Supporting Sponsors				Production Underwriter
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*Actors’ Equity Association, founded in 1913, represents more than 49,000 Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions, providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Equity seeks to foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society. actorsequity.org

Photos and videos of the production are Strictly prohibited. Video and/or audio recording of this production and the taking of photographs are prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices during the performance.   Photos in the theater lobby: Audience members may take photos in the theater lobby before and after the show. If you post photos on social media or elsewhere, please credit the production's designers.

The Wizard of Oz film debuted in 1939, but it did not become popular until 1959 when it first aired on TV and subsequently became a highly anticipated annual family gathering for the next 30+ years. 

It felt daunting to tackle this story that it is so engrained in American culture. My impulse was to root our story authentically in Kansas, just coming from the Depression when Singing Cowboys like Gene Autrey and Roy Rogers ruled the radio and the cinema, and the FDR Administration sent artists into America’s heartland under the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to paint and document the America they witnessed. Because this is a story we all know—and can quote favorite lines from—I’m enlisting everyone in the theatre as a participant, helping us create and tell this story together with a sense of play that reflects the spirit of Austin and how we share in a Zach360 experience.

Musical Director Allen Robertson designed our western pre-show concert for maximum family fun and we invite you to sing, clap, and dance along—however you like to participate. Allen also re-orchestrated the music that happens in Kansas to feel like our rural setting, and once we cross over into Oz, the musical soundscape opens up to the full orchestra. The Jitterbug is a song that was filmed, but ended up being cut from the film—it occasionally shows up in stage productions. We thought there was a great opportunity in the witch spell of a dance so exuberant that it exhausts Dorothy and her Friends so they can be captured. 

The musical arrangement pays tribute to the genius musicians of the Harlem Renaissance, and the choreography by Josh Assor is a showstopper. This fall, I’m honored to begin my 35th Season as Zach’s Artistic Director and Zach has been a very important and meaningful artistic home for me, and so many local artists, designers, musicians, craftspersons, and technicians. There’s no place like Zach. There’s no place like Austin. There’s no place like home! 

Dave Steakley, Producing Artistic Director

Understudies: Alexandra Guerrero as Dorothy; Ian Bethany as The Wizard / Uncle Henry / Professor; Maggie Anderson* as Aunt Em, Miss Gulch / Witch; Ryan Sytsema as Lion; Jenna Napolitano* as Glinda; Sophie Beck as Aerialist, Aunt Em; Caleb Sporrer as Tin Man; Ben Milan-Polisar as Scarecrow

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
**Member of United Scenic Artists 829

ACT 1

Overture
 Orchestra and Girls Chorus

“Over the Rainbow”
Dorothy

Munchkin Musical Sequence (“Come Out, Come Out,” “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead”)
Glinda, Dorothy, and Munchkins 

“Yellow Brick Road”
Munchkins 

“If I Only Had a Brain”
Scarecrow, Dorothy, 2 Crows

“We’re Off to See the Wizard”
Dorothy and Scarecrow

“If I Only Had a Heart”
Tin Man, Dorothy, and 3 Trees

“We’re Off to See the Wizard”(Trio)
Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Tin Man

“Lions, Tigers, and Bears
Dorothy, Tin Man, and Scarecrow

“If I Only Had the Nerve”
Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow, and Tin Man

“We’re Off to See the Wizard” (Quartet)
Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion

Poppies
Glinda and Female Ensemble

Act I Finale
Glinda, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Glinda, and Ensemble

ACT 2

Entr’acte
Orchestra and Girls Chorus

“Merry Old Land of Oz”
Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Emerald City Guard, Ozians 

“King of the Forest”
Lion, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man

March of the Winkies
Winkies

“Jitterbug”
Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and Jitterbugs

March of the Winkies (Reprise)
Winkies

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow Reprise”
Dorothy

“Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead Reprise”
Winkies

MOIRA POH* (Dorothy Gale) - Zach Debut! EDUCATIONAL: SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Robert) and RENT (Ensemble/Maureen U/S) at Texas State University. BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2026 at Texas State—Go Bobcats! Much love and gratitude to the family and friends that guarantee there's no place like home. @moirapoh

RAPHE GILLIAM*  (Hunk/Scarecrow) - Zach debut! REGIONAL: CATS (Munkustrap) at Casa Manana and RCCL, FROZEN and MY BEST FRIENDS WEDDING at Ogunquit Playhouse, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES at Barrington Stage, ANASTASIA at WPPAC. He’d like to thank Josh and the Zach team for the opportunity, LG management, and of course his parents and friends for their support! @raphegilliam raphegilliam.com

