BWW Interviews: Jacquelyn Piro Donovan on Getting Green in THE WIZARD OF OZ

BroadwayWorld Contributing Editor Alan Aronshtam recently sat down for an interview with the Jacquelyn Piro Donovan who is currently playing The Wicked Wich of the West in the National Tour of The Wizard of OZ.

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How did you get cast in the Wizard of Oz? Did you have to audition? What was the audition process like?

The audition was an interesting one. First, yes, I needed to audition. Sometimes you get lucky and don't need to, but most jobs require auditions. Usually the creative team is at the audition. But in this case, because the team was spread out in Canada and England, Justin Huff at Telsey Casting put me on tape. Then it was a matter of that tape getting to all the appropriate people including Andrew Lloyd Weber. Amazing that I got the job! I don't know how they all agreed when they are not actually together!!

You've been in rehearsals for a while now and you open in a few days time. What has the rehearsal process and tech process been like?

The rehearsal process for me was a bit unusual. Normally when beginning a tour, there would be a rehearsal process with the entire company. Because the Company has been doing the show together for 9 months in Toronto, this was more like being a replacement than starting a new tour. I had a wonderful Resident Director, Dance Captain and Production Stage Manager who taught me the show. I really didn't get on the actual stage deck with the actors until we were in tech rehearsals in Salt Lake. I had a lot of support from everyone in the cast and crew...that always helps a great deal!

What is it like creating such an iconic role? Do you try to give audiences what they expect, or do something totally new?

I think creating an iconic role brings many challenges and joys. I love a challenge and to me, there is no greater one than trying to bring a fresh perspective to The Wicked Witch while maintaining the integrity of the original character portrayed to perfection by Margaret Hamilton. Learning how far I can stretch the boundaries of this character and then playing inside that sand box has been pure joy! After years of Ingenues, I have been waiting for the day that I could unleash the zany part of my personality...here goes!

Did you catch the show in Toronto before it closed? If so, what did you think?

Yes I rehearsed in Toronto and was able to see the show from the audience's perspective. That is always a welcome chance for an actor. Often you have no real feeling of what the audience is going through. I loved the show! It has always been one of my favorite classics. We used to wait every year for it to come on TV...now I am dating myself!!!! My favorite part of being in Toronto was forging a friendship with Lisa Horner. (Lisa played the Wicked Witch in the Toronto production before it closed.) Not shocking, we have the same sence of humor! I learned the Witch's backstage track from her and she was filled with wonderful bits of information, things she had learned during her 9 month run, to make the show easier. I really valued her input. It always seems that you become the best of friends with the people you replace!!

See more - BroadwayWorld's Interview with Lisa Horner!

Obviously, you have to get green for the show. What is the process like? Do you use the same spray on makeup used in Toronto and London?

Going Green, as I like to call it, is quite a show unto itself. Technically there is nearly 15 minutes from when I leave the stage as Gulch to my entrance as The Wicked Witch. The time is further cut down by costume changes and the fact that the Tin Man needs to be made silver during the cyclone. We carry a makeup specialist with the show. His name is Michael. I love him. He has managed to keep with the original London/Toronto makeup plot, but add a little something extra that is just for our production. We both wanted to make my witch a little more glamorous...if that's even possible! He uses a Mac Airbrush for all the green. It is amazing to watch him do his thing!! I am grateful to have him.

You get to sing new songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, since the Wicked Witch in the movie didn't really have a singing part. Did you get to work with or meet Andrew during the rehearsal process?

I do get to sing a new Lloyd Webber song, but no, I have not met him. I have performed in a good deal of his shows and I'm hoping at some point on the tour I get to meet him. I am a big fan of his!

Do you like going out on Tour? What are the best and worst parts about being on the road?

Well, the road is a wonderful yet hard road to go. This contract is my 9th touring contract. Most of those tours I did were over 10 years ago. Simply put, I got married and wanted to stay at home with my hubby Peter Donovan, an electrician on Broadway. Petey and I agreed that this was a special role and was worth the hardship of being apart. The best part of touring is seeing friends and family all across the country and/or places you have not been before. The worst part is the loved ones you leave behind. So, to make the best of it, Petey will come visit as much as his schedule will allow and I will try my best to fly home on days off. In other words...Delta Airlines loves us!!

Is there a city you're most excited about stopping in?

I'm looking forward to Fort Lauderdale. At that time of year, my parents are what you call snowbirds. They fly to Florida for the winter! My sister and family live there as well. It will be such fun to see all of them!!! I'm sure my sister is already making plans with my mom...my crazy Italian family is very close.

The Witch and Dorothy don't see eye to eye on stage? Do you and Danielle Wade (Dorothy) get along off stage?

We hate each other! I'm kidding!! We get along really well. I absolutely have the utmost respect and adoration for her. She is wildly talented and has a long fabulous career ahead of her. My favorite "Daniellism"...she already calls me out for my unwillingness to put on my glasses to read text messages! She basically orders me ..."get your glasses Grand Ma!" Makes me laugh every time!!

If you could play any other part in The Wizard of OZ, what would it be and why?

The dog Toto. Every time he walks on stage he gets a treat, the audience loves him, and he gets the last bow. What could be better!

What would you like to do next, after OZ? What would you consider your "dream role"?

I don't really have a dream role. I have been unbelievably lucky to play a wide range of great roles. If I had to say one show, I'd say Mamma Mia. Any one of those ladies would be a blast!!

What is the best part about being in The Wizard of OZ?

Definitely bringing a classic to life for a new and older generation. Theatre needs to be kept alive and this show is a perfect one to grab the next generation.

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The Wizard of OZ will play at The Smith Center in Las Vegas through Sept 15, before moving to The Pantages Theater in Los Angeles from September 17 to October 6. For a list of all tour stops and to buy tickets, visit the official website for The Wizard of OZ on Tour.