WHAT'S NEW in Wayne’s World?
Notes from Wayne Bryan, producing artistic director
10/7/09
Thanks to all of you who came to see our 2009 summer shows, and to all of you who helped create them. It was a wonderful, rewarding summer, with shows we were proud of and nearly 70,000 people attending.
The range of subject matter and performance styles was challenging and rewarding, from the comedy of The Producers, to the elegance of Camelot, the lush singing in Kiss Me, Kate, the drama of Miss Saigon, the stylized farce of The Drowsy Chaperone, and the exuberance of High School Musical 2.
We thoroughly enjoyed all our guest stars and guest directors and choreographers, and further down this column there are some sample photos of the productions, as well as links to the reviews in the Wichita Eagle. (There are many more photos in the Gallery pages, too!)
Now we’ve announced our new season, which is called “Everything’s Coming Up Broadway!”
Leading off with most critics’ pick for “Best Musical ever!” is Gypsy, and it will star our remarkable Karen L. Robu in the role of Rose Hovick, the ultimate stage mother whose children become Gypsy Rose Lee and June Havoc.
From there, it’s the sizzling Broadway revue Smokey Joe’s Café, a premiere for MTWichita which will feature the delightful Betti O. among its dazzling cast of singer-dancers.
Crazy for You will provide a rich evening of Gershwin songs (“I Got Rhythm,” “Embraceable You,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” to name a few) with great tap dancing and hilarious comedy.
Annie returns after a 16 year absence, with its good humor, timely message, and bracing dose of optimism. This all-family favorite is also a wonderful showcase for young local performers.
We’ll close the season with the brand new Tony-winning murder mystery musical Curtains, with a witty and tuneful score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the creators of Chicago, Cabaret, and New York, New York.
For more information about season tickets (purchase before October 31 and they are available at 2009 prices!) click here.
For news of our 2009 Performers Discount Card, click here.
To see updates on schools who are participating in the Jester Program for 2009-2010, or to learn more about being a Jester Judge, click here.
Kimberly Fauré as Ulla, Larry Raben as Leo, Michael Kostroff as Max, Aaron Umsted as Carmen Ghia,
Kilty Reidy as Roger de Bris,
and James Anest as Franz Liebkind lead the cast in the Act I finale of The Producers.
To read the Wichita Eagle review, click here
To see photos, click here.
Camelot starred Laura Griffith as Guenevere, Damon Kirsche as Arthur and Edward Watts as Lancelot, here seen with Jacob Gutierrez, Ian Gibb and Kevin Munhall as Sir Dinadan, Sir Lionel, and Sir Sagramore
To read the Wichita Eagle review, click here
To see photos, click here.
Kiss Me, Kate starred Jessica Wright as Lilli / Kate, Mike McGowan as Fred / Petruchio, Wes Hart as Bill / Lucentio and Kimberly Fauré as Lois / Bianca, with John Boldenow as Harry / Baptista and Michael Joseph Parker as Pops / Minister.
To read the Wichita Eagle review, click here
To see photos, click here.
Miss Saigon starred Josh Tower as John, Chris Peluso as Chris, Shannon Tyo as Kim, and Kevin Gray as the Engineer.
To read the Wichita Eagle review, click here
To see photos, click here.
Photo courtesy of Jerry Fritchman
The Drowsy Chaperone featured Betti O. as Trix, Wayne Bryan as the Man in the Chair, Tim Robu as Feldzieg, Tyler Foy as George, Johnny Stellard as Robert, Andrea Chamberlain as Janet, Danny Bolero as Aldolpho, and Tracy Lore as the Chaperone.
To read Peter Filichia’s review at TheaterMania.com, click here
To read the Wichita Eagle review, click here
To see photos, click here.
Disney High School Musical 2 – On Stage! featured 57 local teen performers in its 61-member cast, including Sophie Menas as Sharpay, Paul Sabala as Ryan, Kelly Ufford as Kelsi, Caitlin Marrero as Gabriella, Cooper Rowe as Troy, Samantha Davison as Martha, Jacob Gutierrrez as Zeke, Janet Wiggins as Taylor, and Gilbert L. Bailey II as Chad.
To read the Wichita Eagle review, click here
To see photos, click here.
