Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Thank you all

2009-01-06T11:23:00.001-08:00

Thank you everyone who supported the Wizard of Oz...in the cast, the crew, the orchestra, the production team, and most of all the patrons who came to see the show. We won't be updating the blog probably from this point on...but it will stay up for now for people to look back at.

Visit the theatre at www.barrowtheatre.com for information on our current season of shows and other events.

Thank you all.

Ted

Galena Signal publishes review of Oz 12/19/2008

2008-12-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Galena Signal is a relatively newer hometown paper which is getting on it's feet and doing a great job covering local events, especially entertainment.The founder Jim Greenfield wrote the following review of Oz which appeared in today's paper - CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE! Hats off to you!
Ted
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And Your Little Dog, Too
By: Jim Greenfield

It seems these days that superlatives are thrown around like nickels when they should be treated more like manhole covers. But last week's production of The Wizard of Oz by Franklin Civic Operetta Association at the Barrow-Civic Theatre deserved its plethora of accolades.

First the statistics: 90 actors (including one remarkably poised and involved little dog), 6 stage curtains, 3 follow spot lights, 2 trap doors, 1 hydraulic lift, 2 flash pots, 20 pyrotechnic fountains, 2 strobe lights, 18 musicians, 15 microphones, 1 trampoline, 2 cameras and 6 dressing rooms. Whew! How director Ted Smith orchestrated all that while keeping his sanity is itself an amazing mystery. And as if that wasn't enough, Ted was unexpectedly pressed into service as the Wizard near the end of rehearsals!

I attended the opening night performance on Thursday as part of a nearly-full house. As should be expected on an opening night, there were a few glitches, but they were extremely minor, and you almost had to be looking for them. The actor W.C. Fields has been quoted as saying "never work with children or animals'. We should be thankful that Franklin Civic Operetta ignored that advice. The March of the Munchkins (at least that's what I call it) near the beginning of the show involved nearly 30 children of varying ages and was almost worth the price of admission by itself. And Moesley, as Toto, was quite the polished and obedient performer, too.

Moesley even provided an ad lib (at least I'm pretty sure it wasn't part of the script) when he started barking at something off stage. The timing was perfect as he was confronting the Cowardly Lion (Mike Leisher) at the time and the Lion "went with it" by becoming even more fearful of the ferocious canine. The actors' performances were all solid at worst and in most cases very good. As you hope for any good theatric or film performance, it rarely crossed my mind that "Hey, they're acting".

The principal leads - Molly Burkett (Dorothy), Bret Sloan (the Scarecrow), Jacob Krupitzer (the Tin Man), Mike Leisher (the Cowardly Lion), Linda Leisher (the Good Witch), Ted Smith (the Wizard) and Jamie Agnello (the Wicked Witch) - all gave polished performances and interacted with each other in ways that gave the performance depth and continuity. And definite crowd favorites were Aaron Ritsig and Andrew Ritsig as the crows harassing and mocking the Scarecrow.

The Barrow-Civic stage was expanded around the orchestra pit and into the seating area for this production. Use of the aisles for performing entrances during several parts of the show helped bring the audience into the event. It was from time to time disconcerting to see how close the performers, particularly the children, came to the open orchestra pit - often while running. Thankfully, the only flying or disappearances that took place were planned. The expanded stage was a critical element in this production, and I don't think there was any other way it could have been handled.

The Wizard of Oz was a fitting culmination to Franklin Civic Operetta's 50th anniversary season, to the astounding number of top notch actors, musicians and support personnel with which our little corner of the world is blessed and to the gem that is the Barrow-Civic Theatre.

Pics from Carissa - her Mom's stage debut!

2008-12-16T12:53:00.001-08:00

Tish and Ben

Backstage with an Ozian

The Guard is the most popular dude in Emerald City

Those trees have great limbs

Tish with her fellow Ozians....

Some of the 52 Ozians in the Show!

Pictures from Molly after the show

2008-12-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

Munchkins love their pics taken.

Dorothy and a Snowkin

The Mayor, Barrister and Coroner with Oz

Ted and Molly

Axes and Crowns and Aprons-OH MY!

(Dorothy, Jamie, Ted, Linda, Mike, Brett and Jacob)

venangoliving.com posts Oz show pics

2008-12-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Local photographer Stephen West has taken some wonderful pictures of the show and posted them at http://venangoliving.com/

Check it out .... thanks Stephen for posting these memories.....

The Oz populace (thanks Darcie)

2008-12-16T06:05:00.000-08:00

Ozians and Winkies....

Tish and Darcie - Tish's first show EVER!

Michelle and Theresa

Wendy and Erika prep to get"merry"

And more OZ pics....thanks Dana

2008-12-15T19:46:00.001-08:00

Monkey Commander Nikko and his Simian pals

(Chris, Joe, Alexa)

Look out for that bug!!!

I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks....

OZ pics - Thanks Jill Kellner

2008-12-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Flying Monkeys Invade the Streets of Franklin

(now that would be an awesome News Herald headline)

Assorted Ozians asleep between Saturday shows

Ted and Jill backstage - One Flying Monkey and one big Ape!
(lol)

Look Out Scarecrow!!!

Monkey Brigade in the Lobby

Great Job Flying Monkeys!!! You were fantastic!

More from the lobby (thanks Liesl)

2008-12-15T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hail, hail - the gangs all here!

G-Linda, Lion, Wee-Wee, Dot, Tinny, and S.Crow

Anyone who has pictures of the show or behind the scenes, email them to me at tedsmith.patio@gmail.com and I will post em.

The Wizard

"Wee-Wee's" acquaintances

2008-12-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

Barrow-Civic's next power couple!

The "Circle"-Wizard, Dot, TinMan, Wee-Wee, and Scarecrow

(Ted, Molly, Jacob, Jamie, Bret)

And she tried to burn him up......hmmmm

In the end, friendship conquers a love of shoes!

(thanks Jamie for the pics)

More behind the scenes.....

2008-12-15T14:52:00.001-08:00

Dorothy and the Triplets get "cleaned up" to see the Wizard!

(thanks Jacob)

Oz Behind the Scenes - thank you Liesl Bittner

2008-12-15T14:45:00.000-08:00

Mike (Lion), Jamie ("Wee-Wee"), Molly (Dot), Jacob (Tin Man) and Brett (Scarecrow)

Liesl and Joe (The Guard) backstage

Liesl, Hallie and Darcie get ready for the Emerald City

"G-Linda" our rocking Good Witch of the North

The Sexiest Forest in Oz

Katie, Sara, Miya, Grace, Liesl, Jeri

Two Invaluable Ladies for the show:

Choreographer Jackie and Munchkin Wrangler Theresa

Thanks to Garrett Kline, photographer

2008-12-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

KUDOS FOR OZ!

2008-12-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

Bravo to the cast and crew of the Wizard of Oz. It was such as great, awesome show....you all did a fantastic job! What a run - opening night of 450, sold out nights Friday and Saturday, sold out Sunday matinee, and 430 for Saturday matinee.....AWESOME!

The theatre is so lucky to have so many of you who volunteered your time to participate in the show and you all gave 110%. It was such a great experience and I thank you all for your hard work, kudos, appreciation and comments.

Thank you to the Munchkins for your "song" and the cards. Thank you to the Ozians and assorted characters for your wonderful and thoughtful gift.

The Barrow could not survive without all of you....and all the patrons who come to the shows. We've now given them a new level of professionalism and entertainment.

