Cortland Repertory Theatre Presents DOROTHY AND THE WIZARD OF OZ, Opens 7/14

Cortland Repertory Theatre's "CRT KIDS" program, starring the 2011 Performing Interns, offers four performances of the children's show "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz", based on Frank L. Baum's story and adapted by Steve and Kathy Hotchner. This version of the popular story about the Kansas girl swept over the rainbow to the magical land of Oz is appropriate for children at Kindergarten through 5th grade age levels and includes a great deal of audience participation.

Performances of "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz" are available on July 14, 16, 22 and 23 at 10:00 am at the Little York Pavilion in Preble, New York. Tickets may be purchased by calling 800-427-6160 or in person at the CRT Box Office at 37 Franklin Street in Cortland. Tickets are also available for sale 24 hours a day through the CRT website at www.cortlandrep.org. The show is a wonderful introduction to live theatre for young people, and kids ages 5 - 105 are welcome!

In this version, a spunky Dorothy finds herself over the rainbow and confronted by Glinda the Good Witch, who worries as much about her vegetable garden as she does about Dorothy getting back to Kansas. Wearing the magical ruby sneakers, Dorothy encounters all the familiar characters; youth audience members participate by oiling the Tin Man, stuffing the Scarecrow and hiding Dorothy and her friends from the Wicked Witch of the West in a forest they create themselves. Even Toto is here (a bit stuffed, but an active participant nonetheless!) There's even a surprise twist with what happens to the Wizard himself.

Adults will be interested to see elements of the CRT design concept, which shows the usefulness of recycling. The Wicked Witch's dress is created from black trash bags, the Scarecrow is stuffed with newspaper and the Tin Man is made from recycled soda cans. Pop culture also plays a part in this telling, with The Wicked Witch a nod to Lady Gaga, Glinda reminiscent of Cindy Lauper and the Lion singing riffs in the style of Justin Beeber.

Directing this production is Homer resident Kim Hubbard, whose previous CRT KIDS credits include "The Jungle Book", "Wiley and the Hairy Man" and "Treasure Island" and more. Assistant Director is Meredith Van Scoy, who has previously assisted Mr. Hubbard with the children's shows.

The cast, all members of CRT's Performing Intern Company include Jennifer Holcomb as Dorothy, Renee Reinecke as Glinda and Sarah VanFossen as the Wicked Witch. Joseph DePietro plays the Scarecrow, Evan Montgomery is the Tin Man and Shawn Smith portrays the Cowardly Lion.

Stage Manager Tracy Hoida, also a member of the CRT intern program, leads the production staff, which includes Scenic Designer Jason Bolan, Costume Designer Jimmy Johansmeyer, Lighting Designer Jonathan Maag, Sound Designer Dave Huber, and Props Mistress Danielle Hodgin. Patrick McGovern serves as Technical Director.

Tickets are also on sale for CRT's mainstage summer season, including the current production of the family musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", and the upcoming Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced", "The Smell of the Kill", and "Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins". See CRT's website for more details at www.cortlandrep.org.

Photo Captions:

Jennifer Holcomb as Dorothy and Sarah VanFossen as the Wicked Witch of the West in CRT's production of "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz"

Joseph DePietro as the Scarecrow and Jennifer Holcomb as Dorothy in CRT's production of "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz"

Shawn Smith as the Lion, Jennifer Holcomb as Dorothy, Joseph DePietro as the Scarecrow and Evan Montgomery as the Tin Man in CRT's production of "Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz"

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