HYANNIS- A unique spin on the classic 1939 movie, “Wizard of Oz,” is coming to Cape Cod this February in collaboration between the Cape Symphony Orchestra, and Cotuit Center for the Arts.
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.
Actors performing include: Sandwich native Jessica Curran as Dorothy, former Cotuit Center for the Arts performer Paul Fendler as Scarecrow, former Cape Rep Theater performer Anthony Teixeira as the Tin Man, Yarmouth Port’s Jeffrey Clonts as the Cowardly Lion, Eileen Fendler, of Hyannis, as the Wicked Witch of the West, and finally Berklee graduate Kami Lyle, of Harwich, as Aunt Em/Glenda.
Curtains open for ‘Wizard of Oz in Concert’ on February 9th at 3:00p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and on February 10th at 3:00 p.m. at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit capesymphony.org or call 508-362-1111.
Actors performing include:
Jessica Curran, originally from Falmouth (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 Scarecrow
Paul Fendler 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, of Centerville, as 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 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 Miserable” 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 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/Glenda
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 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.
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