You're Off To See The Wizard for CSC's Holiday Spectacular

Centenary Stage Company is off to see the wizard in its annual "Holiday Spectacular" featuring The Wizard of Oz. This beloved tale follows the journey of a Kansas farm girl who travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home. A family-friendly show fit for the whole family has entertained audiences for generations. The production features music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, with background music by Herbert Stothart. Performances run November 28 – December 14.

The production features all of the songs from the original film and more, including “Over the Rainbow”, “If I Only Had A Brain”, and “We’re Off To See The Wizard” all performed by a cast made up of industry professionals, Centenary University Students, and local actors from the community.

The cast includes Katie O’Shea and Elaina Ragusa sharing the role of Dorothy, Lea Antolini-Lid as Ms. Gultch/Wicked Witch, Ally Borgstrom and Erin Clark sharing Glinda, Mark Edelstein as the Scarecrow, Michael Willis as the Tin Man, James Russo as the Lion, Stephen Davis as the Wizard of Oz, Dierdre Bryant as Aunt Em, Alan Bronstein as Uncle Henry, Brooke Ginsberg, Kennedy Crane and Maya Salerno as the Lullaby League, Noel Peppin, Jonathan Sumski and Danny Paternina as the Lollipop Guild, Raelyn Menon, Erin Clark, Katie O’Shea, and Elaina Ragusa as the flying monkeys, Taylor Albrecht as the General of the Winkies.

The Ensemble, under the direction and choreography of Michael Restaino, consists of Miah Moore, Madisyn P. Rojas, Danny Paternina, Samantha Linnell, Amanda Whitmore, Daniel Richarme, James Kaminski, Grace Kafka, Kayleigh Pitts, Hunter Grayce Williams, Sand Morales, Caprice Copeland, Evan Flick, Maximus Klevence, Taylor Albrecht, Viviana Mendez, Sasha Fink, Aurelia Shanga, Raelyn Menon (Dance Captain), Erin Clark (Dance Captain), Fern Rosario, Malakii Layton Arianna Buendia and Tigran Ehtesha-Cating.

Michael Restaino is a multi-hyphenated creative with a diverse background in working on theatrical experiences world-wide. Currently serving as the Manager of Creative Production Integrity at RWS Global, Michael oversees all productions at sea and internationally.

In addition to his role at RWS, Michael is the founder of Michael Anthony Theatrical, one of the leading cabaret companies in New York City. Michael’s leadership extends to The Actors Studio of New Jersey, an emerging professional theater company focused on becoming a hub for artistic expression and innovation.

As an advocate for the arts, Michael actively works to mentor emerging talent by being dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming theatrical environment, prioritizing inclusivity, diversity and respect within the industry. Most recently Michael directed CSC’s summer productions of Rock of Ages and Grease.

CSC is also adding extra magic to this year’s Holiday Spectacular with a character photo fundraiser offered after the 2pm performance on December 6. Families are invited to meet and take photos with beloved characters from the production. Photo opportunities are $10 per individual child or $25 for groups of 3–6, creating a festive and affordable way to capture the holiday spirit and make unforgettable memories.

Tickets range from $27.50 - $32.50 for adults with discounts available for seniors, students, and children under 12 for select performances and Thursday evening performances. The production will feature 16 performances throughout the run which includes a special matinee on Tuesday, December 9 at 10am for school groups as a field trip opportunity. The preview matinee performance of The Wizard of Oz on November 28 will also feature a special offer for Hackettstown Residents with proof of address.

For more information, visit centenarystageco.org or call the Centenary Stage Company box office at 908- 979-0900. The Centenary Stage Company box office is open Monday through Friday from 1-5pm and two hours prior to performances.

The box office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown, NJ. Centenary Stage Company can also be found across social media platforms; Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter. Like and follow to receive the latest in CSC news and special offers.

The 2025-26 Season of Performing Arts events at the Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the NJ State Council on the Arts, the Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance, the CSC corporate sponsors, including Heath Village, Visions Federal Credit Union, Explore Warren, and Fulton Bank, and Centenary Stage Company members and supporters.