It Sucks to be Noah Strube

Noah Strube is joining us for his very first MPT show this summer! He plays jobless slacker Nicky (one of our two-handed puppets) in our upcoming production of Avenue Q!

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

Definitely Princeton. We are at similar stages in our life. I have no idea what my purpose is yet either. 

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

It has been a dream come true! Jim Henson and puppetry have always been a hyper-fixation for me, and it's really rewarding to finally get to work with puppets like that. I will say, they are WAY heavier than you expect them to be, and it is taking a lot of getting used to. 

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

“Barrett's Privateers” by Stan Rogers, “Juice” by Lizzo, and “Effington” by Ben Folds.

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

There is one line in the song Schadenfreude that I will not dare spoil. You will absolutely know which one I'm talking about when you see the show. 

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

Macauley Culkin. I do not feel the need to explain this. 

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 Kenzie Ford-Merucci

We last worked with Kenzie Ford-Merucci during our 2019 season. This summer she’s back on the MPT stage as Box Puppet and Kate understudy in Avenue Q!

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

Puppets ≠ Family-friendly show!

What has your experience been working with the puppets? 

I’ve done a lot of puppetry in the past but this is my first time working with a hand/rod puppet! It definitely has its challenges, but I’m having a such a fun time learning and experimenting. 

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

“Chasing a Feeling” by Allison Ponthier, “Mirrorball” by Taylor Swift, and “Get Well Soon” by Ariana Grande. 

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

Raven-Symoné or Taylor Lautner.

Why does it suck to be you?

I care too much about bees and raccoons. 

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

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Denise Utter

Denise Utter has had the challenging task of understudying both Hannah and Effy in our season opener The Spitfire Grill. Catch her onstage this weekend only as Hannah!

What have you most enjoyed about working on this show?

Working as an understudy for both Effy and Hannah. They are very different characters and often in the same scene together. While that had its challenges, it was also a lot of fun. As actors, we should always push ourselves to grow and do more. 

During the show, we hear a lot about the beautiful autumn colors in Wisconsin. Do you have a favorite place to go check out the fall foliage?

Devil’s Lake and the Baraboo area are wonderful. I also love to get over to La Crosse and down the Mississippi River.

If you could inherit a small business via mail-in raffle, what kind of business would you want to win?

It would be a wellness/retreat center where we host events to help people of all backgrounds with self-discovery, healing, or whatever they need. We need more places where people are loved and supported no matter what.

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter - which is your favorite season to experience in Wisconsin and why?

Summer is my favorite! Everyone is out and about, and we have so many things to do from Madison to Milwaukee to Oshkosh. All the state and county parks with events from live music to outdoor theatre, there is always something to do or somewhere to go if you want. It’s the best time to hang out with friends at a lake, park, or pool or to hang out around a campfire!

Don’t miss Denise in The Spitfire Grill ! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Scott Lewis

Scott Lewis joins us for his very first MPT show this summer! He plays bitter and controlling Caleb in our season opener The Spitfire Grill.

What first brought you to the Madison area?

I visited Madison to see what winter was all about (I'm from Hawaii). I fell in love with how beautiful Madison is, and how kind mid-westerners are.

What have you most enjoyed about working on this show?

Our cast/crew/production team is comprised of incredibly kind and talented individuals. It's a genuine pleasure to work with everyone!

What do you want people to know about your character?

Caleb Thorpe is not a happy man and it does him no favors. Be kind to yourself & others. It costs nothing to be kind, but being a jerk can cost you everything. 

If you could inherit a small business via mail-in raffle, what kind of business would you want to win?

In true Wisconsin fashion, I'd LOVE a bar! 

What is your go-to order at the grill?

Black Coffee, Sausage Links, Sunny Side Up Eggs, & Hannah's Big ol' Flapjacks! (LOL)

Don’t miss Scott in The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Kate Jajewski

Kate Jajewski joins us for her 18th (!!!) MPT show this summer! She plays meek housewife Shelby in our season opener The Spitfire Grill.

What have you most enjoyed about working on this show?

I most enjoy building relationships on and off stage with folks I've worked with many times before as well as new faces! The smiles and the joy are very real.

