By L. Frank Baum with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart | Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard
Orchestration by Larry Wilcox
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
Video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Producer SCERA
Adam J. Robertson
President & CEO
Director / Music Director
Kelsey Mariner Thompson
Choreographer
Rebecca Boberg
Stage Manager
Alathia Burnside
Lighting Designer
Elizabeth Griffiths
Scenic Designer
Chase Ramsey
Costume Designer
Kelsey Seaver
Tin Man Costume Design
Bryan Johnson
Props Designers
Karen Peck
Paige Wright
Flying Effects
ZFX Flying Effects
Projection Design
Chase Ramsey
Chase Elison
Sound Designer
Audio Engineer
Master Electrician
Chase Elison
Scene Shop Manager
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Supervisor
Ethan Harrison
Prop Shop Manager
Karen Peck
Carpenters
Zippy Hellewell
Ethan Harrison
Colin Ohran
Scenic Painters
Faith Sage
Olivia Kleven
Brighton Aland
Emily Wiley
Electricians
Story Anderson
Crysta Lamb
Trulan Peck
Stitchers
Kelsey Seaver
Deborah Bowman
Bird Dozhier
Costume Shop Staff
Crysta Lamb
Costume Shop Volunteers
Ryan Hadlock
Ally Dunn
Sound Assistant
Katie Jeffreys
Fly Crew Lead
Ethan Harrison
Fly & Deck Crew
Benjamin Wilson
Followspot Operators
Cody Baird
Theo Soliz
Assistant Stage Manager
Heather Zemp
Swing Dance Assistant
Robbie Cromwell
Special Thanks
Quin & Cyrene Swallow and their dog Mia
This project is supported by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
Dorothy ................................................................................................... MIA HANSEN
Hunk / Scarecrow .......................................................................... JARED WILKINSON
Hickory / Tin Man ............................................................................. BRYAN JOHNSON
Zeke / Cowardly Lion ............................................................. AMBROCIO MIRELES JR
Aunt Em / Glinda .............................................................................. CAMILLA CURTIS
Miss Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West ................................. KIMBERLY NEARON
The Wizard of Oz / Professor Marvel ..................................................... CHAD TAYLOR
Uncle Henry / City Guard ................................................................... BRYAN HARPER
Nikko the Flying Monkey / Male Ensemble .......................................... JACK HARPER
Mayor of Munchkinland / Male Ensemble......................................... ADAM GOWERS
Lullabye League / Children’s Ensemble ......... ALLISON FARNSWORTH, ELSA PARRY SCOUT OLENIK
Lollipop Guild / Children’s Ensemble .......................... IAN EVANS, JEB BUFFINGTON MAXWELL HARPER
Female Ensemble ......................................ALYSSE POPE, ANNABELLE BEAUCHAMP ANNE MADSEN, ASPEN POMMERENING NICOLE MARIE JEWELL (*)
Male Ensemble ........................................................ EVAN NIELSEN, GABRIEL STONE TYSON AUGUSTUS
Children’s Ensemble ...................................... CLAIRE JOHNSON, KODY THOMPSON
Toto ......................................................................................................................... MIA (*) DANCE CAPTAIN
ACT I
Scene 1: The Kansas Prairie
Scene 2: Kansas Over The Rainbow.......................................................................................................... Dorothy
Scene 3: Kansas
Scene 4: Gypsy Caravan
Scene 5: Kansas
Scene 6: Munchkinlan Munchkin Musical Sequence / Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead.................................Glinda Munchkins
Scene 7: Munchkinland Yellow Brick Road ..................................................................................................... Munchkins
Scene 8: The Cornfield
Scene 9: The Cornfield
If I Only Had a Brain ................................................................... Scarecrow, Dorothy, Crows
We’re Off To See The Wizard .................................................................. Scarecrow, Dorothy
Scene 10: Apple Orchard
If I Only Had A Heart ........................................................................ Tin Man, Dorothy, Trees
Scene 11: Apple Orchard
We’re Off To See The Wizard ................................................ Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man
Scene 12: Wild Forest
Lions, Tigers & Bears .............................................................. Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man
If I Only Had The Nerve ............................................... Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man
Scene 13: Poppy Field
Poppies ............................................................ Glinda, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion Poppies, Snowmen
NOTE: Strobe lights, fog or hazers may be used in this production
ACT II
Scene 1: Outside the Gates of the Emerald City
Optimistic Voices ...........................................................................................Female Ensemble
Scene 2: Town Square, Emerald City