Garrett Klines pics of the show are now posted at http://pictures.bytesandpix.com/the_wizard_of_oz, including the cast photo. If you didn't order a cast photo, you can do so at this website. Garrett does a great job taking photos of the shows at the BCT, so please feel free to browse the pics (anyone can) and order.

If anyone has pictures of the show or cast/crew, please send them to me at tedsmith.patio@gmail.com and I will post them on the blog....

Again, thank you all....See you at the next show!
Ted

Dress Rehearsal Pics are Online

2008-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

Garrett Kline, our official "Emerald City Photographer" has posted the pictures of dress rehearsal on the internet at his website. You can browse the photos and purchase them. Garrett does excellent work and we pleased to work with him and that he offers his services.

The website is http://pictures.bytesandpix.com/the_wizard_of_oz

He will also take pictures at the Saturday Matinee.

The Wizard

Fantastic Opening Night

2008-12-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Great job to the cast and crew for the Opening Night of Wizard of Oz.

Playing to a house of 350 people (78% full) you guys rocked the stage. I was able to watch some of it from the side of the house and the audience was really into it.....I've heard comments that people were on the edge of their seats...

So many awesome moments from the tornado scene, Dorothy getting the ruby slippers (one little girl asked her mother why her shoes couldn't be magic like that), to the Great Big Head!

Ghosts and Monkeys took the audience by storm....great job! Winkies - fantastic!

The title characters all did fantastic....you guys looked and sounded amazing. I can't say enough - WOW.

We've also initiated another "only in Franklin" story too. Last night, Jeri (one our Ozian/Trees) was at a trial in the courthouse (she is a public defender). The judge recessed the trial so she could come to the theatre to play her part of the tree! "She even has lines" everyone was told. AMAZING. That's what theatre means to this community.

Many thanks to our orchestra, sound and lighting guys, pyrotechnicians from Kellners, the costumers and props persons.....

KUDOS AND BIG HUGS ALL AROUND TO EVERYONE....

Opening Night - The Reviews are In!

2008-12-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Our friend Pete Greene, over at http://venangoland.blogspot.com put some very nice and unsolicited remarks about our show and the theatre in his column today in The Derrick and News Herald papers. Click on the pic of the column to enlarge it to read. Thank you Pete....your kind words and comments are greatly appreciated.

Just over 10 hours as I type this til curtain opens. We will do Munchkin Circle at 7:30 in the Little Theatre, and then we shall troop over to St. John's to do Ozian circle with the Leads and other assorted characters.....we shall then be ready to go as close to 8:00pm as we can!

My congratulations and thanks to you all in the show- onstage, behind the scenes, and in the pit! You have made this a remarkable experience!

The Wizard (Ted)

FANTASTIC AND CONGRATULATIONS

2008-12-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

Great job tonight at final dress rehearsal cast and crew....what an awesome show...tonight's dress rehearsal was probably one of the best dress rehearsals I have ever seen.....and everyone looked great and sounded great.

The Barrow Volunteers who were tonight's audience were absolutely loving the show and raved about it afterwards....you wowed our critical audience.....good job! Great Big Head was fantastic....and the crew did an awesome job keeping things moving. We teethed out our minor little problems...

Enjoy Thursday....Opening Night Curtain is creeping up on us....see you at the theatre!!!!

The Wizard

Reflections from the Oz Balloon

2008-12-09T21:37:00.001-08:00

Well, final working rehearsal has come and gone. We had a good night. Worked out the last of the major teething problems.....my thanks to Ed, Theo, Sue, Theresa, Lux, Cork, Mary Ann, Rosie, and the rest of the crew for all their behind the scenes work....we couldn't do this with you.

I am so looking forward to seeing and hearing the audience reaction to the show...thank you cast for all your hard work....you have an amazing show and you definitely deserve to go out there and look good, sound good and feel good. Trust yourselves and trust your castmates.....

The vision of this show was to modernize the classic story of Wizard of Oz without touching the storyline, characters or songs. We've done that. From the awesome tornado sequence to our glam-evil Wicked Witch and green-tinted Ozians, and our special treats in the form of the Monkeys, Ghosts, Winkies, and Snowkins....we are sure to keep the audience on the edge of the seats, enthralled and anticipating....

A true community theatre production is one you can walk into and away from saying, "Wow. I'm glad I was part of this." I am glad to have been directing Wizard of Oz....and to surprise star in it. Playing both sides of the curtain has not been easy these last couple of weeks....but we've pulled it off.

We have an amazing set - utilizing minimalism, immensity, and great lighting, sets, and props.....
Enjoy everyone if you are coming to see the show....please stick around afterwards - I will come out and would love to hear your reactions and comments.....

Kudos cast and crew....thank you patrons and friends for coming.....

Curtains up!
Ted

MAKE UP

2008-12-09T05:52:00.000-08:00

Make-up for rehearsal tonight...

Ozians - light make-up. Peachy, nothing bright (no bright red lips), nothing flashy....

Trees - dark eyes, brown blush....no red lips....neutral lips

Munchkins - neutral, bright cheeks

Men - eyeliner, some blush so we can see pretty faces and eyes

The rest we'll talk about later.....

Hair - Off faces, buns, pulled back, ringlets - a vareity of different styles you can choose from (you don't have to do all three).

It's easier to type this on here than to say it and get jumped by 20 people.

See you all tonight.

Ted

Dec 9th Rehearsal Tuesday

2008-12-08T20:56:00.001-08:00

Tuesday December 9th - Call is at 6pm, Run at 7pm.
5:30pm-Ben and JD to work balloon lift
6:00pm - Mic Check - all who wear mics
6:15pm - Munchkins onstage to look at gum drop placement
6:30pm - Dorothy, Triplets, Great Big Head to run timing on scenes
6:45pm - Preset.

No watching from the audience. Full costume and make-up....

Munchkins - you MUST stay in the Little Theatre unless escorted out by a Munchkin Monitor parent - no looking at trees, no using lobby bathrooms, no sneaking out. If you do not follow the directions of the Munchkin Monitors, you will be asked to leave the show. This is for your safety and so you are not distracted and miss entrances.

Ozians - ALL OZIANS WILL WEAR GREEN GLASSES FOR OZ. We are ordering more to replace the ones that were deliberately broken (oh yes, I KNOW). Thanks to some of you, we have an added expense now to the show....please congratulate yourselves. Starting Wed night, any Ozian without green glasses will NOT go on stage. This is not negotiable....if you don't want to wear the green glasses, see me so we can take you out of the show. Non-negotiable.

To everyone who is working hard - thank you very much. This is an excellent show and I received very good and constructive feedback from a fellow director watching tonight's rehearsal.....

See everyone Tuesday night.....

Monday Dec 8 Rehearsal and Set Update

2008-12-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

We are now into the painting phase of the set - all painters please report to the theatre.....we're almost done....the pieces are built, curtains are all up, and we tested the pyrotechnics....yea crew for hanging in there Sunday night and learning the changes....

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REHEARSAL MONDAY DECEMBER 8

All cast report to theatre at 6pm to pick up costumes and report to dressing room assignments...

All Munchkins will dress in the Little Theatre.

Barrow-Civic BackStage Dressing Rooms:
Backstage Left-Dorothy, Glinda, Wicked Witch
Backstage Right-Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion
Backstage Upstairs-Aunt Em, Trees
Backstage Pit-Uncle Henry, Wizard, Crows, Guard, Winkies

All Ozians (who are not Trees, Crows, Winkies) are dressing at St. Johns - please pick up your costumes and report there.

All Stage Crew must be in full BLACK outfit while on crew.

