Marblehead Children to Appear in Endicott College Production: The Wizard of Oz
April 1, 2016- Three children from Marblehead will perform in Endicott College’s Mainstage Production of The Wizard of Oz. Ila Bumagin, 9, Aidan Eager, 8, and Amelia Eager, 11, will play Munchkins, monkeys and other featured roles in the classic musical, along with five children from Beverly, MA.
The Wizard of Oz performances will to be held in the Rose Performance Hall of the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts, Endicott College, 376 Hale Street, Beverly on Wednesday, April 6 through Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the following times: Wednesday, April 6 at 7:00 PM (Special Sneak Preview!), Thursday April 7, Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 PM, and a 2:00 PM matinee performance on Saturday, April 9, 2016. Ticket Prices are $15 for general admission, $5 for seniors and students of other institutions, and free for EC ID holders. They can be purchased attickets.endicott.edu or by calling (978) 998-7700.
“Being in a college production is so professional,” Amelia Eager said. “There’s a lot for us to do and stay on top of.”
“It’s so fun to stay up late and act with the college students,” Aidan Eager said. “We learn a lot, too.”
The Eager siblings have appeared in many plays and musicals with their schools, The North Shore YMCA and Marblehead Little Theatre. Aidan performed in Endicott College’s 2015 productionOnce Upon a Mattress with Bumagin.
“This year is different because there are more children,” Bumagin said. This is her fourth Endicott show. “That makes it more fun. I like playing so many different roles.”
“The children in the show have so much energy, and great performing instincts,” said co- director Penny Hansen. “I think they inspire the college students to give even more of themselves.”
Endicott’s production of The Wizard of Oz examines this classic in a new way, while telling the familiar story with its universal themes. This new telling of the iconic tale features the beloved music of Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, and book by John Kane (based on the film). You will dance in your seat while re-visiting the quest theme for today's world. Conceptualized by the Endicott Community with Artistic Directors Penny Hansen and Becca Kenneally, the show will have art, sets, costumes, props and sound designed by staff, faculty and students.
“The fun we have had working together on this project will be contagious,” Kenneally (also Bumagin’s mother) said. “Kids of all ages will relate to this show that is totally classic while giving a wink to some of today’s challenges as we navigate life’s journey.”
If you have any questions regarding The Mainstage Production of The Wizard of Oz, or any of our programming in the Walter J. Manninen Center for the Arts at Endicott College, please contact Rebecca Kenneally, Chair of the Performing Arts Department at 978-232-2397 or rkenneal@endicott.edu.