The Wizard of Oz Cast and Crew
Mary Margaret Stanley (Dorothy) is a 12-year-old 7th grader at Covenant Academy in McMinnville. Her hobbies include singing, playing piano, and soccer, but mainly theatre. Her favorite roles have been Genie in Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. (MRC), Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical, Chip from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and of course, Dorothy! Mary Margaret would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her and give thanks to everyone that comes to see the show!
Elizabeth Damewood (Dorothy understudy, ensemble) is thrilled to be working with this insanely talented cast and is having an absolute blast! She is 15 years old and enjoys dancing, acting, and high adventure rope courses. Her favorite past roles include Wendy in Disney’s Peter Pan, Jr. (MRC), Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. (MRC), Zaneeta in The Music Man (MRC), and Lydia in Pride and Prejudice (MRC). She currently takes tap, jazz, pointe, and musical theatre classes from Duck River Dance and is participating in their upcoming production of The Nutcracker. She is also playing Georgie in Jingle in the City at Manchester First Baptist Church this Christmas season.
After an 8-year break from the stage, Lora Cotten Selvog returns home to the MAC as Glinda/Aunt Em. Lora has also been in productions at the Community Playhouse, Cannon County Arts Center, and Bear Hollow Theater. You may have seen Lora in the roles of Sandy (Grease, MRC), Maggie (Lend Me a Tenor), Shelby (Steel Magnolias), Rusty (Footloose), or Belle (Beauty and the Beast). Currently, Lora resides in Pelham with her two daughters, Andon and Adley, and her husband Brandon. She teaches fourth grade at Pelham Elementary, so hanging out with Munchkins feels very natural to her. :)
Tricia Hiers (Hunk/Scarecrow) has directed, performed, and choreographed for various music productions throughout Middle Tennessee. Her most recent accomplishments include directing 13 the Musical (MRC), portraying Sister Leo in Nunsense (MRC), and choreographing Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Arts Center of Cannon County. She also performed alongside Mrs. Danelle Afflerbaugh as Tweedle Dee in Alice in Wonderland by Duck River Dance. In her free time, Tricia enjoys ultramarathon running and spending time with her husband and toy poodle.
Christopher Sullivan (Hickory/Tinman) is enjoying his return to his hometown stage this year after a five-year National Tour as a clown with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. This year Christopher has played Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey (MRC), and Marcellus Washburn in The Music Man (MRC). Past MAC credits include Rooster in Annie and the Cat in the Hat in Seussical. Some of Christopher’s favorite roles have been Seymour in Murfreesboro’s Little Theatre’s production of Little Shop of Horrors, Dennis in Smoke on the Mountain, and Mungojerrie in Cats (both with Community Playhouse, Inc.), and Marius in “Les Miserables” at Cumberland County Playhouse. He is also looking forward to playing Drosselmeyer in the upcoming Duck River Dance Production of The Nutcracker next month here at the MAC.
Douglas Yurcik (Zeke/Cowardly Lion), born in New York City, veteran of the United States Air Force, has been performing at the MAC for about two years now. His debut was in 2014 as Duane in Duck Hunter Shoots Angel (MRC). Miles Gloriosus was his next role in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (MRC) in February 2015. He played the con-man Carlino in Wait Until Dark (MRC) in October 2015. In his spare time, he spends time with his family, coaches youth baseball, participates in his son's youth hockey league, and cheers (HUGELY) for the New York Yankees. (Remember he was born in NY.) You can hear him on Thunder Radio's Morning Show, Monday through Friday, 6:30 to 8:00 a.m.
April Glosson-Smith (Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West) is thrilled to make her MAC debut. As a Bedford county native, she received degrees from Motlow and MTSU, participating in theatre at both. She is a member of the board and the theatre committee for the Fly Arts Center in Shelbyville. Her recent roles include Enid in Legally Blonde the Musical (CPI, Tullahoma), and Kilroy in Don't Drink the Water (Fly, Shelbyville). Favorite roles include Evalita in Daddy's Dyin’ (Who's Got the Will?) (Fly, Shelbyville), and Christine in The Bad Seed (Murfreesboro Little Theatre). Some of her favorite things include fishing, listening to live music, and spending time with her family and dog. April would like to thank her family for being so very supportive during this production, as well as her fellow cast and crew for all their hard work.