Merry Old Land of Oz .............................................. Guard, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man Lion, Ozians
If I Were The King Of The Forest ................................ Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man
Scene 3: The Wizard’s Chamber
Scene 4: The Gates of the Emerald City
Scene 5: The Witch’s Castle
March Of The Winkies .................................................................................................... Winkies
Scene 6: The Haunted Forest
Jitterbug ................................................................................... Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man Lion, Jitterbugs
Scene 7: The Haunted Forest
Scene 8: The Witch’s Castle
Scene 9: Main Gate of the Witch’s Castle
March Of The Winkies (Reprise) ................................................................................... Winkies
Scene 10: The Witch’s Castle
Over The Rainbow (Reprise) ........................................................................................ Dorothy
Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead (Reprise) .................................................................... Winkies
Scene 11-13: Town Square, Emerald City
Scene 14: The Kansas Prairie
L. Frank Baum published his beloved book The Wizard of Oz in May 1900. Thirty-nine years later, the iconic film starring Judy Garland would grace the silver screen. In 1987, a dazzling stage adaptation of the film premiered in London. Today, we invite you to experience it on the SCERA stage.
Welcome to "the merry old land of Oz!"
As I prepared to direct, I found myself immersing in Baum’s original book—something I had never read before. It felt strange to be preparing a musical based on a book I was encountering for the first time. After comparing the original text to the musical script, I knew exactly how I wanted to build this production, and it all boiled down to three words:
Color: In honor of the film, Kansas is intentionally designed to evoke a sepia-toned or blackand-white aesthetic. Once we enter the land of Oz, however, technicolor comes alive. In homage to the book, we explore each color in depth—Munchkinland's signature blue, the bright yellow brick road, deep red poppy fields, and a land of Oz in every shade of green (including the iconic glasses!)
Movement: In Baum’s book, the physical state of the characters—hunger, fatigue, and more—is frequently referenced. The musical, on the other hand, features more underscoring and dance breaks than traditional dialogue. To bring these ideas together, movement and physicality became central to the vision for this production, with Rebecca, our choreographer, and I making it a priority. Here, movement will help carry the story almost as much as Dorothy does herself.
Fantasy: Whether the Land of Oz exists as a dream, as in the film, or as a tangible, alternate reality, as in the book, it remains a place of larger-than-life fantasy. This notion became the foundation for our production's overall concept: All things Oz. Thank you for joining us and spending a few hours “over the rainbow.”
This production is lovingly dedicated to my father, Bob Mariner, who is the only person I know that can do the perfect yellow brick road skip and impression of The Scarecrow.
– Kelsey Mariner Thompson
Photo by Rachael Gibson
(in alphabetical order by last name)
REBECCA BOBERG
(Choreographer) Rebecca is thrilled to have been able to choreograph The Wizard of Oz! Recent credits include Crazy for You and Mary Poppins at SCERA Shell, A Christmas Story at SCERA Center for the Arts, and Newsies at Lehi Arts Center. She currently serves as the Dance Education Director and Volunteer Coordinator at SCERA. Rebecca is grateful for the support of her husband, Mitchell, and their son, Banks, as well as the talented cast and production team, especially Kelsey and Alathia. “Enjoy the show, and thank you for supporting the arts!”
ALATHIA BURNSIDE
(Production Stage Manager)
Alathia is thrilled to be stage managing The Wizard of Oz, a show that has always held a special place in her heart. It was the first and only show she ever performed in as a child, and her love for the story even had her dressing up as Dorothy for Halloween several years in a row. Alathia has been working backstage at SCERA since 2022 and recently stage managed SCERA's production of Bright Star. She is grateful to spend time doing what she loves with her favorite people. She wants to extend a huge thank you to the amazing cast and crew for all their hard work and to Kelsey and Becca for being such a fantastic team!
CAMILLA CURTIS
(Aunt Em / Glinda) Camilla is thrilled to be making her debut at SCERA. A graduate of Brigham Young University, she is a classically trained opera singer with a diverse career spanning both opera and musical theater. Most recently, Camilla captivated audiences as Despina in Mozart's
Così fan tutte. Her previous roles include Marta in Company, Giannetta in The Elixir of Love, and Mulan in Mulan. Camilla is excited to bring her passion for performance to the stage and to share her talents with new audiences.
