SIGHTLINES THE MUNI NEWSLETTER

SIGHTLINES THE MUNI NEWSLETTER President s Message: JOIN US FOR THE MUNI S 2019 SEASON! Y ears ago, I spent a wonderful warm summer evening under the stars at the Muni, watching the performers, marveling at their talent, delighting at the costumes, the sets, the mix of instruments and voices. And I thought to myself: I wish I could be up there with them. This Muni season, we are asking, What s your wish? It s a recurring theme with the four shows of our 2019 season, but at its heart, it s really the story of the Muni year after year: people whose wish is to make other people happy, to entertain an audience, to fill a summer night with song and dance. And it s people just like you who make those wishes come true for all of us. Bringing the Springfield Muni Opera to life each year requires the talents, skills and passions of a diverse group of individuals from all walks of life, with different interests and aspirations. It s the actors, singers and dancers; it s the backstage crew working on sets, props, makeup and costumes; it s the people who are good with their hands and their tools who keep our site looking great and ready to handle the rigors of four topnotch productions. And it s countless others who give of their time and of themselves to create that overall Muni magic. What s your wish? Here it finds a home. Here hundreds of people have made lasting friendships, developed and honed their craft, and had the incomparable experience of watching a show grow from humble beginnings to a production that lights up the night and puts a smile on the face (or sometimes a tear in the eye) of those in the audience. Serving this year as Muni board president is just one example of where my wish on that summer night long ago has carried me. I ve been onstage, moved sets backstage, painted, raked leaves, cooked those incomparable Muni Dogs, and found a second home here at the Muni. It s our hope each year to make wishes like that come true for everyone in our community whether it s to be involved in the production, or to support the Muni as an audience member or through our Backstagers program. This year we will bring four amazing shows to life: Peter Pan, Evita, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Wizard of Oz. If your wish is to be onstage with us, that process begins with our Audition Workshop on Saturday, February 16, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. The children s session will be held starting at 10am, with the adults session at 1pm. Here you can get all your questions answered about what it s like to audition for, and participate in, a Muni production. Of course, you may decide that being on stage isn t your wish after all. There are plenty of other opportunities to take part. Whether it is painting or building sets, helping with costumes and makeup, getting the grounds ready, or helping usher or serve food during the season, we value each and every volunteer and know they help create our Muni Magic. Please let us know if you can help by emailing munivolunteer@gmail.com. Our 2019 Muni Season wouldn t be possible without our wonderful sponsors...thank you to Springfield Clinic (Peter Pan), UCB (Evita), Sikich LLP (Thoroughly Modern Millie), and Edward Jones (The Wizard of Oz). Our volunteers and our patrons make Muni Magic possible every season, and we also have to give special thanks to our Backstagers who show support every year, helping Muni continue to be a not-for-profit community theatre. If you are interested in learning more, you can go to our website,, or email craigwilliamsii@gmail.com. If you already know about the Muni, help spread the magic by telling your friends. And if you are new to the Muni welcome! We can t wait to hear what s your wish and help make those wishes come true. And one way or the other, we look forward to seeing you at the Muni. Jim Leach President, The Muni 2019 SEASON: SPRINGFIELD CLINIC presents MAY 31-JUNE 2, 5-9 8:30 p.m. UCB presents JUNE 21-23, 26-30 8:30 p.m. SIKICH LLP presents JULY 12-14, 17-21 8:30 p.m. EDWARD JONES presents AUGUST 2-4, 7-11 8 p.m. 1

ATTEND A WORKSHOP AUDITION WORKSHOPS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16 KIDS (8-13): 10 a.m. ADULTS: 1 p.m. at the Hoogland Center for the Arts Join us at the audition workshop to learn more about The Muni s audition process! Attendees will hear from the directors of each show about their expectations and casting requirements. Afterwards, the shows directors and staffs will be available to answer questions and distribute music. By using the designated URL/ code handed out at the workshop, auditionees can also go online Saturday after the workshop to select an audition spot before it is opened to the public. Helpful Hint! If you are auditioning for a role that requires a separate dance audition, it is strongly recommended that you do your vocal audition first followed by your dance audition that same day. Dance auditions go very quickly