We will run the show starting at 7pm. The only stops will be for set change corrections.
Please report to the Main Stage by 6:50pm.

REMINDER - Please no hanging out in the wings during the rehearsals - we have a large crew and lots of set pieces and dressings - there is simply not any room for observers. All cast will have to stay backstage while they are awaiting their scenes starting MONDAY DEC 8

Thanks to everyone for all your hard work in so many different areas of the show....

Production Update/Dec 7 Schedule

2008-12-06T19:41:00.000-08:00

Greetings all,
Set build is going well....my thanks to everyone who helped out today...what a day. So far, we have painted the base coats of the witch's castle, scarecrow backdrop, jungle backdrop, woven 11 trees, built an hourglass, resized the cart, sewed the poppy drop, cut and painted the munchkin houses, upholstered three chairs, finished 60 pairs of oz glasses, assembled two emerald city doors/gates, moved lighting instruments, built the tunnel bypass, and removed one railing.

Yet to go on SUNDAY DEC 7 - put up scarecrow set, finish details on witch's castle, cut and paint munchkin backdrop, put up wagon/forest unit, finish chicken incubator, finish cooking fire, paint house, paint EC gates, paint poppy drop, hang trees on scrim, build base for crystal ball, test witch's lift, test pyrotechnics, build great big head base unit, set-up microphones/monitors, clean dressing rooms, clean green room, and who knows what else we find.....

So as you can see, Sunday would be a great day for people to come on in and lend a hand....

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Orchestra Rehearsal Sunday 2pm - all orchestra members - cast are welcome to come and listen, but this is an orchestra rehearsal and they won't be stopping for us...

Tech Rehearsal Sunday 6pm - all stage crew (including all Winkies) needed to run cues for scene changes and other effects.

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Monday December 8 - Dressing Room assignments will be posted at the theatre.
Little Theatre- Munchkins

Backstage - Dorothy, Glinda, Wicked Witch, Henry, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Aunt Em, Winkies, Guard/Nikko, Trees, Crows

St. John's Church - All OZIANS not listed above (not appearing Act One Scenes 1-12).

More details will be posted Sunday evening on the blog and at the theatre during day.

Oz hits the papers.....

2008-12-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

Today's issue of the Good Times in The Derrick/News Herald papers featured the show.

The cover has Dorothy and the Triplets with dear little Toto......woof!

We also had the inside cover story..... doesn't Glinda look regal in her gown....

I'll post the full press release to the blog which highlights everyone.....

Kudos to all in the show for the hard work. It is going to be great - I'm getting good buzz from people and the tickets are the hottest thing in town right now!

Don't forget - we are pushing Set Build Friday and Saturday (see previous post).....

See you on the Yellow Brick Road... The Wizard

Tech Weekend Dec 5-7

2008-12-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

The last of the working rehearsals has come and gone.....info on dress rehearsals will be posted friday on here.

Friday Dec 5 - Set work continues at the theatre 10am til evening.....
Saturday Dec 6 - Set work all day starting at 10am.....lots to do both days....
Sunday Dec 7 - Set work continues in and around the orchestra rehearsal at 2pm.

I implore everyone to see if they have a few hours to help us out....we would appreciate it and you'll all have a very nice set to bargain.... in the end.

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Friday Dec 5 I will be posting the dressing room assignments, times & details for dress rehearsals Dec 8-10, and information on backstage/onstage etiquette for the show. Copies will also be handed out Monday.

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As of 4:30pm December 4, there were 737 tickets left to the show (not counting overflow seating). That's 1428 tix sold or 66% of our show capacity...the buzz is out there and it is good. Tickets are still available for ALL five shows but don't wait!

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Rehearsal Dec 4 and Set Notes

2008-12-04T05:10:00.000-08:00

Rehearsals Dec 4 (Thur) is primarily ACT TWO - everyone in Act Two.....we will also run the poppy song for the chorus.....and then we will run all scenes that need cleaning including Winkies, Crows, Trees, Monkeys, Kansas, and anything else hanging out there....this is our last working rehearsal so big smiles people and a whole bucket of patience.

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SET SET SET SET SET SET SET SET!

I know, I know.....but we are in CRUNCH mode now people - all we need is several hours this weekend from anyone who can help....ANYONE......friends, family, you. Please stop down Sat and Sun to help us finish so you have a good looking show...lots to do....painting, cutting foam, putting screws in, organizing props, fixing curtains......we're counting on you. Thanks

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Yesterday was a tremendous sale day at the Box Office - we have sold 1363 tickets (63%) - seats are still available for all shows but tell your family and friends not to wait...response to the show is growing! SEATS STILL AVAILABLE TO ALL SHOWS!

Dec 3 Rehearsal and Set Notes

2008-12-02T18:47:00.001-08:00

Hello all - Wed Dec 3 Rehearsal 6p Act One....
need Dorothy, Triplets, Kansas, Wicked, Glinda, Munchkins, Crows, Trees, Snowkins...No Ozians if you are not one of those listed here....we will do Poppy Song on Thursday....thanks for the hard work.

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We will have sign-up sheets at the Wed and Thur rehearsals for set build this weekend....we are behind on getting the set completed and we are now issuing the "All Hands On Deck" call. We have to build/paint on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday...it has to be built by Sunday 6pm so we can run Tech. Please sign up if you (or friends and family) can give a few hours to help the show out. Thanks,

Tue Dec 2 Rehearsal and Notes

2008-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
First, thank you for the vote of confidence in stepping into the role of The Wizard...you are a great cast and we are going to have a fantastic show....just keep reviewing your lines, songs, and blocking...we're not there yet. I am pushing you guys hard but that's because we can do professional quality theatre in community theatre....and you are setting the bar higher for the next show to reach for....just remember it will all be worth it once we get to opening night and a packed house showers their love and appreciation on you for five consecutive shows....
Ted

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Tue Dec 2 Rehearsal - Main Stage
5:00pm Dorothy/Wizard
5:30pm Dorothy/Triplets/Wizard
6:00pm Run Act TWO - run from top to bottom, then clean any and all scenes.

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We will start working with props on Wed and Thursday.....we will start working with costumes in rehearsal on Monday Dec 8.....

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We definitely still need help this week with sets...especially on Saturday and possibly Friday....we still have to assemble the witch's castle, scarecrow's lot, the forest backdrop, Professor's campsite, Munchkin land houses, Kansas backdrop-house-incubator, Emerald City Gates, Great Big Oz Head foundation, and the Balloon.....

Please please please let Ed or a producer know if you can help out at all between Tuesday and this Sunday.....thanks

Thank you's and Monday Dec 1 Rehearsal

2008-11-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal Monday December 1st is at 6pm-Main Stage
We are running Act One, starting with Munchkins then moving to 1-5, 8-13.
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We are taking publicity photos for the news with Dorothy, Triplets, Mayor, Coroner, Barrister, Glinda, Guard, ..... possibly others....
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Thank you very much for working hard tonight....more hard work to come this week.....please hang in there.

Rehearsal Sunday November 30th

2008-11-28T14:10:00.000-08:00

Rehearsals for Sunday November 30th as follows:

5:00pm - Snow People
Rehearse Poppy Scene

5:30pm- Munchkins with Dorothy, Toto, Glinda, Wicked Witch
Rehearse Act One Scenes 6-7
7:00pm - Ozians (all adults): All Ozians, Trees, Crows, Winkies, Monkeys, Glinda, Wicked Witch, Dorothy, Triplets, Toto

At 7:00pm we will run the following:
Poppy Scene
Merry Old Land of Oz
Jitterbug
All Winkie/Monkey Scenes
Balloon Scene
Trees (Tin Man scene)
Crows (Scarecrow scene)
King of the Forest

And any other scenes that need to be cleaned.....please plan on staying at LEAST until 9pm....or later.....

