HYANNIS, MA—August 8, 2018
A unique spin on the classic 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz, is coming to Cape Cod in a creative collaboration between the Cape Symphony and Cotuit Center for the Arts in February 2019, the final concert of the Cape Symphony’s CapePOPS! Series in the 2018/19 season.
The locally-based cast has been selected and has begun preparations for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear the original Harold Arlen score performed live with actors and orchestra.
“This is a really ambitious project and unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak. “With the help of Cotuit Center for the Arts, we’ve selected actors from the Cape’s incredibly versatile pool of talent and paired them with the iconic characters of one of the most beloved movies of all time. Dorothy, her Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion companions, and even the Wicked Witch will all be on stage alongside our very own orchestra, performing the dialogue and songs of The Wizard of Oz. This will be an extraordinary experience.”
Actors performing include:
Jessica Curran, originally from Sandwich (now based in Boston), as Dorothy
After small town beginnings with the Falmouth Big Band “Stage Door Canteen,” Jessica Curran 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, of Hyannis, as the Scarecrow
Paul Fendler will make his triumphant return to theatre with his role as the 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, of Centerville, as the Tin Man
A local performer, producer, music director and educator, Anthony Teixeira 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, of Yarmouth Port, as the Cowardly Lion
The Wizard of Oz is one of Jeffrey Clonts' 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. Jeff can most often be seen “rocking the house” as an award-winning Realtor®/Broker with The Cape House Team at William Raveis.
Eileen Fendler, of Hyannis, as the Wicked Witch of the West
Also a former resident of New York, Eileen Fendler 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, of Harwich, as Aunt Em/Glinda
Kami Lyle is a Berklee graduate, award-winning singersongwriter/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, of Providence, RI, as the Wizard
Cleo Zani 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.
Other cast members include: James O’Neill as Uncle Henry/Guard, and Jim Hill as Narrator.
“This performance is going to be the absolute height of genius when the power of the Cape Symphony, direction of Michele Colley and precise production of Cotuit Center for the Arts collide. It’s certainly a performance not to miss,” said Pak.
The Cape Symphony and Cotuit Center for the Arts will present The Wizard of Oz in Concert on Saturday, February 9 at 3:00 and 7: 30 PM & Sunday, February 10 at 3:00 PM at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street, Hyannis. For more information or to purchase tickets visit capesymphony.org or call 508.362.1111.
Media Contact:
Jen Pitta, Public Relations Specialist
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About Cape Symphony & Conservatory
Cape Cod’s very own orchestra, Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak, the Cape Symphony provides an experience like no other. Cape Conservatory’s commitment to education for all ages includes musical instruction as well as classes in dance and art at campuses in West Barnstable and Falmouth. Its Pre-School program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through MusicWorks! Everyday and other community outreach programs, Cape Conservatory brings an array of engaging programs to thousands of students on the Cape and Islands. Cape Arts & Entertainment is the home of the Cape Symphony & Conservatory. Visit www.capesymphony.org and www.capeconservatory.org for more information.
