Steel Beam Theatre Announces Casting for RUTHLESS THE MUSICAL

What do you get when you combine the story-lines of hit Broadway musicals, like Gypsy and Mame, and movies such as The Bad Seed and All About Eve? You get a totally hilarious take on stage mothers and their beautiful- but poisonous- offspring. A campy cult favorite Ruthless! is a don't miss, 90 minute hilarious musical comedy romp through the world of Broadway, child acting, parenthood, and unbridled ambition.

The show which recently closed an extended off-Broadway run is seldom produced and announces a special engagement at Steel Beam Theatre located at 111 W Main Street in beautiful downtown St. Charles, Illinois. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 3:00pm April 7 to 30. Tickets are available by calling 630-587-8521 or by going on line at http://www.steelbeamtheatre.com

Sharing the role of the bad seed, Tina Denmark on alternate performances is Sophie Kaegi and Emerson Tait. Her mother Judy Denmark is played by Erin Renee Baumrucker. Sylvia St Croix, the press and talent agent is played by John B. Boss. Lita Encore, the critic is played by Christine Cloutier Pfenninger. The role of Miss Thorne, the drama teacher is played by Denise Tamburrino and the roles of Louise and Eve are played by Cortney Jo Newby.

Sophie Kaegi is thrilled to be making her Steel Beam Theatre debut! She previously appeared in A Christmas Carol as Tiny Tim (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre) winning the 2016 Broadway World Chicago Award for Best Actress in a Play, Winnie The Pooh as Roo (Ravinia), The Secret Garden (Lake Forest Theatre), TiMoune in Once On This Island, Dragon in Shrek the Musical (Metropolis School of Performing Arts) and many other musicals. Sophie trains with The Performer's School Ensemble. A Big Thank You to Kristine Stickney-Burdi, Mary LeGere and Jamie Latuszek & her Family and especially Mr. Kevin!

Emerson Tait is ecstatic to be making her debut with Steel Beam in this fun and challenging role. Previous credits include Balloon Girl/Baby June understudy in Gypsy (Raue Center), and numerous Spotlight Youth Theater Productions; with her favorite roles being Lucy in Narnia and Amaryllis in The Music Man. When not being dramatic, Emmy can be found dancing, currently training at Integrity School of Dance in Elgin. She would like to thank Kevin for this wonderful opportunity, and her friends and family for their love and support!

Erin Renee Baumrucker is delighted to work with Steel Beam Theatre for the first time! Most recently she was a part of the critically acclaimed Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with Pride Films and Plays. Other credits include: First Lady Suite, The Baker's Wife, A Little Night Music (Circle Theatre; Company Member); Opus 1861 (City Lit Theatre); The Last Five Years (Wit Theatre); Oliver (Citadel Theatre). "Much love to the cast & crew, M&D, the lady squad and Adam.

John B Boss returns here grateful for this challenge and opportunity. Recent credits: Marley and Jollygoode in "Scrooge"(Steel Beam), Roger DeBris in "The Producers"( National tour and Eldorado Casino, Reno), Herbie in "Gypsy"(Timber Lake Playhouse), Max in "Sound of Music"(Brightside Theatre), Sir Walter in "Persuasion, a musical drama"(Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Warbucks in "Annie"(Variety Children's Theatre, St. Louis). Also seen in numerous commercials, independent films and commercial print. Boss is elated to share the stage with the amazing ladies of Ruthless.

Christine Cloutier Pfenninger is jazzed to bring "the Merm" back to Steel Beam Theatre, having previously appeared as Merman/Channing/Minnelli/Winokur/Flying Monkey/Annie/Tom Collins in "Forbidden Broadway" back in 2008. Other Steel Beam credits include Florence in "Chess", Woman One in "Closer Than Ever" and Prudie in "Pump Boys and Dinettes" (twice!). She dedicates this show to her Dad, who taught her everything about how to be funny.

Denise Tamburrino is thrilled to be making her debut with Steel Beam. Some favorite roles have been The Witch (Into the Woods), Pennywise (Urinetown), Lady of the Lake (Spamalot) and Sra. Nacarelli in the Jeff Award-winning production of The Light in the Piazza. She is also the recipient of the 2013 BroadwayWorld Chicago award for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Grizabella in CATS (Highland Park Players). Love to her Sweet Pea.

Cortney Jo Newby is excited to be a "newbie" with Steal Beam. 25 years ago she played another talentless 10 year Baby Louise, in Gypsy. Credits include: Big Fish (The Witch), Little Women (Jo ), Mary Poppins (Winifred), 9 to 5 (Roz), Shrek (Dragon), Seussical (Gertrude), Company (Kathy), All Shook Up (Sylvia) and Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie). Newby thanks her family, GB Stars, SCP, SCC, James and Quaid for their love and support. "Sing out Louise!"

Directing and choreographing the Chicago area production is Kevin Wiczer-Leist. Tap choreography is by Kara Williams-Posmer. The musical direction is by Erik William Scheele with costuming by Karen Weber. Stage managing is Tom Hermanson.

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