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Anyone who did not pick up their shirt from Mary Ann can do so at the theatre this night.

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Set construction will be taking place during the day Saturday and Sunday this weekend so please stop in if you have time

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Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:06:00.001-08:00

From your director and the entire production crew, have a Happy Thanksgiving all.

We are so close to opening night and you will have an awesome show. Be the best you can be, review your blocking, lines, and songs, and please enjoy the holiday. If you have free time, please stop by the theatre to assist with set build.

Thank you each and every one of you for participating in the show. Can't wait to see you all rock the stage and the theatre.

Ted

SET CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE

2008-11-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

Hello all - cast, crew and friends. Below is the scehdule for the next week to prepare our set for the show. As you know, we are squeezed this weekend with two other events so it is severely limiting the time we have on our own stage to prepare our own show....so any help you can give would be greatly appreciated on these dates:

Tue Nov 25 10am-6pm
Unbolt seats, build extension, install traps
Wed Nov 26 10am-6pm
Finish Tuesday work, paint extension
Thu Nov 27 10am-6pm
Cut out foam set pieces, paint castle and kansas backdrops, finish traps
Fri Nov 28 10am - until concert!
Paint
Sat Nov 29 10am - until Sat night show arrives
Haul flats, props, platforms, continue painting backdrops, put up castle flats, strike electric
Sun Nov 30 10am-5:00pm
Assemble side stages, hang wizard, corn, balloon pieces
Mon Dec 1 10am-6pm
Assemble castle, paint, trouble-shoot.

This is the tentative work schedule - the more help we have, the more we get done. The most important thing right now is building the extension Tue and Wed.

More set times for next week will be posted on Sunday.

Thank you.....

November 25th Rehearsal

2008-11-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal tonight at 6pm...Main Stage.....Running ACT TWO - top to bottom.

ALL cast appearing in ACT TWO please.
At end of rehearsal, we shall ask for help in moving tracks and travellers so we can put up the drops....thanks for your help in advanace

November 24 Rehearsal and Costuming

2008-11-23T18:15:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal November 24 (Monday) will be on the Main Stage. Running Act One.
All cast except Munchkins/Snowpeople. We will be running Scenes 1-5, 8-13, including the singing for the poppies.

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The Costumer will be at the Warehouse at 5pm on Mon and Tue to finish pulling and checking costumes...

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Check the countdown timer at the Upper Right of the page.....not much time folks to finish cleaning and rehearsing.....please be at all rehearsals you are scheduled for and be on time.
Thanks

Sunday November 23

2008-11-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Rehearsals for today Sunday November 23:

Little Theatre 3pm - Dorothy and Triplets for Dance rehearsals.... plus trees

Little Theatre 5:30-7:30pm Munchkins, Glinda, Wicked Witch, Dorothy

We shall clean up the Munchkinland scenes....

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Monday November 24th rehearsal will be on the Main Stage....we shall run all ACT ONE scenes, EXCEPT MUNCHKINDLAND....No Munchkins needed Monday Night. Everyone else - YES. Ozians please come so we can rehearse your music for the poppy scene....bring yourself and your patience....

Dance Rehearsal Sat Nov 22 / Costume Note!

2008-11-21T14:39:00.001-08:00

Dance Rehearsal for Sat. Nov 22 is at 1pm at Studio 22 - Ozians and Jitterbugs please....

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TO ALL CAST:
The Costumer will be at the Warehouse Mon Nov 24 and Tue Nov 25 at 5pm both nights. If you do NOT have a costume picked, or need alterations done, you MUST see her either one of those nights.

According to our lists, the following people have not been costumed:

Priscilla Earhart, Ameila Eiger, Michelle Schull, Sara Toombs, Aaron Hoffman, and Grace Burwell. You need to get to the warehouse and pick out a costume OR bring in something for approval before Tuesday evening's rehearsal.

***Just because you think a costume isn't sexy does not mean you can wear just anything...if you don't want to wear the costumes that are picked out for you for that reason, then we have the breathing room to have you leave the show. We are not interested in your vanity.***

If you have been costumed, THANK YOU for your cooperation....

The Wizard.

Note from Director

2008-11-20T19:27:00.001-08:00

Well folks, we open THREE weeks from tonight (Thursday Nov 20). It's been a privilege to work with all of you so far in getting this show off the ground.

Lest we become complacent, I want to take a moment to say that now we are entering into the crunch time. I encourage you ALL to re-read your schedules and clear all conflicts from your personal lives. Your commitment to doing this show now must become Priority Number One....we still have several scenes that while blocked, have never been fully rehearsed with everyone in them because of multiple conflicts preventing people from being at rehearsal.

You will note that Friday Dec 5 is a TBA. This means To Be Announced and I will determine before then if a rehearsal is needed that night. So, the best rule of thumb here would be NOT to schedule anything for that night. Please don't assume that we won't use it.

We have sold almost 1000 tickets as of 4pm today (990 to be precise)....that is 46% of our total seating with 3 weeks to go. BUY BUY BUY those tickets everyone.

Again, thank you so much for doing the show - please make this your number one priority of your extra-curricular activities from this point forward. You owe it to yourself, to your fellow cast mates, and to the patrons who will be coming to see the show.

Take care,

Ted

NOV 20TH 7PM DANCE REHEARSAL CANCELLED!

2008-11-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

Tonight's Ozian Dance Rehearsal at 7pm at St. John's is CANCELLED due to the threat of the weather.

The next dance rehearsal is Saturday Nov 22 at 1pm at Studio 22.

NOV 20 REHEARSAL CANCELLED!

2008-11-20T07:43:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal for November 20th at 6pm has been CANCELLED.

The NWS has issued a Lake Effect Snow Watch for the area through Friday night, calling for 2-4 inches today and 3-5 inches tonight. Due to the forecast and the recommendation against travel, we will cancel tonight's rehearsal for everyone.

Please stay warm, at home, and safe!

Thanks everyone - Ted and the crew.

Rehearsal Nov 20 and Costume Note.....

2008-11-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal for Thursday November 20th-6pm Little Theatre.
All Winkie and Monkey scenes .... need Dorothy, Triplets, Wicked Witch, Monkeys, Winkies,Winkie General.....

------------------------------------------------------
So the Wizard has heard that some Ozians think the Ozian costumes aren't "Sexy" enough. We've also heard that they want to rent their own. Spread the word - all costumes get approved by Ted prior to dress rehearsal. There is no budget to rent costumes individually; anyone who does will not be allowed to perform.

If being "sexy" is necessary for you to be on stage, then might the Wizard suggest you are in the wrong show. This is a family show - with children in the cast. All cast will wear the costumes that are selected from the show and approved by the Director. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The Wizard knows who you are!

Rehearsal and Floats and Bios - OH MY! Nov 19

2008-11-19T06:51:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Rehearsal Wed November 19 Little Theatre 6pm
Working Act Two Haunted Forest Scenes - need Dorothy, Triplets, Jitterbug, Monkeys, Ghosts

---------------------------------------------------

To everyone in the cast and parents of everyone in the cast of Wizard of Oz, There’s no place like . . . Franklin, especially during Light Up Night!!!

