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.

Hawthorne Players will present Mel Brooks' hit musical comedy "The Producers" on July 30, 31, August 6, 7 at 8:00 p.m. and on August 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the Florissant Civic Center Theatre, Parker Road and Waterford Drive. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for older adults and students. Reserve seats in advance and save $2. Call the Box Office at 314 921-5678 or order online at www.florissantmo.com. For more information on the production visit www.hawthorneplayers.com.
 
"The Producers" opened on Broadway in 2001, winning a record breaking 12 Tony awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. As in the Brooks film on which it is based, the story centers on two producers scheming to get rich by overselling interests in a sure-fire flop. Adam Grun directs a large cast that includes Kent Coffel as Max Bialystock and Dominic Windsor as Leo Bloom.

ACT II Community Theater presents

Let's Murder Marsha:  July 30, 31, Aug 1, 6, 7, & 8. 

Marsha is a happy housewife who happens to be obsessed with murder mysteries.  She over hears a conversation that has her convinced she is about to be murdered.  When she tries to turn the tables on her would-be murderers all hell breaks loose in the household.

Performances:  Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday matinees at 2 pm.  General Admission:  $15  Seniors and Students:  $12  Active Military:  FREE      Group Rates of 15+:  $2 off