Writing
Speaking
Resume
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Inspiration Behind Oz
WAMEGO -- The Columbian Theatreıs production of The Wizard of Oz, June 22 - July 1, offers more than just the opportunity to see the classic tale performed live. Audience members will also get to see some of the art that inspired Oz author, L. Frank Baum to create the "Emerald City."
Baum used the spectacular architecture, elaborate waterways and colorful art at the 1893 Worldıs Columbian Exhibition at the Chicago Worldıs Fair as inspiration for the city at the end of the Yellow Brick Road. Several of the murals that Baum saw hanging in the exhibition hall have been beautifully restored and now line the walls of the 250-seat Peddicord Playhouse in the historic Columbian Theatre.
Like Baum, Rogers was taken with the art and artifacts at the exposition, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Columbusı discovery of the new world. So much so that after the close of the fair, he purchased many of the paintings, sculptures and other artifacts to bring back to his theater, The Columbian.
"This is truly a rare opportunity to experience what inspired a creative work while watching that work being performed," Scott Kickhaefer, creative director of the theater and director of The Wizard of Oz, said. Kickhaefer added that this will not simply be a rehash of the movie version of the classic tale. The production includes a jitterbug scene which was cut from the movie version and, he said, focuses more on the essence and sensibility of the story.
But the show does feature all the favorite characters:
Dorothy, of course, played by Charissa Bertels, Manhattan, and her pals the Tinman, Dale Breymeyer, Wamego; the Lion, T-Shane Roberts, Wamego; and the Scarecrow, Andrew Simmons, Topeka. They are joined in Oz by the Wicked Witch of the East, Kelly Grecian, Manhattan, and Glenda the Good Witch, Becky Ryan, Wamego.
The munchkins, monkeys and Oz townspeople will be played by area kindergarten through 12th students who participated in the this yearıs Columbian Summer Theater Academy.
This production promises something new even for the most experienced Wizard of Oz fan. For one thing, several of the monkeys and other cast members will actually fly across the stage thanks to the Las Vegas firm, Flying by Foy, which provided the flying apparatus for the original stage production of Peter Pan, and other Broadway hits.
Kickhaefer said, the audience also will play an important part in the production. Not only will the stage be built partially into the audience, but the characters will often exit and enter through the house. This, Kickhaefer said, will enhance the spontaneity of live theater.
"Every nightıs show will be different because of the effect of the individual audiences," he said. "Thatıs a great reason to plan on seeing the show more than once. And what a wonderful opportunity to see all your favorite Wizard of Oz characters live on stage."
The Wizard of Oz runs from June 22 through July 2 on Tuesday through Saturday with a show time of 7:30 p.m.. Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. A buffet dinner is offered each night before the show at 6 p.m. and a buffet brunch is at 12:30 p.m.on Sunday. Tickets for The Wizard of Oz are $15, with dinner and theater $30. Children under 12 are only $8 for each. For tickets and more information, including group discounts, call the Columbian Theatre at (785) 456-2029 or (800) 899-1893.
--30--
Back to Writing Samples
Elevating the Human Spirit Through the Art of Architecture
Creative. Innovative. Progressive. Human.
These are only four of the words often used to describe Architectural Design International, 2012 Baltimore.
"We see our work as creating, rather than just manufacturing. We are artists in the true sense of being creators of valued art and ornamentation," Philip Wassmer, president, and an artist and sculpture, said.
But ADI is more than a custom design house, it is a full-service shop that, in addition to quality, hand-built work, also offers pre-manufactured products and have a proven reputation for quality restoration work.
"Weıre problem solvers," Wassmer said. "We see ourselves as being able to help designers, architects, builders and even individual home owners realize their vision."
ADI works from exact specifications as well as from general ideas provided by the client. They are craftsmen and artists, but also technicians and manufacturers. Personal service and making elegant art and ornamentation accessible are goals of ADI.
One of the ways ADI encourages wider uses for their products is through the variety of materials and processes they use in designing and creating those products. As artists they have the versatility to tailor the materials and methods to unique specifications, working with the client to define their particular needs. They then don their technician hats to use every resource available to provide a finished product that meets those needs.
The creative staff at ADI produces their products by hand and reflect the curiosity, imagination and zeal for innovation that has become the trademark of this growing company.
All of ADIıs products, whether custom-created or pre-manufactured, are top quality and all are works of value. And the best part is, all are competitively priced.
For more information on ADI, their products and services, call (816) 221-9575.
--30--
Back to Writing Samples
Musicians Band Together to Give Something Back
Six area bands will join together on April 22 for a 12-hour benefit concert at Daveyıs Uptown Ramblers Club, 3402 Main. All proceeds from the concert, "Musicians With a Vision...Giving Something Back," will go to Restart, Inc. of Kansas City.
Restart has provided shelter for the homeless and those needing transitional housing in Kansas City since 1985, but with the number of the homeless increasing to over 20,000 in the city they need financial help to continue their mission.
Funds raised from the concert will help Restart continue offering help and support to those most in need. The benefit is co-sponsored by Condon and Fillmore, Attorneys at Law; Kristin Nichols and Daveyıs Uptown.
"We hope this event not only draws attention to the needs of the homeless, but that it also raises badly needed funds to help Restart to continue helping others," David Kersley, chairman of the event, said.
A $5 minimum donation includes appearances by: Main Street Rhythm Devils, Bullabrews, The Art Band, Glenn Patrick & Friends, The Dancing Bears and Sin City Disciples.
For more information contact Daveyıs Uptown Ramblers Club at (816) 753-9841.
--30--
Back to Writing Samples