Kelowna Actors Studio brings magical musical classic to the stage

It’s time to embark on an enchanting adventure "somewhere over the rainbow" and follow the yellow brick road with Kelowna Actors Studio (KAS).

The cast and crew are ready to take audiences through a timeless journey into a magical land with their stage musical presentation of the classic The Wizard of Oz.

Written by L. Frank Baum at the beginning of the 20th century and immortalized on the big screen in 1939 and on stage, the story follows Dorothy Gale, a young girl from Kansas swept away to the magical land of Oz and is desperate to find her way home. Her journey takes her along the yellow brick road to find the Wizard of Oz to help her get home.

Throughout the adventure, she’s joined by the iconic trio of the Scarecrow, seeking a brain; the Tinman, searching for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, in pursuit of courage. Together, they face various challenges on route, including the Wicked Witch of the West.

In her first leading performance on the mainstage, 17-year-old Mila Prasad (who has the Judy Garland role), has worked her way up through the kids and teen programs at KAS and began doing mainstage shows in grade nine.

Playing Dorothy 'an amazing opportunity'

“It's just been an amazing experience being here. And I absolutely love it, I learned so much,” she told Kelowna10. “This is just my family and I'm very fortunate to now have such an amazing opportunity as Dorothy in the mainstage.”

Prasad has enjoyed exploring a character like Dorothy, which she describes as innocent yet in a lighthearted and enjoyable way. And the idea of working with Ollie, a real dog set to play the part of Toto in the production, adds an extra layer of excitement to the experience.

“I think the message of the show really hits home for me, which is for the young at heart. And I think that Dorothy really brings that to the show. She is the young at heart,” she explained. “I think she's a very important character especially for young girls. And I've just learned so much from her and her journey throughout the show.”

The production highlights several impressive technical elements which include rapid shoe changes for Dorothy, the magical ascent of the balloon, and pyrotechnics.

Sparking wonder

"We will transport audiences to a magical realm, where imagination knows no bounds,” Artistic Managing Director Randy Leslie said. "Resonating with both young and old, I want to create an experience that sparks wonder, evokes emotion, and leaves a lasting impression on every heart in the audience."

The public response leading up to opening night has been exceedingly enthusiastic, so much so that an additional show has been added for Dec. 10.

“It's definitely overwhelming just because of all the love that we're all receiving being a part of this show,” Prasad said. “I have people coming from very far away and I know a lot of people in the cast do too. I just think it's really magical that everybody that we all know want to come see it just because it's a classic, and it just brings so many great feelings.”

Remaining tickets can be purchased online. The Wizard of Oz runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 17.