"The Music Man" Cast

JOHN HILLNER (Harold Hill) is honored to be making his Music Circus debut with one of the premiere roles in American musical theatre. This past season, John co-starred in the pre-Broadway production of Kristina, written by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA fame. His long Broadway career began with his debut in They’re Playing Our Song, followed by roles in Little Me, Woman of the Year, Zorba, Crazy for You, Company, Big, Footloose, The Graduate, Mamma Mia! and, most recently, the starring role of Georges in the 2005 Tony Award-winning revival of La Cage aux Folles directed by Jerry Zacks. Off-Broadway, John has starred in productions of Angry Housewives, To Whom It May Concern and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Dinner with Friends. National tours and theatres around the country have utilized John’s musical versatility with many leading roles including Niko, opposite Anthony Quinn, in Zorba, John Adams in 1776 and Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. On television, John was a series regular on “We Got It Made” and has made appearances on “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “Seinfeld,” “Murphy Brown” and all three series of the “Law & Order” franchise. He also portrayed Hal Munson on “As The World Turns.” His film work includes “Mission of the Shark,” “Jennifer: A Woman’s Story,” “Friendly Fire,” “Money for Nothing,” “Prince of the City,” “Say Anything” and “The Good Shepherd” directed by Robert De Niro, scheduled for worldwide release in December 2006. He sends his love to wife, Wendy, and children Amy, Nick and Jack.

SARAH TATTERSALL (Marian Paroo) is reprising her role as Marian from the 2001 Music Circus production of The Music Man. She was also seen in 2001 as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, her fourth opportunity to perform the role under the tent. Sarah has had a variety of roles in 27 productions with Music Circus, including Anna in The King and I, Katherine in Kiss Me, Kate, Fiona in Brigadoon and Millie in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Outside of Sacramento, Sarah has appeared as Alaura in the national tour of City of Angels, the Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods (Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Long Beach Civic Light Opera), Grace in Annie (also at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and Atlanta’s Theatre of the Stars), Maria in The Sound of Music (San Diego Starlight Theatre), Nellie in South Pacific (Carousel Theatre in Ohio), Sarah in Guys and Dolls (San Jose Civic Light Opera) and in Marry Me a Little (South Coast Repertory Theatre). Originally from Elyria, Ohio, Sarah holds a bachelor of music degree from Arizona State University and is a graduate of the American Center for Music Theatre in Los Angeles. Off-stage, she is the music instructor at her children’s elementary school, teaching 600 students weekly for the past five years. She is also the director of music for a Los Angeles area church and has a thriving vocal studio. Sarah is married to Steven Eaton, a commercial art director. They live in Santa Clarita with their children Rachael, 11, and Harrison, 8.

PATRICK QUINN (Mayor Shinn) appeared on Broadway as Lehman Engel in A Class Act, Uncle Max Detweiler in the revival of The Sound of Music, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, Applegate in the revival of Damn Yankees, as well as A Day in Hollywood …, Oh, Coward!, Fiddler on the Roof, Wonderful Town and The Boys From Syracuse. Here at Music Circus, he played Julian Marsh in 42nd Street in 1999 and the Major General in The Pirates of Penzance in 2004. Off-Broadway, Patrick appeared in Forbidden Broadway, Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, Into the Woods and Putting It Together with Julie Andrews. He was on the national tours of On the 20th Century (Bruce Granit) with Rock Hudson and Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius Hackl) with Carol Channing. On television, Patrick starred as Marty Bursky on “Bosom Buddies” with Tom Hanks, played Tax Man Max on “Schoolhouse Rock!,” appeared in all three versions of “Law & Order” and has been seen in countless commercials. His voice can be heard in the animated films “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas” and “Anastasia.” Patrick is a trustee of The Actors’ Fund of America and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. A native Philadelphian, he received his BFA in theatre from Temple University, which recently named him its “Alumnus of the Year.” For the past six years, he has served as the president of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of 46,000 professional actors and stage managers.

