‘Wizard of Oz’ recreates classic at Auditorium

Dorothy Gale from the Broadway production of “The Wizard of Oz” is no longer in Kansas. Performances will be Tuesday and Wednesday at the IU Auditorium.

“The Wizard of Oz” originated as a 1900 children’s novel by L. Frank Baum. The release of the 1939 MGM film based on the book made “The Wizard of Oz” a part of pop culture throughout the United States.

IU Auditorium Director Doug Booher said the production has songs from the movie as well as additional songs.

Booher said children from the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation’s Edgewood Junior High School will play parts in the productions as Munchkins.

“It’s a great program for anybody who’s a ‘Wizard of Oz’ fan,” Booher said. “People who remember seeing it as a kid will get taken back to childhood. IU students will be able to reminisce when they come and see the show.”

Booher said there are also craft opportunities for children before the program begins, and there are promotional specials in partner with Finch’s Brasserie on Kirkwood Avenue.

He said the show will be a direct representation to the story that many people have seen in the movie version.

“It’s a bright and bold set, a really talented cast,” Booher said.

Wardrobe attendant Beckie DeLong said she helps prepare costumes prior to the show in addition to helping backstage costume changes during the program.

She said trying to change costumes can be very challenging, depending on how experienced the actor is.

“Basically, they stand there – they trust you to do your job,” DeLong said. “A lot of communication is going on. But new actors won’t trust you. A new person will never get there. They have to trust that you want them to look the best they can look on stage.”

She said she is excited about the variety of costumes for the upcoming show.

“We’ve got flying monkeys – wonderful costumes,” DeLong said. “This has got so many exciting characters that I can’t wait to see how they’re done. It should be colorful.”

DeLong added that costumes must go through a lot of wear and tear, and a good costume lasts 50 years or more.

“A costume has to put up with being used and worn hard. A costume is worn eight times a week,” she said. “It has to put up with sweating and dancing, and they don’t get cleaned after every time they’ve been used.”

IU alumni Ryan Claus and Chris Imhoff are in the orchestra for the production.

Both are part of NETWorks Presentations LLC, a touring company that is putting on “The Wizard of Oz.”

Claus said he  plays various instruments in the show, including flute, piccolo, clarinet and alto saxophone.

He said the audience responds really well to the music for the show.

“It’s very catchy. It’s upbeat and exciting,” Claus said.

Imhoff, who serves as the lead trombone player for the performance, said he hopes the show brings a sense of nostalgia for people familiar with the storyline.

“Songs like ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow,’ they already have an idea of what is about to happen,” he said. “It’s a timeless story. The music is crucial for the center of the story.”

Imhoff said he likes being part of something that creates an impact on people.

“It’s a very great feeling and gives you a great sense of accomplishment,” Imhoff said. “When you see a kid’s face light up when the show is taking place, you can’t help but smile.”