The Newnan Theatre Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ

The Newnan Theatre is presenting a stage adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ, which opens on Thursday, September 3, and runs through Sunday, September 13. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the NTC website, newnantheatre.org, or via phone by calling 770.683.6282.

On the show's challenges, director Jeni Dees says, "The script expects you should have flying monkeys, a balloon that flies, and a witch that flies and then melts...But in the confines of this theatre, some of that stuff just can't happen the same way it did in the film. So we are figuring out how to imply those things," said Dees.

"The challenge for the staging is that there are so many locations: the Kansas farm, Munchkin Land, cornfields for the Scarecrow, a forest for the Tin Man, a different forest for the Lion, a field of poppies, a haunted forest, and the witch's castle -outside and inside."

"So I came up with an idea of using stylized pieces - really cute ones that spin around to represent different places - a wall, a castle. What's important to me from a director's perspective is that everybody knows this show inside and out and knows what's going to happen. I think with these little stylized pieces, they're still going to have that vision. What we want to do is fill their experience with really good acting and singing - that quality and richness of performance over spectacle, because obviously we can't fly monkeys or a balloon. The stylized set pieces will just give a hint of that, and the scenery will fade into the background and the performances will shine out."

If anyone can pull all this off, Jeni Dees can. Her qualifications are beyond impressive. She has two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, one in acting /directing and one in radio/television news. She has been a reporter, a disk jockey, and a professional improv artist. She attended the Second City Conservatory in Chicago, "which is the Mecca of theater improv," said Dees. After several years of touring with the improv company Comedy Sportz, she returned to acting and directing. And she found that she really enjoyed coaching children.

Her husband's job in Fairburn brought the couple to this area in February. Dees' primary requirement for a place to live was an active theater community. "By happenstance, the Newnan Theatre Company Gala was going on right after we moved here. I met Mary Caroline Moore and Susan Babcock. They found out that I like to coach and teach middle and high school students. They mentioned that they have children's theater. I mentioned that I direct and act. So they invited me to be a part of NTC."

Her "Wizard of Oz" stars are Rebecca Ricker as Dorothy, Walker Davis as the Scarecrow, John Caldwell as the Tin Man, and Dave Dorrell as the Cowardly Lion. Erin Paulson is playing Glinda and doubling as Auntie Em. Then Rachel Weiss is playing Miss Gulch and the Wicked Witch, and Chad Sheppard is playing Uncle Henry and the big guard who cries at the gate. Ismael Rios also has a double role as Professor Marvel and the Wizard of Oz - both the "Wizard" and then the "humbug" -- the insignificant little man behind the scary Oz disguise.

The children playing the Munchkins (16 of them) are varied in their experience. Some are from the NTC's Academy of Theatre Arts or NTC's Kids Camp. Some are from Peachtree City.

"We'll have all the wonderful songs and characters, and we have a Toto. He's a sweet baby dog named Alvin. He was four months old when he was adopted by a lady from my church. He's small (but growing), and obviously a mutt. He's doing really well," said Dees.

Alvin came from the Tender Heart Pet Rescue. In his honor, and for all the animals that need loving homes, NTC would appreciate the audience bringing donations for this organization: food, toys, new or gently used collars and leashes, towels, blankets, pet beds, or cash!

"This show is a piece of Americana," said Dees. "I think everybody has those family memories of watching the movie at home with popcorn. Now come and be immersed in it again and be surrounded by the joy that is the story. It's a journey - kind of like mine - I've just moved here from Chicago, and sometimes I feel I'm not in Kansas anymore. Well, Dorothy, I get you. I realize home is where the heart is, and family is the most important of all. That's a nice message to share with everybody."

Performance dates, times, and ticket prices are as follows:

September 3, 8:00 pm, $10.00 for all

September 4, 8:00 pm, $10 for children, $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults

September 5, 8:00 pm, $10 for children, $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults

September 6, 3:00 pm, $10 for children, $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults

September 10, 8:00 pm, $10.00 for all

September 11, 8:00 pm, $10 for children, $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults

September 12, 8:00 pm, $10 for children, $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults

September 13, 3:00 pm, $10 for children, $12 for students and seniors, $15 for adults