BROOKS ALMY (Mrs. Paroo) is familiar to Music Circus audiences from her roles as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof in 1996 and 2001, Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret. She is pleased to be reprising her role as Mrs. Paroo. Broadway, off-Broadway and other New York appearances include Beauty and the Beast, Grand Hotel, The Little Prince, Sweeney Todd, Play Me a Country Song, Nunsense, The Pajama Game and Annie Warbucks. Elsewhere, her credits range from Shirley Valentine, Dancing at Lughnasa and The Sisters Rosensweig to the world premieres of Jane Eyre, Brothers Karamazov and most recently, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. In the Los Angeles Reprise! series, she has had leading roles in Bells Are Ringing, The Pajama Game, Brigadoon and Assassins. She had recurring roles on “The George Lopez Show,” “Frasier” and “Dharma and Greg” and has guest starred on numerous television series including “CSI,” “Without a Trace,” “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “The West Wing,” “According to Jim,” “ER” and “The Practice.”

RUTH GOTTSCHALL (Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn) appeared as Mrs. Shinn on Broadway and is happy to reprise the role in her first production at Music Circus. Other Broadway credits include Laughing Room Only with Jackie Mason, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as Domina, Cabaret directed by Harold Prince, The Goodbye Girl, Legs Diamond, Prince of Central Park and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Additional New York appearances include Liza – Steppin’ Out (Radio City Music Hall and PBS “Great Performances”), The Desert Song (New York City Opera), Sondheim: A Celebration (Carnegie Hall), First Lady Suite and Isabelle and the Pretty-Ugly Spell as Isabelle. Around the country, Ruth has appeared in The Pirates of Penzance (Ruth, directed by Leland Ball), Broadway – The Play (Ruby), Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney, directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge), Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), Brigadoon (Meg), Pippin (Fastrada) and The Comedy of Errors. She has also toured internationally as Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera and made television and film appearances in “Law & Order,” “Annie” (Disney), “Everyone Says I Love You” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Leland Ball directed Ruth’s first show as a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association in 1977. www.ruthgottschall.com

ROBERT CREIGHTON (Marcellus Washburn) is very happily making his return to Sacramento since performing here 10 years ago as Yonkers in Gypsy.  Most recently, he was seen on Broadway in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. His Broadway debut was co-starring in Jackie Mason’s Laughing Room Only. In L.A. and Toronto, he was Timon in The Lion King. For Paper Mill Playhouse he was Nicely-Nicely in Guys and Dolls and Eddie Ryan in its critically acclaimed production of Funny Girl. At Goodspeed Opera House, he played Og in Finian’s Rainbow, and he was Tobias in Sweeney Todd for St. Louis Repertory and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. At Lincoln Center, he performed two seasons with the New York City Opera as Ko-Ko in The Mikado and Njegus in The Merry Widow broadcast “Live From Lincoln Center” on PBS. He toured the U.S. and his native Canada in Fame and played Amos in Chicago in the first-ever musical presented in Macau, China. He is currently developing a musical about the life of James Cagney and is married to the luminous performer Angie C. Creighton.

MATTHEW GUMLEY (Winthrop Paroo), 9 years old, is so happy to be here in Sacramento! Matthew made his Broadway debut in Beauty and the Beast as Chip, appearing in the same role in Montreal. He has also appeared in Kathie Lee Gifford’s Saving Aimee and in Carousel as the youngest Snow child. On television, Matthew has appeared on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “In Search Of,” “Drake and Josh” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” Matt has two upcoming feature films, “Beer League” and “CHI.” He has appeared in many commercials and recently completed a new CD recording for the Kimbo Educational Corporation. Matt has also performed in concerts at Lincoln Center and the Waldorf Astoria and is a member of the performing group Broadway Kids. Matt started his career singing the national anthem at age 4 for the Montreal Expos and the National Optimist Club Convention, and he has awards in singing, dancing, acting and piano. Matt is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, SAG and AFTRA.

