The Muni Story

Kevin began his Muni experience working on set crew while in high school and has since been involved in over 25 productions since 2005. Kevin has performed in 8 productions, stage managed 7 productions, and has held other titles including Assistant Director, Flight Coordinator and Master Builder. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Julie has been a choreographer and performer in a number of Muni shows. Julie made her Muni debut assisting Grace Nanavati with the choreography for Hans Christian Andersen in 1993. Since then, she has played Tiger Lily in our production of Peter Pan in 2001 and has performed in Chicago in 2006, Jesus Christ Superstar in 2010 and Crazy for You in 2012. Some of the productions that she has choreographed include our productions of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2001, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in 2004 and Miss Saigon in 2007. She assistant directed/choreographed our productions of All Shook Up in 2014, West Side Story in 2015 and Legally Blonde in 2018. Julie recently left her position as the Artistic Director of the Springfield Ballet Company. Julie, along with fellow Muni alums Grace Nanavati, Ronda Brinkman and Gina DeCroix Russell are reviving the Copper Coin Ballet Company, which is rooted in Muni history. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Sandra was one of the Muni's first leading ladies when the organization was revitalized after the fire and returned to the site in 1965. Sandra actually made her Muni debut in the Tent at the Lake production of Carousel in the early sixties. When the Muni was revitalized and returned to the site in 1965, she was Nellie Forbush in the second production that year, South Pacific. Other roles that Sandra played include Ella Peterson in Bells Are Ringing in 1969, Maria in The Sound of Music in 1972, Margo Channing in Applause and Mame Dennis in Mame in 1975. Sandra stopped performing at the Muni when she got an Equity card. Sandra also had a supporting role in the 1978 miniseries, The Awakening Land, which starred Elizabeth Montgomery and Hal Holbrook. That miniseries was filmed at Riverside Park and New Salem. Sandra's family has also been heavily involved with the Muni, as her children and some of her grandchildren have also been involved. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Sara has been a performer and vocal director for a number of Muni shows. She made her Muni debut as an orphan in Annie in 1998. Some of the roles that she has played include Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast in 2005, Cinderella in Into the Woods in 2010 and Nellie Forbush in South Pacific in 2016. She has also vocal directed our productions of Crazy for You and Disney's Beauty and the Beast, both in 2012, and The Wizard of Oz in 2019. Sara also has a very special connection to the Muni because she met her husband, Jeremy, during our 2010 production of Into the Woods. Sara is a private voice and piano teacher for children. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Dennis has been a performer in a number of Muni productions over the years. He made his Muni debut playing Che in our first production of Evita in 1985. Some of the other roles he has played include Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady in 1989, King Arthur in Camelot in 1990, Cervantes/Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha in 1992, Buddy in City of Angels in 1995, Judas in Godspell in 1998 and Luther Billis in South Pacific in 2002. Dennis has also been a frequent historical reenactor, most notably portraying Ulysses S. Grant. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Anna has been a performer, choreographer and director for many Muni productions. Anna made her Muni stage debut as Tootie in Meet Me in St. Louis in 1995. Her first leading role at the Muni was that of Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden in 1997. She was also an orphan in Annie in 1998 and in the chorus of Big in 2003. Some of the roles that Anna has played at the Muni include Martha in our second production of The Secret Garden in 2008, Polly Baker in Crazy for You in 2012, Peter Pan in 2013, Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde in 2014, Billie Bendix in Nice Work if You Can Get It in 2016, Betty Haynes in White Christmas in 2017 and Millie Dilmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2019. Anna has also choreographed our productions of High School Musical in 2010, Hairspray in 2011, Disney's Beauty and the Beast in 2012 and Peter Pan in 2019. Anna made her Muni directorial debut with All Shook Up in 2014. She has also directed our productions of West Side Story in 2015 and Legally Blonde in 2019. Anna currently serves on the Muni Board of Managers. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Mary Kate is one of the Muni's leading ladies. She made her Muni debut in Godspell in 1998. She went off and worked professionally in Los Angeles and Chicago for several years doing voice work and other projects. She was in Tony n' Tina's Wedding in Chicago. After returning to Springfield, Mary Kate returned to the Muni stage playing Amneris in Elton John & Time Rice's Aida in 2006. Other roles Mary Kate has played include Ellen in Miss Saigon in 2007, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar in 2010, Fantine in Les Misérables in 2013, Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins in 2017 and Eva Perón in Evita in 2019. In addition to performing, Mary Kate has also vocal directed several shows including Legally Blonde in 2018. Mary Kate is a fine arts teacher at PORTA Elementary School. