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Neewollah News and Press Releases

Neewollah News will include a variety of news releases related to Neewollah. News items are listed in newest to oldest order (top to bottom). Please check back often for updated news.


Neewollah announce Co-Directors of Queen Pageant

Neewollah 2024 Generalissimo Lauren Ysusi is pleased to announce the co-directors of this year's Queen Neelah pageant, Abby Emert and Molly Reynolds.

Abby has called Independence home since high school and loves being part of this community. Previously for Neewollah she has volunteered for the Queen Neelah Breakfast, Coronation, Coronation Ball, and the Interview workshop as a committee member. She has also co-chaired the Queen Neelah Pop Party, chaired Queen Neelah publicity, was a Candidate Co-Chair, and in 2018 she served as Queen Neelah Co-Director. Abby is self-employed and woks as a Creative Team Member through Fab Creative Services where she enjoys being creative through graphic design and marketing. Abby is married to Bryan and together they have two sons. Her community involvement includes serving on the Leadership Independence Refresh Board and volunteering through her children's school, St. Andrew's Catholic School.

An Independence native, Reynolds has previously volunteered on multiple Neewollah committees including Queen Neelah Talent, Candidate Co-Chair Pop Party, Coffee and Conversation, Interview, Runway, Walk-in, Coronation Ball, as well as Pre-Parade Breakfast. She has also served the community as a previous board member of Leadership Independence, Ralph Mitchell Park and Zoo, and USD 446 Foundation. Molly is a dentist and owns Reynolds Family Dentistry and attends St. Andrew's Catholic Church. Molly resides in Independence with her husband, Dan, and her five boys (Rex, Henry, Charlie, Auggie, Teddy).
Molly Reynolds

Molly Reynolds

Abby Emert

Abby Emert



Neewollah Announces Conducter of "Elf...

Neewollah 2024 Generalissimo Lauren Ysusi announces Brandon Halberg as Conductor of “Elf the Musical.” Brandon is currently Associate Professor of Instrumental Music at Independence Community College. In this role, Brandon conducts the Community Band, Orchestra, and teaches general coursework throughout the music department. In addition to his work at ICC, Brandon chairs the Board of Directors at Voices of Change: a non-profit organization that provides individual voice lessons to students who have limited access to music education.

Originally from Connecticut, Brandon served as Assistant Conductor of the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, as well as a public school educator across the state. A versatile conductor of wind bands and orchestras, Brandon has conducted Symphoria Youth Orchestras, Congregation Beth Israel Orchestra, Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, and Mid-Continent Community Band. He holds his Bachelors of Science in Music Education from the University of Connecticut, a Masters of Music in Orchestral Conducting from SUNY Binghamton, and has studied conducting with Dr. Paul McShee.

“Elf the Musical” auditions are scheduled for July 9th, 10th and 16th at ICC’s William Inge Theatre. Those interested in all roles: principals, minor roles and chorus should register in advance and sign up for a time for an audition. Roles are available for 6 years old and up. Call backs will be Thursday July 18th. Please visit www.neewollah.com to sign up for auditions and for more information.

Neewollah week kicks off with performances of Elf the Musical October 18-20, 2024.

Brandon Halberg

Brandon Halberg



Neewollah Announces Vocal Director/Assistant Vocal

“The best way to spread (Neewollah) cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Neewollah 2024 Generalissimo, Lauren Ysusi, announces Theresa Fischer as Vocal Director and Bradley Gray as Assistant Vocal Director of “Elf the Musical.”

Theresa Fischer is originally from Oberlin, Kansas and has been teaching choir and theater in Fredonia, Kansas for 14 years. In her time as an educator she has directed and produced over 20 plays or musicals. Recently her Fredonia High School productions of “Beauty and the Beast”, “Mamma Mia” and “Once Upon a Mattress” earned Jester nominations from the Music Theater Wichita Jester awards program.

Theresa recently graduated from Pittsburg State University with her Masters in vocal performance. As a soprano she has performed with the Wichita Grand Opera, Opera Kansas and the Kansas City Opera Institute and enjoys singing with various professional ensembles.
Her past Neewollah involvement includes music director for “Addams Family” in 2018 and “Shrek” in 2019. She also directed the music and orchestra for “Wizard of Oz” in 2021 and “Peter Pan” in 2022.

