“The Wizard of Oz”
Revitalized Snead State Community College
Theatre Program Proves To Be A Hit

Off to see the Wizard, Cowardly Lion - John Everett Brewer, Tin Man - Eric Cedarholm, Scarecrow - A. J. Pollard, and Dorothy - Holly Scott. Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

November 22, 2009
The vision of Snead State Community College President Robert Exley to renew the the theatre arts program at the college has proven to be a hit with the community. The Wizard of Oz, the premier production of the newly revamped theatre program, played to standing room only audiences during the six performance run which began Thursday and ended with a Sunday matinee. Performances were held at the Bevill Center Concert Hall which normally seats approximately 1,080. Additional temporary seating had to be brought in for most of the performances.

Johnny Brewer, Director of the play based on the L. Frank Baum classic book and on the 1939 MGM film musical, said “There are so many wonderfully talented folks in our area. I am proud to be a part of this production”. Brewer pulled from a large reservoir of talent to cast the play, including several from Arab.

Brewer, who has a long history of involvement with theatre programs with the Whole Backstage, was tapped by Snead State Community College President Robert Exley to head the new program. Exley said, “Anita and I love the experience of theater on a community college campus and Snead State is once again alive with energy and activity through the arts – specifically theatre.”

Click for additional photos from the Friday night performance....