By Rebekah C. Bishop
Follow the yellow brick road into the merry old land of Oz with the Ely Children’s Community Theater’s production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition. The play was based on the 1939 hit movie starring Judy Garland; the film was originally adapted from the book by L. Frank Baum published in 1902. Approximately 30 cast members from different communities in White Pine County have worked very hard on this play. Dozens of hours went into building and painting the sets, as well as making the costumes.
Rebecca Murphree (left) who plays Professor Marvel and Kathryn Crosby (right) who plays Dorothy rehearse their lines for the upcoming production of “Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition”
When asked what their favorite part of being in plays, Rebecca Murphree, who plays the Wizard of Oz, said, “Talking to people and making new friends.” “And getting to bring something to life.” added Brindel Blades, who plays the Wicked Witch of The West. Catie Murphree, who plays Glinda, said her favorite part was, “Getting to act way differently than you do in real life.”
Ely Children’s Community Theater is a nonprofit ministry of the Ely United Methodist Church. Sponsors include: Ely United Methodist Church, Spring Valley Wind / Pattern Energy, Inline Studios, KDSS 92.7 FM, Pattern Energy, KGHM, Bill & Holly Wilson, Robertson Optometry, the Pickled Bakery, Ely Lions Club, Granny Lou’s Cookie Company, Ridley’s Family Market, Dilzia Villarreal, Sew Krazy, Calibre Mining, and the Bristlecone Tribune.
The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition is by Frank L. Baum, with music & lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg, background music by Herbert Stothart, dance & vocal arrangement by Peter Howard, orchestration by Larry Wilcox and adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Classic Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. Adaptation and Support Materials Developed by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen Mcdonald. The Wizard of Oz: youth Edition is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Whitmark LLC, www.concordtheatricals.com
Showtimes are April 11th, 12th, and 25th at 6pm as well as April 12th and 26th at 2pm. Children 14 and under are free. This spring there’s no place like Oz. Seating is limited and tickets can be purchased at the door or online at elychildrenscommunitytheater.ludus.com.
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