Meredith Willson's

Book, music, and lyrics by:MEREDITH WILLSON

Story by:MEREDITH WILLSON and FRANK LACEY

THE MUSIC MAN
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Production Staff:

Producer/Director: Michael E. Bryce

Assistant Director: Tyler Galley

Music Director: Marcus Denton

Choreographer: Laura Christian

Stage Manager: Doug Ulmer

Stage Hand: Paige McNutt

Costume Design: Brianne Gobeski,

Sarai Phillips-Dunlap, Rebecca Bryce

Costume Stitchers: Pam Allen, Lynanne Cottle

Lighting Design: Sharyn Sheffer, Michael E. Bryce

Lighting Operator: Sharyn Sheffer

Follow Spot Operator: Scott Condit

Media Design: Michael E. Bryce

Media Operator: Joyce Smith

Audio Design/Operator: Bill Wiatr

Music Engineer: David Thomas

Scenic Designer: J. Michael Sanders, Michael E. Bryce

Set Construction: Michael E. Bryce, Ed Edwards, Tim Mott,  John Masanotti, J. Michael Sanders

Program Design: Sharyn Sheffer

Concessionair: Liz Wiatr

Cast Meals: Cassandra Shockley, Tana Kerns, Nina Johnson

Front of House: Reg Hamilton

Usher Captain: Dusty Hamilton

Cast of Characters:

Traveling Salesman #1: Jerry Maggio
Traveling Salesman #2: Matt Snell
Traveling Salesman #3: Turner McKenzie
Traveling Salesman #4: Jeff Montgomery Jr.
Traveling Salesman #5: Krys VanSlyke
Newspaper Reader #1: Chris Fidler
Newspaper Reader #2: Jared Ferolino
Newspaper Reader #3: Trent Rasmussen
Charlie Cowell: Adam Gobeski
Conductor: Michael Leeth
Harold Hill: Bryan Stewart
Mayor Shinn: Eddie Kesner
Ewart Dunlop: Jeff Montgomery
Oliver Hix: Trent Rasmussen
Olin Britt: Jerry Maggio
Marcellus Washburn: David Buehrle
Tommy Djilas: Gregor Hocknull
Marian Paroo: Rebecca Bryce
Mrs. Paroo: Cindy Rhinesmith
Amaryllis: Miabella Hiltbrand
Winthrop Paroo: Miles VanSlyke
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn: Donnalynn Maggio
Zaneeta Shinn: Iris VanSlyke
Gracie Shinn: Jovie Rasmussen
Alma Hix: Katie Babbitt
Maud Dunlop: Brianne Gobeski
Ethel Toffelmier: Mary Esther Braswell
Mrs. Squires: Randi Jill
Constable Locke: Michael Leeth
The American Gothic Couple: Krys VanSlyke, Grace McGeoch

Townspeople of River City: Laura Christian, Lynanne Cottle, Tanner Duncan, Sonya Etchamendy, Jared Ferolino, Michael Leeth, Grace McGeoch, Turner McKenzie, Conner McNutt, Sarai Phillips-Dunlap, Calliandra Rasmussen, Matt Snell, Elizabeth Williams, Krys VanSlyke

Youth/Children of River City: Max Brown, Charlotte Hover-Lashnits, Chloe Kesner, Molly Kesner, Olivia Kesner, Ian Montgomery, Shayla Montgomery

Graphic by Pichi Fernandez

Katie is thrilled to return to the Zao stage! You may have seen her hanging out with Chuck and Snoopy back in September. She’s grateful to her amazing hubby as he has always supported her dreams of being on stage whether she be singing GnR in a rock band or singing Pick-a-little in a fun hat. Katie also supports our local airmen at Luke Air Force Base as part of Fighter Country Talent, and plays in a local rock band, Front Row.

MARY ESTHER BRASWELL

Ethel Tofflemier

KATIE BABBITT

Alma Hix

Mary Esther is proud to be representing Ethel Toffelmeier, a woman whose name is almost as long as her own. Last seen on stage in Zao’s production of White Christmas, Mary Esther is excited for this chance to be a River City-zian, and the world’s best player piano player piano player. Shipoopi on down and enjoy the show!