SHANE RHOADES (Tommy Djilas) was born and raised in Iowa, so he is extremely excited to be back “home” in The Music Man. He is also very happy to be returning to Music Circus, where he was seen as Riff, the leader of the Jets, in West Side Story. His other Music Circus credits include Rum Tum Tugger in Cats, Sohovik in Damn Yankees and Brigadoon. Shane has also had the pleasure of working on Broadway in The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman and off-Broadway in Fame on 42nd Street. Most recently, he was the assistant choreographer to Patti Colombo for the Goodspeed Opera House production of Li’l Abner. Shane’s other favorite credits include Mike in A Chorus Line at Paper Mill Playhouse, Riff in West Side Story at the St. Louis MUNY, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Goodspeed Opera House, Sweet Charity at North Shore Music Theatre and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. He wishes peace and love from above for all.

MANOLY FARRELL (Zaneeta Shinn) is thrilled to perform in her second show at Music Circus this summer and is very excited to be performing in The Music Man. Audience members saw Manoly in Aida earlier this summer. Some of her favorite shows and roles include Hattie in Kiss Me, Kate, Michelle in Dreamgirls, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, Maggie in A Chorus Line, and she has also appeared in West Side Story and Ragtime. Manoly would like to thank her amazing family for being so supportive. She dedicates her performance to her wonderful mother and father.

ANDREW BOYER’s (Charlie Cowell) last season on the Music Circus stage was in 1983, but he’s been busy since then! He had a very successful run as Cogsworth in the national tour of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast after playing Charlie Cowell in the Broadway production of The Music Man. Other credits include the Duke of Cornwall in King Lear with Hal Holbrook at the Roundabout Theatre, national tours as Speed in The Odd Couple with Jack Klugman and Tony Randall, My Fair Lady and Ali Hakim in Oklahoma! Andrew has also appeared on stage as Dale Harding in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Fagin in Oliver!, Captain Andy in Show Boat, Gloucester in King Lear, Clem Rogers in The Will Rogers Follies, Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Film and television credits include “Law & Order,” “Sisters,” “Family Matters,” “Third Watch” and “The Liz Taylor Story,” plus soap operas and nearly 100 commercials.

MELISSA LONE (Ethel Toffelmeier) is excited to be back at Music Circus. Audiences may remember her from last summer’s performances of Beauty and the Beast, Crazy for You, Cabaret and The King and I. Some other favorite credits include Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Wang Center in Boston, 42nd Street at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, Anything Goes starring Chita Rivera at the Paper Mill Playhouse and three years on the road with the national tours of Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia! and 42nd Street. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

MEGAN NICOLE ARNOLDY (Townsperson), a BFA musical theatre graduate of Penn State University, is making her Music Circus summer debut. She recently portrayed Sandy in Grease at the Carousel Dinner Theatre in Akron, Ohio. Other favorite roles include Serena Katz in Fame (South Korean Tour 2005), Liesl in The Sound of Music (Helen Hayes Theatre Company) and two summer seasons at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

LISA ASARI (Townsperson) is back for her third season at Music Circus, where she has appeared in Oklahoma!, Footloose, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, Cabaret and The King and I. Lisa also performed in the national tour of Flower Drum Song, Sweet Charity and Mame at North Shore Music Theatre, Miss Saigon at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, West Side Story at Baltimore’s Lyric Opera House, Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Kiss Me, Kate and Miss Saigon at Westchester Broadway Theatre. Lisa is originally from Tokyo, Japan. She thanks her family and friends for their love and support.

