(NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong will open its 37th Main Stage season with The Wizard of Oz. The show runs October 5 through October 28 with performances Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00pm. The Wizard of Oz introduces us to Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry.
Dorothy dreams of escaping her mundane life, when suddenly a cyclone hits, and Dorothy and Toto, seeking shelter in the house, are transported to the Land of Oz. Dorothy’s house has landed upon – and fatally stricken – the Wicked Witch of the East. The Munchkins, now freed from the Wicked Witch of the East, celebrate and hail Dorothy as their new heroine. The celebration is interrupted as the Wicked Witch of the West suddenly appears, seeking vengeance. Unable to reclaim her sister’s ruby slippers, which are now on Dorothy’s feet, the Witch vows to return and disappears in a cloud of smoke. Dorothy, seeking a way back home to Kansas, sets off to see the Wizard of Oz and her classic adventure begins.
This production is under the direction of Stephen L. Fredericks, The Growing Stage’s Executive Director, with musical direction by Stephen Fox and choreography by Jillian Petrie. The play was Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Wizard of Oz written by L. Frank Baum, with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, Background Music by Herbert Stothart. Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard and Orchestration by Larry Wilcox, is based upon the Classic Warner Brothers Motion Picture.
The Wizard of Oz features the talents of four professional equity performers in the cast. Returning to the Palace are Growing Stage favorites: Nikole Rizzo (Cinderella – A Holiday Musical) of Newburyport, MA, as Glinda; Lori B. Lawrence (A Christmas Carol) of Hackettstown, NJ, as The Wicked Witch of the West; Davis Cameron Lemley (Madagascar, Disney’s Beauty And The Beast) of Cedar Grove, NJ, as Scarecrow and making his Growing Stage debut is Tait Ruppert of Union, NJ, as the Wizard. Rounding out the cast are 26 performers (adults and young people) from all across the tri-state area including Jeorgi Smith of Green Township, NJ as Dorothy Gale.
Ticket prices are $28 for adults, $22 for seniors and $18 for children. To purchase tickets, please visit www.growingstage.com or call (973) 347-4946. Group rates and Season Membership Plans are still available. The Growing Stage’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.
There will be a special Opening Night Performance on October 5 at 7:30pm followed by a post-show talkback and reception.
The Wizard of Oz is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022. Musical recording provided by The MT Pit L.L.C.