This Saturday, November 22, 2008, the Barrow Civic Theatre will be participating in the Electric Light Parade. Come join the fun and support BCT!!! This year’s float theme will be The Wizard of Oz. Construction of the float will commence at 9:00 A.M. at the production warehouse located on 12th Street, where you go to get your costumes. Please come and help decorate the float if you can. The more people we have, the less time it will take.

If you are riding on the float, please be at the production warehouse at 4:30 P.M. on Saturday, November 22, 2008. Line-up is at 5:00 P.M. Our Line-up location is Railroad Street. DRESS WARM!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, we’re off to see . . . Franklin!!!

-----------------------------------------------------

Due to the large size of the cast, we will need BIOS from the following cast members only:
Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, Glinda, Wicked Witch, Guard/Nikko, Winkie General, Jitterbug, Munchkin Mayor, Munchkin Coroner, Munchkin Barrister

Please turn them in Sunday Nov 23 to Corky or Ted.

Rehearsal Notes Nov 18-21

2008-11-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hello folks, the Wizard is back online and back to the blog....thanks for your patience....

Rehearsals for the coming week:

Tue Nov 18-6pm Little Theatre
Dorothy and Triplets - Work Music/King of the Forest

Wed Nov 19-6pm Little Theatre
Act Two-Scenes 6 & 7: Haunted Forest (Jitterbug/Monkeys)
Need Dorothy, Triplets, Jitterbug, Ghosts, Monkies

Thu Nov 20-6pm Little Theatre
Work ALL Winkie Scenes and Trees
Act One Scenes 10 & 11
Act Two Scenes 5, 8, 9, 10

Saturday November 15th

2008-11-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

Hello Ozians.....
Dance Rehearsal Sat 10am-12pm at Studio 22.

COSTUME SESSION - Sat 12:00pm-1:30pm at the Warehouse on 12th Street. ANYONE who does not yet have a costume please come by...

Thank you all for your hard work. Repetition and review can be annoying but you will be fantastic....and don't we all want to be the best on stage. With over 800 people already ticketed for the show, you will be showered with love and appreciation from the audience.

As part of the 50th Anniversary Year, this show is shaping up to close out the year with a bang. Back in 1959, a small group of theatre-minded citizens got together and founded Franklin Civic Operetta. In 1993 they opened the Barrow-Civic Theatre as their permanent home. We are all following in the footsteps of thousands of actors, directors, costumers, muscicians, set builders, and more devoted people as we work from the next 28 days on The Wizard.

Keep smiling .... keep plugging away.....keep dreaming of the rainbow....

Ted

Rehearsal November 13th

2008-11-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday Night's rehearsal is in the Little Theatre
Rehearsing Act TWO - Scenes 5-8-9-10 6pm
Dorothy, Triplets, Wicked Witch, Nikko, Monkeys, Winkees!!!

We're cleaning theses scenes and working them.....

ALSO----Ozian Dance Review at 7pm at St. Johns Episcopal....keep working and cleaning folks - this is your big number and your shot to wow everyone!

Rehearsal Wed November 12th

2008-11-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

And we chug on.....

Tonight's rehearsal is Act Two - Scenes 6, 7, and 11 - will need Dorothy, Triplets, Ghosts, Monkeys and Wizard!

We are practicing in the Little Theatre again....

Costuming and Rehearsal Tue Nov 11th

2008-11-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

We will be at the warehouse from 4-6pm for everyone to pick out their costumes, try them on, and tag them. The warehouse is on 12th Street.

Rehearsal is at 6pm in the LITTLE THEATRE. ALL Ozians, inc. Dorothy and Triplets.....we will run Act Two Scenes 2-11-12- focusing on Scene Two.....we will do catch-up on Winkies and Monkeys as well....

PLEASE ATTEND....

Rehearsals for next few days...Nov 8-10

2008-11-07T06:40:00.001-08:00

Hello folks, I'll be out of town for a few days so I am posting Sat, Sun and Mon rehearsals together....

Sat November 8 - Main Stage
1:oopm - Polishers, Manicurists, Stuffers, "Rub Rub girls"
2:00pm - All Ozians, inc Dorothy, Triplets, Guard
3:00pm - Jitterbug including ghosts

Sun November 9 - Main Stage
5:30pm - Munckins, Dorothy, Glinda, Wicked Witch - finish scene 6 and move into scene 7

7:00pm - ALL OZIANS (that means you) - continue Act Two-Scene 2...work ozian scenes.

Mon November 10 - Little Theatre
6pm - Dorothy, Triplets, Guard, Wizard - Act Two Scenes 1, 4; also Scenes 3 and 11

Please give your undivided attention to Jackie, Lux, and the Stage Mgr/Producers this weekend. We have five weeks from YESTERDAY before we open....we are in the cleaning and reviewing stage now but we need your help! Check your conflicts - if you can clear any of them, please do so. If you have conflicts that cannot be cleared, please STUDY your lines and movement - I will be expecting people to be "OFF-BOOK" soon so we can work characters....

BUY BUY BUY your tickets!!!! Get your family and friends in the "good seats" closer to the stage NOW before they end up further back. THE SHOW IS NOT SOLD OUT but it selling briskly....over 600 TICKETS SOLD ALREADY (out of 2200 available seats).....

See you Monday night and next week...thanks to everyone for all the hard work.

Thursday November 6th Rehearsal

2008-11-06T06:39:00.001-08:00

There is no Youth Theatre rehearsal tonight, so all Ozians can participate in the Ozian Dance Review at St. John's Episcopal Church, corner of 12th and Buffalo Streets.

On the Main Stage we will be working Act One Scene 8-13: Dorothy, Triplets, Crows, Trees, Snowkins, Glinda, Wicked Witch

Dorothy and Triplets at 6pm (sans Lion who is excused)

Can we have Crows at 6pm, Trees at 6:30pm, Wicked Witch at 6:30pm, Glinda at 7pm

Crows and Trees when finished can return to Dance Review.

34 DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT. Please pay close attention to the schedule and make EVERY attempt to be at rehearsal unless you have a bona-fide conflict. Your fellow cast depends on you to be there as part of the team.

Rehearsals Wed Nov 5 and Thur Nov 6

2008-11-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Nov 5 - Dorothy and Wizard Act One Scene 2 and 4 - Main Stage.

FOR THURSDAY NOV 6 - There is no Youth Theatre rehearsal now on Thursday this week, so all Ozians can participate in the Ozian Dance Review.

On the Main Stage we will be working Act One Scene 8-13: Dorothy, Triplets, Crows, Trees, Snowkins, Glinda, Wicked Witch

Dorothy and Triplets at 6pm (sans Lion who is excused)
Can we have Crows at 6pm, Trees at 6:30pm, Wicked Witch at 6:30pm, Glinda at 7pm
Crows and Trees when finished can return to Dance Review.

35 days to Opening Night

Rehearsal Tue November 4 (Election Day)

2008-11-04T06:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight's rehearsal at 6pm Little Theatre.

Act One Scenes 1-3-5 (Kansas Farm Scenes)....we will also do Lion's scene Act One-12.

VOTE TODAY IF YOU ARE REGISTERED.....

Vote NO on Proposition 22 - Greater Water quality for Wicked Witches.

Vote YES on Proposition 56 - $200,000,000 bond debt to repair and re-pave the yellow brick road.

Rehearsal Monday November 3

2008-11-03T06:58:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal on November 3 is Act Two, Scene One and Four - Dorothy, Triplets, and Guard....for Exterior Entrance and Exit of Emerald City scenes - Little Theatre

Sunday November 2 Rehearsals

2008-11-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

4:00 pm - Costumes at Warehouse on 12th Street-Munchkins, Winkies, assorted available cast.

