Kay Butler Performing Arts Project, 950 SW Railroad Avenue, Ponchatoula, LA (2026)

06/22/2026

🫧🧙‍♀️ MEET THE CAST OF THE WIZARD OF OZ 🧙‍♀️🫧

✨ “You’ve always had the power, my dear…” ✨

💚 …or perhaps…

💚 “I’ll get you, my pretty!” 💚

Every trip to Oz needs a little light… and a little darkness. Today we’re excited to introduce the two unforgettable witches who will guide and challenge Dorothy on her journey.

🫧 JULIA VAN MULLEM takes on the role of GLINDA THE GOOD.

Making her Swamplight debut, Julia is an 18-year-old Ponchatoula resident and recent Oak Forest Academy graduate. This fall she’ll begin an exciting new chapter at Tulane University, where she’ll double major in Theatre and Psychology. Audiences may recognize her from performances as The Sour Kangaroo in Seussical Jr. with The New Octavians and Ginger Spice in Kiss of Death: A Murder Mystery at the Columbia Theatre. We are delighted to welcome Julia to the Swamplight family!

🧹 ELLEN HEIMAN returns to Swamplight as ALMIRA GULCH / THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST.

Ellen has been part of the Swamplight family for the past two years, appearing as a Candy Kid in W***y Wonka and Rheba in You Can’t Take It With You. When she’s not commanding the stage, she’s a proud library assistant. Ellen dedicates this performance to her friends and family for their endless love and encouragement, and we can’t wait for audiences to see her bring one of theatre’s most iconic villains to life.

Whether you’re cheering for Glinda or watching out for flying monkeys, these two are sure to cast a spell over audiences this summer. ✨🌈

🎭 THE WIZARD OF OZ
📅 July 17-19 & July 24-26

🎟️ Purchase tickets today:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/SwamplightTheatrePresentsTheWizardOfOz

Come experience the magic, the wonder, and maybe a little wickedness… only at Swamplight Theatre. 👠💚

06/20/2026

🏡✨ MEET THE CAST OF THE WIZARD OF OZ ✨🏡

🌪️ “There’s no place like home.” 🌾

Every great adventure has a place worth coming home to, and for Dorothy, that place begins with Auntie Em and Uncle Henry.

Today we’re excited to introduce JENNIFER WHEELER as AUNTIE EM and KEITH DAVIS as UNCLE HENRY!

💙 JENNIFER WHEELER is a graduate of Ponchatoula High School and Southeastern Louisiana University and currently shares her creativity with the next generation as a Talented Art teacher for Tangipahoa Parish Schools. This marks her second performance with Swamplight Theatre, and we’re thrilled to welcome her back to the stage.

🎻 KEITH DAVIS is a retired violin maker, bagpiper-for-hire, published author, and now, as Keith jokingly says, “old enough to play an elderly man on stage without extensive makeup!” 😂

This is Keith’s third production with Swamplight, following memorable performances in Smoke On The Mountain and Arsenic and Old Lace. Originally from “the far North,” Keith, his wife Diane, and daughter Christine made Ponchatoula home in 2004. Since then, he’s also authored the entire Iron Lake Fishing Club book series.

Together, Jennifer and Keith bring warmth, wisdom, and the loving foundation that reminds Dorothy, and all of us, what truly matters.

Please help us congratulate JENNIFER WHEELER and KEITH DAVIS as they bring Auntie Em and Uncle Henry to life! 🌾💚

🎭 THE WIZARD OF OZ
📅 July 17-19 & July 24-26

🎟️ Purchase tickets today:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/SwamplightTheatrePresentsTheWizardOfOz

Join us this July as we journey from a Kansas farmhouse to the Emerald City… and discover that there’s truly no place like home. 🌈👠

06/19/2026

🪓✨ MEET THE CAST OF THE WIZARD OF OZ ✨🪓

❤️ “Now I know I have a heart… because it’s breaking.” ❤️

Today we’re excited to introduce BODE McDANIEL as HICKORY / THE TIN MAN!

