BWW Stage Mag Lilly and the Pirates - The Coterie Theatre Stage Mag

 

The Coterie Theatre
presents

Lilly and the Pirates
Book by John Maclay and Will Eno
Lyrics by John Maclay and Brett Ryback
Music by Brett Ryback
Original Orchestrations by Brett Ryback
Based on the book by Phyllis Root

Directed by Khalia Davis Philp
Music Direction by Ty Tuttle
Associate Director and Choreography by Marc Wayne

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Song List

"Put It in the Book".......... Lilly, Chorus
"The Frangipangi Fruit Fly" .......... Lilly, Mom, Dad
"Mundelaine" .......... Ensemble, Redheart
"Seagulls!".......... Mom, Dad
"The Librarian's Lament" .......... Ernest
"The Pirate's Oath" .......... Lilly, Teagarden
"The Tale of William Barnacle" .......... Teagarden, Pirates
"What Would Millicent Murray Do?" .......... Lilly, Teagarden, Redheart, Chorus
"Make Waves" .......... Teagarden
"Into the Storm" .......... Lilly, Teagarden, Chorus
"Shipwreck Island" .......... Lilly
"What Would Millicent Murray Do? (Reprise)" .......... Lilly, Millicent Murray
"Barnacle's Treasure" .......... Barnacle
"Captain Lilly" .......... Lilly, Teagarden, Barnacle, Redheart
"Write Your Own Story" .......... Company

Cast

Maurissa
Lilly
Jenise Cook*
Mom/Library Patron/Millicent Murray
Shawn Patrick Murphy
Dad/Redheart/Dance Captain/Fight Captain
Morgan Lynn Sterrett
Mrs. Teagarden/Patron 2/Wardrobe Supervisor
Alec Bridges
Uncle Ernest/William Barnacle
Terrace Wyatt, Jr.
Swing
Miranda Muenz
Swing
Aristotle the Parrot
Himself

Creative Team

Khalia Davis Philp

Director/Coterie Producing Artistic Director

Marc Wayne

Associate Director/Choreographer

Ty Tuttle

Music Director

Mackenzie Goodwin Tran*

Production Stage Manager

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director

Kelli Harrod

Scenic Designer

Bradley Meyer

Properties Designer

Fabian Rosales

Sound Designer

Zan de Spelder

Lighting Designer

Sydney Martin

Costume Designer

Erin Walley

What iF Puppets Director of Production

August Rowse

Master Electrician

Xavier Robles

Master Carpenter

Ta'ja Snipes

Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Manager

Daisy Melton

Sound Supervisor

Bethany Elliot

Scenic Painter

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

Lilly and the Pirates Copyright © 2010 by Phillis Root
Published by Astra Young Readers, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House, New York, USA. All Rights Reserved. By special arrangement with Gurman Agency LLC.

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Cell phones are to be put away during the performance.


* Denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of
  professional actors and stage managers in the United States

 

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Adam Fulmer; UMKC Theatre; Gloria Wisby Goodwin; Kansas City Art Institute for original production designs by the Illustration Department’s student staffed agency, MICRO: Lilly and the Pirates design by Lynn Hopkins.

The Coterie is proud to recognize funding from partners Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts – Commerce Bank, Trustee; The Sosland Foundation; and Spencer Fane.

Additional financial assistance for The Coterie's season has been generously provided by Missouri Arts Council, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, Hallmark Corporate Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Mark Edelman Theater Fund, Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, Richard J. Stern Foundation, and Theater League.


The Coterie is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit professional theatre, and a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and Theatre for Young Audiences/USA: The US chapter of ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. Lilly and the Pirates is a professional production employing members of Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in the U.S.

 

ABOUT THE COTERIE

The Coterie Theatre provides unique theatre experiences for families and young audiences. A not-for-profit professional theatre company, The Coterie is nationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind programming that features a year-round season of live plays and musicals on the company's mainstage. Since its founding in 1979 in Kansas City, Missouri, The Coterie has been at the forefront of commissioning new works or adaptations that contribute to the field of theatre for young audiences. More than 50 world or American premieres for all ages have been produced by The Coterie over the last 47 years, including hosting multiple major Broadway composers and lyricists to shape quality musicals for youth and families. The Coterie is interested in intergenerational conversation, and consistently includes teen programming in its season and outreach efforts.

The Coterie offers acting and theatre classes year-round for PreK-12th grades at multiple locations around Kansas City, including an extensive summer program of classes and performance camps. The Coterie’s community programming redefines traditional notions of work for young audiences with its unique dramatic youth writing programs (In-School Literacy Residencies and Young Playwrights Workshop), as well as two programs offered to students and schools free of charge, focusing on teen LGBTQ work (Project Pride) and preteen and teen mental health workshops (Project Daylight).

All these components serve on average over 75,000 young people and their families per year through over 350 performances. The Coterie's mission is to celebrate young people and engage diverse communities through professional theatre and education programs that foster creativity, confidence, and compassion. Donate at www.thecoterie.org.