5:30pm-Munchkin Ensemble

7:00pm - Ozian Ensemble (including Winkies, Monkeys, Trees, Crows, and Dorothy/Triplets, Witches)

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to the cast and crew of OZ!

Rehearsal Saturday November 1-1pm on Main Stage

Ozian Dance rehearsals continue (all Ozians, Dorothy, Triplets, Guard). We're pressing on with the big dance number and scene.

Wed October 29th

2008-10-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

Busy day for Oz tonight:

5:00pm Production Meeting for production Crew in the Board Room.

6:00pm Head shots for selected cast members in the lobby.

6:00pm Main Stage rehearsal for reviewing Dorothy and Triplets, Witches if available.

No Rehearsal Tuesday October 28th

2008-10-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

There will be NO rehearsal on Tuesday October 28th for Wizard of Oz.
We have gotten ahead on the schedule (again) and have already blocked the scenes.

Enjoy the night off...... Head shots for selected actors are scheduled for Wed at 6pm (see entry below).

Thanks

Head Shot Photos for Wizard of Oz

2008-10-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

The following cast members are been selected to have the head shot photos taken on Wed October 29th at 6:00pm in the Lobby of the Theatre:
Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, Glinda, Wicked Witch, Munchkin Mayor, Emerald City Guard, Winkie General, Nikko

We have headshots already for Toto, Tin Man, Mayor and Scarecrow. If you would like to have your headshot taken for future shows, please feel free to come down between 6pm and 7pm.

Introducing Munchkin Mayor

2008-10-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

David Zlotnicki is cast in the Wizard of Oz as Mayor of Munchkinland. He most recently appeared in The Sound of Music as Kurt von Trapp. David is very active in theatre, most notably in the FCOA Youth Theatre. Look for David to be leading the Munchkins in welcoming Dorothy to Munchkinland.

David is shown here modeling the ears making up the Munchkin costume.

Rehearsal October 27

2008-10-26T18:56:00.001-07:00

Rehearsal for Monday October 27 is on the Main Stage.
Rehearsing Act One Scene 10 and 11.
Need Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Wicked Witch, Trees

Rehearsals Sunday October 26th

2008-10-26T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday October 26th

4:00pm Munchkin Costume Meeting-for all munchkins who are available. We shall be at the Warehouse on 12th Street (near the Child Development Center).

5:30pm Munchkin Rehearsal Main Stage. Continue work on Scenes 6 and 7

7:00pm Act Two Scenes 6 and 7 (Haunted Forest-Jitterbug, Dorothy, Triplets, Ghosts and Monkeys)

Wizard of Oz stories needed...

2008-10-24T08:28:00.001-07:00

Hello cast and crew,
We are planning a series of press releases and stories to promote Wizard of Oz and wish to have some of your stories about Wizard in them. So we're looking for stories about things like growing up with Wizard of Oz, being in the show before, watching it every year on TV, meeting a munchkin in real life, being scared of the Witch, etc etc etc.

If you have something you would like to share, please type up a small paragraph and email it back to me. We will use them in the releases and also feature them on the blog.....

Thanks ,Ted

Rehearsal Sat. October 25th

2008-10-24T07:42:00.001-07:00

Dance rehearsal is scheduled for Sat. October 25th in the LOBBY of the theatre (due to a chamber orchestra rehearsal on the main stage).

1:00pm Oz Ensemble-continue working on Merry Old Land of Oz.

3:00pm Jitterbug-Dorothy and Triplets, Ghosts (from Oz Ensemble).

See you Sat.

No Rehearsal Thursday Oct 23

2008-10-23T07:24:00.001-07:00

We will not be having rehearsal on Thursday October 23rd as we have made progress ahead of the schedule. So enjoy a night off for Dorothy, Scarecrow and the Crows....

Reminder that Saturday's dance rehearsal is now 1pm for all Ozians to continue work on Act Two-Scene 2; and Jitterbug at 3pm with Dorothy and the Triplets, plus selected ghosts.

Note from Director

2008-10-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! That is all I can say! Wow!

What an amazing experience so far we have had with this show and our casting and rehearsals. From an almost unheard 121 people auditioning to one of the largest casts (if not the largest outside of Youth Theatre) to hit the BCT stage, the Wizard is making Barrow history. I am really thrilled over the response of the cast to jump right in and learn lines, blocking and choreography. The response to the addition of a second matinee has been enthusiastic-and why not. Any additional chance to show off the talents, skills, and personalities that this cast possesses is welcomed.

And we have an amazing production management team. From "Lux" on Music and "Jacks" on Choregraphy, to our assistant "Stump" and producters, Ed on the set, and many more....we are well on our way to a fantastic end to Civic's 50th Anniversary year.

Last night, Jane Judson, one of Civic's founding members, sat in on rehearsal. As I always do when I see Jane, I took the opportunity to ask what she thought. She was delighted to see so many people interested in carrying on the Civic tradition of community theatre and can't wait to see the show.

And we still have a few tricks up our sleeves.....

Kudos to all in the cast and crew. You are what is making this show!

Ted

Rehearsal Wed October 22

2008-10-22T07:23:00.001-07:00

Tonight's rehearsal is music for the principles - Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Glinda, plus Guard, Trees, and Crows on Main Stage.

We will also try to fit in some blocking catch-up for anyone who has missed and work ahead on some areas. Please be patient tonight as we will be working as best we can.

Main Stage tonight.

Wizard of Oz adds SECOND MATINEE Dec 13 at 2pm

2008-10-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

Dateline: Franklin, PA

In a bold and forward move, the FCOA Board of Directors, in discussion with the Wizard of Oz production team, has added a FIFTH show to the Oz schedule. We are now pleased to present a Saturday Matinee at 2pm on December 13th, in addition to our other scheduled shows.

Tickets are available for all five performances: Thursday Dec 11 at 8pm (Opening Night), Friday Dec 12 at 8pm, Saturday December 13th at 2pm AND 8pm, and Sunday December 14th at 2pm.

Don't wait until the last minute. Contact the Box Office at 814-437-3440 or 1-800-537-7769 to order your tickets.

October 21 Rehearsal-Tuesday 6pm

2008-10-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

We shall be in the Little Theatre tonight rehearsing music with the Ozians, and Dorothy and the Triplets. 6pm - please use the Side Alley Door (same as auditions) as their is a grant award ceremony in the theatre tonight. Bring your script and music.

You might want to bring a jacket or sweater as the Little Theatre has been chilly for a few days.

Oct 20th Rehearsal

2008-10-20T07:11:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal for Monday October 20th is at 6pm and we will be working the Kansas Scenes (Act One-Scenes 1, 3, 5 and Act Two Scene 14). Need Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, Miss Gultch/Wicked Witch and Toto.

We shall be in the Lobby to start at 6pm. Use alley door to come into the lobby.

A couple of cast pics....

2008-10-19T18:29:00.001-07:00

Molly Burkett poses with Moesley....Molly is playing Dorothy and Moesley is playing Toto in this production of Wizard of Oz. They've been bonding at rehearsal and ready to hit the road.

Music Director Steve Luxbacher begins a music rehearsal with the Munchkins.

Sunday Rehearsal Oct 19th

2008-10-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal Schedule for October 19th (Sunday)

5:30pm Munchkin Ensemble to rehearse Act One-Scene 6&7

7:00pm Oz Ensemble-work on staging for Act Two-Scene 2 and Scene 12
(all Ozians inc. Trees, Crows, Monkeys, and Winkies, and all Emerald City folk)

We will be rehearsing on Main Stage-use Back Entrance on Buffalo St.

