The Noble Fool Theatricals Youth Ensemble Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ, 7/23-8/8

The Noble Fool Theatricals Youth Ensemble is ready to transport the Fox Valley "over the rainbow" with one of the greatest family musicals of all time. Join Dorothy and Toto as they follow the yellow brick road on their quest to find the Wizard while discovering there really is "no place like home."

This production will be NFT's 13th Youth Ensemble production and marks the first time the group will present a full-length show with intermission.

Julia Murphy of Wayne, 15, is thrilled to be playing the iconic part of Dorothy. "This is my first Noble Fool show and I was so excited to see how professional it is here. I'm also so excited to be a part of this production! I've always wanted to be Dorothy ever since I was little, because it was the first show I ever saw! So this is an amazing experience with a really fun and talented group."

Carol Stream's Katie Brazier, 15, was a little surprised to be given the part of the Wicked Witch of the West but is thrilled to be a part of her fourth NFT production. She last appeared as Sharpay in Disney's High School Musical 2. "I never saw myself as the Wicked Witch but now that I've been cast, I'm up for the challenge! It's going to be a great show that the entire family will enjoy."

Tinman Michael Fairbanks of St. Charles, 16, agrees. "The Wizard of Oz is a great experience. I've gotten to meet new people and also work with previous cast members. It's a great show!"

Wizard of Oz cast members include from Bartlett: Katie Jackovin, Payton Pinsky, Carol Stream: Katie Brazier, Lily Defino, Kyle Schwichtenberg, Kara Witkowski, Elburn: Colette Methling, Rachael Romba, Elgin: Arianna Nutile, Geneva: Natalie Carberry, Ally Carrino, Krystina DiCristofano, Haley Glover, Alana Goodrich, Carolyn Knol, Luke Knol, Ava Schumock, Cassie Steffey, Natalie White, Ashley Worline, Sidney Worline, Lombard: Nathan Dittemore, Palatine: Kevin Krejci, Saint Charles: Katie Das, Kristen Das, Erika Denker, Keira Denker, Michael Fairbanks, Allison Haab, Rachel Haab, Molly Knight, Amelia Kuhlman, Eva Saltsman, Brad Shurts, Schaumburg: Melissa Wickland, South Elgin: Colton Vine, Kayla Vine, Sugar Grove: Connor Madziarczyk, Maggie Madziarczyk, Wayne: Julia Murphy, West Chicago: Maegan Daniels, Woodstock: Joey Javan. Director is Lisle resident Helen Buck and Musical Director is Winfield resident Vickie Wagner.

The NFT Youth Ensemble is an exclusive, audition-only program for the best and the brightest young talent. Students are responsible for memorizing lines, music and choreography, and learn the craft of theater through the process of preparing for live performances. For more information on upcoming youth opportunities, visit www.noblefool.org/education or call 630-364-0550.

Wizard of Oz, rated G, will be presented Fridays, July 23, July 30, and August 6 at 7 pm; Saturdays, July 24, July 31, and August 7 at 10:30 am; and Sundays, July 25, August 1 and August 8 at 2 pm on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults; $12 for children 12 and under.

Ample free parking and valet services are available at Pheasant Run Resort. The resort and theaters are wheelchair accessible and hearing amplification systems are available. Ask the box office about lunch packages with Pheasant Run Resort's award-winning Harvest Steak & Seafood Restaurant.

Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.noblefool.org.

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