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.

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.