Kootenai Karacters open 'The Wizard of Oz'

The Kootenai Karacters’ cast and crew opened its production Thursday of “The Wizard of Oz,” having been shut down twice now over as many years.

The lead characters carrying the show will be familiar faces to Libby theater-going audiences: Amy Smart portrays Dorothy; Jolee Holder-Cutsforth looks for a brain as the Scarecrow; Brian Bell is seeking a heart as the Tin Man while Scott Johnson is hoping to gain courage for his character, the Cowardly Lion.

Throwing suspense and fear into the hearts of many will be Cynthia Curtiss as the Wicked Witch of the West. Their scenes are backed up by the other 28 cast members.

Over the past two years, a few cast members have changed but the original guest director, Jill Olson, has faithfully returned to complete her task.

She has held true to this commitment even though she now lives in western Washington. For two months, she has relocated back to Libby to guide this play with its Munchkins, heroine and heroes, villains with some scary monkeys to a successful conclusion.

Lorraine Braun, Libby High School choir director, with an orchestra of dedicated, talented musicians, provides the melodious sounds we have grown so fond of over the years: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, “The Wicked Witch is Dead” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard” to name a few of the time-honored tunes.

The production opened at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Memorial Events Center. Three more performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a special matinee performance at 3 p.m. Sunday.

This production of "The Wizard of Oz" is in partnership with the Kootenai Heritage Council and Lincoln County Credit Union. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for kids aged 12 and under. Tickets are available at Lincoln County Credit Union, Homesteaders, Chamber of Commerce, The Printing Press, Kootenai Heritage Council or through Steve Lethrud at 406-283-1491.