and it s easier for staff to recognize you (and remember what shows/ parts you re interested in) if you have gone through vocal auditions first. Those who sing first and dance second on the same day definitely have an upper hand when it comes to casting! WHAT TO EXPECT THE DAY OF YOUR AUDITION Can t attend the audition workshop? You can still sign up for an audition time slot starting February 17, 2019! JOIN THE BACKSTAGERS When you become a Muni Backstager you enjoy exclusive benefits ranging from priority seating and premium parking to advance ticket sales and complimentary refreshments. Also, Backstagers are invited to the annual Muni Backstager Season Preview dinner on May 22 with backstage tours and the opportunity to watch a live dress rehearsal of Peter Pan. And, of course, you will be recognized in the Muni program all season long. ADULT AUDITIONS March 2, 3, 9 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hoogland Center for the Arts Open to those 13 years of age and up ADULT AUDITIONS take place in hour long sessions; vocal/movement auditions are separate from dance auditions. Plan to check in at the registration table at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time, allowing time for the vocal warm-ups before the actual audition. The Muni provides accompanists for all vocal auditions, so please bring sheet music suitable for piano accompaniment. In closed auditions with a small group of other auditionees, each auditionee will perform a short (2 minutes or less) song of his or her choosing. Auditionees may be asked to read from a script provided by the directors. Basic movement auditions, done in a group, take place at the end of the audition time slot. Only auditionees who participate in the hour long, separate dance audition are exempt from the movement audition. Some roles require auditionees to participate in a full dance WANT TO LEARN MORE? Visit for more information about auditioning at The Muni! CHILDREN S AUDITIONS March 16 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hoogland Center for the Arts Open to kids between 8-13 years of age audition. This is largely based upon the demands of the role for which the adult is auditioning or for which the director is considering him/her. (Consult the Parts Available section of this edition of Sightlines to see which parts require dance.) Hour-long dance auditions are scheduled separately from vocal auditions. CHILDREN S AUDITIONS take place in two-hour sessions; casting will be for Peter Pan, Evita and The Wizard of Oz. In order to audition, children must be 8 years of age by the time of children s auditions. If you have turned 13 by the time of adult auditions, you may choose to audition as a child or an adult. Everyone 14 years of age and older at the time of auditions must audition as an adult. During the first hour, Muni staff will teach auditionees a simple song and dance. Auditionees parents or guardians are welcome to observe this learning portion of the audition. The second hour is a closed audition and only The Muni show staff are permitted to be present. During the audition, auditionees will perform the song and dance in front of show staff. Callback invitations are posted by auditionee number in the lobby shortly following each audition session. Looking for a perfect gift for your someone special? It can be a special gift for your special loved one on Valentine s Day, Father s Day, Mother s Day or any day! Our wish for 2019 is that you join our Muni family as a Backstager. The financial support of our Muni Backstagers allows each show to shine as our Broadway Under the Stars series is presented by hundreds of volunteers and our very talented volunteer local actors and directors. We could not do it without YOU. Learn more about the levels and benefits: www.themuni.org/backstager.aspx. Questions? Contact Backstagers Co- Chairs Craig Williams II and Ann Londrigan at Muni.Backstagers@gmail.com. Each year, great thought and consideration are given to developing the season. It is our goal not only to provide you with shows that are familiar but also new productions. We are proud to be part of this community and grateful for your continued support. 2

PETER PAN Presented by Springfield Clinic May 31-June 2, 5-9 8:30 PM Rehearsals start: Mon., April 15 Director: Elizabeth Cheney Producer: Julie Herpel Assistant Director: Jacob Deters Vocal Director: Becky Kemp Choreographer: Anna Bussing-Maisenbacher A Muni favorite! This will be the seventh time Peter Pan is performed on The Muni stage (1984, 1988, 1994, 2001, 2007 & 2013) SHOW SUMMARY: Peter and his mischievous sidekick, Tinkerbell, visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and, with a sprinkle of pixie dust, begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. In the adventure of a lifetime, the travelers come face to face with a ticking crocodile, a fierce native Warrior tribe, a band of bungling pirates and, of course, the villainous Captain