Steampunk ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Debuts

Two tri-state theatres' partnership in "The Wizard of Oz" will take the stage for the first time on Thursday, July 21.

Lincoln Amphitheatre and Evansville Civic Theatre are co-producing "The Wizard of Oz" to run July 21 - August 7, Thursday-Saturday evenings with a Sunday matinee at the 1500-seat, roofed Lincoln Amphitheatre.

"The Wizard of Oz" production's look is inspired by Steampunk, a science fiction genre influenced by the Wild West and Victorian Britain.

Steampunk is a science fiction concept based off of the idea of "what if" the people of the Victorian era had access to the advanced technology of today," says Christopher P. Tyner, managing artistic director for Evansville Civic Theatre and director of "The Wizard of Oz."

Tyner says he will not make changes to the original movie script version.

"My goal in creating this new visualization of Oz is to entice audiences to see what can be done with the magic of theatre; that you can take something you have loved since you were a child and bring it forward to the next generation in a new and exciting way," Tyner says.

"The Wizard of Oz" experience will include enhanced multimedia projections, a yellow brick road extended from the stage, and a costume contest for all ages beginning at 6:30 p.m. CDT during evening performances and 1 p.m. CDT during matinee performances.

Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m. CDT and matinee performances at 2 p.m. CDT.

Ticket prices are $18 for general admission; $15 for seniors 55 and older; students ages six - 21, and military, and $5 for children 5 and under.

Tickets for "The Wizard of Oz" are currently on sale online at www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com or through the box office by calling 800-264-4ABE.

Lincoln Amphitheatre's 2011 season includes "Classic Family Films Series," "Concert Series in a State Park," and two summer productions--The Wizard of Oz" and "Our American Cousin." "The Wizard of Oz" will take the stage July 21 - August 7, Thursday to Saturday evenings with a Sunday matinee. "Our American Cousin" will run August 19 - August 27, Friday and Saturday evenings with a Sunday matinee. The 2011 "Lincoln's Legacy Lives" fundraising campaign is underway to support the expansion of family-friendly and affordable events at Lincoln Amphitheatre.

For more information about Lincoln Amphitheatre's 2011 season and to purchase tickets for upcoming events, visit www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com or call 800-264-4ABE.

 

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