Jajewski on Jajewski (part 2)

Dan Jajewski graces our stage for his 21st (!!!) MPT show (and that’s a record, folks)! Keep reading to learn more about Dan and his thoughts on Sondheim on Sondheim.

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? And why?

My favorite Sondheim song would have to be “I’ll Meet You at the Donut”… but actually it’s “Finishing the Hat.” I mean, do I need to explain? It’s fantastic! 

Which Sondheim role would you love to play, but probably wouldn't be cast as? 

Little Red in Into the Woods.

If you could spend one day with Stephen Sondheim, what would you do?

If I could spend a day with Stephen, I’d love to just grab a fancy dinner and listen to his stories.

If there were a biographical revue about your life (either film or stage), what would the title be? Who would you want to play you?

My biographical revue would be titled “A Life of Stuff… and Corndogs” and I’d want Ryan Reynolds to play me.

Don’t miss Dan onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Jajewski on Jajewski (part 1)

Kate Jajewski returns for her nineteenth (!!!) MPT show, and her second this summer! Keep reading to learn more about Kate and her thoughts on Sondheim on Sondheim.

When was the last time you were on stage?

I was on stage last month in Who’s Your Baghdaddy with Music Theatre of Madison.  

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? 

“Finishing the Hat” is my favorite song in the entire musical theatre canon. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking. 

Which Sondheim role would you love to play, but probably wouldn't be cast as? 

Bobby in Company! 

If you could spend one day with Stephen Sondheim, what would you do?

Probably cry and make a fool of myself from being so star struck :) 

Any funny stories about a Sondheim experience?

LMAO I’ll leave this one to my husband Dan for forgetting his lines in Sunday… 

Don’t miss Kate onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Wolff on Wolff

Zak Wolff returns for his fourth MPT show, and his third this summer! Keep reading to learn more about Zak and his thoughts on Sondheim on Sondheim.

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? And why?

“Once the words are spoken
Something may be broken
Still, you love her
What can you lose?”

We’ve all had that person—wanting to tell them how we truly feel, but fear the consequences. It is relatable, as often I find myself stifling my emotions to avoid conflict. 

Which Sondheim role would you love to play, but probably wouldn't be cast as? 

Milky White. Especially the puppet from the recent revival!

If there were a biographical revue about your life (either film or stage), what would the title be? Who would you want to play you?

“ProZak: Holding It Together.” I would want Jack Quaid to play me. He’s great at towing the line between timid yet heroic.

Don’t miss Zak onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Siewert on Siewert

MPT veteran Ashton Siewert returns to the stage this fall! Keep reading to learn more about Ashton and her thoughts on Sondheim on Sondheim.

What brought you to the Madison area? 

I grew up in Madison, and just returned after 3 years in Florida. I was very lucky that a wild year with my job led to an opportunity to return home and be closer to family and friends. 

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? 

My favorite Sondheim song is probably “I Remember” from Evening Primrose (sadly not featured in this show). The lyrics are filled with vivid similes that paint a sensory-filled picture almost everyone can connect with. Nearly every phrase evokes nostalgia. Give it a listen! It's one of Sondheim's more hummable works.

Which Sondheim role would you love to play, but probably wouldn't be cast as? 

It's a tie between Georges Seurat (George in Sunday in the Park with George), and Sweeney Todd. Although very different characters, George has some of the most beautiful passages in Sondheim’s oeuvre, and Sweeney is just a deeply troubled character with lots of dark humour and fun, dramatic moments. I will probably never get to play those roles, but I get a few measures in this show to express my inner Demon Barber of Fleet Street!

If you could spend one day with Stephen Sondheim, what would you do?

Before his passing, I would have loved a vocal coaching session, of course. Outside of theatre, I think a day at Epcot (Disney World) with Stephen Sondheim would have been great!

Don’t miss Ashton onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Stecker on Stecker

Having worked backstage on our production team this summer and last, Meghan Stecker is ready to perform on stage this fall! Keep reading to learn more about Meghan and their thoughts on Sondheim on Sondheim.

When was the last time you were on stage?

I was last on the stage in 2019 for my undergraduate senior recital, which I performed with MPT’s own Thomas Kasdorf. Funnily enough, I sang several songs featured in Sondheim on Sondheim for my recital and it feels like a full circle moment to be coaching with Thomas again, 4 years later, on the same piece. I couldn’t have picked a more exciting show for my first production since MPT’s Parade

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? 

