Theatre Aspen\u2019s student production of \u201cThe Wizard of Oz\u201d has all the classic characters and songs, but it\u2019s presented with an unusual, modern twist. Glinda\u2019s pink ball gown has been transformed into a pantsuit and the Munchkins have tie-dyed shirts, for instance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to pay homage to the film and give audiences what they hope for while also putting my own spin on things,\u201d director Elise Kinnon said.<\/p>\n
The Theatre Aspen Summer Conservatory\u2019s one-act version of the treasured family favorite will open at the Hurst Theatre on Thursday and run through Aug. 4.<\/p>\n
Kinnon, the company\u2019s resident director and choreographer, is back for her sixth season with Theatre Aspen to helm \u201cOz.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really excited about the way we have creatively pushed the boundaries from the original movie into our own adaptation for Theatre Aspen audiences,\u201d she said. \u201cThe 1939 MGM film is one of the greatest films in cinema history and we wanted to pay homage to that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following the classic tale of Dorothy Gale and her travels through an unfamiliar land with witches, Munchkins and flying monkeys, \u201cThe Wizard of Oz\u201d is a timeless tale suited for the whole family.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe story itself is so legendary and well known,\u201d said Kinnon. \u201cIt is such a pleasure to work on the production for live theater and to see the show come to life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kinnon also directed Theatre Aspen\u2019s Cabaret Series and co-directed and co-choreographed \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors,\u201d while also directing the upcoming Apprentice Showcase and working with Tony Award winner Victoria Clark on Theatre Aspen\u2019s new Triple Threat Training Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a very large and amazing group of young performers,\u201d she said. \u201cThe rehearsal period is very intense and it runs at a professional level. Getting to see the students\u2019 growth and passion for the arts is very inspiring. I learn as much from them as they learn from me. They are all very dedicated to their craft and I am proud of the work we have produced.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kinnon has worked with many of these conservatory program students for several years now and seen these young artists grow with each season.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love starting at the beginning and putting the puzzle pieces together,\u201d she said. \u201cThe cast has grown so much in the past three weeks. \u2026 I really enjoy working with young artists and teaching them the ropes. I love seeing their progress and I feel passionate about seeing them succeed to become the performers that they hope to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eighteen-year-old Beth Caudill of Basalt is among the ensemble\u2019s stars, playing various roles in the production (Nikko, the head monkey of the Wicked Witch of the West, a Jitterbug and a crow). Having done theater since the age of 11, Caudill is no stranger to show business.<\/p>\n
\u201cSummer conservatory rehearsals are long and rigorous,\u201d she said, \u201cbut they have been running quickly and effectively. Like previous years, we put up the show in three weeks with the fourth week entering tech and opening night. I feel like rehearsals have flown by this year and I can\u2019t believe that opening night is less than a week away.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u201cOz\u201d production includes the largest conservatory cast in Theatre Aspen history. Caudill embraces her castmates like family. Oftentimes, the summer program includes people who don\u2019t live here year-round. So, Caudill said, it\u2019s fun for her to meet new friends and be reunited with old ones.<\/p>\n
As Basalt High School dance captain, Caudill enjoys having the opportunity to work closely with the theater ensemble.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe difference between a high school show and a conservatory is the fact that everyone wants to be there,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd we all choose to dedicate our time to the show. It\u2019s fun working with people who care about what we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The thrust stage of the Hurst is also a unique challenge for students, who have to perform to audience on three sides.<\/p>\n
\u201cDue to the architecture of the space, we get to have a little more fun with our blocking,\u201d Caudill said. \u201cWe use the whole theater as our set. We are able to use the house aisles and \u2018moats\u2019 in order to fully immerse the audience in \u2018The Wizard of Oz.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n