BUCKINGHAM –Town and Country Players is bringing some of your favorite characters to life in its summer production of THE WIZARD OF OZ. This beloved family musical, written by L. Frank Baum and directed by Reva Kazman with music and lyrics from the MGM movie score, promises to be a highlight of T&C’s season.
In the story, Dorothy (Laura Lindmeier) and her little dog, Toto (Alison Curran), are swept away from Kansas to the Land of Oz by a tornado. Dorothy’s adventure is off to a bad start however. Her house kills the Wicked Witch of the East and the Wicked Witch of the West (Lorie Baldwin), the sister of the dead witch, has threatened revenge. Dorothy is desperate to get home again. She quickly finds out though that she has protection and help in Oz. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North (Alayna Rakes) gives Dorothy ruby slippers for protection. She also advises Dorothy that if she wants to get home, she should visit the Wizard (Tom McFarland). So Dorothy sets off on an adventure along the yellow brick road to find him. Along the way she meets a Scarecrow (Alex Klein) who needs a brain, a Tin Man (Paul Pride) who needs a heart, and a Cowardly Lion (Jeff Pilchman) who wishes for courage. The three friends hope the Wizard will help them all get what they want.
Kazman is excited to direct the talented cast in this widely acclaimed musical. But she also has help bringing the stage version of the 76 year old movie to life. Charlie DeMets musically directs the popular, well-known songs and Nicole Calabrese choreographs the many dance numbers in the show.
Kazman, who is also a local teacher/director at Unami Middle School, is certain audiences will enjoy this production. “The cast is the most wonderful, voracious, talented cast.” But Kazman also remarks that THE WIZARD OF OZ is often done by a cast of only children. It isn’t often done by a cast of adults and children. “The actors are playing age appropriate characters. The audience won’t have to pretend some of the actors are older.” Kazman feels that the quality of acting from both the children and the adults is stellar but having adults in the show adds an extra level of depth.
Laura Lindmeier is thrilled to play Dorothy in T&C’s production. She says the role is “a dream come true.” The sophomore from Lansdale Catholic High School has always looked up to Judy Garland. Lindmeier’s favorite number is, of course, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’
Town and Country Players’ production of THE WIZARD OF OZ plays July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 8:00pm with matinee showings July 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. They are available by visiting townandcountryplayers.org or by calling 800-838-3006.
Photo: (from left to right) Alex Klein, Jeff Pilchman, Laura Lindmeier, and Paul Pride.
About Town and Country Players
Town and Country Players is a non-profit community theater providing the Central Bucks area with quality theatre for the past 68 years. Located on Route 263 in Buckingham, Town and Country Players is the home of many dedicated individuals whose goal is to bring the theatrical experience to local residents while personally enjoying the effort to the fullest. Town and Country Players membership is open to anyone with an interest in theater and the desire to help.
Theater/Organization Town and Country Players
Theater/Organization Website: http://www.townandcountryplayers.org
Theater/Organization Address: 4158 York Rd Buckingham, Pennsylvania 18925 (Map It)
Theater/Organization Phone: (215) 348-7566
