WQIO Ohio's Super Station
There’s no place like home—and there’s certainly no place like the stage.
MTVarts is bringing the beloved musical fantasy “The Wizard of Oz” to the historic Knox Memorial Theater this month, featuring the young performers of the organization’s artsIQ program.
Directed by Bruce Jacklin, the production follows Dorothy Gale, played by Lanah Andrews and Allie Vance, as a tornado carries her from Kansas to the magical Land of Oz. Along the way, Dorothy teams up with the Scarecrow, played by Will Pletcher and Carter Skillman; the Tin Woodsman, played by Vincent Oertel; and the Cowardly Lion, played by Zayden Luckmeier and Briggs Swallow.
Together, they set out to find the Wizard, played by Devyn Hall, hoping he can help Dorothy find her way home. Their journey brings them face-to-face with the Wicked Witch of the West, played by Jules Garrett, while Glinda, played by Reese Ferenbaugh, helps the group discover the importance of friendship, courage, heart and home.
The production features a cast of 49 young performers and will run for six performances between September 11 and September 20.
Performances are scheduled for:
Friday, September 11 — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 — 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 13 — 2 p.m.
Friday, September 18 — 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 19 — 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 20 — 2 p.m.
Families attending the show are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before curtain for the Children’s Parade. Young audience members who come dressed in costume will have the opportunity to take a bow on stage and receive a special gift courtesy of Mortellaro’s McDonald’s.
Tickets are $25, with discounted pricing available for children 10 and under. Tickets are available through MTVarts, the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium box office, or by calling 740-462-4278. A service fee applies to ticket purchases.
The production’s creative and production team includes Music Director Kylie Stadler Hoam, Choreographer Anthony Ingham, Dance Captain Gabby Fuller, Stage Manager Hannah Marshall, Assistant Stage Manager Chloe Skillman, Master Carpenter Michael Sears, Fly Captain Matt Jenkins, and Costumers Leah Miller and Kristen VanValkenburg.
Jacklin said working with the young cast has been an adventure, with the performers bringing “energy, imagination, humor and plenty of personality” to rehearsals.
The production will also feature the young actors flying on stage with ZFX, adding another element of spectacle to the show.
MTVarts said donations from its Flight Sponsors helped make that experience possible. Those sponsors include ACS Title and Closing Services, Barbara Barry, Otho Eyster and Carol Garner, Giles Law Group, Joe and LeeAnne Jurkowitz, Amy Murnen, Patti Perkins, The Dean and Marsha Rinehart Family Fund, The Sant-Bernicken Fund, Stephen and Janis Stone, and a Loyal Supporter of artsIQ.
The Wizard of Oz is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals and is sponsored by MTVarts’ Season Sponsors, including Ariel Corporation, Triple P Parent Support Initiative, Knox County Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council and Elks Lodge #140 of Mount Vernon.
MTVarts is a nonprofit, self-producing community theater company driven primarily by volunteers. The organization also operates warehouse14, which offers arts education classes and workshops.
