CLT’s “The Wiz” opens to packed house
Community Little Theatre’s current production of “The Wiz” opened last weekend at Great Falls Performing Arts Center in Auburn to a packed house that thoroughly enjoyed what they saw and heard from the 62 people (and one small dog) that form the production’s large cast. The winner of seven Tony awards, this beloved Broadway show and movie sets Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz to a dazzling mixture of rock, gospel, and soul music.
Performances continue on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $12 for children ages 13 and under. To buy tickets, call 783-0958 or see www.laclt.com.
The show is directed by Nakesha “Kay” Myrick. Co-choreographers are Audrey Martin and Tiffany Warren, who also plays the leading role of “Dorothy” and is the show’s vocal coach. The set was designed and built by Bill Hamilton and Phil Vampatella, and the set décor was designed by Carol Hodgkin and Glynnis Nadel, who is also the show’s stage manager and the artistic development intern at CLT.
Richard Martin is the show’s lighting designer, Don Malpass is the lighting operator, Derek Johnson is the sound designer, Marissa Lussier and Jenn Rombalski are the sound operators and Daniel Burgess is on props. Karen Mayo is the producer and costumer and Chiara Ferrante is the production team assistant.
The show’s cast also includes Drew Masse as “Scarecrow,” Glenn Atkins as “Tin Man,” and Phillip Warren as “Lion.” Other leading roles include the three witches, with Megan Guynes as “Addaperle,” Stefanie Lynn as “Evillene,” and Brie Butler as “Glinda.” The demanding role of “The Wizard” is played by E. Christopher L’Hommedieu, and Lina Warren is featured in the role of “Aunt Em.” The cameo roles of “Uncle Henry” and “Toto” are played by Charles Warren, Jr. and Kale Lussier.
Another 30 production staff and crew members round out this family-oriented show, including Myrick’s assistant director and co-music director Mitchell Clyde Thomas and co-music director Paul G. Caron, both of whom also play in the show’s 12-piece orchestra.