La Mesa 7th-Grader Stars as Dorothy in YAT Production of 'Wizard of Oz'

Under the direction of Perry Lee, Katee Drysdale, assistant choreographer, and Beatriz Corral, musical director, Young Actors’ Theatre is pleased to announce the upcoming "Wizard of Oz," the most beloved tale of all time coming to life on stage.

Featuring more than 25 local youth, including La Mesa 7th grader Bella Snyder in the role of Dorothy, "The Wizard of Oz" will run for five performances across this coming weekend in the intimate setting of ENCORE! Theater located in Spring Valley.

Adapted from the classic book by L. Frank Baum, the story tells of a tornado that whisks Dorothy away to the magical land of Oz, where she teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz who can send her home. Along the way, they must avoid the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West, who is trying to steal the mysterious magic slippers that once belonged to her evil sister but are now on Dorothy's feet. Dorothy eventually learns just how magical friendship can be and how wonderful it can feel to go home again.

Check out the entire cast list here.

The perfect piece for a theatre with a young audience base, the Wizard of Oz is a clever retelling of Frank L. Baum's original story.

“Working together with Katee, Beatriz, and the entire cast on this show – grades 2-10 – has been a real pleasure for me as both a choreographer and director,” said Lee. “This is a highly talented and innovative cast that is ideally suited for this truly classic piece of musical theatre.”

Mr. Lee’s recent experiences also include directing and choreographing a junior division production of "The Little Mermaid" for the Joan B. Kroc Junior Theatre Company, and the YAT Senior Division production of Godspell.

The Wizard of Oz will be presented at ENCORE! Theatre located at 9620 Campo Road, on March 8, 9, 15, 16 at 7 p.m. and March 9, 10, 16, 17 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults for advance purchase and $15 at the door.

For tickets please visit www.yatsandiego.org or call 619-670-1267.