Magical Starlight Theatre invites audiences, young and old, to be captivated by the familiar and beloved story of “The Wizard of Oz,” coming to the Naperville stage January 10-12, 2020 and 17-19, 2020.
The company of 54 talented community actors has been hard at work for the past six weeks preparing for the performances and relishing every moment.
“For several members of the cast, this is a dream role for them,” said director Kris Visher.
For example, when Emma Lee heard that she was chosen for the role of Dorothy, she was surprised and overjoyed.
“’Over the Rainbow’ was one of the songs that taught me how to sing when I was a little girl,” said Lee, “So being given the chance to portray the character and sing that song for people is really unbelievable.”
“We are thrilled to be performing The Wizard of Oz as our 25th anniversary show,” said Visher. “The themes of the story, friendship, that there is no place like home, and that everything I need I already have, reflect the experience and values of Magical Starlight Theatre, where we have the joy of cast and crews coming home to the stage, or to give back as part of our theater family.”
The production promises to bring refreshed energy to the story while staying true to the classic movie familiar to so many.
“The story comes to life in person with these actors, who are able to be in the moment as their characters,” Visher said. “The choreography is fun and current, and there are some technology surprises that will be very entertaining.”
Tickets are general admission seating for the show and may be purchased in advance for $13 until 4 p.m. on the Friday of the performance weekend. Performances will take place at Naperville Central High School Auditorium, 440 W. Aurora Avenue. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.napervilleparks.org, by phone at 630-848-5000, or during regular business hours at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center at 305 W. Jackson Avenue, at the 95th St. Center at 2244 W. 95th Street, or at Fort Hill Activity Center, at 20 Fort Hill Dr. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15.
A sign language interpreter will be present at the 1:30 p.m. performance Sunday, Jan. 12 and at the 6:30 p.m. performance Saturday, Jan. 18.
As a special promotion, Magical Starlight Theatre is running a Wizard of Oz Essay Contest for students in grades third through eighth. The winner will receive four tickets to the opening night performance. Essays must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. January 1, 2020 to enter. For details and guidelines, visit www.napervilleparks.org/magicalstarlighttheatre and direct any questions to info@magicalstarlight.org.
Magical Starlight Theatre is a program of The Naperville Park District. Magical Starlight strives to include community actors and production staff of multiple generations in its productions, providing a unique opportunity for adults and young people to work together as peers and learn from one another.
—Naperville Park District