Hook. DIRECTOR S NOTES: We are delighted to be re-creating Peter Pan on The Muni stage this year! The staff can t wait to share our creative vision and begin working with the singers, actors and dancers needed to help bring the show to life. We are searching for hard-working and positive people who are not afraid to bring high-energy and excitement to these characters. You may email us at munipan2019@gmail.com if you have questions about auditions or music. We are also looking for volunteers to help the creative team bring this show to life backstage. Please email us if you are interested in being part of our team. Come be a part of the Muni Magic this summer, and help make our Wishes come true! Auditionees for Peter Pan must take part in the Dance or Movement portion of auditions; all characters and ensemble require Dance except the Pirates and Mrs. Darling who may do Movement only. Wendy Darling: (Young Soprano/ Elizabeth Cheney Dance/Female/Appears Age 13-16) The eldest Darling child. Wendy is compassionate, incredibly loving, and very protective of her younger brothers. She is the child every parent wishes they had.vocal Range: A3-D5 John Napoleon Darling: (Young Singer s Range/Dance/Male/Appears Age 11-14) The middle Darling child. A sly smile is always at home on John s face. He has a mischievous twinkle in his eye and is always ready for an adventure. Vocal Range: A2-D4 Michael Darling: (Young Singer s Range/ Dance/Male/Appears Age 8-10) The youngest Darling child. Never far from his favorite Teddy, Michael is sweet and innocent. He is ever so lovable and very huggable. Vocal Range: A2-D4 Mrs. Darling: (Soprano or Alto/Movement/ Female/Appears Age 25-45) The Darling matriarch. Mrs. Darling glides about gently but swiftly from task to task with motherly precision. She has a pleasant strength to her demeanor. Vocal Range: D4-C5 Mr. Darling/Captain Hook: (Tenor or Baritone/Dance/Male/Appears Age 30-50) A bit of grouch, Mr. Darling is a professional who happens to be a father. Though sparkles of his love peak through from time to time, he often has places to go and people to see. He may be of imposing height. May also be cast as duel part of Captain Hook; the one-handed captain of the Jolly-Roger. Relentless and restless in his pursuit of Pan, Hook is shortfused and ridiculous. He is a larger than life villain. Vocal Range: C3-F#4 Peter Pan: (Alto/Dance/Male or Female/ Appears 13-17/Must be willing to cut hair short) Childhood and boyishness personified, Peter is athletic and not shy about taking to flight when the moment suits him. His reflexes are catlike and his presence exhilarating. Vocal Range: Eb2-C4 Smee: (Tenor or Baritone/Dance/Male/ Appears Age 28-48) Captain Hook s knockabout lackey. An archetypical evil side-kick, Smee might be a bit rotund and is definitely dwarfed by Hook. Should be portrayed by an actor with physical comedy chops. Vocal Range: D3-F#4 Tiger Lily: (Alto/Dance,/Female/Appears Age 14-17) A striking Warrior princess, Tiger Lily is a tough girl and an excellent dancer. She should command the stage when taking it and move about it as would mist. Vocal Range: Ab3-C5 Ensemble: (Vocal Range Various/Dance/ Males & Females/Ages: All) Warriors; The Lost Boys; Various Animals; Pirates participate in Movement only, no Dance needed. EVITA Presented by UCB June 21-23, 26-30 8:30 PM Rehearsals start: Tuesday, April 23 Director: Craig Williams II Producer: Mike Rogers Assistant Director: Courtney Wick Vocal Director: Christie Lazarides Choreographer: Zoey Zara First appeared on The Muni stage in 1985 SHOW SUMMARY: Evita charts the young and ambitious Eva Perón s meteoric rise to sainthood. Set in Argentina between 1934-1952, the Tony-winning musical follows Eva Duarte on her journey from poor illegitimate child to ambitious actress to, as wife of military leader-turned-president Juan Perón, the most powerful woman in Latin America, before her death from cancer at age 33. DIRECTOR S NOTES: The opportunity to tell the story of Evita in today s sociopolitical climate is truly fortuitous. Beyond the above summary, Evita is about truth versus perceived truth, the strength in love, and one woman s drive to rise from humble beginnings to great heights, for better or worse. The power Eva Perón wielded at the time of her death not only resulted from her political ingenuity, but from the love of the people of Argentina. Craig Williams II 3

