The story follows Frances Gumm, from her years as a child vaudeville performer to her winning the iconic role of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz". In 1935, at the height of the Great Depression, an intrepid 13-year-old landed a job that could support her entire family. Overweight and insecure, she was routinely demeaned by her boss, who called her “my little hunchback.” Her only solace was her irrepressible spirit and the tender love of her father, who died unexpectedly just two months later. Chasing Rainbows explores the extraordinary journey to stardom that culminated in one of the most popular films of all time, The Wizard of Oz. Developed at Goodspeed Musicals Johnny Mercer Colony, the score features such beloved Hollywood hits as “Over the Rainbow,” “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” and “Broadway Rhythm,” but also captures the heart-gripping emotional drama by reconceiving the music in a revelatory, contemporary sound. This story of an underdog with the soul of a poet and the personality of a pep squad speaks to young and old alike. Anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in will leave the theater uplifted by this inspiring tale of eternal love and fortitude. Book by Marc Acito
Conceived and Additional Lyrics by Tina Marie Casamento
Additional Music by David Libby
Music Adapted and Arranged by David Libby
Historian and Creative Consultant, John Fricke
