Old Bethpage, NY - December 4, 2015 - Having opened on Friday, November 13th and running through Sunday, November 15th, the greatest family musical of all time made its way down the Yellow Brick Road to the Bayway Arts Center. Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) FREE Players, in association with the Broad Hollow Theater Company proudly presented their adaptation of the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz.
The FREE Players treated the audience to a family-friendly musical where they joined Dorothy Gale of Kansas as she dreamt of what lies over the rainbow. Along the way they met the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion as they were taken on a magical journey through the Land of Oz, complete with a wizard, witches and winged monkeys. At the end of their trip they discovered the importance of friendship, and realized there really is no place like home.
Dorothy and Glenda the Good Witch Share a Moment on Stage
The FREE Players is a one-of-a-kind theatre troupe within FREE embracing the talents of performers of all abilities. The FREE Players dedicate their energies to the arts through instruction in dance, drama, music, technical theater, and fine arts. Through the arts, individuals have made great strides in improving their interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to multitask, focus, and take direction, all of which helps them move towards their goal of being independent contributing members of society.
The Wizard Making Dreams Come True
The annual musical fundraiser supports opportunities for the men and women who receive services from FREE. Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will go to enhancing current opportunities and developing innovative community programing alternatives.
FREE entered into a new partnership with the Bayway Arts Center where the theater will receive valuable help with their day-to-day operations by the men and women supported by FREE providing these individuals with the opportunity to explore and develop their full vocational potential.
About Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE)
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE) founded in 1977 and headquartered in Old Bethpage, benefits and proudly supports more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injury. It is the mission of FREE to help individuals of all abilities realize their full potential. FREE provides a diverse array of supports and services including: housing, recovery services, transition to work, employment, day, community and family services, respite, crisis services, education and after-school support, primary and specialty health care and advocacy. For more information, please call 516-870-7000 or visit www.familyres.org.