Michael Kiral / L’Observateur / July 15, 1998

RESERVE – “We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz.”Fifty-nine years after its release by Hollywood and almost a century after Frank L. Baum released his timeless classic, “The Wizard of Oz” is stillcreating memories for children as well as bringing back memories of the child in all of us.

The American Film Institute recently ranked it sixth among its 100 top films, and in a recent poll viewers said “The Wizard of Oz” is one of the movies they most want to see be re-released to the big screen.

Local fans of the story and the theater will have the opportunity to once more walk down the yellow brick road as the St. John Theatre releases itproduction of what director “Uncle” Wayne Daigrepont calls the “Great American Musical Comedy.” Show times are 7:30 p.m. July 17 and 18 andJuly 22-25 and 2:30 p.m. July 19 at the theater, located at 155 W. FourthStreet in Reserve. Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages12 and under.

Cast members have been practicing the production since late May with final preparation held this week. The principal story will be familiar toaudience members with a few scenes that were in the book but were omitted from the big-screen production. Daigrepont, directing for the firsttime at St. John Theatre, has also made the play more comical. Why is “The Wizard of Oz,” which came out in 1939, perhaps the greatest year in Hollywood history, still popular after all these years? Mike Brooks, who plays the challenging dual roles of the professor and the wizard, believes that while it is geared to children, adults can relate to it as well.

“It appeals to all ages,” Brooks said. “Growing up as a kid, we got hookedon it. As adults, we are still hooked on it.”Corie Smith plays Dorothy, a role she is quite familiar with. She sees themovie being popular because it is different from other films that have been released and one that has characters that attract children.

Kathy Tuson, who plays the Good Witch, Glenda, said it is the eternal story and one in which everybody in the cast has their own personal story about.

“We are one big family doing it,” Tuson said.

Tuson said the story has been in her family for years, and she remembers her dad reading the series of books to her and her brother, Bill. Bill Tusonis also in the play as Zeke.

Kathy Tuson said Daigrepont has made the production quite funny and has brought something new to it.

“Even for those people who have seen it can find something new in this production,” Tuson said.

Tuson’s counterpart is Joanne Mehrtens, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West as well as Miss Gulch. Mehrtens, who teaches in St. CharlesParish, said she enjoys the role because it allows her to play a totally different personality. And while the cackling voice of the witch is hard,she said it’s actually kind of cool.

“It is so much fun,” Mehrtens said. “Everybody responds to it. It is really aplum role. I can do a lot with it.”Jim Lockwood, who plays the Cowardly Lion, gets the audience involved with his various expressions. Lockwood is another member who grew upwith the story and said the Lion was his favorite character.

“It is the ultimate escapism fantasy,” Lockwood said of the story. “It hasvery loveable, and the music is spectacular. It was so far ahead of itstime.”Andrew Bond plays the Scarecrow, a role that took a lot of preparation just because of the movements involved.

“He is basically falling all over the place,” Bond said. “You have to lookstuffed with straw.”Kevin Millet plays another of Dorothy’s friends, the Tin Man. Milletwatches the movie to help him prepare for the character.

“I have fun doing it,” Millet said of the role.

Combining special effects with a beautiful musical score, the production should be fun for audience as well. For those who want to see the wizardone more time, tickets are available at Allied Express on Carrollwood Avenue in LaPlace as well as at the theater’s ticket box office prior to each performance.

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