Somewhere over the rainbow turns out to be The Pumpkin Theatre.
The theatre is presenting the MGM musical version of “The Wizard of Oz” for the next three weekends. The cast of 25 stars Lauren Spencer-Harris as Dorothy and Liz Boyer-Hunnicutt as the Wicked Witch of the West.
The stage version of the L. Frank Baum classic is slightly different in length and personalities ? the Wicked Witch is a lot funnier in this one ? but still includes the music everyone can sing along to. “We?re Off to See the Wizard,” “Ding! Dong! The Witch is Dead” and “Over the Rainbow” are just some of the songs being performed.
It also includes Dorothy?s dance “The Rainbow,” a 1940s jitterbug-style dance that was originally cut from the movie production.
“I?m the oldest Dorothy ever,” joked Harris, who is 30. “So the hardest part for me is trying to become realistic as a teen and make children believe that this girl is taking this amazing journey.
Harris? 2-year-old pug, Baxter, makes his acting debut, playing Dorothy?s dog, Toto.
“He was scared of everyone until last night, but he?s still scared of the witch?s broomstick,” Harris laughed. “Hopefully the lights are bright enough that he won?t notice [the audience], but I?m prepared to chase him.”
Hunnicutt is looking forward to her role as the evil Wicked Witch of the West.
“It?s fun because I get to scare the kids, instead of all that sappy stuff,” Hunnicutt said with a laugh, adding that she played Ursula in the theatre?s production of the Little Mermaid last year. “I?ve had my share of evil roles.”
“I think it?s a fresh look at the wizard; no one?s trying to copy a movie,” Harris said. “Everyone has made fun character choices.”
“It?s a fun holiday thing for kids, everyone knows the story,” Hunnicutt said. “Plus we have ten really cute little munchkins.”
The Wizard of Oz
» Venue: Pumpkin Theatre, Hannah More Arts Center, St. Timothy?s School, 8400 Greenspring Ave., Reisterstown
» Times: Saturday, Sunday, Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 1 and 3 p.m.
» Cost: $9-$12
» More info: 410-828-1645
