The Scarecrow (played by Bailey Cutler), the Lion (played by Uriel Herrera), the Tin Man (played by Sam Smith), Dorothy (played by Lillie DeVree) and Toto (played by Clara Hopkins) prepare to go see the Wizard of Oz. These actors are the understudies and secondary cast who will perform during matinees.
"Somewhere over the rainbow" is coming to Sweetwater County this weekend, and it's taking a community nearly the size of Oz to make it happen.
The Horizon Theater's newest production brings the classic story of "The Wizard of Oz" to life on the stage. The local theater company's board voted on the musical when deciding what shows to produce because of their love for the story. But when it came to making it happen, Director and Horizon Co-Founder Cory Schaeperkoetter admitted they may have underestimated what they were taking on.
A rewarding challenge
"The sheer volume of the show is what makes it so challenging," Cory noted.
He explained that the cast and crew contain about 50 people altogether, making this the biggest show the company has done yet. Staying organized while working with so many people, and needing to communicate with a wide variety of crew members in charge of different aspects, has made the production more complicated. Adding in all the logistical details like costumes, sets, props, lights, music, and more has continually added extra layers of challenges.
But connected to the difficulties, perhaps the biggest reward of the show has been "pulling it off," Cory added. He pointed out that everyone has worked together to make the show happen, and said that without them it wouldn't have been possible.
"Luckily we have an amazing cast and crew," he said.
Assistant Director Ivy Kropf agreed, saying the whole crew has stepped up to take on their roles and the actors have continually dedicated their time, talent, and energy.
"It's been a lot of work, but we've got a really good team," she said.
Cory also pointed out how rewarding it has been to see all the members of the cast and crew not only work hard, but truly enjoy the work they're doing.
A fun production
Several of the cast members expressed their enjoyment in being part of the show, including Samantha Hallet, who plays Dorothy.
"Everything about this show has been so fun to produce, and it's going to be so amazing to watch," she said. "We have such an awesome cast, such an awesome directing crew. Everybody's putting their heart and souls into it, and it's very apparent. You can see it in everybody's eyes. It's going to be so much fun."
Samantha decided to audition for the show, thinking it could be something fun and different. While she participated in some theater in high school, she only had a few ensemble roles, so being slingshot into a leading role was surprising.
"It's kind of overwhelming, but in a good way," she said. "It's a whole lot to take in and a whole lot to work with. And it's been a blast."
Another cast member who similarly described the show as a "blast" was Bailey Cutler, who is the understudy and secondary actor for the Scarecrow. She, along with the other understudies for the main characters, will be playing the leading role during matinee performances. She is also part of the ensemble for the other performances.
Bailey has a little more experience in theater, having participated in the BOCES Summer Theater for Youth program and having been in other productions from The Horizon Theater. However, taking on a lead role has come with its own challenges, from memorizing lines to getting into character - especially as a sassy, floppy scarecrow.
"Just really enveloping myself into that and just changing personalities has been a really cool experience for me," she explained. "It's been a challenge but it's been fun."
Being able to stretch her abilities as an actor and see herself grow and improve has been rewarding for Bailey. She's also enjoyed the atmosphere of the production as a whole.
"Overall the directors have just worked really hard to make it a good community and make it a fun time for everyone," she said.
One cast member who feels even more like a part of the community thanks to being in the show is Lillie DeVree, the understudy and secondary actor for Dorothy.
Lillie also has previous experience with theater, having been involved in it most of her life. She started out with Missoula Children's Theater in kindergarten and continued acting all through high school. She auditioned for "Wizard of Oz" along with her friends, and was surprised to be cast as the second Dorothy as she's never had a lead role before.
"It's a lot of pressure, but it's still fun," Lillie said. "It's an honor, honestly."
Being part of the show has been a good break for Lillie, giving her the chance to get away from work and everyday life and put effort into something that is both meaningful and enjoyable.
"We've put in a lot of work, and it's really paid off for both casts," she said. "It's a great show. It's fun to watch and it's fun to be in."
A growing community
For Lillie, joining this production also helped her realize a goal of becoming involved with one of the new local theater companies. She explained that she's been following and hoping to work with the theater groups that have started up in Sweetwater County within the last few years.
"When there was this little explosion of community theaters, I was ecstatic," Lillie said.
Cory Schaeperkoetter also pointed out that part of the reward of this production is the way it demonstrates the rise of community theater locally.
"We know two years ago, when we first started Horizon, this would not have been possible," Cory said, noting it's possible now "only thanks to the help of our wonderful community that has grown here."
"It's a total team effort, and that's what community theater is and should be, is the whole community coming together," Ivy Kropf added. "So we're so happy that we can bring a show like this to the community that's just family friendly and fun and that everyone can come and enjoy."
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