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Meshing the classic and contemporary, Las Positas College’s theater arts program is set to present its take on “The Wizard of Oz” musical the next two weeks in Livermore.
The well-known story features Dorothy’s journey through the fantasy Land of Oz, where she teams up with the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion. Each grieved by their perceived deficiencies — whether brain, heart, courage or home — they seek help from the great Wizard. Along the way, they encounter jitterbugs, ghosts, witches and a cast of fantastical Ozians.
Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s classic book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, the upcoming production features modern choreography and costuming, a California-inspired set as well as characters and scenes not included in MGM’s 1930s film adaptation of the story.
However, audiences can still expect to hear classic tunes such as “Over the Rainbow”, “If I Only Had a Brain” and “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead”.
“This show is so enduring for a reason,” director and choreographer Vinh G. Nguyen said. “The characters are so lovable. The story is just so simple, but so relevant.”
To Nguyen, this summer is a prime time to present “The Wizard of Oz”, as audiences await the release of “Wicked: For Good” — the second film in a two-part adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked”.
“We thought it would be a great time to share this story with our community again,” Nguyen said. “We also wanted to do it in a new and refreshing way that can engage the younger generation.”
Portraying Dorothy is actress Kiana Porr, who said the role is both exciting and challenging.
“From the outside, she seems like she’s just an innocent young girl. However, she has so much depth that is uncovered as the show progresses,” Porr said. “Being able to portray such an iconic character and bring her deeper feelings and motivations to light has been so much fun.”
In addition to the show’s themes like friendship and belief in oneself, Nguyen brings into the production California scenery for an added layer of relatability.
Munchkinland is akin to San Francisco, the Yellow Brick Road resembles the Pacific Coast Highway and the Emerald City looks like Los Angeles, Nguyen explained.
“Making it a localized production, we hope that our audience will see themselves in the stories that we’re telling,” the director added.
In addition to its California spin, the production also features contemporary choreography and costuming.
Clad in a variety of textiles, colors and patterns, performers are also encouraged to bring their lived experiences to the characters they embody, according to Nguyen.
“One of the best parts about playing Dorothy is that I can see so much of myself in her character,” Porr said. “I feel like Dorothy brings the best out of me onstage, and I am learning so much about myself from simply being in this role.”
The upcoming production features a cast of over 30 students and performers from the LPC Actors Conservatory, including Porr, Ava Fernandez, Cecily Hansson, Claire Willard, Demi Starzak, Ella Bracken, Isabella Dukleth, Jackson Baggie, Kiana Casanovas, Kiarra Bautista, Kinsey Ferrera, Lucas Caba, Mackenzie McDonald, Marshawn Wesley, Mason Garner, Mason Neto, Michael Patin, Mikayla Cabrera, Natalia Mujica Herrera, Renn Ma, Ryan Morris, Scout Del Real, Sharon Thompson, Spencer Canton and Xander Struckmann.
In addition to Nguyen, the production team includes producers Titian Lish and Cynthia Lagodzinski; musical director Jon Gallo; vocal director Jed de Roza and collaborative pianist Jeremiah Trujillo. Its artistic crew includes technical director John Kelly, Mike Rinaldi on lighting, Karl Haller on sound, Justine Law on scenic and Elizabeth Davis Newhouse on costumes.
The production is scheduled to run this Friday and Saturday (July 18-19) and July 25-26 at the outdoor amphitheater on the LPC campus at 3000 Campus Hill Drive in Livermore. All shows begin at 8 p.m. and seating is first-come, first-served. Picnics are welcome with food trucks and desserts available nightly.
For tickets or more information, visit to lpc.ludus.com or laspositascollege.edu/theater.
