Preparing for "The Wizard of Oz"

The Vista Arts Center will return to the stage at The Ivoryton Playhouse, after last year’s sell-out success of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, with the beloved musical adventure, The Wizard of Oz! The Wizard of Oz affords members of the shoreline theatre community the opportunity to join with Vista members to tell the story of Dorothy’s adventure in the Land of Oz. Using simple props and scenic elements, the all-ability cast portrays characters from L. Frank Baum’s story and performs musical numbers from the beloved movie.

Like last year, Vista members will perform on stage and provide support backstage, but this year Vista members also had the opportunity to be involved with the production and support their peers while showcasing their own talents and abilities. A group of Vista members worked to create promotional videos for the show by interviewing cast and crew members to learn more about what it takes to put on a show of this magnitude. Another group of Vista members greatly contributed to the show by creating the scenic elements for the show which will be projected on stage. These efforts and the inclusive nature of this production are sure to set the show apart and provide a memorable version of The Wizard of Oz, like you’ve never seen before!

With Pat Souney as director and Apollo Smile as choreographer, the Vista production of The Wizard of Oz will certainly entertain audiences of all ages and transport them to discover the wondrous worlds of Oz while remembering, there’s no place like home.

In a special partnership with Ivoryton Playhouse, The Wizard of Oz will open on February 13, 2015 at 7:30 PM. Additional performances will be held on February 14 at 7:30 pm and February 15 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org.

For additional information, please contact Amanda Roberts at aroberts@vistavocational.org or (860) 399-8080.

Vista Arts Center is an arts program of Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center, a non-profit community-based, training program providing services and resources to individuals with disabilities.