© Shawnee News-Star
Aug. 3, 2003


Lyric Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz

Dorothy is played by Sara Stiles, who recently played the same role at Northshore Music Theater in Boston, Mass.; Oklahoma City's own Ben J. Williams (last seen in Lyric's 2002 performance of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" as Jacob/Potiphar) plays the Cowardly Lion; Casey Colgan as the Scarecrow has been doing the show on Broadway and touring nationally for almost a decade; and the Tin Man is played by Michael Gruber, whose Broadway credits include Mike in "A Chorus Line," Munkustrap in "Cats" and Hortensio in "Kiss Me, Kate!"

Toto is played by Ashley, a rescued terrier from New England. Ashley was in the Madison Square Garden production of "The Wizard of Oz," which played in New York City twice and toured the country. She co-starred with Mickey Rooney, Roseanne and Eartha Kitt.

Joel Ferrell, who recently concluded a five-year residency as the artistic director of Casa Manana Musicals, Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, directs "The Wizard of Oz." Ferrell previously directed "Phantom of the Opera" and "Peter Pan" for Lyric. The musical director is Lloyd Cooper, who was the vocal consultant for "Little Women" starring Winona Ryder and who orchestrated the "Singing In The Rain" sequence in "Godzilla."

The Citizens of Munchkin City will be played by 80 of Lyric Theatre's Academy children. Titled "Camp Oz," Lyric Academy held a three-week course for the children, concluding with the run of the show. The camp staff consists of seasoned performers and instructors, directed by Chris Harrod and Cyndi Steele-Harrod, choreographed by Ashley Stover-Wells and musical direction by Mariann Searle.

"Lyric's stage adaptation plays homage to the great MGM film," director Ferrell said. "However, there are some immense challenges producing this show live for an audience. Monkeys have to fly, tornados must destroy Kansas and wizards have to -- well, wiz. I hope the audience has a wonderful evening as they rediscover the magic of 'The Wizard of Oz.'"

Tickets for "The Wizard of Oz" are on sale now. Performances are Tuesday, Aug. 5, through Saturday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased by calling (405) 524-9312, (405) 297-2264 or 1-800-364-7111, or in person at the Lyric offices (1727 NW 16th St.) or the Civic Center Music Hall. Also check out Lyric's Web site at www.lyrictheatreokc.com.


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