The Media Theatre’s regional premiere of the special one-act hour long version of “The Wizard of OZ” based on the legendary 1939 film continues through November 17. The musical, containing all of the familiar songs from the movie, plays Saturday mornings at 11am and Sundays at Noon. There is also an extra added performance on Friday morning October 25 at 9:45.
Two actresses share the role of Dorothy on a rotating basis. Elaina Fitzgerald and Theodora Greco, both New School students at the theatre, portray the role made famous by Judy Garland. Each get the opportunity to perform the iconic “Over the Rainbow” and other songs as they follow the Yellow Brick Road.
The Wicked Witch is also given double duty. On Saturday mornings aspiring actress Madison Yannatelli sinks her teeth into the role and on Sunday afternoons Shiron Denise brings her own brand of fun to the part.
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Toto, the little terrier who is always a scene stealer, is portrayed by one of the youngest members of the cast. Five year old Sebastian Fitzgerald, who started out at The Media Theatre as a four year old actor last season, barks his way into your heart with each performance. Katie Davis, who plays Glinda, The Good Witch, also brings a lot of warmth to the occasion.
A past “Delco Idol Junior” winner, Gianni Palmarini, wishes he had a heart as the Tin Man. He is joined on his quest by this past summer’s “Vocalist Junior” winner Emily Smith as the Scarecrow and the humorous Andrew Moretti as Cowardly Lion.
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The Wizard is brought to life by Jim Conte and the Munchkins are all students at The Media Theatre, ranging in age from 5 to 14. Vicky Heppard brings her powerhouse vocals to the role of The Mayor.
The show has been directed to have more humor and less frightening scenes for very young viewers. Its shortened length leaves the entire story intact and is a nice treat for ages 4 and up.
“The Wizard of OZ” is produced by Media Music Theatre Company (Jesse Cline, Artistic Director), which is the professional non-profit music theatre organization which brings patrons The Broadway Series and educational opportunities throughout the year.
The show is a part of its Children’s Series, in which students and aspiring actors share the stage with professional performers. Coming up next, following a special one-man performance of “A Christmas Carol” in December, is “Rumplestitskin” in February. Following that, Media Music Theatre Company will be the first regional production company to bring a new musical “Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark” to Delaware County. The Children’s Series will bring Disney’s “Cinderella” over the summer months.
All Children’s Series productions offer the opportunity to Meet & Greet the cast as well as to have private Birthday Parties in the theatre’s Crystal Room. Call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org for more information or to reserve tickets for “The Wizard of OZ” now through November 17.
(Pictured: Madison Yannatelli as The Wicked Witch with Katie Davis as Glinda, The Good Witch. Elaina Fitzgerald is center as Dorothy, with Sebastian Fitzgerald as Toto. Vicky Heppard is at left as the Mayor of Munchkinland, and Sean O' Neill represents the Munchkins at right.)
