Adventure Theatre MTC's world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz  comes to a close on Sunday. This show would not have been the success it was without our brilliant stage managers. And with all they have to do on a daily basis, they took the time to take part in this interview series. First up, we have Brittany Truske who shares her experience working on the show and her love for Toto. Please enjoy!

Jacqueline Lawton: Can you share a bit about your experience working on the  production? 
Brittany Truske: The process of rehearsal and production. This process was interesting because we had an extra week of rehearsals than what we usually have. This meant that our director, Roberta Gasbarre, could use this time to not only block the show and help the actors explore their characters, but more importantly to strengthen the bonds between the group as an ensemble. What makes this production truly special is the unfailing support the cast members lend to one another. Their genuine love and kindness comes across on stage, making this show a truly magical experience.

JL: What is relationship with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (book or film)?
BT: I was obsessed with dogs when I was younger, so I grew up loving the Wizard of Oz movie purely because of Toto. My sisters and I loved to sing all of the songs and act out the scenes we knew, especially the the Lion's "If I Were King Of The Forrest." I also helped backstage on an elementary school production of The Wizard of Oz that my mom directed a few years ago (foreshadowing perhaps?). And yet through all of that, I'll admit I never knew that The Wizard of Oz was a series of books and not just one book until working on this production. I saw the box set collection on sale at Barnes & Noble the other day, and I might just have to get it and see what I've been missing.

JL: What excited you about being a part of this production?
BT: I think what made me so excited for this production of The Wizard of Oz was the fact that it is based on the original book and not the movie adaptation. The children come in expecting the story they know and are instead confronted with new characters and new events that they did not expect. Immediately, their brains are engaged. This production helps children understand the difference between live theater and movies and encourages them to go out and read the books, as well. Anything that can do all that in just 50 minutes is pretty spectacular I'd say.

JL: What's next for you as a stage manger?
BT: I'll be sticking around at Adventure Theatre and finishing out the season by ASMing Garfield, The Musical with Cattitude this summer. After that, I hit the road to ASM Adventure's tour of Caps for Sale that will travel around the U.S. and have a brief stay off-broadway. Can't wait!

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

Adventure Theatre MTC's world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz  comes to a close on Sunday. This show would not have been the success it was without our brilliant stage managers. And with all they have to do on a daily basis, they took the time to take part in this interview series. First up, we have Madeleine Evans who shares her experience working on the show and the new roles she had to play in the process. Please enjoy!

Jacqueline Lawton: Can you share a bit about your experience working on the  production? 
Madeleine Evans: This rehearsal process was absolutely lovely. We had three weeks to workshop the script and explore movement, and Roberta was absolutely wonderful to work with. Her creative energy brought everyone to the table, and it was magical to see all the characters begin to form. The cast was immediately very supportive of each other, and this has continued all the way through tech and all the many shows. The production process has been equally as great. Adding tech into the show was a challenging experience, but produced a truly magical result. The lights, sound, projections, props, costumes, and set all help set up the world the show needs. Hearing kids react to the pop of color or tornado projections whirling through or the thunderous roars and shouts of OZ is truly a delight. The witch melting scene, already fabulous by Paige and Sarah, is made even better by the strobes, steam projection, and melting sound cues—we generally always get applause on that one. The actors and my ASM have been so lovely to work with; excited about the story and happy to share it with a new audience even after show #70.

JL: What is relationship with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz (book or film)?
ME: I have never read the book, but fully intend to explore the series now! I have seen the film, and been to the hotel in San Diego where the writer based the Emerald City. This book combines so many great elements of what a good adventure story should be, and I am very happy we have it adapted to the stage!

JL: What excited you about being a part of this production?
ME: I was excited originally by the fabulous set and costume designs by Lydia Francis and Tyler Gunther. The renderings they brought into the production meetings took everyone’s breath away, and were truly magical in and of themselves. The rehearsal process was so wonderful and creative, and made me look forward to coming into work every day to work with the fabulous directing team and cast who are not only very talented but became a sort of theatre family as we worked. I get to call lights, sound, projections, and set moves in this show which is something new for me too, and it has been fun learning a very cue heavy three button hitting show!

