Unique spin on an old classic
Community Stages will present “Christmas in Oz” at three locations in Ocala.
Eloise Walkup as Dorothy, Robert Skipper as Scarecrow, Caroline Overly as Lion and Charlie Overly as Tinman, left to right, rehearse a scene from “Christmas In Oz” with Community Stages at the Chelsea Art Center on East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. The play will run for three different performances in different locations in the first two weeks in December. In the play, Dorothy’s family is about to lose their farm and she goes back to Oz to ask the Wizard of Oz for help and meets all of her old friends on the way. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2024.
A talented group of 13 young actors ages 9 to 18 is bringing a most unique holiday gift to local audiences in coming weeks. The Trunk & Trek Troupe of the larger Community Stages group will perform “Christmas in Oz” on Dec. 8, 9 and 14, at three locations in Ocala.
The 45-minute family-friendly musical will offer catchy songs and a heartwarming message. The show is directed by Terry LeCompte, with music direction by Greg Doss and choreography by DeNaya Wilkerson.
In “Christmas in Oz,” Dorothy rejoins the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion as they journey to the Emerald City, only to find it is closed for Christmas. Undeterred, they bring the holiday spirit to Oz themselves, even melting the heart of the Wicked Witch with her first Christmas present. Through music, laughter and the magic of giving, the friends discover the true spirit of the season.
To learn more, the “Gazette” did a Q&A with LeCompte:
Is there a Toto?
“Christmas in Oz” is brimming with delightful nods to “The Wizard of Oz” that will surprise and enchant audiences. You might wonder, “Is there a Toto?” While our story takes its own unique spin, fans of the original will enjoy spotting familiar touches like Toto, the Yellow Brick Road, and more, but reimagined in clever and unexpected ways.
Are there munchkins?
Our junior cast shines as the featured Munchkins, bringing charm and energy to this magical tale. Meanwhile, the entire cast takes on multiple roles to create an immersive journey from Kansas to Oz and back again. Through clever staging, inventive costume changes and expressive movement, sound and characterization, the cast transforms into every element of the setting, inviting the audience to use their imaginations and join in the adventure.
Since this is a “traveling” show, what is the set like?
As a traveling show, we’ve embraced a minimalist yet dynamic approach to sets and backdrops. The creative team has designed a fluid stage experience that relies on the actors’ physicality, quick costume changes and imaginative props to bring Oz to life wherever we perform, in a true testament to the power of storytelling and theater magic.
Who made the costumes?
The costumes were a collaborative effort. The cast began by sketching their own ideas, which I worked to refine alongside Lori Williamson and Heidi Overly. Lori and Heidi constructed many of the specialty pieces, while Zoe Cox, one of our student interns, took the lead in designing and creating most of the props.
What is your show based on?
Val Cheatham’s “Christmas in Oz” is unlike other versions you may find online. It’s a charming tale with a Hallmark-movie vibe, following Dorothy as she works to save her family farm from being re-possessed by the bank. This heartwarming story is enriched by truly lovely original songs that add to its magic. It’s a departure from our usual holiday traditions, but one we’ve embraced wholeheartedly.
How did you decide to do this show?
For the past five years, Greg Doss and I have presented holiday cabarets featuring the talented youth of Ocala. This year, however, our learning community—the teenagers—lobbied for a “book” show. Unlike cabarets, which involve creating original scripts and sourcing music, a book show comes as a complete package. This allowed the artistic team and cast to channel their creativity into bringing the story to life rather than building it from scratch. Both styles are great fun, but the focus on an existing story this year lets our performers delve deeper into their scene work, singing and dancing.
We even gave the cast opportunities to take the reins, choreographing and staging certain moments themselves. Their ownership over the production shines, especially in Act 2’s “I’ll Getcha Before You Get There,” where our Wicked Witch and the ensemble deliver a standout performance.
What is your favorite part/song/dance?
This show truly belongs to the cast. The artistic team is here to guide and shape their work, but the heart of the production comes from within them. That’s my favorite part of “Christmas in Oz” and every show I’m honored to lead.
Who is in the cast?
Zoe Cox, Lily Gonzalez, Addison Neu, Caroline and Charlie Overly, Robert Skipper, Eloise Walkup, Katilyn Weible, Alexis and Jonathan Williamson, Joyce Valcin and Joy Young.
What is the performance schedule?
• Dec. 8 – 2pm – The Appleton Museum of Art
• Dec. 9 – 6:30pm – Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place (in partnership with the Marion County Library System)
• Dec. 14 – 2pm – Heritage Nature Conservancy (outdoor performance)
Admission to all performances is free, with donations encouraged to support Community Stages. Reservations are highly recommended, as seating is limited.
Free tickets are available at rebrand.ly/christmasOZ, and more information can be found at communitystages.org
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