 

 

2026 COTERIE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Bellinger • President
Laura Antolak • Vice President
Kristina Thompson • Secretary
Ashley Strohm • Treasurer

Sara Anthony
Angela Bedell
LaTanya Franklin
Carlos Gonzalez
Katie Hall
Jennifer Ingraham
Michael Judy
Gabriela Lucas
Kevin Madden
Greg Oborny
Ashlee Parker-Osborne
Ali Saucier
Natalie Simms-Patton
Theresa Stoker

 

 

COTERIE ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

MANAGING DIRECTOR • Jonathan Thomas
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR • Khalia Davis Philp
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR • David Golston
DIRECTOR OF THEATRE SCHOOL • Allison Nissley
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER • Xinyue Zhang
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR • Derek Trautwein
BOX OFFICE MANAGER • Jason Coats
BOOKING COORDINATOR • Stephanie Laaker
BOX OFFICE ASSISTANT/MARKETING SPECIALIST • Tressa Lee
HOUSE MANAGERS & BOX OFFICE ASSISTANTS • Dorian Allen, Kali Coates, Ciera Loran, Ezra Martinez-Haskins, Kelsey McGee, Pam West

 

 

 

PRODUCTION SPONSOR

 

 

What got you into theatre? ... and other biographical notes from the cast & production team

Maurissa

Lilly
Maurissa - Lilly Maurissa was fortunate to participate in a few musicals as a kid in middle school. She had no idea what she was getting herself into, but felt happy making pretend on stage. Slowly, she started doing one after the other just to fuel the acting/singing/dancing fire inside her! Along the way, she's found community in people who were drawn to storytelling through performance. This has been a plus to "the theatre world." Now she feels she can enjoy creating theatre with people she enjoys all while learning and growing as an artist. Ahoy! Step aboard this performer's tale! Maurissa is thrilled to be making her Coterie debut in LILLY AND THE PIRATES. Other recent credits include PORGY AND BESS with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, as Beth in LITTLE WOMEN and RENT with Music Theater Heritage, THE COLOR PURPLE with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, NEWSIES and DREAMGIRLS with New Theatre & Restaurant, as Heather Duke in HEATHERS with FAUST THEATRE, BLAZING BOOTS and as a lead vocalist in BROADWAY CABARET on NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES. She earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Wichita State University. Keep up with Maurissa on Instagram @maurissa_sings.

Jenise Cook*

Mom/Library Patron/Millicent Murray
Jenise Cook* - Mom/Library Patron/Millicent Murray Jenise Cook first fell in love with performing through dance at age five, but her passion for theatre grew because her mom took her to see all kinds of shows, from DISNEY ON ICE to movie musicals. She’s forever grateful for a mom who encouraged every creative adventure and every spark of curiosity. Jenise returns to The Coterie after previously directing THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL and choreographing and playing the Yellow Dragon in DRAGONS LOVE TACOS. Jenise holds a MFA in Acting & Directing from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory and works professionally across the country as an actor, director, choreographer, and intimacy director. She is passionate about imaginative, ensemble-based theatre that sparks joy and curiosity in all audiences. Recent acting credits include THE COLOR PURPLE with Kansas City Repertory Theatre and SCHOOL OF ROCK with Starlight Theatre. When she’s not in rehearsal, she loves helping young artists find their voices. Find out more about Jenise at www.jenisec.com

Shawn Patrick Murphy

Dad/Redheart/Dance Captain/Fight Captain
Shawn Patrick Murphy - Dad/Redheart/Dance Captain/Fight Captain Shawn Patrick Murphy owes his love for theatre to his mom and cousin, TJ, who both sparked his passion for storytelling and entertainment from a young age. Shawn and his mom bonded over countless movies, quoting lines back and forth and creating a shared love of great stories. Shawn and TJ eventually began filming their own home movies on VHS, putting on puppet shows, and even muting the TV to give their own voiceovers, just to make each other laugh. His mom and TJ both showed him how fun and creative storytelling could be, and that foundation eventually led him to the stage. His first ever role was as Chewing Gum in a musical about dental hygiene! Shawn returns to The Coterie stage after previously appearing as the understudy for Buddy in ELF THE MUSICAL T.Y.A. and as Bruce and Gil in FINDING NEMO T.Y.A. as well as the Storyteller in FINDING WINNIE at The Liberty WWI Memorial. He has also worked with The Coterie’s education department as a teaching artist assistant and presenter for Project Daylight. Other recent credits include playing Oberon, Lysander, and Flute in BREAKNECK MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM for KC Fringe; Greg in SYLVIA at The Arts Asylum, Tony in BILLY ELLIOT at MTKC Pro, and puppet shows large and small with Stonelion Puppet Theatre. Shawn graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwest Missouri State University with a BS in Theatre Performance. He would like to thank his lovely wife Allison for supporting his theatrical passion!

Morgan Lynn Sterrett

Mrs. Teagarden/Patron 2/Wardrobe Supervisor
Morgan Lynn Sterrett - Mrs. Teagarden/Patron 2/Wardrobe Supervisor Morgan Lynn Sterrett was encouraged by her mother to get into theatre after a childhood of solo concerts in her basement. She is thrilled to return for her fifth show at The Coterie after previously appearing in the world premiere of JUST ASK!, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, THE WHITE ROSE: WE DEFIED HITLER, and BEAT BUGS: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE! This one is for my mom, who always believed in the power of reading. Other local credits include A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; SCHOOL OF ROCK at Starlight Theatre; JERSEY BOYS, DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL, and CLUE at New Theatre & Restaurant; ANNIE with VarietyKC at Kauffman Performing Arts Center; SHE PERSISTED with Blue Curtain Project at Theatre in the Park; GREASE with Theatre Atchison PRO; and CONJURE THE NIGHT, SPECTRAL SISTERS, and TRAIN ADVENTURE with Cedar Fair at Worlds of Fun. Morgan received her BA in Theatre Performance from Kansas State University and MA in Education (Theatre) from Avila University. Catch Morgan this summer in LEGALLY BLONDE at New Theatre & Restaurant along side her Pug! Find Morgan on Instagram @morganlynnster or online at www.morganlynnsterrett.com.

