"GI Jukebox" is coming up!

Depressed now that Thanksgiving is over and "The Wiz" ended yesterday?
Seen all the holiday specials on TV?
Finding that 24-hour holiday music channels aren't enough?

You're in luck! The GCP production of "GI Jukebox" is just around the corner! "Set in Christmastime World War II, this show is reminiscent of the USO shows of days gone by. The musical numbers span big band, swing, and Latin — it’s a musical retrospective of an America we’ll never see again!" The show features Erin Kleim, Thomas Sanders, Michael Tremaine and Sarah Viskovich as a tuneful (and good-lookin'!) quartet.

Show dates are Dec. 9-19, Wednesday-Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. You can pick up your tickets at the new box office in the Vam York lobby! See you there!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" cast profile: Stephanie Johnson

Stephanie Johnson bids farewell to the GCP and her role as an ensemble dancer in "The Wiz" for a great career opportunity!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SJ: This is my second show at GCP; this summer I was in the ensemble of "The Producers." I have danced with Dance Alive! since the age of seven in "The Nutcracker," and as a teenager began touring with the company in "The Nutcracker" and many other of their performances. While at FSU getting my BFA in dance, I danced with Tallahassee Ballet. I also did the Disney College Program, where I got to perform in the Disney Dreams Come True Parade as a Bridesmaid.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
SJ: After having an AMAZING time this summer in "The Producers" and meeting some wonderful people, I knew I wanted to do another production at GCP.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
SJ: I have enjoyed getting to perform and doing a show with a variety of different roles and dance styles from ballet to hip hop.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
SJ: This is a hard one. I am not in "Y'all Got It," and that is a really fun dance. I think I would like to be Addaperle, though, because her character gets to have an over-the-top personality. Amei does a great job.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
SJ: Getting to meet so many different people and characters... and of course dancing with all of them.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
SJ: I think the "Wizard of Oz" is so popular because it tells a story of friendship and also looking inside to discover who you are.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
SJ: Go for it; you have nothing to lose by auditioning. Go out and do your best and have fun. Remember, each show is different and will be a new experience.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
SJ: I left yesterday to begin working for Royal Caribbean! I want to thank all of you who have helped make my experience with GCP so wonderful. I have learned lots about theatre and myself. I learned that I really like to spend set hours and making props with great friends, and you can probably never have too much glitter. :) So many of you have been so supportive and great such great friends. I will miss you and please keep in touch. If/when I end up back in Gainesville, I look forward to performing at GCP again.

Thanks, Stephanie! Best of luck to you!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" cast profile: Malik Grady

As the Royal Gatekeeper in "The Wiz," Malik Grady will grant you entrance to the Emerald City...for a price.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
MG: I had never done theatre in my life before auditioning for "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" back in 2007. Since then, I've been hooked. I got to be a lead in my second show here in "Hot Mikado," and then last year I had what will probably end up being the role of my life as the Leading Player in "Pippin."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
MG: After being the only "brother" in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," being in this production was a given. I'm black.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
MG: Because of the way I am, my favorite part has been welcoming the people new to the Gainesville Community Playhouse to the family and trying to make sure they feel comfortable. There was definitely a learning curve for me learning the language of theatre and getting up to speed, so I do my best to help everyone who comes after me.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
MG: Obviously playing The Wiz in "The Wiz" would have been awesome, but can you imagine how much fun it would be to play Evillene in drag? ...Too much information?

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
MG: I'm tempted to say the poppies, but this is a family blog. This may surprise some people, but I like BOTH the chocolate river where that German kid almost drowned AND the Molasses Swamp! ...Wait, that's only in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory and Candyland, respectively? Bummer. Honestly, I'm not sure if Dorothy has any fun places she goes in Oz -- she just has fun PEOPLE when she gets there!

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
MG: SO many reasons. We can all identify with a lost child trying to get home, plus the archetypes of the heroic friends are both what we fear in ourselves (no brains, heart or courage) combined with what we hope to have (intelligence, love and bravery). Add to that the iconic images that 60 years of the original "Wizard of Oz" has given us and it's a very resonant modern fairy tale.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
MG: Please do so -- I personally will do everything I can to make sure you feel welcome and come back. The creative and collaborative effort of talented people working together to make art is a life-affirming continuous action that draws people together and which you really can't find anywhere else.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
MG: This is my second show performing "with" my beautiful Warrior Angel Sarah as the Stage Manager and I have to say it has been a wonderful experience. I love all of my castmates and enjoy my life, and she's the very best part of it.

