Two Scarecrows Bring Double the Fun to MTVarts’ The Wizard of Oz

Will Pletcher and Carter Skillman are sharing the role of the Scarecrow in MTVarts’ production of The Wizard of Oz.

Click HERE to hear our full conversation with the two actors or click on the picture link below.

Will is a 16-year-old junior at Fredericktown High School, while Carter is a 14-year-old freshman at Centerburg High School. Both actors have enjoyed the opportunity to put their own spin on the beloved character, especially the Scarecrow’s physical comedy, awkward movements and signature poses. They say being double cast has been a rewarding experience, allowing them to support each other and learn from one another. When they aren’t playing the Scarecrow, they remain part of the production as members of the ensemble.

Both Will and Carter have plenty of theatre experience, with Will appearing in productions including Frozen Jr., The Little Mermaid Jr., Matilda Jr., SpongeBob Jr., Grease and A Christmas Story, while The Wizard of Oz marks approximately Carter’s 16th production. They say one of the best parts of this show has been building friendships, making memories and watching fellow cast members grow. Both encourage young people to give theatre a try. Will says theatre has become one of the most enjoyable experiences of his life, while Carter reminds aspiring performers that success isn’t everything—being yourself, giving your best effort and enjoying the experience are what matter most.

Click HERE for more information about the show and to purchase tickets.

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Meet the Wizard: Devyn Hall Takes the Stage in MTVarts’ The Wizard of Oz

Sixteen-year-old Devyn Hall is taking on the role of the Wizard in MTVarts’ production of The Wizard of Oz. WNZR had a chance to chat with him about this experience.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

A junior at the Knox County Career Center, Devyn was surprised to get the role after originally auditioning for the Cowardly Lion. He prepared by watching the classic Judy Garland film and talking with a previous Wizard. Devyn describes his character as fun and entertaining, and audiences will see his unique take on the Wizard, complete with green-themed costume and elderly-style makeup. He also says he loves the message of hope in “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

This is Devyn’s 12th MTVarts production, following roles in Beauty and the Beast, Matilda, and The Little Mermaid. He says theatre has helped him build confidence and communication skills, and he hopes to pursue acting in the future. Devyn especially enjoys watching the younger cast members grow and helping encourage them along the way. He encourages others to give theatre a try—you never know when you might discover a passion you didn’t know you had!

For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

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Follow the Yellow Brick Road to MTVarts’ The Wizard of Oz

MTVarts is bringing the beloved story of The Wizard of Oz to life at the Knox Memorial Theater in Mount Vernon, and WNZR recently caught up with 14-year-old Jules Garrett, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

A freshman at Big Walnut High School, Jules says she was thrilled when she received the email letting her know she had been cast—and immediately ran to tell her dad. Taking on the role of a villain has been a new challenge for Jules, who says she typically plays characters more like Dorothy. She has also had to tackle the Wicked Witch’s long speeches, along with several flying scenes. While singing is her favorite part of performing, Jules says one of her favorite moments is the song “The Jitterbug”. She describes her costume as a glamorous take on the classic Wicked Witch look, complete with bright green makeup!

This is Jules’ first MTVarts production, and she says one of the highlights has been making new friends and getting to know the cast during rehearsals. Her journey to the Wicked Witch role also comes with an encouraging message: Jules was cut from her first MTVarts audition for Beauty and the Beast Jr., but she came back, kept trying and eventually earned this role. She encourages other young performers to take a chance, get involved and not let a setback stop them.

The Wizard of Oz runs September 11–20 at the Knox Memorial Theater, with performances Friday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 13 at 2 p.m.; Friday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, September 20 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available through www.MTVarts.com

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Our Favorite Way To Consume Tomatoes!

For this week’s Friday Favorites, The Morning Thing hosts are celebrating the 49th Fredericktown Tomato Show! The hosts share their favorite ways to enjoy the tomato.

Listen to The Morning Thing hosts’ Friday Favorites HERE, or click the image below!

More information about the 49th Fredericktown Tomato Show can be found HERE!

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Finding Home in Oz: Braelyn Jones Takes on the Role of Aunt Em

We talked with Braelyn Jones, who portrays Aunt Em in MTVArts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz!

Click HERE to hear the conversation!

The 16-year-old Mount Vernon High School junior shares how she prepared for the role and describes Aunt Em as an important influence in Dorothy’s life. She also discusses the experience of working with the production’s double-cast Dorothys and the talented 40-member cast.

Braelyn also takes on the role of an Emerald City Guard and shares some of her favorite musical numbers, including “The Merry Old Land of Oz” and “Jitterbug.” She talks about the contrast between the simple Kansas farm setting and the colorful world of Oz, as well as the fun of working with Toto, who is portrayed by a real dog.

With previous MTVArts performances in The SpongeBob Musical, Beauty and the Beast Jr., and The Little Mermaid Jr., Braelyn hopes to continue acting and singing in the future. She encourages young people to give theater a try, offering advice to be confident, make bold choices, and step outside their comfort zone.

Click HERE to find out more about the show!

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There’s No Place Like Home: Allie and Lanah Share the Role of Dorothy in MTVArts’ The Wizard of Oz

We talked with Allie Vance and Lanah Andrews, who share the iconic role of Dorothy in MTVArts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz!

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Allie, a sophomore at Danville High School, and Lanah, a junior at the Knox County Career Center, discuss the unique experience of being double cast and working together to develop the character. Both say the experience has brought them closer as friends while teaching them the importance of flexibility and collaboration.

