The Blair Academy Players are going over the rainbow this winter with their production of The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company and based upon the classical motion picture, the musical will be presented on February 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., in the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts’ DuBois Theatre. General admission to the show is $10 for adults and $5 for non-Blair students.
According to director and longtime Blair theatre teacher Craig Evans, “we’re not in Kansas anymore,” as Dorothy (played by Emily Lunger ’17), the Scarecrow (played by Charlie Stafford ’17), the Tin Man (portrayed by Trevor Van Vliet ’16), and the Cowardly Lion (played by Phil Hettinger ’16) take on the Wicked Witch of the West (played by Brianna Annunziata ’16) so that Dorothy can return to Auntie Em (played by Jenna Faust ’16) and Uncle Henry (portrayed byLiam Heino ’17). Of course, holding the characters’ fates in his hands is the Wizard (played by Chris Bottone ’16).
“It’s such a treat to bring this classic movie to life on the stage,” said Mr. Evans, who has worked closely with student director Yueqi Du ’16 as the Players have rehearsed over the winter months. “I was in a production of this musical with the Hope Community Players a number of years ago, so the show holds a special place in my heart beyond watching it on television every year.”
Although the play is based upon the classic movie, there are some differences that make the live experience even more memorable. “We have tried remain close to the spirit of the movie, but we certainly also want to make the play our own,” said Mr. Evans. “Our actors are the main reason that seeing the play live is so much more engaging, so I encourage everyone to see our rendition in person.”
According to director and longtime Blair theatre teacher Craig Evans, “we’re not in Kansas anymore,” as Dorothy (played by Emily Lunger ’17), the Scarecrow (played by Charlie Stafford ’17), the Tin Man (portrayed by Trevor Van Vliet ’16), and the Cowardly Lion (played by Phil Hettinger ’16) take on the Wicked Witch of the West (played by Brianna Annunziata ’16) so that Dorothy can return to Auntie Em (played by Jenna Faust ’16) and Uncle Henry (portrayed byLiam Heino ’17). Of course, holding the characters’ fates in his hands is the Wizard (played by Chris Bottone ’16).
“It’s such a treat to bring this classic movie to life on the stage,” said Mr. Evans, who has worked closely with student director Yueqi Du ’16 as the Players have rehearsed over the winter months. “I was in a production of this musical with the Hope Community Players a number of years ago, so the show holds a special place in my heart beyond watching it on television every year.”
Although the play is based upon the classic movie, there are some differences that make the live experience even more memorable. “We have tried remain close to the spirit of the movie, but we certainly also want to make the play our own,” said Mr. Evans. “Our actors are the main reason that seeing the play live is so much more engaging, so I encourage everyone to see our rendition in person.”
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