"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