EDWARD M. BARKER (Townsperson/Salesman/Constable Locke) performed here in the role of Mereb in Aida. He recently appeared as Lucas Jackson in Abyssinia at Goodspeed Opera House and Boston’s Shubert Theatre (directed by Stafford Arima). Edward has more than 90 credits from theatres around the country, including the world premiere of Joe DiPietro’s musical Memphis at North Shore Music Theatre (directed by Gabe Barre), Floyd Collins at Actors Theatre Louisville, as the Minister in A New Brain at Portland Center Stage, and as Nomax in Five Guys Named Moe at Riverside Theatre in Florida. Some of Edward’s favorite credits include Millennium Man opposite André De Shields, the one-man cabaret Ellington: The Life and Music of the Duke, Mississippi in It Ain’t Nothin’ but the Blues, Jim Conley in Parade, Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret, Che in Evita, Yvan in Art and the Boss in Side Show. Edward has been a featured and background vocalist on 13 recordings.

PHILIP MICHAEL BASKERVILLE (Townsperson/Salesman) makes his Music Circus  debut in The Music Man. He has performed in the Broadway companies of Dreamgirls  (concert), Cats (Macavity and Rum Tum Tugger) and will next be seen in The Producers (O’Houlihan).  He has also performed in the national tours of Ragtime (Pas de Deux), Sunset Boulevard (Artie Green/Cliff), A Chorus Line (Richie) and Miss Saigon in L.A. He also appeared in the European company of Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas/Simon). Around the country, Philip has performed in The Who’s Tommy, Damn Yankees, A Chorus Line, Anything Goes, Hair, 42nd Street and The Color Purple in its world premiere at Alliance Theatre. His television appearances include “Law & Order,” “The Arsenio Hall Show,” BET and E! He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

BONNIE BENTLEY (Townsperson) recently moved to Los Angeles after tap dancing in 42nd Street throughout Japan, Russia and on the U.S. national tour. Other credits include the European tour of Grease, several seasons at Galveston Island Musicals and various television and commercial credits. Originally from Texas, Bonnie is a graduate of SMU with a BFA in theatre. She thanks her mom for teaching her to dance and her family for all their support.

JACOB ben WIDMAR (Townsperson) is honored to be joining the Sacramento Music Circus family. Most recently he was seen in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the historic Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. He has also performed in On the Town at Reprise! Broadway’s Best, 42nd Street as Billy Lawlor, My Fair Lady (under Fiddler on the Roof director Glenn Casale) and A Chorus Line as Mark (directed by Kay Cole). Jacob has a BFA in theatre from Brigham Young University.

RENÉE MONIQUE BROWN (Townsperson) recently debuted on Broadway in All Shook Up (Lorraine understudy). Sacramento audiences may remember her in The Broadway Series presentation of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Prior to Millie, Renee performed at the world famous Apollo Theatre in George C. Wolfe’s Harlem Song, and she toured with and understudied Eartha Kitt in Cinderella. Renee performed in the Metropolitan Opera’s Samson and Delilah and toured Japan with the production. She also has numerous credits from theatres around the country.

DIANA CAMMARATA (Townsperson) is making her summer debut with Music Circus, performing in Aida and The Music Man. Previously, Diana understudied Maria in West Side Story with Syracuse Stage and performed in Chicago, Ragtime and The King and I with Maine State Music Theatre. She also toured the country as Mary in Laura Ingalls Wilder with ArtsPower National Touring Theatre. Diana sends her love and thanks to Shari, Michael, family and Alex.

JANNA CARDIA (Mrs. Squires) is reprising her role in The Music Man from 2001, when she also appeared in Mame, My Fair Lady and Show Boat. Janna has played the Witch in Into the Woods and the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She also earned an After Dark Award for her performance in Chicago as Trina in Falsettos. Other favorite roles include Children of Eden, Pump Boys and Dinettes and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Janna takes great pride in being a member of Actors’ Equity Association, and she would like to thank God from which she draws all her strength. www.omymedia.com/cardiatwins