At just 19 years old, Bode has already become a familiar face on the Swamplight stage. A Music Major at Southeastern Louisiana University, he’s wowed audiences time and again with performances that showcase his incredible range and charisma.

You may recognize him as the hilariously grumpy Squidward in SpongeBob: The Musical, the heartfelt Rabbi in 13: The Musical, the unforgettable Candy Man in W***y Wonka, or even channeling the King himself as Elvis in our Adult Cabaret.

Now, Bode is trading all of those memorable characters for a shiny suit of tin as he brings one of musical theatre’s most beloved roles to life. Filled with humor, heart, and plenty of unforgettable moments, we know his Tin Man will have audiences laughing, cheering, and maybe even shedding a happy tear.

Please join us in congratulating BODE McDANIEL on taking on this iconic role! 🌈💚

🎭 THE WIZARD OF OZ
📅 July 17-19 & July 24-26

🎟️ Purchase tickets today:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/SwamplightTheatrePresentsTheWizardOfOz

Follow the yellow brick road and discover why there’s no place like Swamplight Theatre. ✨👠

06/18/2026

Even a little rain couldn’t stop us from having some Fun in the Sun! 🌧️☀️ Our dedicated campers showed up, showed out, and brought amazing energy today! Trust us when we say “It’s a party you DON’T wanna miss!”
Tickets are officially LIVE for our summer camp shows at the link in our bio! See below for details⬇️

⛵️SAILOR CAST:
Friday, June 26th @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, June 27th @ 2:00 PM

🏄‍♂️ SURFER CAST:
Saturday, June 27th @ 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 28th @ 2:00 PM

06/18/2026

🌾✨ MEET THE CAST OF THE WIZARD OF OZ ✨🌾

🧠 “Some people without brains do an awful lot of talking.” 🌾

Today we’re excited to introduce KENDEL SMITH as HUNK / THE SCARECROW!

A native of New Orleans and alumnus of Southeastern Louisiana University, Kendel’s journey has taken him from Louisiana to New York City and back again. After graduating from SLU, he spent several years in New York working in both the performing arts and healthcare while becoming a passionate advocate for human rights and for individuals living with HIV and AIDS.

When Kendel returned home to Louisiana in 2015, he didn’t just come back… he planted a seed.

Together with fellow SLU alumni, he co-founded The Kay Butler Performing Arts Project and Swamplight Theatre, creating a place where artists of all ages could discover their talents, build confidence, and find a creative home.

Now, the very stage he helped build brings him full circle as he takes on the beloved role of the Scarecrow. We can’t think of a more fitting journey.

Please join us in congratulating Kendel on bringing one of Oz’s most beloved characters to life! 🌈💚

🎭 THE WIZARD OF OZ
📅 July 17-19 & July 24-26

🎟️ Purchase tickets today:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/SwamplightTheatrePresentsTheWizardOfOz

Follow the yellow brick road and come experience the magic this July! 👠✨

06/18/2026

⛈️SUMMER CAMP WEATHER UPDATE⛈️

Feel free to reach out to us directly with any questions or concerns.

Stay safe and stay dry!

06/17/2026

More behind the scenes with Wendy and Kendel

06/17/2026

🌈✨ MEET THE CAST OF THE WIZARD OF OZ ✨🌈

👠 “There’s no place like home.” 👠

Today we’re thrilled to introduce REESE BENEDIC as DOROTHY GALE!

At just 14 years old, Reese has already built an impressive résumé, appearing in nearly 20 musical productions. Audiences may recognize her from memorable performances as Isabel in Scrooge, Miss Honey in Matilda, Miss Argentina in Beetlejuice, and Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Her remarkable talent has earned recognition beyond the stage as well. In 2024, Reese was crowned Broadway Singing Champion, and most recently earned 1st Place in both the Musical Theatre and Commercial Music divisions at the NATS Southern Regional Competition.

