Four individuals hand-selected to play Winkies in The Wizard of Oz
Four individuals from Opportunity Village, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, have been cast to portray Winkies, soldiers for the Wicked Witch of the West’s army, in the upcoming May production of The Wizard of Oz at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. The group was hand-selected by the play’s director, Dan Decker, from a class of 20 people to guard the Wicked Witch’s castle and chant, "Oh We Um, Eoh Um”.
Opportunity Village partnered with the Las Vegas Shakespeare Company, the local theatre ensemble presenting The Wizard of Oz, to teach workshops for its theatre course, the latest addition to its performing arts program. For weeks, the 20-member group participated in several classes, discovering the art of musical theatre, set design and acting. At the conclusion, individuals were offered supporting roles in The Wizard of Oz.
Opportunity Village created the theatre curriculum to attract individuals who wanted to explore the excitement of drama. Through vocational training, community employment, advocacy, as well as arts and social recreation like the theatre program, people with disabilities are able to create relationships with new friends, realize future career paths and seek independence.
“Creative arts are an essential part of living for many people, especially individuals with disabilities,” said Krysti Gabriel, Manager of the Performing Arts Program at Opportunity Village. “We wanted our clients to have the opportunity to thrive in an artistic field of their choice.”
The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company will continue to teach the theatre workshops at Opportunity Village throughout the year. Two classes will be offered, meeting once a week for an hour. The curriculum will also include behind the scenes activities, as well as on-stage exercises like musical comedy.
Fans will have the chance to see the individuals from Opportunity Village as Winkies, along with the flying monkeys, evil apple trees, Wicked Witch of the West and their arch rivals, Dorothy and friends, live, on-stage as the Las Vegas Shakespeare Company present multiple performances, May 13-14 at 8 p.m., May 15 at 4 p.m., May 21 at 8 p.m. and May 22 at 4 p.m., at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. Tickets are only $10.
For more information or to purchase tickets for The Wizard of Oz, visit HendersonLive.com, call (702) 267-4TIX (4849) or visit the Henderson Pavilion Box Office, Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at HendersonLive.
The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For full telephone, use Relay Nevada by dialing 7-1-1.
About the City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism
The City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism is dedicated to creating and promoting innovative events, entertainment, programming and venues that celebrate diverse cultural arts, enhance tourism, involve and serve the community and enrich the economic and cultural fabric of Henderson.
The Henderson Pavilion, Henderson Convention Center and Henderson Events Plaza are all managed by the Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism.
For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please contact us directly at (702) 267-2171. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
About Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village is a Las Vegas-based, not-for-profit organization that has been serving people with intellectual disabilities since 1954 in an effort to enhance their lives and the lives of their families. Clients at Opportunity Village receive vocational training, social skills, community job placement, art & life skill enrichment, respite and day habilitation at three Las Vegas campuses. More than 1,700 people are served daily.
About the Las Vegas Shakespeare Company
The Las Vegas Shakespeare Company is the Vegas Valley’s home town Shakespeare theatre, a resident, professional repertory company that presents classic and contemporary live entertainment. With its broad knowledge and expertise, LVSC applies modern storytelling techniques to Shakespeare to create contemporary visions of the classic plays – while at the same time honoring the original texts. LVSC also mounts large-scale musicals to round out its yearly offerings. LVSC works with the Clark County Schools to offer educational outreach year round.