Category: Community Theater

Josh Foley Brings a Bold Detective to Life in Bull in a China Shop

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Josh Foley, who plays Kramer in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!

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

Josh describes Kramer as a bold and sarcastic character who isn’t afraid to say exactly what he sees, and he prepared for the role by watching classic television characters, including Columbo and Kramer from Seinfeld. He also shares how much he enjoys performing alongside the talented cast of women who bring the show’s older characters to life.

Josh has been involved in theater since elementary school and brings years of stage experience to the production. He discusses his unique costume, which combines elements of Seinfeld’s Kramer and the classic detective Columbo, as well as his opportunity to serve as an assistant director for the show. Josh encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved and invites the community to see Bull in a China Shop, describing it as a fast-paced, hilarious production filled with memorable characters and plenty of laughs.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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Lily Haws Talks Community, Comedy and Her Role in Bull in a China Shop

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Lily Haws, who plays Bertie Spinster in Orange Barrel Productions’ Bull in a China Shop!

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

Lily describes Bertie as the oldest resident of a boarding house who values proper manners and etiquette, but as the play unfolds, her character becomes involved in a dark and unexpected plot to commit murder. Lily says the role has been a natural fit and has enjoyed the humorous contrast between Bertie’s proper personality and the darker elements of the story.

Lily also shares about her long history with Orange Barrel Productions and the special experience of performing alongside longtime friends, family members, and familiar faces. She discusses the production’s mid-1950s setting, her character’s costume, and the many ways people can get involved in community theater beyond acting. Lily encourages the community to support local arts organizations, emphasizing the role they play in bringing people together and keeping the arts thriving for future generations.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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Katie Adams Shares About Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

WNZR’s Josiah Styer talks with Katie Adams, Client Services Director for Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click the image below!

Katie explains that one of Starting Point’s primary ministries is the Start Here Program, which provides pregnancy and parenting education for pregnant women, couples, and families. Participants earn points through educational appointments that can be used to shop in the ministry’s boutique for items such as diapers, wipes, formula, and other baby essentials.

She says Starting Point’s services are available to anyone in the community without income restrictions or insurance requirements. The ministry serves single parents, families, grandparents, and individuals seeking resources related to unexpected pregnancies, parenting, relationships, and family life. Starting Point strives to meet practical needs while also providing support for all.

Katie shares her personal journey with Starting Point, beginning as a field experience intern through MVNU Online. Shortly after arriving, she learned of an opening for the Client Care Coordinator position, volunteered with the ministry, and eventually joined the staff. After serving as Client Care Coordinator for a year and a half, she recently stepped into the role of Client Services Director.

She also discusses opportunities for community members to become involved with the ministry. Starting Point is currently seeking volunteers in several areas, including nurses, ultrasound technicians, boutique workers, and client advocates. The ministry also welcomes men to serve through its men’s mentoring and support programs. They need volunteers, contact Starting Point directly at 740-393-0370 to learn more about available opportunities. She concludes by expressing excitement for the upcoming 5K and Family Glow Night.

Click HERE for more information about Starting Point Pregnancy & Family Resource Center!

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Carrie Haver Talks About Bull In A China Shop!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Carrie Haver, who plays Nettie Norton in Bull in a China Shop.

Click HERE to listen to the entire conversation, or click on the image below!

Carrie describes Nettie as one of six older women living together in the show. She says the character is humorous, often says the wrong thing, and brings plenty of laughs to the production.

She shares that the cast has been rehearsing since the summer, spending time reading through the script and developing the relationships between the characters. Carrie says memorizing lines comes through repetition and listening to recordings of rehearsals.

Carrie says one of her favorite things about playing Nettie is that the character is very different from roles she has played in the past. She enjoys portraying an older woman and bringing the character’s unique personality to life.

A theater veteran, Carrie has appeared in numerous productions with both Orange Barrel Productions and MTVarts. She recalls playing Glinda in The Wizard of Oz as one of her favorite theater experiences. Carrie also says the humor in Bull in a China Shop is what makes the show especially enjoyable and believes audiences will find many opportunities to laugh.

