First Act PresentsTHE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION
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
Adaptation and support materials developed by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald
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THE WIZARD OF OZ: YOUTH EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC.
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Message from the Directors
When Evan asked to join our homeschool co-op’s drama class in 8th grade, I never could have imagined where that simple “yes” would lead us. What began as just another class to try quickly became a true love of the stage for Evan.
After a few years of happily being a “stage mom,” we learned that the drama teacher at the co-op wouldn’t be returning the following year. On a bit of a whim, Evan and I offered to take over Agape Players together. That experience changed everything. Not only did I love working alongside Evan, but I discovered how much I loved working with the kids as well. There’s something incredibly special about watching a group walk into auditions and then seeing them grow, learn, and ultimately take their final bow together on stage. It’s inspiring every single time.
Last year, when our time with the Agape Players came to an end, we found ourselves asking, “What now?” That question led to the creation of First Act Productions. Building this company has truly been a labor of love, and we wouldn’t change a moment of the journey.
We are so proud of this cast. From our seasoned performers to those stepping on stage for the very first time, they have brought this show to life while making new friends and discovering confidence in themselves. Over the past five months, they have worked incredibly hard and have exceeded every expectation we had.
We hope you enjoy watching this show as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to life for you. Thank you so much for coming out to support these amazing performers and for supporting First Act Productions.
Enjoy the show!
Kellie and Evan
Song List
Opening
“Over the Rainbow” – Dorothy
"Munchkinland Musical Sequence (Part 1)" – Glinda, Munchkins, Dorothy, Mayor, Barrister, City Fathers
"Munchkinland Musical Sequence (Part 2)" – Munchkins, Tots, Tough Kids, Mayor, Barrister, City Father
“Yellow Brick Road” – Mayor, Coroner, Munchkins
“If I Only Had a Brain” – Scarecrow & Dorothy
“We’re Off to See the Wizard Duet” – Dorothy, Scarecrow, & Crows
“If I Only Had a Heart” – Tin Man, Dorothy, Scarecrow
“We’re Off to See the Wizard Trio” – Dorothy, Scarecrow, & Tin Man
“If I Only Had the Nerve” – Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow, & Dorothy
Intermission
“Jitterbug” – Jitterbugs
“Optimistic Voices” – Girls Chorus
“The Merry Old Land of Oz” – Emerald City Chorus, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Toto
“If I Were King of the Forest” – Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Dorothy
“Winkies March” – Winkies
“Over the Rainbow (Reprise)” – Dorothy, Aunt Em
“Winkies March (Reprise)” – Winkie Guards
“Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead” – All
Finale – Orchestra
Bows – Orchestra
Spotlight Sponsors
Cast
Creative Team
Kellie Welch
Evan Welch
Mark Beland
Matt Morin
Amelia Detore
Samantha Marenco
Meet the Company
Olivia Walden
Olivia Walden (Dorothy) is so excited to have the opportunity to perform as Dorothy in her first production with First Act Productions. She is performing as a senior, so this show is especially close to her heart. She has been performing with Kellie and Evan Welch for a few years. She has been performing in theatre for 3 years, but has danced for 11 years previously to that. Past credits include Seussical Jr., Mary Poppins Jr., Elf Jr., and more! Olivia would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Lillian Calkins
Lillian Calkins (Aunt Em) is a senior in high school. This is her 12th show, and she is so excited to be a part of another musical! Some of her favorite roles include Alice Bieneke (Addams Family) and Karen (SpongeBob the Musical). When not performing, she enjoys listening to music, reading and singing. She hopes you enjoy the show, and thanks to everyone who put the show together!
Lilla Townsend
Lilla Townsend (Uncle Henry) is honored to bring heart and warmth to the stage as Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz. She loves singing, playing her ukulele, gaming, drawing and enjoys expressing creativity both on stage and off. Lilla is also appearing as Martha Cox in High School Musical Jr. and has previously been seen as Yertle the Turtle in Seussical and Yente in Fiddler on the Roof. She hopes you enjoy this journey down the Yellow Brick Road and thanks you for being part of the magic.
Cora Slaven
Cora Slaven (Scarecrow) can't wait to perform in Wizard of Oz, Jr.! Cora is in 8th grade and this has been her 7th show. Her favorite roles have been “Dory” in Finding Nemo & Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof. Cora loves to read, sew, write, play piano and all sorts of games. She would like to thank her family & friends for their support & the Lord Jesus for giving her the opportunity to be in this amazing show!
Arianna Avant
Arianna Avant (Tin Man) is extremely excited to be playing Tin Man in this performance of The Wizard of Oz! This is one of three shows she is currently working on, and so far has done three others. She would like to thank her mom and friends for their everlasting support. Enjoy the show!