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter - which is your favorite season to experience in Wisconsin and why?

Fall! The colors of paradise come! I love to go to pumpkin patches in the fall for apple cider donuts and fall colors.

If you could inherit a small business via mail-in raffle, what kind of business would you want to win?

It would actually be a diner! It's a dream of mine to open one someday.

What is your go-to order at the grill?

Eggs over easy, hashbrowns, and bacon ;) 

Don’t miss Kate in The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Leah Johnson

We last worked with Leah Johnson when she served as Assistant Stage Manager for 2019’s All Shook Up. This summer she understudies the role of Percy in our season opener The Spitfire Grill.

What have you most enjoyed about working on this show?

The people!!! This cast and crew is filled with some really awesome artists and humans and getting to work with them every night has been awesome. I've always loved the theater community in the Madison area and it's been really great to be back this summer. 

What do you want audiences to know about your character?

This is a pretty music heavy show all around but Percy's track specifically, while it does have some really gorgeous songs, is really vocally demanding. But Natalie Davies is knocking it out of the park and I've loved listening to her every night. I know that audiences will just be awe struck by her vocals, as well as the rest of the cast!

During the show, we hear a lot about the beautiful autumn colors in Wisconsin. Do you have a favorite place to go check out the fall foliage?

I live about 10 minutes away from Governor Dodge State Park which has some gorgeous hiking trails and spots to watch the sun rise!

If you could inherit a small business via mail-in raffle, what kind of business would you want to win?

I come from a family of small business owners and I would love to have my own some day! I would love to have a little coffee shop with books and board games and maybe some live music. 

Don’t miss The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Janey Degnan

Did you know that our summer casts include understudies for every role, to ensure that the show will go on? MPT newcomer Janey Degnan understudies the role of Shelby in our season opener The Spitfire Grill!

What first brought you to the Madison area?

I'm originally from Michigan, then I attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. My first job out of college was at Epic, and though I'm not there anymore I fell in love with Madison and can't imagine leaving now!

What is your favorite moment of the show?

My favorite moment of the show is when we see how Joe's character has changed between the first and second act. 

If you could inherit a small business via mail-in raffle, what kind of business would you want to win?

I'd love to win a little shop, especially a bookstore or yarn store. Bonus if there's a cafe, too. And there must be at least one “store cat.”

What is your go-to order at the grill?

My go-to breakfast grill order is actually eggs over easy, hash browns, and bacon, and I can usually tell which is which. Also, bottomless coffee.

Don’t miss The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Hannah Makeever

Hannah Makeever is back for her third summer with MPT. She plays Effy, Gilead’s hilarious postmistress and resident busybody, in our season opener The Spitfire Grill.

What have you enjoyed most about working on The Spitfire Grill?

The description of Gilead and the Spitfire Grill makes me think of my hometown and the diner I worked at in high school. I have greatly enjoyed reminiscing about my diner's regulars while playing a regular at the Spitfire. I may have even taken character personality traits from my former regulars!

What do you want audiences to know about your character?

Effy cares deeply about the town and everyone in it, which is why she feels the need to read everyone's mail. How else would she know when people need her? 

During the show, we hear a lot about the beautiful autumn colors in Wisconsin. Do you have a favorite place to go check out the fall foliage?

I grew up in Potosi, WI, right along the Mississippi River. Driving the backroads along the Mississippi (much like is described for Copper Creek) is my absolute favorite to check out the fall foliage.

What is your go-to order at the grill?

Percy's Apple Brown Betty.

Don’t miss Hannah on stage in The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Patricia Hetland

MPT veteran Patricia Hetland returns to the stage as sharp-tongued grill owner Hannah in our season opener The Spitfire Grill.

How many years have you been performing with Middleton Players Theatre?

I worked on City of Angels in 1994. Thomas let me back in for 2013’s Les Miserables, and whether he likes it or not, I’ve been here since. 

What first brought you to the Madison area?

I moved to the Oregon area in the summer of 1985 for work. I was born in Chicago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Go, Cubs!

What do you want audiences to know about your character?