Theresa is the founder and director of the Fredonia Arts Council Summer Theater program that is currently on its 7th summer season and is the organist, cantor and music director at Sacred Heart Church in Fredonia.

Theresa is married to Matt Fischer and they have adorable 7 year old twins, Wally and Lucy.

Bradley Gray lives in Coffeyville, Ks with his two adopted small dogs Sassy and Coco. Brad has worked as a Zookeeper at Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence since June of 2022. Since January of 2023 Brad has been the lead vocalist for the Gospel quartet “The Missourians” based out of Joplin, Mo.

His love for acting began and grew under the direction of Heather Wilson at Labette County High School where he was fortunate to be cast in several roles.

Brad made his Neewollah debut as Drake in “Honk! the Musical” in 2014. Other Neewollah stage appearances include Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid” (2016), Gomez Addams in “The Addams Family” (2018), Shrek in “Shrek the Musical” (2019), Uncle Henry/Oz Guard in “The Wizard of Oz” (2021), and Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast” (2023). His off-stage Neewollah experience includes Stage Crew for “Mary Poppins” (2015) and Fly/Stage crew for “Peter Pan” (2022).

Brad has also been cast with several area collegiate productions in the last few years. He was cast as the following: Mr. Mayor in “Suessical” (CCC), Javert in “Les Miserable” (ICC), and various roles in “I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change” (ICC).

Currently Brad is serving on the Board of Directors for Independence Children’s Summer Theatre and has been involved with a handful of ICST shows either in the sound booth or backstage. He has also assisted with Coffeyville Summer Theatre and is looking forward to helping with FAC Summer Theater’s production of “Frozen Jr.” this July!

“Elf the Musical” auditions are scheduled for July 9th, 10th and 16th at ICC’s William Inge Theatre. Those interested in all roles: principals, minor roles and chorus should register in advance and sign up for a time for an audition. Roles are available for 6 years old and up. Call backs will be Thursday July 18th. Please visit www.neewollah.com to sign up for auditions and for more information.

Neewollah week kicks off with performances of Elf the Musical October 18-20, 2024.

Theresa Fischer

Theresa Fischer

Bradley Gray

Bradley Gray



Neewollah announces Co-Producers of "Elf .....

Neewollah 2024 Generalissimo Lauren Ysusi announces Cody Dixon and Lori Wesselowski as Co-Producers of “Elf the Musical”.

Cody Dixon has been involved in Neewollah for many years but this will be her first time producing a musical. In addition to performing in musicals she has choreographed Neewollah productions of “Lil Abner”,Thoroughly Modern Millie”, Grease”, “The Addams Family”, “Shrek the Musical”, “The Wizard of Oz” (2021) and “Peter Pan” (2022). She has been the choreographer for the Neelah Debs and the Queen Neelah Coronation opening number many times and served on different Neewollah committees over the years including Queens Talent Co-Chair in 2016. Cody is honored to serve on the Neewollah Board of Directors. She is a member of Indy Women United and is a mentor for the Teammates program for USD 446. Cody is the Storefront Manager and Director of Customer Service for Online Sales at Hugo's Industrial Supply. Cody and her husband Kristopher and daughters Alexandria, Kate and Evie reside in Independence.

This is Lori’s third time producing a Neewollah musical. Lori was a producer for “Young Frankenstein” in 2013 and again for “The Little Mermaid” in 2016. Lori has also served on many Neewollah committees which include Queens Director, Queens Co-chair, Judges Committee, Talent Committee, Coronation Committee, Stage Escorts, Queens Tea, Brunch, Pre-parade Breakfast, Summer Workshop, Sponsorship, Ticket Queen, Special Events, Sanitation and Publicity. She has also been the Neewollah social media director for the last several years. Lori served on the Neewollah Board for nine years and served as Generalissimo in 2021.

Lori’s involvement in the community currently include mentoring for the Teammates program for USD 446, President of Chapter EF, PEO, Chair of the Mission for Improved Housing, the Independence Land Bank and the President of the Independence Children’s Summer Theatre Board. Lori was also a member of the USD 446 School Board for eight years.

Lori is a Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker Pasternak Johnson in Independence. Lori and her husband Barry have three grown children, Erin, Alex and Anna. “I love everything Neewollah and am so excited to get to Co-Produce with Cody Dixon! I know it is going to be a fantastic show and a wonderful Neewollah!”

