'We're off to see the Wizard': Beloved musical lands at ROH for 3-week run

The some 40-member cast shows its enthusiasm and joy as opening night nears. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - More than three decades ago network TV ended its tradition of annually showing The Wizard of Oz, one of the most beloved and iconic fantasy musicals of all time.
But on Oct. 11 the Rochester Opera House along with its 40-member cast will bring it back to life with a three-week run that features the original MGM score and script.
"The Wizard of Oz" premiers next Friday and runs through Nov. 3.
The musical first aired in traditional theaters on Aug. 15, 1939, and for the first time on television on Nov. 3, 1956. It hasn't been shown on commercial TV since 1991.
"Since it hasn't been aired for some time, it has lost some of its familiarity," said Rochester Opera House executive director and "Wizard of Oz" producer Anthony Ejarque. "But this will be the traditional MGM production, and it packs a punch. There's going to be great music and great dancers."
The lead role of Dorothy will be played by veteran actress Molly Scott, who starred in ROH's "Fiddler on the Roof" over the summer. The wicked witch of the west will be played by Constance Whitman.
The play is directed by Jenn Towle.
Ejarque said the munchkins are played by local youngsters.
"You can't help but laugh when you watch them up on the stage," he said. "Same with the tin man, the cowardly lion and the scarecrow. And the costumers are fantastic."
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