My favorite Sondheim show is a tie between Sweeney Todd, Assassins, Passion, and Sunday in the Park with George. I probably listen to one of these shows in its entirety approximately once a week; it’s like my comfort food.

Which Sondheim role would you love to play, but probably wouldn't be cast as? 

A dream role that I will probably never play is Sweeney Todd. I’ve wanted to play Sweeney since my junior year of high school and even sang My Friends for my high school’s senior recital.

Don’t miss Meghan onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Schiffman on Schiffman

We just saw Joshua Schiffman on stage as Trekkie Monster, and this fall he graces the MPT stage for the fifth time in Sondheim on Sondheim. Keep reading to learn more about Joshua!

What brought you to the Madison area?  

My wife and I were both in grad school at the same time doing the long-distance thing, me in Buffalo, NY, and her here at UW.  I finished first, so I moved here.

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? 

My favorite show is Sweeney Todd. My favorite lyric, however, is probably from Sunday in the Park: "I chose, and my world was shaken - so what?  The choice may have been mistaken, the choosing was not."  As someone prone to beating himself up when things don't turn out as I might have hoped, I take this lyric as a reminder that at the moment we make a choice, it can be the right thing to do, even if it doesn't work out in the end.  

If you could spend one day with Stephen Sondheim, what would you do?  

I would love first to solve a crossword puzzle with him, and then construct one with him.  I enjoy crosswords, and I know he did, too, but more than that I think it would be a really interesting way to see his mind in action.  

Any funny stories about a Sondheim experience?  

I played keyboards for ...Forum while in highschool.  Twice, actually. One was a community theater production done in the round, with the band just off to the side.  For fun, all of us in the band chose to wear togas and bow ties.  

If there were a biographical revue about your life (either film or stage), what would the title be? Who would you want to play you?  

I think I'd call it, "That Reminds Me..." because it's just about impossible for me to get through a conversation without hearing something that reminds me of a song lyric, and all too often I'll just start singing the song. (My friends and family are very patient!) As for who should play me, I'll say Jessie Tyler Ferguson; he has a lovely voice for all those songs in my head, plus he does bear a certain resemblance.

Don’t miss Joshua onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Kasinski on Kasinski

Jessica Kasinski is back for her sixth MPT show! Keep reading to learn more about Jessica and her thoughts on Sondheim on Sondheim.

When was the last time you were on stage?

In May at the Bartell Theater.

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? 

Follies is quickly becoming my favorite Sondheim show. The character development is just fascinating to me. 

Which Sondheim role would you love to play, but probably wouldn't be cast as? 

Sweeney Todd. 

If there were a biographical revue about your life (either film or stage), what would the title be? Who would you want to play you?

The title of my biopic would be “Be Better” and I’d want Emma Thompson to play the older me looking back and kindly telling people to simply be better.  

Don’t miss Jessica onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Bass on Bass

After a long four years, Trevor Bass finally returns to our stage for his sixteenth (!!!) MPT show! Keep reading to learn more about Trevor and his thoughts on Sondheim on Sondheim.

What brought you to the Madison area?

I was born and raised in the Madison area. After I went to college in Eau Claire, work brought me back home, and now I live here with my wonderful wife Mari and our two incredible daughters, Alice and Penny. 

What is your favorite Sondheim show/song/lyric? 

Sunday in the Park With George will always hold a dear place in my heart. In particular, the lyrics in “Move On,” and the composition of “Sunday - Act 1 Finale.”

If you could spend one day with Stephen Sondheim, what would you do?

In NYC - meet for a nice brunch, catch a matinee, fancy dinner, see an evening show, and talk about life, music, and art throughout. 

If there were a biographical revue about your life (either film or stage), what would the title be? Who would you want to play you?

I would call it “Don’t Worry, Nobody ACTUALLY Knows What They’re Doing” and I’d obviously be played by Chris Hemsworth, because we look exactly alike. 

Don’t miss Trevor onstage in Sondheim on Sondheim September 15-17! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Noah Fahey

Noah Fahey joins us for his first MPT production! He plays Newcomer and Box, and understudies the roles of Nicky and Bad Idea Bear in this summer’s Avenue Q!

How many MPT shows have you been a part of? 

This is my first one and I am super grateful to be part of such an amazingly talented cast! 