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Tara is part of a very talented and musical Muni family. Her mother is Deb Watts Elliott, who often accompanies shows. Tara has been a performer, flute player and sign language interpreter for many Muni shows. Tara made her Muni stage debut in the chorus of Fiddler on the Roof in 1998. The first show she played in the orchestra for was Cinderella in 2000. You will often see her in the orchestra when her aunt, Mary Myers is the conductor. She is one of our sign language interpreters for shows. The first show she was an interpreter for was Ragtime in 2005. Tara's Chihuahua, Polly, also made an appearance on the Muni stage as Bruiser in our production of Legally Blonde in 2018. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Mary was involved with a number of Muni shows for over 20 years. Mary's involvement with the Muni began when she did make-up during the 1975 season. She made her Muni stage debut as Penelope Ann in Bye Bye Birdie in 1976. Mary was more of a dancer, so she often was in dancing roles such as in The Pajama Game in 1979 and 42nd Street in 1988. Some of the roles Mary performed were Azuri in The Desert Song in 1977, Petra in A Little Night Music in 1981, Lola in Damn Yankees! in 1985, Tessie Tura in Gypsy in 1995 and Mrs. Medlock in The Secret Garden in 1997. Mary was also the choreographer for South Pacific in 1980 and the assistant director for Camelot in 1981. Mary is an English and drama teacher at St. Teresa High School in Decatur. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Anna has been a performer, choreographer and co-director for the Muni. Anna made her Muni debut in the cast of Seussical in 2010. She has also performed in The Wizard of Oz in 2011, Crazy for You in 2012, Beauty and the Beast in 2012 and Jekyll & Hyde in 2014. Anna has also been the choreographer for Rent in 2013 and Willy Wonka in 2017. Anna made her Muni directorial debut co-directing The Wizard of Oz in 2019. Anna is also a graphic designer and is currently the co-chair of the Muni's Marketing Committee. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Patti has been a performer in several Muni shows. Patti made her Muni stage debut as Frau Schmidt in The Sound of Music in 2005. Patti has also performed The Music Man in 2008, The Producers in 2009, Annie in 2010, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2012 and Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2019. Patti has also been a frequent front of house volunteer. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Victor is another one of Muni's success stories having gone on to perform professionally in film, television and on stage. Victor made his Muni debut as Harry the Horse in Guys and Dolls in 1997. Victor was also one of the Apostles in Godspell in 1998 and was in 42nd Street in 1999. Victor went on to attend Columbia College in Chicago. He has appeared on television shows such as Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, Days of Our Lives and General Hospital. Victor is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. He resides in Chicago. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Dave was involved with a number of Muni productions for about 25 years. His Muni debut was in the chorus of Oklahoma! in 1981. While Dave was in a few shows, such as South Pacific in 1988, his involvement was mainly on the Board of Managers and as producer of several shows. Dave does say his favorite role was that of Tinker Bell in one of the productions of Peter Pan. He operated the laser from the orchestra pit. Dave directed our production of Promises Promises in 1987. He also assistant directed Grease in 2000 and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2002. Dave and wife Danielle own the Corkscrew Wine Emporium here in Springfield. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Karla Joell has been a performer and vocal director for many Muni shows over the years. She made her Muni debut 1977 in My Fair Lady. She has performed such roles as Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie in 1998, the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella in 2000, Bloody Mary in South Pacific in 2002 and Commissioner Doyle in Annie Warbucks in 2006. She also vocal directed such shows as Man of La Mancha in 1992, Peter Pan in 1994, The Will Rogers Follies in 1996, Guys and Dolls in 1997 and Cabaret in 2015. Karla Joell is a retired vocal music teacher. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Lynne was a performer in three Muni shows from 1988-1990 while she was a professor in the School of Theatre and Dance at Millikin University in Decatur. Her involvement with the Muni was because of her colleague, Gary Shull. Her Muni debut was as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street in 1988. Her other roles on the Muni stage were Kathy Selden in Singin' in the Rain in 1989 and Bonnie in Anything Goes in 1990. Lynne is currently a Professor and the Theatre Department Chair at St. Charles Community College in St. Charles, Missouri. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Angela performed in four Muni shows during the 1990s. She made her Muni premiere as that boy who will never grow up, Peter Pan, in our 1994 production. The next summer, in 1995, she played Esther Smith (the Judy Garland role) in Meet Me in St. Louis. She was also in the choruses of The Wizard of Oz in 1996 and Annie in 1998. Angela now lives in Charleston, South Carolina and is a teacher. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Pat has been a performer in a number of Muni shows. Pat made her Muni debut as one of the King's wives in The King and I in 1983. The roles she played at Muni include Mrs. Brice in Funny Girl in 1984, Meg Boyd in Damn Yankees in 1985, Mame Dennis in Mame in 1988, The Stepmother in Into the Woods in 1991, Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes in 2002 and Ida Straus in Titanic in 2003. She says that her favorite role was that of Mame. Pat's daughters, Ginger and Dawn were also in several Muni shows. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Susan has been a director, choreographer and performer for a number of Muni productions. She made her Muni debut in the dancing chorus of Kiss Me, Kate! in 1968. Her performances at Muni were always as a dancer, but one notable role was that of the Dream Laurie in Oklahoma! in 1973. Some of the shows that Susan choreographed include Oklahoma! in 1981, Follies in 1982, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1993 and Bye Bye Birdie in 1998. She also directed/choreographed our productions of Teddy and Alice in 1990 and The Will Rogers Follies in 1996. Her last Muni production was choreographing Big in 2003. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

DJ and Lindsey have been involved with a number of Muni shows. Lindsey made her Muni debut as a munchkin in The Wizard of Oz in 2003 and DJ made his Muni debut in The Sound of Music in 2005, which also featured Lindsey playing one of the Von Trapp children. In addition to performing, DJ has been a stage manager or backstage crew member for several shows. The special show for both of them was Peter Pan in 2013 because that was the production in which they got engaged during one of the rehearsals. Lindsey played Wendy and DJ was a pirate. DJ and Lindsey were also the onsite Muni caretakers for two years. They both are teachers with Springfield School District 186. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Jim has been a performer in a number of Muni productions. He made his Muni debut as George Widener in Titanic in 2003. He also was the leader of the Winkies in The Wizard of Oz later that same summer. Jim has also performed such roles as The King in Big River in 2004, Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music in 2005, Andrew Carnes in Oklahoma! in 2007, Sheriff Earl in All Shook Up in 2014 and Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors in 2018. Jim's late wife, Lisa was also heavily involved in the Muni and ran the concessions stand for several years. Both of his children, Lindsey and Dylan have also performed in a number of Muni shows. Jim recently just completed his term on the Muni's Board of Managers, and he served as President during the 2019 season. Jim is the News/Program Director and afternoon talk show host on WMAY. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Lori Ann has been a performer in a number of Muni shows over the years. She made her Muni debut in the pit chorus for The Will Rogers Follies in 1996. The following summer, she made her onstage debut as a member of the mission band in Guys and Dolls. Since then, she has played many roles including Dorothy Brock in 42nd Street in 1999, Vera Charles in Mame in 2002, Mrs. Baskin in Big in 2003, Matron Mama Morton in Chicago in 2006, The Witch in Into the Woods in 2010 and Ursula in The Little Mermaid in 2016. Lori Ann was also the assistant director for Guys and Dolls in 2011 and The Sound of Music in 2014. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Shirley was a Muni performer and vocal director for a number of shows for about 25 years. Shirley made her Muni debut as Lady Thiang in The King and I in 1971. In 1974, Shirley was the first of the four ladies to perform the iconic role of Dolly Levi on the Muni stage in Hello, Dolly! Other roles Shirley performed include Lili in Carnival in 1973, Abigail Adams in 1776 in 1976 and Carlotta in Phantom in 1996. Shirley also vocal directed our productions of A Little Night Music in 1981, The Sound of Music in 1985 and Into the Woods in 1991. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Phil has directed and performed in several Muni shows. Phil made his Muni debut as Oscar Lindquist in Sweet Charity in 1978. Soon after that show, Phil moved to New York and worked in the theatre industry for several years before moving back to central Illinois in the mid-1990s. Phil made his Muni directorial debut with Gypsy in 1995. Phil also directed Peter Pan twice, in 2001 and 2007 and Big River in 2004. He also was Mr. Brownlow in Oliver! in 2009. Phil recently retired as the theatre director at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

