STAGES St. Louis to Welcome Local, NYC Stars for 30th Season; Casting Set!

Following its recent 2016 Arts Organization Award from the Missouri Arts Council and five St. Louis Theater Circle Awards, STAGES St. Louis has announced casting for its celebratory 30th Anniversary Season: It Shoulda Been You, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Sister Act.

This season's exceptional talent explores momentous personal transformations told through lighthearted and life-affirming musical comedies. STAGES also announces the cast for its Theatre for Young Audiences production, the whimsical family adventure, Disney's Alice in Wonderland.

All season and single tickets are on sale now.

It Shoulda Been You (June 3 - July 3) stars New York Actress Stacie Bono as Rebecca Steinberg, St. Louis Actress Kari Ely as Georgette Howard, Broadway Actor Edward Juvier as Albert, New York Actress Claire Manship as Jenny Steinberg, New York Actor Michael Marotta as Murray Steinberg, New York Actor Zal Owen as Marty Kaufman, New York Actor David Schmittou as George Howard, New York Actor Jeff Sears as Brian Howard, and St. Louis Actress Zoe Vonder Haar as Judy Steinberg. Direct from Broadway and in its Mid-Western premiere, It Shoulda Been You comes to STAGES with a madcap wedding celebration with more than a few surprising twists in store! This refreshingly modern romantic comedy includes a beautiful blushing bride, her uninvited and unrequited boyfriend, a groom with a secret, a sister with her own hidden agenda, and a pair of mothers from hell. You won't want to miss the wedding of the year!

Making her STAGES debut, St. Louis native Stacie Bono has performed in the Off-Broadway production of Avenue Q and in the National Tour of Barbie Live! In Fairytopia. Regional credits include The Music Man, Les Miserables, and My Fair Lady. Kari Ely returns to STAGES for her 24th Season, most recently appearing in STAGES' 2015 productions of Anything Goes and The Full Monty, as well as STAGES' 2014 production of Fiddler on the Roof. Ely has performed in over 30 productions at The Muny and recently received the St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy for her performance in the 2015 St. Louis Actors' Studio production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Edward Juvier returns to STAGES, where he was last seen in STAGES' 2013 production of My Fair Lady. Broadway and National Tour credits include Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Other New York credits include Fanny and Smoking Bloomberg. Making her STAGES debut, Claire Manship has performed in the National Tour of Click, Clack, Moo! as well as in regional productions of Miss Saigon and Austentatious. Manship also has produced and performed in various concerts at Feinstein's 54 Below and the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Michael Marotta returns to St. Louis, where he was last seen in the 2013 production of Cabaret at the Repertory Theater of St. Louis. New York credits include Gypsy, opposite Tony-nominated Sally Mayes, and Mr. Confidential. Making his STAGES debut, Zal Owen has appeared in the National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof, opposite Harvey Fierstein and Theodore Bikel. In New York, Owen has performed Off-Broadway at locations including the New York Theatre Workshop, Theater for the New City, and Lincoln Center. Recent regional credits include Evita and Arsenic and Old Lace. David Schmittou returns to STAGES, where he has appeared in productions for over 15 years and was last seen in STAGES' 2015 Theatre for Young Audiences production of Disney's The Aristocats. Other regional credits include Freud's Last Session, Side by Side by Sondheim, and West Side Story. Making his STAGES debut, Jeff Sears has appeared Off-Broadway in Avenue Q and in the First National Tour of The Book of Mormon. Regional credits include Hello, Dolly!, City of Angels, and Disney's The Little Mermaid. Zoe Vonder Haar celebrates her 64th production with STAGES this year, having starred in productions including Mame, Gypsy, and Always... Patsy Cline. She most recently received the St. Louis Theater Circle Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress for her performance in STAGES' 2015 production of The Full Monty. Other credits include the First International Touring Company of A Chorus Line and numerous productions at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and The Muny.

Also starring is New York Actress Jessie Hooker as Annie Shepard. Making her STAGES debut, Shepard has appeared Off-Broadway in SISTAS The Musical and in the National Tour of Legally Blonde. Regional credits include The Wiz, Company, and The Color Purple. New York Actor Erik Keiser stars as Greg Madison. Keiser returns to STAGES, where he most recently starred as Malcolm in STAGES' 2015 production of The Full Monty. Keiser also was seen throughout STAGES' 2015 Season in Anything Goes and Disney's The Aristocats. Other credits include the Off-Broadway premiere of The Bardy Bunch and the National Tour of Footloose.

Rounding out the cast in alphabetical order are Michele Burdette Elmore (Mimsy), Morgan Amiel Faulkner (Aunt Sheila), John Flack (Uncle Morty), Brad Frenette (Hotel Employee), Steve Isom (Walt), and Missy Karle (Hotel Employee).