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

Oh dear, let’s just say it has been a fun challenge! Puppetry is an art form and it requires so much more thought & effort than one would normally assume. I most enjoyed watching the cast bring such life & personality to our puppets over the last few weeks in rehearsals. 

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

My all time favorite line from this show is when Nicky attempts to cover up his revelation about Rod by saying that Rod has an “undescended testicle.”

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman, “Morning in America” by Jon Bellion, and “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” by Elton John.

Why does it suck to be you?

I am dairy intolerant and live in Wisconsin, surrounded by cheese!

Don’t miss Noah onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Maddy Sylvester

Maddy Sylvester graces the MPT stage for the very first time this summer. She plays sultry lounge singer Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q.

How many MPT shows have you been a part of?  

This is my first show with MPT!  I’m happy to make my debut with Avenue Q!

When was the last time you were on stage?

I was last seen on stage in the beginning of June at Music Theatre of Madison’s workshop of a new musical, Micro

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

"I Know the End" by Phoebe Bridgers, "Kick It to Me" by Sammy Rae & The Friends, and "26" by Paramore.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside your apartment?

I love going on walks down to the Union Terrace for live music, ice cream, and pizza.

Avenue Q takes place in New York City. Have you ever been?

Only once, but I dream of going back every day! 

If you could have any former child star as a landlord, who would it be?

Maybe Hilary Duff. She was my first concert! 

Don’t miss Maddy onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Michael Myers

Michael Myers joins us for the second time this summer after playing Eli in The Spitfire Grill…. and he actually has lines this time! He plays sickeningly sweet Bad Idea Bear and Princeton understudy in Avenue Q!

What should someone who has never seen Avenue Q know about the show? 

The puppets are real, they just need someone to carry them around and whisper their lines in their ears. They’re huge divas, too.

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

I love the second half of “The Money Song” when the cast uses aggressive, in-your-face fundraising methods. A very immersive experience!

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

“Dragostea Din Tei (Ma Ya Hi)” by O-Zone, “That’s What You Get” by Paramore, and “Cosmic Love” by Florence + The Machine.

If you could have any former child star as a landlord, who would it be?

I would want Macaulay Culkin as my landlord because he seems like he wouldn’t raise rent or care if I put grease down the drain.

Don’t miss Michael onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Kiki Moritsugu

Kiki Moritsugu first graced the MPT stage in our 2015 production of Avenue Q. This summer she joins us for her 10th MPT show as she reprises her role as resident therapist/fiancé Christmas Eve!

Which Avenue Q character do you most relate to and why?

Christmas Eve, obviously. She is kind of the mother figure and I am very maternal. She's also very funny and kind.

Avenue Q takes place in New York City. Have you ever been? 

I lived in New York City for 15 years. It is one of my favorite cities and in my heart I am - and always will be - a New Yorker!

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

My favorite moment in the show is the scene between Rod and Christmas Eve where she tells him he is special, he is safe.

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

“Bombon” by Daddy Yankee, “The More You Ruv Someone” by Christmas Eve and Kate Monster, and “The Beautiful Ones” by Prince.

If you could have any former child star as a landlord, who would it be?

Shirley Temple. I'm guessing she had stories to tell!

Why does it suck to be you?

It kinda doesn't suck to be me. My life isn't perfect, but it's pretty great. Ok I thought of something: It sucks to be me because I can't afford to go on vacations with my sisters and they go without me and that sucks.

Don’t miss Kiki onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Elyse Mancilla

After a five year hiatus, Elyse Mancilla has returned to the theater for her very first MPT show! She plays a Box Puppet and Lucy understudy in this summer’s Avenue Q!

When was the last time you were on stage?

The last time I was on stage was Mary Poppins with Verona Area High School back in 2018! I thought about theater in college, but coronavirus came along the spring of my freshman year :(. 

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

Some of my current favorites are “Francesca” by Hozier, “Orange Show Speedway” by Lizzie Mcalpine, and “Pure/Honey” by Beyoncé… And I’d send a separate mix tape with all of “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” 

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

It has been so much fun! It adds an entire layer to the performance. You not only have to think about yourself, but how the puppet behaves as well. It’s challenging but worth it!

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

“Crabby old bitches are the bedrock of this nation!” - Mrs. Thistletwat

If you could have any former child star as a landlord, who would it be?

Selena Gomez! 

