CMT Rising Stars Present
The Wizard of Oz
November 11-20 • Featuring local performers ages 11-15
Auditions: September 12-13
The Wizard of Oz
L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life in The Wizard of Oz. This faithful adaptation by the Royal Shakespeare Company features all the most beloved songs and moments from the 1939 classic film, brought to life onstage. Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz. There, she encounters a host of whimsical characters: good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk, and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the Yellow Brick Road to see the mysterious and all-powerful Wizard in Emerald City. Along the way, she makes new friends, but must also brave many dangers, including the Wicked Witch of the West, who will stop at nothing to get her hands on Dorothy’s magical ruby slippers. To make it home safely, Dorothy must learn an important lesson: there’s no place like home.
Joey Dippel
Bio
Joey Dippel started his time with CMT at the age of 6 years old in the 1998 production of Cinderella, where his one line stopped the show (as he remembers it). Favorite CMT performing credits include Tommy in Music Man, Albert Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie, & Bert in Mary Poppins. Joey graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where he choreographed the college’s productions of Little Shop of Horrors, Street Scene, Into A Lamplit Room: the Songs of Kurt Weill (world premiere), and his class’ showcase in NYC. He’s also returned home to direct/choreograph CMT’s recent productions of Cats, Evita, The Who’s Tommy, West Side Story (“Somewhere” Ballet), Legally Blonde, and last year’s The Lightning Thief. Regionally, Joey has worked professionally at Starlight Theatre – Kansas City (Wizard of Oz), Alabama Shakespeare Company (Mary Poppins), Pioneer Theatre Company, Weston Playhouse (West Side Story), Bucks County Playhouse, & the Little Theatre on the Square (Newsies). When not pursing his dream of being an artistic leader, Joey can be found with his partner, Corey, and their chocolate labradoodle, Dudley. To Oz!
Corey Bryant
Bio
Corey Bryant is thrilled to be returning to CMT after co-directing and choreographing The Lightning Thief last fall! A NYC-based actor, writer, and director, Corey has performed both off-broadway and regionally with credits that include The Sound of Music (City Springs Theatre Company), Peter and the Starcatcher (GhostLit Rep), Bells Are Ringing (Berkshire Theatre Festival), Footloose (Theatre Buford) and Yours Sincerely (Millbrook Playhouse). To Oz!
Pamela Serrano
Bio
is the owner and director of PnC Music, celebrating its 11th year in teaching music to young people. Prior to this is a trail 30+ years of professional music experience which includes writing and releasing a pop R&B music album with an independent label. After obtaining her college degree in Business Accountancy from SJSU, she took a quick pause from music to practice as a Certified Public Accountant. It was her first child who re-introduced her to her first love, music. She branched out to teaching Voice and Audition classes, and is currently teaching at Robert Sanders school for CMT’s outreach program. Credits as vocal director at CMT include Seussical, Robinhood, Godspell, Lightning Thief, and Disney’s Descendants.