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‘Wizard of Oz’ plays to capacity crowds
Published November 28, 2009
Officials reported stellar attendance figures during a four-performance run of “The Wizard of Oz” musical presented by the Snead State Community College Department of Theatre from Nov. 19 to Nov. 22.
“We sold out Friday night and Sunday, turning away about 10 or 15 on Friday with standing room only,” said “Oz” director Johnny Brewer. “Friday we brought out chairs. Sunday we filled all of the fixed seats. There are approximately 1,080 seats in the Bevill Center.
“I’m disappointed that we couldn’t run the show for two weekends and for more school performances. Logistics and costs played an important factor.”
Brewer directed Snead State’s presentation of “Oz” in 2000 and noted the differences in the two productions nine years apart.
“Technology played an important role in this production,” he said. “Video and projections, which were not as easily workable nine years ago, worked seamlessly in this production. We had more special effects in this one — Dorothy flying into the tornado and actual flying monkeys.
“The only special effect we used last time that we couldn’t use this time were flash pots for the witch’s entrances and exits. I had an ATF license for stage pyro, and after 9-11, it became a little more expensive and unpractical to keep one.
“Jimmy Davis, of Boaz, was the special effects coordinator for this production and was involved in 2000 as well. He was a key person for the technology for ‘Wizard’ 2009.”
Brewer said Friday night’s Nov. 20th presentation featured nostalgia galore as the cast of the 2000 production of “The Wizard of Oz” was recognized.
“Mary Page Wilson was Dorothy, Randy Helms was the Tin Man and Chris Carter was the Lion,” Brewer said. “Tim Batten could not make it because he was involved in a professional acting company in Atlanta performing in ‘Arsenic and Old Lace.’
“Also recognized Friday night were about 25 to 30 Munchkins, now grown up, and cast and crew members from the 2000 edition, including some returning crew members … Emily Porter as the accompanist, Timmy Moore as stage manager and Steve Holman as assistant stage manager.
“Erik Cederholm who plays the Tin Man in the 2009 edition and John Everett Brewer who plays the Lion were a Munchkin City Father and Munchkin Mayor, respectively, in 2000.
“Brandon Greer an orchestra member this 2009 version was a Munchkin in 2000. Jason Lancaster served as a volunteer tech person as a student from Boaz High School in 2000. He was an outstanding assistant director for the 2009 edition. Jason is an Auburn graduate with a degree in technical theater.”
Brewer thanked a number of people who provided support for the musical, including Snead State President Robert Exley.
“We had lots of community support and the support and encouragement from the Snead administration team, especially from Dr. Exley, Dr. Miller and Mr. Richard. Dave Welch, Snead State Bevill Center events coordinator, was extremely helpful as well.
“Dr. Exley met in ‘circle,’ a traditional time to give last-minute notes and have a prayer, with the cast and crew every performance and greeted the audience every show. It was an honor to direct this play for Dr. Exley and Snead State Community College.
“We had a great live orchestra composed of almost all community musicians and Snead State Jazz Band students. I was proud of every person in the show.”
Brewer said the cast and crew included children and adults of all ages, in some cases entire families.
“We had several families represented in the show,” Brewer said. “Parents worked on crew while their children were in the cast. Some families were all in the cast. The youngest was Jake Trebus at 3 years of age. His sister was Emily Anne Trebus who played Toto.”
Brewer had a strong family connection of his own.
“My wife Katherine worked on the production staff of both 2000 and 2009 editions,” he said. “The most exciting part of the production was working with my son, John Everett Brewer, as the Lion.”
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