Thanks, Malik, and congrats to you and Sarah!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" cast profile: Desiree' Salter

Desiree' Salter fulfills a longtime dream as a principle dancer in "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
DS: My previous show at GCP was "Annie," and I played Tessie! I have been in numerous shows at Star Center with Rhonda Wilson. "All Shook Up" (chorus), "King and I"(Lady Thiang), "Disney Spectacular"(many Disney characters), "A Little Princess"(Lavita), "Alice and Wonderland"(Rabbit), "Once on this Island"(Townsperson), "Obidiah and the Oak Tree"(Little Girl). I have also performed at GHS in "Kiss Me Kate" (company).

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
DS: I auditioned for this show because I love the music and the different types of dancing that is involved. I also been wanting to be in the show for some years now and this was FINALLY my chance to do so.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
DS: My favorite part of it all would have to be meeting new people and seeing all the other talent that is out there! Practices have also been a BLAST! It has brought the cast closer together and made it easier for everyone to work together.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
DS: Hmmm, I would say Addaperle. Her character is really funny and the audience really enjoys her appearance on stage! :)

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
DS: My favorite part would be meeting the friends... They make the trip fun and worthwhile.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
DS: Every age can relate to this story in many ways. Also, the story has fun and toe-tapping songs that every age can enjoy!

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
DS: Go for it... its a lifetime experience! You get a to chance to meet other talented people from everywhere. It's also a place where you can be yourself and have a GREAT time doing so!!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
DS: I really enjoyed working with EVERYONE in the cast! I had an awesome time and I hope I get the chance again to work with everyone again!

Thanks, Desiree'! Your last chances to see "The Wiz" are tonight and tomorrow!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" video cast profile: Kirk Scott

Kirk Scott is not a very mean old lion in "The Wiz"!

"The Wiz" cast profile: Erik Ramos

Erik Ramos is thankful to be back onstage as an ensemble member in "The Wiz'!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
ER: I've been doing theatre since about fourth grade and have been in about a dozen or so different plays and musicals. My favorites have been "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown," "Fiddler on the Roof," "HONK!," and "High School Musical."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
ER: I initially got the idea because one of my best friends was in the cast of the production of "Singin' in the Rain" that GCP did last year and she had nothing but amazing things to say about the experience, so when I moved up here in August, I thought it would be a great way to meet people and to get back on stage again.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
ER: My favorite part of the experience has definitely been getting to know and hang out with everybody in the cast! This particular cast has a nice blend of people who have done a bunch of GCP shows, to people like me who are doing one for the first time; and the people who are veterans here have been so welcoming. Everybody is so talented and genuinely nice that it makes going to all the rehearsals and performances something that I really look forward to.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
ER: I'd probably choose to play the part of the Scarecrow. I really love that character and the song he gets to sing is one of my favorites in the show.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
ER: I think interacting with all of the different kinds of characters would be my favorite part of a trip to Oz.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
ER: Because its a classic that encourages people to persevere and open themselves up to all different kinds of people. It's also just one of those stories that always leaves the audience in a good mood.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
ER: I would tell them to go for it! Being a part of this show has been such a great experience for me. Like all auditions it's a little nervewracking at first, but everyone is so supportive and respectful of anyone who is on stage and whether you make it or not, it's still a great way to put yourself out there.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
ER: That the show is running till the 28th and it would be great if everyone could take the time to come out and see it!

Thanks, Erik! "The Wiz" is back on stage tomorrow night!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" cast profile: Jack Polefko

Every day is a brand new day for Jack Polefko as an ensemble member in "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
JP: I began acting two years ago when I played Edgar in "Ragtime" at P.K. Yonge. The past two summers I have participated in the children's summer productions at the High Springs Community Theater. This past summer I was Prince Alexander in "The Spell of Sleeping Beauty." I was last seen at GCP as Jem in "To Kill a Mockingbird."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
JP: I love the atmosphere at GCP and wanted some experience in a musical.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
JP: Being on stage with a great cast. They are amazingly talented and funny.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
JP: I would play the Scarecrow because that character is clumsy and funny. Kevin does a great job dancing and acting as the Scarecrow.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
JP: My favorite part would be meeting Addaperle because she is hilarious.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
JP: I think it is so popular with children and adults because it fills people's imagination and teaches valuable lessons.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
JP: I would tell them it's a great experience and they will have a great time no matter what.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
JP: The whole cast is amazing. I will never forget this experience.

