The Cape Symphony’s February CapePOPS! show is The Wizard of Oz in Concert, and we’ve just announced the main cast. This is a really ambitious project and unlike anything we’ve ever done.
Fortunately, we’re collaborating with a great partner in the Cotuit Center for the Arts. Jung-Ho says, “With their help, we’ve selected actors from the Cape’s incredibly versatile pool of talent and paired them with the iconic characters from one of the most beloved movies of all time.”
The cast will perform the dialogue and songs from the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, on stage with the orchestra. It will be an extraordinary experience, both for the actors and musicians as well as the audience.
The main cast of The Wizard of Oz in Concert is:
Jessica Curran as Dorothy
After small town beginnings with the Falmouth Big Band “Stage Door Canteen,” Jessica went on to explore the world musically as a jazz-pop vocalist, composer, arranger and lyricist with engagements in Rio De Janeiro, Sweden and Brazil. Her debut album Here was launched in October 2017, blending lush jazz harmonies with worldly storytelling.
Paul Fendler as the Scarecrow
Paul will make his triumphant return to theatre with his role as Scarecrow. He previously performed frequently at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Memorable roles include Robin in Spamalot, Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the uncle, Miles and Mrs. Grose in Turn of the Screw. In the 1990’s, Paul played the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz numerous times at theatres in Westchester County, NY.
Anthony Teixeira as the Tin Man
A local performer, producer, music director and educator, Anthony has performed in many Cape Cod performances with Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cape Rep Theatre, and Harwich Junior Theatre. Cape Symphony fans may recall Anthony as a featured singer in the 2015 “Holiday on the Cape” concert where he sang the role of the Skin Horse in “What is Real?” from The Velveteen Rabbit.
Jeffrey Clonts as the Cowardly Lion
The Wizard of Oz is one of Jeffrey’s favorite musical scores. Many years ago he had the honor of playing the Tin Man in a production starring Andrea McArdle and now he’ll bring his acting prowess to the role of the Cowardly Lion. Jeffrey has been seen locally in productions of A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum and A Little Night Music at Eventide Theater Company in Dennis, and Jesus Christ Superstar at Cotuit Center for the Arts. Other performing highlights include Broadway productions of Les Miserables and CATS.
Eileen Fendler as the Wicked Witch of the West
Eileen will share the stage with her husband Paul (Scarecrow) as the Wicked Witch of the West. She worked professionally in regional theatre for 10 years before moving to the Cape in 1998. She also worked in summer stock in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Some stand-out roles include Val in A Chorus Line, Anytime Annie in 42nd Street, Lily St. Regis in Annie, and the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. She is also one half of the music duo “Two Cool,” which performs across Cape Cod.
Kami Lyle as Aunt Em/Glinda
Kami is a Berklee graduate, award-winning singer/songwriter/pianist and trumpet player from Minneapolis, MN. She is the host of “The Kami Lyle Sit-A-While...real songs, real writers, fake fireplace.” Her songs have appeared numerous times in film and television, but she especially enjoys performing live.
Cleo Zani as the Wizard
Cleo moved to Cape Cod in 1981 after majoring in Performing Arts at Goddard College in Vermont. He has performed on stage and screen throughout New England. Most recently, he has appeared as The Mayor in Inherit the Wind and as Lou in Breaking Legs for Ocean State Theatre Company, and as Charlie ‘the Duck’ Clench in One Man, Two Guvnors and as Ivor in Rough Crossing for Cape Repertory Theater.
James O’Neill as Uncle Henry/Guard
Born and raised on Cape Cod, James has appeared in various local productions of shows including The King and I, South Pacific, Jesus Christ Superstar, Trial By Jury, and Shrek The Musical, to name just a few. He has also had the pleasure of performing with the Chatham Chorale as a member of the choir and as a soloist on many occasions, including performances with the Cape Symphony.
These talented stars will light up the stage on Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10. For more information or to purchase tickets visit capesymphony.org or call 508-362-1111.
