Selling out in just weeks, The Wizard of Oz became the fastest-selling show in 91ԭƬ Theatre history. More than 2,500 audience members attended the four-day run.

Performed Feb. 19–22, the production drew audiences from across the region. The run included a special Patrons of the Arts Sneak Peek on Feb. 18 and an elementary student matinee on Feb. 20, welcoming 483 young students to campus.

“We celebrated our 55th season by bringing the most famous musical of all time to our stage,” said Director Grace Austin. “We are so grateful for every audience member who followed us down the yellow brick road.”

The record-setting run was the result of thousands of hours of preparation and collaboration across campus. Students, faculty, staff and community partners all played a role, from student-athletes serving as ushers to departments opening their spaces for rehearsals and performances.

91ԭƬ Theatre continues to build each production from the ground up on campus, providing students with hands-on experience in performance, design, technical theatre and arts leadership.

A full cast and production crew list is available at eastcentral.edu.

Steel Magnolias

91ԭƬ Theatre’s next production will be Steel Magnolias, with performances scheduled for April 17, 18 and 19. Auditions will be held March 9 and 10. More information about upcoming productions is available at .

Creative and Technical Team

Cast
Dorothy Gale — Fiona Martin
Hunk/Scarecrow — Aiden Ashe
Hickory/Tin Woodsman — CJ Satterfield
Zeke/Cowardly Lion — Bobby Covington
Aunt Em — Patty Kellmann
Uncle Henry — Mike Peoples
Glinda the Good Witch — Elin Schmidt
Miss Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West — Adrienne Gonzalez
Professor Chester Marvel/Wizard of Oz — Jeff Satterfield
Toto — Dora Bell
The Little Girl — Alana De Paula Rocha
The Guard/Principal Company — Sebastian Montowine
Munchkin Coroner/Company — Adison Pratt
Munchkin Mayor/Principal Company — Samuel Nicks
Winkie General/Company — Caleb Cancienne
Nikko — Leonidas Edwards Kohen Wideman
Apple Tree/Principal Company — Charissa Clark
Apple Tree/Principal Company — Jules Knight
Apple Tree/Principal Company — Lois Hulsebus
Crow/Principal Company/Tinman Standby — Leonidas Edwards
Crow/Principal Company — Cayden Ratcliff
Crow/Principal Company/Lion Standby — Johny Cojocaru
The Lullaby League — Ellie Brune Marley Strasser
The Lollipop Guild — Mary Kappauff Audrey Gierer
Principal Company — Andrew Utz
Principal Company — Grace Sellers
Principal Company — Gwyneth Little
Principal Company/Scarecrow Standby — Kohen Wideman
Principal Company/Dorothy Standby — Maleah Gerdes
Principal Company — Natalie Peoples
Principal Company — Sara Schaible
Principal Company/Dance Captain — Tara Steffens
Company — Chloe Strickland
Company — Clara Kutrip
Company — Leila Jerray
Company — Gianna Martin
Company — Mia Ezell
Company — Allana Short
Company — Braeden Hartmann
Company — Breanne Brewster
Company — Charley Mcleroy
Company — Madison Pennington
Company — Michelle Frederickson
Company — Milly Ridenhour
Company — Morgan Ganey
Company — Nathan Scheer
Company — Reed Lober
Company — Sally Brock
Company — Sarah Scharfenberg
Company — Shania Wilson
Munchkins — Adaline Derfield
Munchkins — Chloe Strickland
Munchkins — L.B Palmer
Munchkins — Emily Maune
Munchkins — Etta Knight
Munchkins — Haven Rojas
Munchkins — Kylee Stoyer
Munchkins — Mary Kappauff
Munchkins — Max Jarosz
Munchkins — Milla Vedder
Munchkins — Sawyer Keeven
Munchkins — Sylvia Unerstall
Munchkins — Tess Kappauff
Munchkins — Wynn Nothum

