The Wizard of Oz

Cast Bios

KELLY MAIER - Dorothy

Kelly is delighted to join the Barn this summer.  She’s currently a musical theatre major at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.  A native of Florissant, MO, Kelly has worked the past three summers at Summer Showbiz at Southern Illinois University where she received two Irene Ryan nominations.  Her credits include Laurey in OKLAHOMA!, Sister Amnesia in NUNSENSE II, Sandy in GREASE, Brooke in NOISES OFF, Sprintze in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, and Mrs. Martin in THE BALD SOPRANO.  Kelly sends thanks and love to her family; they are her “support and inspiration.”  “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!  Live the life you’ve imagined”- Thoreau

SCOTT BURKELL - Scarecrow

Scott comes back for a 24th summer after another eventful year in New York.  Scott and Barnie Paul Loesel’s brand-new musical treatment of Mark Dunn’s popular novel ELLA MINNOW PEA just had a major reading this spring and over the winter Scott staged Barnie Marin Mazzie’s solo cabaret show at Feinstein’s Supper Club.  Burkell/Loesel songs have become increasingly in-demand by such B’way performers as Rebecca Luker, Susan Egan, Kristin Chenoweth, and Marin Mazzie, who recorded two selections with husband and fellow actor Jason Daniely for their recently released “Opposite You” album.  Scott played in both the Broadway and First National Tour companies of TITANIC.  Here in Augusta, his career has been unforgettable.  Some faves include Molina in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, Georg (opposite Marin Mazzie) in SHE LOVES ME, Felix in THE ODD COUPLE, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and perhaps his all-time gem, Riff-Raff in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (including last-season’s closing production).  Also last year Scott acted in LI’L ABNER (Marryin’ Sam), THE GRADUATE, HAIR, THE FULL MONTY (Malcolm), and directed our hit revival of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.  Visit www.scottburkell.net

JOE AIELLO – Tin Man

Joe returns to the Barn after celebrating his 25^th season last summer with acclaimed performances as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and Harold in THE FULL MONTY as well as returning to a role he originated at the Barn, the infamous Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Season after season Joe has demonstrated his talent and versatility with such varied roles as Daddy Warbucks in ANNIE, Lee in TRUE WEST, Albin/Zaza in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Arthur in CAMELOT, Mozart in AMADEUS, Gallimard in M. BUTTERFLY, and NathanDetroit in GUYS AND DOLLS.  A gifted director as well, Joe has earned accolades for his Barn treatments of CABARET, SHE LOVES ME, CHESS, KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, CRIMES OF THE HEART, THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, LOST IN YONKERS, STEELMAGNOLIAS, SWEENEY TODD, and BAT BOY (the latter two co-directed with Scott Burkell).  Joe lives in New York City where he is Director of Sales for Match-Tix Group Sales and Promotions and co-owner of Allied/Hit-Tix, Inc.

ERIC PARKER – Cowardly Lion

Eric comes home for a 14^th Augusta summer after another busy season in Chicago.  His growing list of Barn credits includes several favorites: Jerry in THE FULL MONTY last summer, Rocky and Eddie in seven go-‘rounds of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Cousin Kevin in TOMMY, Freddie in CHESS, Cable in SOUTH PACIFIC, the title role in PIPPIN, Pharaoh in JOSEPH…, Jinx in FOREVER PLAID, Jimmy Powers in CITY OF ANGELS, Judas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, Remnar in ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT, and Che in EVITA, a role that introduced Eric to Chicago audiences in an award-winning production at Drury Lane Oakbrook.  His career has continued there with several roles in their dinner theatre and TYA productions, most recently Jacey Squires in THE MUSIC MAN, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, Samuel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, and Fezziwig in A CHRISTMAS CAROL this past winter.  Regional: THE THING ABOUT MEN (Sebastian), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (Henrik), A FUNNY THING…FORUM (Miles), THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW (Rocky), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Jesus), and HAIR (Claude-European Tour).  TV: GUIDING LIGHT.  Eric’s an Adrian native now living in Chicago.  On our off-stage staff Eric helps oversee the maintenance of the physical plant and also moves up a notch artistically this summer by directing our popular Bar Shows.

PENELOPE ALEX – Wicked Witch

Celebrating her 20th season, Penelope has more than established herself on the Barn stage.  She has delighted audiences with a series of compelling performances… Aldonza in MAN OF LA MANCHA, Maria in LEND ME A TENOR, and Janet in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW come immediately to mind, as do her own favorites, such as the Beggar Woman in SWEENEY TODD, Nellie in SOUTH PACIFIC (with Tom Wopat), Aurora in KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN, and at the head of the list, Annie Oakley opposite Tom Wopat’s Frank Butler in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.  Last season Penelope was seen FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Golde), LI’L ABNER, THE FULL MONTY, and closed out the season as Magenta in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW.  Offstage and closest to her heart are her star roles of Mom to Luke (11), Calli (9), Jacob (6), and Melina (2), and wife to Barn producer Brendan Ragotzy.  In addition to her full slate on stage and at home, Penelope makes time for voice-over and commercial work throughout the region.  Be sure to listen for Penelope on the Barn’s new TV commercials this summer!  She is a native of San Jose, CA, and like husband Brendan, is a proud San Jose State University alum.