Hannah’s pain — physical and emotional — runs deep. 

What is your go-to order at the grill?

The Reuben Omelet with Yanks at Mickie’s Dairy Bar. Hi, Shea!

Don’t miss Patricia on stage in The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Michael Myers

Michael Myers - a new face in the Madison arts scene - makes his MPT debut as the mysterious Visitor in our season opener The Spitfire Grill.

What do you want audiences to know about your character?

I can’t reveal too much about The Visitor, but his favorite food is bread and he loves arts and crafts. :)

What is your favorite moment in the show? (No spoilers please!)

I love the timings of the big reveals in the show and how they make the audience recontextualize everything that came before.

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter - which is your favorite season to experience in Wisconsin and why?

Fall is the best for enjoying the outdoors comfortably and when the trees are the most beautiful. And it’s prime time for camping, hiking, and having bonfires!

If you could inherit a small business via mail-in raffle, what kind of business would you want to win?

A little bakery that does pastries and chocolates.

Don’t miss Michael on stage in The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Coffee Cups and Gossip with Natalie Davies

We last saw Natalie Davies on the MPT stage in 2016’s Sunday in the Park with George. She’s back this summer to play Percy in our season opener, The Spitfire Grill.

What have you enjoyed most about working on The Spitfire Grill?

I have really enjoyed developing the journey of Percy's character throughout the show. She begins the show fresh out of prison and has to navigate new relationships and life in a new town that isn't as welcoming as she thought it would be.

During the show, we hear a lot about the beautiful autumn colors in Wisconsin. Do you have a favorite place to go check out the fall foliage?

Nothing will ever beat the fall colors in the bluffs of La Crosse (where I went to school)! It was always my favorite time of year.

If you could inherit a small business via mail-in raffle, what kind of business would you want to win?

I would love to have a coffee shop that allows (and encourages) people to bring their dogs! 

Don’t miss Natalie on stage in The Spitfire Grill June 16-25! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

You Don't Know This Man: Trevor Bass

MPT favorite Trevor Bass returns to the stage for his 16th MPT show! Trevor plays Leo Frank, a Jewish man accused of murder in pre-WWI Georgia. Read on to learn more about Trevor and his thoughts about Parade.

Are you a Madison native? If not, what brought you to the area?

Yes, I was born in Madison and have lived in the area all my life. I love it here!

Have you done a show with Middleton Players before? If so, which ones?

I have been in MPT shows every summer since 2013. At the end of this summer I will have been in 16 MPT productions! I keep coming back because I love the people.

How do you prepare for auditions? What did you sing to audition for MPT’s 2019 season?

I look at what the audition requires, and try to pick music that best presents my talents for the roles I’m interested in. Then I practice the songs as much as I can so I project confidence when it's time to audition. This year, I sang “What More Can I Say” from Falsettos, and “Tonight at Eight” from She Loves Me.

What was your first stage show and who did you play?

My first time onstage was Fiddler on the Roof in 1995, when I was 5 years old. I was a citizen of Anatevka.

What was your strangest experience in theatre?

I’d say it would be my high school freshman performance of Holes, the stage play based on the popular book. I fell asleep on a couch backstage, and woke up just in time for one of my entrances!

What is your favorite theatre memory?

There are too many to count, but performing Anything Goes at the WI State Theatre Festival in high school was pretty great.

What musical theatre song do you shamelessly belt in the shower or in your car?

My brother and I do a solid rendition of Defying Gravity from WICKED.

What do you enjoy about your character Leo Frank? In what ways are you similar or dissimilar?

One thing I like about Leo is his honesty. One thing I’d say we have in common is a reluctance to let other people do important, personal tasks for me, for fear that they might make a mistake or misrepresent my feelings/thoughts.

What are people going to think about as they drive home from the show?

This is a pretty emotionally taxing show. For me, reaching the end of the story brings me mostly anger, because Parade reveals in stark terms how little progress society has made, in certain respects, in 100 years. The fear and hate that can manipulate a group of people into believing things that aren’t true, just because they need a convenient place to put their vengeance. The terribly sad but true idea that the media only takes notice of injustices and violence when the victim is white. All in all, I hope audiences leave the theatre with the hope and desire to be better as a society.

