MIDCOAST YOUTH THEATER’S production of “The Wiz” features Cody Watson (Lion), Lilly Gardiner (Scarecrow), Nancy Madarasz (Dorothy), and Chris Gray (Tinman). The curtain rises May 2 at Crooker Theater in Brunswick.
The show runs Thursday through Saturday, May 2 to 4, at 7 p.m. and endsSunday,May5,witha2p.m. matinee.
A news release describes the show as follows:
“The Wiz” is an updated version of the familiar story of The Wizard of Oz. Along her journey, Dorothy is joined by the Scarecrow (Lilly Gardiner), Tin Man (Chris Gray) and Lion (Cody Watson). They encounter the ninja-like Kalidahs, menacing flying monkeys, entrancing poppies, the mice squad, haughty citizens of Oz, and Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West (Tracy Kapocius) while searching for the Wiz (Ben Proctor). Glinda, the Good Witch of the South (Caroline O’Brien), brings elegant closure to the show with her vocal talent in “A Rested Body” and “Believe in Yourself.” Throughout the tale, the Yellow Brick Road serves as a dancing Greek chorus.
The musical opens with a tender scene between Auntie Em (Diane Whitmore) and Dorothy (Nancy Madarasz). Whitmore brings a maternal quality to her song, “The Feeling We Once Had.” The tone quickly changes as all are swept away by the tornado.
Transported to the Land of the Munchkins, Dorothy and the audience are reminded of the mission of MYT as a children’s theater group. Forty local elementary-aged kids greet Dorothy along with Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North (Gracia Babbidge).
The soulful and rollicking musical score transitions the story from intimate scenes to large group numbers. This is MYT’s largest cast to date, with a troupe of 92 performers, comprised of individuals as well as whole families from all over the Mid-coast region.
Henry Eichman (director), Linda Gardiner (choreographer) and Courtney Babbidge (musical director) pull together the talent of this large group, creating a family show that will entertain all.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Advance tickets are available at two locations in Brunswick — Warmings Market, 294 Maine St., and Uncle Tom’s Market, 168 Pleasant St. Remaining tickets will be available at the door.
For more information, call Henry at 751-2619 or visit www.facebook.com/ MidcoastYouthTheater.
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