The Wizard of Oz Comes to Vashon!

Vashon Youth Theatre will unwrap its latest production — the timeless tale of THE WIZARD OF OZ — just in time for the holiday season this year.

The show, an adaptation of The Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage show featuring songs from the classic 1939 film,  will have three performances, at 7 p.m. Friday, December 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, at Vashon High School Theatre.

The show is directed by VYT founder Elizabeth Ripley, who most recently helmed the youth theatre company’s  production of the musical, “Carrie: The Musical.”

This time around, she’s working with a cast that includes a dozen preschool and elementary-aged Munchkins as well as her regular troupe of more experienced high school-aged thespians.

Her version of the show, she said, will offer up some fresh surprises, while also delighting audiences with a much-beloved story and familiar tunes and characters.

“As a director, I do have a certain license to make things my own,” Ripley said. “Our witch will have the iconic green skin-- but I don’t believe in frumpy witches. My costumer designer and co-conspirator, Lillian Ripley, liked the idea of red and black. People will have to come to the show themselves to see what they think of our take on the Wicked Witch.”
Vashon’s “Wizard” will also include a special trio of trees, who follow Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road, and special effects such a living twister, gimmicks that shoot light and smoke, and mist and fog, and tap dancing Tinman and Scarecrow.

Principal cast members include Isa Sanson Freh as Dorothy, Maria Gilmore as Glinda, Joy  Gihgleri as the Wicked Witch, Isaac Hughes as the Scarecrow, Xavier Ajeto as the Tinman, Luther Marinez as the Cowardly Lion, and Drama Dock regular Toby Nichols as The Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz. A tiny, gentle chihuahua mix named Killer will play the pivotal role of Toto.

Tickets ($15 General Admission and $5 for Youth and Seniors) will be sold at the door and  
In Advance($10 General Admission and $5 for Youth and Seniors), at Vashon Book Shop.