The Media Theatre Announces Casting for THE WIZARD OF OZ

The Media Theatre Has An All-star Philly Cast In 'the Wizard Of Oz' This Holiday Season

THE WIZARD OF OZ is the beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, that has been entertaining audiences for generations. The motion picture, released in 1939 and an annual treat for families every year on the small screen, comes to life in this stage musical version adapted from the MGM film.

An all-star Philly cast brings the show to life at The Media Theatre Nov. 14 through Jan. 13. This two-act Broadway musical includes the songs "Over The Rainbow," "Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead)," "If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve," "We're Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road)," "The Jitterbug," and "The Merry Old Land of Oz" and "If I Were King Of The Forest."

The live orchestra which accompanies the cast will be conducted by The Media Theatre's Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow. Audiences will be able to see the musicians as well as hear them, as for this production the orchestra will be on a raised platform on stage throughout the show.A cast of professional actors will bring OZ to life, including several of Philadelphia's award winning stars such as Jennie Eisenhower (Wicked Witch), Elisa Matthews (Glinda), Kelly Briggs (Cowardly Lion), Bob Stineman (Tin Man), and Carl Smith (Scarecrow). JP Dunphy is Uncle Henry and the Gatekeeper, with Roger Ricker as Professor Marvel and The Wizard.

Anna Rosenthal portrays Dorothy. She was seen on The Media Theatre stage in "Billy Elliot" and "Bridges of Madison County". Other professional productions include "Meet Me In St. Louis", "Ragtime", "Mary Poppins", and the off-Broadway show "Timmy The Great".

The Ensemble consists of Anne Bragg, Dante Bratteli, Lauren Bristow, Julia deGruchy, Jarrett Martin, Christian Ryan, Amanda Shaffern, and Denzel Thomas.The Munchkins are two separate casts of youngsters from The Media Theatre's School, spanning ages 6 to 13. With the two casts come two Mayors of Munchkinland (Charlie Carroccio and Aidan Crane).

The Munchkins will also portray the Flying Monkeys and Poppies. Marc Andrew Nunez directs and choreographs, bringing OZ to colorful and energetic life. Based in NYC, Nunez founded Gotham Dance Theater, and urban contemporary dance theatre company dedicated to creating art with social purpose, representing the diversity of NYC and beyond. He performed last season in The Media Theatre's "Newsies" as Finch and recently assisted Artistic Director Jesse Cline with the production of "Sweeney Todd" as choreographer. He's been a dancer with Rihanna at the Video Music Awards and has done various music videos and commercials for Disney and Nintendo. He's hoping to bring a bit of a contemporary edge to the classic "Wizard of OZ" at The Media Theatre this holiday season (Nov. 13-Jan. 14).

"The Wizard of OZ" is currently celebrating the 80th anniversary release of the 1939 film, which the stage musical is based on.

For tickets, call The Media Theatre at 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org (where you'll also see the entire show schedule). Group rates are available.Pictured: Jennie Eisenhower is The Wicked Witch in The Media Theatre's "The Wizard of OZ" Nov. 14 to Jan. 13.