07/02/2026
JULY MTA SPOTLIGHT
ANSONIA THEATRE'S TOMMY WOOTEN
So our July spotlight is firmly focused on The Award-Winning Ansonia Theatre, specifically on their incredibly talented and gifted artistic director, Tommy Wooten. Tommy is currently directing Merrily We Roll Along with Ansonia Theatre, which opens on July 24. Let's find out more about this amazing spirit!
Tommy! Tell us about you!!
I grew up in Union County, North Carolina, and theatre has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. After leaving home, I spent about twenty years living and working in Orlando and New York City before returning to North Carolina in 2010. Those years gave me incredible opportunities both on and off the stage, but there is something special about coming home and creating theatre in the community that shaped me. Since returning, I have been incredibly fortunate to have a home at the Ansonia Theatre in Wadesboro. It has given me the opportunity to work alongside some remarkable artists and to help create a theatre family that is passionate, talented and dedicated to bringing great stories to our community.
Any favorite roles you have performed? Any favorite shows you have directed?
Some of my favorite roles include Roy in Lone Star, Brother Boy in Sordid Lives and Herbie in Gypsy. Each challenged me in different ways and allowed me to explore different characters. As for directing, every production leaves its mark, but the shows that bring together a strong ensemble and tell deeply human stories are always the most rewarding. Our recent production of Second Samuel was a beautiful example of that. That show split my heart open every single night.
Any funny or memorable moments onstage or backstage you would like to share?
One of my favorite theatre memories involves Merrily We Roll Along. In 1992, I appeared in a production in Orlando directed by the late, great Jim Cali. Janine Klein played Mary, and we formed wonderful friendships through that production. The following year, I was cast in Cabaret, and the role of Sally Bowles was played by Ann Morrison, who originated the role of Mary in the original Broadway production of Merrily. As a lifelong fan of the show, getting to work alongside her felt like a full-circle moment and a dream come true.
Anything on that bucket list of roles you would like to do? How about directing?
There are still a few dream roles on my bucket list. I'd love the opportunity to play Javert in Les Miserables, W***y Loman in Death of a Salesman, Marvin in Falsettos, and Bruce Bechdel in Fun Home. Each of those characters is incredibly complex, challenging and deeply human-the kind of roles that actors dream about exploring. As a director, my biggest dream would be to bring The Color Purple home. The 1985 film adaptation was shot right here in Union and Anson Counties, and I think there would be something incredibly meaningful about telling that story in the community where so much of its history was created. It would be a chance to celebrate both a remarkable piece of theatre and the place I proudly call home.
Merrily We Roll Along is an entertaining, complex and telling musical. What drew you to this extraordinary piece?
This show has been part of my life for nearly thirty-five years. I am playing the same role today that I played back then-Joe Josephson. It feels like coming home in more ways than one. What makes this production even more meaningful is that Janine Klein, who played Mary in that 1992 production, is part of this cast as Beth. To share the stage with her again after all these years is truly special. I'm also thrilled to be working with Gina Clarke as Mary in this production. She played my wife, Jessie Mae in my first production back in North Carolina of The Trip to Bountiful. Our friendship spans nearly fifteen years and having the opportunity to collaborate on a show that means so much to both of us has been a gift. The older I get, the more this resonates with me. It reminds me how important it is to nurture and care for the people we love most. Success, ambition and achievement all have their place, but at the end of the day, relationships are what matter. Merrily tells that story beautifully.
Do you have a favorite part of the rehearsal process?
I love the discovery process. Those early rehearsals where actors begin connecting the dots and finding the heart of the story are always exciting. Watching individual performances grow into a true ensemble is one of the most rewarding parts of theatre. I am particularly thrilled to be back with Gail Litaker as a musical director. Our friendship means the world to me.
What do you hope people will take away from this production?
I hope audiences leave thinking about the importance of friendship, loyalty, and the relationships that shape our lives. Merrily We Roll Along reminds us that life moves quickly and that it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. The show encourages us to nurture and care for the people we love most and not take those relationships for granted.
Anything about you that most people would not know?
Many people know me through theatre, but they may not realize how much of my life has been shaped by the incredible mentors, teachers and artists I've met along the way. Theatre has taken me around the world, introduced me to lifelong friends and given me experiences I never could have imagined. One of my proudest moments came from my portrayal of Brother Boy in Sordid Lives. When I was first offered the role, I was honestly intimidated because it is such an iconic character. The producers and director in Orlando actually called me while I was living in North Carolina and asked if I would come down to play the role. I took the leap and it became one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I was honored to receive a Best Actor award for my performance, and what made the moment even more special was being presented the award by the late great Leslie Jordan, who originated the role. Even more humbling, playwright Del Shores attended the production and told me my portrayal was second only to Leslie's; the actor for whom he originally wrote the role. That's a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life.
Let's say you have the ability to have the production of your dreams. What show would it be and what role would you play? And let's say you can cast anyone you want: famous, not so famous...still with us, or not still with us. Who would you cast and why? Director? Creative team?
My dream production would be Les Miserables, and without question I would play Javert. It's one of the most challenging and compelling roles in musical theatre, and it's been at the top of my bucket list for years. As for casting, I wouldn't look to Broadway stars or celebrities. I'd cast it entirely with local performers because the talent in this area is absolutely off the charts. We have some of the finest actors, singers, directors and designers anywhere, and I would love the opportunity to showcase what this community can do with one of the greatest musicals ever written.
Well, thank you Tommy for sharing so much with your Metrolina family. But more importantly, thank you for sharing your amazing talent with your theatre family and with the community, especially with the amazing community surrounding Ansonia Theatre. And do check out Merrily We Roll Along with Ansonia Theatre!
