MADISON — St. Ambrose Academy (SSA), Madison, presents The Wizard of Oz on March 29-31, at the Verona High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Richards St., Verona.
For a well-known story that reminds us that “there’s no place like home,” a father-daughter double billing is quite appropriate.
The SAA musical theatre program is bringing the classic tale by L. Frank Baum to the stage with a poignant twist: Catherine Carey brings the role of Dorothy to life alongside her father, Patrick Carey, as Professor Marvel/The Wizard.
The Wizard of Oz
When: Friday, March 29 — 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 30 — 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 31 — 2 p.m.*
Tickets: Adults $15
Seniors $10
Students and children $7
Where: Verona High School Performing Arts Center, (300 Richard St.)
Tickets: www.ambroseacademy.org/musical
*Sunday, March 31, at 1 p.m., SAA history faculty member, Michael Kwas, will present rich insights into the author and the story.
Making this a family affair couldn’t be more fitting for a show which, as five-time SAA musical director Angela Hineline shares, “is, at its heart, all about a character trying to find home.”
Patrick Carey certainly didn’t think his post-high school life would ever bring him back to the stage, but he is enjoying this time with his daughter, as well as seeing the hard-working students create something from the ground up.
“I was more of a chauffeur in the past, taking my other kids to rehearsals, but with Catherine, I’m really enjoying our scenes together and the ability to see all the behind-the scenes details that go into creating a show.”
From the student perspective, Catherine acknowledged the efforts that go into each production as well as the impact it has on those involved. “SAA has taught me how important community is, how to build others up, and how to really love those around you. You have to be vulnerable with each other and through that, you’re able to bring something really beautiful to life.”
Musical director Angela Hineline draws a direct comparison to earthly lives and themes of the story, including the Yellow Brick Road, “which is like the path that God puts before us. If we stay on it, we will make it to the banquet that He has prepared for us. He may permit trials to be put in our path, but we have also been given the gifts, the friends, and family to get through our trials.”
Combining that timeless reminder with the magic of the stage, Patrick promises “a really fun, eye-catching show” with entertaining musical numbers plus the fantastic sets and special effects created by community members Rick Mills, Andy Manke, and a team of talented volunteers.
Now on the cusp of graduation, Catherine reflects how, “I couldn’t imagine a better way to go off to college than doing an amazing show that is all about family/home and doing that with my dad. It’s really symbolic of a dad bringing his daughter through childhood and into adulthood and it’s something I will always treasure.”