Dorothy was told to follow the yellow brick road to find her way to the Land of Oz. You only have to follow the red brick road that winds its way to Chautauqua Park to find Oz.
For Dorothy, the journey was worthwhile. It will be for those who decide to take in the Vermillion Players' children's production of Wizard of Oz this weekend at the playhouse.
Adults should know the story by now. Dorothy, a teenaged girl from Kansas, gets swept up with her house in a cyclone and lands on a wicked witch, killing her, in the land of Munchkins. She wants to fi nd her way home to Kansas and is told by the good witch of the North to see the Wizard of Oz. He will help her.
Along the way, Dorothy comes across a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion - each one with wishes of their own. They journey along the yellow brick road, dealing with the wicked witch of the West and the troubles thrown their way.
 Once at Oz, the Wizard offers to provide Dorothy with a way home, the Scarecrow with a brain, the Tin Man with a heart and the Cowardly Lion with courage. The catch is that they must kill the wicked witch.
The movie version plays on the fantasy of a girl who has been knocked out by the storm. The stage version ended in Oz. Also, there were no flying monkeys and no Toto.
Despite the subtle differences between the staged version of the classic tale and the movie version so many are familiar with, the effort given by the children in the show is outstanding. Many kudos to director Jerry Keck for being able to pull off such a task. There are approximately 120 performers and his casting, particularly of the leads, was excellent.
 The main characters don't change. Dorothy, played by Olivia Dunham, is similar to the Dorothy made famous on the screen by Judy Garland - a girl with a splendid singing voice and the ability to command a scene by her presence and talent.
Zach Kohlmeier's natural athleticism makes him a very good Scarecrow. Having to perform the falls and gangly, awkward movements similar to Ray Bolger in the movie were aided by his athleticism. Kohlmeier's ability to deliver his lines with enthusiasm also helped create an affable character.
Alex Rasmussen plays the Tin Man and brings life to the rusted character. Blessed with a good singing voice, Rasmussen also is strong in delivering his lines. He is a complement to Dorothy and the Scarecrow, much in the manner of Jack Haley in the movie.
 Probably the most entertaining of the characters was the Cowardly Lion, played admirably by Ryan Henkel. Like Bert Lahr on the silver screen, Henkel was able to steal some of the scenes just by his presence and strong delivery of lines.
Elizabeth Mitchell is an ugly, wretched Wicked Witch. This is a compliment. She gives a very convincing performance in the part of the villain.
Nic Hart is a veteran of the children's stage and showed that experience in a strong effort as the Wizard.
Known as the Sorceress instead of Glenda the Good Witch of the North (another change), Brianna Gill has a great singing voice and convinced the audience of her kindness with confident expressions.
A minor character is Tibia, played by Caleb Friend. Tibia is a skeleton who is the right-hand man of the Wicked Witch. His dancing ability should impress the audience.
 The other primary characters are Cassandra Stokes (Aunt Em), Daniel Schweitzer (Uncle Henry), Anthony Mills (Joe), Kate Theesfield (First Witch), Rachel Compton (Second Witch), Carson Cross (First General), Camden Krenz (Private), Ozmas (Cody Hatzer), George (Adam Mitchell), Lord Growlie (Darien Zeller), Gloria (Sarah Gahm), Kylie Clardy and Jessica Ping (Ozian Girls), Megan Bullard and Morgan Willis (Ozian Ladies), Robert Browning (Farmer), Austin Bristow (Coroner), Tyler Ringle (Barrister) and John Morse (Mayor).
The play is directed by Keck and produced by Pam Teske, Barbara Drummet and Joyce Eggenberger. Jean Keck is the music director and Krista Chmiel is the choreographer. Jerry Keck and Cortney Eggenberger are the accompanists.
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Story courtesy of the Pontiac Daily Leader
By Erich Murphy/Managing Editor
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