In a feat of theatrical multitasking, Pine Tree Players’ summer festival transforms Centennial Park into both Kansas and a sailing ship. With two plays, one stage, and dozens of actors switching roles, it’s a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration—and costume changes.
Wizard of Oz director Chelsea Howell-Fellows adjusts the costume on one of the Winkies.
Perhaps it’s Over the Rainbow or a Yo-Ho-Ho that sweeps you away to Kansas or the high seas—whatever production you choose, Pine Tree Players’ summer theatre festival is turbo-charged with nostalgia and adventure.
Running July 9-20, the Stan Rogers stage in Centennial Park will flip between a skip down the yellow brick road and an action-packed stumble down the gangplank, as The Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island transform the space.
Mounting two plays that share one stage—and often many of the same actors—is no easy feat. It can be a recipe for pure pandemonium and that’s with an indoor venue. Factor in unpredictable weather and wildfire smoke—precisely what Pine Tree Players has had to contend with—and it’s no wonder protocols and contingency plans are always close at hand. “We constantly refer to them in case we have to modify, postpone or cancel a show due to extreme conditions,” explains producer Jen Tweddell.
The director and stage management team lead a cold and rainy rehearsal on June 21, 2025 at the Stan Rogers Stage.
Besides weather, we thought we’d lift the “curtain” on some other facts and figures that audience members may not realize goes into this ambitious festival:
- 1 stage
- 2 plays
- 18 performances
- 28 production team members
- 37 actors
- 75 volunteers
- 90 costumes
- 120 props
- 1,000 audience members
- 3,000 volunteer hours
Some of the challenges in flipping roles between being set designer for The Wizard of Oz and assistant director for Treasure Island, lie in the durability of sets, explains Anna Leslie who is juggling these positions. As for moments they’re most proud of, Leslie says, “I love how the Art Deco Emerald City decorations and the Oz maps turned out. As well, I really like the hot air balloon because it was such an interesting design challenge. So much of the set’s creation has been collaborative, so I’m proud of all the teamwork.”
L-R: Evanora Rodney, dressed as Dick the sailer, hugs assistant director Anna Leslie at a Treasure Island rehearsal at the Stan Rogers Stage.
Veteran actor Sherry Thompson has never before played five roles across two distinct plays. To immerse herself in each character, she began by researching both plays plus all five characters diving into “the kind of historical background that might be relevant.” Other considerations that can give characters distinct personalities can be might be vocal variety (pitch, tone, accent), changes in physicality (posture, gait, facial expressions) and obviously makeup and costumes.
Since rehearsals began in April, Thompson’s biggest gaffe came when, “I completely forgot I was in a scene,” she admits, “and I had to make a mad dash backstage to the other side for my entrance. Thankfully I had some talented scene partners who were able to cover for the delay.”
L-R: Sherry Thompson as Redruth, the trusty man servant of Squire Trelwaney, played by Tyler McClaron.
L-R: Anya Tkacz, Charlotte Froese, Lily Burden and Emily Palmer. Dorothy arrives in Oz and meets the Munchkins.
Also juggling five roles is Grade 9 student Emily Palmer, who appears as a munchkin, a Winkie, an Oz puppeteer and poppy in The Wizard of Oz as well as Robbie the pirate in Treasure Island. To stay organized and truly connect with each role, Palmer wrote out character descriptions detailing each one’s distinct personality traits, goals, values, and so forth.
Her biggest fear? “Forgetting which costume I am supposed to change into next,” she says. “There are a lot of costume changes that I do in The Wizard of Oz, and it can get really confusing!”
If there was a prize for clocking the most miles to attend rehearsals, it would go to Carlos DeLong-Medeiros, who lives in Lake Louise.Â
L-R: Fight director Rico Pfeiffer works on fight choreography for Treasure Island with Tyler McClaron and Carlos DeLong-Medeiros.Â
It’s been 13 years since DeLong-Medeiros has found himself on a stage and never before has he tackled multiple roles in two distinct plays.Â
“It’s tested my abilities,” he says, confessing to mixing up his lines and characters numerous times. “But working with a mentor really helped as she suggested I pick one physical trait or gesture for each character. That helped me flip between the characters and keep them straight in my head.”
Whether you choose to attend one or both plays each one embodies escapism, pure and simple. So, grab your ruby slippers or your cutlass, and follow the call of the Stan Rogers stage—because there’s no place like this summer festival.
In a farce, the comedy comes from a fast pace. If it’s not timed well, it’s just not funny.
As to why, sort of like wine, “farce” has survived since as far back as the 15th century, Christie says: “I think that people are drawn to farce because it’s a way to escape from the mundane parts of everyday life  . . .  and, frankly, who doesn’t love to laugh?”
Let’s toast to that!
I was in awe by the level of talent in that production. Now, almost 10 years later, I’m still amazed by the talent and creativity that goes into each production, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
Showtimes: July 9-20, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.| 7:00 p.m.
Where: The Stan Rogers Stage | Centennial Park
Purchase tickets here
 Questions or concerns, contact us
Deb Cummings
About the Author: Deb Cummings is a retired journalist (mostly) who is terrified to sit in the front row of any theatre for fear of being called up on stage. She does, however, have aspirations to be a doo- wop girl (although she can’t sing) and spends a surprising amount of time watching plays or reading books that normalize the mortifying experience of being human.
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