Interview: Aaron Field of WIZARD OF OZ at Orpheum

Who has NOT grown up with Wizard of Oz? It was a very special annual event in my childhood home, and I am willing to bet most of you can say the same. I was excited to speak with Aaron Fried, who plays the Cowardly Lion in the national tour of WIZARD OF OZ, which opens at the Orpheum Theater in Omaha on Tuesday, December 8.

What was the first musical you saw?

CATS. I was very young. We lived in New Jersey and my parents exposed me to live theater at a very young age. I think that's one of the main reasons why I ended up doing it professionally. My parents were very supportive.

Were your parents in theater themselves?

They were theater lovers, but weren't in the theatre themselves. They both work in the medical field. It wasn't until I started performing that they both became active parents in my school and community theatre.

When did you start auditioning?

I was pretty young. I had a manager in New York, so I went on auditions all the time. I did some voiceover work and some extra work on TV when I was a kid...nothing too substantial. I used to go with my grandma and my aunts and uncles. Everyone used to take a day off of work and bring me into the city. It was great. I also auditioned and performed locally in community theatre starting in third grade.

So you knew from a very young age that you wanted to be in the business?

Oh yeah. Absolutely. I started performing when I was 5 years old in a 50's and 60's singing group that traveled around New Jersey. So, I've been in front of an audience for awhile.

Oh my gosh! Singing with a 50's and 60's group when you were only 5 years old!

Haha! Yeah, singing "Only You" to crowds of people at every type of community event you can think of!

Then you went on to Musical Theater?

Yes. I studied Musical Theater at Ithaca College. Ever since then, I've been working pretty regularly in regional theatre and a few national tours.

It looks like you've done quite a few productions. Do you have a favorite?

Well, most recently I did the tour of NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, which was a great experience. The cities we played were unbelievable. I got to work with some amazing professionals­, so that was a great experience. This past summer I got to work with Sally Struthers in NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT at the Ogunquit Playhouse up in Maine and the Gateway Playhouse in Long Island, New York. That was also incredible. She was a delight to work with!

Did you grow up watching WIZARD OF OZ?

Oh yes, Oh yes. I grew up watching the movie. I was obsessed with it. I didn't realize what a phenomenon it really is until I started doing this show and saw how many people grew up with it and how people are affected by it. It's unbelievable.

Do you relate to one character more than the others?

I think I definitely relate the closest to the cowardly lion. For sure.

What do you think the central theme is in WIZARD OF OZ?

There are so many different lessons and themes to the story. Of course, one is that there's no place like home. This rings especially true to me because as an actor, I am constantly traveling on the road. I always have to remember how special it is when I am home, and how important it is to make a home wherever I go. The other important message I get, especially from playing the cowardly lion, is to believe in yourself­ and how important it is to be true to yourself.

That's a good point. It seems to me that all the characters were asking the Wizard for things that they already had. They just didn't know it.
Right, right, right. Or they didn't want to believe it. That's what I've learned so much from being the cowardly lion. He feels like he has to be something he's not, and the truth is, you're allowed to be whoever you want to be. Whoever you are. Feel free to be yourself.

How long is the tour?

Currently we are scheduled through July. Omaha is the second stop. We had tech rehearsal and previewed in Utica in upstate New York. Then we came here to Cleveland and we had our opening, which was incredible! The audience was amazing. And then we move over to Omaha. Then we are on to Des Moines. We thankfully have the holidays off, so I get to go home to my family. And then we're back out on the road.

Have you ever been to Omaha?

I have! I believe I was there with THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Oh my gosh, I loved Omaha! My idea of Omaha was completely wrong­ I thought I was going to be bored... but then I went out and explored and there's some really great places to visit. There's some great shopping and food downtown.

What would you like to say about being on tour with WIZARD OF OZ?

I think the most important thing to know is that lovers of the movie version of WIZARD OF OZ won't be disappointed with this production. It follows very closely with the movie and it's just as spectacular as the movie was. It's also a great show to introduce people to live theater. It's appropriate for kids of all ages. It's also a great story.. It's a spectacle and a great story with great lessons and fun characters. I didn't realize how beautiful this production is until I got to tech rehearsals. I just love how big everything is. The pyro and special effects that are integrated into this production are really special. It's a very cinematic production. It's really cool! Come check us out!

WIZARD OF OZ will be playing at the Omaha's Orpheum Theater from Tuesday, December 8 through Sunday, December 13. Omaha Performing Arts also announces that men and women of the armed forces and their families will be celebrated at the Heroes' Night performance on Wednesday, December 9, at 7:30 p.m. A select group of local Gold Star Families and Blue Star Families will receive complimentary tickets to the Heroes' Night performance, and a discount has been extended to all members of the military for the performance.