CHASE ELISON
(Sound & Lighting Manager) Chase has been involved in theatre since he was 11 in SCERA’s Oliver. At age 15, he began working at the Lehi Arts Center, and he currently serves as SCERA’s Sound and Lighting Manager, where he has designed lighting for many of SCERA’s Theatre for Young Audiences productions. “I dedicate my work to my grandparents Jerry & Barbara. They introduced me to theatre and music at a young age. My grandma taught me piano for many years, and I had the honor of working with my grandpa for several productions here at SCERA. Love and miss you guys, ‘Ya done good!’”
ADAM GOWERS
(Mayor of Munchkinland / Male Ensemble) Adam is excited to be returning to the indoor stage here at SCERA after previously being seen in the TYA productions of James and the Giant Peach as Earthworm and A Year with Frog and Toad as Toad. When not on stage, Adam also works in theater as a stage manager, lighting designer, and occasional director. When not at rehearsal, they like to spend time playing video games, disc golf, or playing Magic: the Gathering with their friends and family. Adam would like to say thanks to Kelsey and Becca for continuing to be the dream team and to their partner, Michael, for being so supportive of their creative endeavors.
ELIZABETH GRIFFITHS
(Lighting Designer) Liz is a graduate of Brigham Young University in Theater Education. She has been a guest lighting instructor at a number of high schools, teaches and designs with the Lehi Arts Council and loves to design for SCERA. Some favorite designs include: The Little Mermaid, Big Fish, Shrek and Into the Woods. She has four wonderful children and an amazing husband who is so supportive of her theater habit!
MIA HANSEN
(Dorothy) Mia is honored to be back on the SCERA stage. Recent stage credits include: The Little Mermaid (Atina) with SCERA, Little Women (Amy) with West Valley Arts, Into The Woods (Cinderella) with Utah Valley Players, and Peter Pan (Wendy) with American Fork High School. Recent film credits include: Annie in the upcoming film "Forgiveness Girl" directed by Rob Diamond and Vivian in "Bound in Blood" with Cooper Home Entertainment. She would like to thank the cast and crew for making this experience truly magical. She is especially grateful for the unwavering support of her family, friends, and her cat, Gwenevere, who always remind her that there's no place like home.
BRYAN HARPER
(Uncle Henry / City Guard)
Bryan is beyond excited to be back at SCERA, alongside sons, Jack and Max, in this wonderful production. SCERA is a favorite venue of Bryan's and he's loved being a part of many SCERA productions - starting as Winthrop in The Music Man (...a few years ago!) and most recently as The Old Man in A Christmas Story: The Musical. Other of Bryan’s favorite credits around Utah include roles in Arsenic and Old Lace, Oliver!, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, She Loves Me, Guys and Dolls,
State Fair, and A Christmas Carol. When not performing, Bryan enjoys traveling, golfing and generally any time he can get with his family. Thanks to Kelsey, Becca, and Alathia for trusting me with this role and putting together a great show! And thanks to Wendy, Jack, and Max, always my biggest fans. ”I love you!”
JACK HARPER
( Nikko the Flying Monkey / Male Ensemble) Jack is thrilled to be a part of The Wizard of Oz - this time with his dad, Bryan, and brother, Max! Jack’s recent credits include roles in A Christmas Story: The Musical, Oliver!, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Dear Edwina, Shrek, and The Sound of Music at Sundance. Jack also performs as a COPA company member in American Fork. When not performing, Jack loves baseball, basketball and skiing and has a lot of fun on Student Council. Thanks to Kelsey, Becca, and Alathia for all of your support and for making this the best show ever. Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Max for being my biggest fans!
ZIPPY HELLEWELL
(Scene Shop Manager)
Zippy graduated from UVU with an AA in Theatre Arts. He has been doing theater since 5th grade when he was in his elementary school's production of Guys and Dolls Jr. and has loved it ever since - he was recently in the ensemble of this past summer’s The Little Mermaid. Zippy started off acting, but he also found his love for backstage along the way. He started working in technical theater in junior high and high school, as well as some classes at UVU. He’s spent the past few years at SCERA working on sets and backstage, and designed the set for The Play That Goes Wrong, Cinderella: The Tale of the Glass Slipper and A Christmas Story: The Musical.
