By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO—In The Wizard of Oz, the title character turns out not as nice as he is reputed to be, but it’s just the opposite backstage at the Civic Theatre where the touring Broadway San Diego production has been pulling in the crowds. There’s just nobody nicer than Robert John Biedermann, the actor who plays the Wizard, agree two local youngsters who are having the thrill of playing Munchkins in the professional production.
“He comes in our dressing room every night before showtime and talks to us for quite a while,” says Megan Spector, 10, whose resume includes a long list of credits in youth and community theatre. “He’s really fun and interesting and tells us about life, show tips and munchkins. He knows everything about theWizard of Oz.
“I learned that with big shows like this that have little rehearsal time you need to put in sooo much effort into it and really buckle down even more,” commented Adira, who comes from a show business family. Her mother, Myla Wingard, has played the violin in numerous San Diego productions including The Dybbuk and Fiddler on the Roof and her uncle, Dan Wingard, is an actor based in Los Angeles.
“Working with a touring company is a new and exciting experience,” Megan said. “The actual stage is huge and backstage is so cool. In our dressing rooms we have our own spot and the mirror has light bulbs all around it like you see in the movies.
“We have our own wardrobe person and hair stylist!” enthused Megan, who last year played the title role in Annie in the Pickwick Players production at the Moxie Theatre. “I’ve learned what it’s like to be on Broadway (kind of) – which is what I want to do when I get older.”
In the current “Oz” production, the lead role of Dorothy Gale is played by Kate Bristol, who Megan notes “has an incredible voice and is a good actor too. She’s really sweet too!”
Okay, sweet girl, sweet actress—obviously, she’s playing to type. But, in that case, the surprise is Pat Sibley, who plays the Wicked Witch. The J*Company kids not only play Munchkins, who despise the Wicked Witch, they also play Winkies, who do the witch’s bidding. “Right before we walk out to be ‘Winkies,’ she always tells us, ‘Remember, you’re on my side now’ and ‘Break a leg!’” Megan relates.
Adira admires Eric Mota, who is the grown-up dance captain for the Munchkins and also portrays the Wicked Witch’s ally, Nikko the Flying Monkey. “He is an amazing dancer,” Adira explains.
One “actor” who is a source of endless fascination for Adira and Megan is “’Dusty,” the dog who plays Toto, Dorothy’s dog. Megan, Adira and the other Munchkins can look but they can’t pet the dog.
“I love having the dog there but then I don’t because we have to ignore him, and that’s really hard because I love dogs so much,” Adira said.
“Toto needs to be focused for his parts and if we talk to him or play with him, he may want to stay with us instead of going (onto the stage) with Dorothy!” explained Megan. “And that would not be good. But .. the good news is that at the end of the week, after the last show, (Sunday evening, Feb. 20), I think we get to meet Toto and have some play time with him. I’m really excited about that because I love dogs. I have a big golden doodle at home!”
Among the special effects in the Wizard of Oz is when the witch throws fire at the Scarecrow. “It scared me the first time we did it in rehearsal. I even screamed! But after that, I was fine,” confided Megan. “The set is so amazing and the costumes are so fun! I love my Munchkin costume. I wish that I could keep it!”
Adira said the “pyros for the witch are so cool, but kind of loud. Also the tornado is staged really well! They really do some amazing things!”
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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World
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