Would-be munchkin lands in Oz as Dorothy

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Dorothy (Kim Anderson) and Toto the dog (Cherish) are threatened by flying monkeys (T.J. Tario, Katherine Clifton, Matthew Pablo, Ka'iana Kau, Dylan Yamamoto and Nikki Yamamoto) in the Diamond Head Theatre production of "The Wizard of Oz." Brad Goda 'The Wizard of Oz' A musical by L. Frank Baum, with songs by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, from the MGM film; produced by Diamond Head Theatre Premieres at 8 p.m. today; repeats 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, through Aug. 3; 3 p.m. matinees July 26 and Aug. 2 Diamond Head Theatre $10-$40; discounts for students, seniors, military 733-0274 Cast: Kim Anderson as Dorothy, Julia Ogilvie as the Scarecrow, Jimi Wheeler as the Tinman, Agaton Pasion as the Cowardly Lion, Tracy Yamamoto as Glinda/Aunt Em, F.L. Cabacungan as Guard/Uncle Henry, Kathy Sulieman as the Wicked Witch/Gultch; Dion Donahue as the Wizard/Professor Marvel Guest director: Jennifer Waldman Musical director: Roslyn

"It's an accident, in a way," said Kim, who used to be Kimi, but has opted for a simpler-to-pronounce stage name, here on out. "I didn't even know the song well and the theater said I was too small (to be a munchkin). But I'm happy I got the part; I feel I can relate to the character; I'm kinda like her. She likes to imagine. I like to imagine, too, about places far away."

To top it off, "Oz" is her father's favorite movie, and the family views it together — on video — on his Aug. 13 birthday.

"It's a family tradition," said Kim. "I practically grew up with the movie."

She happens to love dogs, too (she has two golden retrievers), so getting along with Cherish, the pooch playing Toto in the show, has been a breeze.

"It's totally fun," she said, because the adult cast also has embraced her.

Her favorite moment of the show is a heart-tugger. "It's the scene when I'm leaving Oz, saying goodbye to the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. It's so emotional for me."

But practicing with those ruby red shoes has been the best. "Really wonderful. Really," she said.

Kim, who is dyslexic, said she's been home-schooled by her mother since the fourth grade. "When I was in third grade, they suspected that I was dyslexic," she said. "I couldn't read or comprehend; and I couldn't do math. I couldn't spell, so I was falling behind. There's really no cure; but I'm much better now. Making good progress."

Memorizing lines, with the help of her mom, has contributed to her adjusting to the dyslexia. "I find that it's really great when you have a goal."

When "Oz" aired recently on TV, Kim watched it again. "I feel I got some tips from Judy Garland," she said.

Kim has a sister, Jessica, 17, who also auditioned for "Oz" and had originally been tapped to be in the ensemble, which would have been fun. But she had to drop out.

"It's fun, having an older sister," Kim said. "We're very close, always have been. And she supports me and is happy for me in what I do (on stage)."

Her earlier shows here include "Annie," "Here's Love" and "South Pacific."

Does she get the butterflies in front of an audience?

"I was worried that I would be nervous, but when I get in front of an audience, it stops," said Kim. "I've learned that it takes more than one person to do a show — you depend on each member of the cast."