Kelrik Productions Announces THE WIZARD OF OZ

Kelrik Productions presents a stunning new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ Follow the yellow brick road to Kelrik Productions' latest offering, THE WIZARD OF OZ, to be staged at the Performing Arts Center's Spanos Theater for one weekend only July 14th and 15th, 2018.

You will be swept away by our celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film. The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends, the Cowardly Lion, Tinman and Scarecrow in this lavish production, featuring magical special effects, dazzling choreography and the classic songs you love, including "Over the Rainbow," "If I Only Had a Brain," "We're Off to See the Wizard," and more.

THE WIZARD OF OZ will feature Arroyo Grande's Mia Landers as Dorothy, Kelrik's Artistic Director Erik Austin as Hickory/Tinman, Atascadero's Bret Boyle as Zeke/Cowardly Lion and local legend Chad Stevens as Hunk/Scarecrow. The cast will also feature Opera star Kristina Prozesky as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and Santa Maria's Irene Dahmen as Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West. The leading cast is completed with Randall Lyon as Uncle Henry, Drama teacher, Donna Kehl as Aunt Em and Jim Dahmen as Professor Marvel and The Wizard of Oz. The ensemble includes Sarah Frederickson, Joel Wadlow, Jayda Monreal, Claire Perales-Duckworth, Mary Alvarado, Mechell Vieira, Felisa Hamman.

Many local children from Paso to Santa Maria will be featured in THE WIZARD OF OZ including Ian Dahmen, Eva Dahmen, Emme Landers, Oliver Andrews, Michael Kehl, Chloe Hanshew, Ella Beckstead, Roslyn Risner, Brinlee Risner, Presley Reed, Griffin Brown, Olivia Vieira, Shannon Perrine, Charlotte Perrine, Patrick Perrine, Izak Kania, Keith Kania, Henry Knight, and Ruth Zimmerman.

"This new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is my salute to coming "home" to San Luis Obispo for the summer" said Artistic Director Erik Austin. "THE WIZARD OF OZ is a perfect experience for the whole family. Filled with magic and surprise, it will delight both Oz enthusiasts and those taking their first trip down the yellow brick road. " Austin, has created a production that leaves sepia-toned nostalgia behind, and drops the audience in the middle of the adventure. Through dramatic use of immersive theater techniques and projections the audience will find themselves surrounded by a small army of Munchkins, lost in a mysterious forest, and cowering in the presence of Oz himself.

Says Austin, "I wanted to retain the classic elements of the original movie. This story is something shared across generations. Having said that, I also wanted to highlight the moments in the show that are uniquely theatrical?-?more than a movie." To this end, the design team has blended the divide between the audience and the stage. This approach invites our families along on the adventure and makes for a memorable, theatrical experience.

Written in 1900 by L. Frank Baum, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" was the first totally American fantasy for children and one of the most-read children's books (according to the Library of Congress). The 1939 film starring Judy Garland was nominated for six Academy Awards but lost Best Picture to Gone with the Wind. It did win Best Original Song for "Over the Rainbow" which nearly didn't make it into the final cut of the show. The film was reintroduced to the public with annual broadcasts that began in 1956 earning it the title "most-watched motion picture in history!"

Among the stage adaptations is the popular 1942 musical that was based on the book and the film using Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg's popular songs. It was commissioned by the St. Louis "Muny" Opera. Kelrik's production is based on the 1987 version by John Kane who adapted the film's screenplay for the Royal Shakespeare Company and that, according to Austin, is even more like the film than the Muny version. THE WIZARD OF OZ will be directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Erik Austin. The creative team also includes Kristina Horeck (Vocal Coaching), Kenmark INC. (Scenic Design), David Beals (Lighting Design), Sophie Latrice (Wig and Hair Design), Joe Ogren (Associate Choreographer).

Tickets for the THE WIZARD OF OZ are priced from $20 - $60 and may be purchased online at www.kelrikproductions.org or in person at the Performing Arts Center Box Office, 1 Grand Avenue San Luis Obispo, or by phone at (805) 756-4TIX.

Children three and older may attend all performances; Regardless of age all children must have a ticket. This show is one weekend only with three performances: Saturday July 14th at 2PM and 7PM and Sunday July 15th at 2PM. THE WIZARD OF OZ is made possible through the generous contributions of our Sponsors: Central Coast Family. Kelrik is also excited to give back to the community through the Kelrik Cares Program raising donations for Jack's Helping Hand after each performance. For more information on Kelrik Productions, please visit our website: www.kelrikproductions.org.

THE WIZARD OF OZ July 14 & 15, 2018 Saturday at 2PM and 7PM , Sunday at 2PM Performing Arts Center 1 Grand Avenue San Luis Obispo (805) 756-4TIX or www.pacslo.org www.kelrikproductions.org

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