Award-winning filmmaker, actor, world traveler, teacher, director and founder of Movie Magic Productions, Tony Ardolino is set to take the stage on Saturday March 21, with his enchanting musical parody singalong Wicked Live On Stage. In my exclusive interview with Ardolino, he delves into his background, what he hopes audiences will take away from this production, and more.
Thank you for joining us. You have quite an interesting background in the performing arts industry. Please tell us about yourself and your experience.
I was born and raised in New Jersey, but my career has taken me all over the world, from Los Angeles to Singapore and on national tours. I’ve appeared on television shows like American Horror Story, Disney Channel, and in numerous commercials. I’ve also toured with productions such as Grease and Happy Days, and my claim to fame: I was the original Ryder in PAW Patrol Live. I’ve had the opportunity to perform in some of the biggest theme parks in the world, including Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. One of my most exciting experiences was working at Universal Studios Singapore, where I began writing and directing shows. That experience truly shaped the next chapter of my career.
In 2022, I was honored to be crowned Mr. Gay World USA, and in 2023, I published my children’s book “Gill the Merboy,” an LGBTQ+ story that teaches kids that the greatest treasure is being yourself. I also appeared on OUTtv’s For the Love of Dilfs with Stormy Daniels, where I was deemed the fan favorite. It was such a fun experience, and I never expected audiences to connect so strongly with my “Disney-loving, fairy tale, Prince Charming” energy, but I’m so glad they did. I later wrote, directed, and produced the 18 award-winning short film Far Far Away, an LGBTQ+ twist on classic fairy tales, featuring a gay Snow White, a lesbian Rapunzel, and a transgender Cinderella on a journey to reclaim their happily ever after.
Today, I live on Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey with my Shiba-Inu pup, Chase, and my supportive boyfriend, Tim. What started as a small birthday party company has grown into a full-scale production company: Movie Magic Productions. We create immersive experiences like murder mysteries, holiday spectaculars, princess tea parties, and more. I feel incredibly lucky to have a supportive family, an amazing team, and the opportunity to create magic for both the young and the young at heart. At the end of the day, my mission is simple, let’s make magic.
You are the director of Wicked Live On Stage which was created by Movie Magic Productions. Please tell us more about MMP and what makes your rendition of Wicked unique.
Movie Magic Productions was born during one of the most difficult moments of my life. During COVID, I moved back to New Jersey to care for my grandmother. The industry had shut down, but my creativity didn’t. I remember going to a birthday party for my niece and there was a Snow White character. She wore a Party City costume and sang some songs. The whole thing was weird, as I felt it was my niece’s birthday party and there we were, watching some cosplayer karaoke. Having been performing at theme parks, I guess I was overly judgmental, but it got me thinking how I would do it. That yes, a character is coming to the party, but the kid should be the star. They shouldn’t just be watching the story, they should be part of it. So, I created Movie Magic Parties. I started with a folding table, a handmade sign, and two characters at a small town event handing out flyers. That moment turned into a business, and that business turned into magic.
Our Royal Tea Party quickly became one of the most sought-after experiences in New Jersey, performing more than 20 times a year. Kids of all ages can dance, sing, and are honored with a free crown from their favorite fairytale princess. From there, we expanded into immersive entertainment bringing murder mysteries to wedding venues, which include Wedding Murder Mystery and Killer 80s Prom Murder Mystery, creating original shows and eventually producing full-scale seasonal musicals at theaters all over New Jersey.
Wicked Live is the next evolution of that vision. This isn’t a traditional production, it’s an experience. It’s part parody, part concert, part love letter to Oz. We celebrate The Wizard of Oz, Wicked, and everything in between, blending iconic music with modern humor and high-energy storytelling. What makes it unique is the immersion. We have detailed costumes inspired by the film, interactive lobby displays, including a piece of the original Broadway Glinda gown signed by Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth, and a cast of powerhouse performers from across New Jersey. Then there’s the spectacle…flying monkeys in the aisles, dancing Munchkins, big vocals, and bold comedy. It’s theatrical, it’s unexpected, and it’s pure fun. This show doesn’t just tell a story, it invites the audience into it.
Is there anything audiences should know before coming to the show?
