OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD:

HARD ROAD THEATRE PRESENTS THE WIZARD OF OZ

There’s no place like Hard Road Theatre for family entertainment!  In association with the Highland Arts Council and sponsored by Scott Credit Union, the troupe is pleased to present the musical The Wizard of Oz.  Based upon the famous 1939 movie of the same name starring Judy Garland, the production follows the storyline of the film.  The show includes such favorite numbers as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard” as well as two tunes not heard in the show.

The story follows the journey of a girl named Dorothy Gale from Kansas.  Following a powerful tornado, Dorothy awakens in a magical land called Oz.  She finds herself surrounded by a race of little people called Munchkins.  They are delighted that Dorothy’s house has landed on top of the Wicked Witch of the East and killed her. Her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, vows to get revenge.  But a good witch named Glinda intervenes and temporarily protects Dorothy from the Wicked Witch.  With a pair of ruby slippers upon her feet, Dorothy and her dog Toto struggle to escape the evil Witch and return home. Along their journey, they befriend a mindless scarecrow, a heartless tin man, and a cowardly lion.   Together the group sets off on a journey to meet the Wizard of Oz, the only person capable of granting each of their hearts’ desires.  A truly family show with dozens of child and adult performers from throughout the region, The Wizard of Oz is sure to delight audience members from age 3 to 103.

The Wizard of Oz is directed by Josh Noll with assistance from Gentry Herlitz.  Musical direction is provided by Marla Weis.  Principal performers in the show include Becky Fromme (Dorothy), Tim Albaugh (Scarecrow/Hunk), Mitch England (Tin Man/Hickory), Tom Varner (Lion/Zeke), Megan Rauh (Glinda), Megan Jakel (Wicked Witch), John Volker (Wizard of Oz), Peter Stice (Emerald City Guard), Kathleen White (Aunt Em), Christian Dickerson (Uncle Henry), Rebecca Ellis (Miss Gultch), Josh Weis (Prof. Marvel), and Tyler Zobrist (Toto).  Other performers include Brian Murphy, Kyle Wiegand, Cullin White, Eve Sugg, Claire Mueller, Taylor Weiss,  Elizabeth Meadows, Trinity Pfalzgraf, Alayna Ellis, Alli Ritchy, Issac Rieke, Ian White, Jarrett Tebbe, Emily Meadows, Joshua Johnson, Tinah Edwards, Jessica Bell, Lis Ward, Bri Wiegand, CJ Knebel, Jonathon Meadows, Elizaberth Evans, and Courtney Talbert.

Performances for The Wizard of Oz are scheduled for 7:30p.m. on July 30, 31, Aug. 6, and 7th and 2:00p.m. on Aug. 1 & 8th.  All shows will be held at the Highland Elementary Auditorium, 1800 Lindenthal Ave., Highland, IL.  Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and $8 for children. Tickets are available at the auditorium one hour prior to each performance.  Seating is general admission.

Hard Road Theatre Productions is a non-profit theatre organization committed to providing the Highland area with high-quality, affordable, live productions.  For more information about The Wizard of Oz or Hard Road Theatre visit the Hard Road website at www.hardroad.org or call 618-654-7748.