SARASOTA — “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” is currently being presented in Cook Theatre at Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. The production will continue through Sunday, Aug. 2.
For tickets and information, visit AsoloRep.org or call 941-351-8000.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road in a magical, musical adventure filled with courage, heart, and imagination. This beloved adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s timeless tale follows Dorothy, Toto, and their unforgettable companions on a journey through the Land of Oz, where friendship, self-discovery, and a little bit of magic can change everything. The show features iconic songs such as “Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and “If I Only had a Brain.”
Performed by a cast of eight actors portraying multiple roles, “The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” celebrates the creativity, versatility, and theatrical wonder of live performance. From Munchkinland to the Emerald City, the cast brings an entire world to life on stage for audiences of all ages.
“I cannot think of a more beloved story than ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” said Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director. “We are thrilled to share Cat Brindisi’s new, imaginative production with audiences of all ages.”
Asolo Rep recently announced the cast and creative team for the summer children’s musical.
The principal cast features Angelina Carballo (Glinda, Auntie Em), “Annie” (National Tour), “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” (FSU BFA program); Alex Hatcher (Scarecrow, Hunk), “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Mirror Crack’d,” ”12 Angry Men: The Musical,” and “A Year with Frog and Toad” (Asolo Rep); Zach Harris (Wizard of Oz, Professor Marvel, Uncle Henry), “The Unfriend” (Asolo Rep); Ellie Papataros (Wicked Witch of the West, Miss Gulch), “Young Frankenstein” (FSU BFAprogram); Ashley Brooke Raymond (Toto), “The Unfriend” (Asolo Rep), “Alice in Wonderland” and “Shakespeare 45” (Asolo Rep on Tour); Aria Rayes (Dorothy Gale), “The Mirror Crack’d” (Asolo Rep); Jake Tottle (Lion, Zeke), “Parade,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Junie B. Jones: The Musical” (FSU BFA program); and Tin Tran (Tin Man, Hickory), “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “Songs for a New World,” and “Once Upon a Mattress” (FSU BFA program).
Understudies/swings include McKenna Wallace, “Footloose,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” “Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812” (FSU BFA program); and Will Westray, “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Primary Trust,” “Frog and Toad,” “Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical,” “Born With Teeth,” and “Inherit the Wind” (Asolo Rep).
The production will be directed and choreographed by Cat Brindisi, Asolo Rep associate artistic director. Sean Orenstein will serve as assistant director. The creative team also includes Natalie Eslami, scenic design; Jordan Jeffers, costume design; Will Johnson, lighting design; Matthew Parker, sound design; Michelle Hart, hair, wig and makeup design; Lydia Konnings, stage management; and Alayna Dombowski, assistant stage management.
“The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition” is based upon the work written by L. Frank Baum and features music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, along with background music by Herbert Stothart. Dance and vocal arrangements are by Peter Howard; and orchestration is by Larry Wilcox. The show was adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company and is based upon the classic motion picture adaptation owned by Turner Entertainment Co.