Production / Creative Team
Director — Grace Austin
Music Director — Matthew Kauzlarich
Choreographer — Christopher Page-Sanders
Scenic Designer/Technical Director — Mike Pecka
Lighting Designer — Morgan Brennan
Costume Designer — Carly Uding
Puppet Designer — Skyler Hunt
Specialty Prop Design — Ron Karl
Art Design/Charge Artistry — Sylvia Sellers
Projection Designer — Taylor Grunloeh
Sound Designer/Board Mixing — Phillip Evans
Assistant Choreographer — Jordan Woods
Munchkin Vocal Director — Ashley Smith
Munchkin Supervisor — Andy Wanager
Photographer — Liberty Edwards
Production Crew

Production Stage Manager — Tess Speizio
Stage Manager/Deck Crew — Jillian Stigge
Stage Manager/Deck Crew — Marylynn Haribson
Stage Manager/Deck Crew — Serenity Enloe
Stage Manager/Deck Crew — Tori Barnhart
Stage Manager/Deck Crew/Fly Rail — Robbie Elkin
Stage Manager/Deck Crew/Fly Rail — Adrian Smith
Spot Op — Ron Karl
Spot Op — Kar Meyer
Light Board Operator — Devin Smith
Sound Cue Board Operator — Mickael Brazeal
Projection Operator — Belle Triplett
Painting Assistance — Emma Whetton
Bootcamp Captain — Kylie Martin

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To bring one of the most beloved musicals of all time to life, it will take a large cast of talented performers, including veterans of 91ԭƬ Theatre and newcomers alike.

That’s according to Theatre Director Grace Austin, who hopes for a strong turnout during auditions Nov. 17 and 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. An audition workshop is slated for Sunday. Nov. 16 from 4-6 p.m.

Performances of The Wizard of Oz are scheduled for Feb. 19–22, 2026, with a special school matinee on Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m.

“We want this show to bring together the entire community,” Austin said. “The Wizard of Oz has something for everyone, from music and dance to humor and heart. It is the perfect opportunity for students, families, and community members to share the stage and create something magical together.”

The RSC version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz features roles for 30 to 50 performers ages 13 and older, along with a Munchkin chorus of 8 to 12-year-olds.

Audition materials, character descriptions, and the rehearsal schedule can be found at .

The production will be directed by Grace Austin, with choreography by Chris Page-Sanders and music direction by Matt Kauzlarich.

“It feels fitting to celebrate our 55th season with a show that continues to inspire generation after generation,” Austin said. “There’s truly no place like home, and we cannot wait to welcome new faces to ours.”

Tickets for The Wizard of Oz will go on sale in early 2026 through . Performance and ticket details will be shared closer to opening night.

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This summer’s performances will be the final regularly scheduled musical directed by longtime 91ԭƬ Theatre mainstay John Anglin, who has led the College’s summer musicals for the past 20 years.

Anglin is no stranger to 91ԭƬ, having served as Theatre Program Director from 1972 to 2004. He is also the namesake of the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center.

His final production features a cast of 26 and dozens of crew members who continue to support 91ԭƬ Theatre year after year. Since 2006, 91ԭƬ has presented a summer musical annually, apart from one year when the theater rigging was being updated, and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Once Upon a Mattress will run July 24–27 in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center. Evening performances will be held July 24–26 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee scheduled for Sunday, July 27, at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available through the 91ԭƬ Box Office by calling 636-584-6693, emailing boxoffice@eastcentral.edu, or tickets can be

About the Show
Set in a far-off kingdom, Once Upon a Mattress tells the story of Queen Aggravain, who declares that no one may marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, finds a bride.

Suitors and princesses are left in limbo as the Queen subjects each potential match to impossible tests—until Winnifred the Woebegone, a “shy” swamp princess, arrives and changes everything.

Will she pass the Queen’s Sensitivity Test and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry reach the altar? This witty and whimsical musical, based on The Princess and the Pea, has entertained audiences for generations.