Thanks, Jack! Remember, the theater is dark tonight and tomorrow for Thanksgiving, but "The Wiz" is back on Friday for its final weekend!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" video cast profile: Howard Anderson

Howard Anderson tugs at our heartstrings as the Tin Man in "The Wiz"!

"The Wiz" cast profile: Madeleine Escarne

Madeleine Escarne brings sparkle and shine to the ensemble of "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
ME: My first show was actually at GCP in "To Kill A Mockingbird." After that I did "The Commedia Voyages of Sinbad." A few shorts here and there and now..."The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
ME: Ms. Rhonda Wilson was the director of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and said that she would be directing "The Wiz" in the fall. It was great working with Rhonda and the whole GCP family and I have always wanted to be a part of a musical, so I decided to audition.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
ME: The dancing! I love the dancing. I am such an introvert that it is hard for me to sometimes just step outside of my box. The dancing really helps me with that. And of course getting to meet all of the talented people that are involved with this production.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
ME: I would want to be a Munchkin. They have so much fun "bubbling" and "fizzing" that it would be great to be a part of that number.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
ME: Getting to meet the Wiz!

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
ME: Children love it because it deals in the realm of fantasy and make-believe. Kids can escape to "Oz" (thereby escaping their present situation) at any time just by clicking their heels three times. Parents love it because it proves that what a person may deem as lacking within only takes a little encouragment to discover that they had the potential all along.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
ME: Go for it wholeheartedly. The thing about a volunteer theater is that it is a voluntary act. Despite the job, the house, the kids, people are at this theater because it is a passion of theirs. Each show really becomes a mini-family...since you end up spending so much time with them anyway!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
ME: I am truly thankful to God to enjoy doing something (acting) that I really have a passion for! Not many people find that thing that they are passionate about in their lifetime and I am grateful that I have. I love it!!!

Thanks, Madeleine! Remember, this week is your last chance to see "The Wiz"!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" video cast profile: Kevin Anderson

Ease on down the road with Kevin Anderson, the Scarecrow from "The Wiz"!

"The Wiz" crew profile: Caitlin Hunter

GCP vet Caitlin Hunter lends a hand as the fly system operator on the crew of " The Wiz"! I also hear she made that fabulous Scarecrow costume...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
CH: This show actually marks my 20th production I've worked on at GCP! I've done stuff onstage and off; most recently, I was Falcon Ivy in "Peter Pan." Aside from acting in shows here, I've also done tech and been on the production team for a ton of shows, my favorites being "See How They Run" (AD) and "The Secret Garden" (ASM).

GCP Girl: Why did you volunteer for this show?
CH: I actually couldn't audition because of school, but I just asked Sarah if she needed me on tech, and she said yes. Most painless audition EVER :)

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
CH: The people. Definitely. I love everyone I get to work with. These people genuinely care about each other. It's a great environment to be in.

GCP Girl: If you could be a character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
CH: Oh wow. A crow. Definitely one of the crows. They are so funny. Also, I love that song and dance to it in the wings. Well, I love "Brand New Day," too. I dance to that one in the wings as well...So, a Crow and a Winkie.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
CH: Randomly bursting into song and dance! I mean, who wouldn't find that the most fun part?

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
CH: Who doesn't love a story about friendship and love? Honestly, "The Wizard of Oz" just instills people with so much hope. Hope that even in the darkest of times, you are always just three clicks away from people who love you. Even when you feel like you are lacking in something in your life, whether its a brain, a heart, courage, or something else, you can still be the best person you can be and get over that. Everyone needs to know that even with their short-comings, they are still worthy of love and compassion, and that you always have someone looking out for you.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
CH: Don't be a stranger! Shows at GCP are not only a fantastic learning experience, but they also are a great place to meet people and create life-long friendships. I've met a lot of my best friends through the theatre. We won't bite. Come out and audition. We'd love to have you join our family!

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
CH: "The Wiz" is a fantastic show and everyone should come out and see it! Everyone has worked extremely hard and we'd love to see your face in the audience!!!

Thanks, Caitlin! "The Wiz" is only on stage this week and next - get your tickets now!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" Video Cast Profile: Nona Jones

Our first video profile is Nona Jones, who plays Dorothy in "The Wiz"! Congrats on your first show, Nona!

