My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

USM Department of Theatre to Present THE WIZARD OF OZ Radio Play & Listening Party

To celebrate its inaugural broadcast, they're hosting a Wizard of Oz listening party on October 26th at 7pm on the USM Gorham Campus.

By:
USM Department of Theatre to Present THE WIZARD OF OZ Radio Play & Listening Party

The University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre's 2024-2025 season is off! To see the Wizard, that is, in a wonderful radio theatre adaptation of this beloved tale. Written by Linus Speary and directed by Joshua N Hsu, the show is performed by USM Theatre students. To celebrate its inaugural broadcast, we're hosting a Wizard of Oz listening party on October 26th at 7pm on the USM Gorham Campus.

In a world where everything seems too green, witches are in every direction, and roads unexpectedly end and begin, discover a land where dreams can come true. Join Dorothy and her fearless dog, Toto, as she's whisked away from Kansas to the wonderful land of Oz. Together with a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Lion, they learn to depend on each other, and discover their power within. Gather friends and family and join us at our listening party. The event will feature an Oz-inspired costume contest, food and non-alcoholic beverages, raffles, fun, and, of course, a listen to the final piece. 

For director Joshua N Hsu, this project has been a chance to dive deeply into an American classic in a new way, “..."Oz" is a book deeply embedded in the American consciousness: it's omnipresent in our music, our films, our art, and our everyday lives. Its thoughts on friendship, self-determination, and our love for "home" continue to endure in our cultural vocabulary. We revisit the story from generation to generation, not just because of nostalgia but because we still cherish the ideals Baum espouses. We've tried to capture and convey how much "Oz" is an influential Americana piece.”

This is the second radio play produced in the Bill Dufris Memorial Studio on the Gorham Campus by the USM Department of Theatre. Last year, USM Theatre produced The War of the Worlds in the new studio and offered courses in audio engineering and podcasting.

Audiences can enjoy the Wizard of Oz radio play three ways: 

  • Join us for a Listening Party on October 26th at 7-9 PM in Lower Brooks Student Center on at the University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus. 

This event is free and open to all. Best for ages 7and up. Everyone is encouraged to dress in their best Oz-inspired costume!

RSVP here: https://usm.maine.edu/department-theatre/box-office-tickets/

Appropriate for ages 7 and up.

For more information, visit USM Theatre online at usm.maine.edu/theatre, or call the USM Theatre Box Office at (207) 780-5151. For more information on USM's Department of Theatre events and programs, click here.



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Featured Performer in a Musical - Top 3
1. Ali Louis Bourzgui - The Lost Boys, A New Musical
26.1% of votes
2. Ben Levi Ross - Ragtime
6.7% of votes
3. Shoshana Bean - The Lost Boys, A New Musical
5.9% of votes

Need more Maine Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...


Videos


Hairspray in Maine Hairspray
Maine State Music Theatre (6/03-6/20)
Unabashedly in Maine Unabashedly
Waterville Opera House (8/28-9/06)
The Cemetery Club in Maine The Cemetery Club
City Theater (5/08-5/24)
Ain't Too Proud- The Life and Times of the Temptations in Maine Ain't Too Proud- The Life and Times of the Temptations
OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE (5/14-6/13)
Small Town- A World Premiere John Mellencamp Musical in Maine Small Town- A World Premiere John Mellencamp Musical
OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE (10/01-11/01)
ACAT PRESENTS: The Tin Woman, by Sean Grennan in Maine ACAT PRESENTS: The Tin Woman, by Sean Grennan
The Playhouse At Waterville Station (5/29-6/07)
Waypoint Music Fest in Maine Waypoint Music Fest
5 Dunaway Dr (6/06-6/06)
The Laugh Track in Maine The Laugh Track
Portland Stage Company (5/06-5/31)
Shrek the Musical - TYA Version in Maine Shrek the Musical - TYA Version
Maine State Music Theatre (6/08-6/08)
Tick, Tick...Boom! in Maine Tick, Tick...Boom!
Milbridge Theatre (6/27-6/28)