The actresses also share some of their favorite parts of playing Dorothy, from wearing the iconic blue dress and ruby slippers to performing songs like “Jitterbug” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.” They also talk about working with Toto, who is being portrayed by a real dog, and the excitement of flying during the production. While some of those experiences were initially intimidating, rehearsals have helped them build confidence and embrace the theatrical magic of the show.

With a 40-member cast bringing the world of Oz to life, Allie and Lanah say building friendships has been one of their favorite parts of the experience. Through Dorothy’s journey, they’ve also learned lessons about appreciating home, relationships and the people who support them while having the courage to embrace new experiences.

Click HERE to find more info about the show!

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Music, Memories and Tradition Take Center Stage at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

We talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show board member and stage manager Kyle Lepley about this year’s entertainment lineup and some of the traditions that make the festival special!

Click HERE to hear the conversation!

Kyle, who has been involved with the Tomato Show for 27 years, helps oversee the stage, sound, and hospitality needs for performers throughout the week. This year’s entertainment includes the Royal Princesses, Michael Mage, The Stepbrothers, Zach Attack, and Saturday night’s featured act, the Red Ball Jets.

Kyle also shares details about the annual Plate Auction, taking place Saturday at 7:30 p.m. before the Red Ball Jets perform. The auction features ten hand-painted commemorative plates, with this year’s design honoring the longtime Porkette sandwich tradition and the Knox County Pork Council’s 50th anniversary. The first plate sold will benefit the Chris Wells Scholarship Fund, while proceeds from the auction help support the Fredericktown Tomato Show.

This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and coincides with the 25th anniversary remembrance of September 11. Kyle says the festival is a special opportunity for families and friends to come together, celebrate their community, and reflect on the freedoms and values that unite us.

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Run, Parade and Community: What to Expect at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

We talked with Fredericktown Tomato Show volunteer Corey Fearn about some of the big events happening during this year’s festival!

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Corey, who is in his fourth year volunteering, is helping with the annual 5K Run, Bathtub Races and parade. The 5K begins Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Fredericktown Schools Administrative Building, with awards for overall winners and medals for the top three finishers in each age group. This year’s race will also feature an America 250-themed costume contest.

Corey also shares details about Saturday’s parade, which begins at 12:30 p.m. near the Fredericktown Police Station. Participants can preregister or register the morning of the parade, and a hospitality tent will be available with food and beverages. Beyond the events themselves, Corey says one of his favorite parts of the Tomato Show is watching families and children enjoy activities throughout the week and seeing the community come together.

This year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, and Remembrance,” celebrates America’s 250th birthday while encouraging reflection on the nation’s history, freedoms and values. And when it comes to Corey’s personal favorite part of the festival, the answer is simple: the fair food!

Click HERE for more info about the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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A Favorite Family Tradition Returns to the Fredericktown Tomato Show

WNZR recently spoke with Lesley Ruggles, Director-at-Large with the Fredericktown Tomato Show Board, about one of the festival’s most popular family events—the Baby Crawling Contest!

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Lesley has helped coordinate the contest for 13 years and says it remains one of her favorite parts of the Tomato Show. This year’s contest takes place Friday at 6 p.m. in front of Park National Bank, with registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. Babies 12 months old and younger will compete in four age divisions, with cash prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each group.

The contest also includes fun awards such as Best Tomato-Themed Outfit, Best Crier, and Biggest Show-Off. Families are encouraged to bring a favorite toy or snack to help motivate their little ones toward the finish line. Lesley also talks about the excitement of seeing all the babies together, the popular winners’ podium photo opportunity, and the contest’s sponsorship by Ruggles Electric.

During the interview, Lesley also shares what she looks forward to most at the Tomato Show—including enjoying an elephant ear—and reflects on this year’s theme, “Freedom, Unity, and Remembrance.” With the parade falling on September 11, she says the theme provides an opportunity for the community to honor those who have sacrificed for our nation while celebrating the traditions and unity that make the Fredericktown Tomato Show special.

Click HERE for more info on the Fredericktown Tomato Show!

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Little Miss Tomato Takes Center Stage Tonight at the Fredericktown Tomato Show

The Fredericktown Tomato Show gets underway with plenty of family fun, and tonight, all eyes will be on the Main Stage for the Little Miss Tomato Contest! WNZR recently talked with Tomato Show Board President Kim Fearn about this special tradition.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation or click on the picture link below.

This year, 17 six-year-old contestants will compete for the title, with each girl wearing a red dress and taking part in a two-minute interview on stage. The contest begins tonight at 7:00 p.m. on the Main Stage at Main and First Streets, with one winner and three runners-up selected by out-of-town judges. The interviews are often one of the most entertaining parts of the evening, making this a fun event for the whole family!

Kim also shared details about the official Tomato Show merchandise, including $15 T-shirts, $20 travel mugs, and $20 fleece blankets, available at the Hospitality Tent during the festival. This year’s theme, “Unity, Freedom, Remembrance,” recognizes America’s 250th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of September 11. WNZR will be LIVE “On the Road with Big Blue” throughout the Fredericktown Tomato Show, bringing listeners the excitement, events, results, and community stories from the festival. Tune in to WNZR and visit wnzr.fm for more information and your chance to win great prizes!

Click HERE for more information.

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