With the massive amount of work the spring season brings along, many people desperately seek a pleasant night of entertainment. In the end of the month, Brith Sholom Kneseth Israel (BSKI) will hold its annual spring play. This year the theme is The Wizard of Oz and will be performed as a musical. The play is open to the public, and the crew encourages all community members to come watch.

“I think everyone will enjoy the play. Everyone’s familiar with The Wizard of Oz, so it will be nice to go to a show in which you can sing along to and can recognize all the characters. Everyone can show off what they’ve been working hard on and the costumes are awesome,” said Orli Pinsberg, cast member.

It will be held on the nights of Wednesday and Thursday April 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, April 25 at 2:30 p.m. The play will last for about two hours with intermission in between. During intermission, various refreshments such as popcorn and soda will be sold.

The musical, organized by United Synagogue Youth (USY), has been put on annually since 1997. This year will be its 10th anniversary.

Each year the focus of the play is borrowed from a different classical tale. Previous themes include Cinderella, Music Man and Beauty and the Beast.

“The show is progressing each year. We have started working on it earlier this year, so we have enough time to make it the best show we can,” Pinsberg said.

Susan Miller, who was the musical director of earlier plays and had to go on leave, has returned to resume her position as art director. Also new to the play this year, young children ranging from age 4 to 11 will star in the role of munchkins.

“This is the first time we have cast such a young group. We chose them because we wanted to get younger children introduced to the program and they fit the role,” said Melfreya Sindley, choreographer and director.

The cast consists of around 25 members varied in age. Also, an orchestra of about five-to-six and a piano player will provide the music.

In every show thus far, the plays have incorporated some kind of Jewish element to connect to the Jewish audience. This year, the musical will have several humorous and meaningful Jewish references in the dialogue.

The cast and crew have been hard at work since February. Practice was held three hours a day Thursday through Sunday. They hope people can come to see all the hard work they’ve done, Pinsberg said.

As a special feature, a tea ceremony will be held for all young children Sunday at noon prior to the show. Children will be able to interact with the cast who will be dressed up in their full costumes. The cast members take pictures with the children and sign autograph books. Thus, children are able to spend time with the characters of the show and experience the atmosphere of Oz on a more personal level.

For more information, contact BSKI by calling 314-725-6230.