CONNOR COUGHLIN* (Hickory/Tin Man) - REGIONAL: A CHORUS LINE (Don) at The REV Theatre Company, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at North Shore Music Theatre, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN at the Ogunquit Playhouse, MY WAY: A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA at Theatre by the Sea, and NEWSIES at the Fireside Theatre. TOURS: FUNNY GIRL, 42ND STREET (Billy Lawlor), and ELF.  ADDITIONAL CREDITS: CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR STARRING THE RADIO CITY ROCKETTES, Graduate of Circle in the Square and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Lifetime Member of the Actors Studio.

Ryan Everett Wood* (Zeke/Cowardly Lion) - Zach: NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Pierre Bezukhov), HEAD OVER HEELS (King Basilius), THE PROM (Barry Glickman), JERSEY BOYS (Bob Crewe), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Bob Cratchit); NATIONAL TOURS: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Beast), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Shrek standby); INT'L TOURS: CATS (Gus/ Bustopher Jones), TOY STORY: THE MUSICAL (Buzz Lightyear); ADDITIONAL CREDITS: BFA in Musical Theater from The Univ. of Oklahoma. Big cat love to his wonderful & supportive family! IG: @ryaneverettwood

Elora von Rosch* (Miss Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch) - Zach debut! Regional: RAGTIME (Stages St. Louis), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF & KINKY BOOTS (North Shore Music Theatre), MAN OF LA MANCHA (Hampton Theatre Company), HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (White Plains Performing Arts Center), Goodspeed Musicals and Waterville Opera House. Off Broadway: ZORBA (Revival), THE AMERICAN GIRL REVUE. Concerts: Michael Bublé (Madison Square Garden), Josh Groban Harmony Tour (Radio City Music Hall), America’s Got Talent (Season 16).TV/Film: A Place In Hell, The Kill Room, Law and Order SVU/Criminal Intent, Sex and The City, Ted, Kinsey. Love to my family and Roger. @eloravrosch

RICK ROEMER* (Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz/Uncle Henry) -  Zach: XANADU (Danny), A CHRISTMAS CAROL: (Fezziwig), ALL THE WAY (Eastman/ Levison), MAD, BEAT, HIP & GONE (Alberts). REGIONAL: PENFOLD THEATRE: I’M PROUD OF YOU (Fred Rogers). AUSTIN PLAYHOUSE: MAN OF LA MANCHA (Quixote), OTHER DESERT CITIES (Lyman), SHE LOVES ME (Maraczek), AMADEUS (Salieri), THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Lady Bracknell)., AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE: TWELFTH NIGHT (Toby Belch), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Oberon), RICHARD III (Lancaster), THE MAHABHARATA TALES (Krishna). 

ELISE OGDEN* (Aunty Em) - Zach: THE THIN PLACE (Linda), ROE (Woman 7), THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME ( Mrs. Alexander). REGIONAL: THE SECRETARY (Shirley), DANCE NATION (Maeve) at Theatre en Bloc, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (Big Mama), at Austin Shakespeare, THE MOUSETRAP (Mrs. Boyle) at City Theatre,  OKLAHOMA (Aunt Eller), THE IMMIGRANT (Ima Perry) at PCPA Theatrefest. TELEVISION/FILM: Brothers, Five Things to Love, Man Child, Toby, Harsh Treatment, Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Phenom, All American Girl, Blossom. 

Mariel Ardila* (Glinda/Ensemble) - Zach: Favorite and most recent credits include NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Ensemble, U/S for Natasha, Sonya & Mary); A Christmas Carol 2023 & 24 (Belle/Gwendolyn); Head Over Heels (Philoclea); R&H (singing voice for Ella); Noises Off (female U/S). REGIONAL: Frozen (Anna) Company (Amy) R&H Cinderella (Singing voice for Ella, Ens.) THE MUSIC MAN (Marian Paroo). A Texas native, Mariel is a graduate of Abilene Christian University! So much love for this cast! And so much love and gratitude for her amazing mom and Matt!

