Great Falls Theatre Company Presents
The Wizard of Oz
- Date: July 9, 10, 11th & 16, 17, 18th**
- Show Times: 7:00pm all dates **July 18th is a 2:00pm Matinee
- Box Office Opens 1 hour before Show Time
- Doors Opens 45 min before Show Time
- Venue: Great Falls High, Davidson Auditorium - 1900 2nd Ave S
Audition Information
Location: Ursuline Center
Audition Dates: April 27, 28, 29, & 30
Start Time: 6:00 PM each day
April 27 & 29 – Adult Auditions (Ages 14+)
- – Sign up for ONLY ONE 5-minute time slot
- – Prepare 16 bars of a song
- – Bring sheet music or perform a cappella
April 28 – Adult & Youth Auditions (Ages 5–13)
- – Group-style auditions beginning at 6:00 PM
- – Please sign up for ONLY ONE 30-minute time slot
- – Parents/guardians attend with their child
- – Participants will sing and do a short speaking activity, no need to prepare in advance
April 30 – Callbacks
- – By invitation only
- – Will include dance/movement
First Rehearsal will be the week of May 11th. Location will be sent out to actors once acceptance of their role has been confirmed.
Amber Henning Griffith
Co-Director | Choreographer
Bio Coming Soon
Amber originally hails from the mighty small town of Fairfield, Montana, where she can’t remember a time when her life did not include music, dancing, and theatre. Through the love and support of her family, she has been able to gain 20-plus years of experience in dance and vocal performance. She holds a B.A. in music with an emphasis in vocal performance from the University of Montana, in addition to her law degree. While she is a practicing attorney in Great Falls, her heart will always hold a place for the arts and the magic of theatre. Amber is grateful to make her directorial debut with GFTC’s The Wizard of Oz, as well as choreographing this iconic production. Many thanks to her family – her dad and mom, Mike and Janet Henning, whose support is unwavering; her husband, Brandon Griffith, who supports her day in and day out by making set pieces for her and taking care of their two beautiful children; and her extended family – sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, her in-laws and every relative she hasn’t already named – you show up for me at every opportunity and support this endeavor with unwavering faith. Thank you!
To Madison and Jackson – Mommy loves you and may you always know that you have the ability to reach for the stars.
Aubrey Rearden
Co-Director
Bio Coming Soon
Aubrey Hiller-Rearden was born and raised in Missoula, MT, where she studied voice privately with Esther England and Anne Basinski at the University of Montana. Aubrey has spent the last 30 years working for the Catholic Church as a music teacher, youth minister, and worship coordinator, and currently serves as the Parish Administrator at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish in Great Falls. Aubrey is excited to be a part of carrying on the legacy of great theater in Great Falls and looks forward to sharing the stage with the best and brightest of Great Falls!
The Wizard of Oz
Synopsis:
The stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz by John Kane, developed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, faithfully brings to life the beloved story first popularized by the classic film from Warner Bros.. The production follows young Dorothy Gale, who is swept away from her Kansas home by a powerful tornado and transported to the magical Land of Oz. There, she learns that the only way to return home is to seek the help of the mysterious Wizard in the Emerald City. Along her journey down the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy is joined by three companions—the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—each searching for something they believe they lack: a brain, a heart, and courage.
As Dorothy and her friends travel through Oz, they encounter both wonder and danger, including the looming threat of the Wicked Witch of the West. The stage version closely mirrors the iconic elements of the film, featuring memorable songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” while incorporating theatrical spectacle, inventive staging, and choreography suited for live performance. The adaptation balances humor, heart, and fantasy, making it accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
Ultimately, the story reveals that the qualities each character seeks have been within them all along. Dorothy’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, emphasizing themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of home. With its blend of familiar music, vivid characters, and imaginative staging, this stage production captures the enduring magic of Oz while celebrating the power of belief and belonging.
Directors Note:
Most recognize Steel Magnolias as the iconic Hollywood chick flick from 1989. A film truly of its time, and written by the same man who wrote the stage version. I believe the play, in its own right, is just as much or even more so a timeless classic. Robert Harling wrote it shortly after his sister passed away of diabetic complications in 1985. In his grief, he essentially crafted a Greek tragedy nuanced with the modern day female experience, stylings of the late 80’s, and good old fashion southern hospitality. It is a story about community, friendship, parent-child relationships, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit. Most importantly it is a story that is grounded in truth. Just like the neighborhood ladies who regularly frequent Truvy’s salon, we as a community know each other through the peaks and valleys of life. We see each other through the bad times, and we celebrate the good. Although this story may be a poignant one, it is richly decorated with clever candor, witty banter, generosity, great humor, love, and hope. Thank you so much for showing up for local arts and joining us as we pay tribute to the ones who have the courage to stand by us during our most difficult times. To the ones who are as delicate as magnolias, and are as tough as steel, we honor you. Please, enjoy the show.
“If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.”
- Dolly P
Best regards, Ryan
The Wizard of Oz
Synopsis:
The stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz by John Kane, developed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, faithfully brings to life the beloved story first popularized by the classic film from Warner Bros.. The production follows young Dorothy Gale, who is swept away from her Kansas home by a powerful tornado and transported to the magical Land of Oz. There, she learns that the only way to return home is to seek the help of the mysterious Wizard in the Emerald City. Along her journey down the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy is joined by three companions—the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—each searching for something they believe they lack: a brain, a heart, and courage.
As Dorothy and her friends travel through Oz, they encounter both wonder and danger, including the looming threat of the Wicked Witch of the West. The stage version closely mirrors the iconic elements of the film, featuring memorable songs like “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” while incorporating theatrical spectacle, inventive staging, and choreography suited for live performance. The adaptation balances humor, heart, and fantasy, making it accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
Ultimately, the story reveals that the qualities each character seeks have been within them all along. Dorothy’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, emphasizing themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of home. With its blend of familiar music, vivid characters, and imaginative staging, this stage production captures the enduring magic of Oz while celebrating the power of belief and belonging.
Directors Note:
Most recognize Steel Magnolias as the iconic Hollywood chick flick from 1989. A film truly of its time, and written by the same man who wrote the stage version. I believe the play, in its own right, is just as much or even more so a timeless classic. Robert Harling wrote it shortly after his sister passed away of diabetic complications in 1985. In his grief, he essentially crafted a Greek tragedy nuanced with the modern day female experience, stylings of the late 80’s, and good old fashion southern hospitality. It is a story about community, friendship, parent-child relationships, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit. Most importantly it is a story that is grounded in truth. Just like the neighborhood ladies who regularly frequent Truvy’s salon, we as a community know each other through the peaks and valleys of life. We see each other through the bad times, and we celebrate the good. Although this story may be a poignant one, it is richly decorated with clever candor, witty banter, generosity, great humor, love, and hope. Thank you so much for showing up for local arts and joining us as we pay tribute to the ones who have the courage to stand by us during our most difficult times. To the ones who are as delicate as magnolias, and are as tough as steel, we honor you. Please, enjoy the show.
“If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.”
- Dolly P
Best regards, Ryan