Carrie says one of the highlights of the production has been the strong chemistry and camaraderie among the cast. Many of the actors have worked together before, creating a comfortable and enjoyable rehearsal environment.

She also discusses the show’s costumes and makeup, explaining that the cast uses special makeup and costumes to portray older women living in the 1950s. Carrie encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved, noting there are opportunities for people of all ages both on stage and behind the scenes. She hopes the community will come see Bull in a China Shop, enjoy a good laugh, and support local theater.

Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!

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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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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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Follow The Yellow Brick Road With: Vincent Oertel and Briggs Swallow of The Wizard of Oz!

WNZR’s Marcy Rinehart recently welcomed two cast members from MTV Arts’ upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz: Vincent Oertel, who plays the Tin Man, and Briggs Swallow, who portrays the Cowardly Lion.

Listen to the entire conversation HERE! Or, click on the picture link below!

Vincent, a 14-year-old homeschooled freshman, says the Tin Man has been a favorite character since childhood and that he connects with the character’s emotional nature. He was thrilled when he learned he had landed the role. Briggs, a 15-year-old Mount Vernon High School sophomore, enjoys the Lion’s dramatic personality and comedic energy. He has studied classic comedians and worked on his vocal techniques to prepare for the part.

The pair also discussed the rehearsal process and the experience of sharing the Lion role with Zayden Luckmeier. Briggs says the double casting has allowed the two actors to learn from each other and strengthen their performances. Both Vincent and Briggs have enjoyed getting to know their fellow cast members and building friendships during rehearsals. They also had the opportunity to connect with previous performers, including Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr, who previously played the Lion. Vincent’s favorite number is “Jitterbug,” which was ultimately not included in the production, while Briggs enjoys “If I Only Had a Heart.”

For Briggs, The Wizard of Oz marks his 18th MTV Arts production, following roles including his appearance in Beauty and the Beast. Vincent is newer to the stage, with this being only his third show and his biggest role yet. Both encourage the community to come see this classic story filled with memorable music, exciting performances and more than 40 talented young performers. They also emphasize the importance of supporting local arts before showing off their characters one final time with a little singing.

Click HERE for information on tickets and showtimes!

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Three Roles, Three Costumes, One Big Adventure: Meet Andrew Petersen of The Wizard of Oz!

WNZR talked with eleven-year-old Andrew Petersen, a seventh-grade student at Mount Vernon Middle School, is taking on three different roles in MTVArts’ production of The Wizard of Oz.

Click HERE to listen to the full conversation or click on the picture link below!

Petersen plays the Winky General, a member of the Lollipop Guild and an Ozian. He says each role brings something different to the stage, from protecting the Wicked Witch as the Winky General to singing with the Lollipop Guild and helping introduce Dorothy and the other main characters to the city of Oz.

Petersen also talks about the challenge—and fun—of quickly changing between characters, costumes and personalities throughout the show. A veteran of several MTVArts productions, including A Christmas Story, Petersen says some of his favorite parts of theater are spending time with friends and having fun on stage. He encourages others to get involved in local theater and enjoy the experience. He even gives listeners a taste of the Lollipop Guild with a short performance during the interview.

Click HERE for info on tickets and showtimes!

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Steve Jefferson finds a powerful and emotional story of truth as he takes on the role of Reverend Sykes

WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Steve Jefferson, who plays Reverend Sykes in MTVArts’ production of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Woodward Opera House.

Click HERE to hear the full conversation!

Steve got involved in theater after retiring from a teaching career at the Knox County Career Center. He shares how stepping into theater opened a whole new world and gave him an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that makes each production possible.

Steve talks about the powerful, true-to-life story of this show. He shares that he wanted to be part of a production that tells such an important story.

Steve shares about his preparation for this role and the relationships he has built with the cast. He encourages the community to come out and see the show. Steve calls this show a powerful and emotional story that reflects important truths and leaves audiences thinking long after the performance ends.

Performances of To Kill a Mockingbird will take place at the Woodward Opera House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 10th at 2:00 p.m.

Click HERE for more information or to buy tickets!

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