This August, Reese will begin a new adventure at Pope John Paul II High School, but first she’s taking audiences on one of the most beloved journeys in theatre history as Dorothy Gale.

From Kansas to the Emerald City, we know Reese will capture your heart every step of the way. 💙🌈

Please join us in congratulating Reese on this well-deserved role!

🎭 THE WIZARD OF OZ
📅 July 17-19 & July 24-26

🎟️ Purchase tickets today:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/SwamplightTheatrePresentsTheWizardOfOz

We can’t wait for you to follow the yellow brick road with us this July. ✨👠

06/13/2026

🌈✨ MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM BEHIND THE MAGIC OF OZ ✨🌈

Before Dorothy follows the yellow brick road and before the curtain rises on Oz, there is an extraordinary team working behind the scenes to bring this beloved story to life. 💚

We’re proud to introduce the talented artists, educators, and theatre makers leading our production of The Wizard of Oz.

🎭 Director WENDY SAVARINO has spent the past eight years music directing productions across our local theatre community, including Hairspray, Grease, SpongeBob: The Musical, Pump Boys and Dinettes, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. A music educator at Tucker Elementary and graduate of both Southeastern Louisiana University and The Ohio State University, Wendy is especially excited to work alongside several former students in this production. She extends heartfelt thanks to her husband Tony, daughter Bette, parents, directing team, and the Board of The Kay Butler Performing Arts Project for their unwavering support.

🎵 Music Director SUMMER GREST, a Ponchatoula High School and Southeastern Louisiana University alumna, is a former student of Scharmal Schrock and is honored to give back to the community that helped shape her musical journey. Summer is grateful to be a part of bringing this beautiful production to life.

💃 Choreographer KAT SCHEPKER is thrilled to return for another Swamplight summer musical. A proud Hammond native, Kat has been dancing since the age of two and has spent years teaching ballet, choreographing productions, and performing throughout the region. A member of BC Fields Dance Company for nine years and a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Art History, Kat most recently appeared as Ensemble and Dance Captain in Sweeney Todd with Sullivan Theater. She is especially grateful to be working on a show that is so close to her heart.

🎭 Stage Manager HALEIGH PIGOTT holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and has experience in the film industry as a special effects makeup artist. Since first stepping on stage in seventh grade, her love for theatre has only grown. Haleigh has worked with Columbia Theatre, Swamplight Theatre, Black Box Theatre, and numerous organizations across the country. She currently serves as Theatre Teacher at Denham Springs High School, where she enjoys inspiring the next generation of performers and theatre artists.

✨ Artistic Director KENDEL SMITH, a New Orleans native and SLU alumnus, helped found The Kay Butler Performing Arts Project and Swamplight Theatre after returning to Louisiana from New York City in 2015. His background in performing arts, healthcare, and human rights advocacy has helped shape a vision for an inclusive and vibrant arts community. Through his leadership, Swamplight continues to provide opportunities for artists of all ages to learn, grow, and shine.

Together, this remarkable team is guiding an incredible cast on a journey somewhere over the rainbow, and we can’t wait for you to see the magic they’ve created.

🌈 THE WIZARD OF OZ
📅 July 17-19 & July 24-26

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/SwamplightTheatrePresentsTheWizardOfOz

Thank you for sharing your talents, your time, and your hearts with our cast, our audiences, and our Swamplight family. 💚✨

06/12/2026

🏝️Yo ho, let’s go!🪼

We had an amazing week with our band of Little Sailors! ⚓️ The Swamplight Pirates brought their energy and smiles to the stage today, and were joined by surprise visitors, Captain Hook and Tinkerbell! 🏴‍☠️🧚‍♀️
Thank you to everyone who joined our voyage on the stage today, we hope you set your sails to see us again next year! 🌊☀️🐠

Kay Butler Performing Arts Project

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