‘Off to see the wizard’: Hilton Head Christian Academy to present dazzling production

Hilton Head Christian Academy’s (HHCA) Fine Arts team will bring one of the most famous stories of all time to life when it presents The Wizard of Oz at the Seahawk Cultural Center on Hilton Head Island.

Four shows will be offered from Thursday, March 17, through Saturday, March 19. Tickets to this phenomenal production are available in advance at hhca.org., and I suggest that you book your seats as quickly as possible. This show is already attracting yellowbrickloads of attention, and you’ll want to ensure that you, your family and friends are among the happily positioned on the best date of your choice.

Many will remember that The Wizard of Oz is based on the classic, well-known MGM movie musical along with the book by L. Frank Baum. The Wizard of Oz has been enchanting families for generations with its memorable songs. I do look forward to “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Only Had a Brain,” and especially, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Directed by HHCA’s Michelle McElroy Cox, the large-scale production features a cast and crew — those in front of and those behind the curtain — of close to 100 students, mentors, and volunteers. A 20-piece orchestra led by HHCA’s Director of Fine Arts James Berry brilliantly advances the delightful storyline, and choreography for the production is perfectly in place to propel the storyline by HHCA alum Jamal Edwards.

McElroy Cox pointed out that everybody is thrilled to be presenting the The Wizard of Oz live and on the big stage through this upcoming production. She commented that everyone has come together in the early preparation of this phenomenal event: There are over 120 costumes, countless hours in preparation, and through it all, phenomenal talent becomes apparent. While I was speaking with friends familiar with HHCA and their astonishing presentations, all are certain that this will be one among their excellent productions.

So, you must follow the yellow brick road and join Dorothy (Harper Krimm, senior), her little dog, Toto, (Isla Weaver, second grade, and Maltipoo Minnie Cox), the Scarecrow (Millie Gilbreath, sophomore), Tin Man (Charlie Peirce, sophomore), and Lion (Connor White, sophomore) as they take you with them on their journey over the rainbow to the merry old land of Oz … and join in search of the great and powerful Wizard (Christopher Nguyen, ninth grade, and Jack Mau, sophomore). Do watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West (Emma Knight, senior) along with her winged monkeys as you rediscover this fantastic musical treat for the whole family, friends and neighbors!

Tickets are available in advance at hhca.org.

Showtimes: March 17-19, 7 p.m. and March 19, 2 p.m.

The Performing Arts

The Lean Ensemble

“Doubt”

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winner by John Patrick Shanley and Directed by Nakeilsha Daniel Features Jennifer Brown, Jonathan Dyrud, Katherine LeRoy and Peggy Trecker White.

John Patrick Shanley delves into the murky shadows of moral certainty, always balancing the thin line between truth and consequences. Doubt is an exquisite, potent drama that will raise questions and answer none, leaving the rest of us to grapple with the discomfort of uncertainties.

March 24–27, One Weekend Only.

HHPS Main Street Theatre, 3000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. For ticket options visit www.leanensemble.org or 843 715 6676.

Charlotte Ballet

“Cutting-Edge Dance”

Named the highest-rated touring company in the U.S.

From ballet to bold, this breathtaking company astounds audiences with cutting-edge dance demonstrating virtuosity, energy and artistic excellence.

March 25, 2022, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, artshhi.com, 843-842-ARTS (2787)

U.S. Naval Academy

The concert program offers a variety of music — ranging from choral classics, music for the men’s and women’s ensembles, patriotic favorites, acapella ensembles to include a barbershop quartet, and a few concert surprises!

7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

For Information: email Jim Collett at dd730@aol.com or Richard Foster 201 704 3095

Blues & BBQ

All you can eat slow-cooked barbeque by S.C. chef Ambassador Chris Williams.

Live music by Marlena Smalls, and more.

Saturday, March 26, 3-7 p.m., historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 229 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

For tickets and more information, visit exploremitchelville.com or call 843-255-7301.

The Visual Arts

PLUFF MUDD GALLERY

You are invited to join Pluff Mudd Art Gallery in celebrating its 20th anniversary, Thursday, April 8, from 4-7 p.m. at the Gallery. Please note the date change. Pluff Mudd Gallery’s Anniversary Celebration will be offered in the Gallery, and the Gallery Associates invite their guests to join in that festivity, and then to join in the Spring Art Walk, scheduled for April 8 from 5-7 p.m.

Contact Nancy Patrick Carney, 612-961-7075, or Vickie Jourdan, 843-540-1833.

LA PETITE GALLERIE

La Petite Gallerie, an intimate Old Town Bluffton shop featuring local art, continues to introduce you to the gallery artists.

This month the gallery is featuring Murray Sease, one of the original five La Petite Gallerie members. A graphic designer for years, Murray has pivoted to following her passion — painting in oil on canvas the people, animals, and places representing who and what made her fall in love with the Lowcountry. Visit La Petite Gallerie to see Murray’s work as well as that of the other gallery artists at 56 Calhoun Street in Bluffton. For more information, please visit lapetitegallerie.com.

RED PIANO GALLERY

There is an expanded list of artists, new and familiar, who are exhibiting at The Red Piano Gallery. Look forward to a close-up look at the impressive work of several who have been recently featured.

Particularly Noteworthy is the new work of Sonja Griffin Evans. Gullah artist, Sonja Griffin Evans, was born and raised in Beaufort — a true product of the South called the Lowcountry.

The Red Piano Art Gallery, 40 Calhoun St., Suite 201, Old Town Bluffton, S.C., 843-247-2049.

ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD

The paintings of Hilton Head Island award-winning Painter, Addison Palmer, will fill the gallery walls of the Art League Gallery this spring. Addison’s paintings are installed to honor and recognize 50 years of displaying the work of local artists at Art League Gallery. Addison Palmer’s work is now on view in the gallery, and will remain in place through the months of March and April.

A reception will be offered to gallery visitors on March 16 from 5-7 p.m.

For information, call 843-681-5060, at the Art League of Hilton Head Gallery.

Also, “Got Art?” is being featured at The Art League of Hilton Head, 6–7:30 p.m., with preview hours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 22–24, prior to a Zoom drawing March 24 at 6 p.m. Each $100 ticket is guaranteed to win a work of original art by an Art League member. Visit artleaguehhi.org