Do you have any special/hidden talents, or other fun facts?

I can dislocate my shoulder at will!

Where can people go to learn more about you and your projects?

I don’t have a website, but I usually work with MPT for most summers, so middletonplayers.com!

Come see Trevor on stage in Parade this weekend only! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

You Don't Know This Woman: Mari Bass

Mari Bass returns to the MPT stage to play Lucille Frank, the quintessential Southern wife who must reexamine who she is in order to save her husband. Keep reading to learn more about Mari!

Are you a Madison native? If not, what brought you to the area?

I grew up in Minnesota, came to Madison for college, and never left!

Have you done a show with Middleton Players before?

This is my sixth season with Middleton Players! Some of my favorite shows with MPT have been Rent, Ragtime, and Sweeney Todd.

What do you do when you’re not performing/working in the theatre? Do you have a daytime job?

I do have a daytime job - I work at Epic as part of the Technical Services team.

What is your favorite theatre memory?

I have so many, but I think opening night of Sweeney Todd (the first show I directed solo) was one of my proudest moments in theatre. After a completely hectic rehearsal process, to sit and finally see everything the team had accomplished hit me with a lot of emotions. I'm also thinking many parts of this show will end up being my favorite memories as well.

What is your favorite Broadway musical?

I can't say that I could pick a single favorite, but I have no shame about how much I love Wicked. I know many people are rolling their eyes at me, but I can't help it.

What musical theatre song do you shamelessly belt in the shower or in your car?

Any and all musical theatre songs! When I moved out to college my parents reminded me many times how much quieter the house was ;)

What is your favorite part of the rehearsal process?

One of my favorite things is having a fun ensemble track in a show and making up truly ridiculous and elaborate back stories for my characters. It's like having little fun secrets I'm keeping from the audience!

What do you enjoy about your character Lucille? In what ways are you similar or dissimilar to your character?

I love how Lucille is always pushing forward. She refuses to settle or give up. I aspire to be as strong as she is.

What would you like audiences to know about PARADE?

Having done this show once before I'm really learning how different your take on the show can be looking at it from the different perspectives of the characters. I think it's easy to gravitate to feeling like people are "good people" or "bad people" and I've learned that this show is so much more than that. I hope audiences will see that. I think one of the only ways to affect change is to be able to first understand another's perspective.

Come see Mari on stage in Parade this weekend only! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

You Don't Know This Woman: Jennifer Kuckuk

Jennifer Kuckuk plays the grieving Mrs. Phagan in this weekend’s production of Parade. Read on to find out more about Jennifer, what she does when she’s not on stage, and why she thinks her character is a cautionary tale for all of us.

Are you a Madison native? If not, what brought you to the area?

I’m originally from a fairly small town in the California East Bay but moved to Madison to attend UW Madison for my B.S. in Biology 2012.  I loved Madison so much that I stuck around!  It’s a great city for science and theater, I’ve had so many opportunities here that I would not have in other places.

Have you done a show with Middleton Players before? If so, which ones?

This is my third show with Middleton Players, and each show has had a very different feel.  I was in Sweeney Todd last September and Beauty and the Beast this August.  That’s one of the things I have been drawn to about Middleton Players — they choose varied content and certainly don’t shy away from challenging material.

What is your favorite part of the rehearsal process?

My favorite part of the rehearsal process is adding in costumes, sets, and lighting during tech rehearsals.  As grueling as those rehearsals can be, it’s so rewarding to finally watch as everything starts falling into place.

What do you do when you’re not performing? Do you have a daytime job?

I do have a day job in biopharmaceutical drug development that keeps me in my theater habit and my cat in her wet-food habit.

What would you like audiences to know about your character?

Mrs. Phagan is a cautionary tale in grief.  We commonly hear that “there is no wrong way to grieve”, but Mrs. Phagan might make you rethink that.  She mourns the murder of her daughter by withdrawing into a narrow and prejudiced worldview that is reinforced and nurtured by opportunistic lawyers, bigoted journalists, and a community so entrenched in their beliefs that they are willing to maim or murder those who challenge them. In her grief, she becomes a pawn of a political message of hatred and violence.  While we may not all be hounded by lawyers and politicians in our own personal losses, we can be mindful of keeping an open heart to others who are suffering, instead of putting up walls to the world.

