Amazing Art - Wizard of Oz Interview

I recently had a chance to interview Becca Claire Hart, who will be playing "Aunt Em/Glinda the Witch of the North" in CTC's production of Wizard of Oz. 

What are some of the great things about portraying a classic character from a well-known story?

There's a freedom in performing a character as well-known as Glinda the Good. There are so many iconic versions of this character, from the Wizard of Oz movie to the Wicked versions on stage and screen - I feel inspired to fill that famous bubble with my own version of her magic and warmth. 

What are some of the challenges?

Hah! I've already had to tell a few folks, "Yes, I'm playing Glinda, but not that Glinda!" In direct relation to your previous question, there's bound to be some comparison of the Good Witches, but I'm happy to say I don't feel any pressure to copy the iconic options given to us by Billie Burke, Kristin Chenoweth, or Ariana Grande, to name a few. 

Why should people come see the show, even if they already know the story?

It'll be like watching a favorite story...but with some new surprises! We're going to Oz, yes, but how will we do the tornado? How will we go from black and white to a world of color? How is the Wicked Witch of the West going to melt? There's something so exciting about seeing magic happen live on stage. (I'm excited to see it myself!)

What do you hope audiences take away from the experience?

I hope folks walk away singing, laughing, and holding the warmth that comes with the final message: there's no place like home.

Becca Claire Hart* (she/her) feels so lucky to be a part of this wonderful show. Hart has performed in several CTC shows and has worked at the Guthrie Theater, Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, and other stages around the Twin Cities. She sends love to her family and friends! 

Tickets may be purchased at childrenstheatre.org/oz or by calling the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400. Ticket prices start at $25.

 

School groups interested in attending The Wizard of Oz can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

 

The Wizard of Oz has a run time of 2 hours, with one 15-minute intermission.

 

This production is recommended for all ages. Lap passes are available for children 3 years and younger.

 

The Wizard of Oz
By L. Frank Baum

With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard

Orchestration by Larry Wilcox

Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Music Direction and Orchestrations by Victor Zupanc
Choreography by Christopher Windom†

Directed by Rick Dildine†

 

Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by

Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
 

April 21-June 14, 2026
UnitedHealth Group Stage
Best for all ages