MICHAEL DOTSON (Ewart Dunlop/Salesman) is honored to be back for his 22nd production with Music Circus reprising the role of Ewart Dunlop. Over seven seasons he has been in various productions such as The Secret Garden, The Music Man, Damn Yankees, Paint Your Wagon, Ragtime, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Beauty and the Beast and Cabaret. This year he worked with Broadway legend Jerry Herman on his reconceived version of The Grand Tour at The Colony Theatre and reprised the role of Frankie in Forever Plaid for Actors Theatre of Indiana. Other favorite roles include Jesus (Godspell), Bobby (A Chorus Line), Tom Trainor (No, No, Nanette) and Hero (A Funny Thing … Forum). Michael received a BFA in theatre from USC. He is a certified massage therapist and has worked for over 10 years with the company that produces the AIDS Walk in L.A., New York and San Francisco. Michael is proud to be a member of Actors’ Equity Association and a councillor on its national governing board.

SANDY HAWKER (Alma Hix) is returning for her fourth season at Music Circus. She earned her bachelor’s in music theatre at Florida State and now resides in Los Angeles. Her Music Circus credits include Paint Your Wagon (Cherry), The Unsinkable Molly Brown (Mrs. Worthington), Camelot, Cats, Brigadoon, Ragtime, Damn Yankees, Oklahoma!, Footloose and Jesus Christ Superstar. Other credits include the Narrator on the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Secret Garden in Charlotte and Grease in Orlando. Sandy recently completed five months aboard the Regent Seven Seas Navigator, making stops in Tahiti, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean.

HEATHER McDONALD (Amaryllis) is 12 years old and is entering the seventh grade. She lives in North Natomas and attends Natomas Charter School’s Performing and Fine Arts Academy. Heather performed last year with Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre in The Winnie the Pooh Christmas Story and has a great love of musical theatre. She has been a ballerina for nine years and performed in The Nutcracker with the Sacramento Ballet for the sixth year this holiday season. Heather is the fourth of five children and loves knitting, reading and her iPod.

IVORY McKAY (Townsperson) is returning to Sacramento Music Circus for a great summer. Ivory was seen on the Music Circus stage with a catcher’s mitt in Damn Yankees, a sword in Brigadoon and in the Harlem gang in Ragtime. Other favorite credits include Dreamgirls starring Jennifer Holliday and as Judah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Jon Secada (both at Atlanta Theatre of the Stars), Anxious in West Side Story at the MUNY in St. Louis and being a part of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Ivory says, “God Bless and Enjoy Life!”

DANIELLE MONÉ (Townsperson) is a native of Sacramento and now resides in Los Angeles. She is pleased to be a part of Music Circus for her first summer with Aida and The Music Man. Danielle has spent her professional theatre career so far in Sacramento where she is a member of the B Street acting company. She has done several plays with Theatre for Children, Inc. including The Emperor’s New Clothes (the Rouge that doesn’t talk), Safe at Home: The Jackie Robinson Story (Rachael/Mallie and choreography), Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Anthony and choreography) and The Beggar’s Strike (Rabbi). She appeared as Beneatha in A Raisin in the Sun at Sacramento Theatre Company and participated in California Musical Theatre’s MLK Theatre Project for three years.

AMBER OWENS (Townsperson/Dance Captain) is thrilled to be returning to the tent for her seventh season. She is a Radio City Rockette, performed on the national tour of 42nd Street and has appeared as a featured dancer on VH1’s “Fashion Rocks.” Favorite Music Circus credits include Crazy for You, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and West Side Story. Amber has a BS from Northwestern University and was raised in the Sacramento area. She sends love and thanks to teachers, friends, family and God.

JOE PAPARELLA (Townsperson/Saleman) was most recently seen in Mame at the Kennedy Center starring Christine Baranski. He appeared on Broadway in Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar and Good Vibrations and in the national tours of Mamma Mia!, Martin Guerre, Ragtime and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He is thrilled to be returning to the Music Circus, where he was seen in 2004 in The Pirates of Penzance and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Joe has been a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1995.

