LETTER: Reader hewitchedby “Wizard Of Oz†musical This show. a charmingly different rendition of the same comfortable story we all know and love. was skill- fully blocked by Neil am referring to the York Durham Academy of the Performing Arts' recent pre- sentation of the Wizard of 02 at the charming Uxbridge Music Hall. This version of Wizard was the second proâ€" duction of the year for this fledgling theatre company, which is resident in Stouffville. The group also presented Lionel Bart's Oliver! to ï¬ve packed hous- es at the Vaughan City Playhouse iust last month. 24 - 'WHITCHURCH-SIOUFFVILLE THIS MONTH' â€" See us on ‘www.stouflvilleonline.com' M To the Editor. “There's no place like home†was a ï¬tting theme for a wonderful event I attended on Mother’s Day. I Bennett of Glad Park musi- cal fame. For me, the singing was a highlight and was supported by a live band. conducted by Wayne Hill. the YDAPA's Executive Director. Choreography. designed and taught by Nadine Lepera. was varied and enthusiastically pre- sented. Chris MacBride’s sets were brilliant and along with Nancy Carters props. succeeded in trans- porting the audience to an ‘Ozian' wonderland. The costumes, designed and created by Ada Seebach and Dorothy Clark. were absolutely stunning. From apple trees to Munchkins. the whimsy of the story was supported by shimmering cloth and vivid colours. and Christine Hill's sparkling Set changes. curtains, lights and audio were used effectively by Christie O‘Reilly‘s stage crew to magically transform the tiny stage at the Music Hall into the incredible scenes from the story. This was no small task given the size of the stage and the size of the set pieces. Many of the sup- porting cast members had multiple roles which brought them back to the stage several times. as iit- terbugs, ghosts, guards and citizens of Munchkin City. Kudos to Ellen Godsonâ€" Keen and her backstage “parent crew' who -orga- nized the constant costume and make-up changes ..... they were efficient and pre- make-up perfectly con- tn'byted {o the fantasy. But it was the kids that we all went to see. and we were certainly not disap- pointed. The 30 or so six- to eight-yearâ€"old Munchkins sang with gusto and enthusiasm; their Ding Dong the Witch is Dead still rings through my head. Kimiko Carter played Dorothy to perfection, and I thoroughly enjoyed Will Powell as the Scarecrow; he acted_the part with skill. Ryan Scarborough as the Tin Man was heartsick and lovable while Geordie Hill was a favourite as the Cowardly Lion. the comic star of this wonderful story. Excellent casting choices were evident with Jessica Reesor, who acted wonder- cise. Not an entry was missed or late. I personally applaud the York Durham Academy's efforts to bring much-need- ed exposure to the arts to the young people of Stoulfville and surrounding communities. This is the chance of a lifetime for these children, who other- wise would not likely expe- rience the wonderful pride and self-confidence that this medium provides. At a' time and in a community where the activities of fully in the challenging role of the Wicked Witch and Lauren Wallis who was the perfect contrast as Glinda the Good Witch. lesse Owen was superb as the great and powerful Oz. and was even better after he was revealed as “not so great" a wizard - l understand, through Gordon Brown. chainnan of the YDAPA Board and proâ€" ducer. that they had over IOO families\-actively involved with the organiza- tion this year, and that next years plans include three musicals and the creation of a student concert band and children's choir. Many resi- dents believe that Whitchurch-Stoullville Council should pay more attention and perhaps proâ€" vide a facility, dare we say a theatre, for this up-and- coming new group. young people are so often questioned, it was truly wonderful to see so many of them involvedin such an enriching expenaice. JUNE 2003 E. Benwell Stouffville