Ian brings nearly 40 years of theater experience, both on stage and behind the scenes, and says this role gave him the opportunity to step outside his usual comedic characters and take on something much darker. He describes Bob Ewell as the story’s main antagonist—a man driven by attention and influence, no matter the cost.
To prepare, Ian focuses on understanding the character’s motivations and letting the script guide his performance. He says he enjoys how the character is written and hopes audiences clearly see that personality come to life on stage.
Ian has appeared in productions like A Few Good Men, Shrek, and Mary Poppins, and says what keeps him coming back is the audience reaction—whether it’s laughter, surprise, or strong emotional responses.
He also highlights working alongside the cast, especially Jeff Scott as Atticus Finch, saying their courtroom scenes feel like a true clash between good and evil.
Ian says audiences can expect a faithful and powerful retelling of To Kill a Mockingbird, tackling themes of justice, family, and moral responsibility. He encourages others to get involved in theater, whether on stage or behind the scenes, and says seeing a live performance—especially with familiar faces—offers a unique experience.
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.
MVNU Theatre Brings “Big Fish” to Life: Cast Shares Stories Behind the Magic
Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s spring musical Big Fish is set to take the stage March 26–29 at the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium, promising an unforgettable journey filled with imagination, humor, and heart. As the cast prepares for opening night, several student performers shared their experiences bringing this larger-than-life story to reality.
Zane Menzie: Bringing Stories to Life On and Off Stage
Senior Zane Menzie, from Marion, Ohio, plays Young Edward while also serving as the show’s director—balancing two major roles in the production. With a lifelong connection to theatre through his grandmother, a former executive director at a local theatre, Menzie has been immersed in the arts from a young age.
“Edward is the personification of these wild, hyperbolic stories,” Menzie explained. “He’s constantly creating these larger-than-life tales—he’s kind of crazy, but that’s what makes him so fun.”
As director, Menzie has spent months organizing rehearsals, giving notes, and shaping the overall vision of the show. Despite the workload, his favorite moments have come from late nights spent rehearsing with friends.
His favorite song, “Time Stops,” highlights a pivotal moment when Edward realizes he has found the woman he will marry. Menzie encourages students to get involved in theatre without hesitation: “Just give it a shot, do your best, and have fun.”
Tyler Maddux: Exploring Logic and Emotion Through Will
Senior worship arts major Tyler Maddux, from New Philadelphia, Ohio, portrays Will, Edward’s son. With roots in theatre dating back to his childhood in Arkansas—where his family managed a dinner theatre—Maddux brings both personal and professional passion to the stage.
“Will is very logical, and I had to learn how to portray that mindset,” he said. “But what I love most is how much he grows throughout the story.”
Maddux’s favorite song, “Stranger,” captures a turning point for his character as he processes becoming a father himself. Having performed in 18 productions, he hopes to continue theatre in the future, even as he steps into a new role as a worship pastor in Beavercreek, Ohio.
He emphasizes that theatre isn’t just for performers: “There are so many ways to get involved—crew, tech, set building. Just do it.”
Josiah Holloway: A Milestone Performance as Edward
For senior nursing major Josiah Holloway, Big Fish marks his 40th production—a milestone in a journey that began in fifth grade.
Holloway plays Old Edward, portraying both the 30- and 55-year-old versions of the character. “Edward is a father trying to show his son that there’s more to life,” he said. “In a lot of ways, he reminds me of my own dad.”
His favorite number, “How It Ends,” closes the show with emotional depth. Halloway hopes it resonates with audiences as strongly as it does with him.
Reflecting on his theatre experience, he highlights the friendships and humor shared backstage, including playful competitions among cast members. His advice: “Even if you’re busy, it’s worth making time for theatre.”
Kate Carter: Stepping Into Two Versions of Jenny Hill
Sophomore worship arts major Kate Carter, from Pickerington, Ohio, plays Jenny Hill—both as a young girl and later in life.
“I love getting to show both sides of her character,” Carter said. “It’s a fun challenge, especially with costume changes that make me look completely different.”
Her favorite song, “Be the Hero,” features energetic choreography she especially enjoys performing. Carter values the unique experiences theatre offers, from acting to set-building, and encourages others to experience it for themselves.
