HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Campanile Productions in Hopkinsville had a successful kickoff to their 15th season in August with Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Since the final bows, a new batch of actors has already begun rehearsals for their next production of the beloved musical classic, The Wizard of Oz.
“Joseph was so much fun, it exceeded our expectations,” founding director Jeffrey Riggs told Christian County Now. Although he was sad to wrap up the show, it was time to hold auditions to cast the icon roles in The Wizard of Oz. 35 local actors are currently cast in the show, with 60 community auditions being whittled down to their 35-person cast.
This is not the first time Campanile has taken the journey to Oz. 10 years ago, they put on the show during the 75th anniversary of the original movie. Riggs added that this was the only show that sold out every single night. The pattern may repeat itself since they sold 500 tickets within two days of opening the online box office.
Until the show premieres at the Alhambra in Hopkinsville on Oct. 16, the cast and crew have a lot of work ahead of them. As the date gets closer, weekends and long nightly rehearsals will be added to an already vigorous rehearsal schedule to make sure the show is as polished as possible.
“People can expect Campanile quality,” said Riggs about the exciting, special effects filled production. “Theater just doesn’t happen you have to practice it. By the time we do the show they’ve done it so many times it’s second nature to them. That’s where the magic is created.”
Wizard of Oz will be at the Alhambra theater between Oct. 16-20 with matinees and evening shows offered. Tickets are on sale now on the Campanile Productions website, and Riggs advises that people should buy early. After this show concludes, they will be rolling right into the holidays with a production A Christmas Carol the musical from Dec. 12- 15.
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