Alec Bridges

Uncle Ernest/William Barnacle
Alec Bridges - Uncle Ernest/William Barnacle Alec Bridges remembers seeing his sister perform as the lead in her middle school musical and it showed him that theatre can let your imagination flourish. It was then he learned that creating and telling stories can have greater impact when performed on stage. YAARRrrrr! Avast! It be the greatest treasure in the world for Alec to make his debut treading the boards at The Coterie after earning his BSE at University of Central Missouri. When Alec was but a wee one, he attended yon theatre performance not too dissimilar from the voyage of LILLY AND THE PIRATES! Aye, in that time, there was magic as far as his eye could see. Whether his gaze landed amongst the patrons, performers, or any of the mechanical wonders lining the lobby, Alec's heart has since yearned to embark on a grand exploration of the imaginary with this crew of hearties. Now, with fresh sealegs and a proud scallywag, Alec hopes you enjoy a shipshape adventure that is sure to inspire as much as it does rile.

Terrace Wyatt, Jr.

Swing
Terrace Wyatt, Jr. - Swing Terrace Wyatt, Jr. discovered his love of the arts from watching TV in the comfort of his living room as a child; acting out his favorite movies, cartoons, and Michael Jackson. He began applying his ADHD to the world of theatre at Starlight Theatre, and the marathon started there. Terrace returns to The Coterie's stage for his tenth appearance after recently portraying Matthews, Santa’s Elf, Fake Santa, and Security in ELF THE MUSICAL T.Y.A.; Sheldon, Anchor, and Bloat in Disney and Pixar's FINDING NEMO T.Y.A., Inman Bass in the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, Luke in THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, Snoopy in A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2022), and as the male cover in ALICE'S WONDERLAND, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Terrace is a local actor, playwright, director, and producer in Kansas City, MO. He graduated with a B.A. in Theatre at William Jewell College and has worked full-time on stage since the pandemic. Recent Kansas City credits include SHREK: THE MUSICAL with Leawood Stage Company, FENCES with KC MeltingPot Theatre, THE ROYALE and PETER PAN & WENDY with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, THE GRAPES OF WRATH with The Arts Asylum, BOXED with Whim Productions, DREAMGIRLS with New Theatre & Restaurant, A RAISIN IN THE SUN with The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, SMART PEOPLE with Kansas City Actors Theatre, TONI STONE with Unicorn Theatre, and many more. He also assisted Kansas City Repertory Theatre on BROKE-OLOGY by Nathan Louis Jackson. Terrace remounted his play BLACK MAN, MISSOURI for KC Fringe at City Stage in Union Station in 2024 which received “Best of Venue” and was nominated for “Best Play" (Professional) for BroadwayWorld KC Awards. As he continues acting full-time, he’s developing more original works with his production company Terrace Studios, LLC. Production credits include BLACK MAN, MISSOURI; ONCE UPON A TIME IN FRANCE, co-produced with Bratha Abe Films; MEL’N E [MELANIN & EDUCATED] for KC Fringe 2025, and many more on the way! Terrace would like to thank his family, friends, and God for everything they’ve done for him. God is his therapist when he has no one to go to. Find out more about Terrace on Instagram @terracewyatt.jr and @terr.studios or on Facebook @Terrace Wyatt, Jr. or @Terr. Studios.

Miranda Muenz

Swing
Miranda Muenz - Swing Miranda Muenz got her start in theatre growing up doing musicals at her church. Miranda makes her Coterie debut in LILLY AND THE PIRATES. She is an alumnus of the University of Central Missouri and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre. Notable UCM roles included Cinderella in CINDERELLA and Kira in XANADU. She also recently sang in SPECTRAL SISTERS at Worlds of Fun's Halloween Haunt, played Margaret Leavitt in Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre’s production of SILENT SKY, and was an understudy for Dee Dee Loftus in NOBODY’S PERFECT at New Theatre & Restaurant. Find out more about Miranda on Instagram @mirandamuenz.

Aristotle the Parrot

Himself
Aristotle the Parrot - Himself Aristotle is getting his start in theatre in this amazing production of LILLY AND THE PIRATES! As a new actor, his first few days on stage felt a little hawk-ward, but the support of his fellow cast and crew members helped him find his wings and fly the coop with confidence. He's so excited to join the flock! He hopes to one day star as Iago in ALADDIN: THE MUSICAL, Cap'n Flint in TREASURE ISLAND: THE MUSICAL REBOOT, or -- his ultimate dream role -- as Mary Poppins' umbrella. In the meantime, he's currently creating his one-parrot show, POLLY: THE MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE BIRD WHO ONLY WANTED CRACKERS. In his free time, Aristotle likes reading "hoo-hoo dunnit" mystery novels or catching fowl balls at Kauffman Stadium. Special thanks to his family at What iF Puppets — this show is dedicated to you!