What are people going to think about as they drive home from the show?

I hope that audiences will be introspective after the show.  The music is gorgeous but the plot is heavy and the ending poignant.  The message of the show is murky and difficult to unpack, by virtue of this being a true story.  There is good and evil and a lot of in-between — in every character.  The bad guys don’t get their comeuppance and the good guys don’t get to sing songs of their victories at the end.  It’s frustrating and beautiful and thought-provoking and very important.

Come see Jennifer on stage in Parade this weekend only! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

You Don't Know This Woman: Mona Iskandar

MPT newcomer Mona Iskandar plays Mary Phagan — the young factory worker at the heart of Parade’s story. Read on to find out more about Mona, some of her favorite theatrical experiences, and what her dream role is!

What is your first stage show? And who did you play?

In fifth grade, I was cast in CTM’s 50th anniversary production of The Wizard of Oz. Although I played several youth ensemble roles including an Ozian and a Poppy, my favorite character was the Munchkin coroner, who pronounced the wicked witch dead (“As coroner I must aver…”) — my first “solo.” I was hooked!

What is your favorite musical? 

As long as I can remember, my parents have been taking my brother and me to the theater.  Everything from community and traveling Broadway shows to concerts and performance art, attending shows is our favorite family activity.  I was introduced to theatre through CTM, and one of the first musicals I remember seeing was Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse.  Right now Waitress is my favorite musical and Jenna is my dream role.  

And what musical theater song do you shamelessly belt in the shower or in your car?

Definitely “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress. Fun Fact: This was the first song I learned on ukulele so I can accompany myself!

Come see Mona on stage in Parade this weekend only! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

You Don't Know This Man: Flynn Marcus

In our production of Parade, high school Junior Flynn Marcus plays Frankie Epps — the charming and devoted friend to Mary Phagan. Read on to find out more about Flynn, some of his earliest theatre memories, and how he taps into a character so different from himself.

Have you done a show with Middleton Players before?

Parade will be my second show with Middleton Players Theater after being in the ensemble of All Shook Up earlier this summer.

How do you prepare for auditions? What did you sing to audition for MPT?

I always research the shows I'm auditioning for and think about the character I'd like to play. I listen to the cast recordings, read about the context of the show, and its historical time period. Then I select audition songs that are similar. Sometimes I look for songs by the same composers or of a similar genre. I choose songs in which I can portray a character that is similar to the role I'm auditioning for. For Parade, I wanted to try out for the role of Frankie Epps so I chose an emotional song sung by a teenage character: "For Forever" from Dear Evan Hansen. 

What was your first stage show and who did you play?

My first real stage show was in Aladdin with CTM when I was 10 years old. I played Prince Dahdu Rahn Rahn and I was dressed as Elvis in harem pants. My big moment was to impress the princess with some hip swivels. I got a lot of laughs and after that I was hooked!

What is your favorite theatre memory?

When I played the role of Snail in A Year WIth Frog & Toad, a teacher who attended a student matinee shared a story with me. She was with a young student who struggles in school and said, "I like Snail. He works slow, like me!" The experience inspired him to want to try acting. It made me feel great to inspire a little boy.

What is your favorite part of the rehearsal process? 

I love getting to know new people. The magic of rehearsals is that in the beginning the cast and crew are strangers, but by the end we are family.

What is your favorite theatrical work?

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

What do you enjoy about your character? In what ways are you similar or dissimilar?

Frankie Epps starts out cheerful and fun-loving, but is profoundly affected by the violent death of Mary. His actions in Act 2 are motivated by his hate, rage, and his desire for revenge. He is blinded by his emotions and is unable to see the truth. Frankie is a deeply flawed character, and of course I cannot identify with his hate and antisemitism.  But all human beings experience grief and anger, so that is what I tap into to portray this character.

What would you like audiences to know about this show?

