Cast

Ray Anderson
Austin's nationally renowned magician has been caught up in the tornado that is Esther's Follies for over fifteen years. Deemed "best spellbinder" by the Austin Chronicle, Ray perplexes both audience members and curious 6th Street revelers peering through Esther's trademark windows. Whether as himself or his "Amazing Frank" alter-ego, Ray uniquely combines magic and comedy in a way you probably have never seen before.  rayandersonmagic.com

Shannon Sedwick
Pulling stuff out of her dress as Patsy Cline has become Shannon's trademark at Esther's, though she is equally at home playing Ann Richards, Madonna, or Hilary Clinton. Shannon keeps the show rolling as producer and performer, stays active in downtown politics, and keeps busy with her newest project, Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe, created by her co-producer and husband, Michael Shelton.

Michael Shelton
Michael Shelton has created and co-produced the Follies with his wife Shannon for 30 years of evolving architecture, fanciful sets, and original building styles that have made the theater unique and ever-changing. He is glimpsed as the Emcee at the top of the show, but is happiest working on his new building projects - the earthen Cob House, featured on HGTV's "Whats With This House?", and the Follies Farm, an eclectic group of diverse architectural styles.

Shaun Wainwright-Branigan
Shaun Wainwright-Branigan, winner of Esther's Follies' longest castmember name contest, originally hails from Boston, Mass. He studied theater at Emerson College and after college hit the streets with nothing but a song in his heart and $75,000 in student loans. He's been with Esther's for 10 years, and also performs and teaches children's theater at Zach Scott Theater. His bit role in "Sin City" has garnered him thousands of fan letters from across the world.

Doug Ewart
(Keyboards/Musical Director) has written, played & directed music for Second City of Chicago's Touring Company, Lone Star Comedy and The West End Comedy Theater in Dallas. He's the electronic and engineering maestro of the Follies, engineering musical orchestrations for all the shows. He most recently directed and created original songs for "BUBBA AND BABE'S BACKWOODS TEXAS WEDDING" at Patsy's Cowgirl Cafe.

Ted Meredith
Ted Meredith Originally from Dallas, Texas, Ted graduated cum laude from Southwestern University with a BFA in Theater. His work in Austin started as a company member of the Austin Shakespeare Festival and as a founding member of the Austiner Ensemble.

Cynthia Wood
Cynthia “Cindy” is a 15-year veteran of the Follies and is well known for her character acting, impressions and physical antics, besides being Ray's assistant in all his magical illusions. She pops up in numerous indie films and tv/radio commercials, teaches children's acting at Zach Scott Theater, and is an established improv and acting coach!

Billy Brooks
Billy is an Austin native who followed his dream to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood. He spent 8 years in Los Angeles, doing national commercials, TV guest-starring roles, and musical comedy road shows. Back home in Austin, Billy has done improv comedy and stand up comedy shows, and joins the Esther's cast just in time for the 2012 political race!

Aden Kirschner
Despite holding a degree in Medieval European History, Aden Kirschner teaches singing lessons, privately coaches local improv comedy troupes, and is a member of the comedy and musical-improv faculty for the Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation. She co-hosted the cable access show, The Late Night Show, and performed in improv comedy and sketch groups Spitting Nonsense, The Starter Kit, and Hoover's Blanket, as well as being a long time cast member of Austin's musical comedy darlings, Girls Girls Girls!