Follow the yellow brick road to Titusville Playhouse for 'The Wizard of Oz'
Slip on your ruby slippers - or just your favorite pair of shoes - and follow the yellow brick road to Titusville Playhouse. The theater is bringing the beloved musical classic "The Wizard of Oz" to Technicolor life, opening Friday, Nov. 10 for a month-long run through Dec. 10.
Titusville Playhouse's production promises to stay true to the source material, capturing the spirit that made the original a timeless classic. From the farm in Kansas to the colorful wonders of Oz, this production is a love letter to the film.
"This version of 'The Wizard of Oz' is the most faithful to the movie version," said Steven Heron, Titusville Playhouse's executive and artistic director. "It has all of the moments and music that people know and love."
The story of Dorothy, Toto, and their friends from Oz has been a beloved part of our culture for generations. It's a journey we've all taken before, but one that never gets old. In Titusville Playhouse's production, the beloved characters will be brought to life by a mix of local talent and seasoned performers in one of the theater's largest casts since 2020.
"The actors are varied and we have several new faces on our stage along with some familiar," Heron said.
Taking on the role of Dorothy Gale is Maddie Moore. The Wicked Witch of the West, one of the most iconic villains in musical history, is played by Jordyn Linkous. But what's Oz without its wacky, lovable companions? The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion will be portrayed by Carson Skidmore, Frank Thompson and Logan Denninghoff.
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The show's creative team wants every detail to shine as brightly as the Emerald City.
"The costumes are amazing," said Heron. "They were originally designed for the Madison Square Garden version of 'Oz,' and we were lucky enough to rent them for our production. They are stunning and magical to say the least."
"The set is taking on a more simple form in our concept," he said. "Yet there are magical surprises within the set that makes a cinematic impact and brings the true 'Oz' magic to the stage."
Co-director Niko Stamos shared the design team's vision for the production. "Like the movie, it is sepia in the beginning before Technicolor, but we have set the whole show inside the barn and on the farm and then during the tornado is our switch to this more cinematic world."
"The idea is that we never lose sight of home as she goes on this journey," he said.
One of the enduring qualities of "The Wizard of Oz" is its universal message of friendship, courage and the idea that there's no place like home.
"My favorite thing about 'The Wizard of Oz' is the idea that life can be hard, and we may not always like a current situation, but home truly is where the heart is," Stamos said. "At the holiday season especially, we all can use a piece of home."
"The Wizard of Oz" has an appeal that transcends generations, making it the perfect family outing. The show is an opportunity to introduce the magic of live theater to the younger generation, while allowing those who grew up with the movie to relive the wonder.
"It’s definitely a family classic," said Stamos. "I think many people have fond memories of the first time they watched the movie, and we hope to be part of a foundational memory for the next generation."
Heron agrees. "In my family, watching 'The Wizard of Oz' each year was something we looked forward to doing," he said. "A tradition that brings young, old and everyone together, that is what I hope people will love about the show, as generations sit together and enjoy something as one."
Heron hopes audiences will join the Titusville Playhouse for an enchanting journey over the rainbow.
"It excites me to have families and communities coming together to let the magic of theatre bring us all closer together in this day and age," he said. "It is truly a piece of movie history I think everyone knows, and should revisit just to make us all kids again for a couple of hours."
If you go
'The Wizard of Oz'
Where: Titusville Playhouse, 301 Julia Street, Titusville
When: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Dec. 10
Tickets: Start at $30
Info: 321-268-1125
On the web: titusvilleplayhouse.com
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'The Wizard of Oz' comes to Titusville Playhouse
