Family Favorite Wizard of Oz Returns to CenterStage

This January, CenterStage will dance down the yellow-brick road and into your hearts.

Journey over the rainbow with your favorite childhood friends – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion – as they follow the yellow brick road back to CenterStage, entertaining not only children, but all of us who are young at heart.

The show will run January 8-25 at the Jewish Community Center.

Share a long-time family tradition, not to mention a national treasure, as CenterStage and Physician’s Center for Beauty introduces a whole new generation of children to the magic of “The Wizard of Oz.” Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum along with music and lyrics from the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, CenterStage’s exciting new production will feature a cast of 72, including 46 children who will sing and dance their way into your hearts.

If you are a fan of the classic MGM film, you will love the stage production. True to the film, the musical features the same heartwarming story, colorful characters, clever dialogue, lush score and even a transformation of the stage from a sepia-toned Kansas to a Technicolor Oz.

Reprising their roles from CenterStage’s original 2002 production is Kate Welsh as Dorothy Gale and the local favorite, Colette Delaney as Glenda and Aunt Em. Joining Frank Goodloe III as the Tin Man are Brian Bowles as the Scarecrow, and Scott Goodman as the Cowardly Lion. Rounding out the cast and donning the green make-up will be Kristy Calman as the Wicked Witch. And don’t forget Toto, too!

CenterStage has produced sold-out runs of “The Wizard of Oz” twice with the most recent being 10 years ago. “In my long history of directing shows, I have never experienced a show like ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ We all have our favorite memories of sitting wide-eyed in front of the television once a year, sharing it with our family,” ” said John R. Leffert, CenterStage artistic director. “It is thrilling for me to see the awe and joy on the faces of parents and children alike as they leave the theater after having shared the familiar experience. Those who wish to attend a performance had better get their tickets early because, if history repeats itself, every performance will sell out!”

Prior to each Sunday matinee, CenterStage invites you to a special Tea with Dorothy and Friends, in which the children will tour backstage, create a fun take-home craft and enjoy a child friendly lunch alongside Dorothy and her friends. Following the tea, you will receive priority seating for a matinee performance. Tea-only tickets are also available. Make your reservations today as space is limited.

Tickets for children (10 and younger) are $16, tickets for adults are $20.

Group rates (20 or more) available by request, contact Anne Ensign at 238-2773. Tea Party tickets are $16 or can be purchased with a matinee ticket for $26.

Tickets can be purchased at the JCC, by phone by calling 502-238-2709 or online at www.CenterStageJCC.org.

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