This is not your traditional Wicked, and that’s what makes it special. It’s part parody, part concert, part storytelling experience. You’ll hear the songs you love, see incredible costumes, and experience a fresh, playful take on the story with modern humor and unexpected moments. Whether you’re a fan of the movie, the musical, the books, or anything Oz-related, there’s something here for you. One of my favorite moments is “For Good,” where Elphaba and Glinda perform while a montage of Oz through the years plays behind them from The Wizard of Oz to Return to Oz, The Wiz, Oz the Great and Powerful, and more. It really shows how this story has shaped generations. It’s our love letter to Oz and the perfect way to send audiences home after their journey “Over the Rainbow.”
What makes working with your cast so special?
This cast is lightning in a bottle. It’s a mix of longtime collaborators and incredible new talent. That combination creates something electric on stage. Our Elphaba, Alyssa Correa, is a star in the making. Her vocals, her emotion, her presence, it’s the kind of performance that stops a room. When she sings “The Wizard and I” and “Defying Gravity” it’s jaw-dropping. Our Glinda, Jeorgi Smith, brings both comedic brilliance and emotional depth. She will make you laugh one second and completely disarm you the next. For me, stepping into the role of Fiyero has been a full-circle moment. It’s a character I’ve always loved, and getting to live in that role while directing the show is incredibly special. He’s such a fun character to explore. He starts as this charming, carefree prince and evolves into someone much more grounded and genuine.
This has been my life these past couple of months. I am directing, writing, producing, making costumes, painting set pieces, and creating choreography. It’s a lot of work, but I love every second of it. But what truly makes this show shine is the ensemble. They’re dancing, transforming, and building the world of Oz in real time. It’s fast, it’s demanding, and they make it look effortless. They don’t just perform they commit, and that’s what makes the magic real. The cast includes: Caylen Cara (Madame Morrible), GJ Marko (The Wizard), Scout Graham (Nessa Rose), Chase Smallback (Boq), Jackie Wilberton (Dorothy), Joey Fisher (Phannee), Chelsey Alyse (Shenshen), Erica Vieira (Ensemble), Ava Lawhorn (Ensemble), Sam Schnell (Stage Manager) and Teddy (ToTo).
Tell us about your experience as Mr. Gay World USA and why you decided to enter this pageant?
I entered the pageant completely by accident. I was on a trip in Maine visiting with my boyfriend at the time, who had previously been Mr. Gay Boston. We came across a local competition, and I casually said, “that looks fun.” He told me, “It’s harder than it looks, you can’t just do it.” So, of course I did it and won Mr. Gay Maine. A few months later, I competed in Mr. Gay World USA in Fort Lauderdale against representatives from all 50 states. The competition included swimwear, talent, interview, and formal wear. I was definitely the underdog standing at 5’6” next to these 6-foot models. They all looked like Ken dolls, and here I was looking like Super Mario, but I leaned into who I was. For my talent, I performed a comedic, reimagined gay version of “Part of Your World” as a merman, and it received a standing ovation.
What meant the most to me, though, was seeing my old-school Italian parents in the front row, cheering me on. Years ago, I never would have imagined that moment, and there they were, supporting me at Mr. Gay World USA. When it came down to the final two, I couldn’t believe it. When they announced my name as the winner I dropped to my knees. It was surreal. The audience cheered, my parents cried with joy, and they placed this gorgeous crystal crown on my head. It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments I will carry with me forever. To me it was more than a title. It was a reminder that being unapologetically yourself is powerful.
Anything else we should know?
My goal in life is simple: to create magic. What I mean by that is everyone is going through something in this world. Whether it’s a kid being bullied at school, a parent wondering about the next paycheck, or someone feeling lonely and overwhelmed. They get to come to one of these shows and for a moment they forget their worries and believe that pumpkins can turn into carriages, witches can fly, mysterious murders can be solved, and laughter and joy take center stage. Whether you’re five years old or eighty, I want you to leave feeling lighter, happier, and part of something unforgettable. That’s what magic is to me. That’s the goal. That’s the dream. And the best part? We’re just getting started. Movie Magic Productions started as a dream when I was a kid and now, I get to live that dream every single day. I’m truly blessed.
Wicked Live On Stage is playing at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Saturday March 21, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets, please visit HERE
Follow Ardolino on Instagram @Tony.Cannoli.
For more information about Movie Magic Productions, visit https://www.moviemagicparties.com/
