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The Wizard of Oz

By L. Frank Baum [G]

Directed by Tony Catanese. Music directed by Travis Yamamoto.

Somewhere over the rainbow... Dorothy and friends, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion travel to the Emerald City to see the Wizard, meet up with the Lollypop Guild, in the County of Gillikins and other dreamscapes. There's the Wicked Witch of the West's sister, of course, the Sorceress of the North (the Good Witch) and songs you can sing along with (featuring a live orchestra), plus memorable scenes and new exciting characters (The Jitterbugs) and lots and lots of talent.

The Evergreen Players and proud sponsor Bellco Credit Union present a classic stage musical, The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Frank Gabrielson, directed and choreographed by Tony Catanese, music and lyrics of the screen version by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harbug, with Travis Yamamoto as Musical Director

Cast

Katrina Atkinson Ensemble

Katrina Atkinson is overjoyed about her debut with the Evergreen Players. Playing a trashcan completely tops her previous performances with the Evergreen Children's Chorale and Evergreen Chorale. Her "runner-ups" are Annie in Annie, Brigitta in The Sound of Music, and the children's choir in Joseph at the Buell Theatre with the Broadway touring company.

Mari Banka Third Witch

Mari's happy to have her Evergreen Players debut in the Wizard of Oz, as the Oz Lady and ensemble. She recently graduated from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. She is excited to be a part of the Players, and hopes to continue theater in the future.

Kent Carney Tin Man

This is Kent's 6th production with the Evergreen Players. He began with Evita and Annie in 1994. In 2004 he appeared as Ben Weatherstaff in the Ovation nominated musical The Secret Garden. Most recently he was the Singing Postman in the Evergreen Chorale's production of The Most Happy Fellow.

Tony Catanese Director

Tony's past association with the Players includes directing "Proof" and appearing in "Wait Until Dark" (Sgt. Carlino) and "Lost in Yonkers" (Louie). He is a Master Teacher at Graland Country Day School and a Pet Therapy volunteer with his dog, Dodger. Tony says THANKS to the cast and crew for sharing their special talents with him and dedicates this production to his wife, Cindy, who owns Disguises Costumes in Lakewood.

Jenny Cipolla Dorothy

Jenny has enjoyed musical theatre and singing and at 11 years old, is thrilled to be making her debut with the Evergreen Players. Other performances include Gypsy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Romeo and Juliet. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support!

Judy Curtis Wicked Witch of the West

I, Judy Curtis (Witch of the West) WICKED TYPE, am back with the Evergreen Players after a long absence. Past performances with the Players include Little Abner, Pippin, The Foreigner & +++ Thanks to all my friend & family who said I would be good in this part. What does that mean?

Gregg Dudding Ensemble

Gregg Dudding is so excited to finally be in a show with the Evergreen Players. Having last year been on running crew it's be a nice change to be on the stage. He has been in other shows with the Evergreen Choral and also at Evergreen High School. He is currently going to University of Northern Colorado aiming for a degree in Geography.

Abby Gauvain Dorothy

This is Abby's second show in her life, and she is loving theatre. She just completed eighth grade at West Jefferson Middle School, and is preparing for the IB Program at Lakewood High School. She also enjoys playing soccer, reading, and writing. She would like to thank everyone who encouraged her throughout this whole show!

Jessy Gibson munchkin

This is Jessica's debut to the theater. She is very excited! Participation in the Evergreen Players Drama Camp has sparked her interest in theater. Besides acting, Jessica enjoys singing, playing the piano, and baseball. She is also active in dance and Brownies.

Hawk & Bearette Holmlund Toto

Hawk (with tail) and Bearette (no tail) are Schipperkes. Retired search and rescue dogs, they have appeared in numerous short films, Nebraska's Shakespeare Festival, and on Animal Planet's "Pet Star".

Sequoia Keith munchkin

Sequoia is 9 years old, resident of Evergreen since she was 2. She currently attends Compass Montessori in Golden, and loves being in school plays there. Most recently she portrayed Maria Montessori's mother. Sequoia is in Prelude and enjoys singing. Being musical, her instrument of choice is the harp, she has been playing for over 2 years.

Kaitlyn Lubotsky munchkin

Kate Lubotsky loves acting, singing and dancing and has been doing it since she was three. If she is not singing, she is golfing or on the soccer field. Wizard of Oz is one of Kate's favorite shows and she is excited to be a part of this production.

Lexi Lubotsky munchkin

At only 5 years old, Lexi Lubotsky is no stranger to acting, singing, dancing or performing. Even when she is not on stage, Lexi can be found singing or dancing for anyone who will watch. This summer, Lexi is staying busy swimming, playing soccer and being a Junior Bronco's Cheerleader.

Courtland Lyons munchkin

In addition to playing a citizen of Oz, Court's other roles include Village Son in Fiddler on the Roof (Littleton Town Arts), Rooster in Annie Jr (Kids Theatre West), Huckleberry Finn in Tom Sawyer (Mizel Center) as well as a member of the Children's Choir in Joseph...Dreamcoat (Performance Now). He was also honored to perform in Denver with the 2007 cast of Up With People.

Sloan Lyons munchkin

Sloan is very grateful to be able to play a role in one of her favorite stories. She has also performed as Laurie in Brighton Beach Memoirs (Fine Arts Center-Colo. Springs), Phantom in Selggin and the Battle of the Mollinduffs (Denver Victorian Playhouse) and Sadako in A Thousand Cranes (E Project).

