The Wizard of Oz at The Schuster this week
A beloved classic, ‘The Wizard of Oz,' is coming to the Schuster Center on October 23 -25 for all ages to enjoy.
The Wizard of Oz at The Schuster this week
The journey down the yellow brick road will be led by Kalie Kaimann, of Cincinnati, as Dorothy. It’s a dream come true for Kaimann to portray Dorothy for audiences all over the world, especially back home in Ohio.
Getting to know Kalie Kaimann
If you could ask the Wizard for something, what would it be?
I’d ask for courage so I could live life without any fears.
If you could click your shoes and go anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?
Thailand, I’ve always wanted to go there.
What’s your favorite Cincinnati food?
Grater’s ice-cream. I miss it so much.
Like many young girls, Kaimann grew up loving ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ with a special admiration for Judy Garland’s performance as Dorothy. Kaimann strives to honor Garland with her portrayal, while also not totally replicating her. “I try to balance paying homage to Judy Garland and also make the part my own,” she said. “It’s a dream come true as I idolized her in the movie.”
The most challenging aspect to the role for Kaimann is truly capturing the characters intended age. “I have to keep in mind that Dorothy is very young. She is meant to be a 13 or 14 year old girl, so I have to remember to give that perspective to her actions. I’m 21, so it keeps me young,” Kaimann said.
The staged production follows the 1939 film pretty closely, with the exception of some added musical numbers, such as ‘The Jitterbug.’ Kaimann also plugged some technical elements that are sure to impress, especially the children.
Dayton is the closest that the tour is going to be to Cincinnati, so Kaimann is over the rainbow with excitement to have so many family and friends in the audience. She also always enjoys seeing the little girls dressed as Dorothy who meet her at the staged door.
Among Kaimann’s blessings is the extremely talented cast she shares the stage with each night, including her little dog too. Toto is played by Murphy, a white Brussels Griffon/Cairn Terrier Mix and is a pleasure for Kaimann to work with. “He’s very sweet and well behaved. He often just falls asleep in my arms,” she said.
From playing Dorothy on now her second tour, Kaimann see’s more and more of herself in the character. Especially when she thinks back of being a young girl who dreamed of what it would ever be like to go to Oz. “Dorothy is a dreamer like I am. She’s not afraid to use her imagination and make new friends. What she gains from her friends is some of her best traits,” said Kaimann.
The opportunity to follow the yellow brick road to the Wizard of Oz, is October 23-25 at the Schuster Center.
More information: The Wizard Of Oz