Rehearsal Sat. Oct 18

2008-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday's rehearsal (Oct 18) will be at 1pm on the Main Stage. We will begin choreographing Act II-Scene II, Emerald City, "Merry Old Land of Oz." Please come in comfortable clothing and footwear to dance in. Use the Buffalo St. entrance to the back of the theatre.

All Ozians (everyone cast for Emerald City AND Monkies/Winkies/Trees/Crows), plus Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and Emerald City Guard.

Rehearsal Oct 16

2008-10-16T05:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight's rehearsal (Thur Oct 16) will be on the Main Stage - will need Dorothy, Toto and Professor/Wizard to block Scenes I-4 and I-2.

Cast Meetings Tonight (Oct 15)

2008-10-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Cast meetings will be held tonight for all cast in the Wizard of Oz on the Main Stage:
6pm - Munchkin Ensemble (including Snowkins)
7pm - Ozian Ensemble (including Trees, Crows, Winkies and Monkeys)

We will be handing out and discussing rehearsal information and expectations, t-shirt order forms, and scripts/singing materials. Please be prepared to have your $20 refundable deposit ready for all rented script materials you are using. This deposit will be returned at the end of the show when your materials are returned on-time and in good condition. Checks payable to FCOA.

See all cast tonight!

CAST ANNOUNCEMENT!

2008-10-13T15:52:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that filming began on the MGM movie" The Wizard of Oz" starring Judi Garland....so it is only fitting we announce....

The following people have been invited to be part of the cast for FCOA's 2008 50th Anniversary production of The Wizard of Oz!

A finalized cast list will be presented in about a week when additional parts are assigned in rehearsals.

Dorothy Gale- Molly Burkett
Toto- Moesley Holland-Smith
Aunt Em- Peg Hennessy
Uncle Henry- Tom Last
Zeke/ Cowardly Lion- Mike Leisher
Hickory/Tin Woodsman- Jacob Krupitzer
Hunk/ Scarecrow- Bret Sloan

Professor Chester Marvel/ Wizard of Oz- Justin Stewart
Miss Almira Gultch/Wicked Witch of the West- Jaime Agnello
Glinda, Good Witch of the North- Linda Leisher

Munchkin Ensemble:
Mayor- David Zlotnicki
Samuel Bishop, Wesley Bishop, Bridget Carter, Makenzie Cavalline, Hannah Dean, Hannah Dickson, Sydney Dunlap, Kachina Earhart, Lauren Greenlee, Kristina Hartle, Maria Kleck, Steven Kline, Ashlyne Lawrence, Grace Lawrence, Katie Lawson, Hannah McQuaide, Rachel Marlatt, Cole Perrine, Jordyn Plymire, Chloe Rapp, Isabel Romanowski, Gabriella Russell, Olivia Russell, Ryan Schiffer, Regan Scott, Ali Shepard, Caroline Stevens, Car Sorrena
The roles of Coroner, Barrister, City Fathers, Tots (Lullaby Guild), Tough Guys (Lollipop League), Fiddler, Braggart, and School Teachers will be assigned in rehearsals.
Some of the Munchkin Ensemble will be asked to be Ghosts and Snow People (for poppy scene).

Emerald City Ensemble
Emerald City Guard- James A. Parker
Destanie Armagost, Stephen Bishop, Liesl Bittner, Ben Bodamer, Jeri Bolton, Brett Broatz, Gracie Burwell, Stephen Dennis, John Dominic-Heim, Kirk Douglass, Priscilla Earhart, Amelia Eiger, Karen Eismont, Jenna Fulkerson, Miya Gossett, Allison Greenlee, Molly Hennessy, Arron Hoffman, Mike Hovis, Anne Marie Hutchinson, Lizzy Ivell, Darcie Jenkins, Jill Kellner, Katie Kirby-Rogers, Amanda Knecht, Chris Knecht, Leisel Kober, Joy Lamphere, Alexa Larson, Dana Larson, Tim Lyons, Tara Martin, Hannah McCarthy, Tish McClintock, Geralyn McMullen, Theresa Nestor, Hallie Palmer, Joe Perrotti, Wendy Peterson, Teddy Polk, Aaron Ritsig, Andrew Ritsig, Taylor Russell, Jocelyn Sauer, Meghan Schill, Michelle Schull, Kathleen Thompson, Sara Toombs, Erika Vorse, Rachel Webb, Jenny Williams, Chrissy Wolfgong, Alyssa Zlotnicki
The roles of Beauticians, Polishers, Manicurists, speaking lines for Oz Men and Oz Woman will be assigned in rehearsals.Some of the Emerald City Ensemble will be asked to be Ghosts and Snow People (for poppy scene).

Witch’s Winkie Army (also in Ensemble)
General – Tim Lyons
Stephen Bishop, Ben Bodamer, Brett Broatz, John Dominic-Heim, Kirk Douglass, Arron Hoffman, Mike Hovis, Teddy Polk

Witch’s Monkeys (also in Ensemble)
Nikko (Commander of Monkeys) - Joe Perrotti
Destanie Armagost, Stephen Dennis, Jill Kellner, Chris Knecht, Alexa Larson, Geralyn McMullen, Jocelyn Sauer

Some cast will also be asked to fill additional Winkie and Monkey roles….

Forest Characters (also in Ensemble)
Crows- Aaron Ritsig, Andrew Ritsig
Trees - Liesl Bittner, Jeri Bolton, Gracie Burwell, Miya Gossett, Katie Kirby-Rogers, Sara Toombs

Snow People-to be determined from cast

Ghosts-to be determined from cast

Jitterbug-To be Announced.

Thank you to everyone who auditioned!

Cast Announcement to be posted at 8pm Monday 10/13/08

2008-10-13T07:16:00.001-07:00

The cast selection for Wizard of Oz will be posted at 8pm this evening. The production team is busy making calls today to all who have been cast and we thank you for your patience.

We are excited about the ethusiastic response to the audtions and had a long meeting last night to look through the pile of audition forms and make some difficult decisions.

Again, we hope to post the announcement tonight here on the blog around 8pm.

Cast Announcement to be made Monday

2008-10-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

The audition process has come to an end and what a process.

Records have been broken with 121 people auditioning for Wizard of Oz....eight full hours of auditions over three days. The production crew spent four hours in a casting meeting tonight and have selected a cast for the 50th Anniversary production of Wizard of Oz.

Notifications will take place on Monday Oct 13th. A cast meeting will take place on Wed Oct 15 at 6pm for Munchkin/Youth Ensemble and at 7pm for Leads/Oz ensemble/Winkie and Monkey ensemble for those in the cast.

NOTE: We are in need of interested persons to help costume (even sew costumes) the show, plus stage crew and backstage monitors to help supervise the younger cast. Please email tedsmith.patio@gmail.com if you would like to help backstage in any of these roles.

Toto cast for Wizard of Oz

2008-10-10T11:37:00.001-07:00

The part of Toto has been cast for FCOA's production of "The Wizard of Oz."

Toto will be played by Moesley Holland-Smith, a delightful seven year old shih-tzu from Franklin, PA.

Moesley is no stranger to the Barrow-Civic Theatre stage. He made a cameo appearence in the 2006 Production of "The Hollow" and was a featured ensemble performer in the 2007 production of "Sweet Charity" appearing in the Central Park opening sequence and in the Pompeii Club.

Moesely enjoys eating treats, teasing cats, and watching Animal Planet and Clean House.

Auditions continue....

