FCP’s Youth Summer Theatre to perform “The Wizard of Oz,” next week

The Franklin Community Players’ Youth Summer Theatre performance of “The Wizard of Oz” is scheduled for the weekend of July 19 through the 21.

Director Ethan Smith along with some of the performers recently sat down with WNEG News to discuss the forthcoming performance.

Smith says the performance will include some exciting twists.

“This year, we’re doing a production of the Wizard of Oz. It’s going to be a different type of production than any other Wizard of Oz production,” Smith said. “We’re doing our own little twists on it, to make it special not only for the kids that are in it, but also, the community that comes to see it. We’re very excited to portray these characters who have such a familiar story that everyone knows.”

Smith encourages everyone to come out and support your local theatre.

Grant Ware is the actor portraying Dorothy’s uncle. He says this is his first performance with the Summer Youth Theatre.

“I just love theatre in general, but I was drawn to this theatre because I have seen what they’ve done in the past,” Ware said. “And I thought ‘this seemed like a good place.’ They’ve been very welcoming, and everyone is very talented. I remember listening to Dorothy, yesterday, listening to her sing, and I was just in awe.”

Micah Witcher is portraying the Cowardly Lion. He says he’s been in performing since he was 7-years-old.

He says that all of the actors have done an amazing job so far.

“A lot of the people that have been doing it for a lot of years, or has a major role, such as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Glenda, they all have been doing amazing so far in the practices that we’ve done,” he said.

Ware added that the casts has set a tremendous example for the new actors.

Allie Rich is the actor portraying Glenda the Good Witch. She says Glenda helps Dorothy throughout the performance.

“I play Glenda the Good Witch. She is like the leader of the Munchkins, and she lives in Munchkin Land,” Rich said. “She comes and goes out of nowhere and she helps Dorothy get to and from places.”

Tickets went on sale Wednesday, July 10, and will continue up to the performance dates. Smith says there are several options available to purchase your tickets.

“Tickets are $10 each,” he said. “You can buy them on the Franklin Community Players website, or you can call the Cultural Center of Lavonia, and they’ll be available all the way until showtime.”

Rich says you don’t want to miss this great production.

“I think you should definitely come, if you’re interested, because it’s going to be a great production,” Rich said. “There’s a lot of talented kids in there, and a lot of new kids that I’m excited to work with. I think you’ll really enjoy it.”

The performances are Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, July 20, at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, July 21, at 2:30 p.m.

For questions or additional information call 706-491-9374 or online at www.franklincommunityplayers.com.