Little Lake brings Land of Oz to the stage
Courtesy of Little Lake Theatre
Anyone feeling nostalgic for the classic story that has spawned generations of fans may want to see “The Wizard of Oz,” coming to Little Lake Theatre starting Thursday and continuing through April 19.
The timeless children’s tale aligns perfectly with this year’s theme at the theater: “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”
Artistic Director Patrick Cannon believes the story resonates today.
“Right now, I think people are craving stories about home, belonging and finding your courage in uncertain times,” Cannon said. “Dorothy’s journey is about leaving a place you think you know, encountering all kinds of people along the way and realizing that the things you were searching for are often already inside you-or are waiting for you back home.”
The Tin Man creaks-and speaks
Pittsburgh resident Cole Vecchio plays the Tin Man, and he explained that “what most audiences don’t understand is that he was once a human being,” noting that the audience will gain fresh insight into the ax-wielding woodsman.
Rehearsals have allowed the actor to experiment with how he approaches the role. “The Tin Man is comical, especially as the straight man to the Cowardly Lion’s melodrama and the Scarecrow’s clumsiness,” Vecchio said.
Vecchio notes that the metal woodsman has a romantic side. “He loves love,” Vecchio said, explaining that the character may not fall in love with someone in this play, but that audiences will soon understand this part of him. To capture that quality, Vecchio drew inspiration from famous crooners like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, giving the character classic Hollywood charm.
He added, “There are also moments in the show where the Tin Man is required to have more fluidity and naturalism and what helped me there was studying the animatronics at Disney World. They possess a kind of silky smoothness in their movements that make them seem almost human, and yet, you’re still reminded of their mechanical nature,” he added.
Dorothy resonates
Alaina Turocy, who plays Dorothy, notes that while the character is portrayed as innocent and wide-eyed, she also embodies ferocity, grit and relentless optimism. “She has a strong sense of right and wrong and her go-getter attitude will resonate with contemporary audiences, especially young girls,” she said.
For Turocy, finding Dorothy’s voice was key.
“I wanted to make her feel like a real girl, unconstrained by the expectations of a particular time period,” she said.
While the production delivers all the well-known imagery audiences expect-from the costume design, to the choreography-it also explores characters in fresh ways.
The audience will probably already know “Over the Rainbow,” but they will also become familiar with “The Jitterbug,” a catchy, high-energy dance number that was cut from the 1939 film, according to Turocy.
For those seeing the story for the first time, Turocy hopes to portray Dorothy in such a way that allows children to see themselves in her.
“Whether they connect with her wild imagination, her courage in standing up to bullies, or even her love of animals, I hope they recognize and celebrate parts of themselves through her,” she said.
As for adults, Turocy hopes that they will come away with a reminder of gratitude and community. “In the beginning, she wants nothing more than to get away, but in the end, she recognizes the magic in her family back in Kansas.”
Lights, camera, Oz
Cannon said the goal is to make the audience feel as though they are stepping directly into Oz.
“When Dorothy lands in Oz, the world suddenly feels brighter, bigger and full of possibility,” Cannon said. “It is very theatrical and our designers are working together intentionally so that lighting, costumes, and scenic elements all evolve together.”
The show features a live band and a large community cast-an ambitious undertaking in the theater’s intimate 145-seat space.
More than 65 community members are helping to bring that world to life onstage.
“It is most likely the largest production team in our 78-year history,” Cannon said.
Cannon believes that audiences will be impressed by the caliber of talent on stage.
“One of the great strengths of Little Lake is the depth of artists in this region and the cast really reflects that,” he said.
Ultimately, he hopes audiences will leave with an appreciation for the magic of live theater.
“We’re not trying to recreate the film,” according to Cannon. “We’re leaning into what theater does best-transforming what is happening right in front of you through the shared imagination between artists and audience. When that works, the room feels electric.”
For additional information and showtimes, go online to littlelake.org.