The Wonderful "Wizard of Oz" Comes to Theatre By the Sea!

MATUNUCK -- The classic musical The Wizard of Oz has come to delight audiences at Theatre By the Sea. Filled with favorite songs such as "Over the Rainbow," "If I Only Had a Brain," and "We're Off to See the Wizard," this production is also packed with talent and wonderful dance numbers.

The scenery by designer Kyle Dixon and lighting by designer Jose Santiago for this production are truly magical, bringing audiences smoothly and impressively from the sepia-toned Kansas to the technicolor Oz. The tornado-scene being a particular highlight. Dixon's designs were seen at Theatre By the Sea in the production of Young Frankenstein.

Sepia-toned Oz (above) and Colorful Oz (below)

Devon Perry is a delightful Dorothy, who is sure to captive audiences. Perry has played Dorothy in three other productions of The Wizard of Oz.

Devon Perry as Dorothy in Munchkinland

Richard E. Waits is phenomenal as Zeke/the Cowardly Lion. It is hard to imagine anyone giving a better performance than Waits as the Lion during "As I Were King of the Forest." Audiences may recognize him from past Theatre by the Sea productions such as La Cage aux Folles and The Full Monty.

Richard E. Waits as the Lion

Stephen Petrovich is an energetic and lively Hunk/Scarecrow and is also the dance captain for this production. Danny Rothman is a wonderful Tinman whose robotic movements are realistic and fun to watch.

Stephen Petrovich as the Scarecrow

Danny Rothman as the Tinman

Tom Gleadow also returns to the Theatre By the Sea stage as Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz. Gleadow has been in past productions West Side Story, La Cage aux Folles, Spamalot, My Fair Lady, and Young Frankenstein. His performances are always a joy to watch, and this one is no exception.

Tom Gleadow as the Wizard of Oz

The munchkins are not only adorable but quite talented singers, dancers, and gymnasts. Many of the Munchkins are played by local children.

The Munchkins

And audiences are sure to be charmed by Dusty as Toto as well. The well-behaved and attentive pooch can also be seen on "Mr. Robot" on the USA network. She is trained by Bill Berloni and handled by Rochelle Smith, who also plays Glinda the Good Witch.

Dusty as Toto

Theatre By the Sea's season will conclude with  Sister Act (August 17th to September 4th). The Late Night Cabaret will be performed after Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night performances at the adjacent Bistro by the Sea (except for opening weekends).

The Wizard of Oz will be playing at Theatre by the Sea on Tuesdays through Sundays until August 13th; check online for showtimes. Tickets are $47 to $67 dollars, and can be purchased online (www.theatrebythesea.com), at the box office, or by calling 401-782-8587.


Photography by Steven Richard Photography