Don’t miss Elyse onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Zak Wolff

Zak Wolff returns to the MPT stage after playing Billy in last year’s Musical of Musicals and understudying Joe and Eli in The Spitfire Grill. He plays wide-eyed college grad Princeton in this summer’s Avenue Q!

What should someone who has never seen Avenue Q know about the show? 

Avenue Q opens the floor for interesting dialogues. While some of the material is slightly dated, the topics covered are extremely relevant and relatable to the present. The comedy is in your face and uncomfortable in moments, but I feel that makes it more impactful.

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

Both challenging and fun. Rehearsals have been physically exhausting, but also helped me move and see playing space in new ways. And, there is a magical feeling when bringing Princeton to life!

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

“Everything in life is only for now.” While simple, it resonates with me. 

Avenue Q takes place in New York City. Have you ever been? 

Yes! I just spent a week in New York City earlier this month! 

Why does it suck to be you?

I’m allergic to dogs…but screw that! I’ll take a runny nose to pet/cuddle a dog any day!

Don’t miss Zak onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Sage Yort

We last worked with Sage Yort during 2019’s Parade and All Shook Up. This summer she returns to the MPT stage to play crotchety kindergarten teacher Mrs. Thistletwat in Avenue Q!

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

Working with puppets has been a wonderful and exhilarating challenge. There is so much more to think about than what you have to say and how to say it. Syncing up syllables, figuring out hand motions, and remembering puppet eye contact are all pieces I hadn't considered at first. Most of the puppets I'm working with in this show are operated by 2 people, which I'm thoroughly enjoying. It makes character work more collaborative and requires a heightened level of awareness to move as one. I'm learning a lot!

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

I really enjoy the character arc and growth of the Rod/Nicky relationship. I like the parallels to Bert and Ernie, with a more grown-up take on these characters. "If You Were Gay" is such a cute song with a perfect balance of comedy and heart.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of your apartment?

Besides theater, I play on the Hippos masters water polo team here in the Madison area. It's a lot of fun, and a great workout! I've been playing the sport for 14 years, and it's a passion of mine. I also occasionally assistant coach a local youth program.

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mixtape?

I'm a big fan of songs with a good beat and harmonies. I also love an unexpected instrument, like when there is a great saxophone line in a rock song. Some songs I have on repeat are “Devils in the Canyon” by The Strike, “Dance in The Graveyards” by Delta Rae, and “Church” by Samm Henshaw feat. EARTHGANG.

Don’t miss Sage onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Joshua Schiffman

Joshua Schiffman last graced the MPT stage during our 2019 season. This summer he plays internet-obsessed Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q!

How many MPT shows have you been a part of?

This is my 4th. Previously I’ve been in Sweeney Todd, Beauty and the Beast, and Parade.  The shows have been very different, but the experience has always been incredibly positive.  I’m very thankful for MPT, and I hope to keep doing shows until I’m old and grey! 

Avenue Q takes place in New York City.  Have you ever been?

Yes.  My parents are originally from NYC, but moved away after college.  When I was a kid, we used to take regular family trips back to the city.  I know some people like a vacation that’s relaxing on the beach, but to me it isn’t a true vacation if there aren’t museums, and shows, and a diverse array of good foods. 

Which Avenue Q character do you most relate to and why?

I’m going to say Brian, because I think I’m funny, but I’m not sure anyone else does.

If you could have any former child star as a landlord, who would it be?

Definitely Neil Patrick Harris. I feel like he’d be down to sing showtunes with me.

Why does it suck to be you?

Honestly, it mostly doesn’t, and I consider myself very fortunate.  Still, if I were to pick one thing that sucks it’s being diabetic.  I miss being able to eat without thinking about carbs and insulin all the time.

Don’t miss Joshua onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Kai Prins

Kai Prins makes their MPT debut this summer! They play one of the adorably persuasive Bad Idea Bears, as well as the right hands of Nicky and Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q!

How many MPT shows have you been a part of?

This is my very first time performing with MPT, and if I’m not canceled for the number of obscene hand gestures I have to make during this show, I hope it’s the first of many! 

When was the last time you were on stage? 

I was so fortunate to get to play both Hedwig and Yitzhak in Stage Q’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch earlier this year. Before that, most of my stage time in Madison was on drag and burlesque stages as my drag king alter ego, Will X. Uly (pronounced “Will Actually"). 

