'Wizard of Oz' production starts Friday

PENN YAN--For its 40th anniversary summer production, Penn Yan Theatre Company (PYTCo) will perform "The Wizard of Oz" in Penn Yan Academy Auditorium at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. Aug. 12.
Co-directed by Dusty Baker and Dave Smith, this rendition of the timeless story about a Kansas girl who finds herself "over the rainbow" after a frightful tornado will remain faithful to the beloved 1939 MGM film. Additionally, it will feature a song left out of the film's national release--"The Jitterbug," a fast-paced, toe-tapping number accompanying the four characters as they venture through the Wicked Witch's haunted forest.
Audiences can expect a colorful and technically elaborate show this weekend, complete with a tornado and a fly system thanks to Baker, Smith and technical director Simon Gaston. Having brought to life several PYTCo productions in previous years, Gaston said he has enjoyed working on a production with directors who have extensive technical experience.
"Techwise, we have significantly more sound effects and more lighting than most shows I've done," Gaston said.
In honor of PYTCo's milestone of four decades of community theater promoting "participation, appreciation, and understanding of the arts" in Yates County, the theater company is launching its "40 for 40" fundraiser. Each tax-deductible donation of $40 will support the company to provide the local community with affordable, quality entertainment. Not to mention, every donor can expect a ruby PYTCo ornament in return for supporting the theatre's operations and renovations.
"It all goes to supporting a beautiful, functioning theater for the community," said Herb Gaston, producer of this weekend's performance. "If you look at the theater, you can see the doors and windows have already been started."
Tickets can be purchased online at pytco.org/shows, 585-296-8998 Ext. 303 and at the door. Ticket sales will go to support the Samson Theater, beginning facade renovations this year, $10 for youth and seniors and $12 for adults.
Donations can be made on the theatre's website (pytco.org/donate), by calling 585-296-8998 ext. 304 and by mail to P.O. Box 106, Penn Yan, NY, 14527.