Emmi Townsend
Emmi Townsend (Lion) is both thrilled and just a little bit nervous to be stepping onto the stage as the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. When she’s not searching for courage, she loves music, crafting, singing, and dancing. Emmi previously appeared as a Bird Girl in Seussical and will also be seen as Kelsi in High School Musical Jr. She hopes you enjoy the show, and if you hear a brave roar mixed with a few nervous giggles, that’s probably her!
Hannah Kesselring
Hannah Kesselring (Miss Gulch / Wicked Witch) is thrilled to perform with First Act Productions in The Wizard of Oz, her fifth theater production. She has previously appeared in Finding Nemo Jr., Fiddler on the Roof, and will soon perform in High School Musical. Her favorite role to date has been Crush in Finding Nemo Jr.
Outside the theater, Hannah enjoys singing, participating in choir, reading, and exploring her interest in politics. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous love and support.
Brody Dauwer
Brody Dauwer (Wizard) is so excited to be performing in their first production with First Act Productions. Some previous credits include Finding Nemo Jr (chum), The Lightning Theif (Luke/ Ares) and 13 the musical (Brett). Brody has also acted in a few Shakespeare plays. Brody loves acting, playing piano, collecting coins/ antiques and spending time with friends. He thanks all his friends and family for their support.
Evangeline Ebba
Evangeline Ebba (Glinda) is thrilled to be part of such a magical show. This is her first production with the First Act Productions team, although she has participated in musical theatre before. Evangeline loves singing, acting, and spending time outdoors. She would like to thank her family, especially her sister for helping her discover her love for singing, and the First Act team.
Emmie Hanlon
Emmie Hanlon (City Father #1) is making her theater debut. This is her first time doing a theatre program, and she has loved it! In her free time she loves going to concerts and listening to music.
Ella Hanlon
Ella Hanlon (City Father #2/Leader of the Winkies/Apple Tree) is very excited to be doing the Wizard of Oz with First Act. Her last theatrical production was Seussical back in 2019. In her free time she enjoys watching Stranger Things and listening to music.
Abigail Slaven
Abigail Slaven (the Mayor & Ensemble) is so excited to be a part of Wizard of Oz, Jr.! Abigail is in 6th grade and this will be her 6th show. She loved being “Nemo” in Finding Nemo & a “Christmas present” in the Christmas Factory. Abigail loves to read, cook, go for hikes, and play board games. She says thank you to her family, friends and Jesus!
Ellie Slaven
Ellie Slaven (the Coronor, Apple tree #1, and the voice of Toto) is thrilled to be performing in Wizard of Oz, Jr.! Ellie is in 4th grade and this will be her 3rd show. Ellie loves to be on stage and was delighted to be “Squirt & Pearl” in Finding Nemo. She enjoyed singing the solo “Was He a Child Like Me” in the Christmas Revue. Ellie loves to draw, make homemade books, explore the outdoors, and play with her cat, guinea pig and pet snails. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Jayce Roberts
Jayce Roberts ( Munchkin, Apple Tree , and Crow ) is excited to be performing in their first production with First Act Productions. Jayce loves making people laugh animals and hanging out with his friends. They would like to thank their family their support.
Adi Townsend
Adi Townsend (Nikko) is excited to take flight as Nikko in The Wizard of Oz. When she’s not leading the flying monkeys, she enjoys knitting, crafting, and creating all kinds of imaginative projects, especially with hot glue in hand! Adi will also be shining as Piggie in Elephant & Piggie: We Are in a Play! and previously appeared as Gurgle in Finding Nemo. She hopes you enjoy the adventure and promises that any mischievous monkey business is strictly part of the performance.
Kellie Welch
Evan Welch
Mark Beland
Matt Morin
Amelia Detore
Samantha Marenco
Photos
Cast Photo
Cast Having Fun
Thank You
First and foremost, thank you to the First Act Productions Board for joining Evan and me on this journey and for your unwavering support of our dream. Your encouragement and belief in what we’re building mean so much.
A heartfelt thank you to all of the parents for believing in us and trusting us with your kids. Your support, flexibility, and enthusiasm make everything we do possible.
Thank you to the Concord Community Players for their generous use of costumes and props.
Thank you to Rich Welch and Krazee Klean for the donation of materials and for building our beautiful sets.
Thank you to Arthur Murray Dance Studio for the use of their rehearsal space.
Thank you to Agape Players for generously allowing us to use their microphones.
And a special thank you to Zachary Welch for designing our logo and taking the wonderful cast photos.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this production possible.
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Spotlight Sponsors
We love you, Evangeline! We are so proud of you! Love, Team Family
Cora, we love you so much & are so very proud of you! Love, M&P Abigail, you are the cutest mayor we've ever seen. Love you so much! M&P Ellie, we promise not to steal your apples! We love you so much! M&P