Photo: Dan Norman
Three Woodbury cast members will debut with the Children’s Theatre Company.
A tornado, a yellow brick road and a journey home takes the stage as Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) brings The Wizard of Oz to life. “This beloved production resonates across generations, touching on themes of self-discovery, courage and the power of friendship,” says director Rick Dildine. “Dorothy’s journey to find her way home is a timeless story of growth and resilience. Few stories have had such an enduring impact, and I’ve been dreaming of this production for a decade.”
The Tony Award-winning theater recently announced the cast and creative team behind the production, which will run April 21 through June 14 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage (2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis). Opening night is set for 7 p.m. on April 24, with music direction and orchestrations by Victor Zupanc and choreography by Christopher Windom.
The Wizard of Oz will also mark the debut of three new CTC cast members, who will take the stage alongside vibrant visuals and classic songs. We had the chance to speak with student understudy and Woodbury Middle School eighth grader Logan Gordon; ensemble member and Hill Murray junior George Wellens; and Woodbury native, ensemble member and understudy Brendan Nelson Finn, a 2020 graduate from University of Minnesota-Duluth, about their upcoming roles and what it means to be part of the production.
Three Woodbury actors are making their Children’s Theatre Company debut in the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz. From left to right: Logan Gordon, George Wellens and Brendan Nelson Finn. Photos: Children’s Theatre Company
What has it been like making your debut with Children’s Theatre Company?
Brendan Nelson Finn (BNF): I am so beyond grateful and excited to be making my debut at [CTC] in this production. The first play I ever saw was at CTC in 2004 when I was in kindergarten, so being able to work at this company is absolutely full-circle. There are even actors who were in that production in 2004 that I am acting alongside in this production. It’s incredibly special.
Can you tell me a little about your role in The Wizard of Oz and how you approached it?
Logan Gordon (LG): I am an understudy for three ensemble actors of the show. This means that I am learning 11 different ensemble roles that they perform, including Nikko the flying monkey, Lollipop Guild, Barrister of Munchkinland, Crow, Poppy, Citizen of the Emerald City and Winkie. I approached the roles by spending a lot of time reading, watching and learning all of the different parts.
What has been the most exciting part of bringing this story to life on stage?
George Wellens (GW): The most exciting part of this production so far has definitely been the technical elements. There is a lot that goes into this show is an understatement. Live theatre is taken to the next level with real dogs on stage, flying, fire, projections and more.
Costume designer Lex Liang’s original sketches for Dorothy in the Children’s Theatre Company’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Artist: Lex Liang
What does The Wizard of Oz mean to you?
BNF: Considering this is the show I’ve done the most in my career, its meaning has changed every time considering what stage of life I am in. Right now, in my late 20s, I think the story’s message of courage hits me now more than ever. As life seems to get faster and faster, and the world we live in is ever evolving, the fact that a young girl from Kansas has the courage to defeat an evil witch, befriend outsiders and change her destiny is rather inspiring to me.
How do you prepare for a role in such a well-known and beloved story?
GW: Taking on a show that is so well known is definitely a challenge. But it is also so, so exciting. I really want to resemble the characters in a way that is true to the source material and I also want to live up to what audiences expect. But we are also encouraged to make the characters our own so when doing that, I try to find something of them that I can relate to.
How has working on this production helped you grow as a performer?
LG: I have learned so much about performing from the adult actors, directors and stage managers of CTC. I think personally, I have learned to become more open and expressive as an actor.
What has the rehearsal process been like leading up to opening night?
BNF: It’s amazing as an adult performer watching the student actors in rehearsal. All of these students are not only insanely talented but they are insanely professional.
The Children’s Theatre’s adult and student performers give it their all during rehearsals. Photo: Kaitlin Randolph
What do you think makes this production of The Wizard of Oz special?
GW: I think that this specific production of The Wizard of Oz is so special compared to other shows because of the modern touch and unique artistic decisions. They bring a different perspective to the show that audiences may not expect.
What do you hope audiences take away from this production?
LG: I hope they take away the message that what you are looking for or think you need is often already inside you. I also hope that people of all ages take away a love of musical theater.
Children’s Theatre Company
Instagram: @childrenstheatrecompany
