Michell Breaugh returns, performs at Gala

Neal and Emily Breagh, both veteran Playhouse performers, welcomed home daughter Michelle, who came from New York to perform at OTP=s Black andWhite Gala. Together with Michelle=s brother Todd they comprise one of our premier acting families, although never more than 3 have appeared together in the same show. Michelle, after unsuccessful auditions at a too young age for AFiddler on the Roof@ and ACabaret@, first appeared in Mike Nunn=s A Tennessee Williams Festival@ in the play APortrait of Madonna@ in 1981, followed by ASouth Pacific@ and AThe Children=s Hour@, where she won the troublemaking role of Mary Tilford over youthful Mary Scott O=Connor.

Following her playhouse days, Michelle completed her theater training at Sonoma State University in California and has worked in both musical and straight dramatic roles at PCPA Theater Fest, The Western Stage, The Shakespeare Festival, and San Diego=s Old Globe Theatre, plus a recent gig at Walt Disney World in Orlando. She is currently employed at New York=s Waldorf Astoria, taking theater assignments on the side.

Father Neal will be remembered for his Fochtman=s commercials and Honda and a bit in the Jodie Foster movie, AContact@(his part started out bigger, but bigger still was the cutting room floor).

At the Gala, Michelle did a memorable rendition of the song, AI=m Not Getting Married Today@ from ACompany", revealing a comic character side of her repetoire we had not seen before.

Another familiar face returning to sing for us was Kerry Price Secrist, best remembered as Sister Mary Regina in Michigan Ensemble Theater=s ANunsense@, but also known for roles like floozy shopgirl Ilona Ritter in AShe Loves Me@ and other parts at OTP. Her standout number was ABig Spender@ from ASweet Charity@, one of the few big musicals the playhouse has never done. Her main performing these days is with her husband as a part of the Back Room Gang at Dill= Olde Town Saloon, a along with Jan (Campbell) Fisher.

A STANDING OVATION

for the excellent coverage given our Black and White Gala by the Record-Eagle and Nothern Express, bringing the public=s attention to this first of its kind event.

For the many committee chairs and volunteers who put in many hours of work both before and after the event.

Special nods go to Brenda Biederman, persoonel co-ordinator Jeanette Mason, and entertainment director Gary Garrison, who delighted us with his emcee from ACabaret@ once again. Special mention also to Lisa(peanut) Drake, who worked the Gala immediately following her high school graduation party the same day.

For Alicia Benghauser(AMy Fair Lady@) and Hannah Kelsey(the youngest player in Athe Music Man@), who performed with the Ballet Etc. Dance Company at the civic center amphitheater. Alicia danced in several numbers with the adult group, while Hannah, in pre-ballet, did her movements to AFlight of the Bumblebee@.

The Playhouse is about to start its 40^th Anniversary season, but a famous personality of stage, screen, radio, and (of course) the funny papers celebrated her 75^th Anniversary in August. (Leaping Lizards, Sandy!) Details to follow.

Hedges MacDonald