Photo Flash: First Look at THE WIZARD OF OZ at Children's Theatre Company

Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is proud to present the extraordinary classic musical, THE WIZARD OF OZ, now through January 10, 2016 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. Extended by one week due to popular demand, audiences can expect all the splendor, magic, and excitement of the classic story beautifully captured in this production starring CTC Acting Company member Traci Allen Shannon as Dorothy. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The cast also includes Acting Company members Gerald Drake (Professor Marvel/The Wizard), Dean Holt (Hunk/Scarecrow), and Reed Sigmund (Zeke/Cowardly Lion) reprising their roles from previous productions. Bradley Greenwald is also back as Hickory/Tin Man, as well as Janet Hanson as Auntie Em/Glinda. New to the production are Dan Hopman as Uncle Henry and Mary Fox as Miss Almira Gultch/Wicked Witch.

When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog Toto seek shelter in the family home, only to be carried away by the winds. When the house settles, Dorothy finds herself in a mysterious world called Oz. She is told to follow the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City to meet the Wizard for help. On the way, she meets a Scarecrow longing for a brain, a Tin Man looking for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. Together they set forth to meet the wizard, encountering the Wicked Witch and her cronies along the way, including flying monkeys. Audiences can sing along to some of the most memorable songs of all time while they take in the spellbinding theatrical staging of this beloved story, including a live dog as Toto, wicked witches that vanish in plumes of smoke, and characters who fly high above the stage.

Featuring choreography by celebrated Twin Cities choreographer and director, Joe Chvala, founder of the Flying Foot Forum percussive dance company. Chvala's choreography credits include CTC's Peter Pan the Musical and The Music Man (Guthrie Theater). His directing credits include A Christmas Carol (Guthrie Theater) and Cyrano (Park Square Theatre). Music Director Andrew Cooke, whose credits include The Music Man, My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday, and more (Guthrie Theater), Fiddler on the Roof, Bye Bye Birdie, Hairspray, and more (Chanhassen Dinner Theatres), brings his singular talent to this larger-than-life show. The creative team also includes scenic design by Scott Bradley, costume design by Helen Q. Huang, lighting design by Paul Hackenmueller, and sound design by Sean Healey.

THE WIZARD OF OZ runs now through January 10, 2016 on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. Recommended for all ages. For more information, visit childrenstheatre.org or call the Ticket Office at 612.874.0400.

Photo Credit: Dan Norman