Who are the main characters in the Soo Theatre’s July 13-16 production of “The Wizard of Oz?” A conversation with Director, Karen Hughes Beacom.
Our beloved Dorothy will be played by Soo Theatre veteran, Gabbie Pepin. Gabbie returns to the Soo Theatre after her first year at Butler University where she is pursuing a double major in vocal performance and English. Sault native Matt Gilbertson returns to the stage as Scarecrow, Wayne Thompson of Sault, Ontario, plays Tinman, and Aaron Jenkins, our very own “music man,” will play the Cowardly Lion. Rudyard native, Trevor Headley, returns to the stage to play the Emerald City Guard after his first year at Central Michigan University in music education and vocal performance. Mary Anne Nakamura of Sault, Ontario, reprises the role of the Wicked Witch in her Soo Theatre debut. Additional principal roles include Gerry Boire as Oz and Professor Marvel, Tom Cash as Uncle Henry and the Winkie General, Stephanie Vert as Aunt Em and Lola Kennedy as Glinda.
Kids play a special role in this show. Tell me about the Munchkins.
The Mayor of Munchkin City will be played by Ross Malaska, The Barrister is Olivia Martin, The Coroner is Iyla Beaulieu, and the Braggart is Isabella Stratton. Three Fathers are played by Daniel Jenkins, David Gilbert and Liam Dubois and two School Teachers are played by Miranda Allen and Amelia Turner. The Lullaby League is made up of Jada Wilson, Carissa Brown, Michaela Lynn, and Kelsie Allen and the Lollipop Guild is made up of Randi Bumstead, Kai Jenkins, Kamryn Corbiere, Lexi Goetz and Savannah Quinlan.
How many munchkins are there?
44! Also playing munchkins are Anthony Abramson, Aubrey Agar, Ella Austin-Smith, Maggie Bauer, Nyah Brown, Anna Collins, Lane Cozort, Ellah Deeghan, Sophia Driedric, Leah Dubois, Laila Eldisouky, Laken Gardiner, Evie Lynn Jenkins, Joshua Jenkins, Hannah LaPointe, Myah McDonald, Ella McKerchie, Taylor Meilstrup, Erin Pendygraft, Leah Russell, Caitlyn Stevens, Tiffeney Stratton, Juliette Turner, Mallory Vert, Kenzie Waldrop-Gordon, and Riley Wilson.
I understand there are some special singing roles in the show.
Yes, there are two really cool trios in the show that feature some great singing actors. There is a group of apple trees played by Faith Nayback, Ashley Kasper, and Sophia Kowalski who sing in three-part harmony. (And they get to throw apples.) The other trio in the show is made up of three crows, played by Karly McLean, Katie Lambert and Trevor Headley. (Think Brat Pack meets the Scarecrow!)
Is there dancing in the show?
There is so much great dancing in “Wizard.” All of the principal characters do a little bit of stage dancing. And the Jitterbugs! A scene that features amazing jazz orchestrations, rhythmic singing, and a tap dancing troupe make this outtake from the movie one of the best musical moments in the show. In an attempt to stop the gang from getting to the Wizard, The Wicked Witch puts a spell onto our friends who are influenced by the head Jitterbug, played by Lili McKee. The foursome dances under her influence along with a dozen little Jitterbugs played by Aubrey Agar, Maggie Bauer, Trinity Bauer, Iyla Beaulieu, Anna Kowalski, Theresa McCready, Myah McDonald, Ella McKerchie, Taylor Meilstrup, Sara Russell, and Tessa Woolever.
But that’s not all. The trees dance, the chorus dances…even the Wizard does a little jig! So…much…fun!
With so many kids, is there an adult chorus, too?
Is there ever? This is such an amazing female chorus made up of cast members age 13 on up! The vocal work is divided into three and four parts at times, with the chorus creating an ominous and mysterious voice in the opening scenes, as well as in Munchkinland and a field of Poppies.
They also perform one of my favorite chorus scenes of all time, as they spiff up their new friends in the beginning of Act Two in “The Merry Old Land of Oz!”
These special performers are Trinity Bauer, Laurie Brown, Elizabeth Curtis, Ellah Deeghan, Emma Donmyer, Danielle Forsythe, Carrie Gregg, Keelan Jenkins, Anna Kowalski, Sydney Kuenzer, Katie Lambert, Emma Mansfield, Theresa McCready, Lili McKee, Karly McLean, Natalie Pace, Sara Russell, Miriam Snaders, Olivia Schopp, Sarah Skagen, Cindy Smith, Ginger Stratton, Sara Waucaush, Tessa Woolever, Jaelynn Vert and Stephanie Vert.
How did you choose your cast?
Casting was open to anyone who wished to audition. This year we held three rounds of auditions for leading roles and chorus with a turnout of over 113 actors. The choices were amazing and hard. We had such a great turn out for the show that we were not able to cast everyone we wanted. Many of the decisions were made based on experience. If it was someone’s very first show, they may have been encouraged to try a summer camp or a smaller show to get their first theater experience. This is a monster of a show for a first timer. We really hope to see some people try again.
What made you choose Wizard for this season?
I played the harp in the stage version of the show in Canada under conductor Stephen Mallinger for The Musical Comedy Guild and absolutely loved the music. We all know and love the movie, but the stage version created by the Royal Shakespeare Company in the 80’s won me over. It has some additional scenes with some of the greatest music in the show. I knew we had to do it here someday at the Soo Theatre. It’s been on the table for awhile now and this was the year.
But wait, before we go, you haven’t mentioned Flying Monkeys or Winkies! Please tell me there are flying monkeys!
We have to leave something for surprise! But don’t worry, the show will be complete with Flying Monkeys, Winkie Guards, and of course, the fabulous Soo Theatre Pit Orchestra, with Steve Mallinger at the helm, to accompany the cast we have just proudly introduced!
Hope to see you in July! Tickets are available now at the Soo Theatre Box Office in person at 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI or by calling 906-632-1930. Special Limited Reserved Seating is now being offered for this show to reserve a seat in the first five center rows. The remaining seats will be general admission with doors opening a half hour before show time to choose your seat.
