|
JARED M. RIDDLE (Jesus of Nazareth) stared in the
title role in M&M Productions/RMT' s 1996 production of
Jesus Christ Superstar, which played to sold out houses.
Among his many academic accomplishments, Riddle holds a B.A.
in theatre from Indiana University where he was president of
the Omega Eta Chapter of the national theatre honorary ,
Alpha Psi Omega, and where he received the outstanding
senior in theatre award. He has performed as Charlie
(Brigadoon), Bill Sikes (Oliver), and The Pharaoh (Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) for M&M/RMT.
Other regional credits include: Audrey II: the voice of the
plant (Little Shop of Horrors), Vemon (They're Playing Our
Song), Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Scrooge (Scrooge), Long
John Silver (Treasure Island), Hennesy/Captain (Dames at
Sea), Johnny Cantone (1940's Radio Hour), Elvis (Elvis: The
Concert), Sir Henry (Once Upon A Mattress), and Jack in the
regional premiere of Into the Woods. Riddle, a member of the
NCTE (National Council of Teacher's of English) is on the
faculty at Ivy Tech State College and has been selected to
participate in the Ivy Tech Academy of Instructional
Excellence. In addition, he will be listed in Who' Who in
America this year . Riddle also has created and implements
Success by Six, a preschool program for Gary Housing
Authority. He would like to thank Brian, Mom & Dad, his
Ivy Tech family, the 2001 Master Teachers, and Ood for an
overabundance of blessings.
BOB LAMARE (Judas) Bob is no stranger to the
stage. Most commonly known, in the area, as the lead singer
of the country music group Rambliní Hearts, he has
appeared on stage as an opening act for some of the biggest
names in country music. He took his singing and songwriting
talents to the home of country music, Nashville, Tennessee
and recorded Heartbreaker, his first CD released on an
Independent label in the fall of 1996. As a solo artist, Bob
released his latest collection of tunes in the Spring of
2000, which includes the two singles ìBrand New
Meî and ìEverythingís Not Anything
ì, which have received regional radio play. Aside
from performing, Bob owns and operates a recording studio
and has established Rudger Records, his own independent
record label. Bob has appeared in other theatrical
productions in the area playing such roles as Danny in
Grease, Billy Early in No No Nanette, King in The King and
I, and his most recent role as the curly headed cowboy Curly
in Ross Music Theatreís production of Oklahoma in the
summer of 2000. He sends his love to his parents for their
never ending support. ì Thanks to the guys in the
band for understanding my other interests and missing a show
or two so I can dance and sing.î And finally, he sends
out a big thank you to the fans who have supported him and
his music over the years.
MICHAEL J. REINHART Director, Sound/Light Design,
Technical Director) , is currently the director of RMT and M
& M Productions winter musical, he is also the technical
director, in charge of lighting design and sound design for
all RMT and M & M Productions live shows. In addition
Mike is the production manager and editor for M & M
Video productions.Mike has been video taping special events,
corporate videos, Training and special interest videos since
1981, the year he founded Studio 3. Mike has been involved
with community and or school live productions since he was 8
years old. Starting out on stage in the chorus of his
fathers production of " Flower Drum Song". Since that time
he has played a wide variety of parts from Ebeneser Scrooge
to Motel the tailor in addition to working on hundreds of
shows in a technical capacity.Mike attended Valparasio
Technical institute where he majored in electrical
engineering then went to Indiana University where he majored
in Theatre/English education. While at IU Mike was a member
of the Indiana University Singing Hoosiers where in addition
to performing with the group also served as a their
technical director for some performances.Mike taught
computer at St. Peter and Paul School in Merrillville IN and
then at St. Mary School in Crown Point IN. While at these
two schools he helped or directed their spring plays and
musicals. In addition Mike has volunteered his services and
M & M's equipment to several local high schools. In 1989
M & M Productions produced an original play " Courtship
in the Park" written by Mike. That play was asked to be a
guest production at two down state theatres. Since then Mike
has directed "Your a Good Man Charlie Brown", "Joseph and
the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat", "Jesus Christ
Superstar", "Scrooge", "Cotton Patch Gospel", "BIG" the
musical.