T. David has been a set builder/designer on many Muni productions for a number of years. His involvement with Muni began when two of his sons were cast in the children's chorus of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2002. He assisted in building the set for that show. He was very involved with building the set for Big the next summer in 2003. Two of his favorite sets that he has built include Les Misérables in 2013 and The Sound of Music in 2014. T. David also performed the role of Thomas in Jesus Christ Superstar in 2010. T. David's sons, T. Duncan and Neil, and his wife, Kim, have all appeared on the Muni stage. T. David is an architect with Melotte Morse Leonatti Parker in Springfield. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Grace was involved with the Muni as a director, choreographer and performer for 25 years. Grace's involvement with the Muni began in 1973 when Thayne Ernie asked her to be the choreographer for Promises, Promises. Other shows she choreographed have included Applause in 1974, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 1975, Grease in 1981, Hans Christian Andersen in 1993, Kiss Me, Kate in 1997 and Godspell in 1998. She was the assistant director and choreographer for West Side Story in 1977 and directed and co-choreographed Sweet Charity in 1978. As a performer, she played Helen Cheston in Irene in 1976, Jenny Anderson in Shenandoah in 1979 and Cha-Cha in Grease in 1981. Grace was the longtime artistic director of the Springfield Ballet Company and owned Dance Arts Studio. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Daniel was a sound designer/operator for the Muni for eleven seasons. Before moving to sound, Daniel was in two productions. He made his Muni debut in Aida in 2006. He was in Oklahoma! the next summer. He was responsible for some major upgrades to Muni's sound equipment. During those eleven shows as a sound designer/operator, he often did the first and last shows each season. Daniel's last show at the Muni was Annie in 2018. He currently resides in the Indianapolis area. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Patrick has been a performer in a number of Muni productions. Patrick made his Muni debut in 1981 as Will Parker in Oklahoma! Since then, he has been in the choruses of Kismet and Follies in 1982 and has played roles that include Simeon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1983, Mark Twain in Big River in 2011, Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd in 2016 and the Bank Chairman in Mary Poppins in 2017. He is another one of our Muni marriages, as he met his wife, Donna Lerch, during the production of Kismet. She was playing in the orchestra. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Jim has been a performer in several Muni shows. Jim made his Muni debut as Benny Southstreet in Guys and Dolls in 1997. Some of the other roles Jim has played are FDR in Annie in 1998, Smee in Peter Pan in 2013, Grandpa Joe in Willy Wonka in 2017 and The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz in 2019. Jim currently serves on the Muni Board of Managers. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Rick has been a performer in a number of Muni shows. Rick is most famous for his Elvis tribute act, Elvis Himselvis. Rick made his Muni debut in the chorus of Good News in 1980. He was also in Show Boat later that summer. Some of the roles that Rick has performed at the Muni include The Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1983, Ambrose Kemper in Hello, Dolly! in 1983, Charlie Davenport in Annie Get Your Gun in 1987, Moonface Martin in Anything Goes in 1990, The Baker in Into the Woods in 1991 and Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls in 1997. Rick was last seen on the Muni stage as The King in Big River in 2011. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Randy was a performer in a number of Muni productions over the year. Randy made his Muni debut in 1977 in the chorus of Cinderella. As a male dancer, Randy was often in two shows a summer in his early years performing at the Muni. Some of Randy's most notable roles were Rooster Hannigan in Annie in 1985, the Tin Man in The Wiz in 1987, Jack in Into the Woods in 1991 and Johnny "Leadville" Brown in The Unsinkable Molly Brown in 1992. Randy's last appearance on the Muni stage was in The Producers in 2009. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Jay was a lighting designer and operator for the Muni for about 35 years. Jay's involvement for the Muni began when he was a spotlight operator for our production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown in 1968. Jay's father and grandparents were involved in the original Muni during the 1950s. Jay's father and grandfather were involved in lighting and his grandmother was the costume mistress. Jay was involved with almost every show during his time with the Muni, though he usually didn't do the last show due to working at the State Fair. Jay's last Muni show was Peter Pan in 2001. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Tony is one the Muni's most prolific performers. Tony made his Muni debut in 1987 as the The Lion in The Wiz. Since then, some of the roles he has played include Lancelot in Camelot in 1990, Jim in Big River in 1994, Coalhouse Walker, Jr. in Ragtime in 2005, Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2011 and Pape Ge in Once on This Island, also in 2011. His consummate role was that of Inspector Javert in Les Misérables in 2013. He also was in the ensemble and understudied the legendary William Warfield in our production of Show Boat in 1991. