Frann Carnivele-Sidlow knows “The Wizard of Oz.”
The resident producer/director of the Orland Park Theatre Troupe, Carnivele-Sidlow has directed the show, portrayed Glenda the Good Witch, appeared as the Wicked Witch and played Adapearl in “The Wiz.”
“’The Wizard of Oz’ is the first musical I remember seeing with my family,” Carnivele-Sidlow recalled. “The movie is a long time family tradition and I probably know every character’s lines,” she said, smiling.
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Orland Park will hold auditions for “The Wizard of Oz,” Jan. 9-10. Performances, at the Carl Sandburg High School Performing Arts Center, will be April 29, 30 and May 1.
“The village has been privileged to use Carl Sandburg High School’s Performing Arts Center for its spring musicals for the last few years,” said Trustee Pat Gira, chair of the village’s Recreation, Parks and Environmental Initiatives Committee. “It is the perfect setting for the wonderful Broadway musicals that the Recreation Department produces and we’re grateful to District 230 for making this possible,” she added.
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“’The Wizard of Oz’ is an American classic and we’re pleased to be able to bring this show to the Orland Park stage,” said Executive Producer Irene Buikema, Recreation Operations Manager for the department.
Children age 6 and older are invited to audition on Sunday, Jan. 9, from 1-6 p.m. at Orland Park’s Old Village Hall, 14415 S. Beacon Ave. All munchkin roles will be played by children less than five feet tall. Children taller than five feet will be considered for other roles besides the principal players, including the Ozians.
“We chose ‘The Wizard of Oz’ because it appeals to everyone,” Carnivele-Sidlow said. “We’re planning to have a multi-generational cast as well as several multi-generational audiences.”
Carnivele-Sidlow will direct the show with Jimmy Mazeika serving as assistant director. Ashley Miletich is the show’s choreographer and Michael Barr will serve as musical director.
Adult auditions will be held on Monday, Jan. 10, from 7-10 p.m. at the Old Village Hall. Call-backs will be Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 7-10 p.m.
Those auditioning must sing 16 measures of a prepared piece of music from the show, be prepared to learn and perform a dance and read from the script. Dance attire or comfortable clothes are recommended. Once cast, participants must pay a registration fee.
Rehearsals will be held Sunday afternoons and Monday and Thursday evenings, Feb. 6 to April 28.
Orland Park’s production promises to be large scale with Carnivele-Sidlow planning to cast 50 children and 50 adults.
“The south suburban region is rich with theatrical talent,” Carnivele-Sidlow said with Buikema adding, “We’re hoping everyone comes out for the show.”
For more information, call the Village of Orland Park Recreation Department at 708-403-7275.
