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The Wizard of Oz
Friday, July 19, 2024 - 7:00 PM
to Sunday, July 21, 2024 - 5:00 PM
7:00 PM - 5:00 PM See all dates and Times
After nearly two years of planning, dreaming, and fundraising, the new Oconomowoc Community Theatre (OCT) is finally achieving its dream of bringing community theatre to Lake Country audiences with its first performance July 19-21 at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. This cast of 50, which ranges in age from 5 to 70, will perform well-loved classic musical, “The Wizard of Oz.”
This show represents the culmination of a dream for a small group of theatre-lovers with ties to Oconomowoc who participated in or led community theatre in the area in the 1980s-1990s. In 2022, they started discussing their desire to resurrect a summer program involving locals of all ages and experience levels to produce one musical each summer. As the idea took shape, the group selected “The Wizard of Oz,” as 2024 is the 85th anniversary of the movie premiere in Oconomowoc.
The board of seven volunteers has met monthly since early 2023, working through all the elements of building the nonprofit. At long last, rehearsals are in full swing, and the group is proud to announce the show is set for July 19-21 at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.
“The mission of OCT is to create something meaningful,” says Sheri Rice, board president of the theatre. “Oconomowoc has a long tradition of celebrating the arts.” Rice added that stories in the news about the prevalence of isolation during COVID encouraged her to find a way to bring the community together. “I did theatre as a teen,” she recalls. “It was important to me, and many of my closest friends today I met backstage.”
Half the cast are children, and area parents have expressed their enthusiasm for this production.
“Both my sister and I were actively involved in theater and drama during our school years and summer breaks in Oconomowoc,” says Erin Bonde, mother of one of the flying monkeys. “Some of our fondest memories came from the genuine connections we made during those productions. I wanted my daughter to experience those same cherished memories and friendships. As a mom, I understand the numerous social and educational benefits of participating in theater, from learning choreography and building confidence to fostering mutual support and forming lifelong bonds. Plus, she absolutely loves it! Theater friends are friends for life.”
The show opens July 19 at 7:00 pm, with two shows Saturday at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm, and a matinee Sunday July 21 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are still available via the OAC box office and may be purchased in person, over the phone at 262-56-3172, or online.
This beloved classic promises to transport audiences to the magical land of Oz, bringing iconic characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion to life.
Oconomowoc Community Theatre is a nonprofit based in Oconomowoc, which will produce one summer show each year in the tradition of Oconomowoc's successful Summer Theatre in the 1980s-90s. Their mission is to entertain audiences while creating an environment where adults and children may collaborate and create quality productions. Performances will take place at the Oconomowoc Arts Center.
To learn more please contact [email protected] and visit OconomowocCommunityTheatre.org.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2517895-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2517895-2
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