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.
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!
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.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Josh Callahan Foley, who plays Alexander T. Wolf in Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs.
Josh says theater has been part of his life for years through both school and community productions in Mount Vernon. Along with his stage experience, he also studied film in college and now works professionally as a photographer and videographer while continuing to stay active in local theater.
Taking on the role of the Wolf has come with some unique challenges. Josh says one of the biggest adjustments has been the amount of narration throughout the show, since much of the production involves directly telling the story to the audience. To help shape the character, he says he approached the Wolf as a charming southern gentleman who audiences can connect with — even while hearing “his side” of the famous story.
Josh says storytelling is what continues to fuel his passion for both theater and film. He believes live theater creates a special experience because audiences get to watch real people tell stories right in front of them in a way that feels personal and immediate.
He also encourages others to get involved in theater, saying every production comes with awkward moments and challenges, but the friendships, teamwork, and sense of community make it worthwhile.
Josh says audiences should come see The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs because it offers a funny and creative twist on the classic fairy tale while showcasing performers of all ages sharing their talents on stage.
Performances will take place: Thursday, May 21st, and Friday May 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are 10 dollars.
Click HERE to learn more about the Orange Barrel Production Company!
Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is bringing together familiar fairy tale characters, plenty of laughs, and for one cast member, a full-circle family moment.
WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Maggie Lauth, who plays Sizzle Bacon in Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs.
Maggie describes Sizzle Bacon as the only surviving pig sibling who takes Alexander T. Wolf to court. She says the character is sassy, fashionable, and more focused on herself than anyone else. Maggie also says she enjoys playing characters with attitude and personality, which made the role especially fun for her. She says one of her favorite parts of the production is the courtroom scene because of the humor, the larger role her character has in the scene, and the chance to interact more with the cast.
Eric continues with Maggie Lauth, who says this is her first major stage production with Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs.
Maggie says one of her favorite rehearsal memories involved a funny courtroom scene adjustment from director Michelle Banko that had the cast laughing during practice. She also says it has been fun being involved in the production alongside her cousin, who plays Goldilocks.
She encourages other kids to give theater a try, saying Orange Barrel Productions is a great place to start because rehearsals are manageable and the experience is both fun and rewarding.
Maggie also says the community should come out and support the production because the cast has worked hard to create a fun experience for audiences of all ages.
Performances will take place: May 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are 10 dollars. For more information, visit Ohio Drama-dot-com or call 740-504-8847.
Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!
Orange Barrel Production Company’s production of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs is bringing together familiar fairy tale characters, plenty of laughs, and for one cast member, a full-circle family moment.
WNZR’s Eric Brown recently spoke with Allison Burak, who plays Snow White’s evil stepmother in the upcoming production. Allison says the show is especially meaningful for her family because her older children were involved in the original production 10 years ago. Now, she is sharing the stage with her youngest daughter, Lainey.
Although this is Allison’s first major theater production, she says stepping into the role of the evil stepmother has been a fun challenge. The character is dramatic, humorous, and far different from her real-life personality. To prepare, Allison says she spent time researching classic portrayals of Snow White’s stepmother and watching different performances for inspiration.
Some of her favorite moments in the show happen during the jail scenes, where several well-known fairy tale villains interact with each other — and with the Wolf — creating plenty of entertaining moments for the audience.
Allison says much of her previous acting experience came through church skits and reading stories to her children while they were growing up. Looking back, she says those experiences helped her learn how to bring characters to life and express emotion through storytelling.
She also credits Orange Barrel Production Company director Michelle Banko for encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone and try theater for the first time. Allison says the experience has helped her grow creatively while building friendships with the cast and crew.
One of the highlights for Allison has been sharing the experience with her daughter while becoming part of the close-knit teamwork that develops during rehearsals. She says audiences may not even recognize her once she appears on stage in full costume, featuring dramatic makeup, a flowing robe, crown, and magic mirror inspired by the classic evil queen look.
As a first-time theater performer, Allison encourages others not to be afraid to try acting, even if they feel nervous. She says theater helps build confidence, creativity, friendships, and a sense of community.