IAN BETHANY* (Oz Guard/Ensemble) - Zach: IMMORTAL LONGINGS (Dance Captain, Ensemble), MARY POPPINS (Park Keeper, Ensemble). REGIONAL: CHILDREN OF EDEN, DAMN YANKEES, and SWEET CHARITY with Entr’acte. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Ian enjoyed a 17 year career as a company dancer with Ballet Austin. He is an instructor and choreographer for the Ballet Austin Academy and for the Zach Pre-Professional Company. He holds an AA in Business.

MAGGIE ANDERSON* (Ensemble) - Zach: BOB AND JEAN (Jean), NOISES OFF (Brooke Ashton), NATASHA PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Mary Bolkonsky), CHRISTMAS CAROL B’WAY NAT’L TOUR: ELF THE MUSICAL (Jovie) NYC/LA: LYSISTRATA JONES (Lysistrata Jones), PETER PAN(Peter Pan), ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (Faye Apple), BYE BYE BIRDIE (Kim Mcafee), GREASE (Rizzo), SEUSSICAL(Gertrude Mcfuzz) B.F.A in Musical Theater PACE University  @magggiebrion

RYAN SYTSEMA (Ensemble) - Zach Debut!: EDUCATIONAL: GUYS AND DOLLS (Nicely-Nicely understudy, Swing), NEWSIES (Jack Kelly), NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Dolokhov), CATS (Skimbleshanks). ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Texas State University (Class of 2028), Interlochen Arts Academy graduate. Endless thanks to his parents, brothers, and the entire creative team for their support! @ryansytsema

JENNA NAPOLITANO* (Aerialist/Ensemble) - Zach Debut. REGIONAL: Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Paramount Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: Broadway Bares 2025: Come Out, Come Out, Norwegian Cruise Lines, BFA in Musical Theatre/Dance from Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Thanks to her amazing family and friends who prove that there is no place like home! Instagram: @whoisjnap Website:  www.jennanapolitano.com

CALEB SPORRER (Ensemble) - Zach debut! REGIONAL: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Righteous Brother), CRAZY FOR YOU (Wyatt), FROZEN (Ensemble, Olaf u/s), WAITRESS, MATILDA, GYPSY, 9 TO 5 (Ensemble) at Music Theatre Wichita. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from Texas State University (Graduating Spring 2026). calebsporrer.com, @calebsporrer.

SOPHIE BECK (Aerialist/Ensemble) - Zach Debut. TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY: Sister Act (Ensemble, Mother Superior u/s), Urinetown (Hope Cladwell u/s). Sophie is looking forward to her upcoming production of Sweeney Todd (Ensemble) at Texas State University, where she anticipates graduating with her BFA in Musical Theatre (‘27). She thanks the amazing team, as well as her loving friends and family. IG: @sophiiebeck, tiktok: @sophvox. 

Ben Milan-Polisar (Ensemble) - Zach debut! Favorite regional credits include FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Mendel) at A.C.T. of CT, GREASE (Doody) at Fireside Theatre, WEST SIDE STORY (Baby John) at Argyle Theater, and CATS (Victor) at Flat Rock Playhouse. Off-Broadway: The Wizard of Oz (Tinman). Film/TV: The Immigrant, Savage. Thank you to MSA, friends, and family for all the love and support! @benmilanpolisar

Allen Robertson (Music Director/Conductor) has worked on 30 years of shows at Zach.

ZACK CRISSMAN (Upright Bass/Accordion / Trumpet) - Zach: 80's DANCE PARTY (Bass Guitar), THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Bass Guitar), POP! (BASS GUITAR), NATASHA PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (ENSEMBLE/ACCORDION), JERSEY BOYS (Trumpet/Keyboard 2).

KEN MILLS (Trombone, Bass) - Zach: WHITE CHRISTMAS; LES MISERABLES; THE KING AND I; MARY POPPINS; SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN; EVITA; IN THE HEIGHTS; THE SOUND OF MUSIC; CINDERELLA; BEAUTIFUL, THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Trombone for all). LOCAL: COMPANY (Trombone) for Roustabout Theatre Company. MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (Trombone) at St. Edward’s University. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: B.M. in Music Theory from University of North Texas; J.D. from University of Colorado School of Law.

BILLY CURTIS (Violin) - Zach Debut! REGIONAL: ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE (Violin) at TexARTS, THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM (Violin) at Backdoor Theater.  After decades of playing lively Texas Swing and Cowboy Music here in Austin and across the state, Billy is thrilled to help bring those joyous sounds to THE WIZARD OF OZ.  He sends special thanks to his daughters, Lucy and Annie, for their loving encouragement and reminds them both to “Follow the Yellow Brick Road!”

