There’s No Place Like Home: The Wizard of Oz Comes to Life in Loveland (Final Weekend)

By Jenna Schroeder 

With only a handful of seats remaining for its final weekend, Loveland Stage Company’s production of The Wizard of Oz is more than a show. It is an experience that brings families together, invites reflection, and reminds us why this story has lasted for generations. 

There is something special about watching Dorothy step onto the Yellow Brick Road. It feels familiar. The music is comforting. And somehow, even now, it still holds a sense of discovery. 

From the moment the curtain rises, it is clear this production reaches beyond expectations. The set transforms the stage into a vibrant Oz, filled with color and movement. The kind that pulls children in immediately and quietly amazes the adults watching alongside them. 

And then there is the music. 

A full live orchestra carries the story forward in a way that feels both grand and deeply emotional. “We even have a harp,” shared director Carissa Sloan, a detail that hints at the level of care behind every moment. 

A Story Worth Bringing Back 

For Sloan, directing The Wizard of Oz has been a long-time dream. 

“I’ve always been a fan of the movie and have a good-sized Wizard of Oz collection to boot,” she said. “I also performed in the MUNY version of the show in high school, so it has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.” 

This year felt like the right time in more ways than one. 

“There were a few directors and I that wanted to do a rainbow-themed season, and The Wizard of  Oz felt like a natural choice,” she shared. “It is also a classic that has not been performed at LSC.  It was time to change that.” 

This version also brings something new to the stage. The Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation includes scenes and elements that were cut from the original film. 

“One of my favorite song’s is ‘The Jitterbug,’” Sloan said. “It has an infectious beat and becomes  an earworm very quickly. I hope audiences enjoy seeing these lesser-known moments.” 

Where Spectacle Meets Heart 

There is a visual magic to this show. Thoughtful sets. Detailed costumes.

Moments that surprise you.

But what lingers is something quieter. 

“From the beginning, I wanted to show that we could do some pretty spectacular things in our space,” Sloan explained. “The spectacle comes from the set pieces, the costumes, and the overall look of the show.” 

And still, it is the people who make it matter most. 

“The storytelling, and the heart of it, shines through the acting, the singing, and hearing the emotional score from our orchestra,” she said. “It is the cast’s heart that brings out the emotion in this show.” 

That collaboration extended behind the scenes as well. 

“It helped so much to have a set designer who was on board with all of my ideas and truly collaborated to bring them to life.” 

One moment, in particular, stands out to her. 

“The Cyclone,” she said. “I had big ideas for this scene, and it involves the just right timing of the orchestra, sound, projections, lights, and stage crew. It is something you have to see with your own eyes to believe.” 

A Dorothy Who Grows with the Story 

At the center is Dorothy, played by Kelly Johnson, who brings both warmth and strength to the role. 

“This experience has been so much fun for me,” she shared. “Some of my best friends have come from performing, and this show is no different. I have met some of the greatest people through this show.” 

Taking on such an iconic role might feel daunting, but for Johnson, it became something more personal. 

“Playing Dorothy has truly been a joy,” she said. “She has taught me how to be a strong leader, to be a fiercely loyal friend, and to chase after my dreams. I have been surprised by how much I have learned from playing such a well-known character.” 

Drawing from both her own life and past roles, she found her version of Dorothy somewhere in between. 

“I’ve pulled from personal experiences, and from past roles I’ve played like Little Red in Into the Woods and Cinderella,” she said. “She feels like a mix of the two.” 

Her favorite moments on stage reflect both the magic and connection of the show.

“Singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ is so fun for me every time,” she shared. “And I love the scenes in the Oz chamber with the Lion, Tin Man,

Scarecrow, and Toto.” 

More than anything, she hopes audiences feel Dorothy’s growth. 

“I hope they can see and feel her evolution into becoming a strong, independent young woman.” And if she had to describe the show in just a few

words? 

“Jolly good fun!” 

Why It Still Matters 

As president of Loveland Stage Company, I have had the chance to watch Oz land in real time as part of the cast. 

Seeing children lean forward in their seats, fully immersed in the adventure, and hearing whispers of “It’s Glinda!” Noticing little girls attend dressed as Dorothy, all of it special to us because it shows the impact on a child’s experience. Adults soften into the magic of the story, often noticing something deeper than they remembered. 

Even my own teenage son picked up on the symbolism early on. It sparked conversations as he began noticing the foreshadowing unfolding on stage. Most know the story of Wicked, but now not all now know the story of the Wizard of Oz. In a world filled with fast entertainment and modern retellings, there is something grounding about returning to this original story. 

It reminds us of courage. Of friendship. Of home. 

“‘There’s no place like home’ is still the message,” Sloan said. “In what feels like a very tumultuous world, it reminds us to hold tight to those we love. Both the family we are born into and the family we choose.” 

An Invitation 

With only a few seats remaining, this final stretch of performances is a chance to experience something together. Not just a show, but a shared moment. 

A story you may already know, told in a way that lets you feel it again. A rainbow that begins right here in Loveland. 

At Loveland Stage Company, we strive to create meaningful moments filled with heart, courage, and the kind of wisdom that helps us find our way. And in this story, a quiet reminder that home may have been with us all along. 

To learn more or get involved, visit www.lovelandstagecompany.org