JERAULD J REINHART (Musical director, Conductor, Set
Design, RMT Founder) What does a 25 year old college
graduate do when he gets out of the Air Force and obtains
his first teaching job? If he loves theatre, has studied
under famous conductors and directors at Indiana
University's prestigious School of Music, he immediately
starts to think musical productions. In 1954, attracted to
"the Region" by its proximity to Chicago theatre, Jerauld
Reinhart found the peaceful, friendly community of
Merrillville, Indiana and began a long relationship with the
school and community as high school choral director for 39
years and Ross Music Theatre director for 29 years.
In 1964, wishing for a creative way to spend the summers,
Reinhart asked the Optimist Club of Merrillville to sponsor
a summer theatre for young people. The high school gym was
the only stage big enough for Reinhart's spectacular spring
and winter choral concerts so the theatre productions
started on the gym stage and progressed to the gym floor.
Meanwhile, Reinhart had been pushing for an artistic and
well-equipped auditorium in which to present school and
community events. Backed by the school and community, he
sought out the advice of his mentors at IU and the high
school auditorium--now the Reinhart Auditorium--opened in
1972 with "Kiss Me, Kate." Productions got larger, casts and
choruses grew, orchestras grew, as well as Reinhart's eight
children, who trouped along every summer. The youngest
appeared on stage at age 3.
Since many young children wanted to be "on stage," Mrs.
Margilee Reinhart founded the Ross Summer Youth Theatre in
the 1980s. After RSMT's 25th anniversary show--"Hello
Dolly"--both theatres were temporarily sidetracked in 1989
by school renovation and Jerry Reinhart's summer heart
by-pass surgery. Not missing a day of school, Reinhart
bounced back and as soon as renovations were complete in the
auditorium, the theatre was back in business. The children's
theatre rejoined its parent organization and productions
began again in 1994 with "Oliver."
Reinhart's son Michael and his wife Melinda began M&M
Productions in 1992 and now has combined with RMT for the
successful productions of "Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Jesus Christ
Superstar," "The Wizard of Oz," "Scrooge," "Cotton Patch
Gospel," and "The Music Man." The merger, which has enabled
2-3 shows a year, is an independent, non-profit,
non-subsidized venture supported solely by ticket sales. The
theatre group's goal is to present professional quality
productions at a community theatre price.
Jerry Reinhart is very proud of his on stage family as
well as his own family--some of whom pursued theatre
activities. Many alumni are returning with their children,
even their grandchildren, to our stage.
Forty-four years later, the 1998 RMT/M&M Productions
show "Brigadoon" celebrates Reinhart's 30th summer
production. Although he has retired from the classroom,
Jerauld is still auditorium director and has directed and
produced more than one hundred professional quality shows at
the high school and community theatre level. Hfe has
provided musical leadership to thousands of people and
entertainment to over 100,000. Jerauld Reinhart is truly the
"Music Man" of Merrillville.
MELINDA A REINHART ( Mary
Magdalene/Choreographer) Melinda graduated Bloomington,
Indiana in 1989 with a Bachelors in Music
Education--voiceconcentration. While at IU, Melinda had the
distinct privilege of studyingwith renown soprano Camilla
Williams. Also, she performed and touredwith the Singing
Hoosiers and Varsity Dancers. The Singing Hoosiersrecorded
the Grammy nominated "A Disney Spectacular" with Erich
Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra on Telarc Records.
Melinda has also performed with Ross Summer Music Theatre,
under the direction of Jerauld Reinhart, longtime director
of the Merrillville High School choirMelinda is certified K
through 12 grades, and is currently the choral
director/music teacher at a Northwest Indiana public grade
school and High School. She also directs the plays and
musicals at her high school. She is the choreographer for
all of the M & M Production and Ross Music Theatre's
productions. In addition, Melinda is currently director of
the Chancel Choir at Augustana Lutheran Church in Hobart.
GEOFF GOOCH Light design/asst.
Technical Director This is Geoffrey s seventh year with M
& M Productions/Ross Music Theatre and the end of his
first with Star Plaza Theatre. His lighting credits include
shows such as, Brigadoon, The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story,
The Music Man, Oklahoma, and Big. In addition to lighting,
Geoffrey has taken the opportunity to perform on stage. His
favorite roles include Jud in Cotton Patch Gospel, Apostle
in Jesus Christ Superstar, Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof,
and Bud Frump in How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying.
|
