Director’s Note
When I was four years old, I saw The Wizard of Oz. It was almost 45 years after its August release in 1939 and yet it became my absolute favorite movie growing up. I begged my parents to get me the special edition 50th anniversary VHS with bonus features and booklet. Even at 5 years old, I was not afraid of the Wicked Witch; I was captivated by the music and dancing and the magic of storytelling. I loved watching Dorothy and her friends skip down the yellow brick road, create a bond so tight that no wicked witch or humbug wizard could break their spirit. I loved everything about it. Fast forward 20 or so years, and I’m given the opportunity to direct and choreograph a summer theatre production of The Wizard of Oz. Several years after that, I was given the honor of directing and choreographing The Wizard of Oz at my alma mater. Even when I was teaching dance at summer theatre camp, I wrote my own version of this beloved tale, mixing The Wiz, Wicked, and of course The Wizard of Oz into one fun-filled stage production! The Wizard of Oz, needless to say, is near and dear to my heart. I am extremely proud of this production. With 50 students in the cast and over 20 students behind the scenes, this show embraces the spirit of the Region 10 Players. This is why I founded this company five years ago: to provide theatre education and fun theatre experiences for all students, K-12, in Region 10.
Dorothy says it best: “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard.” Burlington is my home now, and my heart’s desire is right here, directing theatre, creating beautiful, entertaining productions for the youth of this community to enjoy and be a part of. I may not be as bright as the Scarecrow or as courageous as the Lion, but my heart, like the Tinman, is full of love—for this cast and crew and the joy that live theatre brings so many people.
I hope you enjoy this magical production. I could not have brought this story to life without the love and support of my family and friends and the artistic collaboration with David Miller, Laura Hutchins, and Emily Lombardo. I could not have brought you such a fabulous production without this team of professionals. It has been a truly heartwarming experience, and getting to share it with my daughter, Cecilia, and even my dog, Ernie, has made this experience all the more magical and memorable!
Thank you for joining us down the yellow brick road today! And as always, thank you for supporting The Region 10 Players and the performing arts in Region 10.
~Meredith Roll
Director/Founder Region 10 Players
