With the Constellation Stage + Screen production of "The Wizard of Oz," which premieres this weekend in Bloomington and features characters like Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow, audiences may take a trip down the Yellow Brick Road this Christmas season.
Classic songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "If I Only Had a Brain" are brought to life in the show, giving audiences a joyous experience.
Presenting a distinctive interpretation of the classic tale is crucial, according to director Kate Galvin, per the DailyJournal.net.
"While we recognize that the film is iconic and has set high expectations, our production aims to capture the heart of the story rather than replicate the film's special effects."
The cast includes Zoe Natana Lowe, a Whiteland student who is participating in her second production with Constellation. Lowe reflects on the significance of performing in a show that resonates with many audiences.
Constellation Stage + Screen was formed in 2022 through a merger of local theater groups and aims to connect audiences with high-quality theatrical experiences. The organization's seasonal lineup includes a variety of original and classic works, with "The Wizard of Oz" being the highlight of the holiday season.
"We strive to choose productions that appeal to families and audiences of all ages," Galvin noted.
The cast features both professional actors and students. New York-based Betsy Scott plays Dorothy, while Devin McDuffy, Evan Vaughan, and Devin May portray the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man, respectively.
As a 16-year-old student who has participated in local theater for years, Lowe was thrilled to try out for "The Wizard of Oz." She mentioned the exceptional skill of her fellow cast members and characterizes the rehearsal experience as fulfilling.
"This experience is made even more enjoyable by the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the stage," she said.
The Buskirk-Chumley Theater will continue to host performances of the show through December 29 after its Thursday debut. In an effort to bring people of all ages together, Galvin urges viewers to embrace the show's principles of inclusion and resiliency.
Visit seeconstellation.org for details.
