IF YOU GO• What: Ever After Productions' "The Wizard of Oz"• When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 12-13 and Sept. 19; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20; 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26; 1 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27• Where: Colonnade, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, Ga.• Admission: $12-$15 (all seats reserved); group rates upon request• Phone: 706-935-9000• Website: www.everafterprod.com
Ever After Productions is ready to debut "The Wizard of Oz" at the Catoosa County Colonnade.FEATURED CAST• Dorothy: Grayson Parker• Scarecrow: Tyler Vaugn• Tin Man: Jake Zachry• Cowardly Lion: Kyle Conkle• Wicked Witch of the West: Jan Daigle• Glinda, the Good Witch: Lauren Johnson• Toto: Lexi Sandy
That viridescent glow on the horizon is a sign that Ever After Productions is ready to debut its next show. The Catoosa County Colonnade will stand in for the Emerald City as Dorothy - and her little dog, too - journey into the Land of Oz in "The Wizard of Oz" over the next three weekends.
The stage production closely follows the famous film. Dorothy Gale's dreams become reality when a twister strikes her Kansas home, transports her over the rainbow and deposits her (and dog Toto) in Munchkinland. There, the Munchkins point Dorothy to the Yellow Brick Road, where she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. Together, they set out to locate the Emerald City and the Wizard of Oz himself, in hopes of finding the things they covet most - a home, a brain, a heart and courage - only to discover they've possessed them all along.
Along the way, Dorothy has several encounters with the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants to take the magical ruby red slippers from Dorothy, as well as Glinda, a good witch who offers guidance and protection.
In a news release, executive producer Jonathan Humble describes the production as "large-scale" and "technically complex." It features, he says, "a live band, beautiful custom-designed (and reimagined) costumes [and] incredible drops and scenery ... . This is 'The Wizard of Oz' as you've never seen it before."
Add to that the amazing flying effects of ZFX Flying Inc., a leader in the theater industry for cutting-edge aerial flight effects, Humble says.
"Without giving away everything you'll see, I will tell you that included in the list of aerial stunts is Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, flying on and off stage in her bubble," says Humble. "The rest will have to remain a surprise."