BaldwinCity.com

Dorothy may have traveled outside of Kansas to the imaginary land of Oz, but Mother Nature reminded everyone where we live.

Baldwin City Community Theater’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” was scheduled to open last Thursday. However, rain showers rolled into the area late Thursday afternoon and evening, forcing the cancellation of the opening night.

As Kansas weather goes, the skies were sunny and blue by 8 p.m. Thursday, which was the show’s start time. Unfortunately, the ground was muddy and the cancellation had already been announced.

“It didn’t affect them at all,” Director Annette Cook said of the cancellation. “In fact, what I think it did was give them some rest. They’ve been working almost non-stop for what would have been 10 days in a row. There are both young and old on this show, so they all need their rest.”

As the old adage goes, the show must go on — and it did. On Friday, the show opened to a large audience and a clear summer night. The same could be said for the following two nights as it completed its first weekend.

“It was an awesome first night,” Cook said. “It was really awesome. I was very proud of them all. They’ve worked so hard.

“We couldn't have asked for a better night and we’re hoping it stays that way all weekend,” she said. “It may rain, but we are in Kansas.”

Nearly two hours after it opened, Dorothy clicked the heels of her magic ruby slippers together and awoke back home on her Kansas farm. Cook’s daughter, Emma, played Dorothy and overcame opening night nerves to deliver a performance she could be proud of giving.

“It was fun,” Emma Cook said. “I thought I was going to be bad, because I was really, really nervous, but I thought I did pretty well for the first night. This is all I’ve ever wanted. I just wanted to do a good job.”

Emma’s performance also made her mother smile.

“I was a very proud mom. I am very proud,” Annette Cook said. “She did a great job and I think it’s really neat that she gets to do this with her dad. They get to share memories that they will always remember.”

Chris Cook, Annette’s husband and Emma’s father, plays the part of the Cowardly Lion in the production. Dorothy’s two other pals in the play are the Scarecrow and Tin Man. They are played by Matt Keller and John Radenberg.

The role of Dorothy is a new one for Emma, although she is familiar with the character and the movie. It’s been a dream of hers to play Dorothy, but she wasn’t sure of how much time and effort the role would require.

“This is my first time being Dorothy, which is what I’ve always wanted,” she said. “Plus, this is my first time in a very big part, which is really nerve-racking and hard to do. It’s harder than it looks. It helps out to know the role. I watched the movie a few times before the show and picked up some ideas.”

Her mother added that performing a play that most people know because of the movie has its pros and cons.

“Sometimes the problem is that you think you are supposed to be that person and it’s hard to get away from that,” Annette Cook said. “However, I think both of them have made that their own, as all of them have. I’ve given them this direction and they’ve taken it and made it their own and tonight proved it.”

Since the cast of the show receives most of the credit for the performance, Annette Cook said several people deserve attention for their efforts.

“I’m pleased with the performances and the audience,” she said. “I love my crew. They are amazing. The crew is working so hard back there. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”

The show will begin at 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the grass lot, which is located between the post office and the Lumberyard Arts Center on High Street.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children, while those 5 and under get in free. They can be purchased at the show or at Baldwin City Market.