University News

WIU Alumna Cast in International Tour of "The Wizard of Oz"

April 16, 2019

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL – Western Illinois University alumna, Hollyn Gayle (Beans), a 2017 graduate with a bachelor's degree in musical theatre, was recently cast as the understudy of Dorothy Gale and an ensemble member in an international tour of "The Wizard of Oz."

The tour will perform in China for 13 weeks this summer, playing in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, and will carry into Bahrain for an additional week before Gayle returns to the U.S.

This production of "The Wizard of Oz" is a spectacular celebration of the classic 1939 film. The timeless story is about a young girl who finds herself transported from her small family farm in Kansas to a strange world of dazzling, bright colors and struggles to find her way home again.

Gayle states that there are many things she is excited for with this opportunity.

"While I'm excited to perform this iconic story all across China, I'm also looking forward to experiencing the Chinese culture and seeing their world renowned historical sites," said Gayle.

Before leaving for the tour, Gayle is fitting in one final contract as Bird Girl in "Seussical: The Musical." The show will play to thousands of local school children throughout the month of April.

Since graduating from WIU, Gayle has worked for six different Equity theatre companies. In Summer 2018, she performed the roles of Minnie Fay in "Hello, Dolly!," Violet in "Violet," and Celia in "As You Like It" at Ozark Actors Theatre. The latter two roles earned Gayle Best Actress Awards in the Broadway World St. Louis regional awards.

Most recently, Gayle stepped out of musical theatre into a political thriller play titled "Farragut North" at St. Louis Actors' Studio, which was written by "House of Cards" creator Beau Willimon.

Gayle credits her education at WIU for helping her to get where she is today.

"I am so thankful to WIU's Theatre and Dance department for giving me the one-on-one, individualized training I needed to grow and sharpen my skill set," said Gayle. "Thinking back to my audition in New York for this tour, I can point out so many specific parts of my training that helped me succeed. The piece I auditioned with was one I had coached with my voice teacher since fall of my freshman year. I held my own at the dance callback because of the excellent dance training I received at WIU."


For more information on the tour, visit wizardofoztour.com. To follow Gayle on her journey, visit hollyngayle.com, or follow her on social media @hollyngayle.

Posted By: Kayla M. Harrington (WIUnews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing