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! 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.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
My BlogI'm a playwright, dramaturg, and teaching artist. It is here where you'll find my queries and musings on life, theater and the world. My posts advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity in the American Theatre and updates on my own work. Please enjoy!
Categories
All
Archives
June 2020
Reading List
|