & Mary Klocke Philip* & Laura Knight Joshua Larson

Dale & Jerry Marcus Pam Postier

Ami Schlader

Shoko Sevart

Elwayne* & Carol Lee Smith* Randall & Jan Steinert Bob Steyaert

Tim & Beth Sturm

Tony & Denise Veith Velma L. Wallace* Kathy Webb

Martha & Jeff Linsner

Some members of the society have chosen to remain anonymous.

Music Theatre Wichita’s Endowment provides interest earnings each year, which fund annual expenses such as support for the company members, directors, and technicians employed by MTWichita each year. *Indicates the donor is deceased.

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CONTACT A COMMERCE TRUST ADVISOR TODAY AT (316) 261-4741

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1. Based on assets under administration (AUA) as of December 31, 2020.

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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Artistic Director ....................................................................... Brian J. Marcum (brian@mtwichita.org) Managing Director ............................................................ Angela Cassette (acassette@mtwichita.org) Producing Director ......................................................................Wayne Bryan (wayne@mtwichita.org) Marketing & Communications Manager...................................Marco Benitez (marco@mtwichita.org) Development & Marketing Coordinator.......................... Amanda Bowman (amanda@mtwichita.org) Rentals & Inventory Director .................................................... Mary Sue Dymak (msd@mtwichita.org) Finance Assistant........................................................................ Angela Farris (afarris@mtwichita.org) Education Director........................................................................ Joshua Larson (josh@mtwichita.org) Technical Director ................................................................ Jeremy Littlefield (jeremy@mtwichita.org) Costume Coordinator..................................................................... Jacob Locke (jacob@mtwichita.org) Patron Services Manager................................................Cheyenne Queen (cheyenne@mtwichita.org) Company Manager / Producing Associate ................................. Nancy Reeves (nancy@mtwichita.org) Director of Production .........................................................Mitch Southerland (mitch@mtwichita.org) Finance Director................................................................................... Kim Storer (kim@mtwichita.org)

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU @MTWichita

@mtwichita

225 W. Douglas, Suite 202 Wichita KS 67202

@MTWichita

MTWichita

MTWichita.org

316.265.3253 Admin office | 316.265.3107 Box office | 316.265.8708 Fax

MUSIC THEATRE WICHITA ADVANCES THE MUSICAL THEATRE ART FORM BY

MISSION EDUCATING & NURTURING CREATORS, ARTISTS & AUDIENCES, STATEMENT PRIMARILY THROUGH THE PRODUCTION OF BROADWAY-CALIBER SHOWS.