Wyatt Manobla Scarecrow

Wyatt Manobla is a junior at Denver School of the Arts. He is enjoying his forth year being a vocal major there. he is so excited to be the scarecrow this summer, he has worked super hard on this character, being that it is the hardest part he has ever become. Wyatt was recently seen in ALMOST OSCARS, AIDA, OPERA SCENES, and much more. he would like to thank his family- David, Din, Don, Isaac, and Hailee,the directors, the cast, and his friends, for all their support, love and faith. Wyatt has had such a great journey, and is honored to be in this production. he hopes you can see how much fun we are having, and he hopes you enjoy.

Nancy Manus Sorceress

Nancy is pleased to be making her debut at Center Stage. Nancy has been involved in community theatre since she was sixteen. Favorite past roles include; Lady Larking/Once Upon a Mattress, Chorus/Joseph, Maybel/Pirates of Penzance. In her spare time she likes to eat, sleep, read, dance, and do massage therapy! She'd like to thank Tony for taking a chance on the "newbee", her family that supports this crazy addiction, and her Heavenly Father for with out him she would not have these talents to share with you today.

Gary Muse Uncle Henry/Lord Growlie

Gary is appearing in his eighth show at Center/Stage and his second with Evergreen Players (he filled in as the Constable in "Our Town" for three performances last year). He would like to thank his wife Susan for her support and for understanding when he's gone for rehearsals every night!

Becca Nelson Gloria

Rebecca Nelson
In many past Players show
Wizard of Oz rocks

For academics
Just finished Lakewood IB
Going to Bucknell

Musical Theater
Is a big part of my life
Thank you cast and crew

Angie Nesbit munchkin

Angie is thrilled to be making her stage debut with the Evergreen Players as a Munchkin. She feels close to the role, having played one in school productions and real life (her Dad has called her "Munchkin" since she was born). Thanks to everyone - it's been great fun!

Gage Norris Munchkin Mayor, Ensemble

Gage is pumped to be in his first mainstage production outside of school. The Wizard of Oz has been a wonderful and exiting journey. He attends Denver School of the Arts and is eager to further his acting career.

Beanie O'Malley Ensemble

Beanie O'Malley is a freshman at Evergreen High School and is thrilled to be in her second show with the Evergreen Players. This is her fourth production. Past shows include Evergreen player's Our Town, EMS's High School Musical, and Sarah Brown in EMS's Guys and Dolls.

Rex Privratsky Ensemble

Having an affinity with rainbows, Rex is ecstatic to go over the rainbow in The Wizard of Oz! Rex is passionate in theater, visual arts, dancing, and making people smile. He wants to thank his family, the cast, crew, and of course all ye faithful audience members for making this production of Oz one thrilling horse of a different color!

Alex Romberg Ensemble

Alex is thrilled to be in this production The Wizard of Oz! She has just graduated from Evergreen High School and is headed for the CSU theatre department in the fall. She enjoys smiles, rainbows, puppies, and cheesecake. Sincerest thanks to Tony, Michelle, Travis, Ellen, and her family for being so understanding and fantastic.

Bekah Romberg Ensemble

Rebekah is so excited to be in her first Players show! From playing a maniacal dandelion named Efflefrith, to a boy crazy Oz Girl named Isabelle, she is so happy to have been in this production! Thanks to Tony, Michelle, Ellen, Travis, all the board and cast, and all her family and friends!

Steve Russell Lion

I am truly privileged to bring the Cowardly Lion to life in my first appearance at Center Stage. It has been a fun, educational and growling experience. I want to thank Tony, Michele and Travis for letting me sing and prance and the kids for laughing at me and giving me courage. I also want to thank my own kids, Jacob, Jourdyn and Lauren, for tutoring me in being a parent, and my wife, Anne, for permitting me to develop my hobbies.

David Shepard Wizard

This is David's first role since his professional NYC training days in the 1960's and the productions such as Barefoot In The Park, Cactus Flower, Macbeth, The Cherry Orchard, The Importance of Being Earnest and several musicals. Since reducing his full time career as a Denver physician, he has decided to re explore his love of the theatre and acting again.

Donna Worley Aunt Em/Second Witch

Donna Worley has played some famous ladies including Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Velma Kelly in Chicago, Nellie Forbush in South Pacific, Agnes Gooch in Mame, and Evita. She is so pleased to be working with Tony, Travis, and Michelle as another famous pair of ladies... Aunt Em and a witch. She sends loads of love to family and friends for their support.

Michele Wright Assistant Director

Michele is excited to be returning to Center Stage and the Evergreen Players. Michele's first introduction to this stage was the Evergreen Chorale's Lil Abner in 1989! Boy does time fly! Michele feels blessed she has been able to work with Tony Catanese whom she has known for almost twenty years, it has been an honor. Michele is a current member of the Evergreen Players Board of Directors and has a BA in theatre from Adams State College. Michele would like to thank this brilliant cast for making her job so much easier. Thanks to my family and especially to Rob, Mandi and Scott for believing in me.

Travis Yamamoto Music Director

Travis has worked as a pianist and musical director for County Dinner Playhouse, the Denver Civic Theatre, The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and the Colorado Hebrew Chorale. He has won a composition award from the National Conference on Piano Pedagogy and awards from The ASCAP Standard Awards Panel. He holds degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder and the University of Southern California. He maintains a private piano studio and teaches at the University of Colorado, Denver.

Production Crew

Images from The Wizard of Oz

Photography by Ellen Nelson and other volunteers.

Off To See The Wizard! The Tin Man (Kent Carney), the Scarecrow (Wyatt Manobla) and the Lion (Steve Russell) join Dorothy (Jenny Cipolla)

The Lion (Steve Russell) shows his courage.