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Ann has performed in, vocal directed and played violin in the pit for a number of Muni productions. Ann made her Muni debut in 1982 in the chorus of Kismet. She played Widow Corney later that summer in Oliver! She says her favorite role was Miss Hannigan, which she played in the Muni's first production of Annie in 1985. Going full circle, Ann got to play violin in the orchestra for the Muni's production of that show in 2018. Some of the roles that Ann has also played include Vera Charles in Mame in 1988, Ruth in Pirates of Penzance in 1993 and a pirate in Peter Pan in 2001. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Peter is another one of Muni's success stories having performed in a number of shows on Broadway. Peter, originally from Rochester, made his Muni stage debut in 1974 in Hello, Dolly! He was also in The Music Man later that summer. He played Roger Sherman in 1776 in 1976 (the production with Robert Alda as Benjamin Franklin), Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie in 1976 & Riff in West Side Story in 1977. After graduating from college, Peter decided to try his hand at acting professionally. He performed in several Broadway shows, most notably playing the role of Javert in Les Misérables. He also was featured in and understudied Mandy Patinkin in the Broadway production of The Secret Garden. Peter is currently a science teacher in Arizona. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Mary was a performer in a number of Muni productions. She made her Muni debut in the chorus of The Desert Song in 1977. The next summer, in 1978, she played the role of Agnes in the two-person musical, I Do! I Do! She also played Babe Williams in The Pajama Game in 1979 and Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music in 1981. Her last Muni role was that of the Stepmother in Cinderella in 2000. Mary is a retired music teacher from Springfield School District 186. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Dave was involved in a number of Muni shows from 1975-1998. Dave made his Muni stage debut as Avram, the Bookseller in Fiddler on the Roof in 1974. Some of his Muni roles include Jigger Craigin in Carousel in 1979, The Duke of Milan in Two Gentlemen of Verona in 1984, Jacob in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1989 and then going full circle, he reprised his role of Avram in the 1998 Fiddler. Dave's wife, Leona also played piano for a number of Muni shows. Dave now resides in Florida. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Tim made his Muni debut in the chorus of Annie in 1985. Tim owes a debt of gratitude to Gene Rubley for getting him involved with the Muni. Tim's star turn occurred the following year, in 1986, when he was cast as Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Tim performed a number of roles at the Muni from 1985-1994. His last role at the Muni was as Huck Finn in Big River in 1994. Tim currently lives in Tampa, Florida. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Johna has been a performer on the Muni stage since the early 1980s. Johna made her Muni stage debut in 1983 in The Student Prince. Since then, she has played a number of roles including Baroness Elsa Schräder in The Sound of Music in 1986, Lady Thiang in The King and I in 1995, part of the dancing cow in Gypsy in 1995, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz in 2011 and The Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music in 2014. Johna currently serves on the Muni's Board of Managers. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Amanda has been a performer on the Muni stage since the mid-1980s. She made her Muni stage debut in 1986 in the chorus of Cabaret. Since then, she has performed in a number of shows, most recently being in the chorus of Evita in 2019. Amanda currently serves on the Muni's Board of Managers and is the Production Chair. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Missy has been a performer in a number of Muni shows. The Muni played a big role in Missy's formative years. Missy made her Muni stage debut in the children's chorus of Oliver! in 1982. Since then, she has performed in a number shows, including playing the roles of Minnie Fay in Hello, Dolly! in 1994 and Lucille Ballard in Meet Me in St. Louis in 1995. Missy is a dancer, so many of the shows she was in are huge dance shows. Missy's mother, Barb Homa, was also heavily involved with the Muni. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Courtney is one of Muni's success stories, having performed professionally in a number of regional theatre productions, touring companies and Broadway shows. Courtney made her Muni debut as July in our first production of Annie in 1985. She went on to perform in several Muni shows, most notably as Edith Herbert in My One and Only in 1991. After graduating from college, Courtney performed in some regional theatre productions. She then got cast in the national tour of Cats, which earned her her Equity card. She made her Broadway debut in the revival of Little Me in 1997. Courtney also performed in The Producers and Young Frankenstein on Broadway. Courtney is currently an assistant professor and the musical theatre coordinator at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Kevin has been a performer and set builder for a number of Muni productions. Kevin made his Muni stage debut in 2005 in Ragtime. Since then, he has been in several shows. His last time on the Muni stage was as the voice of Audrey II in 2018's Little Shop of Horrors. Kevin also frequently is a set builder for Muni shows. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Damien is part of a longtime Muni family, as his father, Steve Kaplan, is Chair of the Muni's Board of Trustees. He has been involved with the Muni in several different capacities. Damien made his Muni stage debut in 1994 in Hello, Dolly! Since then, he has performed in a number of shows. He has also played percussion in the orchestra and has been a vocal and/or musical director for several productions. Damien also often serves as an accompanist at auditions. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Morgan has been involved at The Muni in various ways, including as a dance instructor for auditions, an on-stage performer, a choreographer and as a director. Morgan has an interesting tale to tell about how she became involved with the organization when she was asked to teach the dance for the dance audition before auditioning herself. Morgan has recently codirected several shows alongside Andrew Maynerich. Audiences will be able to see their next show as a directing pair, Newsies, in the 2022 season. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Gary no longer lives in the Springfield area, but he was heavily involved with the Muni throughout the later part of the 1970s through the 1980s. Gary was a vocal music teacher with the Rochester High School and later Chatham Glenwood High School. He made his Muni debut as the vocal director for Bye Bye Birdie in 1976. Gary later went on to direct many shows, including Carousel in 1979, Show Boat in 1980, Grease in 1981, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in both 1983 and 1989, Evita in 1985, and The Wiz in 1987. Gary also served on the Muni's Board of Managers, including a stint as President. Gary left Springfield in 1991 and moved to Los Angeles where he taught at the prestigious Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. His star pupil was Josh Groban, whom Gary cast as Tevye in a production of Fiddler on the Roof. Groban credits Gary as a teacher that deeply influenced him. Gary is now retired. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Anyone who's been involved with the Muni at some point during the last 20 years knows Gil & Ann. They have been performers, directors and volunteers with the Muni. Gil even served on the Board of Managers, including a year as president. Gil made his Muni stage debut in 1998 in the chorus of Fiddler on the Roof. Ann made her debut in Honk! in 2004. Gil & Ann co-directed Peter Pan together in 2013. Ann has stated that she's retired from concessions, but you'll still see Gil working in the concession stand. Gil currently runs the Senior Bus program for the Muni. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Ed has been director, assistant director, choreographer and performer for many Muni shows. Ed made his Muni stage debut in Jesus Christ Superstar in 1986. Since then, he played such favorites as Captain Billy Buck Chandler in My One and Only in 1991, Will Rogers in The Will Rogers Follies in 1996, Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie in 1998 and J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in 2001. He also directed our productions of The Unsinkable Molly Brown in 1992 and Cinderella in 2000. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Judy was a Muni performer and stage manager for many years. Judy made her Muni stage debut in 1966 in My Fair Lady. She was asked to audition because they needed someone who could do an authentic cockney accent and teach others to do one. Judy was in many shows over the years. Her largest was role was that of Calamity Jane in Calamity Jane in 1976. Judy's last appearance on the Muni stage was that of the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz in 2003. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Russ doesn't live in the Springfield area anymore, but he was a mainstay on the Muni stage during much of the 1980s. He made his Muni debut as James in Shenandoah in 1979. Later that summer he played Billy Bigelow in Carousel. Russ played such roles as Frank in Show Boat, Lieutenant Cable in South Pacific, Buddy Plummer in Follies and Juan Perón in the first production of Evita in 1985. His last role at Muni was Julian Marsh in 42nd Street in 1988. Russ also directed two productions for Muni, The Student Prince in 1983 and Seven Brides for Seven Brides in 1986. Russ now resides in Louisville, Kentucky. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

Gus has been a mainstay on the Muni stage since his debut in 1991. Gus made his Muni stage debut as Rapunzel's Prince in 1991 in Into the Woods, opposite his wife Claire's Rapunzel. Since then, he has played many favorites such as Harold Hill in The Music Man, Bobby Child in Crazy for You, Max Bialystock in The Producers and Oliver Warbucks in Annie. Gus was last seen as Captain Hook/Mr. Darling in our Peter Pan in 2019. Gus was the evening weatherman on News Channel 20 for many years. He is now the Executive Director for the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.

If you don't know Melody, then you don't know Springfield area theatre. Melody has been the props designer for countless Springfield area shows. What many people might not know is that Melody has also done a bit of performing. Melody made her Muni stage debut in the chorus of Sweet Charity in 1978. Her last onstage performance at Muni was in Hans Christian Andersen in 1993. That was when she turned her focus to props. Melody loves to create things and uses that creativity to create many cool props. Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.