MAHRI RELIN (Townsperson) is delighted to be returning to Sacramento Music Circus, where, in previous seasons, she performed in Oklahoma!, Footloose and Jesus Christ Superstar. Mahri was most recently seen as Anita in Joey McKneeley’s Asian tour of West Side Story. Other performances around the country include Dorcas in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut, Rumpleteaser in Cats at the St. Louis MUNY, Swing! at North Shore Music Theatre and Aida at Westchester Broadway Theatre. Mahri sends love to her folks, friends and Jeff!

GERMAN SANTIAGO (Townsperson), a Houston native, is returning to Music Circus after playing Pepe in last summer’s production of West Side Story. German just joined the cast of the cable TV show “Dante’s Cove” as a series regular. He has performed at Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and he danced in the international tour of Barney’s Colorful World. German currently resides in Los Angeles, where he plays the title role in Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular at Disney’s California Adventure Park. He thanks his family, friends, Carol and Blossom at Stage 9 and especially Kay.

JOSEPH SARK (Oliver Hix/Salesman) is excited to make his summer debut with Sacramento Music Circus. His recent credits include Follies and The Will Rogers Follies at Paper Mill Playhouse, Bobby Child in Crazy for You, Tony in West Side Story, Phil in The Wild Party, Paul in A Chorus Line, Larry Christ in Jesus’ Kid Brother and singing opposite Deborah Gibson in the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Joseph sends his thanks to KSA, Kristen and family.

CHRISTOPHER SAUNDERS (Townsperson/Conductor) was most recently seen in the North Shore Music Theatre’s Damn Yankees. Previous credits include appearances in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cape Cod and Indiana in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Carousel, West Side Story, Peter Pan, Evita, Cats, The Pajama Game, A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Singin’ in the Rain, Brigadoon, Bells Are Ringing, George M! and No, No, Nanette. Chris holds a BA in musical theatre from Point Park University, and he dedicates his performance to his Grandma and Grandpa.

EMILY SHOOLIN (Maud Dunlop) is making her debut in Sacramento. Currently living in New York City, she has been in Anyone Can Whistle at the Chicago Ravinia Music Festival (directed by Lonny Price and Paul Gemignani), There Goes the Ballgame: The Music of Kander and Ebb (The Duplex), In the Name of Bob (Arthur Seelen Theatre), Suicide/Joke (New York Fringe Festival) and Calthropia (Bank Street Theatre). In New York City this fall, she will play Juliet in the Shakespearean musical comedy Fools and Lovers.

MICHAEL SUSKO (Townsperson/Salesman/Dance Captain) returns for his fourth season at Music Circus, previously appearing in 1998, 1999 and 2005. A few memorable favorites are Cabaret (Bobby), Crazy for You, The Most Happy Fella and The Secret Garden. He has appeared in tours of The Scarlet Pimpernel, My Fair Lady, A Chorus Line, 42nd Street and Camelot with Robert Goulet. Outside of Sacramento, Michael has appeared in On the Twentieth Century (Goodspeed Opera House), Anything Goes (Theatre Under The Stars), No, No, Nanette (Paper Mill Playhouse), Hello, Dolly! (Walnut Street Theatre) and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

JOSEPH TORELLO (Olin Britt/Salesman), a Connecticut native turned New Yorker, made his Music Circus debut earlier this summer in Fiddler on the Roof and now reprises the role he played in the national tour of The Music Man. In New York, he was Smudge in his fourth production of Forever Plaid, played various roles in Jesus Christ Superstar and took part in a reading of the new musical The Man in the Iron Mask. Some favorite credits across the nation include Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Knife Grinder in Oliver!, Cats, The Buddy Holly Story and Songs for a New World.

KEVIN VORTMANN (Jacey Squires/Salesman) returns for his second season at Music Circus. Last year, Kevin was seen as Moose in Crazy for You and in Beauty and the Beast. He has performed on Broadway in Children and Art and in the national tour of Camelot. Kevin has worked across the country in productions including Forever Plaid (Smudge), A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Cats, Miss Saigon, 1776 and Sweet and Hot: the Songs of Harold Arlen. Kevin is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and a graduate of Northwestern University. He would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering love and support.

