MOUNT CARROLL – Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the premier professional summer theatre of northwest Illinois, becomes a Merry Old Land for this summer’s The Wizard of Oz for three weeks of performances from July 11 through July 28. Gary Determan interviewed Artistic Director Tommy Ranieri and Director and Choreographer Chaz Wolcott. If you missed the interview, you can listen on the player below.
The most beloved tale of all time comes to life on stage! Based on the 1939 film of the same name, the musical is based on L. Frank Baum’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The story of a Kansas farm girl who travels over the rainbow has entertained audiences for generations with songs like “Over the Rainbow,” “Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead),” “If I Only Had a Brain/a Heart/the Nerve,” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard (Follow the Yellow Brick Road).”
L. Frank Baum writes the book for the musical along with music and lyrics by Harold Arden and E. Y. Harburg. TLP’s production is directed and choreographed by Chaz Wolcott, music direction by Matthew W. Surico, costumes by Chakira Doherty and Alexa Wiljanen returns to TLP as Lighting Designer.
Caroline Lynch Desmarais will take on the role of Dorthy Gale, with Anya Katherine Jones as Glinda. Lucas Diego Marinetto, Nathan Wright, and Jack Catena will appear as the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow, respectively. Malaika Wanjiku will portray the Wicked Witch of the West and Joel Briel stars as The Wizard. The TLP Resident Company will perform the remaining roles along with twenty-six area young professionals as the Munchkins of Munchkinland.
Additionally, two local dogs, Grizz and Odie, will share the role of Toto. The flying mechanisms for Glinda, the Witch and flying monkeys will be supplied by Vertigo Flying Effects.
Dorothy and her friends will have you trotting delightfully and tunefully down that fabled Yellow Brick Road. Information and tickets for all Timber Lake events are available online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (815) 244-2035. The Box Office is open from 10:00 until 5:00 and through intermission on performance days.
Timber Lake Playhouse – This is the Moment!
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Dan Danielowski
Executive Director
Timber Lake Playhouse
815 244-2048
dan@timberlakeplayhouse.org
