By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
This weekend, residents will have the opportunity to travel to the magical land of Oz as the Hays Community Theatre presents, The Wizard of Oz, the classic story of a Kansas girl’s adventures in a faraway land.
The production will feature more than 40 local actors, singers, and dancers of all ages taking the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center in Sheridan Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.
Wendy Richmeier, director said the musical follows much of the classic movie but includes scenes cut from the 40s film.
"It's very similar," Richmeier said. "We start out in the black and white mindset. And then we go to the vivid color when Dorothy lands in Munchkin land and through her adventure in Munchkin land to see the Wizard to get back home. And then it goes back to our black and white as we did in the movie."
She said during the show the audience will see some similarities and some differences to the film, but being a live production creates an exciting new experience, even for those that know the story.
"This is an aesthetic show," Richmeier said. "We want to keep it as close to the Wizard of Oz that everybody knows and loves as much as possible. Of course, it is theater. We have some limitations, but when we can put an amazing show out there that everybody knows and loves, we're super excited."
And this year, she said, there was increased interest in the community theatre.
"This has been the summer to participate again," she said.
That participation includes a variety of people from the community, creating an event for the community.
"We are a community theater, and that's what we do is we produce our shows for our community to come enjoy," Richmeier said. "The thing that I love about community theater is we are here for the community. Not everybody can be in a business organization or in a shotgun club. But we have a place for anyone and everyone that wants to do something or be part of our production."
"Parts of theater are not just the performing," she continued. "It takes all hands on deck to build set to paint set to create the set to create costuming, to put costuming together to create props, to just move things around on stage."
And for those interested in becoming involved, she said they welcome anyone and everyone.
"The best thing to do if you want to give it a try is check out our website," Richmeier said. "And then also go to our Facebook page, Twitter, we're out everywhere. We have an email, give us a shout, and someone will get back to you. Or just show up at one of our productions. Talk to one of our stage crew, one of our directors or one of our board members."
And as the cast presents the show from the FHSU campus, the location is not the only tie to the university as FHSU's "First Dog" Gracie Mason will play the part of Toto.
"That was a bit of a challenge," Richmeier said. "We wanted to use a live dog and I've never used a live animal before. But I'll tell you what, it is so fun having her on stage and the support that Fort Hays has given. It's gonna be a great show."
For all those making the show possible, she said she is grateful.
"I just want to give a shout-out to everybody that has taken part in this production in any aspect," Richmeier said. "It takes a lot to put a show together. It's not just one person sitting in a chair shouting out, do this do that, they have to have their hearts in it. And this has been a great production. I hope everybody comes out to see everybody's heart that's been in the show."
Tickets are now on sale at the Hays Community Theatre website, hctks.com, or at the door for $15.
All seats purchased in advance are reserved.
