”The Wizard of Oz,” directed by Glenn Casale, begins performances tonight.
The Wizard of Oz begins performances tonight at Walnut Street Theatre.
Based on the the 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, The Wizard of Oz follows Dorothy as she longs for a life outside of her Kansas farm and finds herself in a magical world unlike any other. Adapted by John Kane, the stage version includes all the classic songs from the film including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "We’re Off to See the Wizard" and "Ding, Dong! The Witch Is Dead!" Glenn Casale directs.
Adrienne Eller leads the cast as Dorothy Gale; she is joined by Lyn Philistine (Aunt Em/Glinda), Fran Prisco (Uncle Henry), Christopher Shin (Hickory, Tin Man), Christopher Sutton (Hunk, Scarecrow), Nichalas L. Parker (Zeke, Cowardly Lion), Ellie Mooney (Miss Gulch, Wicked Witch), Bill Van Horn (Professor Marvel, the Wizard). Toto will be played by Dusty.
Rounding out the ensemble are Rachel Beiswenger, Sara Brophy, Andrew Eckert, Billy D. Hart, Jesse Jones, Bonnie Kelly, Scott Langdon, Scott Leiendecker, Ben Liebert, Barbara McCulloh, Kahtryn Miller, Fran Prisco, Alanna J. Smith, Rochelle Smith, Sean Thompson, and Michelle West.
The creative team is composed of Rodney Glen Roberts (choreographer), John Daniels (music and vocal director), Stephen Gifford (set design), Mary Folino (costume coordinator), David Neville (lighting design), Ed Chapman (sound design), and William Berloni (animal trainer).
Performances run through January 8.