I'd like people to understand the show's historical significance and how this event led to the formation of the Anti-Defamation League. When we understand history we can avoid repeating it. Having Jewish heritage, it's important to me to tell these stories.

Come see Flynn on stage in Parade next weekend only! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

You Don't Know This Woman: Meghan Stecker

In MPT’s production of Parade, Meghan Stecker plays Iola Stover — a young factory worker who is friends with the murdered Mary Phagan, and whose testimony is paramount to the story’s outcome. Read on to find out more about Meghan and how she feels about playing such a weighty character.

Are you originally from Madison?

I am originally from Appleton, Wisconsin but have lived in Madison since beginning school in 2016. I’m a student at UW—Madison, where I am earning a Bachelor of Music in Vocal and General Music Education.

Have you done a show with Middleton Players before?

I joined Middleton Players Theatre in 2018 as an ensemble member in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street — because it is my favorite musical and because the timeframe of the show worked with my schedule. I had such a fun time getting to know the wonderful and kind people in the company that I knew I had to audition for all three shows this season!

What do you do when you’re not performing?

In addition to my school work, I have worked as an intern for the past year with the Madison Youth Choirs.

How do you feel about your character Iola Stover?

I find this character particularly interesting in its comparison to the current political climate; people in power pressure Iola to testify against Leo Frank and through the course of the trial, her narrative is taken away from her to be used as political ammunition. The character deals with an impossibly complicated situation and the consequences of her actions severely affect the life of another human being. The difficult subject matter makes this role expressly challenging, and I am excited to have a role in telling this important story. I hope you enjoy the show!

Come see Meghan on stage in Parade next weekend only! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

My, What a Gal, that Kelsey Odorizzi

Kelsey Odorizzi is thrilled to be playing her dream role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Read on to find out more about Kelsey, how she prepares for auditions, and he favorite theatrical experience.

Have you done a show with Middleton Players before?

My first show with MPT was Crazy for You last summer and I had such a great time that I wanted to audition again!

How do you prepare for auditions?

If I’m going for a specific role, I always try and parallel my song(s) with the character. For example, when I auditioned for the title role in Mary Poppins with VACT, I sang “I Have Confidence” from The Sound of Music. Marie (nanny) = Mary Poppins (magical nanny). Having Julie Andrews as both of those characters was just pure luck. 😉 I then pick my song(s) at least a month before hand and figure out what cut best shows my ability.

What was your first stage show and who did you play?

I did a summer school program when I was 9 and we did a junior version of The Wizard of Oz, where I was Winkie 1. My one and only line was “The crows are dead!”

What is your favorite Broadway musical?

I can’t pick one, so my top five are: Les Misérables; Jesus Christ Superstar; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Jersey Boys; Wicked.

What do you enjoy about your character Belle?

Of the classic Disney princesses, she represents a departure from the “damsel in distress” stereotype. She stays true to herself and is unwilling to change or sacrifice the things she believes in.

What is your favorite theatre memory?

When I toured with the KIDS From Wisconsin, I was chosen among my peers to perform with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for one of his concerts. Their concert artists included Sutton Foster, Dee Hoty, Donna McKechnie, Matt Bogart and William Michaels (who played the Beast and Gaston on Broadway). Sutton Foster and I talked in her dressing room for 30 minutes before a show and she was the most kind, down to earth person I’ve ever met. William Michaels also sang part of “If I Can’t Love Her” for me so that was pure magic to a girl whose dream role was Belle. The whole week was the most incredible experience.

What do you do when you’re not performing/working in the theatre? Do you have a daytime job?

My main focus is being a stay-at-home mom to my two littles, Caden (6) and Elena (2). But I also teach voice lessons during the evening, and music direct the musicals at Sun Prairie High School, as well as the VACT teens shows. I absolutely love it!

Come see Kelsey on stage in Beauty and the Beast August 8-11. Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

My, What a Gal, that Ashton Siewert

Ashton Siewert will be portraying Mrs. Potts in our upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast. We asked Ashton, a longtime Middleton Players Theatre participant, to share a little more about herself, what she enjoys about her character, and some of her favorite theatre memories.

