You’ll know you’re not in Kansas anymore when the Theatre Company of Sun City performs “The Wizard of Oz” later this month.
The delightful story, based on the book by Frank L. Baum and immortalized by the 1939 film starring Judy Garland, will come to life on stage in Sun City this November. As a result of the talents and hard work of the cast and crew of the Theatre Company (comprised almost completely of Sun City residents), Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and all the usual suspects will appear on the Yellow Brick Road in the timeless story of the enduring quality of friendship, courage, and the longing to find home.
Dorothy and her trio are attacked by minions of the Wicked Witch during rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
Choreographer Val Stroud said that what makes this production special is the level of commitment.
“With the group we have, I tell you, they have embraced the fact that they’re going to be a munchkin,” she laughs. “They even have the little munchkin voices! These are people that love theatre and they’re going to do whatever it takes to make this work. And they have!”
Director Rob Kaye admits he hadn’t seen the movie since childhood, so he had to revisit the film and do a little research into the nuts and bolts of the show.
“Everyone knows the main story, but I don’t want to say it limits us creatively,” he said. “We’re certainly putting our own spin on things.”
Musical director Peter Davis is a co-founder of the Theatre Company. Now in its 14th season, “Wizard of Oz” is the 28th show for the company, and Davis has been involved with each one.
“I like the show, and was really pushing for it,” said Davis, who has done productions of “Wizard” twice before, the last one being in 1982. “It’s good, wholesome entertainment,” he said.
Kaye says even though he doesn’t live in Sun City, the Theatre Company has taken him in as one of their own, ever since he started with the company at its inception. Over the years, he’s done lights and sound for the productions, even filling in on stage when needed. (Once, one performer literally did “break a leg,” so Kaye filled in.) Just over five years ago, Kaye became the director.
Sun City “resident” Buster preps for the role of Toto. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“It’s a little different than most community theatre where people come in and try out for a show they want to do, then never come back. With this theatre group, everybody is involved all the time…that core group does every show. It’s become more than just a club or activity. It has a family feel to it.”
It’s being part of that family that inspires him to broaden the reaches of the theatre. “One of my goals for every production is to have at least one or two new people part of the show,” he said. “I love getting new people involved and making them part of the group. That’s the joy I get out of it, making sure everybody has a great time.”
Stroud also takes pride in the company, especially in this production of “Wizard.”
“Our leads are superlative,” said Stroud, who is marking her 23rd show with the company. “[The show is] almost sold out! People come to see our shows. It’s a tribute to our cast of actors.”
But Stroud is quick to point out it’s not just because of the actors.
“It’s the musicians, the people who paint the scenery, and tech people. These are people that put hours of painting, rehearsing, building, costumes, makeup. The people we have are outstanding,” she said.
“The Wizard of Oz” will be presented Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m., Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 19 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 20 at 1:30 p.m. in the Drendel Ballroom. Tickets are on sale November 7 in the Fountain View Atrium, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For ticket information, call 847-515-8545 for Thursday and Friday tickets, and call 847-515-1583 for Saturday and Sunday tickets.