JL: What's next for you as a stage manager?
ME: I actually will be taking a bit of a break as a stage manager after OZ closes. I am the tour manager for ATMTC’s upcoming National Tour of Caps for Sale (world premiere) and I am very excited for that process to begin. Next up for ATMTC is Garfield: The musical with Cattitude and Oliver! Both of which will open this summer!

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

Jacqueline Lawton: To begin, why did you decide to get into theater? Was there someone or a particular show that inspired you?
Henian Boone: Theatre was a life raft extended to me by my high school drama teacher.  I was an anxious adolescent trying to acclimate himself to an ever changing environment.  Theatre began as an afterschool intervention to keep me out of harms way, and has grown to become a vision of a possible future, a viable career, and a vehicle to share my voice.

JL: What excited you about working on the world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC?
HB: I was attracted to Adventure Theatre-MTC because of Michael Bobbitt, the Artistic Director.  I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with Adventure in a previous project, The Adventure of Flat Stanley.  Since that time Adventure Theatre MTC has made a name for itself for thinking outside of the box and producing dynamite work.  I am attracted to theatre companies and artists that aim to reach all audiences through racially blind casting.  This is paramount to me.  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC was an awesome opportunity for young audiences to see themselves depicted by diverse players.

JL: Published in September of 1900, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a much beloved classic story. Why do you feel this story is relevant to today’s audiences?
HB: A story like Oz is relevant. It’s a fable that speaks of the human condition or the quest to find oneself. Some may even call it timeless.   Baum could relate to this quest.  It seems all the characters who skipped down the yellow brick road of life are looking for qualities they already possess.  I think this story is ultimately about trust.  Trusting oneself and understanding that ‘you’ are enough. Trusting that when you fall down your neighbor will be there to help you back to get back on track.   I think audiences then, now, and audiences to come will continue to see themselves in this story.

JL: Who are you playing? What, if anything, do you have in common with this character’s passions, values, intentions or belief system?
HB: I play the Tin-Woodman.  Like the Tin Woodman, I can be found wearing my heart on my sleeve.  In contrast, I’ve always known I had a heart, because it is constantly breaking.  I believe that my compassion for others is my most trait in which I share  with the Tin Woodman.  And empathy never hurt anyone, definitely not an actor.

JL: What’s next for you as an actor? Where can we follow your work?
HB: After the Wizard of Oz closes, I’m going to be focusing my attention to some personal projects I’ve been working on.  I’m so inspired by the things that surround me.  I’m going to use them to good advantage.  Please stay in touch. Follow my work at HenianBoone.com

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

JACQUELINE LAWTON: To begin, why did you decide to get into theater? Was there someone or a particular show that inspired you?
RYAN DALUSUNG: I first got into theatre because I needed an elective in high school and heard it was an easy “A”. Turns out… it was, but only because it’s very difficult to really judge a performance. Everyone always learns to have fun when given the freedom to create, so here were a bunch of us using our imaginations to their fullest extents, which was the whole point of the classes. We were succeeding in embracing ourselves and establishing camaraderie with our classmates and, thus, we grew. For me, theatre acting became a craft that can never be perfected, but always bettered. I came to love that philosophy, and so I’m still involved today.

JL: What excited you about working on the world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC?
RD: The people involved, the experience of getting to work with the folks at Adventure Theatre MTC for the first time, and the mere fact that I was fortunate enough to play such an iconic character in a brand new adaptation of a beloved classic. A lot of firsts! The excitement hasn’t really ended for me either: seeing the faces in the audience continuously light up with wonder and awe at everything going on in front of them is endlessly rejuvenating.

JL: Published in September of 1900, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a much beloved classic story. Why do you feel this story is relevant to today’s audiences?
RD: For me, I feel it resonates most with the ideas of cooperation and understanding. You can’t ever have too much of that. Make friends, work together, support each other, help each other become better people. The more we learn and come to understand our own selves, the less reason we have to judge others. I also believe that a lot of people can relate to many of the characters, in that we all tend to look towards outside influences for answers to our personal problems, which can bring satisfaction, but won’t help you find lasting contentment.

