Fantasy and fiction come to life this spring with the stage production of The Wizard of Oz by the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society.
The story is based on the 1900 children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum and will be performed at Martin Exeter Hall, Feb. 28 through March 2 and March 7 through 9.
Lydia Kinasewich plays the lead character, Dorothy, and show director Nicole Weir says she is a natural for the part.
“She understood the character — innocent with a little bit of attitude. At auditions, we put her into a scenario from the script and she was able to do it easily.”
The 12-year-old has performed in other society productions and played the lead role of Jack in 100 Mile House Elementary School’s April 2012 production of Jack and the Three Sillies.
Chris Adams plays the Cowardly Lion and was given the part for a number of reasons, says Weir.
“He looked the part, takes direction well and he got the emotion of the character. He’s perfect.”
Eric Storteboom plays scarecrow and Brian Weir plays Tinman.
The part of Wicked Witch of the West went to Renee LaRochelle and Karen Schuurman plays the Wizard of Oz.
“We felt Karen could portray The Wizard in a way we wanted.”
Fifty people came out to audition for 29 parts and Weir says assigning characters was one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do.
“The leads were obvious to assign, but everyone was so good and it came down to details for the rest. I was feeling emotions from myself and from the people auditioning.”
She notes that even for parts in the chorus, the talent was strong and they had to look for multi-talent among the auditioners. In the end, they had to turn away 18 people.
Rehearsals have begun with two per week until January, and then it will go to three.
“In February, we live together. That’s what it feels like sometimes.”
While she has had leadership roles in other areas, this is her first role as director of a play and Weir says she feels both good and scared at the same time.
Marie Smith, who was the society’s previous director, will be there to guide her for the first month.
As for her visualization of the play, Weir says she’s not quite there yet.
“I’ll keep it classic with a bit of a twist to keep it interesting and not replicate the movie.”