Addison Welch~6th grader at WMS~enjoys singing, dancing at Duck River Dance, acting, reading, and cheesecake...lots of cheesecake
Winston Hiers (Toto) lives with his mommy and daddy in Tullahoma. He has been involved with the theater scene for some time, assisting in directing 13 the Musical (MRC) and choreographing Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Arts Center of Cannon County with his mommy. The Wizard of Oz is his first appearance onstage, and he is thrilled to have this opportunity. His favorite part about rehearsals is all the treats! When he is not at the theater, Winston spends his days guarding his house against squirrels and UPS men.
Ansley Walker is excited to be a part of the The Wizard of Oz as a munchkin in the Lullaby League, which is her first performance with MRC. She is a kindergartner at Westwood Elementary. She takes dance lessons at Duck River Dance and was in last spring's production of Alice in Wonderland. She also takes gymnastics and loves swimming, art, and animals of all kinds.
Bailey Brewer (Oz Kid)
Brie Cooley (Munchkin)
Bristol Haithcock is a 1st grader at New Union Elementary. He loves playing all sports, but soccer is his favorite. He looks forward to playing basketball soon. The Wizard of Oz is his first show, and it has taught him to break free from his shy nature. As a trickster, he loves to make people laugh, and he looks forward to many more performances.
Brylee Haithcock is a 4th grader at New Union Elementary. She loves dance, soccer, music, and cheerleading. She is a member of Jr. Beta Club and Jr. Lego League. The Wizard of Oz is her first performance, and she says she has learned a great deal. She loves performing and looks forward to playing in many more productions.
Jessica Kittinger was born in Chattanooga and moved to Manchester last year with her husband. She has been singing at various times in her life and enjoys being in plays. Her last stage performance was a string of Gilbert and Sullivan musicals in high school, and she looks forward to her first show at the MAC.
Kieran Tarin (City Father Munchkin & Emerald City Ozian) is 11 years old and is very honored and excited to be in his first production with MRC. In addition to acting and singing, Kieran enjoys swimming, reading, and playing the steel drums in his school band. He is looking forward to performing in many future productions at the MAC.
Lexi Famularo (Munchkin Lollipop Guild)
Kiley Jo Byrom is excited to be a part of the cast of the Wizard of Oz which is now her second play this year. She performed this summer in the production of The Little Mermaid at the Arts Center of Cannon County. For the past two years she has attended the Summer Youth Conservatory at the Arts Center of Cannon County, where she received intensive theatrical training in the areas of acting,stage movement and dance, voice and music. She was selected both years as one of the lead soloist. This year's instructors were Michael McGee, Ashley Hardage, Dan Jones and Scarlett Turney. She is a vocal student of Brittney Goodwin where she is trained in the areas of vocal technique and performances and is also learning to play the guitar. She has performed the National Anthem at ball games, performed in talent shows and recitals. A third grade honor student at Westside Elementary in Woodbury, she is looking forward to auditioning for many more upcoming plays and to continue learning from the directors and cast members who like her love to sing and perform.
Lynn Bell (Ozian) is from North Carolina originally. She is a retired elementary school teacher with a degree from MTSU and three wonderful children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She is also a music teacher and works part time at the Senior Citizens Center in Manchester.A widow for three years, she enjoys volunteering at the MAC as a greeter
Deanna Sekulich is a senior at Coffee County Central High School in Manchester. She has been involved in theatre and music her entire life. Some of her favorite roles she has played include "Sandy" from Grease and "Constance Bonaceaux" from The Three Musketeers. In 2015, Deanna won first place at the AACS national fine arts competition for Dramatic Interpretation. Her favorite activities include competing in a show choir, singing, hanging out with friends, and performing. She is very excited to be in Wizard of Oz which is her second show at the MAC.
Elaine Turner (Ozian) loves to sing and clog dance. She sings in the praise team and choir at Trinity Baptist. She as appeared in Annie, Cash: Ring of Fire (MRC), Journey to the Manger, and several other Christmas programs. She enjoys helping backstage too..
Eliza Griffey is so excited to be a part of The Wizard of Oz, her first production with MRC, as a munchkin in the Lollipop Guild and a citizen of Oz (go Team Tinman!). Eliza has attended several performing arts camps at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, St. Andrews-Sewanee, and Act Too Players in Franklin. She is a long-time student of the Sewanee Dance Conservatory, where she has studied ballet, jazz, musical theater, and hip-hop. She also studies modern dance and has performed in the Nutcracker, a joint production of the Sewanee Dance Conservatory and Alabama Youth Ballet. Eliza loves to sing and dance, is an avid fan of musical theater, and is learning to play guitar. She is a Brownie in her local Girl Scout troop and takes gymnastics. An honor roll student in the third grade at Sewanee Elementary, Eliza spends her free time reading and drawing. She can't wait to get more involved with the MRC and is grateful for all she has learned in Oz!
Elizabeth Clare Brown is the daughter of Tim and Sandy Brown. She in an honor student at Westwood Middle School, where she runs cross country and plays basketball. Go Rockets! She is excited to be a Munchkin for The Wizard of Oz. She has been in Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Suessical the Musical. Wish her luck as she tries out for the upcoming school production of Annie.
Maddison Helms is a 7th grader at Coffee County Middle School. She has participated in numerous plays with MRC, including The Music Man this summer. She is an active member of FBLA, CCMS Choir, and FBC Acteens where she has the opportunity to serve others. She enjoys painting, singing, and all things Disney!
Olivia Walker is excited to play a part in the The Wizard of Oz as a munchkin in the Lullaby League, her first performance with MRC. She is a second grader at Westwood Elementary. She takes dance lessons at Duck River Dance and was in last spring's production of Alice in Wonderland. She also takes gymnastics and enjoys swimming, riding horses and reading.
Paige Cooley (Tree, Ozian)
Richard Burton (Professor Marvel/The Wizard) performed at the MAC as Crooks in Of Mice and Men (MRC) and as Henry, the old actor in The Fantastiks (MRC). Richard has a one-man show here at the MAC entitled Beyond The Outhouse in December. Richard is not married to Elizabeth Taylor.
Ella Helms is a 5th grader at New Union Elementary School. Her first performance was in Disney’s Peter Pan, Jr. with WAG, and she is excited to be a City Father in The Wizard of Oz. She is active in the Children’s Choir at First Baptist Church, sings with POPS Stars, and plays basketball for New Union. She enjoys reading, Minecraft, and Stitch!
Houston Kologinczak (Munchkin Barrister) is making his singing, acting, and community theater debut. Houston caught the acting bug after seeing Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. at the MAC earlier this year. He is a 5th grader at Robert E. Lee in Tullahoma, an awesome big brother, and a fashion buff (as he clearly rocks a purple coat with tails and a top hat better than your average 10-year-old).
Ian Disch (Uncle Henry/Ozian Guard)
James Goldston is a witty 6th grader at Westwood Middle school. A natural entertainer, he has performed in school productions, as well as an ensemble role in Disney’s Aladdin Jr. (MRC). He loves animals, especially his spaniel Lola, cat Jelly Bean, and his horse Socks. In addition to playing video games, he enjoys traveling anywhere, hunting, and hanging out with friends.
R.J. Hayes began his musical career in 1954. In New York, he performed at Radio City Music Hall and on New York’s Town Hall stage. He also appeared on several TV shows in the 50’s, including the nationally televised version of Amahl and the Night Visitors. He studied at a Music Conservatory for many years. He has University degrees in Film and Television, and is an award winning film director and photojournalist. R.J. has been a singer all his life both on stage and in Church choirs. R.J. has appeared in numerous musicals and theatrical productions in the MIddle Tennessee area since moving here in the late 1970’s. His favorite role was as the Rabbi in Fiddler on the Roof. He enjoys building sets for many local productions. He and his wife Sande have three sons and five grandsons.
Robbie Famularo (Nikko)
Trenton Stacey is thrilled to be a part of The Wizard of Oz, his first production with MRC, as a Munchkin & A Flying Monkey. He is a 13-year-old eighth grader at Westwood Middle School in Manchester. His hobbies include basketball, baseball and acting. He loves to make people laugh! His favorite roles have been Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at CCCHS, A Nerd and Muscle Man in Sussical the Musical at Westwood Middle School
Trey Elgouhary (Munchkin) is a 6th grader at Westwood Middle School. He enjoys science, math, video games, animals, and hanging out with his friends. Before taking on the important role of Munchkin Mayor, Trey appeared in these recent WAG musicals at the MAC- Aladdin, Peter Pan, and the Little Mermaid. He also played the role of Eddie in the TAG musical 13. Trey loves to be silly and entertain his friends with puns and character voices. Besides his friend James, Trey's favorite Oz cast member is Toto, aka Winston Hiers. "Winston 4 President!"
Lightboard Technician
Mathias Montoya
Spotlight Technician
Christianne Montoya
Music Director
Derrick Minnick
Photos courtesy of Jenn Winstead
Microphone Technician
Richard Grizzard