Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue. And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
(ROCKWALL/HEATH, TX – April 11, 2015) For those who grew up watching Wizard of Oz on television, it is truly a dream come true to see it performed live on stage. Rockwall Community Playhouse director Darlene Singleton is bringing the American classic to life during the month of May.
Local actors and actresses who have had those iconic roles on their bucket lists can’t believe that their dreams have come true, including Mayor of Heath Lorne Liechty who was cast as the Wonderful Wizard himself!
“This show has been one of my very favorite shows since the first time I watched it as a child with my parents and grandparents on a black-and-white TV. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to play the role of Oz with a cast of friends and neighbors right here in Rockwall County,” said Mayor Liechty.
Even assistant director Palmer Ragsdale is star struck. “It’s so much fun to be a part of the creative process with the fantastic costumes and sets! I want to stay in Oz!” she exclaims.
Wiloni Darrington and Tommy Redfearn are designing the amazing costumes and sets for the show; Ashley Markgraf is choreographing all those Munchkins; Darci Ramirez is coaching the vocal talent, and Brandy Fields is making things run smoothly backstage.
The cast is made up of 49 actors and actresses ranging in age from 15 months to 75 years of age. Rockwall-Heath senior Kenzie Osborn can’t believe she is playing Dorothy. “During my childhood it was a rare occasion when I wasn’t running around my house in my ruby slippers!” she laughs.
Fellow RHHS student Micah Brooks is playing Scarecrow. Offstage they are the best of friends, so their camaraderie onstage is effortless. Joining them are: Jenell Sheppard (Auntie Em/Glinda), Rob Richardson (Tin Woodsman), Christy Brown (Zelda/Cowardly Lioness), Judy Perser (Almira Gultch/Wicked Witch), and Gene Fields (Uncle Henry) to name a few.
Rounding out the cast are: Tim Wright, Sam Shelden, Tucker Souther, Maddie Rosenbalm, Allie Magee, Avery Trevino, Norma Muncy, Randy Wiley, Heidi Yoder, Abbie Mayfield, Lesa Dietz, Augustin Martinez, Aubrey Blake, Chloe Poston, Jack Hopkins, James Taylor, Kayla Scott, Aiden Valentine, Jaylyn Gober, Holden Magee, Cassia Darrington, Campbell Smith, Ryan Kester, Mika Cagle, Austin Darrington, Nhira Iverson, Gaby White, Jessie Prince, Addison Kimmell, Eliza Lane, Rylan Ramirez, Max Watson, Landon Wynne, Bridger Darrington, Blakely Lewis, Jillian Brim, Anne-Marie Thacker, Bre Compton, Hannah Estes, Mackenzie Lewis, and youngest actor, Grayson Tate. Last but not least is furry cast member, Bella Watson, as Toto.
Darlene Singleton said, “Directing the Wizard of Oz is truly one show that takes a village of volunteers to get it together. There are many folks working behind the scenes to get us onstage. I am so grateful to Wiloni Darrington and her team of costumers. They are working around the clock to costume the cast. The makeup will be amazing, thanks to the talented Ashley Reeves. With over 80 people auditioning we were able to cast really great talent. I can’t wait to see it all come together on the RCP stage.”
TICKETS
Tickets are available online at rockwallcommunityplayhouse.com, by calling 972-722-3399, or at the box office 30 minutes before show time. Performances are already selling out, though, so purchase tickets early. Show dates are May 15-17, 22-24 & 29-31. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday/Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Additional performances may be added.
Submitted by Mary Thacker.
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