Sherman, Texas -- Heading down the “Yellow Brick Road” this summer is Theater For Hope’s musical, The Wizard of Oz.  Performance days are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, July 17,18,19 at North Park Baptist Church in Sherman, TX.

This production is based on L. Frank Baum’s book and adapted from the classic motion picture The Wizard of Oz with music and lyrics written by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg and background music by Herbert Stothart.  This production is sponsored by Noteworthy Repairs and involves a cast of 41 accompanied by an eleven-piece orchestra, and directed by Webster Crocker, Tom Bryson, and Leandra Williams.

In the iconic role of Dorothy is Avery Williams who is surrounded by Alivia Bryson as Aunt Em/Glinda, Johnathan Blackmon as Uncle Henry/Ozian, Andrea Bryson as Hickory/Tinman, Brady Canaday as Hunk/Scarecrow, and Natalie Ball as Zeke/Lion.  Bekah Davis plays the part of Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch who introduces the inciting incident to the story by chasing Dorothy’s dog Toto played by Esther Hurd. 

After a tornado comes to Kansas, Dorothy and the audience are transported to the Land of Oz ruled by The Wizard/Prof. Marvel played by Jeannie Lyons.  We are also introduced to the Munchkins, Ozians, Winkies, and Flying Monkeys who try to help and hinder Dorothy’s journey down the yellow brick road through OZ.

Munchkins/Flying Monkeys are Oliver Baker (Nikko), Olivia Acosta (Mayor), Aria Armendariz, Meg Blanch (Barrister), Maggie Boessen (Coroner), Soren Crist, Kaitlyn George, Liliana Jamet, Jace Schrodt, Jamie Schrodt, David Scott, and Ford Zinn.

Ozians/Winkies are Rebecca Smith (Guard), Christianna Reynolds (General), Lucy Boessen, Lila Bowling, Kayla Gilman, Peyton Gilman, Betty Price, CJ Price, Louise Ramay, Haley Schrodt, Lila Thomas, Abigail Walker, Amelia Williams, Sarah Williams, and Heather Winn.

The cast and singers are supported by a loft choir of five ladies which includes Kate Boessen, Stacie Bowling, Julie Crannell, Tammie Sims, and Jami Williams.  The orchestra consists of eleven musicians who are Judy Warren, Cathy Sauls, Reese Brentzel, Pat Brentzel, Meg Joyner, Andy Johnson, Amy Shojai, Frank Steele, and…

Tickets to Theater For Hope’s The Wizard of Oz are $14 and can be purchased online by visiting their website theaterforhope.com.  Performance times are July 17,18,19 at 7 p.m. and July 19 at 2 p.m.

Theater For Hope is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a family-friendly environment where the youth of our community can learn and develop their love and appreciation, as well as their skills and interests for the theater and the performing arts.