Music Theatre Wichita's 2015 Season to Feature BIG FISH, AIDA and More

Music Theatre Wichita's 43 summer season finishes this weekend with the closing of "42nd Street," but plans are already underway for next summer, as the 2015 titles have just been announced.

Directed and choreographed by original cast member Jon Engstrom, "42nd Street" stars Damon Kirsche as Julian Marsh, Tracy Lore as Dorothy Brock, Tessa Grady as Peggy Sawyer, and Shonn Wiley as Billy Lawlor. Patty Reeder appears as Maggie Jones, partnered by Robert Ariza as Bert Barry, with Timothy W. Robu as Abner Dillon and Ryan Vasquez as Pat Denning. Tapping their way into several major numbers are Amy Baker Schwiethale as "Anytime" Annie, Jacob Chancellor as dance director Andy Lee, Katie Wesler as Phyllis, Becca Petersen as Lorraine, and Emily Pirtle as Diane.

All new scenery was created by Bruce Brockman, and hundreds of new costumes were designed by Debbie Roberts, with millinery creations by Megan Reed. Alena Sellers is hair and makeup designer, David Neville is lighting designer, and David Muehldesigns the sound. Associate choreographer Hector Guerrero has worked with Jon Engstrom on many previous productions of this show. Thomas W. Douglas conducts the orchestra, assisted by Jesse Warkentin. The show concludes this Sunday, August 10.

More information, including a video Sneak Peek can be found at www.MTWichita.org

On opening night, producing artistic director Wayne Bryan announced the planned five-show season for next summer. Two titles are return engagements for the theatre: "Hello, Dolly!" (last produced in 1994), and Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" (previously presented in 2005.) Three titles making their MTWichita debuts include the area premiere of "Billy Elliot - The Musical," Disney's "My Son Pinocchio" (with a score by Stephen Schwartz), and "Big Fish." Auditions will be held in March, with dates and other information posted on the website, www.MTWichita.org