"The Wiz" cast profile: Natalie Rollan

UF sophomore Natalie Rollan gets back to her community theatre roots as an orchestra singer in "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
NR: I've been in more than 20 musical productions since middle school. Some of my favorites include "Little Shop of Horrors," "Aida," "Beauty and the Beast," "Bye Bye Birdie," "The Pajama Game," and "Once on This Island."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
NR: I haven't done theater since I graduated high school (I'm a sophomore at UF now) and I missed it. I was involved in community theatre back home in Miami and I really wanted to find a new theatre home here in Gainesville.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
NR: Working with so many different people has been the best part! It's great to work with people of so many different ages and backgrounds; I've learned a lot about teamwork during this show.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
NR: It would be cool to play Evilene because she has an awesome song and villains are always super fun to play!

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
NR: I think my favorite part would be meeting and going on the journey with the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. I love meeting interesting new people (if you can call them that).

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
NR: I think everyone can relate to the lessons the main characters learn on their unique journeys and the story is just so original and creative you can't help but fall in love with it!

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
NR: I would tell them to stop considering and just do it! I'm so happy I auditioned because not only am I a part of this wonderful show, but now I have a new home where I can express myself, learn more about theatre, and meet lots of great new people in the process.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
NR: I can't wait to audition for "Spelling Bee," and I hope to see lots of familiar faces when those auditions come around!

Thanks, Natalie! We hope you do!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" cast profile: Kamauri Jenkins

Kamauri Jenkins makes her stage debut as the First Munchkin and a winged monkey in "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KJ: This is my first theater show.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
KJ: Because I like performing arts, I had never auditioned for anything and was going to give it a try to see what happened.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
KJ: The warm-up exercises and when the cast rehearsed their lines.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
KJ: Addaperle. I would choose her because she is really funny in the play and does crazy stuff.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
KJ: The end when the Wiz was preaching and when they gave the gifts.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
KJ: Because it's funny.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
KJ: They will have fun doing the show and practice makes perfect.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KJ: This is a fun play and break a leg!

Thanks, Kamauri! Break a leg tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" cast profile: Cassie Martinez

Newcomer Cassie Martinez lends her vocal talent as a pit singer in "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
CM: I played Rose in "Gypsy," Velma in "Chicago," Grizabella in "Cats," Cosette in "Les Miserables," Cinderella and the Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods," Evelyn in "The Shape of Things," etc.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
CM: I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and just an excellent experience in general.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
CM: Meeting so many great new people!

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
CM: Probably the Wiz, because it'd be cool to see a female Wiz for once!

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
CM: The Emerald City; my favorite color is green.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
CM: Because it's a timeless story about the importance of imagination, dreams, and learning to be yourself.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
CM: Go for it! It's a great experience.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
CM: I'd like to thank the cast for the wonderful experience, it's been a blast!

Thanks, Cassie! We'll be listening for you tonight!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" gets a great review!

Congrats to the cast and crew of "The Wiz" on a great review in the Gainesville Sun!

"The Wiz" cast profile: Kelley Addis

Kelley Addis is bad news as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, in "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KA: At GCP I've been in two previous shows, "The Producers" as Hold Me, Touch Me, and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" as Domina. Before that, however, I was up in Chicago working as a professional actress. Some of those shows are "Tony N' Tina's Wedding" (Tina, Connie, Donna), "Guys and Dolls" (Miss Adelaide), "Jackie: An American Life" (Janet Bouvier, Ethel Kennedy, and others), and "The Wizard of Oz" (Munchkin, Guardian at the Gates, King of the Flying Monkeys). I was also in a couple of movies, "Spiderman II," "The Company," and "The Break Up," and appeared on Animal Planet in an episode of "Animal Witness."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
KA: I was really excited to see this in the season because I really enjoy the music. It's a very upbeat show and I enjoy singing through it every night. Plus the characters of Oz are so iconic and over the top. I had to audition!

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
KA: Definitely the cast!!! Every person in this cast has been so supportive and welcoming and wanting to make this an awesome ensemble show. It was really hard in the beginning as I wasn't needed for that many rehearsals in the beginning so I thought I would have a hard time fitting in as the rest of the cast had been working so closely together. I came in to rehearsal and was herded back into the mix so lovingly. It's definitely been awesome getting to know everyone.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
KA: Either The Lion or Addaperle. The Lion gets all the good lines and the character really grows during the trip through Oz. That would be fun. Addaperle is just hilarious. Just a great comedic character. However, both Kirk and Amei play those parts so well I don't think I could really go to their level of awesome in those parts.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
KA: Getting those amazing silver slippers. They look fabulous and everyone seems to want them badly.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
KA: The story just speaks to everyone on different levels. As a child, you watch the movie and wonder at all the beauty that is Oz. You wish that your life could be as vibrant and beautiful. As you grow up, however, you realize the deeper meaning of the story. That although you can wish for beauty in life, the beauty is already around you. Life is beautiful and should be cherished! If you constantly go about the world daydreaming of a more exciting life...you might just get it, but you could miss out on all the wonderful things that already make your life enjoyable and a gift.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
KA: Just go out and do it! Half of our cast are people who have never done a show with GCP before and have added such wonderful talent and personality to the show. Don't be intimidated by the process...we're all nervous. Just get up there and show them what you got. And don't get discouraged if you don't get in. Sometimes it's just not the right fit...there's been a couple of shows I've auditioned for at GCP, wasn't cast and hey...I got professional cred backing me up. Don't let that discourage you from trying again.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KA: I have just graduated from The Florida School of Massage. So, if you're in need of some pain relief and relaxation, definitely contact me! kelleyaddis@gmail.com.