MAX BROWN

Ensemble

Max is very excited to perform in his first show! Max is a 7 year old, first grader at Knox Gifted Academy and especially loves math. He enjoys taking ninja class, eating sushi, and playing video games. Fun fact – Max gets to perform in his first musical along with his mom, Laura. “Thank you for letting me be in the show!”

REBECCA BRYCE

Marian Paroo

Becca is delighted to return to the Zao stage alongside this talented cast and her real-life sweetheart! Recent Zao credits include White Christmas (Rita), Bright Star (Lucy), The Sound of Music (Maria), Beauty and the Beast (Belle) and The Marvelous Wonderettes (Cindy Lou). She also directed and performed in last season’s fundraising concert It’s Just Music. Many thanks to this hard-working cast and crew!

DAVID MICHAEL PAUL

Marcellus Washburn

David is blessed to share the stage with these talented but stubborn Iowans (see second song for more details). This is his second show with Zao Theatre after playing Snoopy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", alongside his beautiful wife, who played Sally. Big THANKS to Mickey, Marc, Laura and the cast & crew for making Zao Theatre a positive and creative environment. To his wife, Juli, "thank you for being the best partner (on and off the stage) and for making me a father. I love you!"

LAURA CHRISTIAN

Choreographer/Ensemble

Laura is excited to be involved with Zao once again, and this time perform in the show along with her son as well as choreograph! Laura has previously choreographed Zao’s productions of White Christmas, Marvelous Wonderette’s (AriZoni Award nomination), Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ragtime, Godspell, Nunsense, and 1776. She has been choreographing, directing, and performing around the valley for the past 20 years. Favorite credits include A Chorus Line (Kristine), Grease (Frenchy), White Christmas, Mary Poppins, The Producers, Crazy For You, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Bye Bye Birdie, and Joseph … Dreamcoat (National Youth Arts Award for direction). Laura spends her days teaching math and her evenings playing with her 3 children. Thanks to my supportive hubby Matt, kiddos Max, Luke, and Katie, Mom and Dad, and to Mickey and all the amazing people at Zao!

RANDI JILL

Mrs. Squires

Music Man is Randi's fifth show onstage with Zao, having stage managed four other shows. Randi has a BA in Theatre with an emphasis on Musical Theatre from ASU. Favorite roles include Mama Murphy (Bright Star) Joanne (Godspell) and the Narrator (Joseph). She thanks Mickey, Tyler, Marc and Laura for the opportunity to perform in this show, and Scott and Matthew for their love and support.

LYNANNE COTTLE

Ensemble

Lynanne is grateful to perform with Zao Theatre again with such a wonderful cast! Past productions include Hello Dolly, The Sound of Music, Hunchback of Notre Dame at Zao Theatre; Carousel, Fiddler on the Roof with MET; The Sound of Music, Camelot with Hale Theatre, Arizona. Lynanne gives heartfelt thanks to Mickey and Marc for their skilled direction, and thanks the many volunteers who made Music Man possible. Lynanne especially thanks her husband, Brad, for his loving encouragement and for the audience in supporting community theater.

TANNER DUNCAN

Ensemble

Tanner is proud to be a part of this amazing musical! His past shows include Seussical, Mamma Mia, Kiss Me Kate, Backwards Broadway Cabaret, Jane Eyre, A Man of No Importance, Sweeney Todd, Lamb of God, The Addams Family, Bright Star, and White Christmas. He thanks God, family and friends for support and the company for giving him another opportunity! 

JARED FEROLINO

Ensemble

After a hiatus following performances with Mesa Encore Theatre (MET), Jared  is absolutely thrilled to be making his official debut with Zao Theatre! Jared has previously featured in MET’s productions of The Best of Broadway, Grease, The Addams Family (as Lurch, his most significant role), and 9 to 5. He has likewise performed with both Mesa and Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Jared thanks Mickey Bryce, Marc Denton, Tyler Galley, and Laura Christian for this opportunity.

