Article by Steve Hellman

​Oz The Musical, a production of this summer’s Willits Community Theatre Performing Arts Academy, will be staged at the Willits High School auditorium July 30 to August 8. Directed by Willits High School drama teacher Tim Fischer, the show features a cast of 26 children ages 5 to 17 who completed the extensive academy arts program—now in its fourth year. While playwright Tim Kelly’s script adheres to the L. Frank Baum classic, with the traditional characters, it also takes off on its own unique path. Performances will include original songs and music by Bill Francoeur.

​Director Fischer says, “We’re creating a version of the original Oz with a new twist. It should be very exciting for the kids and the audience.” The production is bolstered by the professional talents of assistant directors Phaedra Swearengin and Heather Wilson, choreographer Ariel Herz-O’Brien, and vocal director Erin Mendoza. This year’s academy kids, besides bringing their considerable talents to the stage, also had a substantial hand in painting the sets.

​Starring in the show are Adagia Jordan Silveira as Dorothy, Lena Ferguson and Max Mueller as Toto the dog, Miranda Swearengin as Scarecrow, K’allana Arnold as the Tin Woodsman, Ember Hetherington as Cowardly Lion, Andante Joseph Silveira as Oz, Aria Eva Silveira as Glinda and Auntie Em, Seona Slater as The China Princess and Brodey Lamprich as the Wicked Witch of the West. Appearing in supporting roles are Miles Mattson, Phoenix Hetherington, James Mattson, Gigi Mueller, Shaelin Ferguson, Lucy Button, Aurora Duley, Aliyah Duley, Alithia Gallups, Athena Slater, Kaya Reiter, Scarlett Berumen, Winter Geremia, Vance Ferguson, Cassius Lane, and Finn Shipp.

​Performances will be on July 30, 31, August 1, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Evening shows are at 7pm, the Sunday matinees at 2pm. All tickets are $10 and available online at www.wctperformingartscenter.org, or at the door.

Regarding covid protocols, all shows are open to all people, regardless of vaccination status. To ensure the safety of those present, masking is advised and requested. Temperatures will be taken upon entry and anyone displaying an unusually high temperature will be asked not to attend. Every other row of seating will be blocked off to insure distancing, and seating is festival-style, so patrons can pick their own seats.