Overview
Synopsis
When a tornado whisks young Beth away, she suddenly finds herself in a place that feels oddly like the movie The Wizard of Oz. Just like the movie’s main character, Dorothy, Beth is from Kansas, although she’s reluctant to embrace the comparison. Longing to get back home, Beth decides to go see the powerful Wizard of Oz for help. Along the way, she encounters an anxiety-riddled lion, a sarcastic tin man, a proudly ignorant scarecrow, and a wicked witch, all parodies of their counterparts in the movie. This short one-act parody takes the classic story and turns it upside down; the famed yellow brick road leading to the Wizard has been sold to foreign investors, Glinda the Good Witch seems to have a dark side driven by annihilation, and the Wicked Witch doesn’t seem so wicked. Oz has minimal set requirements and a flexible ensemble cast, making it an ideal option for young performers and for use in class to introduce L. Frank Baum’s story.
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Context
With minimal set requirements and flexible ensemble casting, the plays of Don Zolidis are staples of middle school and high school theatre. Zolidis frequently parodies popular fairy tales and other stories. In Oz, he takes on The Wizard of Oz, the movie adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s story about a farm girl from Kansas whisked away by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. The play was first performed at Watauga Middle School in 2010 and is still popular with middle school and high school
to read the context for Oz and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
1 The play begins at a funeral for an as-of-yet unknown person. We meet Beth, her Uncle Jason, and her Aunt Carol. For reasons we don’t yet know, Beth blames herself for the person’s death.
2 In Beth’s attic, The Guide pops out of a trunk. She cryptically tells Beth that she represents her unconscious mind and that they are going to go on an adventure. Suddenly, a tornado hits and picks up Beth’s house.
3 Having been whirled away by the sudden tornado, Beth meets Hair, Wardrobe,
to read the plot for Oz and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Oz.
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Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Parody is a comedic imitation of a style, genre, or work that exaggerates its features for humorous or satirical effect. In theatre, it playfully mocks conventions, characters, or cultural icons while still relying on audience recognition of the original. Parody can both celebrate and critique its subject, often blurring the line between homage and ridicule.
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright