Introduction

Hosts Jacob Pahde and Craig McFarland welcome you to our effort to capture the Muni story through this oral history project. They speak about how the project came to be and also how they personally became involved in the Springfield Muni. 

 

Dave Anderson

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.

Laurie Barnes
Laurie has been a longtime director for the Muni. Laurie made her Muni debut in 1975 the chorus of Guys and Dolls. She also played Grandma Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof later that summer. Since then, Laurie has performed in and directed many shows for the Muni. The first show she directed was The Wizard of Oz in 1996. She has also directed such favorites as South Pacific, Ragtime, Aida, Jesus Christ Superstar and Jekyll & Hyde. Laurie is a retired physics teacher. She taught at Glenwood High School for many years, where she also directed their musicals.

Marj Berchtold
Marj is a lifelong member of the Muni family, literally. Her mother, Florence Berchtold, took her in the stroller and went house to house trying to get guarantors for the Muni in the early 1950s. Marj is a member of the Board of Trustees and has been a choreographer or performer for many shows.

Dave Britton
Dave was a longtime Muni performer and was a member of the Muni's Board of Trustees. Dave made his Muni stage debut playing Mr. Sowerberry in Oliver! in 1982. He ended up auditioning because of a dare from one his coworkers, veteran Muni performer Nancy Diefenback. Dave played numerous roles including Smee in the first Peter Pan in 1984, The Duke in Big River in 1994, Pap Finn in Big River in 2004 and Harry MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie in 1998. As a member of the Board of Managers and eventually the Board of Trustees, Dave was Chair of the Site Committee for a number of years. He was instrumental in getting the Lundgren-Rubley Building built. Dave now lives in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Judy Wolfson Burnette
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.

​

Karla Joell Butcher

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.

 

Missy Homa Cartwright

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.

​

Susan Hawk Collier

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.

​

Ann Collins

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.

​

Jim Dahlquist

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.

​

Patti Daniels
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.
​

Nancy Diefenback 
Nancy made her Muni debut as Julie La Vergne in 1980's Show Boat. Since then, she has performed many roles over the years. She has played such roles as Eva Perón in 1985's Evita, Aldonza in 1992's Man of La Mancha, The Witch in 1991's Into the Woods, Dorothy Brock in 1988's 42nd Street and Countess Charlotte Malcolm in 2001's A Little Night Music. In addition to performing, Nancy has also vocal directed, costumed and even served on the Muni's Board of Managers. Nancy's last appearance on the Muni stage was as Mrs. Potts in 2005's Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

 

Randy Dunham

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.

 

Rick Dunham

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.

Russ Dunlap
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 Brothers in 1986. Russ now resides in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Jay Edgecomb

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.

​​

Dave Edwards

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.

Deb Watts Elliott
Deb is one-third of the talented Watts sisters. Deb has accompanied and vocal directed many shows at Muni. All of Deb's experiences at Muni have been in the orchestra pit. The first show that she played in the orchestra for was 1995's Meet Me in St. Louis. She accompanied her first show the following year in The Will Rogers Follies. She always enjoys playing shows that her sister Mary Myers conducts. 

 

Kevin Ford
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.

​

Patrick Foster

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.

Sherry Rothman Frachey
Sherry began her involvement with Muni when her dad, Bill Rothman, was cast as Harry MacAfee in the 1964 run of Bye Bye Birdie in Douglas Park. Sherry made her onstage debut in 1971’s Fiddler on the Roof. Sherry was also involved in SMOYAAB (Springfield Muni Opera Young Adult Advisory Board). Over the years, Sherry has performed in many shows. She has also performed in the orchestra for several shows.

 

Phil Funkenbusch

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.

​

Sara Baltusevich Goeckner

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.

Gus Gordon
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's 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.

Velma Bailey Goulet
Velma’s involvement with the Muni began when she encouraged her first husband, Don Bailey, to audition for the first production back at the lake, The Music Man, in 1965. And then as they say, the rest was history. Velma’s involvement mainly was backstage, but she did perform onstage in 1968’s Oliver and playing Abigail Adams in 1972’s 1776 opposite her husband, Don’s John Adams. Don Bailey directed many Muni productions, and his favorite part was spotting young talent and casting many young people in their first shows, as he did with Steve Kaplan and Paul Presney. Don may not be with us anymore, but his impact on the organization lives on.

Doug Hahn
Doug has been heavily involved with the Muni for so long that when you try to think of people involved with the organization, Doug is probably one of the first people that comes to mind. Doug began working backstage during the 1966 season.  He made his stage debut the following year in the chorus of Guys and Dolls. He has been a performer, musical director and director for many shows over the years. Through his partnership with Gary Shull, he has co-directed favorites such as Anything Goes, The Producers and Nice Work If You Can Get It. Doug says his favorite role thus far has been playing God in Children of Eden.

​

Victor Holstein

Victor is another one of Muni's professional success stories having gone on to perform 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.

​

Damien Kaplan

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.

Morgan Kaplan
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.

​

Steve Kaplan
Steve is currently the Chair of the Muni’s Board of Trustees. Steve made his Muni stage debut in Li’l Abner in 1970 and has been involved ever since. Steve has directed several productions and performed in many more, in addition to serving on the Board of Managers and later the Board of Trustees.

 

Johna Viner Keen
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.

​

Jim Leach

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.

Ed MacMurdo
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.

 

Anna Bussing Maisenbacher
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.
 

Mary Beth Maloney
Mary Beth’s involvement with Muni began in 1971 when a coworker told her that Funny Girl was looking for a prompter. Mary Beth then made her stage debut the next year in the chorus of The Most Happy Fella. Over the years, Mary Beth has performed in a number of shows. She says her biggest role was playing Fanny Brice in the 1984 production of Funny Girl, thus going full circle. Mary Beth was appointed to the Board of Trustees a few years ago.

 

Lori Ann McCabe

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.

Rich McCoy
Rich has performed in and directed a number of Muni shows. Rich made his Muni debut in the cast of Paint Your Wagon in 1978. Since then, he has played Oliver Warbucks in Annie in 1985 and Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in 1987. His directorial credits for Muni include Fiddler on the Roof (twice), South Pacific and Grease. The last show Rich directed for Muni was Cabaret in 2015.

​

Anna McFarland
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.
 

Angela Whitlow Mead

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.

​

Mary Midiri-Davis
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.

Mary E. Myers
Mary is one-third of the talented Watts sisters. Most of Mary's experiences at Muni have been in the orchestra pit, either as a percussionist or conductor. Mary has conducted many Muni shows. The first show that Mary played percussion for was 1980's Show Boat. The first show that Mary conducted was 1987's Annie Get Your Gun. Then, Mary went full circle because she made her one and only appearance on the Muni stage as Annie Oakley in 2005's Annie Get Your Gun.

​

Grace Luttrell Nanavati

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.

​

Amanda Neubauer
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.

Dennis O’Brien
Dennis has been involved with the Muni ever since being cast in 1967’s Camelot. He loves to tell people how he got to “hold a spear.” Dennis’s mother, Virginia, followed him onstage and was in the cast of a number of shows. Over the years, Dennis has performed in, assistant directed, co-directed, stage managed, and produced a number of shows. Most of Dennis’s roles were in the chorus due to to the fact that he could dance well. He says that the chorus is where “you have the most fun.” Dennis was also a longtime Board of Managers member including serving as president several times. He is now a member of the Board of Trustees.

Gil & Ann Opferman
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.
 

T. David Parker

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.

​

Pat Pennington

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.

 

Tara Cowan Petty
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.

Paul Presney, Jr.
Paul’s involvement with Muni began when he and his sister Cathy were cast by Don Bailey in 1969’s Gypsy. Their mother, Jane, had a theatre background, so she became involved with Muni, too, directing many shows.  Paul has performed in, directed, or designed many Muni shows over the years, including some of the biggest sets that the Muni has had, the set for Titanic, a show he also directed. Paul served a period on the Board of Managers and was President.

Nataylee Randall
Nataylee is one of Muni’s success stories being a card carrying member of Actors’ Equity, the union for professional stage actors. Nataylee made her Muni debut in Annie in 1998 and has performed in a number of our shows. She now lives in New York City and has worked professionally in a number of productions.

​

Julie Ratz
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.

​

Dennis Rendleman
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 Bills in South Pacific in 2002. Dennis has also been a frequent historical reenactor, most notably portraying Ulysses S. Grant.
 

Lindsey & DJ Rudd

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.

Deb Rudis
Deb has been a Muni performer since 1989. She made her Muni debut in the chorus of Fiddler on the Roof. She went full circle with that show playing Golde in our 2009 production. Since that debut, she has played a number of roles including Ziegfeld's Favorite in The Will Rogers Follies in 1996, Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls in 1997 and Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray in 2011. Her last performance on the Muni stage was as Mother Superior in Sister Act in 2018. Deb currently serves on the Muni's Board of Managers and is president during the 2021-2022 season.

 

Peter Samuel

Peter is another one of Muni's Broadway success stories. 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.

Don & Linda Schneider
Don & Linda met during the Muni production of South Pacific in 1980. They are one of our Muni marriages. Linda made her Muni debut as Ursula Merkle in Bye Bye Birdie in 1976. Don made his Muni debut in that production of South Pacific where they met. He played Luther Billis and Linda played Ensign Janet MacGregor. They both went full circle in the next production of South Pacific in 1988 with Don reprising his role as Billis and Linda playing the lead, Nellie Forbush this time. They both have been in a number of Muni productions. Don was last seen on the Muni stage as Fagin in Oliver! in 2009. Linda was last seen on the Muni stage as Fräulein Schneider in Cabaret in 2015.