The cast for Once Upon a Mattress includes:

• Carol Buescher as Queen Aggravain
• Bethany Herron as Princess Winnifred
• Michael Finck as Prince Dauntless
• Andy Wanager as the Minstrel
• Elin Schmidt as Lady Larken and the Nightingale of Samarkand
• Eli Bray as Sir Harry
• Cassie Semonis as the Jester
• Darrell Herron as the Wizard
• Scott Mirly as King Sextimus the Silent
• Shanee Haynes as Lady Rowena
• Rylee Collard as Lady Lucille
• Anne Brock as Lady Merrill
• Sarah Scharfenberg as Princess No. 12 and a lady-in-waiting
• Johnny Cojocaru as Sir Studley and Knight No. 2
• Patty Kellmann as the First Lady
• Owen Brown as Sir Luce
• AJ Haynes as Knight No. 1
• Josiah Frame as Knight No. 3
• Abby Sokeland as Lady Mabelle
• Lucy Burd as Lady Beatrice
• Aiden Ashe as Sir Harold
• Rita Bub, Kathy Emmert, Clara Frame and Sue Spann as ladies-in-waiting
• Alex Wanager as a knight

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On Monday, Nov. 13, and Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center, the Theatre Department will be seeking the perfect fit for the roles of Belle, Beast, and their unforgettable friends.

This magical story will be brought to life on stage in this reimagined production running Feb. 22-25, 2024.

Tickets go on sale Monday, November 20 at .

“We are excited to bring the magic of ‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’ back to 91ԭƬ,” said Grace Austin, 91ԭƬ Theatre Director. “We produced the regional premiere of this show over 15 years ago and sold out every performance.”

There will be 35-45 actors aged 15 and older who will be cast, as well as a small group of youth actors ages 9-14.

Audition selections are available at ecctheatre.com. Anyone trying out is instructed to prepare one of the audition selections. A pianist will be available during auditions.

Everyone auditioning should bring a list of any scheduling conflicts up to February 2024.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our student and local talent to be a part of a truly enchanting show that has captivated audiences for generations. We encourage everyone with a passion for theater to come out and audition,” Austin added.

“Beauty and the Beast” is a tale as old as time that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. This timeless story of love and transformation features memorable characters, dazzling musical numbers, and a captivating storyline that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

To find additional information about auditions, including character breakdowns and rehearsal schedules, visit ecctheatre.com. Stay updated on audition-related news and announcements by following 91ԭƬ Theatre (@ecctheatre) on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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The 91ԭƬ Theatre Department will present its summer musical, “Godspell,” Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23.

This fun-filled musical is a modern and contemporary retelling of the “Book of Matthew,” and it is billed as a “celebration of music, mime, comedy and slapstick.”

The show is directed by John Anglin with musical direction by Dean Emmert, choreography by Bethany Herron, and stage management by Emma Blaha.

Performances are July 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and July 23 at 2 p.m. in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center in Hansen Hall.

The talented cast includes CJ Satterfield (Jesus), Jeff Satterfield (John the Baptist/Judas), Stephen Casey (Jeffrey), Melissa Fyr (Robin), Sarah Hopp (Sonia), Bethany Herron (Gilmer), Ethan Mann (Lamar), Grace Sellers (Joanne), Crystal Smith (Peggy), and Andy Wanager (Herb).

The musical was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International.

To order tickets, visit www.ecctheatre.com. For questions regarding tickets, contact the Box Office at 636-584-6693 or boxoffice@eastcentral.edu.

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The “Season: Unlimited” performances will showcase the amazing talent of the cast, crew and creative team, which will result in a dynamic live atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

The first production, “She Kills Monsters,” is a fantasy adventure about a young woman who discovers her deceased sister’s Dungeons and Dragons notebook. This production will run Oct. 5-8 and promises to be a thrilling experience for audiences of all ages.

91ԭƬ Theatre Director Grace Austin will direct the production, with choreography by Erik Kuhn, stage combat instructor.

Next up is, “Inspecting Carol,” a hilarious holiday staged reading that will have audiences laughing from start to finish.

“In an exciting twist, the actors in ‘Inspecting Carol’ will not receive scripts until 48 hours before the show, and the audience will choose the parts the performers play,” Austin added. “This unique approach promises to create a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience for both the actors and the audience.”

“Inspecting Carol” will be presented in early December.

2024 Performances

Audiences will have to wait until Aug. 14 before the name of the first production in 2024 can be released.

“Due to contractual requirements, we cannot announce the title of our musical, but we are bursting with excitement to bring this giant show to our stage — with unforgettable songs and a story that will capture the hearts of audiences of all ages,” Austin said. “Trust us, it’s worth the wait.”

The musical will be performed Feb. 22-25, 2024, including a daytime matinee Friday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.

“The One Act Play that Goes Wrong,” to be performed April 18-21, 2024, is a fast-paced farce that will leave audiences in stitches. Directed by the award-winning St. Louis artist Will Bonfiglio, this production is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, Austin said.

Finally, the season concludes with “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” a heartwarming musical that brings the beloved characters from the Peanuts comic strip to life. This production is perfect for families and fans of all ages. It will run July 18-21, 2024.

All performances will take place at The John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center at 91ԭƬ. For more information on “Season: Unlimited” or to learn about auditions, visit ecctheatre.com.

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The performances will be July 21- 23 at 7:30 p.m. and July 24 at 2 p.m. in the John Anglin Performing Arts Center in Hansen Hall. The show is directed by John Anglin with musical direction by Paula Nolley.

Anglin explained that the show is set in a New You City radio studio. The set is decked out with three large Christmas trees, and much more to bring the holiday season to life this July.

“This is really going to be a great show,” he said. “The whole show is in a radio studio with a lot of sound effects going on — we are going to have a lot of fun.”

The musical was adapted from the 1947 Lux Radio broadcast by Lance Arthur Smith with original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz. This heartwarming, family-friendly classic includes live foley effects and jazzy arrangements of holiday carols.

Anglin noted that he handpicked the cast members, who he knows will bring a lot of great energy and fun moments to the production.

The cast is: David Sutton, Lydia Clary, Elizabeth Clary, Andrew Clary, George Meyer, Darrell Herron, Bethany Herron, Carol Buescher, Patty Kellmann and Nora Clary.

“It is a great cast of heavy hitters,” Anglin commented. “I have been working with some of the cast members for many years.”

That includes Sutton, who has been on stage in Anglin’s productions spanning five decades.

Anglin added that this production is a family affair, with father and daughter Darrell Herron and Bethany Herron; and four members of the Clary family — Andrew and Elizabeth, and their daughters Lydia and Nora.

Each summer, Anglin selects and directs a show at the College. He said he picked “Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play” based on the script.

“I really like it and I don’t ever do a show I don’t really like,” he said. “If I am going to be thinking about it for a good year, I don’t ever want to do a show that I don’t enjoy.”

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The Patron’s event will be Thursday, June 9, from 6-8:30 p.m. at Röbller Vineyard & Winery, located at 275 Robller Vineyard Road in New Haven.

There is a fun evening in store for the annual kickoff, including music by the band, “Friends of Aaron,” live art demonstrations by an 91ԭƬ student, a group art project and more.

Heavy Appetizers and wine will be served during the outdoor event.

The kickoff is an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing evening of great food and music, while taking in some of the best 91ԭƬ has to offer, according to Bridgette Kelch. executive director of the 91ԭƬ Foundation.

The Patrons program benefits the art, theater and music departments at the College and provides scholarships, she added.

“We invite the community to help enhance the cultural and artistic life of our area and the students at 91ԭƬ by becoming a member of the Patrons of the Arts,” Kelch said.

“The arts have the remarkable ability to inspire imaginations, foster communication, and broaden our minds.”

