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Upcoming Oz musical promises to dazzle audiences
Directors says tickets are already selling out
WASHINGTON — The actors in Washington Community Theater’s upcoming production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ range from around age four to age 75. The cast is massive, the practical effects dazzling, and the leads talented.
Also, the show is middle school choir teacher Cailee Wenger’s first time directing a theatrical production, rather than performing in it.
“I love seeing people grow, and shine, and change,” she said. “This is such an opportunity because this is such a large cast, I had a chance to influence that many people in such a positive way … I just find so much joy in music, I find so much joy in theater.”
Wenger said she and Choreographer Natalie Trier chose the musical together. The show’s workability for children — featuring 36 Munchkins, several flying monkeys, and a few jitterbugs — was a big part of its appeal.
“A lot of musicals, even if they’re family friendly, don’t necessarily have children involved in the show,” she said. “We also knew families could be a part of it together … we do have moms with their sons, or we have lots of kids involved and parents are backstage.”
That’s not to say it’s a simple show — quite the opposite is true. Wenger said the musical had an above-par special effects array, which included multiple “flying” characters in the same scene, professional, custom-made projections, and pyrotechnics.
Rehearsals began in April for the performance, about a month ahead of the typical start time for musicals. Wenger said that gave enough runway for the larger-than-usual cast to get their bearings.
The show also had to advertise far and wide to find that much talent. It kept plugging the show even after auditions finished, however, juggling collaborations with KidzFest, Ridiculous Days and smaller events in town. Wenger said she could feel the hype building.
“If you look at our ticket sales so far, we are selling out,” she said. “It is going to be a packed house … the middle section is completely full for several shows, and then the side sections are becoming quickly full.”
Washington Community Theater’s ‘Wizard of Oz’ runs June 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., and June 18 and 25 at 2:30 p.m.
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
