Neighbor News
"The Wizard of Oz" Draws Sell-Out Crowds
The all-ability cast and crew presented two sold-out performances.
Audience members of all ages were transported to the Land of Oz this past weekend at the Ivoryton Playhouse, where the Vista Arts Center brought “The Wizard of Oz” to life. Despite Saturday’s performance being cancelled due to snow, the production was a huge success, playing to a full house Friday and Sunday.
The all-inclusive musical adventure united members of the Vista and shoreline theatre communities. The 32-person cast featured 20 Vista members and 12 community actors. Behind the scenes, 75 people helped with everything from costumes and props, to technical support and greeting audience members at the performances.
“It was a big team effort on all fronts,” said Vista Arts Center Manager Amanda Roberts.
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Many more Vista members lent their talents to production in the weeks leading up to the show. All the scenic elements for the show, which were projected onto the stage, were designed by a group of Vista members. These projections were also framed and displayed at Six Summit Gallery in Ivoryton.
Another group of Vista members interviewed cast and crew for a promotional behind-the-scenes video highlighting all the work that went into making this production of “The Wizard of Oz” a reality. The 2 and ½ minute video was shown at the start of each performance.
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This unforgettable retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale was directed by Pat Souney and choreographed by Apollo Smile.
If you missed the show, encore performances will be held at the Scranton Memorial Library in Madison on Thursday, March 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The evening will also feature over 50 works of art by Vista Arts Center artists, and performances by students in Vista Arts Center’s Acting & Improv and Musical Theatre classes.
Based in Madison and Westbrook, CT, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization. Vista’s mission is to provide services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success.
For more information regarding Vista, please visit www.vistavocational.org
