Wheaton Drama director talks "Hansel and Gretel"

Wheaton Drama, Inc. is presenting an original adaptation of a fairy tale this summer. Written by Wheaton Drama member Berni Raymond, "Hansel and Gretel in Witchdom" features music, dancing, and surprises! In this version, Hansel and Gretel meet many other characters in the forest, including a Woodsprite, an Angel, a Sandman, and five student witches. The clever and entertaining writing is suitable for all ages.

"Hansel and Gretel" director Jim Liesz is excited to be part of this project. "I am having a terrific time! We have chosen to incorporate both children and adults in our production, heightening the charm of this endearing story."

Casting a range of ages is also beneficial for teaching. "I think it's important for children to learn about the art and craft of acting at an early age,” says Jim, who is a retired high school theatre teacher. "Having adults in some of the key roles allows their expertise to guide our student actors in so many different facets of the performance. I see our adult actors off in corners during break times, running lines and blocking with our younger cast members. It is a win-win situation for all involved."

Willing to share his experience with the young performers is veteran actor George Zima, who is playing Sandman in "Hansel and Gretel". Jim notes that "George was a 'hoofer' on Broadway and appeared on stage with the likes of Ethel Merman." With many exciting tales to tell and a clever dance move always at the ready, spry George is a favorite with Wheaton Drama audiences and members.

Jim points out that Debbie Roberts, who plays Hitzabelle, is another performer of interest. "Her comedic timing is just terrific. One might think the character of the 'Wicked Witch' shouldn't involve comedy...it does in this rendition!"

Doug Buethe (Father) and Susan Carr (Mother) provide "charm and just the right amount of 'parental wisdom' to complement our student leading characters, Hansel, played by

Brendan Noland, and Gretel, who is Tyler Berger."

The cast also includes: Melanie Ambrosio (Raggedy Ann); Natalie Anderson (Gingerbread Person); Cameron Clark (Gingerbread Person); Leah Crandell (Gingerbread Person); Alec Degnan (Sprite); Ashley Graham (Gingerbread Person); Evan Heise (Bear); Kailey Henderson (Angel); Summer Johanneson (Brontosaura); Nicole Johnson (Gingerbread Person); Alissa Kanturek (Saccharine); Kitty Noland (Bird); Celia O'Brien (Sandwich); Fletcher Ogren (Bird); Claudia Ornacki (Gingerbread Person); Kayla Ornacki (Bird); Dylan Palmore (Bird); Kate Roberts (Gargola); Rebecca Roy (Medusa); Brock Royle (Gingerbread Person); Gwen Royle (Gingerbread Person).

Jim is assisted by Berni Raymond while Georgia Hamilton is the musical director, Barb Giblin is the choreographer, and Mary Engle is production manager. "We are all pals from 'way back when'", Jim smiles. "What a pleasure and privilege it has been working with them. We haven't done a children's theatre production in many, many years. Working on this has brought back some wonderfully nostalgic memories."

Performances of "Hansel and Gretel in Witchdom" are Friday, July 6 at 7pm, Saturday, July 7 at 3pm, Sunday, July 8 at 3pm, Friday, July 13 at 7pm, Saturday, July 14 at 3pm, and Sunday, July 15 at 3pm. Tickets are $10 each or 4 tickets for $35.

Performances are at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. For tickets and information, call 630-260-1820 or visit http://www.wheatondrama.org. Follow on Twitter at WDIpublicity.