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Actors in key roles in the the Backstage Theater's production of "The Wizard of Oz" are from left, Dustin Murphy as the Scarecrow, Megan Malsam as Dorothy and Kiernyn Tarafa as the Tin Man.
BRECKENRIDGE — By the power of a particular pair of ruby slippers, the dormant Backstage Arts Scholarship has found its way back home.
Wendy Moore, former Backstage Theatre artistic director, created the program in 1994. She directed the first production, and also directs “The Wizard of Oz,” playing this weekend only at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.
Moore said the scholarship is meant to encourage with financial support students who are interested in the performing arts and are still in primary education.
They have in the past funded lessons for piano, dance and acting for kids.
Artistic director Chris Willard said they should have an application process for the fund ready by the end of the year.
The 25 cast members in “The Wizard of Oz” play in an elaborate set, which includes flight by witches, monkeys and a bicycle.
Meg Malsam plays the lead role of Dorothy, carrying her small companion Toto along the way. She said the pressure of living up to Judy Garland is challenging, but also noted it was easy for her to relate to the material.
“When she says, ‘Oh Auntie Em, there really is no place like home,’ I think that’s true,” Malsam said.
She can also pull from her life in showing Dorothy’s explorative side in her dream.
The actress is soon leaving Colorado, her home state, for Chicago to pursue the career and explore the world.
Dustin Murphy doubles as the Scarecrow and choreographer for the play.
He said in the show he sees a theme “that everything you are searching for in life you can find in yourself.”
Murphy said he watched the movie for inspiration on the movements.
“It was less creating and more of representing,” he said on keeping the classic feel.
His favorite number is the “Jitterbug,” wherein the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion are infected by a bug sent by the witch causing them to dance to exhaustion.
In the adaptation for the stage, director Moore said, “The script is pretty close to the movie.
“You have to be true to the literature. It’s not a story about witches to me. It’s about a lost little girl who wants to get home.”
Malsam’s Dorothy is surrounded by Heidi Dickstein as Almira and the bad witch, Kiernyn Tarrafa as Hickory and Tin Man, Bob Moore as Zeke and the Cowardly Lion, Kelly Renoux as Aunt Em and Glenda, Rich Mayfield as Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Gaurd, and Willard as Professor Marvel and the Wizard.
The cast includes a kids chorus featuring Rachel Counihan, 7; Elle Dice, 11; Liam Kilgore, 11; Sophie Krupanszy, 9; Madison Lytle, 7; Cait McCluskie, 10; Thomas Walsh, 13; Logan Weinman, 11; and Payton Weinman, 8.
The adult chorus includes Toni Napolitano (who also plays the Yellow Brick Road), Steve Champion, Rhoda Barr, Maggie Frazer, Kathleen Moore, Austin Miller, Amber Prim and Allison Quent.
“The Wizard of Oz” plays Labor Day weekend at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. Call (970) 547-3100 for tickets, which benefit the Backstage Arts Scholarship.
Leslie Brefeld can be reached at (970) 668-4626 or lbrefeld@summitdaily.com.
Wendy Moore, former Backstage Theatre artistic director, created the program in 1994. She directed the first production, and also directs “The Wizard of Oz,” playing this weekend only at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.
Moore said the scholarship is meant to encourage with financial support students who are interested in the performing arts and are still in primary education.
They have in the past funded lessons for piano, dance and acting for kids.
Artistic director Chris Willard said they should have an application process for the fund ready by the end of the year.
The 25 cast members in “The Wizard of Oz” play in an elaborate set, which includes flight by witches, monkeys and a bicycle.
Meg Malsam plays the lead role of Dorothy, carrying her small companion Toto along the way. She said the pressure of living up to Judy Garland is challenging, but also noted it was easy for her to relate to the material.
“When she says, ‘Oh Auntie Em, there really is no place like home,’ I think that’s true,” Malsam said.
She can also pull from her life in showing Dorothy’s explorative side in her dream.
The actress is soon leaving Colorado, her home state, for Chicago to pursue the career and explore the world.
Dustin Murphy doubles as the Scarecrow and choreographer for the play.
He said in the show he sees a theme “that everything you are searching for in life you can find in yourself.”
Murphy said he watched the movie for inspiration on the movements.
“It was less creating and more of representing,” he said on keeping the classic feel.
His favorite number is the “Jitterbug,” wherein the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion are infected by a bug sent by the witch causing them to dance to exhaustion.
In the adaptation for the stage, director Moore said, “The script is pretty close to the movie.
“You have to be true to the literature. It’s not a story about witches to me. It’s about a lost little girl who wants to get home.”
Malsam’s Dorothy is surrounded by Heidi Dickstein as Almira and the bad witch, Kiernyn Tarrafa as Hickory and Tin Man, Bob Moore as Zeke and the Cowardly Lion, Kelly Renoux as Aunt Em and Glenda, Rich Mayfield as Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Gaurd, and Willard as Professor Marvel and the Wizard.
The cast includes a kids chorus featuring Rachel Counihan, 7; Elle Dice, 11; Liam Kilgore, 11; Sophie Krupanszy, 9; Madison Lytle, 7; Cait McCluskie, 10; Thomas Walsh, 13; Logan Weinman, 11; and Payton Weinman, 8.
The adult chorus includes Toni Napolitano (who also plays the Yellow Brick Road), Steve Champion, Rhoda Barr, Maggie Frazer, Kathleen Moore, Austin Miller, Amber Prim and Allison Quent.
“The Wizard of Oz” plays Labor Day weekend at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. Call (970) 547-3100 for tickets, which benefit the Backstage Arts Scholarship.
Leslie Brefeld can be reached at (970) 668-4626 or lbrefeld@summitdaily.com.
Live theater
• What: ‘Wizard of Oz’• When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge
• Tickets: Between $18 and $22. For kids under 12, between $9 and $11. Call (970) 547-3100.
• Note: Benefits the Backstage Arts Scholarship