JL: Who are you playing? What, if anything, do you have in common with this character’s passions, values, intentions or belief system?
RD: I play the Scarecrow who, I believe, shares a personality and mindset that is nigh identical to mine own. He’s very much a thinker (possibly an over thinker), he’s very supportive of his friends, he can appear overly serious until he realizes he’s being so (in which case he then snaps out of said reverie with attempts at humor), and he loves playing games, especially games that involve thinking. In short, I see him as the absent-minded professor who tries to answer questions as warmly and as accurately as possible but almost always veers off topic.

JL: What’s next for you as an actor? Where can we follow your work?
RD: In stark contrast to the warmhearted adventure that is The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, I’ll be appearing next in The Bloody Banquet, a verse drama unperformed professionally since the 1600s, with Brave Spirits Theatre, as part of the 2015 Capital Fringe Festival. You can check out tidbits of my other work via my website, at www.ryandalusung.com.

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

As we count down to the final performance of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC, I thought it would be nice to get to know our cast a little better. I had a chance to speak with them about their life in the theatre, their roles, and where we can see them next onstage. And now Thony Mena, who plays the Cowardly Lion. Please enjoy!

JACQUELINE LAWTON: To begin, why did you decide to get into theater? Was there someone or a particular show that inspired you?
THONY MENA: The first time I remember thinking, “Hey I could do this!” was in high school. My friend was always asking me to be a part of the school’s Heritage Show. This was a night where the student body displayed their different cultures through music, dance, and some sketches. I swore I couldn’t do it because of wrestling practice, but in 11th grade I decided to go for it. We rehearsed for months. It was so challenging/fun/rewarding. I knew that I had to do it for a living!

JL: What excited you about working on the world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC?
TM: So many things! For starters, this is such a classic story that every child and family should know. There are so many lessons to be learned while at the same time expanding the audience’s imagination. Another thing that got me excited was the people involved. From the cast, to the production team, to the crew. On the very first day of rehearsal I think we all could tell that this was going to be a special show.

JL: Published in September of 1900, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a much beloved classic story. Why do you feel this story is relevant to today’s audiences?
TM: Whether you’re a boy, girl, man, woman, gay, straight, black, white, brown, yellow, anything at all, I really believe that people can relate to Dorothy and her friends at any given time of their lives. Dorothy feels like she’s missing out on other things in life, but doesn’t first appreciate the life in front of her. The friends all feel like they are lacking certain qualities, when in reality they just have to find it within themselves. I know I’ve felt this way before at some point in my life. These are just a few of the many themes that are in the story.

JL: Who are you playing? What, if anything, do you have in common with this character’s passions, values, intentions or belief system?
TM: I have the honor of playing the Cowardly Lion! ROAR!!! The Lion and I have plenty in common. We’re both very loyal friends that will do anything for those that we love. We are also very goofy and silly even when we aren’t trying to be. I think the main thing we have in common is that we don’t know how courageous we are until we look back and think about the things that we’ve done and what we’ve gone through. The world is a big scary place and sometimes we are asked to dive into unchartered territory. Even though it’s frightening, we do it anyway and come out stronger!

JL: What’s next for you as an actor? Where can we follow your work?
TM: Up next I’ll be at Theatre Alliance in Occupied Territories, June 10th – July 5th. It’s the story of the complexity and persistence of memory, decades after war. With text sparked by Trojan Women, Occupied Territories exposes a world where a man must finally face his past, his God, his family. Highly physical, Occupied Territories tears away easy boundaries to question how bodies, minds, and souls are vast territories altered by our relentless history of War. You can follow my work by visiting www.ThonyMena.com! Don’t be frightened by the ugly mug on the Home Page! 

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

As we count down to the final performance of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC, I thought it would be nice to get to know our cast a little better. I had a chance to speak with them about their life in the theatre, their roles, and where we can see them next onstage. And now Maggie Erwin, who plays a whole host of characters, including Aunt Em and the Locasta the Good Witch of the North. Please enjoy!

