Rockin’ to OZ
The following is a conversation between Stephen Svoboda, Executive Artistic Director of the AC and Natalie Luxford, the head of the Sunmount Day Hab facility in Long Lake about the process of working on the production of Rockin’ to Oz.
Stephen: What are you most surprised about from working in this process?
Natalie: How effortlessly every faction of this play comes together. Stephen Svoboda makes this look so easy & that is no easy feat considering the number of individuals involved. The driving force seems to be the FUN FACTOR. The discovery of ”Hidden Talent” may have everything to do with it. Stephen introduces another side of “self” that enhances this experience.
Stephen: What impact have you seen on the Sunmount performers?
Natalie: A sense of pride & accomplishment. They feel like movie stars. The attention they receive makes them feel special; recognition from community members & their fellow cast members at Long Lake Central give them a sense of belonging.
Stephen: What impact has the program had on the community?
Natalie: Veneration. I believe the majority of the community that experienced the past production was genuinely humbled; they were touched by both their courage & accomplishments. The people witnessing this event were in awe of their own reaction.
Stephen: Are you jealous that you aren’t playing Dorothy?
Natalie: Not Dorothy so much as the wicked witch; I can met like nobodies business.
And then Natalie turned the tables on Stephen and became the interviewer…
Natalie: What is the most rewarding aspect of ”Rockin to Oz” that you have experienced since rehearsals have begun?
Stephen: That the kids think I am semi-cool. I’ve never really been “cool,” but since we are doing a show with a rock score and a whole lot of dancing, all of a sudden I feel like one of the hip kids. I am sure that will pass.
Natalie: What changes have you observed in the cast members since last year’s production?
Stephen: Last year, people were a little nervous about performing with the folks from Sunmount. This year, they are like “When do they get here? Can Anna or Carol or Bernie be my partner?” It is very encouraging to see the cultural impact of the program on the community.
Natalie: What unique talents & abilities have you whetted with this year’s production of “Rockin to OZ” after having directed last year’s very successful & moving collaborative performance?
Stephen: This year we are putting a lot of focus on dance and music. We have a live rock band made up of students and members of the community. And as I said before, there is a lot of hard dancing. After the first rehearsal, me and the Yellow Brick Road dancers, were very sore.
Natalie: What are some of your favorite responses that you have overheard during rehearsals?
Stephen: I kind of already answered this question above, but I guess if I had to pick my favorite. It would be from the actor that plays Toto. The other day he said, “This is going to be the best play ever!” And of course, he is right.
Don’t Miss….
ROCKIN TO OZ
LONG LAKE, NY (March 12th & 13th): The Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, Long Lake Central School, and Sunmount DDSO are proud to present Rockin to Oz as the second annual Living-Able production on Saturday March 12th at 7:00 pm and Sunday March 13th at 2:00 pm. Rockin To OZ takes the classic Wizard of Oz story and gives it a “rocking” modern twist with rifts on famous music from the Who, Led Zepplin, and many others. The production, directed by Stephen Svoboda from the Arts Center and Musical Directed by Brian Beaudin from Long Lake Central School, features students from Long Lake Central School and consumers from Sunmont DDSO and is sure to be a crowd pleasing hit! Last year’s production of A Year With Frog And Toad was a huge success with two sold-out performances. Tickets are $10 general admission and can be purchased by calling the AC at 518-352-7715 or on-line at adirondackarts.org. Make sure to order your tickets early so you won’t miss out on what is sure to be a highlight of the spring season.
Long Lake Central School
March 12th at 7:00 pm
March 13th at 2:00 pm
$10 General Admission