CHRIS FIDLER

Jacey Squires

Chris is thrilled to be back at Zao Theater where audience members last saw him as Phil Davis in Zao's production of "White Christmas." Since age 15 this Zoni winner has performed on stage, film and television. A special thank you to the cast and crew of this wonderful show. It's an honor to share the stage with you all.

ADAM GOBESKI

Charlie Cowell

Adam is pleased to be playing the role of Charlie Cowell! You might remember him from such Zao productions as Guys and Dolls (Harry the Horse) and Frost/Nixon (John Birt). He's also recently been in Shakespeare in Love as Ned Alleyn and in The Addams Family as Mal Beineke, both at Fountain Hills Theater. Adam is happy to be taking on the role his brother played in high school and thereby keeping it in the family!

BRIANNE GOBESKI

Maud Dunlop

Brianne is excited to be in her thirteenth show at Zao Theatre as Maud Dunlap! You may recognize her from some of her favorite roles, such as Judy Haynes in White Christmas (Zao), Lucy Van Pelt in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Zao), Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense (FHT - Zoni nominee), Woman 2 in Songs for a New World (Zao), Caroline Cushing in Frost/Nixon (Zao), Mayzie La Bird in Seussical (Zao) and more! When Brianne isn't on stage performing, she designs costumes for various shows in the valley, including Music Man! Her recent favorite designs were seen in Always, Patsy Cline (FHT), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Zao), Scapin (FHT), and Bright Star (Zao)!

MIABELLA HILTBRAND

Amaryllis

Miabella is a lively 9 year old, 3rd grader. She likes all things art. She enjoys everything from singing and dancing, to drawing, painting and sculpting. She also enjoys playing different sports and having fun family times. Through much of her life she has enjoyed coming to musical productions by Zao Theatre, and has long dreamed of being a part of a cast. The role of Amaryllis marks her first ever role in a theatre production. She has been loving the experience, and grateful for seeing her dream of being a cast member of such a great musical come true!

GREGOR HOCKNULL

Tommy Djilas

This is Gregor's first show with Zao theatre, he feels so blessed to be a part of this production and hopes to be a part of many more! You may recognize him from his iconic roles such as Les (Newsies) and Sonny (Grease). Gregor would like to thank his mom for being so supportive and loving with him throughout his whole career in the arts! Thank you, and enjoy the show!

CHARLOTTE HOVER-LASHNITS

Ensemble

Charlotte is a 7th grader at Elite Performance Academy. She is so excited to be making her Zao debut! Charlotte has been performing since the age of two. She was recently seen in the Places! Productions Mary Poppins as Sweep2. Her favorite credits include Annie (Annie-Stage Door Studio), Marty (Madagascar-Limelight) and Jack (Into the Woods-Stage Door Studio.
She hopes you enjoy the show!

CHLOE KESNER

Ensemble

Chloe, who loves to sing, dance and act, is thrilled to be a part of The Music Man cast. When Chloe is not performing she is passionate about spending time with her family. Chloe extends a very big thanks to Mickey, Laura, and Marc for making this show magical.

EDDIE KESNER

Mayor Shinn

There’s no beating around the bush here...Eddie is excited to be back at ZAO. He recently played Rob Sheldrake in Zao’s fantastic production of White Christmas! A few of his other roles include Lt. Brannigan (Guys & Dolls), Archibald Craven (The Secret Garden), Schroeder (You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown) and Reverend Hale (The Crucible). Working with Mickey & the Zao family is a joy, and performing alongside his three beautiful daughters makes him as happy as a cow in clover. Most importantly, he would like to thank his lovely wife for her unfaltering love, sacrifice, and support!

MOLLY KESNER

Ensemble

Molly is honored to be able to perform with her sisters (Olivia & Chloe) and her Dad (Eddie). This is Molly’s 4th Zao show and is she excited to be back. Molly would love to thank Mickey for directing this talented cast and for always showing the love of God.