JACQUELINE LAWTON: To begin, why did you decide to get into theater? Was there someone or a particular show that inspired you?
ME: I got into theatre because I always loved playing pretend!! Oh MAN! I used to watch the Mary Martin Peter Man every single day when I was little (with Mary Poppins thrown in the mix at times!). I was inspired to pursue acting as a career after I saw Doubt and The Pillowman on Broadway my junior year of high school. Talk about inspiration overload!! I was HOOKED after that :)

JL: What excited you about working on the world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC? 
ME: I was so excited to dive into the heart of this story!! I've always loved the theme of going to a different place to "find yourself" and then realizing that all you needed/wanted was there all along. This notion is one that I just discovered myself in life! I was in NYC for a while and moved to DC a couple years ago. DC is very close to my home and family in Fredericksburg, VA and I've discovered that my heart and spirit thrive here...at home :)

JL: Published in September of 1900, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a much beloved classic story. Why do you feel this story is relevant to today’s audiences?
ME: I feel OZ is relevant because of the friendships!! I love how these four friends, these four very different individuals, are all in search of their own identity/desires and find them when they rely on the strength of each other!! This is indicative of the power of friendship and human bonds :)

JL: Who are you playing? What, if anything, do you have in common with this character’s passions, values, intentions or belief system?
ME: I play Aunt Em, Locasta the Good Witch of the North, The Guardian of the Gates, Puppet Toto and the Igor character (our own little addition to this particular production!). I share in lots of Aunt Em's desires to keep order and discipline. I also share in Locasta's desire to try and see the good in other people and her excitement in the moment!

JL: What’s next for you as an actor? Where can we follow your work?
ME: I've got a fun year ahead! You can find me at I-Stage in the remount of the The BFG at the National Theatre and in When She Had Wings in the fall. We're remounting Bad Jews at Studio in the winter and I can't wait for The Antigone Project up at Rep Stage and An Octoroon at Woolly! A fun filled year and by that point I'll be Maggie Wilder :) www.maggieerwin.com

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

JACQUELINE LAWTON: To begin, why did you decide to get into theater? Was there someone or a particular show that inspired you?
SARAH OLMSTED THOMAS:  My family inspired me to go into the performing arts.  My mother was a dancer with the New York City Ballet and ran her own studio in Charlottesville, Virginia.  She was my teacher.  Her father was a Tony Award nominated actor and her grandfather was a double bassist with the New York Philharmonic.  I wanted to inherit their dreams.

JL: What excited you about working on the world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC?
SOT:  Every component excited me.  I loved that it was an Adventure Theatre MTC production directed by Roberta Gasbarre and that it was a brand new adaptation by Jacqueline Lawton starring Paige Hernandez as Dorothy.  It's the Wizard of Oz I've always wanted to see and somehow I'm a part of it, too. 

JL: Published in September of 1900, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a much beloved classic story. Why do you feel this story is relevant to today’s audiences?
SOT:  The story of Oz is relevant because of its emphasis on simple truths.  Dorothy and her friends long for qualities that they already have and it takes the experience of friendship and shared adventure to make them feel complete.  

JL: Who are you playing? What, if anything, do you have in common with this character’s passions, values, intentions or belief system?
SOT:  I'm playing the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch of the South.  In order to inhabit the characters, I treat them as elements.  The Wicked Witch is fire; combustible, smoldering.  Glinda is the sunrise; numinous and golden.  I also see them as different roles in the family unit.  The Wicked Witch is the orphaned child; Glinda is the nurturing mother.

JL: What’s next for you as an actor? Where can we follow your work?
SOT:  I'm a company member with Happenstance Theater and we have two shows coming up this summer; a remount of our circus "IMPOSSIBLE!" and a new clown show about the apocalypse at the Capitol Fringe called "Brouhaha."  www.SarahOlmstedThomas.com

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

As we count down to the final performance of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC, I thought it would be nice to get to know our cast a little better. I had a chance to speak with them about their life in the theatre, their roles, and where we can see them next onstage. Next up, we have Alex Vernon, who plays a whole host of characters, including Uncle Henry and the Wizard of Oz. Please enjoy!

JACQUELINE LAWTON: To begin, why did you decide to get into theater? Was there someone or a particular show that inspired you?
Alex Vernon: When I was in middle school I was involved with a program called Odyssey of the Mind, which involved creative problem solving and a performance component. That was a really fun, creative outlet that jumpstarted my love of performing.