ARNIE YÁÑEZ (Percussion) - Zach: Arnie has appeared in over 70 productions at Zach. He works regularly as a performing percussionist playing in local bands and his studio work includes music for radio, TV and film scores.  For 35 years, he has worked as a public school teacher in Austin ISD. Currently, he serves as Associate Director of Bands at Covington Fine Arts Academy. 

L. Frank Baum, 1856-1919 (Book) was born in Chittenango, New York. He pursued various careers, including acting, running a store, and working as a journalist, before finding success as an author. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, published in 1900, became a massive success and established Baum as a prominent children's author. He wrote thirteen more Oz books, and other children's stories, plays, and novels. He ventured into filmmaking, even attempting to establish a film studio focused on children's stories.  Baum's Oz books and characters continue to be beloved, including the classic 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz. He even named his first grandchild Ozma, after the character from his books. 

Harold Arlen, 1905-1956 (Music & Lyrics) was a prolific American composer who wrote over 500 songs, many of which became standards in the Great American Songbook. He is best known for composing the music for The Wizard of Oz (1939), including the iconic “Over the Rainbow.” Born Chaim Arluck in Buffalo, NY, Arlen grew up in a musical Jewish family. After early work as a pianist and singer, he moved to New York City and collaborated with lyricist Ted Koehler, producing hits like “Get Happy,” “Let’s Fall in Love,” and “Stormy Weather.” Arlen’s jazz and blues-infused style made him popular among musicians and performers. In the late 1930s, he partnered with lyricist Yip Harburg to write songs for The Wizard of Oz, earning an Academy Award. He later teamed up with Johnny Mercer in the 1940s, producing “That Old Black Magic” and “One for My Baby.” His music remains a vital part of American culture and film history.

E.Y. Harburg, 1896-1981 (Music & Lyrics) was a celebrated American lyricist, poet, and librettist known for blending music with social justice themes. Over his 50-year career, he wrote lyrics for more than 600 songs, including all the songs in The Wizard of Oz (1939), most notably the iconic “Over the Rainbow,” later named the top recording of the 20th century. Harburg’s Broadway ontributions include socially and politically charged musicals like Finian’s Rainbow, and Hooray for What!, often collaborating with composers like Harold Arlen, Burton Lane, and others. He was blacklisted from film, TV, and radio during the McCarthy era but continued working on Broadway. He died in 1981 at the age of 84.

Herbert Stothart, 1815-1949 (Background Music & Lyrics) was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Initially planning to be a history teacher, he shifted to music during his time at the University of Wisconsin. After early success with musical theater, he studied music in Europe and began working in vaudeville and musical theater. His career took off when Oscar Hammerstein II hired him in 1914. He later scored Broadway hits like “Rose-Marie” and “Song of the Flame” (with George Gershwin). In 1929, he moved to Hollywood at the invitation of Louis B. Mayer and became MGM’s leading composer where he created scores for major films includimg Mutiny on the Bounty and Pride and Prejudice. He won an Oscar for The Wizard of Oz (1939) and often incorporated classical music themes in his work. He spent his entire film career at MGM and is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

JOSH ASSOR (Choreographer) - Zach: NATASHA, PIERRE AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812. Other theatrical credits include: MARY POPPINS (Rainbow Stage & Lyceum), ANASTASIA (WPPAC), FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (NSMT & ACT of CT), ROCK OF AGES (Rainbow Stage), Cinderella. (Lyceum) Newsies (WPPAC). Other choreographic credits include: NY Fashion Week, NY Knicks, Audi, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Modos Furniture, Cedar Fair, Six Flags, Hard Rock Hotel & Soho House. @josh_assor

Stephanie Busing (Scenic Designer) is an environment and video designer based in Atlanta, GA. She has designed for theatre, museums, opera, dance, symphonies, film/TV, and exhibits. She has worked with Zach since 2012, designing for shows including Roe, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Cinderella. She graduated from the University of Texas with an MFA in Video Projection Design in 2014, and is applying all of her skills in live performance design as an Engagement Designer for custom exhibit design company Exhibitus in Atlanta.

