During the season of Nutcrackers and Ebenezer Scrooges, Snow Queens and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeers, the Wizard of Oz and the residents of Munchkin county are not typically granted much stage time. The Vashon Youth Theatre plans to break that tradition when it presents the timeless tale of “The Wizard of Oz” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Vashon High School theater.
Director and founder Elizabeth Ripley said that the goal of Vashon Youth Theatre (VYT) is to mount one production in the summer that deals with real life themes encountered by teens today, a second show that is a fundraiser and a third production that is all about giving back to the community.
“We produced ‘Carrie’ last summer because of bullying, especially cyber-bullying,” Ripley said. “But we also want to give a gift to the community, and the ‘Wizard of Oz’ is that.”
Based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage production, VYT’s show includes a dozen preschool- and elementary-aged Munchkins, the regular troupe of more experienced high school thespians and eye-catching special effects from pyrotechnics to fog and bubbles, a geyser spouting lights to a tap dancing Tin Woodman and Scarecrow.
Cast members include Isa Sanson Freh as Dorothy, Maria Gilmore as Glinda, Joy Gihgleri as the Wicked Witch, Isaac Hughes as the Scarecrow, Xavier Ajeto as the Tin Woodman and Luter Marinez as the Cowardly Lion. Toby Nichols, a regular member of Drama Dock, will play the Wizard, while a chihuahua mix named Killer will star as Toto.
Ripley established VYT with the intent of helping youth experience all aspects of the business and art of the theater. With a master’s degree in psychology to augment her degree in theater and arts, Ripley believes in the hands-on approach to learning and the value of mentors.
“The idea is to work cross-generationally. We use professionals to do the lights (for example) and to mentor the kids,” Ripley said. “It’s a community education program that uses theater.”
Her daughter Lillian fills several roles in the organization as board member, costume and scenic designer, property fabricator and graphic artist. She works with the students, helping them take responsibility for the show, Ripely said, including sewing every button and bit of glitter on their own costumes.
For Ripley, the arts are a critical ingredient for a healthy community and vibrant world.
“What are we as a people,” she said, “if we don’t foster art in our children and help those who grew up without art to discover art. As a community, we need to support this. We soon will have two awesome theaters. Our goal is to foster the arts, and the kids are having a blast.”
Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for youth and seniors and are available at Vashon Bookshop. Tickets will be $15 for general admission and $5 for youth and seniors at the door.