Khalia Davis Philp

Director/Coterie Producing Artistic Director
Khalia Davis was eleven years old when she was cast in her first role in an original play at a theatre summer camp. At the top of the show, when she said her first line, the audience actually laughed and she knew she was hooked! For Khalia, that is the magic and beauty of live theatre: that special exchange you share with the audience, knowing that your art is the reason they are transported for a short time to new worlds, learning, and experiencing new stories. Khalia co-leads The Coterie with the managing director to bring the organization’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. She previously directed The Coterie's production of FINDING NEMO TYA. Khalia is a multidisciplinary artist and arts leader who most recently served as the Assistant Director for the Broadway-bound world premiere, THE HIPPEST TRIP: THE SOUL TRAIN MUSICAL. As the former Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theatre (BACT), she led the world premieres of A KIDS PLAY ABOUT RACISM, which brought together over 40 theater producing partners, including The Coterie, and was viewed on Broadway on Demand nearly 80,000 times during its limited run then became a free resource for educators and their students; and THE IMAGINARIES: AN IMMERSIVE MUSICAL, an original new work that transformed their theater into an accessible playground created by the newly-formed BACT Writer’s Room, which was created as a direct response to the lack of opportunities for BIPOC playwrights and composers specializing in TYA projects. During the COVID pandemic when theaters were closed in the Bay Area, Khalia worked in partnership with former Executive Director of BACT, Nina Meehan, to conceive and produce various forms of theatrical digital and audio content for young audiences that activated their creativity and imaginative play, showcasing the potential for future digital and theatrical collaborations in TYA programming. Khalia directed and devised other new works like the award-nominated world premiere, SHE PERSISTED, THE MUSICAL, based on the popular children’s book by Chelsea Clinton; the Off-Broadway world premiere of an original adaptation of Maya Angelou’s I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS with New York City Children’s Theater; and the world premiere ARTHUR AND FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL! based on “Arthur,” the longest-running animated series on PBS with First Stage. Other prominent theaters include: A.C.T., Atlantic Theater Company’s Atlantic for Kids, New York City Children’s Theater, Disney Theatrical Group, Spellbound Theatre, and more. As a producer, Khalia has helped organizations reach hundreds of thousands of young people through interactive “edu-tainment” with the nationally known STORY PIRATES, generated new digital pre-school content with Spellbound at Home, and produced children’s media with her personal company, Kids at Heart Productions. Before assuming her role as Artistic Director of Bay Area Children’s Theater in 2020, Khalia served as the Director of Inclusion and Education with Brooklyn Children’s Theatre restructuring their children’s musical theatre programming through an anti-racism lens. Khalia is a proud board member for TYA/USA, Spellbound Theatre, and The Story Pirates. Awards include: 2019 Emerging Leader Fellowship-TYA/USA, 2019 NYCCT Leader Fellowship, and 2021 Corey Medallion Award-Children’s Theatre Foundation of America. Khalia has a BA in Theater Arts from the University of Southern California. To find out more, visit www.khaliadavis.com.

Marc Wayne

Associate Director/Choreographer
Marc Wayne started dancing when he was 15 years old when his high school theatre department needed dancers for the winter musical, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Marc’s work has been seen on The Coterie's stage since 2012, including A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!, the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, PETE THE CAT, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (2017, 2019 and 2022), TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, SHREK THE MUSICAL, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2014, 2016 and 2018), and BEATBUGS. Other recent productions include ONE OF THE GOOD ONES (fight choreographer), A CHRISTMAS CAROL, THE COLOR PURPLE (fight choreographer), NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN, and THE RIPPLE, THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME with Kansas City Repertory Theatre; the upcoming production of THE WIZ (co-director/choreographer), SWEENEY TODD, GODSPELL, PORGY AND BESS, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' (director/choreographer), TITANIC: THE MUSICAL; HAIR, RAGTIME, CAROUSEL, SHOWBOAT with Music Theater Heritage; Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company; Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders; Störling Dance Theater; and MaxxasDance Theater. Regional: NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Belhaven University Dance Department (Jackson, MS), Dance Revolution (National Tour), Saint Louis Dance Theater (St. Louis, MO), CARMAN Ministries (National Concert Tour), The Bibleman Adventure (Video series and National Tour). International: Continental Singers (World Tours). Marc also appeared in THE COLOR PURPLE at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; RAGTIME, OKLAHOMA!, HAIR, CAROUSEL, GUYS AND DOLLS, the upcoming production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Music Theater Heritage); UNDERGROUND (Störling Dance Theater); and ON CYPRUS AVENUE (Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company). Education: The Ohio State University: Dance. Marc and his wife, Jen, have nine children.

Ty Tuttle

Music Director
Ty Tuttle was inspired to get into theatre by his passionate and encouraging music teachers. Ty is a Kansas City-based pianist and musical theatre coach. Throughout his growing career, he has established himself as a passionate and diligent collaborator. An Illinois native, Ty received his master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021. Ty remains active as a pianist and music supervisor. He has music directed and performed at theaters all over Illinois and the Kansas City area. Recent credits include ELF - THE MUSICAL T.Y.A., FINDING NEMO T.Y.A. and CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at The Coterie, THE LITTLE MERMAID at Starlight Theatre, and SWEENEY TODD at Music Theater Heritage, where he serves as a Resident Music Director.

