Robert R Neu - Director - Bob has directed musicals and operas around the country with such organizations as the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Youth Symphony, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and many others. Shows have included The Music Man, The Magic Flute, Romeo & Juliet, Candide, Tosca, Cosi Fan Tutte, Carmen and Peer Gynt. He teaches Master Classes at the U of M and is Vice President and General Manager for the Minnesota Orchestra. This is Bob’s first production with New Breath.
Nancy Pratt - Music Director - This is Nancy's first show with New Breath, but it is her 4th time doing Oliver! She has been onstage and backstage since she was twelve, first with Warroad Summer Theater and then in various other theatres in Utah and Minnesota. She has a BA in music from BYU and directed children's theatre shows while she worked as an elementary school teacher in Utah. Her favorite roles to play have been Mrs Darling in Peter Pan, Josephine in HMS Pinafore and Mrs Sowerberry in Oliver! Her favorite shows to direct were Annie!, Pirates of Penzance, and, of course, Oliver!
Kyle Gerhart - Choreographer - This is my first project with New Breath Productions. I have previously been assistant choreographer for "Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Dames at Sea" at the College of St. Benedict as well as a core dancer for "Kiss Me Kate." I currently work administration and dance with Kairos Dance Theatre, teach special needs dance classes and will be the dance instructor for Musical Avenues in Bloomington this school year.
Sarah J Leigh - Scenic & Lighting Designer - Although this is Sarah's first time designing for New Breath Productions, her designs have been seen in other venues in the Twin Cities. While obtaining her MFA at the University of Minnesota, Sarah's scenic and lighting designs have been seen in productions including Black Comedy, The Laramie Project, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. After finishing her MFA, she spent a year teaching theatre design and technology at Gustavus Adolphus College and designed with them for productions of An Experiment With an Airpump and The Tempest. She has also worked in the Twin Cities with Stages Theatre Company, Shakespeare in the Park, and The Phipps Center.
Kristine O'Brien - Costumer - Kris is a local textile artist and costume designer who holds a BFA in Art and Theatre from the University of MN-Duluth. A few of her favorite shows she has costumed (besides "Oliver!", of course!) include "Torch Song Trilogy", "Groucho, a Life in Revue" and "Jack and the Beanstalk".
Jessica Fillbrandt - Stage Manager - Jessica graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2005 with a BS in Theatre Arts Production. There she focused on stage management and was involved in such shows as Man of La Mancha, Marvin's Room, Kiss Me, Kate as well as others. Before MSU she started stage managing at Century Community College in White Bear Lake. She is currently involved with Brave New Workshop. This is Jessica's first show with New Breath.
Karen Bowman - Assistant Stage Manager/Props - Karen Bowmann has performed in eleven New Breath shows/benefits/cabarets. She has also performed with MacPhail's Prelude Program, the Minnesota Fringe Festival, and Minneapolis South High School. This is her first experience with stage managing, and she'd like to thank everyone for making it a good one. Next up: Sophomore year as a Theatre major at Northwestern University.
Joan W Fitch - Accompanist - This is Joan's second production with New Breath. Joan is a free-lance pianist/music director in the Twin Cities. She has done shows with Ashland Productions, Heritage, Lakeshore and Playhouse 15. Joan also music directs/accompanies for musicals at several high schools and middle schools across the metro, as well as serving as staff accompanist for the Mahtomedi middle and high school choirs. Thanks to a talented cast and company. Much love to my husband, Gary, for all your support and for putting up with the wacky schedule of a musician!!