JL: What excited you about working on the world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC?
AV: ATMTC always does amazing shows, and I’ve always loved the story of OZ, so I knew it would be a great experience.

JL: Published in September of 1900, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a much beloved classic story. Why do you feel this story is relevant to today’s audiences?
AV: The themes that the story deals with are timeless. Wanting to explore the world outside of your home, feeling incomplete and wanting to better yourself, making friends and helping them on your journey.

JL: Who are you playing? What, if anything, do you have in common with this character’s passions, values, intentions or belief system?
AV: I play Uncle Henry, a puppeteer, the Evil Wildcat, the King of the Winged Monkeys, and the Wizard of OZ. I feel like I identify with the Wizard most of all. I’ve been interested in illusions and stage magic since I was young, and he only tricks people in order to make them feel better about themselves. He’s also basically the only thing keeping the Wicked Witches from taking over OZ.

JL: What’s next for you as an actor? Where can we follow your work?
AV: I’ll be remounting IMPOSSIBLE! A Happenstance Circus with my theater company Happenstance Theater at Roundhouse Bethesda, as well as debuting our new 6 person clown show at the DC Fringe Festival. You can follow my work at www.thealexvernon.com 

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.

As we count down to the final performance of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC, I thought it would be nice to get to know our cast a little better. I had a chance to speak with them about their life in the theatre, their roles, and where we can see them next onstage. First up, is Paige Hernandez, who plays Dorothy Gale from Kansas. Please enjoy!

JACQUELINE LAWTON: To begin, why did you decide to get into theater? Was there someone or a particular show that inspired you?
PAIGE HERNANDEZ: I excelled at oratory competitions in middle school. I loved that with a simple change of inflection, emotion or intention, I could change the audience’s reaction. From there, I got accepted into the Baltimore School for the Arts for theatre. The rest is history!

JL: What excited you about working on the world premiere production of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre-MTC?
PH: Jackie Lawton. Seriously. She says that I’m her muse but the truth is I’ve had the biggest artistic crush on her since I met her!!! I’ve had the great pleasure of working on many of her plays but never got the chance to do a full production. Once I found out that Roberta was at the helm (as director), I was all in. Roberta has been a fantastic mentor to me since I graduated college. Since then we’ve worked together several times and she recently commissioned me to do ALL THE WAY LIVE at Discovery Theatre. I had also been itching to work at Adventure with Michael Bobbitt. Mix all of that with a fantastic cast and my excitement was through the roof!

JL: Published in September of 1900, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a much beloved classic story. Why do you feel this story is relevant to today’s audiences?
PH: This story is relevant because it has the timeless themes of friendship, independence, overcoming fears and realizing that true triumph lies within.

JL: Who are you playing? What, if anything, do you have in common with this character’s passions, values, intentions or belief system?
PH: I am playing Dorothy. I have in common with Dorothy the idea of finding the good in everyone. We meet a little bit of ourselves in each person we meet.

JL: What’s next for you as an actor? Where can we follow your work?
PH: I’m excited to get back on the road. During the year, I tour several of my original works with my company B-FLY ENTERTAINMENT. First up The Smith Center in Las Vegas (PAIGE IN FULL) and then a month Southeast Asia with Wolf Trap and the National Arts Council of Singapore (HAVANA HOP)! I’m sad to leave OZ but excited for new adventures. www.paigehernandez.com www.bflyentertainment.com

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ
April 3 – May 31, 2015
Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum
Adapted by Jacqueline E. Lawton
Directed by Roberta Gasbarre
Starring Henian Boone, Ryan Dalusung, Maggie Erwin, Pasquale Guiducci, Thony Mena, Sarah Olmsted-Thomas, Alex Vernon, and Paige Hernandez as Dorothy Gale
Recommended for All Ages
Running Time: 1 hour with no intermission
Click here to purchase tickets.

Life in Kansas has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true.

Tickets to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are $19-19.50 each, with group and field trip rates available, and can be purchased through the box office by calling 301-634-2270 or online at www.adventuretheatre-mtc.org. Children under the age of one are free. The press performance is set for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4th.

All performances will take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park.