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While the drone of a jet or construction could interrupt their trip to Oz, the cast of Canopy Theatre is prepared.
The uncertainty of loud noises and weather are part of the appeal of outdoor theater, and while the cast of the spring show The Wizard of Oz is youthful, it is no stranger to workarounds.
In fact, the theater group itself was an improvisation that resulted from the shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Created by Farmers Branch resident Joanna Chabot to provide a creative outlet for her children and their friends when they could not continue their theater activities, Canopy Theatre continues to entertain and provide theater education in the Chabot backyard.
“During COVID, theaters all closed down,” she said. “We’re used to doing theater all year long.”
When restrictions were lifted, Chabot did not quit. Twice a year, Chabot continues to produce and direct a play for children.
The Wizard of Oz will be performed by 19 children ages 8-14. Chabot said this cast is a bit younger than others than she’s directed.
Ava Lombardozzi, 12, who plays the Wicked Witch, said she auditioned so she could be in a performance with her best friend Mary Grace Notely.
“She’s actually Glinda, so we’re opposites,” she said.
Because Ava has done speech and debate with the National Christian Forensic Communication Association, she doesn’t find memorizing her lines that much of a challenge.
“I think memorizing is really fun. I really enjoy it,” she said. “It’s a pretty big part, and I get to practice my cackling.”
(left to right) Tin Man (Mabel Moore) watches Dorothy (Hazel Chabot) comfort Lion (Eliza Chabot) while Scarecrow (Max Robinson) talks to the Wizard (Isaac Robinson) during rehearsal at Canopy Theatre. (Photo by Kate Bergeron)
Isaac Robinson, 14, is no stranger to The Wizard of Oz though this will be his first time performing with Canopy Theatre.
“I did this play a while ago at another theater,” he said. “That was the first play I ever did, I think.”
Isaac, who performs as the Wizard, said he likes The Wizard of Oz.
“ realizes she takes all that stuff for granted, so that’s a good message,” he said.
Since fall 2020, Canopy Theatre has performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Peter and the Starcatcher, Willy Wonka and Charlotte’s Web.
The cast practices and performs under a live oak tree in Chabot’s backyard. They rehearse two to three times each week for about a month, and then meet every day the week before to work on props and the set.
“Once the show starts, I’m done,” Chabot said. “I teach the kids how to do everything.”
Curtains borrowed from Amy Cave’s Amy’s Studio of Performing Arts provide a backdrop for the action of the performances.
Chabot said she fell in love with theater in high school and that her children have caught the bug.
Her daughter, Hazel, is Dorothy. Her daughter, Eliza, performs as the Lion. Her son, Ricky, performs as both a munchkin and as a monkey guard.
In addition, her daughter, Ruby, is looking forward to an opportunity to direct in the future.
“This is one of the best places in the business,” Chabot said. “There’s so many theaters in Dallas.”
The show is free and anyone’s welcome, Chabot said. She prefers to be contacted through her family’s Facebook group Chabot Family Arts.
She said 30-40 people usually attend, but they have had as many as 80-90.
Because it’s an outdoor show, everyone should bring their own blankets, chairs and picnic dinner.
“Only one time have we canceled because of rain,” Chabot said.
They have moved performances a little later to wait out a storm though, so having access to the family’s Facebook Group for the most up-to-date information could be important.
A box for donations will be available with a portion of proceeds benefiting the local organization Just Because.