“Elf the Musical” auditions are scheduled for July 9th, 10th and 16th at ICC’s William Inge Theatre. Those interested in all roles: principals, minor roles and chorus should register in advance and sign up for a time for an audition. Roles are available for 6 years old and up. Call backs will be Thursday July 18th. Please visit www.neewollah.com to sign up for auditions and for more information.

Neewollah week kicks off with performances of Elf the Musical October 18-20, 2024.

Cody Dixon

Cody Dixon

Lori Wesseloski

Lori Wesseloski



Neewollah Announces Director & Assistant Director

What a treat we are all in for with Paul Molnar as the director and Ashley Hovell as the assistant director of this year’s Elf the Musical presented by Neewollah! Paul Molnar is an award-winning actor and director who is the Director of Theatre Performance and a Professor of Theatre at Independence Community College where he teaches acting, directing, movement, stage combat and voice. Before arriving in Kansas, Paul spent more than 20 years in New York City working as an actor, director, movement consultant, fight choreographer and producer.

Paul, along with his wife Dee, was the Co-Producing Artistic Director for six seasons with South Brooklyn Shakespeare, a 501(c)3 company devoted to bringing free Shakespeare and other Classic Works of Literature to the residents of South Brooklyn. Under their leadership this company performed in several locations throughout Brooklyn and produced some of Shakespeare’s classics: Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth & A Winter’s Tale.

As an actor, Paul has numerous professional credits: in New York City the Off-Broadway premier of Hot Mess (staring Max Crumm & Lucy DeVito), multiple shows with KEEN Company, Epiphany, Adobe, Tangent and Fifth Street Theatre. Regional credits include multiple shows with: Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Premier Stages, Asolo Rep, Vermont Stage, Lost Nation, Michigan Shakespeare Festival, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, New American Theatre and 12 Miles West Theatre. TV credits include: Law & Order, Law & Order SVU, Person of Interest, Film credits include: Sweet Sweet Baby & The Ones That Have Fallen. As a fight director Paul’s work has been featured Off-Broadway in: Party Face (Directed by Amanda Bearse & staring Hayley Mills), Roulette, Tape, Ghoul, work with DiCapo Opera, EST, 47th Street Theatre. Other New York credits include movement coaching & fight chorography work with Fordham University, Queens College, MITF, and Keen Company where he was the Resident Company Fight Director. Regional movement & fight choreography credits: Buck's County Playhouse, Premiere Stages, Two River Theatre, Shakespeare on the Sound, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Second City (Detroit) & Asolo Rep.

Paul received his BFA from the University of Michigan and holds an MFA from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Paul has been a proud member of Actors Equity Association since 1998 and a member of SAG-AFTRA since 2011.

Paul’s Neewollah involvement has been directing the 2022 production of Peter Pan and offering his expertise in fight choreography for the 2023 production of Beauty and the Beast.

Ashley Hovell is an actor/director and staff member of Independence Community College. She graduated with a bachelor’s in theater performance from University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse in 2013. As a director, Ashley has worked most closely with Uprising Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN directing such shows as: Doctor Voynich and Her Children, Line of Sight, The Laramie Project, Twisted Deaths and co-directed Prometheus Bound, and Who Has Eyes To See. She was also selected as a directing fellow as part of the ArtsNest DirectorWorks program in Minneapolis, MN.

As an actor, Ashley has worked with multiple theaters including Uprising Theatre Company, Hero Now Theater, Mission Theater Company, Six Elements Theater, as well as the ICC Theatre department. In 2019, Ashley was invited to take part in the first ever National Winter Actors Retreat through the HBMG Foundation. Ashley was also featured in the feature film No Blood of Mine as well as multiple short films in Minnesota. She is drawn to collaborative projects that create safe spaces for people to play and take risks and bring big ideas to the table.

Elf auditions are scheduled for July 9, 10 and 16 at ICC’s William Inge Theatre. Those interested in all roles: principals, minor roles and chorus should register in advance. Roles are available for 6 years old and up. Call backs will be Thursday July 18. Please visit www.neewollah.com to sign up for auditions.

Neewollah week kicks off with performances of Elf October 18-20, 2024.

Director

Paul Molnar

Ashley Hovell

Ashley Hovell



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