Harris Center Presents The National Tour Of THE WIZARD OF OZ

There truly is no place like home, as the national tour of the greatest family musical of all time makes its regional premiere. When the tornado touches down - transporting you to a dazzling Oz - a lavish rendition of the classic tale takes Dorothy, Toto, the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow down the Yellow Brick Road. It's a spectacular on-stage celebration of the 1939 film, with munchkins and flying monkeys born of breathtaking special effects, and a land brought to life with dazzling choreography.

The Wizard of Oz comes to the Harris Center for five performances: Friday, January 18, 2019, at 7:30 pm; Saturday, January 19, at 2 & 7:30 pm; and Sunday, January 20, at 1 & 6:30 pm. Tickets are $48-$78; Premium $88; 10% Discount for Sunday evening single tickets. Tickets are available online at www.harriscenter.net or from Harris Center Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 12 noon to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Parking is included in the price of the ticket. Harris Center is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

When the dedication for the opening credits of the 1939 MGM classic film The Wizard of Oz was written, no one could've imagined the lasting impact the movie would have on American culture. "For nearly forty years this story [as originally written by Frank L. Baum] has given faithful service to the Young in Heart, and Time has been powerless to put its kindly philosophy out of fashion. To those of you who have been faithful to it in return ...and to the Young in Heart ...we dedicate this picture."

A treasured film, The Wizard of Oz's infiltration into American culture is undeniable and virtually unparalleled. Quotes and references from The Wizard of Oz can be found in movies, music, and sitcoms and no genre is left out. Everything from Star Wars and Clueless to The Simpsons, Hannah Montana and so many others pay tribute to the beloved classic. In music, Pink Floyd, Madonna, and Metallica have alluded to L. Frank Baum's story. And in everyday life who doesn't know a Wicked Witch of the West or every now and then want to simply click their heels three times to get home?

Leading the cast as Dorothy is Kalie Kaimann, who received rave reviews last season as Dorothy. She had previously played the role for The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati. Additional credits include Bonnie in Anything Goes, Logainne in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ulla in The Producers, Millie Dilmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and Minnie Fay in Hello Dolly! She received a Best Featured Actress in a Musical by BroadwayWorld.com for her performance as Minnie Fay.

"No who one has seen it will forget Judy Garland's portrayal of Dorothy in the movie. Ms. Kaimann's challenge is to inhabit the character anew. 'Judy Garland left such a beautiful portrayal for me to learn from. I certainly pay homage to her. I try to be honest for Dorothy. But yes, I've made it my own, I feel,' said Ms. Kaimann (The Telegram).

Dean Sobon returns as the Director; he previously created the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Other directing credits include Clue, the Musical, West Side Story, Oklahoma!, Crazy For You, A Christmas Carol, How To Succeed In Business, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Big River, The Sound of Music and Guys & Dolls. Amy McCleary returns to create the magical choreography, and she was the Director/Choreographer of the national tour of Memphis, the Musical and the choreographer of the national tour of The Wedding Singer.

And of course, everyone wants to know who will play Toto. His name is Murphy, and he is a white Brussels Griffon/Cairn Terrier mix with scruffy fur and an adorable underbite. Murphy was rescued from the ASPCA in Chandler, AZ by Lizzie Webb (music director for The Wizard of Oz tour) and was immediately welcomed into the theatre world. He has been a trusty backstage companion, a pit orchestra puppy (sleeping at mom's feet while she plays piano and conducts shows) and within a few months of adoption, he was onstage as Willoughby in Mary Poppins. This will be his second time playing Toto. He even has his own hashtag: #montanamurphy.

The Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College brings the community together to share in cultural experiences featuring the work of artists from throughout the region and around the world. Built and operated by the Los Rios Community College District, the $50 million, state-of-the-art regional performing arts center boasts three intimate venues with outstanding acoustics, an art gallery, a recording studio, elegant teaching spaces, plenty of safe parking and all the other amenities of a world-class performing arts venue. Each year the Center hosts over 400 events attracting more than 150,000 annually.

Tickets are available online at www.HarrisCenter.net or from Harris Center Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from noon to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time.

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