Church to present 'Wizard of Oz'-based musical

"Wizard of Oz" characters will come alive musically in "The Merry Old Land of Oz" when concertgoers travel "Over the Rainbow" to "Munchkinland."

"Oz," "Rainbow" and "Munchkinland" are three of the musical's songs that will be presented so guests might fantasize they're "Off to See the Wizard" during the annual spring concert produced by the musicians and singers of St. Marcelline Roman Catholic Church.

The church's Sanctuary Choir conducted by Dr. Marc Alan Brunelle and the Jubilation Ringers and Joyful Noise Children's Choir directed by Patricia Stewart, will entertain at 7 p.m. Sunday in the church, 822 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.

It's the sixth concert for the cast, all of whom are comfortable performing sacred and secular music, according to Brunelle, who is the director of liturgy and music for the parish. He also is assistant conductor for Heartland Voices, a professional singing group committed to excellence in choral performances.

Tenor Dick Pollowy again will act as master of ceremonies for the evening's program, which calls for choir members to don tuxedos or black ensembles, creating a formal atmosphere for the event. Later, a candlelit wine and dessert reception continues the theme.

Pollowy, says he thinks it's important to "spread our love for music by sharing it with everyone."

The bell ringers will open the production with "Let the Bells Peal" and "Music of the Spheres" followed by three sacred pieces by the Sanctuary Choir. The children lead the third act with six selections, including "Let the Whole Creation Cry Alleluia." Then the youngsters and the choir gather to sing Mozart's "Hallelujah! Round of Praise."

Following intermission, altos Denise Driscoll and Patricia Buerger will sing a duet from "Grass Is Greener," soprano Joan Stromberg and her daughter, alto Amy Stromberg, will chose a selection from "Wicked," and tenor Ken Kordick will sing "She Loves Me" from the musical of the same name.

The "Oz" selections by the choir -- don't be surprised to see glimpses of the scarecrow, lion and Dorothy -- wind up the musical fantasy salute but instead of heading home guests will retire to the "salon" to continue spring's celebration.