EVITA Cont d... Celebrating this story through beautiful music, we are looking for people who have a passion for storytelling and the human condition. There are roles for a wide range of actors with various strengths. We look forward to seeing you at auditions. Auditionees for Evita must take part in either the Movement or Dance portion of auditions; characters requiring Dance have been noted below. Eva Perón: (Mezzo-Soprano/Dance/ Female/Appears 18 to 33) Must be able to project both toughness and charisma. This character is a beautiful, ambitious and power-seeking woman, who rises to become the spiritual leader of Argentina by the age of 26. She is also a woman of few options, who uses her sexuality to build power. Must be a passionate and strong actor who can move well. Vocal Range: E (below middle C)-F Ché: (Tenor/Dance/Male/Appears 18 to 35) A political activist and the narrator of the show. A radical who isn t reluctant to ask tough questions and demand answers. Vocal Range: Low A#-High A# Juan Perón: (Baritone/No Dance/ Male/Appears 30s-50s) An officer in the Argentina army who rises to become the Argentine President. An opportunist. Vocal Range: Low A-High F# Perón s Mistress: (Soprano/No Dance/ Female/Appears 13-18) A very beautiful, fragile, vulnerable, innocent young girl who plays Juan Peron s teenaged Mistress. She is dismissed out of Perón s life by his future wife, Eva. The Mistress ponders the rejection during her song, Another Suitcase in Another Hall. She will also appear in the ensemble.vocal Range: Low A-High E Augustin Magaldi: (Tenor/Dance/ Male/Appears 30s-40s) A tango singer with whom Eva has her first love affair. A charming loser never quite made it. Has the first number in the show, On This Night of a Thousand Stars and sets up the world in which Eva exists and establishes a Latin flavor to the piece, which is essential. He will also appear in the ensemble. A Latin-American personality type and feel that needs to be bigger than life, but real at the same time. Vocal Range: Middle C-High G Ensemble: (Various/No Dance/Males & Females/Ages teen-adult) Seeking a broad range of males and females of all ethnicities from late-teens to 70s. Excellent singing voices in all ranges. All must understand the Latin temperament even if they don t fit into the look. All shapes and sizes to play everything from Generals to Peasants. A fully-featured, versatile ensemble that helps define this world. Vocal Range: Various Children s Ensemble: (Various/Dance/ Males & Females/Ages: 8-17) Looking for (8 to 10) boys and girls. Must sing and be able to hold harmonies, act and move moderately well. Vocal Range: Various Dancing Ensemble: (Various/Dance/ Males & Females/All Ages) Looking for (8 to 12) strong dancers to play soldiers, tango dancers, and the dance chorus. Will also be part of the vocal ensemble, but will not need to be trained singers. Vocal Range: Various THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Presented by Sikich LLP July 12-14, 17-21 8:30 PM Rehearsals start: May 20 Directors: Morgan Kaplan & Andrew Maynerich Producer: Daniel Humphries Assistant Director: Stacy Kolaz Vocal Director: Diane Dietz Choreographers: Morgan Kaplan & Andrew Maynerich Apprentice Director: Danny Guttas Morgan Kaplan Andrew Maynerich Based on the 1967 Academy Award-winning film, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Making its debut on The Muni stage. SHOW SUMMARY: It s 1922, and small-town girl Millie Dillmount has just arrived in New York City, ready to make her dreams come true. Millie s plan is simple: find a job as a secretary for an eligible bachelor, and then marry him. It doesn t take long, however, for Millie s thoroughly modern plan to go awry. Her conniving landlady plots to kidnap Millie s best friend and transport her to Hong Kong, her wealthy boss seems entirely uninterested in her flirtations, and worst of all the man with whom she falls head over heels in love doesn t have a penny to his name. Winner of the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie is a bright, funny, and charming musical comedy a heartfelt valentine to New York City and the people who love her. DIRECTORS NOTES: Calling all flappers and toe-tappers! Thoroughly Modern Millie will be debuting at The Muni this summer! We are so thrilled to bring this fun and lively show to The Muni audiences. We need some vocally strong dames and gents and some dancers and hoofers that are the bee s knees. With a crazy, mixedup love story, energetic dance numbers, and a beautiful score, this celebration of the glamorous jazz-era is sure to leave audiences with a song in their mind and a pep in their step. Don t be a dewdropper, come on out and audition for Thoroughly Modern Millie! Hot off the press, one step ahead, Jazz age! Auditionees for Thoroughly Modern Millie must take part in the Dance portion of auditions. Millie Dillmount: (Soprano/Dance/ Female/Appears mid 20s-mid 30s) Millie is the sweet, classic ingénue with pluck. She falls in love with Jimmy. Millie is a demanding role which demands a triple threat: strong actress, strong dancer and strong vocalist. Millie must also have charisma, a great sense of comedy, good acting skills and be able to hold her own as a dancer. Vocal Range: G#3 E5 Jimmy: (Tenor/Dance/Male/Appears mid 20s-mid 30s) Jimmy is our male counterpart to Millie. Self-assured and cocky, Jimmy is charming, a great singer, a reasonable mover and who has a good sense of comic timing. Jimmy should be attractive in a cute, goofy sort of way. Vocal Range: C4 G5 Mrs. Meers: (Soprano/Dance/Female/ Appears mid 40s to mid 50s) A former 4

