Wonderful Wizard of Oz Actor Interview: Paige Hernandez

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!

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Maggie Erwin and Paige Hernandez (Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Adventure Theatre-MTC). Photo by Mike Horan.

Paige Hernandez (Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Adventure Theatre-MTC). Photo by Mike Horan.

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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?
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

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Paige Hernandez (Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Adventure Theatre-MTC). Photo by Mike Horan.

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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.