Hannah Webster
Many people plan to “follow the yellow brick road” to the Park Theatre Civic Center in North Vernon on Dec. 1-3 when the Oakridge Studio and Park Theatre Civic Center present their performance of “The Wizard of Oz.”
The show will take place the same weekend as Christmas in the City, North Vernon’s annual event with food, a Festival of Trees, live Nativity, parade, Santa and more.
Wearing the ruby slippers as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” is Emily Keller, a sophomore at Trinity Lutheran High School. This is Keller’s first show at the Park Theatre, although she has been doing theater since she was 10. She is beyond thrilled to be playing Dorothy and says that “rehearsals have been going great!”
Keller describes the show as “a classic” and states that “the music and story is one that can bring all ages together.” Keller remarks that “this show is going to be a big one,” and wants everyone to know that she is “so excited to share her version of Dorothy with others.”
This is the third time that the Park Theatre and the Oakridge Studio have worked together. They previously put on “Elf: The Musical” in December of 2022 and “A Broadway Musical Revue” in March 2023. Both of these productions were big hits, so there is excitement and anticipation regarding this upcoming performance.
All four showings of the musical “Wizard of Oz” are sold out, is a well-earned accomplishment for a small community. The outpouring support for the fine arts in Jennings County is amazing!
“There’s no place like home” and what a better place to be, but at the Park Theatre Civic Center with the Oakridge Studio at their production of “The Wizard of Oz”.
Hannah Webster is a student at Jennings County High School. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