Grace Maddux: A Story of Family On and Off Stage
Junior social work major Grace Maddux plays Sandra, Edward’s wife and a central figure in the story’s emotional core. Inspired by her parents’ love of theatre, she has embraced the role’s warmth and maternal qualities.
“Sandra is very nurturing, and that feels natural to me,” she said, noting she has also worked to perfect a Southern accent for the role.
Her favorite song, “I Don’t Need a Roof,” reflects the show’s themes of love and devotion. This production is especially meaningful, as it marks her final show performing alongside her brother, Tyler.
“This show is about family, fatherhood, and redemption,” she said. “It’s a beautiful story that people should come experience.”
Don’t Miss the Show
Big Fish will be performed March 26–29 at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m., in Thorne Hall at R.R. Hodges Chapel & Auditorium.
After months of preparation, the cast is eager to share a story filled with adventure, laughter, and heartfelt moments. As Menzie put it, “We’ve spent so long bringing this story to life—it’s something really special.”
Madeline Grace Banta from Orange Barrel Productions is acting in The Little Princess, and she plays Sara Crewe.
She tells us all about her acting history and she gives us the scoop on her role. Madeline highlights the production as well by telling us about the story and her favorite moments.
He tells our Marcy Rinehart how he got into theater starting in 1999. He has also been in 50 productions including Orange Barrel starting in 2007 as well as other MTV Arts productions including Beauty and the Beast.
Tony explains how he has been preparing for both roles including using some of his real-life experiences into the characters.
He says that he likes both characters because they both want to help Sara.
He also explains what he will be wearing in the production as both characters.
He adds that both characters are portrayed a little differently than other similar productions.
He also explains how vital wardrobe can be to not only the audience but the actor or actress who need to get into character.
Tony gives some insight into the back story of the play. He says that Sara was a little princess growing up then faces some adversity and drops to a lower level of society.
Tony says that it has been interesting seeing the different castes that were a part of society at the time the play is set.
He says that his favorite memory in this show (and most shows) that the cast effectively becomes a family. He says it has been a treat to see the young cast members grow personally.
He says people should come see the Little Princess because at its core it is a story about making the most out of a bad situation with a positive attitude.
Click HERE for information and to buy tickets for the performances!
MVNU student Zane Menzie is the director of the production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The show is taking place this weekend at the Thorne Performance Hall at MVNU.
Zane shares a little about his acting history, the show, and what it looks to be the director!
For more information about MVNU theatre click HERE.
Orange Barrel’s Production of The Little Princess is coming soon!
We got to talk with a cast member, Glenn Hissong. Glenn tells us about his acting history, how he has been preparing for this show, and the story of The Little Princess! He also shares some of his favorite parts of the production.
The show opens up Friday, November 14th!
For more information on the production click HERE!
Orange Barrel’s Production of The Little Princess is coming soon! And we got to talk with a cast member, Rachel Steele. Rachel tells us how she has been preparing and she details what her costume will look like. She also lets us know about the plot of the play and some of her favorite parts.
She got interested in acting from elementary school and high school she took a break while she started raising a family. She got back into acting after seeing Oliver at the Knox Memorial Theatre and when she heard about Orange Barrel she started with them.
Hera played Rachel Lynn in “Anne of Green Gables” last year. She is playing as the main antagonist, Miss Maria Minchin in “The Little Princess”, she’s been preparing by watching how other people played the character and by coming up with her own unique backstory for the character. She likes getting to be challenged by being a villain. She talks about her costume she’ll be wearing during the show.
She talks briefly about the show and the basic outline of the show. She talks about her favorite part of the show, she likes getting to be villainous with the janitor during the show, and her other favorite scene is when the main character stands up to her. She talks about one of her favorite memories of the show.
Performances: November 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7:00 PM
Location: Mount Vernon Developmental Center – Crossroads Theater, Administration Building 1250 Vernonview Drive, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050
Click HERE to learn more and purchase tickets for The Little Princess!
This week we are featuring Orange Barrel’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest!
Josh Callahan Foley plays Algernon in the production and he got to talk with us.
He shares about how he got into theatre, a bit about his character, and why you should come see the show! You can see the show this weekend at the Mount Vernon Developmental Center!
Click HERE to learn more about Orange Barrel Productions!
WNZR’s Eric Brown spoke to Abby Steele plays Cecily Cardew in the Importance of Being Earnest, she talks about how she got into theatre and a bit about the character she’ll be playing.
