Dorothy in Wonderland

Contact: 517-278-6029, email: marketing@Tibbits.org

Coldwater, MI – Fifty area fourth through eighth graders busily memorize lines, learn blocking and create memorable characters to bring to life a unique adaptation of two literary classics as Tibbits Young Audiences prepares “Dorothy in Wonderland” for presentation October 23, 24 and 25 at Tibbits Opera House.

The worlds of Oz and Wonderland collide in this fantastically fun romp, cleverly and carefully adapted from the works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll and by Brian D. Taylor.  Dorothy Gale played by Veronica White has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road. The wonderful Wizard of Oz played by Stuart Sobeske is just about to help her get back home to Kansas. Before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another whirlwind appears over the Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy and her friends away to Wonderland. Toto played by Rachel Rutz,  Scarecrow played by Ella Budd, Tin Man played by Lucas Stewart and Lion played by Elena Barry, equipped with their new assets — brains, heart and courage —try to help Dorothy find her way home. They meet many other interesting characters along the way, including Alice played by Brynn Niedzwiecki, the White Rabbit played by Megan Barnes, Mad Hatter played by Taylor Medendorp, March Hare played by Nolan Nohr and many more.

The group must face a dangerous new foe — the Queen of Hearts played by Alison Harvey.  Dorothy and Alice team up to defeat the queen at croquet, but will that be enough to return Wonderland to normal?  They must also find a way to get back home to Kansas and to London.

Other talented young actors in TYA’s production of “Dorothy in Wonderland” include Haley Robison as Glinda and Kaylee Swift, Hayden Shimizu, Erika Parkinson, Alex Pickell, Kelly Warner, Linzy Monks and Samantha Peiffer as assorted other Wonderland characters; Lexi Galliers, Julia Kirk and Katie Bailey as Cheshire Cat; Rilee Cooper-Lewis, Shelby Taber, Katie Noble, Jillian Groves, Lydia Kaniewski, Alexis Lock, Delaney Squires and Avery Boyce as the flowers; Gabriela Rutz, Emily Fagen, William Odisher, Nicholas Herendeen, Noah Miller, Jonathan Niedzwiecki, Abigail Grace Needham, Alex Stewart and Anna Humphries as the chess pieces; and Owen Needham, Anna Turner, Kaitlyn Meyers, Aiden Koch, Audrey Waltke, Anna-Marie Vorce, Bridgette Meyers, Noelle Fazekas, Martin White, Mary Grace and Makenna Squires as the cards.

“Dorothy in Wonderland” is directed by Julia Littley and produced by Tirsha Odisher. According to Littley, “The kids are great and doing a fantastic job making their characters come to life.  They are so on top of things that some of the cast members came to the first rehearsal with many of their lines already memorized!  I am amazed at what they can do, and look forward to another fun show for our audiences.”

Also involved with the production and serving on crew are Tibbits Theatre and Beyond members Mae Blansit, Kaitlyn Colyer, Ben Fagen, Michayla Lock, Allie Marshall, Connor Michael, Sarah Odom and Mary Tate.

“Dorothy in Wonderland” is generously sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Coldwater. Kiwanis and Tibbits share in their mission to serve children. According to Christine Delaney, Tibbits Executive Director, “We greatly appreciate having Kiwanis’ support knowing we are reaching so many youth, not only those on stage and back stage, but all those who get to experience live theatre as part of the audience.”

Children of all ages will enjoy non-stop adventure with “Dorothy in Wonderland.” Performances are October 23 and 24 at 7 pm and October 25 at 2 pm. Tickets are $5 and available from cast members, on line at www.Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029 or at the administrative office at 93 West Chicago Street. Performances are held at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater, Michigan.

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