Greg Goodwin and Kay Gross are two of Augusta’s longtime stage stars, having appeared in dozens of shows over the past 30-plus years, but the Augusta Players upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz” marks firsts for both of them.
For Gross, who plays the Wicked Witch and Miss Gulch, it’s the chance to fly because everyone deserves that, right?
“I think I’ll enjoy it. I’ve always wanted to do that. I remember seeing Sandy Duncan in ‘Peter Pan’, and she flew out over the audience. I’ve never flown at all, so here I am,” said Gross, who performed as the Wicked Witch 25 years ago in the same cast with her daughter. She also choreographed parts of “The Wizard of Oz” around 2004 when she taught dance at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School.
When she first played the Wicked Witch, flying wasn’t in the budget.
As for Goodwin, whose parents are from Kansas and who lived in Kansas as a child, it’s a horse of a different color.
“’I’ve never done Wizard before. It’s like coming full circle. In Kansas, this is like the state movie,” said Goodwin who plays the Wizard himself..
The 1939 Judy Garland film was a highlight of network television first airing in 1956 then annually from 1959 to 1991.
“Every time it came on, every year, we’d always have to sit down and watch ‘The Wizard of Oz,” said Goodwin, who always thought that “one day” he’d do the play. “I thought it was really cool when Scott (Seidl, director) asked if I wanted to be the wizard.”
And even though Gross and Goodwin have been in many shows with groups such as the Players and Presidential Dinner Theatre, it’s been 33 years since the two have performed on the same stage. The last show they did together was “Lend Me a Tenor.”
L. Frank Baum’s 125-year-old novel has been adapted multiple times for stage and screen. The Augusta Players will use the Royal Shakespeare Company’s version, which is a newer version and more resembles the movie, according to Seidl.
A few additions to the Augusta Players version include a number called “The Jitterbug” which was recorded but cut from the film and a festive musical finale during the bows, Seidl said.
Also joining the actors on stage will be a cast of puppets including Dorothy’s beloved Toto.
And the blockbuster, Oscar-nominated film “Wicked” has sparked a new interest in the characters, which cast members hope will benefit the Augusta Players.
“I hope it brings people in because it’s on their minds,” said Gross.
“The Wizard of Oz” will be performed at 8 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1 and at 3 p.m. March 2 at the Imperial Theatre. For tickets, go here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
