ssshhhh, let's keep this among ourselves so it doesn't get crowded:
1) Went to the Cast "STAGE" performance of
Wizard of Oz last evening.
2) Had dinner at The Wave, then attended the performance on the 2nd Floor of the Contemporary Resort.
3) VERY pleasant evening.
4) What "STAGE" is and isn't
. . . it is a volunteer production of a show or play put on by WDW employees and includes some non-employees
. . . it is made of some actors and singers of "Broadway Quality", others are like your local Community Theater
. . . it is not Tony-Award-Winning, but it was fun, entertaining, and reasonably priced
. . . it was originally for Cast Members, but performers and audience are now open to non-employees
. . . it is not widely publicized, so even many CM's are not aware of it (try asking any CM about it)
. . . it is not sponsored nor funded by Disney, but WDW gives them rehearsal space
. . . it is performed at different WDW locations, based upon the size of the production
. . . it has a shoe-string budge, so little in the way of props, scenery, or backdrops
. . . it just celebrated its 20th year in operation
5) This show
. . . a stage production of the musical
Wizard of Oz
. . . this show was held on the 2nd Floor of the Contemporary, in a conference/session room with an elevated stage
. . . lots of singing, not much spoken text
. . . had two performers that were outstanding (Wicked Witch and Tin Man)
. . . SEVERAL "inside jokes" for Cast Members to appreciate *
. . . show time from 8:00pm-10:45pm, including the 15-minute intermission
. . . very limited costuming or sets (the program says to "use your imagination")
. . . ticket
price per person was $15 in advance or $18 at the door, and how many other places can say this?
. . . ticket price included complimentary filtered water for a beverage
. . . this was the last of the four performances (Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon), with about 180 in the audience
* INSIDE JOKE EXAMPLE: When the Wizard presents the Scarecrow with a diploma for his brain, he is also presented an award for smart thinking. The necklace ribbon award shows he is a member of a unique "club" with people who are great thinkers, people who know positively everything, people who know they have great judgment, and people who know they are never wrong . . . Annual Pass Holders. (This got great applause from the CM's in the audience).
NOTE: You can visit the website at http://stagecentral.org. The site may look outdated, but there is a list of 2016 performances you can click to view. Actual show dates will be listed when they are finalized.