There’s no place like the BCPA as Brighton High School Musical Theatre presents “The Wizard of Oz,” with seven performances Feb. 18-27, 2022.
In keeping with its reputation for Broadway-level performances right here in Livingston County, Brighton Musical’s talented students, parents, volunteers, and creative team are busy preparing to put on a stunning spectacle of the Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation of the beloved musical adventure. This version of The Wizard of Oz debuted in 1987 in North London to rave reviews. Based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” it closely recreates the classic 1939 film.
The musical tells the story of Dorothy Gale, a young girl living on a Kansas farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, who dreams of escaping her mundane life. When the family’s mean neighbor, Miss Gulch, threatens to impound Dorthy’s cherished dog, she and Toto run away and meet up with kindly Professor Marvel, who subtly convinces Dorothy to return home.
Suddenly a cyclone hits, and Dorothy and Toto are transported to the Land of Oz. There, she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion, and together they embark on a quest to the Emerald City to have their deepest wishes granted by the Wizard. Along the way, they face a haunted forest, jitterbugs, evil monkeys, and the notorious Wicked Witch of the East.
With a book by John Kane, music by Harold Arlen, and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, The Wizard of Oz includes familiar songs “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and “If I Only Had a Brain,” along with new favorites.
Theatergoers of all ages will be awed and entertained by the exquisite costumes, extravagant sets, surprising special effects, and truly impressive acting, vocal, dance, and musical talent of the Brighton High School cast, crew, and live orchestra as they are transported to the “Merry Old Land of Oz.”
Tickets are $17 for students, $20 for adults and seniors, and $50 for the Red Carpet Gala. They are available at BrightonMusical.com for the following PG-rated performances at Brighton Center for the Performing Arts:
The opening night performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18.
The “Red Carpet” gala night event is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19.
Other performances are set for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26; and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27.
ABOUT BRIGHTON MUSICAL: Brighton High School prides itself on providing one of the premier musical programs in the area, and has been nominated in the “Best Musical” category for the Sutton Foster Ovation Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre performance. This show includes over 100 talented on- and off-stage cast members from Brighton High School under the direction of the Brighton Musical Creative Team with vocal and orchestral music direction by Phil Johnson; acting direction by Sonja Marquis; technical direction, sound and lighting design by Josh Holowicki; costume, hair, and makeup design by Kristine Stuenkel; and choreography by Emilia Sawyer.
*RED CARPET GALA: An important fundraiser for the theater program, Red Carpet Gala Tickets include a walk down the red carpet with cast members, “press” interviews, pre-show photographs, reserved seating, exclusive intermission reception with refreshments, a meet-and-greet and behind-the-scenes tour with members of the cast, and a post-show soirée with the directors and producers.
