“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has continued to provide endless fascination since L. Frank Baum first published it in 1900. Off-Broadway’s “The Woodsman” tells the story of how the Tin Man lost his heart long before he ever met Dorothy. Creator, designer, and puppeteer James Ortiz takes us behind the scenes of this enchanting show.
My kinda lady? When most puppets are deactivated or put down during a break in rehearsal, most of them look sort of dead. But not this girl. This Wicked Witch of the East always looks completely out of it.
Working on “The Woodsman” has challenged me and taught me all sorts of new skills. Like laying down some tracks for a few radio ads. I’m just like Drake.
People have always told me I make dumb faces while puppeteering. Well. Here’s the proof.
Oh, the puppet carnage! Pay no attention to the man behind that Kalidah head. This was after a three-day puppet repair marathon and I have to say, this was a cleaner side of the puppet workshop. Scary, right?
I love how everyone in the ensemble of “The Woodsman” is always giving 110 percent—110 percent of the time. This cast invests even when portraying plants.
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