Sponsorship/membership opportunities are as follows:

Marquee Patron — $4,000+
Includes 10 tickets to all patrons performances and receptions.
Headline sponsorship for a show.

Grand Patron — $2,500+
Includes 8 tickets to all patrons performances and receptions.
Headline sponsorship for a show.

Spotlight Patron — $1,000+
Includes 6 tickets to all patrons performances and receptions.

Premier Patron — $500+
Includes 4 tickets to all patrons performances and receptions.

Front Row Patron — $250+
Includes 2 tickets to all patrons performances and receptions.

Centerstage Patron — $125+
Includes 1 ticket to all patrons performances and receptions.

Understudy Patron — $75+
Includes 1 ticket to half of all patrons performances and receptions.

All opportunities include early bird ticketing. Recognition in Patrons of the Arts promotional materials for Centerstage memberships and above.

For more information, contact Hannah Masek at 636-584-6506 or foundation@eastcentral.edu

More information on the Patron Series can be found at www.eastcentral.edu/performing-arts.

Patron memberships can be purchased at any time. The 91ԭƬ Foundation is a not-for-profit organization and tax-deductible contributions are under section 501(c)3 of the IRS code.

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Theatre Department Director Grace Austin, who is directing “Puffs,” said the decision to reschedule the show from February was made from an abundance of caution.

“This was a difficult choice to make,” she said, “but with COVID cases on the rise and with the hope to have actors unmasked, it was the right choice to keep everyone safe.

“We are thrilled that the entire original cast will be appearing at the April performances.”

“Puffs” was originally slated for performances Feb. 24-27. It now will be performed in April when “Church and State” had been scheduled. “Church and State” will move to next season.

The company of “Puffs” includes 91ԭƬ Theatre veterans Connor Aubuchon, Dora Bell, Andrew Carter, Johny Cojocaru, Lukus Dement, Mekaela Sanders, Abby Scanlin, Tara Steffens and Sydney Smith.

Also in the cast are newcomers Anne Brock, Ryan Balmer, Joshua Bergin, Jaelyn Bergin, Kaylin Buckingham, Lorelei Edwards, Felicity Enloe, Aiden George, Dominique Harper, Brooklyn Hyatt, Evan Kiriakidis, Ethan Mier, Paige Pelster, Ireland Shortt, Kody Scaggs, Stephen Thompson and Elijah Waters.

“Puffs” tells the story of a familiar seven years at a famous school of magic in an unfamiliar way. Boy wizards, broomsticks and owls abound as our heroes are the “Puffs,” a House long neglected in a certain book series.

Tickets for “Puffs” are on sale now at ecctheatre.com. 91ԭƬ will offer both socially distanced and non-socially distanced seating at every performance.

For more information, call Box Office Manager Connor Joyce at 636-584-6693 or visit ecctheatre.com.

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“Puffs” is directed by Grace Austin with choreography by Chris Page Sanders, lighting design by Bess Moynihan, scenic design by Sylvia Sellers, costume design by Carly Uding, prop design by Dora Bell, and puppet design by Skyler Hunt.

For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the “Puffs,” who just happened to be there too. Discover the hilarious and untold story of the “losers” who embrace being badgers and strive to be “third or nothing.”

Auditions will be held Monday, Jan. 3 and Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at 91ԭƬ and consist of readings from the script. Audition signups are first come, first served and performers only need to attend one night. Callbacks will be held Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Performances will be held Feb. 24-27, 2022 in the John Edson Anglin Performing Arts Center. Rehearsal will occur every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6:30-9 pm (please bring a copy of any conflicting schedule to auditions. Actors are only called when needed).

We are casting up to 30 actors ages 15+ (most roles are open to all ages and genders).

Rehearsal schedules, character breakdowns, audition readings, COVID protocols, and more can be found at ecctheatre.com. Auditions are open to everyone.

Email questions to Austin at gracemaustin@gmail.com.

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