Re-imagining OZ (Part 1)

It was over a year ago that we decided to produce The Wizard of Oz on The Carousel stage. For those who may not know this...the Carousel is a "self producing" organization. Which means that we create all aspects of the production our selves. I have the great privilege to put together a team of designers which include Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Props, Furniture and may other aspects of what ultimately ends up on the Carousel stage. In addition to those team members we hire a Director and Choreographer. This "CREATIVE TEAM" all strive to create and realize one unified artistic vision of the production.

"Artistic Vision"
The Wizard of Oz is iconic! We have all seen the beautiful film countless times. Most of us can remember specific lines and moments from that film. Then there are the original books by the masterful Frank L. Baum. Then there are the countless references in pop culture to the film including most recently the Broadway hit production of WICKED. All of these references to the film and story make some sort of impact on you...our audience. We (the creative team) have to understand that when the audience comes to see the show, you are entering with a certain expectation of what you are going to see and experience. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES IN DEVELOPING THIS SHOW FOR THE CAROUSEL STAGE.

"Our Goal"
It is the goal of our Creative Team to create a new version of The Wizard of Oz that will meet the expectations of what our audience has grown to love about the story and the film, while at the same time exceeding their expectations in how we experience those moments LIVE ON STAGE.

Over the next 4 months this blog will take you on a journey that tracks the pre-production development of our production of The Wizard of Oz which opens early September. You will be able to be able to see part of the development that takes the show from "page to stage." We will provide sketches of the designs, costumes and puppets. "Did I say puppets?"...yes we will begin to talk about that in the next post. I hope you join us on this fantastic journey of creation and enjoy the end result which will be experienced live on The Carousel stage.

The Wizard of Oz Creative Team
Artistic Director- Sean Cercone
Director/Choreographer - Marc Robin
Scenic Designer - Robert Kovach
Costume Designer - Dale DiBernardo
Lighting Designer - Paul Black
Puppetry Designer - Robin Van Lear
Sound Designer - James O'Conner

Carousel's Monumental Wizard of Oz

As Carousel's artistic team ventures into exciting and unchartered territories with the monumental understaking of a completely original version of the musical, The Wizard of Oz, Carousel Artistic Director Sean Cercone will bring you into the creativity and development of what is sure to become the groundwork for many regional, national tours and even international versions of this classic masterpiece.

Imagination is more important than knowledge ~Albert Einstein