What brought you to the Madison area?

I moved here in 2019 to get my MA/PhD in Communication Arts from UW-Madison. I study Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture with a focus on gender, media, and economics. 

What should someone who has never seen Avenue Q know about the show? 

This show is very much of its time — it came out during the George W. Bush presidency and pretty closely following 9/11. At the time, we used a lot of in-your-face, often off-color humor to feel our way through a political and cultural landscape that felt like it was getting out of control. I hope that audiences will come to the show expecting to laugh and also to cringe a little — it’s important to acknowledge how far we’ve come and how far we have yet to go in terms of talking about social issues, as well as to be able to laugh at ourselves and give ourselves grace for not always getting it right and being willing to learn. 

Why does it suck to be you?

I’m in academia. 

Don’t miss Kai onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Patrick Chounet

MPT regular Patrick Chounet is back with us for his 10th show! He plays a Box Puppet and understudies the roles of Trekkie Monster and Brian in this summer’s Avenue Q!

What is your favorite thing to do outside of your apartment?

Go to the theatre! Even when not involved in a show, I try to support as much local theatre as possible!

When was the last time you were on stage? 

I just did The Marriage of Figaro with Madison Opera this past April. And I’m currently working on Opera in the Park coming up on July 22 with Madison Opera.

What should someone who has never seen Avenue Q know about the show? 

Whatever you do - DON'T LISTEN TO THE BAD IDEA BEARS!

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

It is a lot harder than I expected. Holding your arms out at weird angles with even a light puppet tires out your arm quickly! Also trying to sync up the mouths while saying lines and bringing the puppet to life is definitely a challenge!

Avenue Q takes place in New York City. Have you ever been? 

I've been there a time or two :P My fiance and I try to make it there every year for a Broadway week/weekend. We wander around seeing the sights during the day, and then see every show we possibly can.

Don’t miss Patrick onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Isabel Celata

Isabel Celata was last seen on the MPT stage in The Musicals of Musicals. She’s back this summer playing sweet kindergarten teaching assistant Kate Monster in Avenue Q!

When was the last time you were on stage? 

Last fall I played Miss Wordsworth in the opera Albert Herring at UW-Madison. And this past Spring I produced and performed a one-night cabaret experience entitled Wildbird, featuring MPT’s own Thomas Kasdorf on piano.

What should someone who has never seen Avenue Q know about the show? 

Be prepared to laugh your butt off but also to rethink and reconsider the world you live in!

Which Avenue Q character do you most relate to and why?

I really relate to Kate, who I’m playing. She’s sensitive but can be a real powerhouse when she needs to be. I think her emotions are her superpower.

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

“Your Love” by The Outfield, “Dancing Through Life” from Wicked, and “Walking on Sunshine” (the Aly and AJ version).

Why does it suck to be you?

I am allergic to bunny rabbits. :(

Don’t miss Isabel onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

It Sucks to be Steve Wright

MPT performer, board member, and props designer Steve Wright joins us for his 8th production! He plays repressed investment banker Rod in this summer’s Avenue Q!

What should someone who has never seen Avenue Q know about the show? 

You have probably heard that there are a lot of R-rated songs and jokes in the show with puppets and people, but there is so much heart and humanity in this show as well. It's funny and real and I'm so excited to put it on for an audience!

Which Avenue Q character do you most relate to and why?

I'm so lucky to play a part that I relate to so much. I felt the way Rod did when I was afraid to admit to myself and my loved ones that I was gay... tense, wound up, ready to snap at any second, lost in my own fantasies. I really love the arc this character gets throughout the show.

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

So it turns out I really love being a puppeteer! It's fun to channel all my emotions, breath and life into the puppet and it's really nice to have something to do with my hands on stage! 

What are the top 3 songs you’d put on a mix tape?

“Fantasies Come True” from Avenue Q, “Pancakes for Dinner” by Lizzy McAlpine, and “Hotel TV” by Lawrence.

What is your favorite line/song/moment from the show?

Everytime life gets hard or I'm in a tough situation, I play the last song of the show "For Now" to remind me that the hardship is only temporary. The line "Don't stress, relax, let life roll off your back. Except for death and paying taxes everything in life is only for now" is very powerful for me. 

Why does it suck to be you?

Because this show has to end next month!

Don’t miss Steve onstage in Avenue Q August 4-13! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.