Ballet Western Reserve Dancing in Oz
IF YOU GO
What: “The Wizard of Oz”
When: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at Powers Auditorium, Youngstown
Tickets: $29 ($23 for age 13 and up; $17 for children) at 330-744-0264 or youngstownsymphony.com
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
It’s usually a given that Ballet Western Reserve’s holiday production will be “The Nutcracker.”
But this year, BWR is taking a different yellow-brick road by presenting “The Wizard of Oz.”
Set for two performances Saturday at Powers Auditorium, “Wizard” is a classic ballet based on the beloved story of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Lion, the Wicked Witch and, of course, the Wizard.
The BWR is preparing a visual spectacle with special effects that include flying monkeys. A Las Vegas-based company has been hired to set rigging so the evil characters can fly across the stage.
But that’s not the only attraction, according to Sabrina Shapiro, executive director of the BWR.
“We have new eye-popping sets and costumes, and a special guest appearance,” said Shapiro. “Theatergoers will see flying monkeys, cyclones, rainbows, lollipoppers and more.”
Leslie Barrett of 21 WFMJ-TV will serve as narrator. The main sponsor is Home Savings and Loan, along with Denise and John York, the Ohio Arts Counsel and FPS Roofing.
The last time the BWR staged “Wizard” was 11 years ago, and the return seems to have brought fresh energy to the school.
“Since the beginning of September when auditions took place, the Ballet has been abuzz with excitement,” said Shapiro. “New costumes being designed, sets being built and the sound of new music echoing through the building has energized the students, parents and staff.”
The new show also brought new dance genres.
“A cool aspect of this production is that it’s not just ballet,” said Shapiro. “There is tap dancing as well as modern and hip-hop, which is something that we have not incorporated in our show in a few years.”
Shapiro said it takes extra effort to mount a new production, but the teaching staff, choreographers and dancers were up to the challenge. Why the change? Because the BWR has done “Nutcracker” for the past several years, and felt its students and patrons needed a change.
The Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” tour will come to Powers on Nov. 26, so switching to “Wizard” might have also prevented some Sugar Plum overload.
“We didn’t have to switch; we chose to,” said Shapiro. “Many of our students go on to dance in college and audition for summer intensives with prestigious dance companies and we feel it is vital to give them an opportunity to dance in other productions. It is a boost to their dance resumes.”
The cast of “The Wizard of Oz” includes Davia Ford, Dagmar Stahl, Megan Delaney, Will MacNeil, Sarah Veverka, Ava Shapiro, Cristina LaRocca, Emilia Aey, Samuel Darrin, Lexi Burdman and Ella Dill.
Jacquelynn Cunningham and Emily Pasquale are the co-directors.