Category: Local 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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Catherine Haws Talks Bull In A China Shop!

WNZR’s Ethan Hershberger talks with Catherine Haws, who plays Jane the News Reporter in Orange Barrel Productions’ “Bull In A China Shop”!

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

Catherine shares how she has prepared for the role and what she enjoys about playing Jane, including her outspoken personality and the humor she brings to the production.

This show marks Catherine’s 31st theater production, and she is especially excited to share the stage with her mom for the first time since 2008. She also discusses the show’s late-1940s/early-1950s setting, her costumes, and why she believes live theater continues to bring people together in a unique way.

Click HERE for more information on the show!

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Sabina Anderson Brings Miss Hildegarde Hodge to Life in Bull in a China Shop

We talked with Sabina Anderson, who plays Miss Hildegarde Hodge in Orange Barrel Production Company’s Bull in a China Shop.

Click HERE to listen to the conversation!

Sabina describes Hildegarde as a practical, no-nonsense boarding house owner who also has a softer, more playful side when she encounters the show’s handsome detective. She shares how much she has enjoyed the challenge of portraying both sides of the character and says one of the show’s unique qualities is that, despite being a murder mystery, many of its characters are genuinely likable.

Sabina has been involved in theater for most of her life through school, church, and community productions, with previous roles in Pride and Prejudice, Anne of Green Gables, Guys and Dolls, The Music Man, and Little Shop of Horrors. She is also returning to Bull in a China Shop after previously performing in the production as a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She says the camaraderie and laughter among the cast have made rehearsals especially enjoyable.

Sabina also discusses the costume and makeup work that transforms her into Hildegarde, including age makeup, period clothing, and a 1950s-style wig. Although she considers herself an introvert, Sabina says theater has always given her a place to feel confident, connected, and free to express herself. She encourages others to get involved in theater, whether onstage or backstage, and invites the community to attend Bull in a China Shop for an affordable night of live entertainment while supporting local performers and the arts.

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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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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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