OLIVIA KESNER

Ensemble

Olivia is thrilled to be in this production of Music Man. This will be her fourth show with Zao. Previous credits with Zao include Bright Star, You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, and White Christmas. Olivia would like to thank Mickey, Laura, and Marc for making this production spectacular, and a special thanks to her family for all the support.

MICHAEL LEETH

Conductor/Constable/Ensemble

Michael Is proud to be returning to Zao Theater for another exciting show and being able to work such a talented cast. Some of his favorite productions are Chicago, Hello Dolly, Mamma Mia, Guys N Dolls, The Wiz, The Full Monty, Ragtime, Dream Girls and the list continues. Michael is originally from Maryland and currently works as a Flight Attendant. He also sings with the Orpheus Men’s Chorus of Phoenix. Michael would also like to thank Joe for his continued support!

DONNALYNN MAGGIO

Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn

Donnalynn is heart happy to return to the stage after a too long hiatus. Past credits include the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof (Yente u/s Golde) and Menopause the Musical (Earth Mother and Iowa Housewife). A few other favorites: Emma Goldman (Assassins & Ragtime), Sister Mary Amnesia and Sister Hubert (Nunsense), Saraghina (Nine), adult, youth and educational theatre teacher and director, acting and audition coach, and friend with a warm hug. My favorite role to date is wife to my loving and talented husband, Jerry. Love you my baby! Thank you to this lovely Zao family for the warm welcome & opportunity.

JERRY MAGGIO

Olin Britt

Jerry is originally from NY, where he performed in regional and community theatre for over 20 years. He’s been in AZ for over 5 years now and is excited to return to the Zao Theatre stage after playing Charlie Brown in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown last summer. Some of his other recent productions include: Spelling Bee (Coneybear), Guys and Dolls (Rusty Charlie), and Jekyll & Hyde (Simon Stride, Spider). Some of Jerry's favorite past roles include: Malcolm in The Full Monty, Rev. Moore in Footloose, Warbucks in Annie, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. He'd like to thank Mickey and Marc for the opportunity to be a part of the Quartet and this talented cast. To Jerry's wife and soul mate, Donna, who he gets to share the stage with again after many years, "I'm so lucky and grateful to have you by my side on stage and in this world- I love you so much!"

GRACE MCGEOCH

Ensemble

Grace is thrilled to be debuting on the Zao Theatre stage! An upstate New York transfer (by way of Missoula, Montana), her prior roles include Cinderella in Into The Woods, Crissy in Hair, Heather McNamara in Heathers, Marcy Park in The 25th Annual…Spelling Bee, and Torrey in Freaky Friday. She would like to thank her family, friends, and Cody for their love and support. 

TURNER MCKENZIE

Ensemble

Turner is looking forward to performing in Music Man with his fellow theatre family old and new. His top shows include Seussical, Hello Dolly, Guys and Dolls, and White Christmas. He would like to thank his friends and family for all the support, hard work, and marching still right today. Enjoy the show!

CONNER MCNUTT

Ensemble

Conner is very excited to be making another appearance in a Zao show. You've seen recently him in You;e a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Previously, he was part of the technical team for Sound of Music and Bright Star. Conner is thankful for this opportunity and grateful for the new friends he has made with this outstanding cast.

IAN MONTGOMERY

Ensemble

Ian is excited to be part of his third musical. His past shows have been Beauty and the Beast, and Shrek the musical. He'd like the thank Mickey for casting him in the show, and his family for supporting him.

JEFF MONTGOMERY JR

Ewert Dunlop

Jeff is playing Ewart Dunlop in The Music Man, which is his 13th show with Zao Theatre. His first Zao show was in 2016 as Thomas Jefferson in 1776. His favorite role was in 2015 as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables with CopperStar. He loves to entertain others and spread joy and happiness to everyone he meets.

SHAYLA MONTGOMERY

Ensemble

Shayla is so excited to be back with Zao Theatre. She did her very first show here, and has loved performing ever since. Some of Shayla's favorite shows have been, Ragtime the musical, The Sounds of Music, A Midsummer Night's Dream as Peasblossom, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Drowsy Chaperone as the Superintendent. Shayla would like to thank the directors, Mickey, Marc, and Laura for putting on such an amazing show!

