Phoenix Theatre to Present THE BOOK OF MERMAN

Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis announces the Indiana Premiere of The Book of Merman opening May 12, 2016 on the Frank and Katrina Basile Stage. This production runs through June 12, with Emily Ristine serving as director.

The hit Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon, meets the First Lady of Broadway in this contagiously fun new comedy! When two Mormon missionaries ring Ethel Merman's doorbell, they have no idea of the surprise awaiting them. With some dazzling parody music and Schwartz's original songs, laughter ensues throughout The Book of Merman, catapulting you to places you didn't know you wanted to go. Learn how to "Be a Merman" in this parody musical that will leave you smiling for weeks to come.

Emily Ristine is an Indianapolis-based actor and director, a proud 20-year member of Actor's Equity whose professional career began at Walt Disney World. Emily is a founding member and artistic director of Summer Stock Stage, where she has spent her last twelve summers directing musicals with young performers. Emily works extensively in television commercials, industrial films, and voice-overs. Emily has directed school theater, taught acting at Butler University, and led college audition and monologue workshops. She loves living in Indianapolis with her husband, raising two daughters, Tess and Violet.

The cast includes Jolene Mentink Moffatt as Ethel, Tyler Ostrander as Elder Shumway, and Lincoln Slentz as Elder Braithwaite.

Jolene Mentink Moffatt has appeared on both Phoenix stages and was last seen at the Phoenix in One Man, Two Guvnors. Jolene's work also includes credits with IRT, ShadowApe Theatre Co., DivaFest, IndyFringe, TOTS, Jewish Theatre of Bloomington, and Booth Tarkington Civic.

Tyler Ostrander is returning to the Phoenix Theatre for the fourth time after previously appearing in One Man, Two Guvnors; Clark Gable Slept Here; and The Cripple of Inishmaan. He has recently worked with TOTS, HART, and IRT.

Lincoln Slentz has previously performed in A Very Phoenix Xmas X: O Come, Let Us Adore Us and American Idiot at the Phoenix Theatre, as well as Spamalot and Hair with Bobdirex.