KENDALL ZELLARS (Gracie Shinn), age 10, is returning to Music Circus following her performance as a Munchkin in 2004’s The Wizard of Oz. Kendall is a member of Sound Out Tap Company and performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the off-Broadway tap production Slide. She has also appeared in the Sacramento Ballet’s The Nutcracker for the past four years.

LELAND BALL (Director) is celebrating his 46th year in the professional theatre. He joined the Music Circus family in 1976. Over the past 30 years with the organization, he has gone from guest director to resident director to associate producer to producing director. He helped inaugurate The Broadway Series, establish the local board of directors, and launched the outstanding education program. On the artistic side, he increased the budget for sets, lights, costumes and sound; he eliminated the star system and put the emphasis on casting up-and-coming young performers; and he doubled the rehearsal time from one week to two. During the late 1990’s, he was instrumental in the early development of the new theatre that became the Wells Fargo Pavilion. In 2002, he retired from his fulltime, year-round position to return to New York, but he has come back every summer to direct one or two productions. South Pacific, two weeks ago, was his 80th production at Music Circus. This week’s production of The Music Man will be his last. Make no mistake, he fully plans to return to the Music Circus next summer, but he will be sitting in the audience, enjoying the shows like everyone else. Leland would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary staff of the California Musical Theatre and the people of Sacramento for 30 years of loyalty, support, and affection. It’s been a wonderful ride.

BOB RICHARD (Choreographer) returns for his eighth season as a choreographer at Music Circus, having choreographed last year’s West Side Story, as well as 2004’s Oklahoma! and the Music Circus premiere of Footloose. Notable shows from past seasons include Damn Yankees, Brigadoon, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Camelot and Paint Your Wagon. Audiences may also remember Bob as a dancer for Music Circus as Dream Curly in Oklahoma! and in the ensembles of Crazy for You, Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls and A Chorus Line. Bob’s other performing credits include the 40th anniversary tour of West Side Story, The Pajama Game at Goodspeed Opera House and Makin’ Whoopee at Theatre Under The Stars. He has danced in cities across the globe, including Moscow, Leningrad and Minsk in the former Soviet Union; Sapporo in Japan; Tivoli Gardens and the U.S. Embassies in Copenhagen and Vienna. He was nominated for a Bay Area Critics Award for his choreography in Damn Yankees at American Musical Theatre of San Jose and selected to premiere his work in Dance Break, a showcase of choreographic talent in New York. This fall Bob will stage what is sure to be Broadway’s new holiday tradition, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Bob sends love to his wife, Diane, and their son, Robert Henry.

DENNIS CASTELLANO (Musical Director) returns to Music Circus for his 16th season. His personal favorites over the years include The King and I, Ragtime, La Cage aux Folles and Crazy for You. For the past two summers, Dennis conducted for the Music Theatre of Wichita’s productions of A Chorus Line and Me and My Girl. Other recent credits include My Fair Lady, Annie, Grease, Guys and Dolls, The Unsinkable Molly Brown and Annie Get Your Gun for McCoy Rigby Entertainment; Li’l Abner for the Musical Theatre Guild; and numerous other shows for South Coast Repertory, Musical Theatre West, the Laguna Playhouse and the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities. His musical direction has been recognized with nine DramaLogue Critics Awards and a Robby Award. Dennis heads the music theatre program at UC Irvine.

STEVEN HOWARD and BOB MILLER (Costume Designers) began their collaboration as students in the theatre department at California State University, Northridge, where they have been honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Since they began collaborating, the team of Howard and Miller has become a staple of costume design in cinema, television and stage. The two are Emmy Award-winning record holders, virtually owning the outstanding costume design for a daytime drama series category with nine awards. Howard and Miller have designed for Eva Gabor, David Bowie and Toni Braxton. This is their sixth season at Music Circus.

