By Ingrid Keizer
From August 2nd to the 4th, the Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Company will perform The Wizard of Paws, written and directed by Jeanne Beechwood with original songs by Jon Copeland.
The performance re-tells the story of The Wizard of Oz featuring actors with unique abilities, community performers and their children, professional actors, and as Beechwood puts it ‘pawformers’ or dogs from the community and theater.
Dorothy the dog rescuer follows the yellow brick road to the Emerald City along with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion to face the Dog Catcher of the West.
Sponsored by a grant from ArtsKC, this production lists the largest cast in the history of the Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville Company, involving 17 actors and nine rescue dogs — from metro shelters including KC Pet Project, Melissa’s Second Chances and Wayside Waifs.
“We love bringing this unique and inclusive style of family entertainment to our community,” said Beechwood. “It’s great to put on a fantastic show while raising awareness about the talents of uniquely-abled actors and the need for senior dog adoptions.”
The Wizard of Paws cast is brimming with beautiful, energetic actors (both human and canine). However, the real story here is that of Beechwood and the dedication involved in providing family entertainment in the Kansas City Community. Owning and running a community theater in Kansas City isn’t necessarily a monetarily rewarding venture, it is nevertheless, a labor of love.
For nearly 40 years, Beechwood has labored tirelessly, writing, recruiting cast, building sets, perfecting lines, positioning actors, promoting shows, taking it all down and starting over again. While these tasks are not unique to theater owners and directors, Beechwood uses theater to provide advocacy for what she calls “uniquely-abled” people and for senior dogs.
Beechwood has bucked traditional thinking as it relates to local theater. In the Wizard of Paws, 38-year-old Tim Bartow, who is wheelchair bound and speech impaired plays the role of both Uncle Henry and of the Wizard. His intelligence and charm shine bright in both roles.
Beechwood has a personal soft spot for senior dogs and animal advocacy. She said, “shelters are especially challenged to find homes for aging pets.” Adopters are reluctant to adopt pets that might have special medical needs, whose lifespans are limited and whose care might require more effort than a younger pet. Perhaps most relevant, the emotional toll of a short life span is simply daunting. Beechwood says that her personal canine companion is 24 years old. The Wizard of Paws features several of Beechwood’s canine friends.
When asked why this production is so meaningful to Beechwood, she responded, “The Original Wizard of Oz story brings together misfits filled with humanity. We all have a brain, a heart and courage. Misfits of all ages and abilities use these elements to be inclusive. The Wizard of Paws combines merry, creative misfits, with senior rescue dogs, community actors and uniquely able actors to show we all deserve a forever home”.
Indeed. There’s no place like home.
To purchase tickets to The Wizard of Paws, please visit martincitymelodrama.org or call 913-642-7576.
Tax deductible donations to the The Martin City Melodrama & Vaudeville can be made at martincitymelodrama.org
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