'The Wiz' brings snappy, modern twists to Oz
"The Wizard of Oz" is undeniably one of America's most iconic and beloved movies.
So familiar, it's the picture of cinematic contentment. As Dorothy says, "There's no place like home."
But it's fun to occasionally escape those comforts of home, get a little rambunctious, and venture into a world that - until now - only existed in your imagination.
That's where Dorothy will be this weekend, as the Fox Valley Park District's Premiere Theatre Company's Summer Stage production of "The Wiz" hits the stage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for four shows at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora.
"The Wiz" is America's favorite movie with a twist, dressed up as a sharp, snappy musical. It's funky and it's joyous, yet maintains the classic storylines, songs and characters of the classic Oz.
"It's a new way to tell the story - a soulful retelling with lots of different twists," said performing arts manager Kyle Donahue.
It doesn't take long to realize this is a different world of Oz. Dorothy, whom we know as an impressionable and idealistic farm girl from Kansas, finds her life turned upside down when she and her doggy Toto are swept away by a tornado.
Sounds familiar but, in this case, the tornado is a whirling dervish of dancers.
Ultimately, the tornado spins her into a magical kingdom, where she slips into silver (not ruby) slippers and heads off to the Emerald City in her quest to get back home.
Along her journey on the Yellow Brick Road, she encounters a hip scarecrow (Jake Ziman) in need of a brain; a tin man (Jake Elkins) yearning for a heart; and a cowardly lion (Keith Mankowski) desperately seeking courage. Together this quartet of lost souls makes its pilgrimage in the hopes of having their dreams realized.
Throughout this funky adaptation, Dorothy's adventures in the Land of Oz are set to music in a dazzling, lively mixture of rock, gospel and soul.
"The energy of the show is intense and fun," said Donahue, "with all the same songs you remember from the movie such as 'Ease on Down the Road.'"
More than 60 performers - ages 6 to adult - have come together as the cast and live orchestra. Included are two Dorothys; Ashley Hollis will fill the role on Friday's show and Saturday's early (2 p.m.) show; Kate Jarecki will tap her heels together for the later Saturday and Sunday shows.
"They each have unique talents that fit nicely into the role, so Director Arlene Hawks wanted to give both of them an opportunity to play Dorothy," said Donahue.
Presenting a wide variety of performers is always an objective, and "The Wiz" makes that possible in a big way.
"(There is) lots of stage time for the kids for the 45h anniversary of our Summer Stage production," said Donahue.
And they'll be doing it at the mystical Paramount Theatre, a special place for performers and fans alike.
"What a fantastic experience it will be - for everybody," said Donahue. "When you see the professional lighting on the sets and think of all the famous Broadway performers who've come through there … just to be onstage is a thrill."
Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. Ticket are $8 for children ages 2-17 on Friday, and $10 on Saturday and Sunday; $10 for adults on Friday and $14 on Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.paramountaurora.com/.