Photo: Brax-VPC

Photo: Brax-VPC

Photo: Brax-VPC

Photo: Brax-VPC

Photo: Brax-VPC

Photo: Brax-VPC

Photo: Brax-VPC

It was a muggy evening and the few sprinkles may have kept the crowd down but for those who did attend, they found themselves amongst many of the characters from the classic movie “Wizard of Oz”. Those in attendance met up with not one but a couple of Wicked Witches, a few Dorothy’s, a Tin-Man and of course, luckily for all of us, Glenda the Good Witch.

As part of the Desert Botanical Gardens “Sizzling Saturday Nights” series of event, the movie was shown in the amphitheater. But it was not just a movie.

There were several characters dressed up in full costume at the door. Several volunteers from the Junior League were there to greet all guests. There was a very Judy Garlanesqe “Dorothy” played by Joan Sheepak. My personal tour guide for the night was Cathy Pepper who made for an adorable Scarecrow. And of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without a very convincing and very scary Wicked Witch who was played by “I’m going to get you my pretty... and your little dog too” Lee Ingram. And the elegant yet stylish Good Witch was none other than Shawn Albers.

There was even a “Yellow Brick Road” leading to the amphitheater area. The fantasy was played out in wondrous fashion. No detail was missing. Well, except for Toto... but perhaps the Wicked Witch got him.

There were many parents present who had brought their children and several of which were in great costumes. William Rice brought his family and during Intermission he had “little Will” who was all of 14 months, sitting on top of his shoulders. Rice indicated that he and his family were “having a great time with beautiful weather and a great crowd. It’s great that they put this thing on.”

At Intermission, there was a showing on stage of all the “younger” children who were in their costumes. From left to right, the children are: Melanie Saldana 7, (Dorothy); Crystal Soto-Meyer 9, (Wicked Witch); Anias 6, (Tin Man); Esmeralda Garcia 7, (Good Witch); Georgina Garcia 9, (Good Witch); Andrea Abussie (Wicked Witch); and Trent 7, Lion; not seen is Nelly Garcia 2, (Dorthy).

The big surprise was how much the Garden had grown and how beautiful it was at night.

From the gorgeous sunset to the fun and playfulness of a slumber party the atmosphere was electric. Along with the Keystone site, the Botanical Garden and its entertainment are certainly a shinning jewel in the valley.

Next presentation of “Sizzling Saturday Nights” will be Mariachi Madness on September 10, 7:30 PM in honor 16 de Septiembre and to close out the season with “a bang” said Sheepak.

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Editor, Upper Valley Beacon

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