Russ doesn't live in the Springfield area anymore, but he was a mainstay on the Muni stage during much of the 1980s. He made his Muni debut as James in Shenandoah in 1979. Later that summer he played Billy Bigelow in Carousel. Russ played such roles as Frank in Show Boat, Lieutenant Cable in South Pacific, Buddy Plummer in Follies and Juan Perón in the first production of Evita in 1985. His last role at Muni was Julian Marsh in 42nd Street in 1988. Russ also directed two productions for Muni, The Student Prince in 1983 and Seven Brides for Seven Brides in 1986. Russ now resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
Want to get involved in this project? Email history@themuni.org.
