AEDC Services welcomes Missoula Children's Theatre for "The Wizzard of Oz"

  • Published
  • By Tanya Bryan
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  The Services Branch at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) welcomes back the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) to present their production of "The Wizard of Oz" at the Manchester Arts Center (MAC) on June 24-28.

MCT touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup. MCT Tour Actor/Directors conduct auditions and rehearse for one week then present a performance. This program is open to the public with approximately 60 roles available for local students.

All students grades 1-12 are encouraged to pre-register. Cost is $20 per child and additional children in the same family will receive $5 off. Pre-registration allows cast members to sign up in advance of the audition. Each child signed up will receive a part in the cast but not for a specific role. Once each age group is filled to capacity registration will be closed.

An audition will be held June 24 from 4-6 p.m. to assign the roles. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions. Among the roles to be cast are Dorothy, Toto, the Lion, the Tin Man, the Professor/Wizard, the Green Guard, Glinda, the Wicked Witch, Mayor Munchkin, Farmer Munchkin, the Munchkins, the Winkies, the Magicians and the Fierce and Ferocious Flowers. No advance preparation is necessary.

Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.

Most students will rehearse four hours each day, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. The week will end with a public performance 7 p.m. June 28 at the MAC. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-5.

The story is as familiar as it is beloved. That nasty tornado carries Dorothy and her canine pal Toto from the friendly confines of her Kansas home to a fabled fantasy of mystery and magic in the land of Oz. With the help of the Munchkins and Glinda herself, Dorothy and her loyal pooch join forces with the dancing Scarecrow, the romantic Tin Man and, of course, the ever-popular Cowardly Lion. Off they go down the Yellow Brick Road - side-stepping Winkies and a Wicked Witch - on their perilous journey to find the Wizard and ask for his help. For they are sure his Wizness will grant their wishes and send Dorothy and Toto back to their home - or will he? We'll never tell. Come see for yourself.

For more information and to pre-register, call the Services Marketing office at 454-3415.