What do you enjoy about your character Mrs. Potts?

Mrs. Potts is a loving and empathetic embodiment of maternal warmth. It’s a pleasure to portray a character who is not in the least bit villainous.

How do you get pumped up before a performance?

Music! I put in my earbuds and rock out to something. Right now it’s Mark Ronson’s “God Put a Smile on Your Face” because it’s spunky, and just a little bit sassy. Plus, you can pretty much just listen to it on repeat forever and never get sick of it. An absolute bundle of fun.

What do you do when you’re not performing/working in the theatre? Do you have a daytime job?

I’m a recruiter for a telecommunications company, and host pub trivia at night. I’m also wrapping up graduate school this fall. In my endless amounts of free time, I draw, play euchre, and galivant off to find my next great adventure!

What is your favorite theatre memory?

There are so many! One of the experiences that really stands out is when I saw All My Sons at APT. Theatre can be a truly magical experience, and lights, sets, and sound are often a huge part of that. But, when I saw All My Sons, it was a matinee in the outdoor theatre in broad daylight. There were no mics, no music, no lighting changes, a stagnant set, and a cast of maybe ten. Even without all of the technical aspects, the gravitas of the material and the outstanding performances were still able to completely transport me and deeply move me. It’s one of the memories that most helps me to appreciate how affecting live performance can be.

Who is your greatest musical theatre inspiration and why?

There are many, but I think the performer who inspired me to grow the most is Marin Mazzie. I was immediately taken with her supremely beautiful voice when I first heard her.

Do you have any special/hidden talents, or other fun facts?

My chicken cluck is pretty uncanny...

What do you want people to think about as they leave the show?

I hope that people will think about how inspiring and enjoyable live theatre is, and continue to support both the arts and MPT!

Where can people go to learn more about you and your projects?

Follow the Middleton Players Facebook page! Chances are I’m buried in an MPT project. Next up, I’ll be co-directing Parade alongside Thomas J. Kasdorf.

Don’t miss your chance to see Ashton in our upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast! Performances are August 8-11 at the Middleton Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

My, What a Guy, that Carter Krzyzaniak

UW Senior Carter Krzyzaniak lights up the stage as the charismatic castle maître d', Lumiere. Read on to find out more about his very first role, what he likes about playing Lumiere, and how is passion for singing and dancing extends beyond the theatre.

Are you a Madison native? If not, what brought you to the area?

I’m not a Madison native. I came to Madison to go to school at UW-Madison.

Have you done a show with Middleton Players before?

I did Crazy For You and Legally Blonde last summer, and I am in all three shows this summer.

How do you prepare for auditions? What did you sing to audition for MPT’s 2018 season?

Auditions are actually a very stressful process for me so I spend a lot of time making sure my cuts are ready and that I am very familiar with them. This year I sang part of Donny Novitski from Bandstand and If I Didn’t Believe In You from The Last Five Years.

What was your first stage show and who did you play?

The first stage show I was in was Willy Wonka Jr. I played Grandpa Joe and had such a fun time flying and burping my way through that show.

What do you enjoy about your character Lumiere?

Getting to know Lumiere has been such a fun process. I love exploring his flirtatious energy and his slightly reckless behaviors. The French has been a great challenge and has really helped me as a performer.

What is your favorite theatre memory?

I don’t know if I can pick one specific theater memory that is my favorite. Every show for me offers a different message to take away from it. Some shows are extremely uplifting and spread so much joy, while others might instill more hope and positivity. There is just something so special about taking yourself out of your own world and diving into life that can be anything you want it to be.

What do you do when you’re not performing/working in the theatre? Do you have a daytime job?

When I’m not doing theater, I can be found directing and choreographing for show choirs. I was in show choir in high school and it is a huge passion of mine. There’s something special about working with high school kids and watching them grow as performers and as young adults.

What are people going to think about as they drive home from the show?

As people leave the show, I hope their hearts are full of the joy the theater brings to people. Live performance is such a powerful art and I love to hear the excitement that audience members have after they see a show.

See Carter on stage as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast August 8-11. Tickets are available now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.