'Because, because, because ...' Paramount brings back junior 'Oz' show canceled last year

We're off to see the wizard. Again.

Abilene was set to take a trip to Oz and down the Yellow Brick Road this time last year. But illness attributed to COVID-19 prevented the junior show from being staged at the Paramount Theatre. It was performed once, privately, for family.

So, why not bring it back?

The "Young Performers Edition" of the classic 1939 movie will be on stage three times this weekend. The last living performer in the movie, Jerry Maren, a Munchkin, died in 2018.

The Paramount was near the end of its first decade when the movie played 84 years ago.

Director: 'I do have a love for young performers'

Some things have changed for the 2023 show, but many have not.

More:UPDATE: Paramount junior production of 'Wizard of Oz' canceled due to COVID

McMurry University theater prof Neena McLain has taken over for Betty Hukill, who provided her notes to McLain. At least half of the cast of two dozen returns, including Julien Little as Dorothy and Jax Melbourne as the wizard.

"It's kind of a good thing for a director, in a way, because a lot of this cast has returned," she said. "We haven't done a lot of changes to the show. We're just sort of refreshing and making changes only where they need to happen.

"It has been a pretty easy process because a lot of kids remember things from last year. We're just continuing."

McLain is not directing a show at McMurry until February, so she is not trying to do two things at once. Besides, McMurry students have yet to return to campus.

The show was not stopped during preparation. It just wasn't performed. a decision that came the day before opening night because too many of those involved in the show, including adults, were out.

"I think they decided the kids had done so much work last year, they wanted to give them an opportunity to show it to an audience," McLain said. "I think they felt like people never got an opportunity to see it to the end, and they wanted them to have that opportunity.

"I'm seeing that I am helping them get to the end of that process."

This is not a big departure for McLain. This is her first youth show here but she did plenty of those when she was in Baton Rouge, La.

A junior show often is shortened (this one is an hour and 20 minutes), and just primarily focuses on the basic story.

"There are not a lot of extraneous scenes in there. Sometimes, some plot points are left out," she said. "This one I think tells the story very nicely, though. Especially for younger actors, it's the perfect length to get your teeth into it."

McLain noted that returning actors are a year older. That's another plus for the show, which trends this year to an older cast.

"You can tell, especially when you're working with kids, what a year can do," she said. Their confidence level is up, for example. "It helps them with their energy on stage."

McLain has been impressed with the vocal talent of her "Wizard" cast.

"All of our principals are really, really strong," she said.

McLain relishes the opportunity to work with young actors, who someday may bring their skills to the college stage.

"This is exactly where it starts," McLain said. "It starts that spark, that love that hopefully continues. Whether it's being a performer or a patron. Either way.

"I do have a love for young performers. It has been a while since I worked with a youth cast. I really like it."

Actors talk about return to Oz, mentoring the 'munchkins' in cast

Melbourne is returning as the wizard of Oz in Dorothy's trip to fabled land.

Homeschooled, he now is 16.

Melbourne said he moved on from the show that wasn't.

"But when fall came around, you go, 'Oh, wait a second, I have a show to do,'" he said before rehearsal Monday.

Since the 2022 show was ready to roll and because the Paramount held the rights, Melbourne said it made sense to bring it back.

"I really got into the role of being the wizard," he said of reprising his iconic role. "It's kind of a fun thing. It's also kind of a responsibility. You don't want them to have to find a new person to play the part. And you already had all of the lines and dances and everything."

He said the two shows are similar - "a few minor changes I think for the better," he said. "I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

Melbourne said he hasn't changed much in a year.

"No, I can't sing better. I wish," he said, laughing.

"I love the cast. I don't know about that lion guy, though," he said.

On the flipside, there's "that lion guy."

He is Jaden Doggett who is 17 and a student at Sweetwater High School. He was in last year's show as Uncle Henry and has been in Paramount junior shows since "Shrek" was performed in 2016.

"They had auditions for the parts that opened up and I auditioned for the part of the lion. I kind of knew I wanted to go for that," he said.

Doggett said the whole show is iconic and "has shaped pop culture the last 100 or so years.

"I love all of our cast, including Jax over here," he said, looking at the wizard and laughing." They are very, very kind and good people to work with. It's a really fun show."

Both young men, being older, see themselves as mentors for the young actors in the show.

"I try to be a good example," Melbourne said. "You remember what it's like to be little and it scary, like the auditions. You remember when older kids were nice to you. I try to do that. It's nice to have a friend who's a little older."

Doggett echoed that.

"I think I began in third grade and started out seeing the older kids doing the big parts," he said. "They were kind and supportive when I was starting out, so now I feel I'm in that same position. I want carry on that kindness to other kids who are starting on their path in theater."

In this case, a Yellow Brick Road.

If You Go

What: "The Wizard of Oz: Young Performers Edition"

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m.

Where: Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St., Abilene

Tickets: Prices range from $10 to $25

Information and tickets: paramountabilene.com or call 325-676-9620

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: 'Because, because, because ...' Paramount brings back junior 'Oz' show