By Jody Tuso-Key: Managing Editor

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Baayork Lee. Most recently, I was pleasantly surprised to see her in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade front and center with a group of young performers slaying the number ‘One’ from A CHORUS LINE.  I had a conversation with her when she directed CATS for City Springs Theatre Company. She’s such a vivacious person filled with a love for theater, performing, directing, and choreographing. Her energy is infectious, she lights up any room she occupies, and she makes everyone around her better for having known her. That’s why we are so fortunate whenever she is in Atlanta working on a project or making an appearance, and this time, it’s to direct City Springs Theatre Company’s production of THE WIZARD OF OZ. I had the pleasure of speaking with her once again and learning all about her process on this production.

Speakeysie: How did you get involved in directing and choreographing THE WIZARD OF OZ?

Baayork: Well, we had the 50th anniversary for A CHORUS LINE down here in Atlanta in February. Priscilla Lopez (the OG Diana Morales) and Kelly Bishop (the OG Sheila–AKA Emily Gilmore from THE GILMORE GIRLS) were with me. They all came down to Atlanta and they signed books. It was just wonderful! Then Natalie (executive director of the non-profit theatre company) asked me if I would direct and choreograph THE WIZARD OF OZ and I said,  “Oh my God yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!’ because the Wicked Sequel had just come out and I thought, ‘You know this is a perfect time for all of this.’  

Speakeysie: What was the casting process?

Baayork: You know, we all know the music and we know the story. The casting was a great process looking for Dorothy. We had a lot of candidates from all over sending in their tapes and in person and I said to Natalie, “I don’t see any innocence. I don’t see any naïve.” These girls were coming in at 40 years old trying to be Dorothy, which just doesn’t work out. Then there was one special girl, Elizabeth Hall. I had done A CHORUS LINE with her with the Pre-Pro Conservatory division of The City Springs Theatre Company, and there was one young lady who had an incredible voice. I believe she won an award at the Junior Theater Festival. I asked Natalie, “What is she doing?” Natalie said she’s gone to Cincinnati Conservatory for  college now and I don’t think she’s available. I said, “You know, we’re gonna ask– just ask,” so we did and her school let her out and she’s wonderful!  

What a great cast! They have all become such good friends; Dorothy, the  Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man. They’re just all wonderful! I also have 35 Munchkins!  We had about 50 come to auditions and I said to Natalie, “I want all 50. I don’t want to say no to anybody because they’re all so good. She said I could have 35, so that’s a good group. They are the best and are all so professional, quiet, and attentive when learning their choreography. 

Speakeysie: Let’s get back to some of the new elements you’re adding to this show.

Baayork: I wanted to put my special stamp on this, so I have incorporated a tornado ballet, and wait until you see these munchkins dance. I think this is a great opportunity to show the City Springs Theatre Company dance corps and ensemble. I’m really excited about this production. 

Speakeysie: We can’t wait to see what you’ve done with this iconic show. It’s going to be special because it has the ‘Baayork Factor’, which is your brand of magic, originality, and creativity.

Baayork: We can’t wait for you and everyone else to see it!  I keep saying that I am Dorothy because I went around the world very young and came back home and formed my own company, so, you know, there’s no place like home!

We promise this is a show you don’t want to miss. It’s holiday fun for all ages. The show runs from Friday, December 12th to the 28th. Tickets are selling fast, so get yours at https://www.cityspringstheatre.com/oz/ today!

Also, be on the lookout for another article featuring the rest of this conversation, where we discuss the 50th year of A Chorus Line, Baayork’s theatre company, and what she’s going to be doing next.

As always, thanks for your readership and Peace be with you!