(in alphabetical order by last name)
NICOLE MARIE JEWELL
(Dance Captain / Female
Ensemble) Nicole is so excited to make her SCERA debut! Performing has always brought her so much happiness and she can’t wait to be back on stage. She graduated college from AMDA New York in 2018 and then performed with Disney Cruise Line as a Character Performer. She is so grateful for the support of her whole family, especially her mom, dad, and husband!
BRYAN JOHNSON
(Hickory / Tin Man) Bryan is very excited to be back at SCERA, and this time with his daughter, Claire, for her first show. His performance credits include: May We
All, School of Rock, Scarlet Pimpernel, and A Christmas Carol 2021-2024 with HCT, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Beast) with Timpanogos Arts; The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin) with SCERA and Lehi Arts; Wait Until Dark (Carlino) with The Covey; and a one-man version of A Christmas Carol he turs at various public libraries since 2021. Bryan graduated from BYU with a degree in mechanical engineering and works as a software developer at Ancestry for their DNA team. A big thanks to his family, especially Shay, for their love and support!
AMBROCIO MIRELES JR
(Zeke / Cowardly Lion)
Ambrocio is excited to make his debut at SCERA Center for Arts! His recent roles include Professor Zoltan Karpathy/Man 1 in My Fair Lady (HCTO), General Genghis Khan Schmitz in Seussical the Musical (HCTO), Mr. Greenway in Elf: The Musical (HCT), Piragua Guy in In the Heights (The Grand
Theatre), and Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors (Timpanogos Community Theater). Ambrocio would like to thank his wife, Mary, for all her love and support! IG @amirelesjr
KIMBERLY NEARON
(Miss Gulch / The Wicked Witch of the West) Kimberly is thrilled to perform in her first show at SCERA Center for the Arts! She was last seen performing in Savior of the World in SLC. Before that she was performing throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in Guys and Dolls (Sarah Brown), The Pajama Game (Virginia), Fiddler on the Roof (Hodel), Kiss Me Kate, Jekyll and Hyde, HMS Pinafore, My Fair Lady and many more. Kimberly is a BYU MDT Alumni. She has directed and choreographed over a dozen shows in the Bay Area while also teaching drama classes and musical theatre scene studies. In 2018, Kimberly wrote and directed the musical Ship Brooklyn, A New Musical. She teaches voice lessons, enjoys hiking in the mountains and making new friends in Utah!
KAREN PECK
(Prop Shop Manager) Karen joined the SCERA Family last fall as the new Prop Shop Manager. She jumped right into the deep end with A Christmas Story: The Musical, and it’s been a whirlwind every day since! Karen has an extensive design background, from interior architecture and design to event and theatrical design. Originally from Idaho, she has made Orem her home and is excited to bring her experience and talent to SCERA’s live theatre and special events. She says “It’s truly a joy to come to work with such kind and talented people, and it really comes out in the productions that happen here. There’s something magical about SCERA, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.”
OPENS MAY 23rd
CHASE RAMSEY
(Scenic Designer) Chase was recently seen in movie theaters for Horizon: Part 1 from Warner Brothers. Also Falling for Christmas (Netflix), Sweet Pecan Summer (Hallmark), The Storied Life of AJ Fikry (Amazon), Yellowstone (Paramount), and The Book of Mormon Musical on Broadway playing Elder Cunningham. Director of the new film Scratchy, Cage, and Tumbleweed as well as Forget the Rest. Also known for his work as a past Food Network host and director/writer for the Walt Disney Company. He is the co-founder of King Cup Productions. Recent directing credits with SCERA have been Bright Star, The Little Mermaid, Into the Woods, Oklahoma, and The Play that Goes Wrong. He’ll be directing Annie this summer at the Shell. Instagram: @chaseramseyreally
KELSEY SEAVER
(Costume Designer) Kelsey has been involved with SCERA for the past 17 years in costumes and is currently the Costume Shop Manager. Some of her most recent SCERA designs are The Cat in the Hat, Bright Star and The Little Mermaid. She is so thankful for her family’s support. Much love to her three kiddos and awesome husband.
