Action, costumes, music … Oh my! You’d better act fast if you want to see this great show – loaded with the songs and beloved characters you remember. Most shows are close to being sold out …
Dorothy (Tegan Tracy) worries that she and Toto (Happy, a Caren terrier) will never get back to their home in Kansas.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
David Douglas High School’s production of the Broadway Musical “The Wizard of Oz”, is now on stage – and the audiences are loving it.
“I’m happy to tell you that tickets are going fast,” says Michael Givler, the show’s director.
Their musical production, originally adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company, has all of the songs, dance numbers and storyline of the classic childhood story we all remember. The actors bring a fresh, unique look to the tale.
Onstage, you’ll see a fully-costumed cast of 56 actors, singers, and dancers. They’re musically accompanied by the DDHS Orchestra under the baton of the show’s musical director, Mr. Silva.
The Tin Woodsman longing for a heart (Ada Chang), the Cowardly Lion (Robert Hill), and the brainless Scarecrow (Sam De Roest) set out with their new friend, the homesick Dorothy (Tegan Tracy).
A fun, lively show
Backstage, the show’s student crew of 20 stage technicians provide professional lighting and special effects – including flying witches and monkeys. The Wicked Witch even melts away before your eyes after Dorothy splashes her with water.
A real scene-stealer in the show isn’t human. Dorothy’s dog, Toto, played by a Caren Terrier named “Happy”, plays his part like a real trooper.
Glenda, the Good Witch advises the quartet that The Great Oz may help them gain what they are lacking. All they must do is “Follow the yellow brick road”.
About the story
This classic story by L. Frank Baum’s is about Dorothy, a young girl living in Kansas. She, her dog Toto, and the farmhouse are swept up in a tornado and crash-land in Munchkin Land.
A good witch directs Dorothy and her three new friends – a brainless Scarecrow, a heartsick Tin Woodsman, and a ‘fraidy-cat Cowardly Lion – to the City of Emeralds to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. How do they find their way? “Follow the yellow brick road!”
Once they reach the Land of Oz, the foursome are frightened by the wicked witch who vows revenge on Dorothy … and her little dog, too!
Don’t wait! Reserve tickets now
The show runs December 1, 6, 7 and 8. And, there’s a special matinee performance on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m.
Performances are already selling out – reserve your tickets now!
Tickets for this full-evening show are just $10 for adults; $7 student/seniors. For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays on school days, as well as an hour before show times. Or, e-mail DDHSboxoffice@ddouglas.k12.or.us.
All performances are held at the Howard F. Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave. (between SE Stark St. and Division St.).
Scenes from “The Wizard of Oz”
The Wicked Witch of the West consults with her minion of flying monkeys.
Dorothy and her friends can’t stop dancing once infected by the JitterBugs!
The Scarecrow gets something even better than a brain from The Great Oz.
The Lion is no longer cowardly once Great Oz reminds him of his bravery.
The Tin Woodsman, having already displayed concern for his friends, is given a symbol that represents how much “heart” he really has.
Dorothy finally finds her way home.
The cast takes a well-deserved bow!
“Happy” seems to relish his role as Toto!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service