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It was more than a century ago when L. Frank Baum introduced readers to a fantastical land filled with witches, munchkins, and a girl named Dorothy from Kansas in “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Everyone knows the story of Dorothy and her quest to find her way back home while being accompanied by a tin woodsman, a scarecrow, and a cowardly lion. Its popularity soared as the fairy tale was turned into successful Broadway musicals and the film version, which was released in 1939 that starred Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Ray Bolger, and Frank Morgan, went on to become one of the most iconic films in cinema history.
Back for a second and final time, Beaumont Civic Ballet presents “The Wizard of Oz: The Ballet” on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. inside the Julie Rogers Theatre (765 Pearl St.). Ticket prices start at $10 and are available online at beaumontcivicballet.net.
“We love to do storybook ballets,” said Monique Zummo Steinhagen, director of the Beaumont Civic Ballet, “But this will be the last ‘Wizard of Oz’ we do for a while, so purchase those tickets. We will be announcing a new ballet soon.”
Choreographed by Artistic Co-Director Megan Anderson and under the direction of Steinhagen with costumes collaborated by Ouida Broussard, those in attendance will fall in love with all the favorites including Dorothy (Sienna Peterson), the Tin Man (Evelyn Buckner), the Scarecrow (Sophie Madden), the Cowardly Lion (Olivia de la Madrid), Glinda the Good Witch (Emerie Callas), the Wicked Witch of the West (Avery Jackson), Oz (Jules Williams and Mustapha Williams), plus the Munchkins, the Winkies, and the beautiful sets specifically made for this ballet.
“I love that I get to act while on stage,” said Madden. “The interaction with Dorothy and all of the characters is so much fun. I definitely enjoy portraying how I perceive the Scarecrow.”
Callas, a senior at Hardin-Jefferson and who was the Wicked Witch of the West last year, now steps into the role of Glinda the Good Witch. “It’s very sentimental with Dorothy because I get to protect her during the dances,” said Callas. “It’s easier for me to act nice as opposed to being mean like last year when I was the Wicked Witch. The music and the choreography are amazing. It’s very different than what we have done before in the past.”
Not only is this the last chance for the community to see Beaumont Civic Ballet’s version of “Wizard,” but it will also be the final time for several dancers in Senior Company to perform.
“I really love all the friendships I have been able to make here,” said Callas. “The teachers have taught me so many things besides dance, such as manners. I am going to miss everything about Beaumont Civic Ballet. It’s become my second home.”
Madden, a senior at West Brook, enjoyed the disciplined learned while dancing. “I had to juggle schoolwork and dance, where I had to give it my all after a long day… it took a lot of discipline, which I learned here.
“I’m also going to miss being here every day. Ms. Monique (Steinhagen) and Ms. Megan (Anderson) have taught me what it means to be a dancer and dancing has been a huge part of my life. I would do everything to be able to do it in college and Beaumont Civic Ballet has taught me the love for dance.”
Hebert, a senior at Monsignor Kelly High School, has three roles – Esmeralda, a poppy (rare flower) and a Winkie (resident of Oz). She describes a “family atmosphere” at Beaumont Civic Ballet.
“I’ve grown up here and these girls have been my best friends,” said Hebert. “The teachers have become my mothers, which made me fell so comfortable here.”
Anderson got emotional while talking about the senior company. “Oz has many themes,” said Anderson. “It’s the journey home as strangers, who all have different backgrounds, turn into friends all while achieving goals. These themes will come into their lives as they transition into college.
“I’ve had these sweet girls since they were all 3 years old. They are my babies, and I feel so blessed their families have shared them with us all these years. I’m going to miss their work ethic, their wit, their talents, and their love. And most of all I’m going to miss their faces. As we all celebrate this new chapter they are embarking on, we are still a little sad. Our sweet girls are leaving home. I am so excited to see where their journey takes them.”
For more information about the upcoming “The Wizard of Oz,” view beaumontcivicballet.net or call (409) 203-1042.