Thanks, Kelley! "The Wiz" is back on stage tonight at the Vam York!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" cast profile: Shontae Khaleel White

He's the Wiz and he lives in Oz...Shontae Khaleel White gives us the old razzle-dazzle in "The Wiz"!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
SW: At the GCP, I was Solomon in "45 Seconds from Broadway" and Reverend Sikes in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Other shows include Mereb in "AIDA," Richie in "A Chorus Line," C.C. in "Dreamgirls," etc.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for this show?
SW: I was originally just the assistant director, and assumed the role of the Wiz after a casting change.

GCP Girl: What has been your favorite part of this experience so far?
SW: The musical itself...it is full of fun and interesting things that make every song and scene change exciting and cool. The music is very soulful and fun to sing and perform to.

GCP Girl: If you could play any other character in the show, which one would you choose and why?
SW: Hmm...probably Evilene, because "No Bad News" is a great song and the dance is awesome. If I only had pipes like Kelley does to sing it as well.

GCP Girl: If you went to Oz instead of Dorothy, what would be your favorite part of the trip?
SW: Probably going to the Poppy Field (that seems like fun) or Munchkinland, because those were some very nice people...I know it would not be Evilene's Castle.

GCP Girl: Why do you think "The Wizard of Oz" is such a popular story with both children and adults?
SW: It is so popular because it's a story about hope and dreams. It allows you to love yourself as yourself and believe in things that you know in your heart are true. It gives you the motivation and the drive to make it true.

GCP Girl: What would you tell someone who is considering auditioning for a GCP show?
SW: Go for it...it's is an exciting experience. Just make sure you pick a song that shows off your vocal range and your personality. Always bring sheet music if you have it and a list of all your major conflicts.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
SW: That I love working on this show in both capacities. I have learned a great deal working on this show and am so proud of the cast. It's not good enough to know where you are going...you have to know where you have been.

Tonight is opening night! Break a leg, everyone!

xo xo GCP Girl

"The Wiz" preview article!

Our friends at the Gainesville Sun have this sneak preview for you! Enjoy, and we'll see you tonight!

Spotlight on "The Wizard of Oz": An American Classic

"The Wizard of Oz" is one of the most popular stories in our culture, beloved by children and adults around the world. It has been adapted many times to stage and screen; one of those adaptations, "The Wiz," opens this week at the Vam York Theater.

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum was published in 1900 to critical acclaim, and the first Broadway musical adaptation was staged in 1902. Baum went on to write 12 more books about Oz, although none are so well-remembered as the first. It has been translated into more than 50 languages.

The 1939 MGM film starring Judy Garland and Ray Bolger has also become a classic, although the screenplay takes major liberties with Baum's story. In the movie, Dorothy's slippers are ruby red, not silver; much of the quartet's journeys to the different parts of Oz are abridged; and the ending hints that Dorothy dreamed the whole experience.

"The Wizard of Oz" was adapted for the stage in 1975 by Charlie Smalls in "The Wiz," a retelling of the story in the context of African-American culture, and was an early example of works with an all-black cast. The show, which follows Baum's original story more closely than the 1939 movie (although in a more urban context), won seven Tony Awards and ran for four years. The movie version in 1978, which starred Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne, never achieved the same acclaim as the stage musical.

Baum's characters found new life again on the Broadway stage in 2003 with Stephen Schwartz's adaptation of Gregory Maguire's "Wicked," a parallel novel that told the story from the perspective of the witches of Oz. "Wicked" received three Tony Awards and is still running, seven years later.

"The Wizard of Oz" has proved to be an enduring favorite in all its incarnations, and "The Wiz" is a welcome addition to this holiday season at the Vam York Theater. Make plans to see it with your families! Preview is this Thursday!

xo xo GCP Girl