Alliance Presents Folk-Americana THE WIZARD OF OZ

The Alliance Theatre is pleased to announce its upcoming production of THE WIZARD OF OZ based on the beloved classic by L. Frank Baum. This family-friendly, one-act production will come to life in the Rich Theatre at the Woodruff Arts Center March 9 - April 14, 2019.

This musical production features iconic songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" from the original movie score but arranged in the styles of Bluegrass and Americana. While remaining true to the well-known story and familiar characters, the Alliance's version of THE WIZARD OF OZ uniquely draws inspiration from American Folk Art to create a magical production that will surprise and delight all ages. This timeless story reminds us that no matter what you're searching for, you don't have to look further than your own backyard.

THE WIZARD OF OZ is directed by Rosemary Newcott, the Sally G. Tomlinson Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth and Families. This will be her final production as a full-time staff member of the Alliance Theatre. After twenty years, Newcott will step down in May as full-time Artistic Director of Theatre for Youth and Families to pursue new directing opportunities across the country, including returning to the Alliance to direct productions like A Christmas Carol.

"THE WIZARD OF OZ is a uniquely American fairytale," said Newcott. "American Folk Art and Americana seem to so naturally fit with this story. This production is deeply indebted to all the artists out there who give us license to create from the heart in ways that move the spirit... and perhaps help all of us to identify and appreciate the places we call 'home.'"

The creative team includes Kat Conley, Scenic Designer; Sydney Roberts, Costume Designer; Jen MacQueen, Choreographer & Movement Consultant; Clay Benning, Sound Designer; Ben Rawson, Lighting Designer; Jason Hines, Puppet Designer; S. Renee Clark, Vocal Coach; and Phillip DePoy, Music Director. DePoy's recent credits include the acclaimed musical productions Nick's Flamingo Grill and Edward Foote.

"When Rosemary first described her vision, I was particularly excited about reimagining the music from a folk perspective," said DePoy. "We won't be changing any of the melodies or any of the words, just approaching them with an Americana ear." This includes the use of mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and banjo.

The cast for THE WIZARD OF OZ features Niki Badua as Dorothy, Jeremy Aggers as The Scarecrow/Hunk, Terry Burrell as The Wicked Witch/Almira Gultch, Molly Coyne as Glinda/Aunt Em, Scott E. DePoy as Uncle Henry/Winkie/Apple Tree, Thomas Neal Antwon Ghant as Cowardly Lion/Zeke, Jeremiah Parker Hobbs as Tin Woodsman/Hickory, Rob Lawhon as The Wizard/Professor Marvel, and Lyndsay Ricketson as Nikko/The Crow.

Performances of THE WIZARD OF OZ are Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm, from March 9 - April 14, 2019, (except for March 9, when the performance times are 3:30 pm & 7:00 pm; and March 10 when performance times are 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm for the Family Fun Festival). Opening Night is March 9, 7:00 pm.

On March 10, from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., join the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art for an afternoon of free family programming at the Woodruff Arts Center including performances of The Wizard of Oz and Music for the Very Young (while supplies last). Experience drama and storytelling workshops, musical performances, art-making and more, for free! Learn more and register at www.alliancetheatre.org/family.

Performances are also available for school groups and home-school groups Tuesday through Friday, March 6 - April 12, 2019, at 9:45 am & 11:45 am. Most appropriate for grades K-12 and is applicable to Curriculum Standards: ELAGSE1RL3, ELAGSE1RL7, ELAGSE1RL9, ELAGSE3RL3, ELAGSE3RL5, ELAGSE5RL2, ELAGSE5RL7, ELAGSE7RL2, ELAGSE7RL3, ELAGSE7RL5, ELAGSE7RL7, ELAGSE7SL2. Tickets for school groups are deeply discounted. To book your school group, call 404.733.4661 or email allianceschoolday@woodruffcenter.org. Learn more about all field trip opportunities at http://alliancetheatre.org/content/field-trips.

Adult tickets are $32, child tickets (6-18) are $18, and child tickets (3-5) are $5. Tickest are available at The Woodruff Arts Center Box Office, by calling 404.733.5000 or online at www.alliancetheatre.org/oz.

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