We usually think of L. Frank Baum solely in terms of his bestselling (and often-adapted) children’s fantasy The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But Baum would actually go on to write 13 more books set in the magical Land of Oz — including The Tin Woodsman of Oz. You can revisit this beloved character’s haunting backstory as Street Theatre opens its 21st season with the acclaimed 2012 stage work The Woodsman. Written by James Ortiz (with music by Edward W. Hardy, and lyrics by Jay Adana), The Woodsman follows the dark tale of Nick Chopper — a solitary mortal who falls in love with a Munchkin named Nimmee, and is cursed by the Wicked Witch of the East. Told almost entirely through movement, music and bunraku puppetry, this fascinating work takes on timeless themes of love, loss and transformation. Directed by Jonah M. Jackson (with musical direction by Randy Craft), the show’s cast features a great mix of new and familiar talent, including Payton Justice as Nick Chopper and Meg Harkins as Nimmee, along with Micheal Walley, Kyla Ledes, Nikki Berra, Matthew Hayes Hunter, David Lin, Eve Petty, Jasmine Taylor and Jude Williams. Jackson also created a number of custom puppets for the production, along with local legend and master puppeteer Brian Hull. Audiences can also look forward to scenic design by Garner Harsh and costumes by Melissa Durmon, plus choreography by Joi Ware.
Through Aug. 29 at The Barbershop Theater
4003 Indiana Ave.