The creative team for the production includes: Stephen Bourneuf (Direction and Choreography), Lisa Campbell Albert (Musical Direction), James Wolk (Scenic Design), Garth Dunbar (Costume Design), Sean M. Savoie (Lighting Design), Stuart M. Elmore (Orchestral Design).

STAGES' Theatre for Young Audiences production, Disney's Alice in Wonderland (June 15 - July 3), performed at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza, stars New York Actress Alexis Kinney as Alice. Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice as she falls into the madcap world of Wonderland and meets such extraordinary characters as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and the frantically-late White Rabbit. Based on the classic literary tales of Lewis Carroll and the beloved Walt Disney film, this whimsical journey to a land beyond imagination is a fantastic adventure the whole family can enjoy!

Alexis Kinney returns to STAGES and reprises her role of Alice, which she previously played in STAGES' 2009 production of Disney's Alice in Wonderland. Kinney also has appeared in STAGES' 2011 production of The Secret Garden and in the New York World Premiere of The Island of No Tomorrow. Regional credits include The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and The Irish Play.

Rounding out the cast in alphabetical order are Kelsey Bearman (Rose), Katie Brnjac (Violet), Ryan Cooper (Mad Hatter), Caroline Eiseman (Petunia), Austin Glen Jacobs (Tweedle Dum), Ryan Alexander Jacobs (Tweedle Dee), John Kinney (White Rabbit), Kendra Lynn Lucas (Caterpillar), Angela Sapolis (Queen of Hearts/Mathilda/Lily), and Chris Tipp (March Hare/King of Hearts).

The creative team for the production includes: Michael Hamilton (Direction and Musical Staging), Ellen Isom (Choreography), Lisa Campbell Albert (Musical Direction), Jim Sandefur (Scenic Design), Garth Dunbar (Costume Design), Jeff Behm (Lighting Design), Stuart M. Elmore (Orchestral Design).

The Drowsy Chaperone (July 22- August 21) stars New York Actor David Schmittou as Man in Chair, Broadway Actress Corinne Melançon as Drowsy Chaperone, and Broadway Actor Edward Juvier as Aldolpho. One of STAGES most frequently requested return shows, The Drowsy Chaperone is a delightful and hilarious testament to the transformative power of Musical Theatre. A musical about people who love musicals, this Tony Award-winning show features a laugh-a-minute script and one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

David Schmittou reprises his role of Man in Chair, which he previously played in STAGES' 2009 production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Schmittou has appeared in STAGES productions for over 15 years and was last seen in its 2015 Theatre for Young Audiences production, Disney's The Aristocats. Other regional credits include Freud's Last Session, Side by Side by Sondheim, and West Side Story. Corinne Melançon returns to STAGES, previously appearing in several of STAGES' earlier productions, including A Little Night Music, Sweet Charity, and High Society. Melançon recently completed an 11-year run on Broadway in Mamma Mia! and has appeared in several other Broadway shows, including Kiss Me, Kate, Jekyll & Hyde, Big, and My Fair Lady. Other NY credits include appearances at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and Rainbow & Stars. Edward Juvier also reprises his role of Aldolpho, which he previously played in STAGES' 2009 production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Juvier has appeared in STAGES' productions of Man of La Mancha, Guys and Dolls, and, most recently, the 2013 production of My Fair Lady. Broadway and National Tour credits include Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Other New York credits include Fanny and Smoking Bloomberg.

Rounding out the cast in alphabetical order are Keith Boyer (Super/Ensemble), Debbie Devine (Swing), Kari Ely (Mrs. Tottendale), Laura Ernst (Ensemble), Morgan Amiel Faulkner (Dance Captain/Ensemble), Andrew Fitch (Robert Martin), John Flack (Underling), Drew Humphrey (Ensemble), Steve Isom (Feldzieg), Austin Glen Jacobs (Gangster #2), Ryan Alexander Jacobs (Gangster #1), Kendra Lynn Lucas (Trix), Con O'Shea-Creal (George), Shain Stroff (Ensemble), Laura E. Taylor (Janet Van De Graaff), and Dana Winkle (Kitty).

The creative team for the production includes: Michael Hamilton (Direction and Musical Staging), Dana Lewis (Choreography), Lisa Campbell Albert (Musical Direction), James Wolk (Scenic Design), Brad Musgrove (Costume Design), Sean M. Savoie (Lighting Design), Stuart M. Elmore (Orchestral Design).

