Ray Anderson
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.

Kerry Awn
Kerry Awn has rocked Follies audiences for over a decade as Buck Husky, George W., and that patron Saint of the Velveeta Room— Ronnie Velveeta! He’s also band leader of the Uranium Savages, has won the Chronicle’s “Best Comic” title for over a decade, and was even named “Texas State Comic” by the Texas Legislature! He restored the 23rd & Guadalupe mural— Austin’s most memorable, and has a show presently at the South Austin Popular Museum on South Lamar! Check it out at kerryawn.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. The mama of the Follies, Shannon keeps the show rolling as producer and performer, stays active in Sixth Street restoration as President of the Old Pecan Street Association and other downtown organizations, and keeps busy with projects 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 28 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, which looks like a Hobbit home, 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 joined the Follies in 1998, and has become known for his roles in “Sam I Am”, Lyle Lovett, George Bush, Richard Nixon, and the drag queen in “Director”.

Doug Ewart
Doug Ewart (Keyboards/Musical Director) has written, played & directed music for Second City of Chicago's Touring Company, Lone Star Comedy in Dallas, The West End Comedy Theatre (Dallas), and many other comedy groups in Chicago, Dallas & Montana, as well as performing live with comics Chris Farley, Jon Lovitz, and John Goodman. He recently performed with the Dallas troupe QueerTown at the Pool.

Noel Wells
Noel Wells joins Esther’s as the youngest member of the cast. When she’s not trying to get her Britney Spears impersonation into the show, Noel attends UT as a Radio-Television-Film major and hopes to make her fashion designs into a clothing line.

Donnie Loa
Donnie Loa says “being a 6’3” goofy Mexican has its good side, too”. From the scenic Waco, Texas, Donnie Loa graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. in Theater. His two great loves are prat falls and clean black tube socks.

Ted Meredith
Ted Meredith Originally from Dallas, TX, 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. Ted can also be seen as the token straight guy performing with Queertown.

Cynthia Wood
Cynthia “Cindy” Wood Returns to the Esther’s Stage after a child rearing hiatus. She is a 15-year veteran of the Follies and is well known for her character acting, impressions and physical antics. She also enjoys assisting Ray in his magic. She is featured in numerous indie films and tv/radio commercials. Wood is also an established improv and acting coach. But most of all, she enjoys family time with her husband and daughter-- what a life!

Ellana Kelter
Ellana Kelter is thrilled to be performing with Esther's Follies! She was grown organically from a small town in Wisconsin, and stayed midwest to earn her Music Theatre B.F.A. at Western Michigan University. She's been in Austin just long enough to earn her Massage Therapist certification from Lauterstein-Conway.

Espie Randolph
Espie Randolph is really excited to be joining Esther's Follies. He has done a lot of work around town and in other cities...but lets face it - you really only know him as the gay hairdresser from Zach's “Shear Madness.”

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