Carly Shank
Carly is a longtime Muni performer and director. Carly made her Muni debut in 1983 in the children's chorus of The King and I. Carly's favorite show is Annie, in which she was an orphan in the first Muni production of this show in 1985 and directed our production in 2018. Carly directed her first Muni show in 2007 directing Grease. She also directed Oliver! in 2008 and Sweeney Todd in 2016. Carly has a degree in theatre from Northwestern University, and is the Assistant Director of Operations for the UIS Performing Arts Center. 

Dave Shaw
Dave has designed sets, costumes and props for a number of shows in the Springfield area, including several at Muni. His first Muni experience was in 1986 painting the set for Jesus Christ Superstar. He also directed Mame in 1988. Dave is best known for his creative partnership with Leigh Steiner. They started working together in 1991 on Into the Woods. Since then, they did City of Angels, The Secret Garden and Children of Eden together at Muni. Dave was a longtime art teacher and theatre director at Rochester High School. He retired several years ago.

Melody Sheehan
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. 

​

Daniel Shelton

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. 

Ada Lynn Shrewsbury
Ada Lynn and her husband, Tom, literally started the revitalization of the Muni in their living room after the original organization folded in the early 1960s. Ada Lynn was a performer in a number of productions, and she has been a longtime supporter of the organization. Tom is no longer with us, but we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the vision that he had to rebuild the organization.

Gary Shull
Gary is a longtime director and choreographer for the Muni. Gary actually goes back to the early days during the first run of the Muni in the 1950s when he was a teenager!  Gary is an accomplished teacher and choreographer. Many of his students have gone on to very successful careers on Broadway and in professional theatre.

​

Mary Kate Smith
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. 

​

Lynne Snyder

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.

​

Gary Soerensen

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 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.

Leigh Steiner
Leigh has directed many shows in the Springfield area, including several at the Muni. Her first Muni show was directing Camelot in 1981. Since then, she directed 42nd Street in 1988, Into the Woods in 1991, City of Angels in 1995, The Secret Garden in 1997 and Children of Eden in 2000. Leigh is known for her creative partnership with Dave Shaw, whom she has worked with since Into the Woods. Leigh also has served on the Muni's Board of Managers.

​

Shirley Thomas

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.

​

Mary Von Liski

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.

​

Tim Ward

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.

Rebecca Watts
Rebecca is one-third of the talented Watts sisters. Rebecca made her Muni debut in the chorus of 1979's Carousel. Since then, she has vocal directed, accompanied, propped, and served on the Board of Managers, including a term as President. Rebecca has performed such roles as Tuptim in 1983's The King and I, Lucinda in 1991's Into the Woods and Sister Sarah Brown in 1997's Guys and Dolls. She was last seen on the Muni stage as Ida in 2004's Honk! Even though she has since moved out of the area, she always makes sure she attends a Muni show if she's visiting her family during the summer. Her husband, Richard Garretson, still occasionally comes back to play trumpet in the orchestra for some shows.

​

Sandra Dehner Wheeler

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.

Tiffany Williams
Tiffany’s involvement with Muni began when she was cast as Marty in 2000’s Grease. Tiffany has performed in many shows over the years. She has performed such favorite roles as Aida in 2006’s Aida and Miss Hannigan in 2018’s Annie. She has also performed in the orchestra for Jekyll & Hyde and Little Shop of Horrors. She has also been a volunteer working in concessions, ushering and driving the golf cart. Tiffany is currently serving on the Muni’s Board of Managers.

Craig Williams II
Craig served as president of the Board of Managers for the 2020-2021 season. Craig made his Muni debut in My Fair Lady in 2003. Since then, in addition to performing, Craig has been a director, assistant director, scenic designer and worn many other hats for the organization.

Cynda Wrightsman
Cynda has been involved with the Muni since 1978. She made her Muni stage debut in the chorus of Sweet Charity. Since then, she has played many lead roles including Guenevere in 1982's Camelot, Eliza Doolittle in 1989's My Fair Lady, The Baker's Wife in 1991's Into the Woods, Dolly Levi in 1994's Hello, Dolly! and Desiree Armfeldt in 2001's A Little Night Music. She has also been assistant director several times. Her last appearance on the Muni stage was as Mrs. Potts in 2012's Disney's Beauty and the Beast. 

​

Courtney Young
Courtney is one of Muni's Broadway 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, New York.

​

Tony Young

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.

​

​