Sister Act (September 9 - October 9) stars Broadway Actress Dan'yelle Williamson as Deloris Van Cartier and Broadway Actress Corinne Melançon as Mother Superior. One of Broadway's recent smash hits and Hollywood's favorite film comedies, Sister Act comes to STAGES in its regional theatre premiere. Blessed with a rollicking new musical score from Alan Menken - the composer who brought us Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, and Aladdin - this divine comedy brings the gift of laughter, the power of music, and a touch of heavenly inspiration to audiences everywhere.

Making her STAGES debut, Dan'yelle Williamson has appeared on Broadway in Memphis, Scandalous, and Rocky as well as Off-Broadway in Soul Doctor. National Tours/Regional credits include The Lion King, Dreamgirls, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Wicked. Corinne Melançon returns to STAGES, previously appearing in several of STAGES' earlier productions, including A Little Night Music, Sweet Charity, and High Society. Melançon recently completed an 11-year run on Broadway in Mamma Mia! and has appeared in several other Broadway shows, including Kiss Me, Kate, Jekyll & Hyde, Big, and My Fair Lady. Other NY credits include appearances at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and Rainbow & Stars.

Also starring is New York Actor Curtis Wiley as Eddie Souther. Making his STAGES debut, Wiley has appeared in the National Tours of Jersey Boys, The Lion King, and Motown: The Musical and the Off-Broadway Revival of Pageant: The Musical. Other New York credits include The Great Society, Tut, and King Lear. New York Actor Kent Overshown stars as Curtis Jackson. Returning to STAGES, Overshown most recently starred in STAGES' 2015 production of Smokey Joe's Café. Overshown has performed in the National Tours of Memphis and The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess and also has appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as in multiple productions at The Muny. Returning to STAGES, St. Louis Actor Steve Isom stars as Monsignor O'Hara. Isom celebrates 22 seasons with STAGES, having performed in nearly 60 productions for STAGES, starting with STAGES' 1994 production of Good News!. A familiar face in St. Louis, Isom has performed at venues throughout the city, including The Muny, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, St. Louis Actors' Studio, and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis.

Rounding out the cast in alphabetical order are Leah Berry (Sister Mary Robert), Peggy Billo (Sister Mary Theresa), Keith Boyer (Pablo), Christian Bufford (Drag Queen/Altar Boy/Dance Captain), Richard Crandle (TJ), Sarah Michelle Cuc (Sister Mary Patrick), Michele Burdette Elmore (Sister Mary Lazarus), Kari Ely (Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours/Waitress), Laura Ernst (Sister Mary Aloysius), Morgan Amiel Faulkner (Sister Mary Miguel/Michelle), John Flack (Ernie/Dive Bartender/Lawyer), Jessie Hooker (Sister Mary Wilson/Tina), Julia Johanos (Sister Mary Margaret), Erin Kelley (Sister Mary Ignatius), Paula Landry (Sister Mary Stephen), Daniel LeClaire (Bartender/Pool Player/Altar Boy), Myles McHale (Joey), David Sajewich (Cop/Pool Player), Angela Sapolis (Sister Mary Veronica/Hooker), and April Strelinger (Sister Mary Cecelia/Hooker).

The creative team for the production includes: Michael Hamilton (Direction), Stephen Bourneuf (Choreography), Lisa Campbell Albert (Musical Direction), James Wolk (Scenic Design), Brad Musgrove (Costume Design), Sean M. Savoie (Lighting Design), Stuart M. Elmore (Orchestral Design).

STAGES St. Louis is the region's foremost not-for-profit company committed to preserving and advancing the art form of Musical Theatre through excellence in performance and education. In 2016, STAGES celebrates its 30th year of producing Broadway-quality theatre, presenting 144 performances from May through October to nearly 50,000 patrons.

STAGES opened in 1987 with a budget of $50,000 and a part-time seasonal staff of eight. Today, the company employs a full-time staff of 25 overseeing a budget of $4.7 million. During the performance season, an additional 150 actors and crew members bring the productions to life. To date, STAGES professionals have produced 103 musicals, with nearly 3,400 performances, playing to more than one million patrons.

Single tickets to STAGES' 2016 Season on sale now and prices range from $20 - $59. Subscriptions are still available and begin at just $99. STAGES performs in the intimate, 377-seat Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Civic Center, 111 South Geyer Road in St. Louis, MO. STAGES' Theatre for Young Audiences performances are held at The Playhouse at Westport Plaza, 635 West Port Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146. For more information or to purchase tickets call 314- 821-2407 or visit StagesStLouis.org.

Each Mainstage production will run for a total of five weeks with matinee and evening performances Tuesdays through Sundays. The Theatre for Young Audiences performs Wednesday through Sunday for three weeks.

New York Casting is done by Scott Wojcik and Gayle Seay of Wojcik/Seay Casting.

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