Huron Country Playhouse Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ, 6/4-23

This summer, one of the greatest family musicals of all time is touching down in Grand Bend. The Huron Country Playhouse presents The Wizard of Oz for a limited three-week engagement, June 4th though June 23rd.

After a twister hits her Kansas farm, Dorothy Gale is transported over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz. She soon teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion, and embarks on an epic journey, along her faithful dog Toto, to find a mighty Wizard who can help them return home.

Along the yellow brick road the mismatched friends encounter munchkins, flying monkeys, Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West as they journey to the Emerald City in search of their heart’s desires and a place where dreams really do come true.

Featuring such beloved songs as "Over The Rainbow", "Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead" and "If I Only Had A Brain", The Wizard of Oz will enchant munchkins young and old.

“The Wizard of Oz is an unforgettable story that is treasured by audiences of all ages,” says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. “We are thrilled to present this spectacular live production as the launch to the exciting 2012 Summer Theatre Season on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron.”

This enduring children’s story is brought to life on stage by director Adam Furfaro, who has helmed several past productions for Drayton Entertainment, including Buddy–The Buddy Holly Story, The Odd Couple, On Golden Pond and Separate Beds, to name a few. Furfaro is joined by Music Director Peter Aylin, Choreographer Linda Garneau, Set Designer Jean Claude Oliver, Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser, Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold and Sound Designer Craig Goddard.

A stellar cast has been assembled for this grand-scale musicaL. Drayton Entertainment is pleased to announce Sarah Higgins in the lead role of Dorothy Gale, the winsome heroine. As Dorothy’s disadvantaged companions, Jordan Bell takes on the role of the Scarecrow, David Ludwig is the Tin Man, and Nick Settimi is the Cowardly Lion.

Catherine O’Brien takes on the roles of Dorothy’s devoted Auntie Em and Glinda the Good Witch. Larry Mannell is Uncle Henry and BrIan McKay is the great and powerful Wizard. Lisa Horner plays the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, with Adam Sergison,Kevin Morris, Christine Watson and Marisa Falcone rounding out the adult ensemble cast.

To add to the excitement of this production 22 local children have been given the unique opportunity to perform alongside this professional cast. Dozens of youngsters from across Huron Country came out to audition at an open call in March for the coveted spots: Anna Bartlam, Naomi Brown, Robyn Clarke, Erin Culp, Melody Colleen Cyr, Michaela Jade Cyr, Rachel Dufily, Katherine Fischer, Cosette Gelinas, Courtney Groot, Heather Heaman, RiAnna Johnstone, Sydney Jones, Neilla Keller, Maya Lacey, Jeri Leader, Mattie McGregor, Megan McKensie, Joshua Patrick, Corey Patrick, Shae Solomon and Sam Steep will take turns performing as the natives of Munchinkinland.

Not to be missed in this magical show, adorable and clever canine Tilley, of London, Ontario takes the stage as Dorothy’s sidekick, Toto.

The Wizard of Oz is an adaptation of the classic 1939 Hollywood film, which starred Judy Garland as Dorothy and “Over The Rainbow” won the 1939 Academy Award for Best Song.

L. Frank Baum wrote the first stage version of his novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1903. The musical, adapted by John Kane from the Warner Bros movie, was premiered by the Royal Shakespeare Company at London's Barbican Centre in 1987.

The Wizard of Oz runs for three weeks only, June 4th though June 23rd. Tickets are selling quickly and theatregoers are encouraged to book their tickets soon. Call the Box Office at (519) 238-6000 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866). For more information, visit www.huroncountryplayhouse.com.

Pictured: Nick Settimi, Sarah Higgins, Jordan Bell and David Ludwig in The Wizard of Oz, 2012.

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