LAKEPORT — Ever wondered how a production is put together? It takes many hands and hours and hours of hard work, all of it from volunteers.
Case in point is Mike Ernst, who gets up early every morning and gets home around 6 p.m. after painting sets all day at the old empty Kelseyville Lumber building for the upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Ernst said he is tired, but satisfied with a good day”s work.
Ernst is semi-retired although he often helps his son, young Mike, work on architectural drafting on their computer. The family came to Lake County around 1971 and Ernst has been involved in theater ever since, working with Mendocino College, various high schools and little theater productions.
Ernst said that when he was a boy, his father taught him and his brother the importance of giving back to the community. The three of them dressed up as white-faced clowns and went around entertaining at schools, convalescent hospitals and wherever else there was a need. Ernst said that was when he discovered his love of anything theatrical. Ernst has acted, designed and painted sets ever since. Ernst said the most challenging thing he has constructed was a gold mummy case for “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” The sets for “The Wizard of Oz” were designed by Suna Flores and constructed by Armand Flores and Rod Franklin. There are 18 interchangeable sets, from Aunt Em”s farmhouse to the Emerald City and everything in between. The owners of Kelseyville Lumber have allowed Mendocino Lake Community College and Lake County Theater Company the use of the old lumber company building for the construction and painting of these sets and it is much appreciated by all.
Carol Dobush, director, said she would like to emphasize how the skills and talent, as well as the many hours the volunteers put in working on the play, are what makes for a quality production. “The Wizard of Oz” will be performed at 7 p.m. May 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 with 2 p.m. matinees on May 15 and 22 at the Lake County Fairgrounds” Little Theater. Tickets will be on sale in mid-April. For more information, contact Suna Flores, producer, at 279-2595.
Marg Brooks is a member of Lake County Theatre Company.