Mackenzie Goodwin Tran*

Production Stage Manager
Mackenzie Goodwin met the theatre through her parents, and she doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t constantly participating in or going to theatrical productions– including at The Coterie! Her mom is a theatre actor, director, and educator. Her dad was an acrobat and a lighting and sound technician. Mackenzie returns to The Coterie after having worked on numerous productions, including serving as production stage manager for the world premiere of THE DRUM CLOSET, ELECTRIC POE (2025), A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD (2025), CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, the world premiere of JUST ASK!, FINDING NEMO TYA, the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, ROALD DAHL'S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL, ELECTRIC POE, ALICE'S WONDERLAND, PETE THE CAT, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES, and as a production assistant and an actor in DR. SEUSS' THE CAT IN THE HAT. Other recent credits include associate director on A CHRISTMAS CAROL for Kansas City Repertory Theatre (2022, 2023, 2024); director of THE BUTCHER’S SON (Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, Winner: Most Promising New Musical), swing stage manager on NEWSIES, ELVIS: ALOHA FROM VEGAS, DREAMGIRLS, and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET for New Theatre & Restaurant; stage manager for workshops of NINA SIMONE: 4 WOMEN and 4 DIRECTIONS at Kansas City Repertory Theatre; production stage manager on THE PRICE and DOT for Kansas City Actors Theatre; SHOWS FOR DAYS for Fishtank Theatre; production assistant for MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, BLACKTOP SKY and DISTRACTED at Unicorn Theatre; and TITUS ANDRONICUS and MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE for The Living Room Theatre; lead ASM and youth coordinator at Kansas City Ballet; and safety coordinator at KC Rep. Mackenzie is the co-producing artistic director for Brother Octopus Productions at The Black Box (formerly Stuffed Buffalo Productions), former producing artistic director of Westport Center for the Arts, an intimacy director, a voice over actor, and a member of Actors' Equity Association and Stage Managers’ Association. She won a fellowship at the O’Neill Center through the Eugene O’Neill Critics’ Competition (KCACTF) and was a founding member of Omaha’s Ætherplough company as well as a member of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab (2015/16) & Chicago Directors Lab (2018/19). She studied theatre, dance, & Latin American literature at Kansas State University. “Theatre for young audiences is the last true bastion of the avant garde.” For more about Mackenzie visit www.goodwincalling.com.

Derek Trautwein

Technical Director
Derek Trautwein is a Kansas City theatre artist with a wide berth of professional and educational experience. Derek recently made his Coterie directing debut with the world premiere production of the Theatre for Young Audiences version of ELF - THE MUSICAL. He has served as technical director on The Coterie's THE DRUM CLOSET, A WRINKLE IN TIME, CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, JUST ASK!, FINDING NEMO T.Y.A., ELECTRIC POE (2024 & 2025), the world premiere of HORSE POWER: TOM BASS' AMERICAN STORY, Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED: THE ROCK EXPERIENCE, and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL (2023). After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance, Derek received his Master of Arts Degree in Theatre History in 2012 from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). During his time at UCM, Derek began his journey as a carpenter and Technical Director to accompany his endeavors in acting, directing, and playwriting. From 2013 to 2023, Derek served as faculty amongst the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS. Initially hired as the Technical Director, as he oversaw all sound, light, and scenic elements, Derek was promoted to Assistant Professor and Department Chair in 2021. Derek’s final directing spotlight at Benedictine, THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie, received a Meritorious Achievement Award for Play Direction from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in 2023. Around Kansas City, Derek has worked with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Public Theatre, KC MeltingPot Theatre, Relevance Productions, Card Table Theatre, and Stuffed Buffalo Productions. Since 2012, Derek has been an active participant in the Kansas City Fringe Festival, producing over a dozen pieces of original works written by other artists as well as his own, including DECEIT, which earned Derek the inaugural Mark Edelman Best New Play Award in 2019. Derek’s original plays have also been featured multiple times each for Kansas City Public Theatre, Olathe Civic Theatre, and the Kansas City Horror Play Festival. Lately, Derek has been bouncing around multiple spaces in the Kansas City theatre community including performing on stage in THIS RANDOM WORLD: THE MYTH OF SERENDIPITY at Just Off Broadway Theatre and ELF - THE MUSICAL with Padgett Productions as well as serving as technical director of NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 at The Black Box and THE SHOOTER produced by Trish Mitchell at Just Off Broadway Theatre. Moving forward, Derek seeks to create on his own terms while aiding artists of all kind to find their voices and venues.

Kelli Harrod

Scenic Designer
Kelli Harrod knew she always wanted to be an artist and painter, after seeing her first theatre production - she immediately wanted to know who had painted the set and how she could do it as well. Kelli has worked on multiple Coterie productions, including as scenic designer on FINDING NEMO T.Y.A., the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, AKEELAH AND THE BEE, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, PUFFS, and SECRET SOLDIERS: HEROINES IN DISGUISE, as well as props designer on ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” Recently, she worked as scenic designer on CHERUBIN for UMKC Opera Conservatory, SWEENEY TODD for Padgett Productions, and FREAKY FRIDAY for New Theatre & Resturant. Previously, she also worked on PIPELINE at Unicorn Theatre, ROCKY HORROR SHOW with Padgett Productions, and SOMETHING ROTTEN at White Theatre at The J.

