DeSales University Act 3 Presents “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”

DeSales University theatre is pleased to announce its Act 3 senior capstone project "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" opening Thursday, March 16, and running until Saturday, April 15. Tickets are selling quickly.

Adapted by playwright Tim Kelly from the original 1900 novel by L. Frank Baum, the story of a teenage girl from Kansas transported to the Emerald City has become a world classic with many adaptations, including the 1939 Oscar-nominated film.

The senior class aims to establish a contemporary take on the classic story so the audience can feel that same sort of comfort that the original story provided while experiencing a contemporary twist. 

“Our production of 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' is unique because we are pulling our main inspiration from L. Frank Baum's original novel,” said Alaina Hurley, director of the production. “I was much more familiar with the movie when I entered the process, but after reading the book and more about Baum himself, I developed a greater respect for his artistry. I knew immediately that I wanted my version of 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' to reflect his child-like wonder, enthusiasm for color, and desire to send a message of friendship to children all over.”

Because Act 3 is a project by the senior theatre class, every acting role, stage crew, design staff, and administrative position is staffed and led by students, because of their personal experiences in each area.

Administrative and creative roles for the production include Brielle Lewandowski as company manager, Molly Hofstaetder as stage manager, Emily Barrett as lighting designer, Courtney Zwally as scenic designer, Tia Rossi as sound designer, Nicole Lawrie as costume designer, Cole Zwilling as props manager, Izzy Criscuolo as box office manager, Sydney Abbott as education liaison, and Patrick Byrnes as marketing manager. 

In the cast Kylie Menow will play Dorothy, while Johnny Drumgoole, Kevin Regan and Kassidy Kimata will play the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion respectively. Rossi will act as Toto the terrier’s puppeteer.

"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" opens on Thursday, March 16, and will run through Saturday, April 15, 2023. Performances are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in March and April. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $11 for children, and $8 for DSU students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Labuda Center box office at 610-282-3192 or by visiting www.desales.edu/act1. 

There will also be a relaxed performance on April 4, a sensory-friendly show that creates a judgment-free zone for patrons with a wide range of sensory and communication differences, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and people of all abilities and ages who would benefit from a relaxed experience. There will be a prerecorded streamed performance on Saturday, April 15. Please call 610-282-3192 for more information.

The Labuda Center is accessible and equipped with a listening enhancement system. Special seating is available for our patrons using wheelchairs or requiring other assistance. Please inform the box office of your needs when ordering tickets.