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S e r v I n g tay l or , ol D f or g e , mooSIc & SurrounDIng areaS trIborobanner.com | September 14, 2017
The winners of an annual 5K run received their trophies |PAGe 2
Scenes from Riverside’s recent game against Mid Valley.|PAGe 3
Riverside’s had a tough 19-18 loss against Susquehanna |PAGe 10
A ClAssiC FAntAsy tAle Gets A musiCAl twist Phoenix Kids presents ‘Oz’ with a disco beat
By Josh McAuliffe
“The Wizard of Oz.” “It was big in the disco era, the late special to The Triboro Banner ’70s, early ’80s,” said Phoenix artistic director Lee LaChette, who used the “The Wizard of Oz” is among the Meco album to create “Disco Wizard of most beloved of children’s tales, and Oz,” which features a cast of 28 local has managed to inspire several unique offshoots, from “The Wiz” to “Wicked.” kids, ages 4-13. “It’s still the classic story, with all the Now you can add “Disco Wizard of music from the film, but in a disco-style Oz” to that list. Phoenix Kids will present this unique beat,” she said. The show will feature Dorothy and all retelling of the “Oz” story over three her friends grooving their way through weekends from Sept. 15 to Oct. 1 at the land of Oz wearing flashy costumes Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 and metallic high-top Converse sneakMain St., Duryea. ers, and the Wicked Witch of the West Friday and Saturday shows begin at and her flying monkey minions on 7 p.m., while Sunday matinees start at Heelys (roller skate sneakers). 2 p.m. Cyclones are created using streamers, Tickets are $10 general admission and can be reserved by calling 570-457- and the mostly white set is perfect for flashing the multi-colored lights associ3589. They’ll also be available at the ated with a classic disco club. The Yellow door. Of course, most of us are now highly Brick Road “goes right up the middle of the audience,” LaChette said. familiar with young Kansas girl DoroLaChette serves as the show’s directhy’s fantastic adventures in the land of Oz. But, you might not know that back tor/choreographer, while Katie-Louise in 1978 the band Meco released “Meco Fidiam is assistant director. Assistant Plays the Wizard of Oz,” which featured choreographers are Amanda Hunisch disco-fied takes on “Over the Rainbow,” and Jade Casella, and Jackie Legg is “Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead,” “We’re musical director. Meanwhile, the cast is filled with Off to See the Wizard” and other classic youthful talent, among them Makayla songs from the 1939 film version of Neel as Dorothy, Jacob Bianchi as the Scarecrow, Mary Sinclair as the Tin Man, Aidan Casey as the Cowardly Lion, Deneva Lefever as the Wicked Witch and Jacob Hull as the Wizard. “Most of them, of course, have never TS_CNG/TRIBORO/PAGES [T01] | 09/13/17
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From left: Aidan Casey, Mary Sinclair, Makayla Neel, Jacob Bianchi and Deneva Lefever.
heard of disco. They kind of laugh at the style of dance, but they’re having a lot of fun with it,” LaChette said. “They’re doing fantastic. They’re all having a great time with it. Who doesn’t love the classic story of ‘The Wizard of Oz?’” LaChette is hoping to see packed houses full of families throughout the show’s run. “This is a family-oriented show, something you can definitely come to with your kids,” she said. “And it won’t break the pocketbook, either.”
If you go What: Phoenix Kids presents “Disco Wizard of Oz” When: Sept. 15 through Oct. 1, with Friday and Saturday shows at 7 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Where: Phoenix Performing Arts Centre, 409 Main St., Duryea Details: Tickets are $10 general admission, and can be reserved in advance by calling 570-457-3589. They will also be available at the door.