Bradley Meyer

Properties Designer
Bradley Meyer saw a production of WILLY WONKA in sixth grade and it sparked a life long interest in technical theatre and design. Bradley is a freelance theatre designer, educator, and professional educator who previously served as properties designer for the world premiere production of THE DRUM CLOSET and scenic designer for Roald Dahl's CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY at The Coterie. He moved to Kansas City in 2021 to pursue a career in theatre after growing up in Iowa where he taught Family and Consumer Sciences as well as directed theatre and speech programs at the high school level. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Science from Iowa State University as well as a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and studied Scenic Design in the graduate program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Other recent scenic and properties design credits include MACHINAL for Johnson County Community College, LOVES LABOURS LOST for Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, FAT HAM for Unicorn Theatre, and CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY for Theatre in the Park. See Bradley's full portfolio and contact information at www.bradleymeyerdesigns.com.

Fabian Rosales

Sound Designer

Zan de Spelder

Lighting Designer
Zan de Spelder fell in love with the magic of storytelling at the age of five helping with quick changes backstage during a production of CINDERELLA. Zan returns to The Coterie after having worked as lighting designer on the world premiere of THE DRUM CLOSET, CINDERELLA: A SALSA FAIRY TALE, FINDING NEMO T.Y.A., the world premiere of ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR, and THE WHITE ROSE: WE DEFIED HITLER, associate lighting designer for ELECTRIC POE (2023) and TELL-TALE ELECTRIC POE, and assistant lighting designer for ELEPHANT & PIGGIE'S "WE ARE IN A PLAY!" and SECRET SOLDIERS: HEROINES IN DISGUISE. Recent work includes resident lighting designer for Padgett Productions since 2021, resident lighting designer for Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble since 2022, resident lighting designer for Miller Marley School of Dance & Voice since December 2024, lighting designer for THE UNEXPECTED with Tristian Griffin Dance Company, DIAL M FOR MURDER with Kansas City Actors Theatre, project lead on Kemper Horizon Theater upgrade, and associate lighting designer for ENCOUNTERS at the WWI Museum and Memorial. Zan has a MFA in Design with the University of Missouri-Kansas City. For more designs visit www.zandespelder.com.

Sydney Martin

Costume Designer
Sydney Martin got her start in theatre after performing in a production in the third grade playing Meriwether Lewis from LEWIS AND CLARK, and she fell in love with the idea of Theatre. Sydney returns to The Coterie after previously designing costumes on A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD last season. Sydney is from Kansas City, MO, and has also worked on MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS with Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts as well as SOMETHING ROTTEN!, MEN ON BOATS, and MOON MAN WALK during her time in graduate school at Florida State University.

Erin Walley

What iF Puppets Director of Production
What iF Puppets was founded by internationally recognized puppeteer Paul Mesner as Mesner Puppet Theatre in 1987 to provide innovative storytelling that captures children’s imaginations and inspires communities. In 2022, the organization rebranded to become What iF Puppets (WiP) with the mission of inspiring play and cultivating connections through puppetry. Since its inception, the organization has captivated over two million people through our productions and educational programming. Audiences delight in the craftsmanship of the puppets, which range from glove puppets to marionettes, to innovative shadow and object-based puppetry. The company holds the distinction of receiving five Union Internationale de la Marionette (UNIMA-USA) Citations of Excellence. The UNIMA-USA award was created by Jim Henson to promote high-quality puppetry in the United States and is considered the ‘Academy Award” of puppetry. WiP uses humor and heart to present stories that connect to the complex social-emotional experiences of our young audience. Each year, WiP engages more than 30,000 young people and adults with its programs Puppets on Tour (local and national tour), Puppets in Education (Prek-2nd grade arts-integrated learning), Puppets in Progress (Artist cultivation), premiere production (annual original production), and Professional Services (commissioned work). WiP is led by a talented staff of artists, educators, and administrators including Executive Artistic Director Amanda Kibler, Director of Puppetry Arts Mike Horner, Director of Production Erin Walley, Puppet Fabricator and Puppeteer Matt Hawkins, Puppet Apprentice Cooper Rasmussen, Operations Manager Jennifer Fenton, Director of Education Alex Espy, Education Manager Karese Kaw-uh, Arts Integration Specialist Mary Poggie. Find out more about What iF Puppets on their website at www.whatifpuppets.org or on Facebook @whatifpuppets or Instagram @whatifpuppets.

