Photo Flash: Civic Theatre's WIZARD OF OZ

The greatest family musical of all time, THE WIZARD OF OZ, is touching down in San Diego as Broadway/San Diego ~ A Nederlander Presentation brings this National Treasure to the San Diego Civic Theatre; February 15 - 20, 2011.

This magical production, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, is presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas. Our cast features Kate Bristol (Dorothy Gale), Andrew Hasberlat (Hunk/Scarecrow), Beau Hutchings (Hickory/Tinman), Jesse Coleman (Zeke/Lion); with Dusty & Loki as Toto; Robert John Biedermann (Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz), Pat Sibley (Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West), Sarah Amades (Aunt Em/ Glinda), Ryan Wagner (Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard); and an ensemble of 13.

Twelve children from San Diego's J* Company will be performing the roles of "munchkins" ~ Marissa Wolfsheimer, Megan Spector, Nathan Miller, Adira Rosen, Rebecca Penner, Jonas McMullen, Sierra Lieb, Gabriel Mayer, Sebastian Mayer and Danya Greenberg. Singing timeless classics such as "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," the local children will help bring this beloved classic to the stage of their hometown as part of their continuing performing arts education.

Director Nigel West, choreographer Leigh Constantine and set and costume designer Tim McQuillen-Wright utilize the glamour and elegance of art deco Hollywood as the visually stunning technicolor backdrop for THE WIZARD OF OZ. Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow are transported "Over the Rainbow" to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest and the Emerald City.

Featuring the classic songs, as composed by Harold Arlen, "Over the Rainbow," "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" and "If I Only Had A Brain," along with the beloved characters, THE WIZARD OF OZ will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable evening at the theater. 

Munchkin/Winkies bios:
Marissa Wolfsheimer: 13-year-old Marissa started performing at age six as Annie. Her most recent role was Cassie in 13 at J*Company. She loves singing, dancing and acting, has a younger sister who sings for the San Diego Children's Choir, and her grandmother was a La Jolla city councilwoman. She tap dances competitively and likes to surf; ~ and hates the sound of Harley motorcycles.

Megan Spector: Although The Wizard of Oz is Megan's first national tour production, the 11-year-old North County native is no stranger to the stage, having been in Annie, Snoopy!!! The Musical, Sound of Music and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She considers her younger brother a ham, even though he is not in show biz. Currently, Megan takes piano, voice and guitar lessons. In pre-school, Megan's teacher would bribe her with Otter Pops to sing for the other teachers.

Nathan Miller: 10-year-old Nathan is a 5th grader at Torrey Pines Elementary. Nathan's parents, who own Geppetto's Toys, knew he was going to be a performer because by the time he was two, he knew all the songs from "The Sound of Music." His little brother Jared is not in theatre ... yet, but loves watching Nathan on stage. Nathan's dream role would be to play Oliver, and he can't live without the Wicked soundtrack.

Adira Rosen: 11-year-old Adira attends Creative Performing Media Arts Middle School and lives in Pacific Beach. She loves dancing, acting and singing, made her debut as Stowaway in her elementary school musical Pirates. She comes from a long line of artists ~ her mother and grandmother are symphony/concert musicians, her uncle an actor who has appeared at The Old Globe.

Rebecca Penner: 13-year-old Rebecca is a 6th grader who enjoys math and writing. She started acting at age six, and has performed in 26 shows. Rebecca is also the executive producer for J*Company. She has a brother who is a musician and a sister who does commercials in LA. Rebecca originally went to J*Company to attend a class, ended up auditioning for a show, and hasn't stopped.

Jonas McMullen: 12-year-old Jonas is in the 5th grade in Del Mar. He started doing theatre after a broken collarbone prevented him from playing competitive soccer. His favorite credit so far is How The Grinch Stole Christmas at The Old Globe. Jonas' top career choices include doctor, lawyer or actor. His favorite word is "chillax."

Sierra Lieb: 11-year-old Sierra attends Sage Canyon Elementary and enjoys math and writing. She has done eight shows with J*Company, her favorite being The Sound of Music" ~ and was very excited when she got to sing a song from it on KUSI. Her mom is a teacher and her dad has a local law firm, Lieb and Lieb. Sierra loves sandwiches, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and rainbow sherbet.

Gabriel Mayer: 11-year-old Gabriel is a 5th grader at Tierrasanta Elementary School. Along with theatre, he enjoys playing soccer, baseball and basketball; sings with the Temple Choir, and plays viola and piano. His identical twin brother Sebastian is a fellow munchkin in this production.

Sebastian Mayer: 11-year-old Sebastian is a 5th grader at Tierrasanta Elementary School where he is the president of the student council and a soloist with the choir. Most recently, Sebastian played Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof. He started theatre after he was diagnosed with arthritis, which limited his ability to participate in sports.

Danya Greenberg: 13-year-old Danya is a 7th grader who lives in University City, and has a 15-year-old sister also active in theatre. Along with singing, dancing and acting, Danya also enjoys hanging out with friends, shopping and watching movies. The first Broadway show she was exposed to was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." She would drop everything to go see Idina Menzel.

Join us for a firsthand look at a Munchkins rehearsal!:
Monday, February 14, 5PM - 7PM - Local Munchkins Preview ~ a brief rehearsal in the evening at JCC! (4126 Executive Drive, SD 92037 / UTC) Press will be allowed to photograph, film and interview local munchkins, J Co*'s Artistic Director Joey Landwehr, and TWOZ Munchkin coordinator.

Tuesday, February 15, 2:30PM - Local Munchkins Preview ~ come to the theatre to photograph, film and interview the local munchkins during their final rehearsal in the Civic Theatre rehearsal space! Film them dancing and learning how to get into character and truly become a ‘munchkin.' Our dance captain Eric Mota will also be available to speak to how the show chooses the local munchkins and teaches them the choreography. Then come back and film/shoot live at the beginning of the show to get them onstage in costume; shoot through ‘Munchkinland!'
Rules: Still photographers cannot use flash, and TV cameras must be self-contained. Only 3 minutes of footage total can be used, no song can be filmed in its entirety and only 30 second clips should be used. All cameras will be accompanied by B/SD staff at all times and MUST not disturb the audience.
For more information visit: www.wizardofozontour.com

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