2008-10-10T05:25:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who auditioned on Thursday night for the show....there was an amazing turnout of 80 people and we are very excited. And thanks for your patience those who came out to audition. We moved the process as quickly as we could while still giving each individual actor/actress the attention they deserved.

Further auditions for adults are taking place Sat 10/11 at 2pm and Sun 10/12 at 4pm. All roles, except for Toto, are open to be auditioned for. See you on the road...

AUDITIONS BEGIN!

2008-10-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Come on, come all. Auditions begin for The Wizard of Oz tonight!

Tonight (10/9) at 6pm for Youth at the Little Theatre, Barrow-Civic Theatre. Use the alley door - audition forms can be downloaded above right, or filled out at auditions.

General auditions continue Sat 10/11 at 2pm and Sun 10/12 at 4pm. If you cannot make tonight, please email the director at tedsmith.patio@gmail.com and we can make arrangements for you to audition this weekend.

See you at the beginning of the yellow brick road....

from the 1939 MGM Motion Picture starring Judy Garland

ONE MORE DAY!

2008-10-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

One more day until auditions begin for the smash production of Wizard of Oz at the Barrow-Civic. Youth auditions are Thursday Oct 9 at 6pm....

The production staff have been in full swing getting the show together. Set designs are being completed today and look great. Over half our props have been gathered. And we will have a brand new green backdrop curtain we are making for this show and which will be in the theatre inventory.

Hope to see you either Thursday or this weekend (Oct 11 at 2m or Oct 12 at 4pm) for auditions...parts for all ages, small or large parts....

AUDITIONS APPROACHING

2008-10-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

The Audition dates for Wizard of Oz are fast approaching....all ages are encouraged and invited to audition for all roles in the show.

Youth Auditions: Thursday Oct 9 at 6pm
General Auditions: Saturday Oct 11 at 2pm and Sunday October 12 at 4pm

You can click the link above right to download the audition info ahead of time or you can fill it out when you audition. Please use the Alley Door of the Barrow-Civic Theatre.

We are not auditioning dogs for the part of Toto.

See you at auditions

Characters in the Wizard of Oz.

2008-10-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

These are the roles/parts that we are looking to cast this coming week in auditions....

Dorothy-A young girl frustrated with her sheltered life and yearning for adventure “over the rainbow.”
Aunt Em-A stern yet loving mother-figure and Dorothy’s guiding light.
Uncle Henry-Father figure to Dorothy and owner of the farm.
Hunk/Scarecrow-farmhand and companion of Dorothy in Oz; looking for a brain.
Hickory/Tin Man-farmhand and companion of Dorothy in Oz; looking for a heart.
Zeke/Cowardly Lion-farmhand and companion of Dorothy in Oz; looking for “da nerve”.
Miss Gultch/Wicked Witch of the West-Seeks vengeance on Dorothy who she believed killed her Sister, the Witch of the East.
Professor Marvel/Wizard of OZ-a charlatan; pretends to be knowledgeable and powerful to cover up his insecurities
Glinda the Good Witch of the North-Dorothy’s guiding light and protector through OZ.

The Munchkins-the childlike inhabitants of Munchkin Land, under protection of Glinda. Large ensemble including the following roles: Mayor, Barrister, Coroner, Tots, Tough Guys (lollipop guild), Fiddler, Braggart, School Teachers, City Fathers

The Emerald City Citizens-care-free, fun-loving inhabitants of the wonderful capital of OZ. Large ensemble including the following roles: Guard, Beauticians, Polishers, Manicurists, and several speaking parts.

Winkie General and the Winkie Army-enslaved by the Wicked Witch to do her bidding.

Nikko, Monkey Commander, and the Monkeys – “pet” enforcers of the Wicked Witch.

The Crows and The Trees – inhabitants of the forest; sing with Scarecrow and Tin Man.

The Jitterbug – enchants Dorothy and her companions, helped by the Ghosts who inhabit the forest.

All ages are encouraged to audition.

We are also looking interested individuals to be on the stage crew, which will have a vital part in bringing the show together.

Wizard of Oz poster released

2008-10-02T20:17:00.001-07:00

The fantastic folks at Seneca Printing Express have printed the official Wizard of Oz poster. Look for them going up around town....feel free to copy from here and post on your facebook, myspace, or anywhere people will see it...

Props are already being assembled and costumes pulled. See you at auditions!

The Wizard

Let the Music Live.....in Oz!

2008-09-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

We're looking for a musical accompanist for the production to play at auditions, rehearsals and the show. This has a stipend attached to it from the theatre. If you, or any musically-inclined person you know, may be interested, email the director at tedsmith.patio@gmail.com.

Auditions are Oct 9,11,12 - rehearsals are generally Sun-Thur until tech and show weeks; smaller conflicts can be worked around. Show dates are December 11-14, 2008.

Oz Audition Packet available online

2008-09-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

The audition packet is available online to download for your convenience.

Visit www.barrowtheatre.com/ozaudition.pdf to download the PDF version of the packet, which contains information on the show and the audition process. Please bring pages 5 and 6 with you to your audition - you will be assigned an audition number when you arrive.

Even if you download the audition packet ahead of time, you must still appear at the live auditions Oct 9 at 6pm (for youth), Oct 11 at 2pm and Oct 12 at 4pm for adults.

Barrow-Civic Theatre to hold Wizard of Oz auditions!

2008-09-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Barrow-Civic Theatre will hold auditions for it’s upcoming production of the family classic “The Wizard of Oz” on October 9, 11, and 12.

Based on the book by L. Frank Baum, the beloved MGM movie comes to life on the stage. A twister carries Dorothy Gale (and her little dog, too) away from her Kansas farm and "Over the Rainbow". In this strange and colorful new world she meets the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion. Together, they "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" to seek help from the wonderful Wizard of Oz. But the Wicked Witch of the West has darker plans for our heroes. Songs include "Over the Rainbow", "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead", "If I Only Had A Brain", "We're Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road)", and more!

Produced by Franklin Civic Operetta Association, “The Wizard of Oz” will play for four shows December 11-14 at the Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin PA. The show is being directed by Ted Smith, who has previously directed “Sweet Charity,” “The Hollow” and the FCOA 50th Anniversary Gala. Music Direction will be by Steven Luxbacher.

Both singing and non-singing acting roles are available. Singers should be prepared to sing a prepared piece of music from musical theatre. All youth auditioning for the part of Dorothy should be prepared to sing “Over the Rainbow.” An accompanist will be provided. CDs must not have background vocals, and a cappella is acceptable. Actors will be required to read excerpts from the script. All roles are open. The production is looking for actors of all ages; both children and adults are encouraged to audition for the show.

Youth auditions will take place on Thursday October 9th at 6pm at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty Street, Franklin PA. General auditions will take place on Saturday October 11 at 2pm and Sunday October 12 at 4pm. Please use the alley door off the Little Theatre. Audition forms can be filled out the day of auditions; they can also be obtained at the Barrow-Civic Theatre Box Office, Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm; or by emailing the director at tedsmith.patio@gmail.com. No appointment is necessary for auditions.

The production is also looking for interested individuals for our production crew, including set construction, costuming, props, and stage crew. If you are interested in being on the crew, please contact the theatre at the information above.

For more information, please contact the theatre at 814-432-5196 or email tedsmith.patio@gmail.com. “The Wizard of Oz” is the final show of the 2008 Franklin Civic Operetta Association Season of Shows at the Barrow-Civic Theatre, 1223 Liberty Street, Franklin PA, 16323. www.barrowtheatre.com