August Rowse

Master Electrician

Xavier Robles

Master Carpenter

Ta'ja Snipes

Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Manager

Daisy Melton

Sound Supervisor

Bethany Elliot

Scenic Painter

Jonathan Thomas

Coterie Managing Director
Jonathan Thomas serves as Managing Director of The Coterie Theatre, having stepped into his role managing operations after the tragic loss of Executive Director Joette Pelster. He co-leads the organization with the Producing Artistic Director Khalia Davis Philp, working to bring The Coterie’s innovative performances and programs to the Kansas City region. Jonathan began his path as a professional opera and musical theatre performer out of college, working locally with many area performing arts organizations including the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Chorale, Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and New Theatre & Restaurant. After seven years building a successful insurance and financial advising agency, he moved to San Francisco to follow his passion in arts administration. Before returning to Kansas City in 2018, he served as the development manager for The Walden School for three years, where he oversaw organizational fundraising strategies and expanded alumni relations. At ArtsKC, he served as Senior Development Manager, which greatly expanded his knowledge of the Kansas City arts sector. Prior to joining The Coterie, Jonathan served as the Senior Manager for Individual Giving and Partnerships at Lyric Opera of Kansas City, combining his love for the performing arts with his passion for leadership and fund development. Jonathan received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kansas. He continues his commitment to educating and advocating for the arts by serving on the Kansas City Chorale Board, the Johnson County Park and Recreation Artist Selection Committee, and by chairing the Theatre in the Park Advisory Council. He is a frequent guest speaker about the economic impact of the arts in Kansas City, appearing at the NAAAP Leadership Conference, Arts Day for Centurions, and at the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is married to Gail Nakano and is a father to Sofia, a senior at Cornell University, Tristan, a senior in high school, and Cassia and Koda, two littles who haven’t decided on college plans to date.

Donors

The Coterie wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the many corporations, foundations, agencies, and individuals that so generously support The Coterie.

The following list celebrates gifts received September 1, 2024, and September 15, 2025.

 

AGENCIES & ORGANIZATIONS  

$10,000+
American Royal Association
Breakthrough T1D
Missouri Arts Council
National Endowment for the Arts
Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
Variety KC

 

$500 - $999
Kansas City Athenaeum
Kansas City Mom Collective

  

 

FOUNDATIONS OF THE COTERIE

$10,000+
Francis Family Foundation
Louis and Elizabeth Nave Flarsheim
     Charitable Foundation, Bank
     of America, N.A., Trustee
Mark Edelman Theater Fund
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family
     Foundation
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation
Victor E. & Caroline E. Schutte
     Foundation
The Shubert Foundation
Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts
     — Commerce Bank, Trustee

 

$5,000 - $9,999
H&R Block Foundation
Theater League

 

$1,000 - $2,499
Children’s Theatre Foundation of America
Copaken Family Foundation
John & Bernice Hamra Foundation
The Ingram Family Foundation
Polsky Family Charitable Foundation
Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation

 

 

CORPORATE IMPACT

$10,000+
Crown Center Redevelopment Corp.
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Spencer Fane LLP
 

$5,000 - $9,999
Kissick Construction
New Theatre & Restaurant KC

 

$2,500 - $4,999
Bluescope Foundation
BOK Financial
Henderson Engineers
KPMG LLP

 

$500 - $2,499
Acord Cox & Company
Arno Meats
Dysart Taylor
Enterprise Bank

 

INDIVIDUAL GIVING  

VISIONARIES ($5,000+)
Henry & Laura
     Antolak
Pete Browne &
     Julie Walker
     Browne
David E. &
     Laura H. Hall
Joan J. Horan Fund
John & Marny
     Sherman
Susanne Shutz
Theresa & Shaun
     Stoker
Andrew Van Der
     Laan & Rebecca
     Schwietz
Gregory L.
     Vranicar,
     In Loving
     Memory

 PRODUCERS ($2,500 - $4,999)
Charles & Virginia
     Clark
Jennifer & Jason
     Ingraham
Lynette Bates &
     Chuck Koester
The Estate of
     David K. Lohrentz
Jeanne & Charlie
     Sosland
Jonathan Thomas
     & Gail Nakano

DIRECTORS ($1,000 - $2,499)
Anonymous
Ellen & John
     Aisenbrey
Ian & Elizabeth
     Arnold
Andy & Peggy
     Beal Family Fund
Angela & Larry
     Bedell
Joe & Skylar
     Bellinger
Richard I. &
     Nicole Browne
Lydia Butler &
     Art Kent
Dr. Robert Claassen
Charles L. Curtiss
     Memorial Fund
Don & Pat Dagenais
Carlos González
     & Heather Layton
Irv & Ellen
     Hockaday
Don Hall, Sr.
Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd
     & Veronica
     Jackson

Michael &
     Mary Jane Judy
Gabriela & Shawn
     Lucas
Greg Oborny &
     J. Michael Sigler
Ashlee Parker
     Osborne
Mr. & Mrs. Steve
     Passer
Jill Rademacher
Alison & Nathan
     Saucier
Lisa & Charles
     Schellhorn
David & Gretchen
     Silver
Claude & Tina
     Thau
Mark Titus
Ina & W. Frank
     Van Der Laan
Dr. Michael J Wurm
     & Cindy Wurm
Karenbeth
     Zacharias

SUSTAINERS ($500 - $999)
Anonymous (3)
Sara Anthony
Ivan & Karla Batlle
Christopher Battles
Michael & Karen
     Begelfer
Bob & Daniel
     Burgarino-Stevens
Jim & Bess Covert
Martha & Steve
     Crider
Margaret Cummings
Ava Delsemme
Dr. LaTanya Franklin
Carolyn & Chip
     Glidden
Amy & Eric Graham
Onie Grosshans
Katie & Matthew Hall
Suzanne & James
     Horner
Felicia & Venne
     Londré
The Milligan Family
Shea & Sarah
     McGinnity

