BWW Interviews: The Wickedly Wacky Wizard of Oz's Steve Ross

Toronto’s favourite holiday guilty pleasure is back and better than ever! Ross Petty’s holiday panto is something that Torontonians have grown to love and cherish over the past 16 years, and this year he presents The Wizard of Oz featuring former Rock of Ages leads Elicia MacKenzie and Yvan Pedneault.

The show features some of Canada’s top musical theatre performers, as well as Ross Petty as The Wicked Witch of the West.  With fantastic choreography by Marc Kimelman and direction by Tracey Flye, this is not your average journey down the yellow brick road.

Since the show is known for its absurd hilarity, the cast agreed to do something a bit different with me to showcase the production.  For the next week we will feature a holiday themed Q&A with members of the cast as we countdown the days to Christmas.  First up is Steve Ross, who plays a rather adorable Cowardly Lion:

Favourite Holiday Song: This year it seems to be a tie between The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole) and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Favourite Holiday Movie: A Christmas Carol (the one with Alastair Sim...the scene with Jacob Marley is fantastic!!)

Favourite Holiday Musical: Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (The animated special....is that considered a musical?  I LOVE IT!)

Favourite Holiday Treat: Shortbread Cookies...a true weakness.

Favourite Holiday Drink: Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream.

Favourite holiday Tradition: I love to cook, so I really like taking the day to prepare Christmas dinner.

Favourite Cold Weather Accessory: My bright green scarf that I bought in New York.

Favourite Reindeer: Definitely Blitzen!

White or Green Christmas: I think I’m good with either.

Frosty or Rudolph: Frosty.  He’s always seemed like a good guy to me.

Partridge or a Pear Tree:  Hmmm...tough choice...I’ll go with pear tree.

Finally, for those unfamiliar with the Panto or looking to make new holiday traditions, what is the number one reason you would tell them to come out and experience the show?

It’s nothing but fun.  Silly, crazy, wacky fun.  Is there anything better??

When and Where?

Ross Petty Productions presents:

The Wizard of Oz: The Wickedly Wacky Family Musical

The Elgin Theatre

Performance Schedule:

Nov 24^th – Jan 6^th, 2012

Most evening performances begin at 7PM and matinees are at 2PM

Tickets range from $27 to $85 and can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-599-9090 or in person at the Elgin Theatre Box Office.

The Wizard of Oz is presented by Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse

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