She also encourages the community to come out and support the production, saying live theater creates a family-friendly experience that is energetic, unique, and a great opportunity to support young people who are using their talents and creativity in positive ways.
Performances will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10.
Click HERE to find out more about Orange Barrel Production Company!
WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Joy Kanagy who plays the part of Judge Judy in the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs which is the latest installment of the Orange Barrel Production Company.
Joy, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Inspirations Academy, says her character helps decide the outcome of the Wolf’s case based on how the jury votes during the courtroom scenes. Joy says she has been preparing for the role by practicing her lines and working on her delivery. While she enjoys the whole character, she admits her favorite part is getting to bang the judge’s gavel during the show. She also says the courtroom scene is one of her favorite moments in the production.
Joy talks about playing the part of Judge Judy in the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs which is the latest installment of the Orange Barrel Production Company.
Joy has previously appeared in Orange Barrel Production Company’s A Little Princess along with several church productions. While she currently sees acting as more of a hobby, she says theater has been a lot of fun and a great experience.
Joy says one of her favorite parts of being involved with this cast has been getting to know the other actors and spending time together during rehearsals. She also encourages other kids to give theater a try, even if it feels a little scary at first.
Joy says the community should come out and support The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs because the cast has worked hard and the show is funny and family friendly.
Performances of the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are 10 dollars. For more information, visit Ohio Drama-dot-com or call 740-504-8847.
Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Production Company!
WNZR’s Eric Brown talks with Brooklyn McDonald, who plays both Mrs. Smith—who “cried wolf”—and a reporter in The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the latest production from the Orange Barrel Production Company.
Brooklyn is a 14-year-old homeschool student and says the two roles are completely different from one another. She explains that the reporter is much closer to her real personality, while Mrs. Smith is far more dramatic and over-the-top, complete with a hippie-style accent and personality.
One of Brooklyn’s favorite parts of the show is the courtroom scene, where the audience gets involved and helps decide whether the Wolf is innocent or guilty. She says those moments are especially fun because the cast gets to feed off the crowd’s energy while bringing plenty of humor to the stage.
Brooklyn has previously appeared in productions including Charlotte’s Web, Honk Jr., Anne of Green Gables, and A Little Princess. While she hopes to continue acting, she says theater is something she currently enjoys doing for fun.
She says one of the best parts of this production has been the friendships formed during rehearsals and all the fun moments shared with the cast. Brooklyn also enjoys the contrast between her two costumes—from a professional reporter look to colorful hippie-style clothing and accessories for Mrs. Smith.
Brooklyn encourages kids who might feel nervous about theater to still give it a try, saying it becomes a lot of fun once you get involved. She says audiences can expect a funny, interactive show that the whole family can enjoy.
Performances of the True Story of the 3 Little Pigs will take place: May 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 7 p.m. at the Crossroads Theater inside the Mount Vernon Developmental Center Administration Building.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10
Click HERE to find out more about Orange Barrel Production Company!
Gabrielle has been involved with theater through MTVArts since 2016 and says auditioning for this show was an easy decision because she has always loved the story of To Kill a Mockingbird. In this production, she takes on the role of Mayella Ewell, a character she describes as emotional, isolated, and deeply shaped by fear and poverty.
To prepare for the role, Gabrielle says she’s spent time focusing on Mayella’s body language, emotions, and motivations throughout the story. She says one of the most powerful moments in the show is Atticus Finch’s closing speech to the jury, which continues to stand out to her during rehearsals.
Outside of this production, Gabrielle has recently appeared in shows including 9 to 5, The Little Mermaid Jr., and MTVArts’ Night of One Acts. She says theater has become an important creative outlet and something she genuinely loves, whether it’s acting, singing, or dancing.
Gabrielle also encourages others to give theater a try, saying there’s a place for everyone, whether on stage or working behind the scenes. She believes audiences will connect with To Kill a Mockingbird because its themes of empathy, justice, and courage still resonate today.
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.
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!
