Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE SummerStock Produces THE WIZ 8/1 Thru 8/9

Village Theatre's KIDSTAGE SummerStock produces The Wiz, August 1-9, 2009 at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre in Issaquah.

The Wiz is a modern, urban adaptation of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It takes Dorothy's story and spices it up with a 1970's sound, blending rock, soul, gospel, and funk. All the familiar characters of this well-known and well-loved musical are along for the journey, and they face the same realization of the phony Wizard of Oz.

Director Joel Waage wanted to maintain the 1970's funk sound of the original musical instead of adapting it for a more modern feel like some productions have done. Staying true to the original musical, the director and his cast treat their work as a professional production. Waage maintains that "KIDSTAGE is about emulating professional models." Even though he works with high school students and younger, the expectations are high for KIDSTAGE productions. The cast and crew produce professional quality productions in only a month and a half, and still charm and impress audiences with the quality of their effort.

With cast members aged from 8 to 18, coming from many different backgrounds, Waage says that "there is a variety of experience and talent levels." Many of the more experienced members of the ensemble help and mentor the less experienced members. While Waage can see that some of his cast participates in the program for the social aspects, many of the members are extremely serious and use KIDSTAGE as a valuable experience for their futures in acting.

The KIDSTAGE SummerStock ensemble features 47 students from Auburn, Bellevue, Bonney Lake, Bothell, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Sammamish, Seattle, and Snoqualmie. Alongside the 47 cast members are 23 students who are a part of the TAP program (Teen Access to Professionals) and work alongside professionals building and painting scenery, constructing and building props, pulling and building costumes, hanging and focusing lights, playing alongside adult musicians in the pit orchestra, and also supporting the artistic team as assistants to the director, music director, and choreographer.

Designed to encourage teamwork, personal integrity, self-esteem, and a life-long appreciation for live theatre, KIDSTAGE is a year-round performing arts training program in Issaquah, Everett, and Stanwood for young people ages 3-20. KIDSTAGE students participate in classes, workshops and full-scale KIDSTAGE productions. All performances are by KIDSTAGE students and classes are taught by professional theatrical instructors.

The Wiz has a book by William F. Brown, music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, and is based on the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. At the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027. Tickets are $12-$14. Call the box office at 425-392-2202 or visit www.villagetheatre.org.

 

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