The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - "Cassette" USB

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (commonly known as The Wizard of Oz), is the first book in the famous Oz series by author L. Frank Baum. Originally published in the year 1900, it is widely considered to be one of the very first official American fairy tales or fables. Now, 125 years later, the cinematic audio version, produced in partnership with Starrynight Productions and WFIU Radio, is available as a cassette USB. This series is the winner of nine Communicator Awards and is sure to delight listeners of all ages. Plus, the cassette’s colorful artwork will brighten up your day — and possibly your favorite shelf. 

Listen on any device with a USB port. NOTE: You can also extract the audio and use the USB for file storage. 

Synopsis: 

Episode 1: The Company of Friends
The adventure of young Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, begin as their Kansas house is swept away by a cyclone and they find themselves in a strange land called Oz. Here she meets the good witch, Locasta Tattypoo, and the Munchkins and joins the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion on an unforgettable journey to the Emerald City, where lives the all-powerful Wizard of Oz. 

Episode 2: The Journey to the Great Oz
Dorothy and the company of friends continue to follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City and they have countless adventures, from the monstrous Kalidahs to the field of deadly poppies. They also make many new friends that help them along the way, like the Queen of the Field Mice. But will the great Wizard of Oz grant Dorothy and her friends their heart’s desire? 

Episode 3: The Wicked Witch of the West
The Wizard sends Dorothy and her friends to destroy the Wicked Witch of the West but before they may act, the Witch sends her minions to foil their plans. Soon King Crow and his flock descend upon them, followed by a pack of ferocious wolves, and the mischievous Winged Monkeys! Will Dorothy ever get back to Kansas or will she spend the rest of her days a slave of the Wicked Witch? 

Episode 4: The Magic Art of Oz
The Wizard is true to his word and he grants each of the company of friends their hearts desire. However, as Dorothy prepares to leave—Toto is missing and the Wizard is unable to delay the balloon’s launch. And so, the group of friends set out yet again across the marvelous land of Oz, meeting the Porcelain Princess and the obnoxious Hammer Heads, as they seek Glinda the Good to help Dorothy find another way home. 

Episode 5: Behind the Curtain of Oz
Join the cast and crew of THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ as they pull back the curtain and discuss the behind-the-scenes process of the production. From personal stories about the importance of this beloved fairytale to the relevance of the story today for a modern audience. We also share some tricks of the trade, such as how the actors found their voice in each character and how the novel was adapted into a full-cast audio play.

Cast & Crew: 

Narrator/L. Frank Baum – Mike Brainard 

Dorothy – Ellise Chase 

Toto – Josh Burkeholder 

Scarecrow – PJ Ochlan 

Tin Woodman – John Pierce Kraft 

Cowardly Lion – Franc Ross 

The Wizard of Oz – Jeff Hays 

Locasta Tattypoo – Megan Massie 

Wicked Witch of the West – Annie Ellicott 

Uncle Henry and Boq – Roy Sillings 

Aunt Em – Kate Braun 

Malvonia – Emily McGee 

Premonia and Nimmie Amee – Andrea Emmes 

Semponia – Sheryl Doades 

Petter Pop and Crow Three – Nicholas Krohn 

Tommie Top and Crow Two – Thomas Tiggleman 

Simon Slick, Old Crow, and Farmer – Eric Shelley 

Ku-Klip, Crow One, and Robbie Rock – Steve Scott 

Loop Group – Eric Bolstridge, Bonnie Bogovich, Eric Doades, and Michelle Wafford 

All other parts portrayed by the loop group and members of the cast. 

Soundbooth Theater Executive Producer – Jeff Hays 

Starrynight Productions Executive Producer – Russell McGee 

WIFU Executive Producer – John Bailey 

Director – Russell McGee 

Producer – Michael Brainard, Emily McGee, and Andrea Emmes 

Scriptwriter – Russell McGee 

Script Editor – Nicholas Krohn 

Dramaturg and Dialect Coach – John Kraft 

Sound Design – Chancellor Edmaiston 

Composer – Ryan Chase 

Munchkin Song Music Director – Eric Doades 

Music Assistant – Francis Criscione 

Produced by Soundbooth Theater and Starrynight Productions on behalf of WFIU Public Radio. 

This production was made possible in part by the generous support of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations.