“The Wizard of Oz” takes to the stage of Munster’s Theatre at the Center as a melodic production aimed at youth.
Running April 5-10, the endearing tale of Dorothy Gale’s incredible journey is part of the shows presented by the venue’s Theatre for Young Audiences program.
Performances for school groups are April 5-8, while shows for the public are April 9-10.
“The Prince and Princess Party” is set for 10 a.m.-noon April 9, featuring food, beverages and activities at a cost of $12 per person.
The Munster presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” is directed, produced and staged by Charlie Misovye, group sales coordinator for Theatre at the Center theatrical productions.
“It is a great fantasy adventure,” said Misovye, a resident of Chicago Heights, Ill.
Guiding a cast of seven that is enlisted to play multiple roles, Misovye said experienced performers will entertain audiences that attend.
“They can expect a classic story to be presented live on stage by a professional company of actors,” Misovye said. “This is an original-script musical. It is not a copy of the MGM film.”
Theatre at the Center was founded in 1991.
Although not fully mimicking the iconic 1939 Judy Garland film, the venue’s hour-long stage production retains time-tested elements that stem from the Oz literature created by L. Frank Baum.
“It has all the familiar characters and situations,” Misovye said.
Additionally, the tuneful nature of this retelling of the journey to the Emerald City is reminiscent of a tried-and-true American art form.
“I would say it’s more on the line of Broadway musical theater,” said Misovye, who serves as coordinator for the fundraising body called Friends of the Theatre.
Bringing Dorothy to life on stage for the theatrical troupe will be Mary Nigohosian of Batavia, Ill.
“I admire her sense of compassion,” said Nigohosian, also noting that she enjoys her character’s adventurous spirit.
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“She’s a sweet, innocent blank page,” the actress said.
Nigohosian sees the Kansas farm girl as a font for all kinds of possibilities — including fresh adventure — that can fill in her life.
Although Nigohosian is putting her personal stamp on the portrayal of Dorothy, there is the acknowledgment that many ticket buyers vividly remember how the character was warmly and ably played by Garland.
“She is synonymous with Dorothy; you should — to some degree — give them what they expect,” Nigohosian said.
Even though she is an adult playing the role of a girl, Nigohosian feels there remains an element of “wonder and playfulness” in her own personality.
A higher register in the vocals helps make Nigohosian’s version of Dorothy more true to life when the character is singing for audiences.
“You want her to sound more innocent,” Nigohosian said.
Theatre at the Center’s website indicates that its presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” is suited for preschoolers through fifth-graders.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
‘The Wizard of Oz’
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: School performances 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. April 5-8; public performances 10 a.m. and noon April 9 and 10
Tickets: $5.50-$9.50
Information: 219-836-3255; theatreatthecenter.com