Donna Oblongata directs a retelling of The Wizard of Oz

Donna Oblongata (ACG '14) directs, Der Vorfuhreffekt Theatre presents The Great & Terrible and The Small & Meek a retelling of The Wizard of Oz May 27 through June 6. This site-specific work, set on the sprawling grounds of Bartram's Garden features puppets large and small, live music, an original score, a witch's castle built into a tree, and a dancing tornado to boot. Lo-fi, high wonder, and made possible only by the curious, big-hearted, imagination-fueled efforts of 50-ish people who have thrown themselves in this spring, for a journey down the yellow brick road. This is the Emerald City as seen from the banks of the Schuylkill. The Great & Terrible and The Small & Meek is an adaptation of The Wizard of Oz built from mountains of cardboard, reclaimed wood, foam scraps, old house paint, and a lot of that stuff they cut confetti out of. It will feature a complete original score by Yianni Kourmadas (Single Girl Married Girl Records), Daniel Eppihimer (a tree named turtle), Sebastian Cummings (as Glinda), and Emily Bate (Jonagold /A Ride On The Irish Cream) as the Wicked Witch of the West. Suitable for all ages. Come at 7:30 to take in the historic grounds of Bartram’s Garden (the oldest botanic garden in North America). All shows start promptly at 8pm. Suggested donation: $15/person but no one turned away for lack of funds. Purchase tickets here.