THE WIZARD OF OZ Runs Now thru 3/29 at Dunfield Theatre Cambridge

Click your heels together and venture down the yellow brick road to the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge for a truly memorable theatre experience. The greatest family musical of all-time is touching down in Cambridge. The Wizard of Oz plays eight shows a week, tonight, March 4th to March 29th.

The Wizard of Oz is the enchanting stage adaption of the 1939 Hollywood film. After a twister hits her Kansas farm, young Dorothy Gale is transported over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz. She soon teams up with a Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion and embarks on an epic journey, along with her faithful dog Toto, to find the mighty Wizard who can help grant their wishes and send her back home.

Featuring such beloved songs as "Over The Rainbow," "Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead" and "If I Only Had A Brain," The Wizard of Oz promises to enchant munchkins of all ages.

"The Wizard of Oz is treasured by audiences young and old," says Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment. "We are very excited to present this spectacular show as the first production of our 2015 Season in Cambridge."

This enduring children's story is brought to life on stage by director Madeline Paul, who has worked extensively as a director and choreographer in Canada and the U.S. Paul is joined by Choreographer Gino Berti, Music Director Jeannie Wyse, Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold, and Lighting Designer Jason Hand.

A stellar cast has been assembled for this grand-scale production, including AJ Bridel as the winsome heroine Dorothy Gale. Bridel is best known to audiences as a runner-up on the CBC reality show Over The Rainbow, and as the title role in Peter Pan: The Panto.

As Dorothy's disadvantaged companions, Jamie McKnight is the Scarecrow, Mike Jackson is the Tin Man, and Nick Settimi is the Cowardly Lion. McKnight, who is a former member of the Canadian Tenors, recently entertained audiences with his hilarious portrayal of the Prince in Snow White: The Panto. Jackson boasts an impressive resume having appeared in numerous musicals across North America including in Chicago on Broadway. He will direct and choreograph the Drayton Entertainment production of Chicago at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in June. Theatregoers may recognize Settimi from a host of comic roles including Sheldon Lubliner in Twist & Shout: The British Invasion, Willard in Footloose and Chef Louis in Disney's The Little Mermaid last season.

Audience favourite Jackie Mustakas, who recently appeared as the evil queen in Snow White: The Panto, will resume her villainous ways as the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. Ted Simonett is Uncle Henry and Heather McGuigan is Dorothy's devoted Auntie Em and Glinda the Good Witch. Anthony Bekenn is the great and powerful Wizard of Oz with Sam DiGiuseppe, Kayla James, Judy Kovacs, Anthony MacPherson, Sarah Matton and Gregory Pember rounding out the adult ensemble.

To add to the excitement of this production, 35 local children have been given the unique opportunity to perform alongside this professional cast as munchkins. Hundreds of youngsters from across Waterloo Region and beyond came out to audition at an open call in January for the coveted spots. The children's ensemble cast will be announced early next week along with the canine performer who will play the role of Dorothy's sidekick Toto.

"The Wizard of Oz is the quintessential family theatre experience," says Mustakas. "Take a break from the snow and warm up to the magic of Oz - this production is a definite must-see."

The Wizard of Oz is proudly sponsored by GM Bennett and Graham Mathew Chartered Accountants. Media Sponsors are 96.7 CHYM FM and the Waterloo Region Record. The Design Sponsors are Homewood Suites by Hilton and Robert Weinhardt Primerica. The Youth Theatre Education Sponsor is TD Bank Group. The 2015 Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

Don't miss your chance to follow the yellow brick road - tickets for The Wizard of Oz are over 80% sold out and theatregoers are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for Youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $34. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

The Wizard of Oz runs March 4th through March 29th. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the theatre Box Office, or by calling (519) 621-8000 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).

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