Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz

Published 10:00 am Saturday, August 13, 2011

Graphic by Kathy Johnson

Albert Lea’s chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization will present “Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz” at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

The short participation play for children and adults is sponsored by the Cuppage Foundation. Children in the audience will interact with characters including oiling the tin man, stuffing the scarecrow, hiding Dorothy, hugging the cowardly lion and holding Toto.

A few of the cast of “Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz” dressed up and rode in the July 3 parade in Albert Lea.

“I think children will enjoy it,” said Nancy Wright, a member of PEO. “There’s audience involvement.”

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Tickets are available at Ben’s Floral & Frame Designs, Doyle’s Hallmark and Celebration’s. Tickets cost $8 and include a cookie and a raffle ticket. Quilts, pillowcases and dolls with a “Wizard of Oz” theme will be raffled.

“We hope we have a big number there,” Wright said.

Lisa Sturtz will play Dorothy, Linda Opstad is the cowardly lion, Loyal Leas is the tin man, Roxanne Irons is the scarecrow, Bill Sturtz plays the wizard, Sue Jorgensen will play the good witch and Debra Stolarcek will play the wicked witch.

“We were in the parade with costumes,” Wright said.

Albert Leans got a sneak peek at the group’s costumes during the July 3 parade. Wright said any money raised will go to the PEO, which provides educational opportunities for women. The PEO has six philanthropies that include a two-year women’s college, Cottey College, and five programs that provide assistance for women seeking higher education.

Tickets, please
What: “Dorothy & the Wizard of Oz,” a short participation play for children
When: 7 p.m. Aug. 26 and 2 and 7 p.m. Aug. 27
Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Cost: $8 (includes raffle ticket and cookie) available at Ben’s Floral & Frame Designs, Doyle’s Hallmark and Celebration’s.