Interview: Ellie Mooney - Walnut's Wicked Witch

I caught up with Ellie as she prepares for the role most children (and adults) remember fondly in the beloved production THE WIZARD OF OZ. The Walnut Street Theater is proudly opening their 208 th theater season with this family classic.

Pati Buehler: OK, I am already excited about this production and can't imagine a role more fun than the Wicked Witch of the West. Tell us about that journey from going out for the role and what you plan to bring to the stage.

Ellie Mooney: I'm thrilled to be playing this role and being evil is indeed fun! However there is a learning curve: Flying, pyrotechnics, and of course melting all take quite a bit of finessing. The wicked part comes a bit more naturally! (lol) I have a team of professionals training me in the art of evil and I'm excited to share it with the WST audiences.

Ellie's resume is longer than her arms! This 5'2"- 100 llb. dynamo has played many versatile roles both regionally and off Broadway such as Sister Mary Martin-of Tours in SISTER ACT, Constanze in AMADEUS, Hope in URINETOWN and also appeared in the popular Forbidden Broadway Comedy Review as Barbara Streisand and Bebe Neuwirth to name a few.

PB: Can you possible pick some favorite roles and what made them so special?

EM: My favorites change often.... But I'd have to say I loved playing LV in THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE at WST. I spent a year training my voice to mimic all the famous singers in the show. It was a huge challenge and I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to play a dream role.

As many actors have gratefully expressed "Philly has been good to me" and Ellie has sure had her share of 'goodness' in the City of Brotherly Love. Some of her recent Walnut Street Theatre highlights include: RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE (Little Voice), A CHRISTMAS STORY (Miss Shields), HARVEY (Myrtle Mae), MARY POPPINS (Mrs. Corry), FANCY NANCY (Director/Choreographer), and I LOVE A PIANO (Director/Choreographer)

"Ellie Mooney is one of the best choreographers I've had the pleasure of working with. Her work is not only vibrant, eye-popping and at a Broadway level, but she manages to tell a complete story thoroughly with each number, paying close attention to character and situation. Her work is incredibly inventive, delightfully unpredictable..." ~Chris Faith (Actor) THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

PB: No doubt you are grateful with the many accolades from fellow artists. You will have the pleasure of assuming the role of Director/Choreographer of Walnut Street's upcoming A CHRISTMAS CAROL in the midst of playing the Witch in Oz! Please tell us about this project.

EM: Our Christmas Carol is adapted by WST favorite Bill Van Horn - and it's a cherished theatre event for WST audiences every year. It's a family favorite!

PB: It's obvious that you are an actor who loves to keep busy. Tell us about your work as a teaching artist, please.

EM: I'm grateful for opportunities to empower other artists. The WST Theatre School provides a great platform for new artists as well as seasoned professionals. I specialize in audition techniques for singers and dancers. I help them navigate the sometimes confusing and always exciting audition processes.

See Ellie Moony haunt Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and all of OZ in Walnut Street's upcoming production of The Wizard of OZ opening on November 8 and playing through January 8, 2017.

For ticket and information visit: www.walnutstreettheatre.org or call 215.574.3550
For more about Ellie Mooney visit her website at www.elliemooney.com

Photos: Ellie Mooney (AMADEUS), (Little Voice), (The Drowsey Chaparone) courtesy Ellie Mooney website