Wichita Eagle
Sept. 2, 2001
Music Theatre of Wichita and Wayne Bryan Celebrate 30th
by Bonnie Bing
Three decades ago, 16 Wichitans were determined to come up with something to bring people to Century II during the hot, summer months.
Music Theatre of Wichita was the result of their combined efforts and financial resources.
The founders' vision - theater with a live orchestra, visiting directors from all over the country, and Broadway veterans working with aspiring Midwesterners -
came to pass and has grown with each season.
More than 300 people were in the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt Aug. 25 to celebrate 30 years of outstanding entertainment.
But the celebrating was two-fold as MTW producing director Wayne Bryan was celebrating his 30th anniversary in the business.
Helen Meyer and Gayle Malone were co-chairmen of the event.
After a social hour and dinner, board member Dick Honeyman welcomed guests and introduced Bucky Walters, who came on stage doing an imitation of Wayne.
Bucky and I shared master of ceremonies duties for the evening.
One highlight was the showing of a tape featuring Wayne as a child, a teenager and a young man. The tape was sent by Wayne's brother, Steven Smith of Los Angeles, who was unable to attend.
A short auction of three trip packages brought in big bucks with auctioneer Charlie Evenson bringing in the bids.
A drawing for a weeklong trip to London in early December with a Music Theatre of Wichita group had many guests crossing their fingers.
When Amy Baker and Angela Bickham drew the winning ticket, it was Gilbert Omido and his wife, Margaret, who won.
There were several special guests for the evening, such as the first MTW producing director, Jim Miller, and John Holly of Los Angeles, who was the second producing director. Wayne's father, Elwayne Smith, and his wife, Lee, also were here for the celebration.
Wayne and five of his favorite leading ladies from the past 30 years provided musical entertainment.
Accompanied by Flint Hawes, Gloria Lamb of Santa Barbara, Calif., Darcie Roberts of New York, Linda Michele of North Hollywood, Calif., and Megan Drew and Charleen Ayers of Wichita performed with Wayne.
The evening was capped with a special toast by Belden Mills to Wayne and his staff and the continuing success of Music Theatre of Wichita.
Bonnie Bing can be reached at 268-6246 or by e-mail at bbing@wichitaeag le.com
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