Q&A: Finding the Heart of the Heartland

Photo by Kaitlin Randolph

Regina Marie Williams is a titan of the Twin Cities stage, and as she prepares to step into the rusted joints of the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz” at Children’s Theatre Company (CTC), she reminds us that the quest for a heart is a timeless pursuit. In our conversation, she shares how she finally embraced the yellow brick road and offers some wisdom for a new generation: “No one can be better at being you than you can.” For Williams, there truly is no place like home.

Reflecting on the yellow brick road, what is your earliest or most vivid memory of “TheWizard of Oz,” and how does that initial spark inform your approach to the story today?

Williams: Over the years, I have caught snatches of “The Wizard of Oz,” but it was not part of our family tradition. “The Wiz,” however, was. The first time I ever saw “The Wizard of Oz” in its entirety was recently with my husband, Tom. He wagered that he had seen it at least 50 times on [his family’s] black and white television set. And that’s probably not an exaggeration. For his family, it was tradition. An event. As we cozied up with snacks and beverages, I could see him watching me as I, in awe, watched the story, the magic, and the beauty of the film unfold. I enjoyed it so much. He beamed that it was something we could share. I think he is more excited about me being the Tin Man than I am. We are eager to share it with the 4-year-old in our lives … Though we do wonder if the flying monkeys might be a little frightening.

We are living in the age of “Wicked,” where the lore of Oz has been expanded and deconstructed for modern audiences. With so much history attached to these characters, what specific nuances are you bringing to your portrayal of the Tin Man to make the role feel fresh and vital in 2026?

Williams: I have seen “Wicked” onstage and saw the film with my daughter, which we loved! One can always do a fresh new take or twist on a classic, but dreaming, kindness, miracles, family, and home are not concepts that go out of style. And CTC does it very well.

Every “Oz” production has its own unique magic. Is there a specific moment in this Children’s Theatre Company staging, perhaps a certain technical reveal or a quiet emotional beat, that you are most looking forward to audiences experiencing?

Williams: CTC’s “Oz” production is magical! The set is stunning and literally comes alive! It really does. The lights colorfully reveal the vividness of Dorothy’s dream, and the music is glorious and fun. And of course there are the familiar earworms … “Follow, follow, follow, follow … follow the yellow brick road!” We have the sweetest Toto, and they look exactly like the one Judy Garland carried. The costumes are clever; they distinguish and enhance every character. You can likely tell that I have no intention of giving away moments. But I can tell you that there is surprise upon surprise—how Glinda shows up or [how] the Wicked Witch melts away … I don’t want to give anything away. The big MGM-style choreographed numbers are fantastic and will blow folks away!

Photo by Kaitlin Randolph

You have graced almost every major stage in the Twin Cities throughout your distinguished career. For the young actors sitting in the audience watching you do what you love, what is the most important piece of advice you can offer about sustaining life in the theater?

Williams: When I was growing up, I wanted to be Tina Turner, Diana Ross, or Eartha Kitt. It took me too long to realize that those artists already existed, and I could impersonate them, but I could only be me. Dear young actor, being you is pretty awesome. No one else but you gets the privilege or the challenge of being you. And no one can be better at being YOU than you can. Find out who that is! Be curious. Be curious about you, our world, and how you fit in it. Acting classes are great, but our work as actors is informed by who we are and what we know and think; when we learn about our world, math, science, textiles, gardening, geography … Ask yourself: What excites you? What motivates you? What energizes you? And keep asking. And show up! And keep showing up. Keep discovering, keep watching, keep learning. And remember that you have something to contribute. Continue to be your authentic, changing, and growing self. Grow your brain, exercise your courage, and have a heart. We could use a bit more of that these days.

Courtesy of Children's Theatre Company

Minnesota Monthly is dedicated to the spirit of our state. As a pillar of our local arts scene, what is it about the community and the culture of the place we call home that fills your spirit?

Williams: Oh my goodness. I was born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Fernando Valley. I am a Valley Girl. My daughter thinks it’s pretty funny that I moved from California, where I took on-camera acting classes as a kid, and then found myself a stage actor in the Twin Cities. Minnesota is my home. When I think of home, I think of Minnesota—Minnehaha Creek, the falls, the Mississippi, the Minnesota Orchestra, the Dakota Jazz Club, Dayton’s (yes, the past, but sometimes I get stuck), the state parks where I photograph birds, the city parks, and our state bird, the mosquito. [I think of] the lakes that I walk around, the streets that I bike on, venues for every kind of music I’d ever want to listen to, top-shelf theater of any size, Penumbra, Illusion, the Capri, the Guthrie, CTC, where I took the 4-year-old in our life to see “The Grinch.” (She calls it “the Grinch Theater.”) Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, at the Textile Center—these are not just places that I know about, but places I go to. My children were born and raised here. And, yes, I love the snow and walking in sub-zero temps. There is no place like home!

“The Wizard of Oz” runs April 21-June 14 at Children’s Theatre Company. Details and tickets are available at childrenstheatre.org.