EVERETT — Through Nov. 23, the Historic Everett Theatre is in the land of Oz.
No, not the Oz of the classic 1939 MGM movie, or even the musicals “The Wiz” or “Wicked.”
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A New Musical” pays closer attention to the original stories by L. Frank Baum, including Baum’s own 1902 musical based on his first Oz book.
Kirkland Music Academy faculty wrote the show, and credit goes to Michael Gershowitz, Joshua Sibley, Tatiana Kruse, Ryan Brown, Susan Heale and CJ Wood.
With new music and more back story, this musical is a world premiere in progress, said Jason Goff, an Everett actor who plays the Wizard of Oz.
“We really are work-shopping the show, but it’s going to be great. The music is awesome,” Goff said. “And Everett audiences will be able to say they saw it first.”
Goff, 41, is known locally through his work with Northwest Savoyards, an Everett-based musical theater company now on hiatus. He studied voice at Everett Community College.
Along with performing as the Wizard, Goff is the show’s narrator.
“Acting and singing have been great for me,” he said. “I need this activity.”
Goff was working construction in 2000 when he fell 20 feet. He hit concrete pavement and was punctured by rebar. Soon after he battled skin cancer and is now dealing with Crohn’s disease.
“Still, I have a lot to be grateful for,” he said. “I’m still alive and I hope to perform for the rest of my life.”
Goff’s construction skills came in handy as the cast built the musical’s set for the run at Historic Everett Theatre.
“The set is minimalist, but it looks good,” Goff said.
“We really hope people will come out to support this new work.”
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
If you go
“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: A New Musical” plays the Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., through Nov. 23. Tickets for Thursday through Sunday shows are available by calling 425-258-6766 or online at www.historiceveretttheatre.org. Prices are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors, children and military.
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