CHAD TAYLOR
(The Wizard of Oz / Professor Marvel) Chad is excited to be back at SCERA and working with this amazing team! He was most recently seen in the last two years’ productions of A Christmas Story: The Musical. He has a great love for musical theater, and is thrilled to be able to share his love with all of you. Other notable roles include: Joseph Pulitzer - Newsies (Lehi Arts), Escapologist - Matilda The Musical (Lehi Arts), Gideon - Seven Brides, Mickey - Damn Yankees, and Hugo - Bye, Bye, Birdie. Chad would
like to thank his family for their support, and especially his wife and dogs for giving him time to chase this dream again!
KELSEY MARINER THOMPSON
(Director / Music Director) Kelsey holds a bachelor of music in vocal performance from UVU and has performed throughout the United States, as well as in the UK and Spain. Favorite directing/music directing credits include: Mary Poppins, The SpongeBob Musical (SCERA Shell); The Addams Family (SCERA, CYT Houston); A Year with Frog and Toad TYA (SCERA). Performing credits include: Alice Murphy in Bright Star (SCERA), Tammy in May We All (HCT), Marguerite St. Just in The Scarlet Pimpernel, Fantine in Les Miserables, Anita in West Side Story, Eliza Doolittle u/s in My Fair Lady (SCERA), Belle in A Christmas Carol (HCTO), Grandma in The Addams Family (Lehi Arts), and Revered Mother in Nuncrackers (PG Players). “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard.”
JARED WILKINSON
(Hunk / Scarecrow) Jared is excited to be on the SCERA stage once again. He has enjoyed his past roles at SCERA that include Darryl Ames in Bright Star, Zacky Price in Big Fish, and George in The Drowsy Chaperone. A huge shout-out to his voice teacher Rebecca and his partner Michael who have gotten him to where he is today.
SCERA Board of Directors
Jeanette Herbert (Chair)
Nancy Hale (Past Chair)
Jason Craddock (Chair Elect)
Bryan Pope (Secretary)
Abbie Scott (Treasurer)
Dave McCann
Jerry Loveland
Karlyn Norton
Natalie Clyde
SCERA President & CEO
Marketing/Development
Adam J. Robertson
Operations Manager
Marketing/Development
April Berlin
Administrative Services Manager
Lesa Pulham
Guest Services Manager
Shelly Sackett
Production Manager
Administrative Assistant
Danielle Berry
Project & Volunteer Coordinator
Rebecca Boberg
Brandon Fugal
Bryan Farris
Craig Werner
Cynthia Gambill
Glen Overton
Jim Brickman
Composer/Entertainer
Ashly Delgrosso-Costa
Professional Dancer
Crystal Gayle
Entertainer
Rentals & Special Events
Coordinator
Brodee Ripple
Costume Shop Manager
Kelsey Seaver
Costume Shop Staff
Deborah Bowman
Crysta Lamb
Bird Dozhier
Scene Shop Manager
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Supervisor
Ethan Harrison
Scene Shop Staff
Faith Sage
Olivia Kleven
Colin Ohran
Emily Wiley
Prop Shop Manager
Karen Peck
Prop Shop Assistant
Paige Wright
Sound & Lighting Manager
Chase Elison
PRESIDENT'S ADVISORY COUNCIL
Greg Olsen
Greg Reed
James Clarke
Heather Osmond
Jeanette Bennett
Jennifer Durrant
Jim Evans
Mary Robinson
Laurie Stokes
Rita Wright
NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
Gary Herbert
Former Utah Governor
Michael McLean
Composer/Entertainer
Box Office Staff
Carrie Hill
Lydia Evans
Melanie Holdaway
Tiffany Swank
Kirstin Millard
Jeanette Smith
Asst. House Managers
Dahl Jenkins
Quin Swallow
Jakob Ellinger
Courtney Varney
Facilities Staff
Natacia Buckner
Skyler Grant
Braeden Holdaway
Luke Ellingson
Graphic Design
Stephanie Bird April Berlin
Photographers
Rachael Gibson
Derick Wolsleger
Freelance Writer
Charlene Winters
Concessions/Ushers
SCERA Volunteers
scera.org/volunteer
Sam Cardon
Terri Lindorf
Will Fowlke
Yevon Romney
Michael Martin Murphy
Entertainer
Alan Osmond
Producer/Entertainer
Ben Vereen
Broadway Star
