Wonderful Wizard of Oz Actor Interview: Maggie Erwin

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!

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Maggie Erwin (Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Adventure Theatre). Photo by Bruce Douglas.

Maggie Erwin (Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Adventure Theatre). Photo by Bruce Douglas.

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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

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Maggie Erwin (Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Adventure Theatre). Photo by Bruce Douglas.

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Wonderful Wizard of Oz Event Info

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.