Special to IFN
Follow the yellow brick road as Center Stage Alliance presents a delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz,” which opens March 20 and runs through March 30, at Mac Gray Auditorium in Statesville.
This timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, features the iconic musical score from the MGM film and is a faithful adaptation of the MGM classic. A technically complex production, it recreates the dialogue and structure of the film nearly scene for scene, adapted for live stage performance.
Directed by Jennifer D. Grant, with music director Marcia Wooten, the show features a stellar cast of adults and children from Statesville and surrounding areas, with Echo Myers playing Dorothy (Piper Collins as Dorothy’s understudy), Jackie Grant as Glinda, and Kim Stroud as the Wicked Witch of the West.
“As a first-time director tackling The Wizard of Oz, I quickly realized that the true magic of the show lies not only in its whimsical world but in the heart of its message — discovering the courage, heart, and wisdom within ourselves,” said Grant. “With an incredibly talented cast and crew, we have worked together to bring that message to life on stage, crafting a journey that is as much about the people behind the scenes as it is about the characters they portray.
“I am excited to finally give this to the audience to enjoy and let them experience the magic of Oz we’ve created over the past three months.”
Shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, with 3 p.m. performances set for March 23 and 30.
Mac Gray Auditorium is located on the campus of Statesville High School at 474 N. Center Street in Statesville.
SPONSORS
The Wizard of Oz would not be possible without the support of Griffin Insurance (DBA Leavitt Elite Insurance Advisors), Jordan Grant & Associates, Iredell Health System, the Iredell Arts Council, the North Carolina Arts Council, and many others.
TICKETS
Tickets are $20 and are available in advance online or at the door. Anyone who purchases a ticket at full price can return to see the show again for $5 after the first performance they attend, with proof of previous purchase and ID.
To purchase tickets in advance online, visit www.centerstagealliance.org. All admission is general seating.
About Center Stage Alliance
Center Stage Alliance, a 501(c)(3) community theatre group focused on youth education and community theatre, has a mission to create and unite through the arts. Center Stage Alliance aims to bring youth and the arts together, expanding knowledge in each area and creating quality group performances, projects, and shows for the community. Students receive professional training in the arts and learn to focus on individual growth while simultaneously working, united, toward a greater cause. Learn more at centerstagealliance.org.