Thoroughly Modern Millie Cont d... actress turned villain pretending to be a kindly woman. She oversees the Hotel Priscilla where she secretly sells her tenants. Could be played by a Male in drag. Vocal Range: A3 F#4 Miss Dorothy Brown: (Soprano/ Dance/Female/Appears mid 20s-mid 30s) A naive, wealthy girl who has moved to New York to change her lifestyle. She becomes Millie s roommate and confidant. Vocal Range: F#5 F5 Miss Flannery: (Soprano/Dance/ Female/Appears mid 20s-mid 40s) Miss THE WIZARD OF OZ Presented by Edward Jones August 2-4, 7-11 8:00 PM Rehearsals start: June 2 Directors: Anna McFarland & Connor McNamara Producer: Mary Matheny Vocal Director: Sara Baltusevich-Goeckner Choreographer: Casey Tester Anna McFarland Flannery is the office manager. She s uptight and stern, a real no-nonsense kind of gal. She runs the stenographer pool at Sincere Trust Insurance Company. Vocal Range: A4 C5 Ching Ho: (Baritone/Dance/Male/ Appears mid 20s to mid 30s) A Chinese immigrant working to bring his mother to the United States. Younger brother of Bun and henchman to Mrs. Meers.Sings and speaks in Chinese. Vocal Range: Bb3 E4 Bun Foo: (Tenor/Dance/Either/Appears mid 20s to mid 30s) A Chinese immigrant working to bring his mother to the United States. Older sibling of Ching Ho and showcases vocal ability. Please note specific dance requirements listed next to each of the following character descriptions. When dance is noted, we need you to attend dance auditions. We are looking for performers of all ages for The Wizard of Oz, with a variety of strengths to fill a multitude of roles. There s no place like The Muni this summer! Dorothy Gale (Mezzo-Soprano/Dance/ Female/Appears mid-teen to 25) A young girl from Kansas who finds herself transported to the magical land of Oz and tries to get back home again. Vocal Range: E5-G3 henchman to Mrs. Meers. Sings and speaks in Chinese. Bun Foo can be played by a male or a female. Vocal Range: E3 E4 Trevor Graydon III: (Baritone/Dance/ Male/Appears mid 30s-mid 40s) Trevor Graydon the Third is Millie s boss and she s determined to marry him. An executive at the Sincere Trust Insurance Company. He is sharp, ambitious, and secretly romantic. Vocal Range: A3 F5 Muzzy Van Hossmere: (Soprano/ Dance/Female/Appears mid 30s-mid 40s) A glamorous actress and singer at a night club. She becomes Millie s friend and mentor. She is confident, wise and spunky. Vocal Range: G#3 D5 Ensemble: (Various/Dance/Males & Females/All Ages) Ethel Peas, Rita, Alice, Cora, Lucille, Ruth, Daphne, Dexter. The Wizard of Oz Cont d... Glinda/Aunt Em (Mezzo-Soprano/ Dance/Female/Appears 30s-50s) The Good Witch of the North. Strong motherly figure who provides Dorothy with guidance. Vocal Range: C5-G3 Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard (Spoken/Movement/Male/Appears 30s-60s) Dorothy s pleasant uncle; strong comedic actor with big presence. SHOW SUMMARY: L. Frank Baum s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz. This faithful adaptation features all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage. Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and allpowerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy s magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: there s no place like home. DIRECTORS NOTES: Auditionees should prepare a vocal selection that best Connor McNamara Scarecrow/Hunk (Baritone/Dance/Male/ Appears 30s-50s) Clever in a pinch, even while lacking a brain. A forever loyal friend. Excellent dancer with vaudvillian style. Vocal Range: F#4-D3 Tinman/Hickory (Tenor, Baritone/ Dance/Male/Appears 30s-50s) A kindhearted romantic, loyal friend and companion. Tap experience a plus. Vocal Range: G4-D3 Cowardly Lion/Zeke (Baritone/Dance/ Male/Appears 30s-50s) A mix of bravado and cowardice. Stong actor with excellent comedic timing. Vocal Range: F#4-C3 Wicked Witch of the West/Almira Gultch (Spoken/Movement/Female/ Appears 30s-60s) Vengeful witch who intimidates all of Oz. Excellent character actor with honest portrayal. The Wizard of Oz/Professor Marvel (Spoken/Movement/Male/Appears 40s-70s) Charming showman with slightof-hand trickery. A humbug who hobnobs. Munchkins: Mayor, Coroner, Barrister, Lollipop Guild, Lullaby League, and more (All Vocal Ranges/ Dance/Male and Female/Ages 8-13) Big personalities with dance a plus. Looking for three Lullaby League dancers who can dance en pointe. Ensemble: Crows, Ozians, Poppies, Winkies, Jitterbugs, Flying Monkeys (All Vocal Ranges/Dance/Male and Female/All Ages) Looking for skilled dancers and movers. All interested should attend dance auditions. Many parts for featured singers/dancers/actors. Nikko, Commander of the Monkeys 5

The Springfield Municipal Opera P.O. Box 2255 Springfield, IL 62705 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, IL PERMIT NO 931 THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 SHOW SPONSORS!