MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Ruby slippers, a yellow brick road, and Broadway-caliber costumes will take center stage this week as Meridian Little Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz.
The production, directed by Carol Merrill, runs Oct. 2-5 and brings together a cast of familiar faces with deep ties to the community.
Jason Brooks, who plays the Tin Man, first discovered his love for theater at MLT nearly two decades ago. After moving away, he returned to Meridian last year and is once again stepping onto the stage where his passion began.
“Wizard of Oz is one of those shows and one of those stories that’s just kind of woven into our pop culture in America,” Brooks said. “Everybody’s kind of humming along because they know these familiar songs and these characters.”
David White, who plays the Cowardly Lion, said the stage version offers surprises for audiences who only know the 1939 film. One of those moments is “The Jitterbug,” a large dance number that was cut from the movie.
“It’s the most exhausting thing I’ve ever done in my life, but it’s going to be so entertaining,” White said.
He added that the show’s visual design is also striking. “Our costumes are fantastic. We actually have Broadway touring costumes. So when you see the main characters come out in our big gear, it really is almost breathtaking.”
For Piper Gonzalez, the role of Dorothy is especially personal. She first played the character at age 13 and is now revisiting it as an adult performer.
“Right now, I’m wearing my Black and White outfit, which is for Kansas… once we transition into Oz, then it will become much more vibrant,” Gonzalez said.
She credited the crew for creating the magical world on stage. “One rehearsal we’ll come and there’s no Oz head, and the next day there’s an Oz head completed and moving. Everyone’s just done an amazing job.”
Dalton Newell, who grew up performing in MLT youth productions, returns as the Scarecrow. He first played the role in high school, but his connection to the theater goes back to childhood, when he appeared as the Munchkin Coroner.
“The show is all about camaraderie, friendship, and home,” Newell said. “I think what I want people to come away with is just that feeling of how important friends are, how important family is.”
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at Meridian Little Theatre.
More information and tickets are available at meridianlittletheatre.com.