SARAI PHILLIPS-DUNLAP

Ensemble

Sarai is an ariZoni award winning costume designer who is thrilled to be back at Zao Theatre for another show. Other Zao shows are You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Bright Star, Guys and Dolls, Frost/Nixon, Hello Dolly, Seussical, Beauty and the Beast, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Ragtime. She has also performed at Meredith College and with the Opera Company of North Carolina.

CALLIANDRA RASMUSSEN

Ensemble

Calli is excited to return to the ZAO stage with her entire family! Favorite stage credits include: Margo (Bright Star), Beth March (Little Women), and Truly Scrumptious (Chitty Chitty, Bang Bang!) Calli is an avid youth theater director and teaching artist with Lincoln Preparatory Academy and Childsplay Theater Company.

JOVIE RASMUSSEN

Gracie Shinn

Jovie is thrilled to be making her musical debut with ZAO Theatre, and to perform alongside her Mom and Dad! (FINALLY!- she says) She is in the first grade and is an avid singer, dancer, and friend-to-all. A natural wit and a firecracker, Jovie spreads laughter and joy wherever she goes. She hopes you enjoy the show!

TRENT RASMUSSEN

Oliver Hix

Trent is honored and beyond excited to be a part of Zao’s production of “Music Man”. He first appeared in shows here at Zao as Nathan Detroit in their production of “Guys & Dolls”. Before that, Trent has performed in shows such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Little Women, Oliver Twist, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Thank you to his loving wife and daughter, Calli and Jovie, for all their love and support. Thank you to Zao Theater for giving him a chance to be a part of this timeless story.

CINDY RHINESMITH

Mrs. Paroo

Veteran Actress Cindy Rhinesmith  is honored to return to Zao Theatre as part of THE MUSIC MAN. Previously, Cindy portrayed Meg Boyd in the recent musical, DAMN YANKEES. At Zao Theatre last year, she was also cast as Agatha and other ensemble roles in GUYS AND DOLLS.
Cindy thanks Mickey Bryce and his team for this wonderful experience and her husband, Dave, for supporting her desire to be involved in theatre again!

MATT SNELL

Salesman/Ensemble

Matt Snell is excited to return to the Zao stage. Most resently you saw him here as Daddy Murphy in Bright Star. Matt as also appeared on the Zao stage as Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast), Mr. Mayor (Seussical), and Big Jule (Guys & Dolls). Thanks to Mickey and the production team for this amazing opportunity. Love and Thanks to Amy and Tyler for their love and support!!

BRYAN STEWART

Harold HIll

Bryan is thrilled to be back at Zao, having last been seen as Mayor Josiah Dobbs in Bright Star. Other credits include The Sound of Music (Captain von Trapp), Ragtime (Tateh - *AriZoni Award), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Clopin), 1776 (Edward Rutledge) and Godspell (Jesus). Thanks to Becca for being my “someone”, and to the rest of this cast and crew for working so hard! Hodado!

IRIS VANSLYKE

Zaneeta Shinn

Iris VanSlyke is excited to return to the Zao stage after appearing as Brigitta in The Sound of Music with her mother and sister. Recent favorite roles include Mary in The Secret Garden with INSPIRE Theatre Company, Racetrack in Newsies, Ursula in the Little Mermaid Jr and Snoopy in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown at Actors Youth Theatre, as well as Little Fan / Belinda Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and Gracie / Amaryllis in Music Man at Hale Centre Theatre. Iris is happy to be doing a show with her brother and father, and sends love to her whole family.

KRYS VANSLYKE

Ensemble

Krys VanSlyke is more seasoned as an instrumentalist and music director than an actor, but is excited to be in a show with his kids. Love to his wife Melissa.

MILES VANSLYKE

Winthrop Paroo

Hi my name is Miles. I am 8 years old unless you are seeing this on March 23rd, then I am 9 years old! This is my 5th show in total, but this is my first show at Zao. I like pancakes. I like video games. I am excited to do a show with my dad for the first time. I am also with my sister Iris. P.S. I am NOT made of cheese.

EMMA WESTBERG

Ensemble

Emma was blessed to marry her wonderful husband Richie in May 2023! She is a classically trained dancer. She danced with the MCC Dance Company for a year and Studio R Ballet for 11+ years with roles like Aurora from Sleeping Beauty and Snow Queen in the Nutcracker. She has been in 4 Shakespeare plays, including playing Puck in A Mid Summer Nights Dream. Emma has also sung in many choirs and performed in small groups and as a soloist for local events. This is Emma's first show with Zao theater as well as her first musical.

ELIZABETH WILLIAMS

Ensemble

Elizabeth is new to Zao, and thrilled to be joining so many talented cast members onstage for the Music Man! Elizabeth teaches middle school literature and directs youth theatre with a passion for the arts. Some of her favorite roles include "Aurelia" in The Madwoman of Chaillot, "Celia" in As You Like It and "Glinda" in the Wizard of Oz. Enjoy the show!

MARCUS DENTON

Music Director

Marcus Denton is the former Chair of Vocal Music Department of Chander-Gilbert Community College, where he initiated and developed the choral, vocal, music theater and music humanities programs beginning there in 1991. He is currently retired and a professor rmeritus of the Maricopa County Community College District where he began as music faculty at MCC in 1984. He is a sought-after vocal coach and teacher in Arizona. He is also well-known to Arizona audiences as both concert and stage performer and director, having musically directed well over 100 music theater productions in the Phoenix metropolitan area with college, community and regional theater companies. He holds a B.A. Ed from ASU, and a M.M. in Vocal Performance from BYU. He is a past-member of AMEA and MENC, and is past president of the Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He was the founding conductor of the renown Phoenix Children's Chorus. Marc resides in Mesa with his wife, Denna. They are the parents of five sons and grandparents of 20 (very musical) grandchildren!

TYLER GALLEY

Assistant Director

Tyler is so excited to be able to expand his theatre knowledge and learn from Mickey and the wonderful team at Zao. He’s been heavily involved with the performance side of things, and he can’t think of a better place to foray into the world of direction than his home theatre.

Previous acting roles include: Lamar Godspell, The Courier 1776: The Musical, Pvt. Louden Downey A Few Good Men, Howie Newsome Our Town, LeFou Beauty and the Beast, Wickersham 1 Seussical, Max Detweiler The Sound of Music (Zoni Nomination), Bob Zelnick Frost/Nixon (Zoni Nomination). Tyler spent a year touring with "Up with People", learning and performing international songs and dances, and spreading the joy of performing across the globe!!

Thank you to Mickey and the team at Zao for this opportunity to learn!

MICHAEL E. BRYCE

"MICKEY"

Producer / Director
Zao Artistic Director

Mickey has served as producer, director, musical director, or actor in numerous productions over his extensive theatrical career. In the past ten seasons as Artistic Director for Zao Theatre, if Mickey was not directing the show, he was a member of the cast. Some of his Zao directing credits include Beauty and the Beast, The Great Gatsby, Hello Dolly, The Odd Couple, Godspell, Ordinary Days, The Elephant Man, The Sound of Music, Barefoot in the Park, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1776; The Musical, 12 Angry Jurors, Ragtime; The Musical (AriZoni nominee), Hunchback of Notre Dame (AriZoni Best Musical Award), and The Marvelous Wonderettes (AriZoni Best Musical Award).

Mickey is not only an ariZoni award winning director, he is also a five time ariZoni award winner for musical direction, as well as the recipient of several production ariZoni awards. As an actor, Mickey has received the ariZoni Award for best actor in a musical for his portrayal of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, and most recently, he was awarded the ariZoni Award for best actor in a play for his portrayal of Richard Nixon in Zao's production of Frost/Nixon. Mickey holds degrees in music education, church music, and conducting. Mickey is also the pastor of Centerstage Church in Gold Canyon.