Published in
the Weekly Volcano, Nov. 3, 2016
 |
| Emily Saletan as Dorothy) and Waffle as Toto, photo by James Venturini |
The Lakewood Institute of Theatre and Lakewood Playhouse are
teaming up this year for a joint production of their annual all-ages show. This year’s show, their fifth annual,
is the perennial favorite of kids and adults alike, The Wizard of Oz by
Frank Baum as adapted by Robert and Willie Beale. What’s truly different
about this adaptation is that it is a steampunk reimagining of this American classic.
How contemporary can you get? Plus, since it is a collaboration
between the Lakewood Playhouse’s Mainstage and its Education Department, it
brings all the production elements of a Main Stage show and combines them with
the even bigger sense of wonder and adventure brought by the youth and
educators.
The show is directed by The Lakewood
Institute of Theatre’s Education Director, Jeremy Thompson.
“When
we were selecting a title for this season's annual LIT/LP mash-up Spotlight
show, the entire staff came immediately around to the idea of presenting Oz,” Thompson says. “It had never
been produced on the LP stage and with the previous productions of A Year with Frog and Toad and Treasure Island we proved that the equation
of putting less experienced actors of all ages on stage with seasoned veterans,
also of all ages, and giving them a big, main-stage production experience with
education along the way was a sure-fire winner. The title holds such a special
place in the hearts of all familiar with it, the movie is immediately
recognized worldwide, so when you approach such an iconic piece of culture the
job becomes to make it our own. To tell our version of the story we all
love and know so well. So we approached it with a fresh script that takes the
known elements and develops them slightly giving a chance for new characters
and relationships. We assembled a top-notch design team and incredibly talented
cast of 20 artists ranging in age from eight to 47. We approached it with a
fresh aesthetic and created a unique Oz while
giving a nod to the elements we simply can't do without. It has been a
director's, designer's and actors’ dream to bring it all to life. We can't wait
to share the countless hours of work by this fantastic team with our community
— a perfect way to kick off the holiday season with the entire family.”
Performing are returning actors Karly Dammel (ensemble),
Isaac Gutierrez (Pocus), Lydia Helt (Glinda), Gabi Marler (Gatekeeper), Andrew
Redford (Tin Man / Mr. Woodman) and Tony L. Williams (Lion / Mr. Lyon). The show also introduces a number of new
faces such as Kyla Alphier (ensemble), Sky Gibbs (ensemble), Diane
Johnson (Aunt Em / ensemble), Ellie Johnson (Hocus), Ethan Jones (ensemble),
Hunter McCann (Ozma), Ed Medina (Uncle Henry / ensemble), Crystalann Meyer (ensemble),
Zenith Ortiz (Scarecrow / Mr. Crowe), Nate Schmidt (The Wizard), Kate-Lyn
Seimers (Ogma), Kyle Yoder (ensemble) and introducing Emily Saletan (Dorothy) &
Waffle (Toto).
The
show need no introduction or synopsis. It’s the story everyone has come to know
and love about Dorothy, the silly Scarecrow, the
lovable Tin Man, and the hilarious cowardly Lion and their harrowing adventures
in the Land of Oz . And need I repeat that this time it takes place in a
Steampunk setting?
There
are nine performances only. Warning: some scenes may be scary for younger
children.
The Lakewood Institute of Theatre nurtures students of all
ages, at all stages, by offering a variety of educational and performance
opportunities; and it empowers life
skills through the experience of theater.
The
Wizard of Oz, 7
p.m., Thurs.-Sat. and 2 p.m. Sunday, special performance Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.,
Lakewood Playhouse, 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd., Lakewood, $15, 253.588.0042,
www.lakewoodplayhouse.org
No comments:
Post a Comment