The Wizard of Oz, other special events to take place from May 12 through 18
Imlay City students hope to sign and dance their way into the hearts of a packed crowd at the new Performing Arts Center in May.
IMLAY CITY — Mark your calendars for a very special, long anticipated event planned for May 12-14.
The brand new Imlay City Schools Performing Arts Center will open its doors with The Wizard of Oz on center stage.
Students in grades 3-12 have been rehearsing the L. Frank Baum-inspired story, and are eager to bring their characters to life.
Cast members include Kayleigh Clark and Mandy Granz as Dorothy, Cassandra Verellen as the Scarecrow, Veronica Vaubel as the Tin Man, and Jacob Melendez as the Cowardly Lion.
Julia Grayvold plays the role of the Wicked Witch, while Christina Diaz portrays Glinda the Good Witch. The skills and talents of 78 other cast and crew member students will also be on display.
The production is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. Don Brewer is directing the play, with Rebekah Brewer as producer and choreographer. Music direction provided by Caleb Sinclair, with instrumental music by Scott Pries.
The opening night performance will take place at 6 p.m. on May 12. Performances will take place at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on May 13, and again at 2 p.m. on May 14. Tickets will be available for purchase beginning April 3 online at icfinearts.ludus.com.
The grand opening celebration will continue throughout the week with Theatre/Dance/Musical Theatre Student Showcase performances at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on May 16, featuring a 30 minute performance of Romeo & Juliet followed by other dance and musical theatre performances.
Imlay City Schools choirs will perform at the new Center on Wednesday evening, May 17. The districts’ bands will take center stage on May 18.
Throughout Grand Opening week, Imlay City Schools’ visual arts students will display their work in the lobby at the Performing Arts Center.
Ground was broken on the project in December of 2020. A $38.6 million bond proposal approved by voters in 2019 provided funds for the $14.2-million, 500-seat Performing Arts Center. Along with providing a venue for performing arts, the Center offers instructional and meeting space for students and the community. In earlier interviews, school officials said they also envision the space as a “community hub,” where residents can enjoy arts and culture.
Catherine Minolli
Catherine Minolli is Managing Editor of the Tri-City Times. She began as a freelance writer with the Times in 1994. She enjoys the country life, including raising ducks and chickens.