ROY BROWN – The Wizard

Roy is very pleased to be returning to the Barn for his first season as an Equity resident.  He’s gained quite a following locally for a series of wonderful performances during his apprenticeship: Renfield in DRACULA, Stewpot in SOUTH PACIFIC, Reuben in our ’99 JOSEPH…, Lefou in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Mrs. Taylor in BAT BOY, Smudge in FOREVER PLAID, and most famously, Da Jimmer in our hit productions of ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT in ’03 and ’04.  Roy’s professional experience includes a role in the Theatreworks USA 2004-05 National Tour of FREEDOM TRAIN and an independent film (working title: SUMMER DAZE) currently in post-production.   A native of Hastings and a veteran of major roles for all the prominent local civic theatres, Roy calls New York City home.  In addition to his acting load Roy is responsible for maintaining the beautiful grounds here at the Barn.

LAURA COOK - Glinda

Laura is delighted to make her Barn debut this summer.  A Cleveland native, Laura graduated with a BA in Musical Theatre and Public Relations from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.  She made her regional debut last summer in MING LEE AND THE MAGIC TREE at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY while apprenticing with the Lab Company.  Laura most recently completed a successful Los Angeles showcase with her graduating classmates.  Favorite college roles include Fruma Sarah in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Maud Dunlop in THE MUSIC MAN, and a narrator/singer in THE GRAPES OF WRATH, which was performed in Scotland at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.  Laura will be embarking on her MFA in acting this fall at Kent State University.  She thanks all her friends and family, especially her amazingly supportive parents.

MYCHELLE HOPKINS – Auntie Em

Last season’s audiences will undoubtedly remember Mychelle’s hysterical portrayal as Jeanette Burmeister in the Barn’s smash-hit THE FULL MONTY. Along with her many stage appearances in the area, she has directed numerous productions throughout the U.S. and in England where she received her M.A. from the Shakespeare Institute.  Her acting credentials are extensive, having performed in the U.S., England, Monaco and Greece.  While Shakespeare is her first love, anything Irish comes in a close second.  Mychelle is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.  She teaches Theatre at Western Michigan University and is Director of Education for the Whole Art Theater in Kalamazoo.  Mychelle has also appeared at the Barn in the Barn’s 2000 production of MY FAIR LADY and was featured as Mrs. Eynsford-Hill. Mychelle is also the proud mother of Macready who is 20 months old.

HOWARD McBRIDE – Uncle Henry

In his 25 Augusta summers, Howard has given audiences a series of wonderful performances of the type known in the old days as “first business”.  A few of his favorite roles are Jacob in JOSEPH…, Max in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Dr. Scott in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Herr Schultz in CABARET, and the Old Actor in THE FANTASTICKS.  He has stage managed tours of A CHORUS LINE, MAN OF LA MANCHA, and JANE POWELL: INSIDE OUT as well as three years with the Staten Island Civic in New York.  With us, Howard also lends his unique charms to his offstage role of General Manager.

CALENDAR NEWS:                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2006     

NOW PLAYING: Through August 6, four-time Emmy award-winning actress Kim Zimmer from TV’s Guiding Light will seize the Barn stage as Mama Rose in the legendary musical GYPSY. Based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous burlesque stripper, GYPSY tells the story of Rose, an overbearing stage mother who is determined to break into the big time by pushing the vaudeville career of her younger daughter June. After June escapes her mother’s hold, Rose turns all her attention to her other daughter Louise. Eventually Rose's dreams come to fruition when she successfully transforms Louise into the famous burlesque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.

COMING SOON: August 8-20, for the first time ever on the Barn stage!!! Follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they journey to the Emerald City in THE WIZARD OF OZ.  Penelope Alex stars as the Wicked Witch of the West in this colorful, classic gem. With a memorable score full of timeless treasures including “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”, “If I Only Had A Brain,” “Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead” and “Follow The Yellow Brick Road”.  This all-time family favorite will run just in time to take an enchanted trip down the yellow brick road with the whole family before the summer ends!

ADDED SHOW: August 22-September 3, the Barn Theatre is proud to present Jeff Daniels’ ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT.  Back by popular demand, is this Super Yooper blockbuser. When the Soady clan reunites for the opening day of deer season at the family’s Upper Peninsula camp, thirty-five-year-old Reuben Soady, played by Scott Burkell, brings with him the shameful reputation of being the oldest Soady in the history of Soadys never to bag a buck. In a hunting story to beat all hunting stories, ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT spins a hilarious tale of humor, horror and heart as Rueben goes to any and all lengths to remove himself from the wrong end of the family record book. 

The Barn Theatre                   Located on M-96 1 mile west of the village of Augusta.

Box Office Phone                   269 731-4121 Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Performance times                 Tuesday through Friday at 8:30pm

                                                Saturday (2 shows) 6:00pm & 9:00 pm

                                                Sunday 5:00pm (8:30 Added performance, if applicable)

Ticket Prices                          $29.00 Each.  Any day, any performance.

Visa and MasterCard Accepted

Group rates available (10 tickets or more)

Enjoy refreshments and a light snack in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. WINGS AND NACHOS in the Rehearsal Shed!  Free cabaret-style entertainment follows main stage performances.            

Professional Equity resident summer theatre.  Our 61^st season

Listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites – Free and easy parking

Air-conditioned Theatre and Restrooms handicapped accessible.      

Brendan Ragotzy, Producer.