Auditions set for 'The Wizard of Oz: A New Musical'

Auditions for Easton Children’s Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz: A New Musical,” will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13 and Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Easton Middle School on Columbus Avenue. Auditions are open to students ages nine to 18, and no experience or preparation is necessary. Actors, singers and dancers from any town are encouraged to audition and may come to either audition evening.

The original story of “The Wizard of Oz” was written in 1900 by L. Frank Baum to be, as he put it, “a modernized fairy tale.” In the last 100 years, many versions of his story have appeared as plays, musicals, movies and spin-offs. This new version adds to this tradition a musical that is entertaining for kids of this generation—entertaining not only for those who see it, but for those who perform in it.

Many people think they know the story of “The Wizard of Oz” because they have seen the Judy Garland movie. Although the movie contains many elements of the book, it leaves out many story lines and even changes the plot to suit its own “modernized” themes. That movie, made in 1936, was concerned with the Depression, the mid-western dust bowl, and the plight of the common man. This new version, produced by Easton Children’s Theatre, explores issues such as technology, self esteem and youthful restlessness.

The Scarecrow is a very clever young man who happens to have learning disabilities; specifically, he can’t read. The Tin Man is a robot who aspires to be more like a real human. The Lion is not really a lion at all but becomes one in his heart by proving his bravery. The Wizard is a scientist/inventor stuck in Oz when he impulsively tries out his alternate universe machine on himself. And Dorothy is a dissatisfied teenager who’s not sure what she wants in life. The songs are modern rock styles and utilize contemporary dance moves.

In the end, all the versions of “The Wizard of Oz” have one thing in common—the story is about home and family. In that sense, any version will always be unmistakably L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz.“

For further information, visit ECTheatre.org.