Dorothy and Willy Wonka Coming to Trumbull

Two Trumbull schools' spring theater productions will feature flying. Lots of it.

's production of "The Wiz" will have numerous special effects, such as the Wizard's balloon, said student Producer Sam Maloney. The school lobby will also be decorated and called "The Mall of Oz."

The leads are: Jenna Bellofiore as Glinda; Natalie Clift as Evillene; Lucy Flucker as the Scarecrow; Matthew Johnson as the Wiz; Liz McCormack as Dorothy; and Andrew Tallian as the Lion; and McEniry as the Tinman.

"The Wiz" first opened in 1974 but Trumbull's show will update outdated language, said its actors.

"The Wiz was written for a black cast" as a protest against Broadway, said McEniry.

"I love this role," said Clift, whose character, Evillene is the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.

McCormack said her character, Dorothy, is " a universal character."

One difference in the characters from the movies or the book is that the lion is "sassy," added Tallian. And Lucy Flucker, the Scarecrow, said, "I get a smartphone for a brain."

A new character is another good witch named Addaperle, played by Jacquelyn Sheehan.

The show runs Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. in the Trumbull High School auditorium. Tickets are $15.

Willy Wonka Takes Off

"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" will also feature special effects including a flying elevator and actors and specially designed Wonka factory equipment, such as the elevator and the TV machine.

The show will also include the famous blueberry scene, but Director Judith Dann isn't revealing any secrets.

"We chose Willy Wonka because we wanted to do a family show," Dann said. 

Performances will be on March 15, 7 p.m.; March 16, 7 p.m.; March 17, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 203-261-6230.