MICHAEL SCHWEIKARDT (Scenic Designer) returns for his seventh season at Music Circus. He collaborated with director Kent Paul on the American premiere of The Bird Sanctuary in Pittsburgh as well as the acclaimed production of Donald Margulies’ Collected Stories starring Lynn Redgrave and Joe Sutton’s Restoring the Sun. He’s designed sets for three plays staged by Joanne Woodward: Golden Boy, Waiting for Lefty (starring Marisa Tomei) and The Big Knife. Other credits include The Seagull and Michael Cristofer’s Amazing Grace (starring Marsha Mason) at Blue Light Theatre, All Under Heaven (starring Valerie Harper) and Tallulah Hallelujah (staring Tovah Feldshuh). Upcoming projects include Ella, a new musical about Ella Fitzgerald which will tour through 2007. Michael designed the set for James Taylor’s current U.S. tour. Visit his online portfolio at www.msportfolio.com.

PAMILA GRAY (Lighting Designer) returns for her 17th season with Music Circus, having designed 116 shows in the tent and new pavilion. At the Community Center Theater, Pam has been the lighting designer for nine Broadway Series productions. Elsewhere, she has designed for the Alley Theatre, Houston Grand Opera and Theatre Under The Stars, as well as American Musical Theatre of San Jose, San Jose Repertory and Marin Theatre Company in the Bay Area. Her recent work includes the world premiere of My Antonia and Kept for TheatreWorks and the American premiere of The 3hree Musketeers for American Musical Theatre of San Jose.

ROBERT SERENO (Sound Designer) has implemented sound design for Music Circus and The Broadway Series since 1986. His work at the Community Center Theater includes Camelot, The Desert Song, West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Singin’ in the Rain, Into the Woods, Hot Mikado and 1776. Recently, Robert toured with Dreamgirls, staring Frenchie Davis, in Sacramento, Seattle and San Jose. He has engineered and designed sound for a wide variety of entertainers, including Lou Rawls, Dean Martin and Peggy Lee. Robert also plays woodwinds and studied composition and arrangement at the Eastman School of Music; he toured the U.S. with several groups before settling in California.

SPENCER ANDERSON (Production Stage Manager) returns for his eighth summer with Music Circus. Since 1988, Spencer has worked as a stage manager, a production manager, a lighting designer or a lighting director in a variety of theatrical disciplines and venues. His work in musical theatre, drama, ballet, opera, modern dance and even ice skating has taken him to five countries. Spencer spends his autumn, winter and spring as the production stage manager for Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley.

RON SWANSON (Hair and Wig Designer) is happy to return for his 11th season with Music Circus. Ron’s work has been featured in such Broadway Series productions as Gypsy, Into the Woods, West Side Story and 1776. Ron has also worked on the national tours of The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Show Boat, Crazy for You, Annie Get Your Gun, The Full Monty and Thoroughly Modern Millie. When not working in the theatre, Ron and his partner Kent enjoy living here in Sacramento, where Ron owns and operates his own private salon.

BRADLEY C. COOPER (Assistant Stage Manager) is pleased to be working in California for the first time. He received his training at Northern Michigan University and recently finished his second season as the production stage manager for the Virginia Stage Company in Norfolk, Virginia. He has also worked at Seaside Music Theater and the Arundel Barn Playhouse.

STANLEY LUNETTA (Musical Coordinator) returns for his 51st season at Music Circus. He has played drums for every Music Circus production but two since 1955. Since 1973 (with invaluable help from his wife Sharon), he has been responsible for choosing the musicians and coordinating all musical affairs for Music Circus and The Broadway Series orchestras. In addition to his musical activities, he is webmaster and Sysop for MacNexus, the Sacramento Macintosh User Group. For more on Stan, visit his Web site at stang.donnerparty.net.