 

Cheri Milligan
Christine A.
     Moranetz
Dr. Sean &
     Heather Nix
Kim & Ben
     Randell
Jeanne M.
     Rooney
Christine Sill-Rogers
     & Charlie Rogers
Nicole Jacobs
     Silvey &
     Patrick
     Silvey
Mindy & Deric
     Stewart
Kurt Stockbauer
     & Mary Boesen
Ashley
   Strohm
Kristina &
     Kelly
     Thompson
Keith & Anne
     Wiedenkeller
INNOVATORS ($250 - $499)
Anonymous
Jeme & Erica
     Benadon
Maureen & William
     Berkley
Tim Bowen
Cathi & David Brain
Julie & John Cain
Mary & John Calkins
James & Jennifer
     DeGood
Tom & Anne Dillon
Anthony Edwards &
     Scott Henze
Beverly Godwin &
     Mike Roberts
Erick & Alina Guerra
Doty Hoffman
Don Loncasty
Martha & Byron Long
Melissa & Brandon
     McManamy
Daniel Nelson

 


Mark & Paula
     Nichols
Jennifer & Tom
     Palmer
Todd Peters
Lori & David
     Riddle
Carolyn Rutherford
     Mayo
Stuart & Julie
     Shaw
Natalie
     Simms-Patton
Chuck & Kay
     Sipple
Kurtis Thiel
Donna
     Thomason
John & Elizabeth
     Wendorff
Penny & Randy
     Williams

ADVOCATES ($100 - $249)
Anonymous (5)
Christina Anderson
Yuliya & Andrei
     Antonets
Pam Asjes
Rachel & Henry Avila
Joe & Stacie
     Ballentine
Sheryl Becker
Matthew & Elizabeth
     Bessine
Jessica Best &
     Brian Stewart
Halleck Bilyeu
David Buck
Lauren Burke
Megan Case
Helen Chaffin
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff
     Clayton
Cara Joy David,
     in honor of Sarit
 Chaisanguanthum
Beth & Stan
     Chandler
Jeff Clayton
Olivia Dorsey
Cathy & Steve
     Doyal
Barbara Fay
Melanie Fenske
Randall Fowler
Sean & Adina
     Goodman
Don Hall, Jr.
Donna Henry
David Huston
Robert Icsezen
Andrew Jackson
Brad Johnson
Denairian
     Johnson
Barbara Landes,
     in memory of
     Chet Landes
Mark Kurtz
Marian & Fred
     Light
 

Lynn & Lewis Lowry
Kathy Lyon
Peg & Bill Lyons
Alan
     McDermott
Justin Mohn
Mandy
     Mook-Payton
Matthew Noonan
Pamela Paul
Slawik & Erin
     Pech
David & Paula
     Potter
Cindy Rhodes
Karen Roberts
Dustin & Angela
     Schafer
Monica Schroer
Avis Smith
Rebecca Smith
LeAnne Stewart
     & Chris Hailey
Kim & Randy
     Stout
Mary Stringer
Susan Teson
Debra & Paul
     Turpin
James Van
     Halderen
Susan Waldron
Teresa Woody
Rik Siro &
     Teresa
     Woodyard
Ann & Joe
     Woodyard
Declan & Emmett
     Voss
Marty Yadrick
     & Eric
     Chapman
Patrice
     Yarrow
Marcus
     Zehnder
ENSEMBLE ($50 - $99)
Anonymous (10)
Susan & Dale
     Abrahamson
Rana & Kevin
     Bentley
Barbara Bernstein
     & Saul Erlich
Cathy Blake
Autumn Book
The Brasel Family
Ingrid Burnett
Bart Cords
Amy Devine
Elizabeth Domann
Kathy & Jim Dunn
Barbara Bernstein &
     Saul Erlich
Katie Harris
Mary Harrison
Diane Stone Hayes
 

Andrea Kalish
Jean & Dennis
     Kasselman
Molly Lack
Jessica Michael
Susan Palmer
Vy Pham
Trevor Stone
Lauren Vieux
Marilyn Vranicar
Ronald
     Williams
Patricia Woods

In Memory of Nancy Marcy,
     a Beloved Member of
     The Coterie Family
Anonymous (2)
Susie Adamson
     & Kathi Krouch
Tyrone Aiken
J. Kent Barnhart
Sharron Brittan
Foster Collins
Joe & Susan Curtiss
Don & Pat Dagenais
Jeff Davolt
Martin English
Nathaniel Gough
Shirley Griffith
Onie Grosshans
David E. &
     Laura H. Hall
Chris Evans Hands
Mary Hawks
Linda Herbel
Margaret Howard
Robert & Judy Kile

Chet Kincaid
Clarann Krueger
Judy Lanes
Analee Lanio
Lesly Lewandowski
Howard Martin
Carolyn Rutherford
     Mayo
Carol McClellan
Christine Moranetz
John Rensenhouse
Jan Rogge
Sheila Schmidt
Jeanne & Charlie
     Sosland
Kerry Sutorius
Sherlyn Talkington
Kurtis Thiel
Donna Thomason
Sallie Trecek
Nancy Wagner
Holden
     Wertheimer-Meier

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