Skip to content

Theatre Sarnia brings kid-friendly classic to the stage

Pam Wright If you’re off to see The Wizard, just follow the yellow brick road to the Imperial Theatre.
WizardOz
The cast includes, from left, back row: Dallas Babb as the Wicked Witch and Hillary Dutourgeerling as Glinda; front row: Richard Teskey is the Cowardly Lion, Talia Mielke plays Dorothy, Devon Wales is the Scarecrow and Jared Riddell is the Tinman. Submitted Image

Pam Wright

If you’re off to see The Wizard, just follow the yellow brick road to the Imperial Theatre.

Theatre’s Sarnia’s production of the beloved family-favourite opens May 10 and features a cast of 35, including 16 children who bring a host of fresh new faces to local theatre.

“It’s a classic film and lots of people love it,” said director and choreographer Bethany Tiegs.

“I really love the film and wanted to bring the magic of that to the Imperial stage.

Tiegs, a Sarnia resident and special education consultant at the Lambton Kent District School Board, said the musical stays very close to the 1939 film staring Judy Garland.

Because she works with children, Tiegs wanted to direct a play that offers them an chance to embrace the arts, onstage and in the audience.

“The Wizard of Oz is appropriate for all ages,” she said.

It’s been fours years since Tiegs put her skills to the test by choreographing Theatre Sarnia’s production of Spamalot.

In addition to the cast, another 30 people are working behind the scenes, including an entire hair and makeup team needed for the production’s visually complex characters.

The Windsor native, who’s been involved in theatre from the age of 10, said she’s impressed with the high level of excellence found in Sarnia’s theatre community.

Bringing the Wizard to life even requires an element of canine choreography, she added.

“We have also had to work on training the dogs for this production, which was a first for me.”

Other production members include Mark Bandura, who works the projections, costume designer Karissa Tesky, set director Sarah Longland, musical director Adam Forristal, stage manager Kathryn Forristal, and construction guru Bill Soulliere.

IF YOU GO:

WHAT: Theatre Sarnia’s production of The Wizard of Oz

WHERE: Imperial Theatre, 168 N. Christina St.

WHEN: May 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, May 12.

TICKETS: $40 adults, $35 seniors, $25 young adults, $20 youth, available at www.imperialtheatre.net or call 519-344-7469.


Join the Community: Receive Our Daily News Email for Free