SUSAN BRANCH TOWNE** (Costume Designer) - Zach: 40 credits including NATASHA, PIERRE & THE GREAT COMET OF 1812; THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, MATILDA, HAIRSPRAY, RAGTIME. REGIONAL: Over 200 credits including Denver Center Theatre Company, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Syracuse Stage, Geva Theatre Center, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Pioneer Theatre Company, New York City Opera. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: St. Edward's University Faculty, BFA Carnegie Mellon University, MFA Yale School of Drama.

Benjamin Gantose (Lighting Designer) - Zach: JERSEY BOYS; THE LEHMAN TRILOGY; Regional: Requiem by Hanoch Levin (Lighting and Projections) at Cleveland Public Theatre; Disney's Moana Jr. (Lighting and Scenery) at Children's Theatre of Cincinnati; Paul Vasterling's Cinderella (Lighting) at Sacramento Ballet; At The Wake Of A Dead Drag Queen (Lighting) at Dobama Theatre. www.bentose.com

AUBREY Dube (Sound Desiger) REGIONAL: Paradise Blue, The Thin Place, Stew, Wipeout at Gloucester Stage; Jaja's African Hair Braiding, Ain't No Mo' A Case for the Existence of God, POTUS at SpeakEasy in Boston; Toni Stone, The Bluest Eye, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at The Huntington Theatre; Clyde’s at Berkeley Rep in San Francisco, Fat Ham at The Alliance in ATL. OFF-BROADWAY: Vinegar Tom, Monster, Serious Money, Pentecost at The Atlantic Stage 2, The Renaissance Mixtape at The Apollo. MFA in Sound Design from Boston University.

ANNA FUGATE-DOWNS (Hair and Makeup Designer) - Zach Theatre: WAITRESS; JERSEY BOYS; A Christmas Carol 2023 and 2024; Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812; The Prom; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. TV/FILM: Iron Lung, In Space with Markiplier, The Leftovers, Fear the Walking Dead, The Son. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: BA from UT Austin, Adjunct Professor of Makeup Design at St Edward’s University, IATSE Local 484 member. Thanks to her husband, her parents, and all the wonderful teachers who encouraged and supported her dream of a career in the arts.

CAROLINE RAGLAND* (AEA Production Stage Manager) - Zach: NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812. REGIONAL: EVERYTHING THAT NEVER HAPPENED at Baltimore Center Stage, THE WEIR, COPENHAGEN at Berkshire Theatre Group, AS YOU LIKE IT at Shakespeare on the Sound, SHORT SHAKESPEARE! MACBETH, THE NOTEBOOK (WORKSHOP) at Chicago Shakespeare. OFF-BROADWAY: MYSTIC CONVERSATIONS, CANDIDA, DIRECTORFEST: POOF! at Theatre Row, GOLDIE, MAX & MILK at 59e59. BFA in Musical Theatre from CCPA. Caroline is an award-winning stage manager and multidisciplinary artist. www.carolineragland.com

Brennah Crowley-Galvin* (Assistant Stage Manager) - Zach: WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME (AEA Stage Manager), JERSEY BOYS (Assistant Stage Manager), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (SM Sub), POP! (Stage Manager), SOUND OF MUSIC (Assistant Stage Manager). INTERNATIONAL: STARTER FOR TEN at Bristol Old Vic, THIS IS NOT A COUP at Yard Theatre London, OPPENHEIMER at Bute Theatre Wales, COLLECTIVE RAGE at Caird Studio Wales. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: M.A. in Stage and Event Management from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Thank you to my family!

EZRA ROSE (Assistant Stage Manager) - Zach: THE LEHMAN TRILOGY (ASM). REGIONAL: THE RAKE'S PROGRESS (ASM), DON GIOVANNI (ASM), DON PASQUALE (ASM) at Opera Omaha; QUEEN OF SPADES (SM) at Butler Opera Center; FAUST (ASM), DON GIOVANNI (PA) at Wolf Trap Opera. B.A. in Theatre Stage Management from The University of Texas At Austin. Thanks to my Zach family, my mom, and my beloved cat, Spider.

BROOKE COX (Assistant Choreographer) - Zach: BEAUTIFUL,THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Marylin, u/s Cynthia), NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Assistant Choreographer). REGIONAL: A CHORUS LINE (Val) at The Palace Theatre, NH. ADDITIONAL CREDITS: SWEENEY TODD (Upcoming Choreographer), GUYS AND DOLLS, URINETOWN, RENT, PIPPIN at Texas State University. Brooke will receive her BFA in Musical  Theatre this spring. She thanks her family for their unwavering support. brooke-cox.com. @brookiecox!