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*Matthew McGee (Artistic
Director) -
Matthew
has been fortunate to work professionally as an actor, director,
and writer for many years. He graduated with a BFA in Theatre
Performance from Valdosta State University. As a performer,
Matthew has performed in numerous regional venues throughout
the United States. He is also an accomplished cabaret performer
having created his own shows and benefits in NYC and throughout
the country. Matthew is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association
and The American Guild of Variety Artists. Matthew joined the
Show Palace staff in 2001 as an actor and assistant stage manager.
He became the Production Coordinator in 2004 and became Artistic
Director in January 2005. He has directed highly acclaimed
productions of ANYTHING GOES, SUGAR
BABIES, WHOREHOUSE, and CABARET.
Matthew has also performed in many Show Palace productions.
Favorite appearances include CHICAGO, LA
CAGE AUX FOLLES, SUGAR BABIES, THE
ODD COUPLE and VICTOR/VICTORIA. With
writing partner Candler Budd, Matthew has created two highly
successful original revues including 2005's CHRISTMAS
IN NEW YORK and the 2006 smash hit VIVA VEGAS.
Recently, Matthew appeared at American Stage in the hit productions
THE
BIG BANG and ALL THE GREAT BOOKS in
St. Petersburg. Matthew is most proud of his experience teaching
acting at the John Leggio Center for The Performing Arts. He
hopes you find time to support local theater in your area.
Katie Kerwin (Resident Choreographer) Katie joined the artistic staff at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre in 2002 as an assistant to the Artistic Director. In 2004 she became the resident choreographer for the Show Palace. Some of her favorites include ANYTHING GOES, SUGAR BABIES, BRIGADOON, VIVA VEGAS, and most recently the collaboration with Joe Camper on the revival of the FABULOUS 50’s and 60’s REVUE. She has also worked extensively at the Show Palace as a performer as well. Some of her favorite roles include Velma Kelly in CHICAGO, Cassie in A CHORUS LINE, and the Prima Donna in SUGAR BABIES. She is also currently on staff at John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts where she teaches Tap and Voice. Katie started her career in the performing arts in Northern California. There she was a dancer and competitive figure skater and ice dancer for nearly 20 years sharing the ice with Brian Boitano, Debbie Thomas, Rudi Galindo, and Kristi Yamaguchi as well as performing with tap legend Gregory Hines in San Francisco for the film release of TAP. Katie also co-hosted of MTV’S Singled Out Live! at Paramount’s Great America along side host Chris Hardwick. Katie holds a B.F.A. in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, CAP21 Conservatory. She has extensive performing and choreographing experience and most recently had the pleasure of choreographing for Peach State Summer Theatre’s production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Katie has worked with Karen Ziemba, Jerry Herman, and Gene Nelson and has studied under some of the most influential performers and educators in their fields. Most recently Katie had the opportunity to work with TONY award winning director Walter Bobbie and Broadway choreographer Randy Skinner in Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS in San Francisco at the Orpheum Theatre. You can also hear her singing on the upcoming cast album, which is to be released in the fall of 2006. Katie is also a proud member of Actor's Equity Association, the professional stage actor's Union, and the International Tap Association. She would like to thank the Show Palace producers and staff for their support. Tom Hansen (Scenic & Lighting Designer) - This is Tom Hansen’s 9th year as Show Palace’s Production Designer. His first show was the award winning production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. Tom’s award credits include OKLAHOMA ! (Palace Award, 1999), HARVEY (Lary Award, 2002), PHILADELPHIA STORY (Lary Award, 2003), THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Lary Award, 2004), BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Lary Award, 2005) THE GREAT SEBASTIANS (Lary Award Nomination), and MORNINGS AT SEVEN (Lary Award Nomination). He has designed and built several productions for theatres along Florida’s West Coast including CHICAGO (Eight O’clock Theatre), BLITHE SPIRIT (St. Petersburg Little Theater), OVER THE RIVER (Mark-Two Dinner Theater), RED HOT & COLE (Players of Sarasota) and MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (Richey Suncoast Theater). Tom also designs for JOHN LEGGIO SCHOOL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTSin Spring Hill. His other theatrical and artistic credits include PHCC Performing Arts Center(Technical Director), Chris Hawn & Associates (custom art & design) and Famous Faces, Inc. (celebrity portrait artist). Tom thanks Nick & Sal, the Artistic Staff, the box office, and the cast & crew for their hard work and dedication. Tom would like to extend a very special Thank You to his lovely wife, Emilie, for her love and support. Michael Ursua (Musical Director) Michael returns to the Show Palace as their new resident musical director. An accomplished pianist, Michael has musically directed and conducted/played numerous New York and regional productions such as SWEENEY TODD, GEORGE M!, WEST SIDE STORY, BIG RIVER, MAME, EVITA, INTO THE WOODS, the most recent European tour of 42ND STREET and the 50th Anniversary tour of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. He was also the director of the Show Palace's productions of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and OLIVER. As a performer, he was last seen on the Show Palace stage as Cole Porter in RED HOT AND COLE, Bella Zangler in CRAZY FOR YOU, the Padre in MAN OF LA MANCHA and CHARLIE DAVENPORT in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and has performed in New York and across the country with roles including L.M. in PUMP BOYS & DINETTES, Cornelius in HELLO DOLLY, the Production Tenor in the national tour of SINGIN' IN THE RAIN and was featured in the Off-Broadway production of MY DORIS DAY. In November of 2007, Michael finished his second main stage contract with Disney Cruise Line. He reprised his role as Franco DiFortunato, the evil fairy godfather in Disney's newest show TWICE CHARMED as the Disney Magic embarked on it's first-ever Mediterranean itinerary. As time permits, he is proud to be on staff at the Sell's Broadway Dance Company where he teaches voice and musical theatre. Michael is also part of the Disney Cruise Line creative team and has written several shows for Disney, all of which can be seen daily on both ships. Angela Hoerner (Resident Costume Designer) – Angela has been building costumes since 1985 when the Renaissance Faire bug first bit her. Since then, her love of fashion and history has led her on a most interesting journey. In recent years, she has been very active with the Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute designing for their teen and pre-teen summer camp programs. Her most recent design credits are All The Great Books: Abridged and Dial 'M' For Murder - American Stage. This is her first time working with the creative team at the Show Palace, and she is grateful for the opportunity. Susan Haldeman (Company Manager) – Susan is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. She graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Mesa State College. She happily joined the Show Palace staff in 2000. During her time here she has primarily been a performer in such fabulous productions as: OLIVER!, NUNSENSE, SWINGTIME CANTEEN, A FUNNY THING…FORUM, CAROUSEL, MAME, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, RUMORS, THE MUSIC MAN, SWING!, THE FABULOUS 50S AND 60S REVUE and many more including playing Bobbi Melody in the 2007 hit A SHOW PALACE CHRISTMAS. She has also worked backstage in many facets of theatre including props, wigs, make-up design, and set crew in various Show Palace productions. Before arriving at The Show Palace in 2000, Susan lived in New York City and worked all over the nation at various theatres. In late 2000-01 she toured the United States and Canada with Phoenix Productions’ PHANTOM. She is thrilled to be joining Matthew McGee, Katie Kerwin, Tom Hansen, Angela Hoerner, and Gary Wyatt on the Artistic Staff. Many thanks to Nick and Sal Sessa and the entire staff at the Show Palace who make this such a wonderful place to work, thanks to Todd for teaching me all you know, and thank you to Kim for giving me the freedom to find my artistic voice. Thanks also to my family and my friends for their love and constant support of my crazy lifestyle! |