Heather Luellen Archives - Reynolds College Blog

“Broadway Giants” celebrates musical theatre legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim

February 27, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance, in collaboration with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, will present “Broadway Giants: Lloyd Webber and Sondheim” at 7:30 p.m. March 7, 2026, in the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

“Broadway Giants” honors the musical legacies of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim. Associate Professor and Musical Theatre Coordinator Josh Young is the show’s co-producer, writer and director.

Young built “Broadway Giants” around three Sondheim compositions and six Lloyd Webber compositions. He then included songs from people who influenced Sondheim and Lloyd Webber as well as the new generation of composers they have since influenced. The narrative throughout “Broadway Giants” provides historical context while telling the story of Sondheim and Lloyd Webber, their work and their far-reaching influence.

“I’m excited for the community to see the show,” Young said. “I think people will be shocked at the level of talent that we have this year. I think we have some of the most talented students in the country, and I would love for the community at large to know that.”

Purchase tickets

Theatre and Dance alum Claire Marshall now starring in “Chicago”

October 24, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University theatre and dance alumna Claire Marshall has landed a starring role in the 2025-26 national tour of “Chicago.”

Marshall, who graduated with a BFA in musical theatre in 2024, plays Velma Kelly.

“I’ve always wanted to be in ‘Chicago,’” she said. “Truthfully, I did not think the opportunity would come this soon in my life.”

Marshall auditioned for the role while still touring with “The Cher Show,” which ran in 2024-25. For the “Chicago” audition, Marshall first sent in a self-filmed tape and then completed a second audition in person when she moved to New York City.

The “Chicago” tour opened Oct. 22 at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington. The hit musical, set in 1920s Chicago, tells the story of Roxie Hart, a nightclub dancer who murders her lover when he threatens to leave her. Hart and her cellmate, Velma Kelly, try to avoid conviction by hiring a slick criminal lawyer.

See Claire Marshall in “Chicago”

Glamourous role built on hard work

Behind all the glamour of show business is a lot of hard work. “Chicago” is a physically demanding show, Marshall said, and rehearsals were especially grueling.

“The rehearsal process is, in my opinion, one of the hardest portions of a long contract,” she said. “We are working more than we ever do on show days, plus learning a large amount of material in two weeks is daunting.”

Marshall added that during these times “it’s imperative to listen to your body.” Plenty of rest, hydration and good nutrition are essential.

Tent Theatre opens 2025 season with “Serenade”

June 6, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre opens the 2025 season with its production of “Serenade: Summer Nights of Swing and Song.”

Performances are June 12-14 and 18-21 at the John Goodman Amphitheatre. All show times are 8 p.m.

Professor Sarah Wiggin from the Department of Theatre and Dance is the show’s director.

Ticket information

Individual, group and season tickets are now on sale. They can be purchased by mail, calling the box office at 417-836-7678 or 1-888-476-7849 or online at MissouriStateTix.com.

On show days, Tent Theatre patrons can pick up their tickets at the will-call kiosk next to the Amphitheatre between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Food and drink concessions will be available, and patrons will have access to restrooms in Hill Hall, just north of Craig Hall.

Get Tickets

“Las Vegas flair” brings timeless tunes to life

Multiple vocalists, backed by Missouri State’s “Serenade” Jazz Orchestra, will bring to life classic tunes immortalized by Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald, along with contemporary hits from Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr. and others.

“I am loving working with the ‘Serenade’ jazz orchestra,” Wiggin said. “They are really elevating the performance of the jazz concert, and the vocalists are very enthusiastic about collaborating with them. It’s magical.”

Conducted and directed by Dr. Jason Hausback of the Department of Music, the jazz orchestra includes Missouri State students, alumni and guest artists. Heather Luellen of the theatre and dance department is the show’s music coordinator.

Theatre and Dance presents “White Christmas” Nov. 14-22

November 8, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance gets festive for the holidays with its stage production of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.”

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14-16 and 20-22, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance Nov. 17.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

All performances take place in Craig Hall Coger Theatre.

Get tickets

Discounts on tickets with “Toys for Tots” donation

Additionally, audience members can celebrate the season by donating to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program, according to Mark Templeton, theatre and dance managing director.

“Receiving boxes have been placed adjacent to the Craig Hall box office,” Templeton said. “Anyone who donates a toy will be eligible for a $10 discount on an adult/senior/student ticket. One discount per toy received.”

Emeritus professor Bob Westenberg lands role in Neil Diamond musical

October 15, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Retirement has been good for Bob Westenberg, emeritus professor from Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

Not only is he now living near his children and grandchildren in Colorado, he’s also landed the job of a lifetime.

Westenberg is currently on a national tour, playing famed singer Neil Diamond in “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.”

The show launched Sept. 21 and will continue through August 2025.

Scheduled appearances include the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, Oct. 29-Nov. 10.

Get tickets to St. Louis performance

Audition leads to offer

Westenberg said he learned about the role through an old acquaintance from his New York days.

Bob Westenberg.

“Jim Carnahan of Carnahan Casting…reached out about two years ago and asked if I was interested [and] available to audition for the Broadway show,” he explained.

Westenberg then compiled and sent an audition tape with the help of Heather Luellen, Music Director and Accompanist in the theatre and dance department, and MSU theatre and dance alumna Olivia Schmitt, who read the scene with him.

He got a callback to New York, but had to wait to learn more about his future.

“Last November, they called again to have me go to New York for a session with the music director, Sonny Paladino, and also to see the show,” Westenberg said. “This audition was to replace Mark Jacoby in the role on Broadway, as they thought he was leaving when his contract ended at the end of December.”

But Jacoby decided to stay with the show, so Westenberg was offered the national tour.