Follow On Stage down the Yellow Brick Road

Community theater to perform The Wizard of Oz, tickets on sale now

Left to Right: Front Row- Olive Flores, Rowan Downs. 2nd Row- Gavin Sherrill, Josie Penick, Anderlynn Thrailkill, Callisto Mills, Mia Palacios. 3rd Row: Grant Sherrill, Tamba Mibenge: Photo credit: Photo by Karly Pecua

The Wizard of Oz is undoubtedly one of the most well-known productions in history – whether live or on the silver screen – and now, the community has been invited to join On Stage on the iconic adventure. “We’re off to see the Wizard! This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has entertained audiences for generations. Join Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road, singing some of the most recognizable songs in musical theater history,” Director Marc Hammes expressed. This show has received quite a bit of attention, which was evident at auditions. “We were thrilled with the incredible turnout, but were almost overwhelmed by the immense talent and energy shown! We had 64 actors audition for 21 parts. We had some difficult decisions to make.”

Olive Flores loves The Wizard of Oz and was excited to get cast. “I love working with everyone at On Stage,” she explained, adding that her favorite thing about the show has been working with friends. “I get to work with my best friends who I’ve known for years, but I also get to meet new people who are amazing and talented!”

Flores believes the audience will “appreciate how great our costumes look” because they are “very different from what you would think of when you think of The Wizard of Oz.” 

When asked what piqued his interest in auditioning, Gavin Sherrill said, “I have seen a few shows at On Stage and I knew I had to be part of one.” For him, “meeting new people and learning all the songs and dances” has been the most fun, while he also stated that remembering the choreography has been the most difficult. There are tons of fun and unexpected moments in this classic show. I want to express my gratitude to the directors for allowing me to be part of this production.”.

Grant Sherrill says, “There’s never a dull moment.” He has enjoyed production so much that he said leaving rehearsals has been the most challenging aspect, and he thinks the audience will enjoy “how interactive it (the show) is.” 

Dee Bailey will be portraying “Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West” and is excited to bring something new to the role, expressing, “Since these characters have been played many times over, I am focused on delivering a performance that is truly special for our audience.” While she is elated to be cast as “Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West,” that is not the role she intended to play. “I initially wanted to be considered for the role of ‘Cowardly Lion.’ However, I read for ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ during the audition, and I am extremely thrilled I was chosen for this role! She is a lot of fun to play!” 

Cove Mills has been in other On Stage shows before and expressed that “Marc and the directors are the best to work with. They’re always caring and responsive and love to have a good time while still working.” Mills has enjoyed learning to act and the energy the other actors give off during rehearsals. “Everyone is a lot of fun and we have such a good time,” he said. 

For Lauren Funderburke, the choreography has been the most challenging part of the show. “I have two left feet, and it’s been ‘interesting’ trying to learn each dance step,” she laughed. Her nephew, Liam, takes the credit for Lauren auditioning. She explained, “Liam is a terrific actor, and seeing his genuine love for performance reminded me of my own passion for it.” Funderburke speculates the audience will enjoy everything about the show, stating, “They are in for a roller coaster of emotions – from thrill, to heartbreak, and ultimately joy – watching this timeless story told in a fresh way.” 

Mike Wheeler: Photo by Karly Pecua

Karly Pecua will not only be playing the role of “Glinda” in the show, but she will also be managing the costumes. She explained that because the cast is so large, there are many hands helping to make the show a success. “I honestly could not have done anything without them, especially with the short rehearsal time frame. Each person is helping out with different groups and characters.” Like Dee, she wants to put her own spin on the “Glinda” role, and she also believes the audience will enjoy how many of the cast members have made the characters their own. “It’s such a well-known and classic musical. As ‘Glinda,’ I really wanted to try and make her my own while still holding some relation to the classic movie. I think they (the audience) will enjoy the way each actor takes on their role.” She also hopes audience members enjoy the costumes, but she admitted with a smile that she’s a bit biased on that.

Landon Dunn will be performing as “Cowardly Lion” in the full length production. “I performed the youth edition of The Wizard of Oz in the past, and I was excited to audition for the full production,” He, adding, “I am having the best time growing my craft and working with everyone!” 

For Anderlynn Thrailkill, who loves participating in the community, the best part of the show has been watching it develop. “It is such a welcoming community. It’s a place where I can let go of everything else on my mind and just focus on the show and making it the best I can.” She believes the audience will enjoy the character/audience interactions as well as all the different personalities on stage. 

Performances will be held at 8 pm on July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25; at 2 pm on July 19 and 26; and at 7:30 pm on July 21. Tickets are $25 except for the performance on July 21, which is “$15 Tuesday” when tickets are only $15. Tickets are on sale at Carmichael’s Drug, located at 150 MLK Jr Blvd in Monroe, and online at onstagewalton.org. Only cash and checks are accepted at Carmichael’s, and credit cards must be used for online sales. The Wizard of Oz is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals and sponsored by Hodges Family Dentistry.