Photo Flash: Valley Youth Theatre presents THE WIZARD OF OZ at the Herberger Theater Center

Valley Youth Theatre's (VYT) dazzling production of The Wizard of Oz opens Center Stage at the Herberger Theater on June 9, 2017 with 60 talented young actors from around the Valley, 125 brilliantly colorful costumes, and the beautiful New York City Madison Square Garden set.

The musical's classic songs are brought to life by a live orchestra that accompanies Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they are swept away, by a huge tornado, from her small farm in Kansas, to the magical land of OZ where she meets new and exciting friends, and a few enemies.

When her house accidently lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, everyone is exuberant, except the Wicked Witch of the West who seeks revenge for the death of her sister and wants her Ruby Slippers.

Things in Oz are strange and beautiful, but Dorothy just wants to go home to Kansas. To do this, she must find the Wizard.

The Wizard of Oz is presented by Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) at the Herberger Theatre Center 222 East Monroe StreetPhoenix, AZ 85004 in Downtown Phoenix. The show runs June 9 - 25, 2017. Ticket prices range for $16.50 to $34.50 not including fees. For more information or to purchase tickets call the Herberger Theater box office at (602)252-8497Monday thru Friday 10am - 5pm or Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 5pm or visit www.vyt.com.

The Wizard of Oz is by L. Frank Baum with Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Background Music is by Herbert Stothart. Dance and Vocal Arrangements are by Peter Howard. Orchestration is by Larry Wilcox and adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. It is based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. The Wizard of Oz is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK MUSIC LIBRARY, INC. 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022.

Established in 1989, Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) is an award-winning, professional quality, 501(c)(3) non-profit theatre dedicated to helping young people achieve their full potential through meaningful engagement, education and excellence in the performing arts. Alumni include award-winning celebrities including: Emma Stone, Jordin Sparks, Kimiko Glenn, Chelsea Kane, Charity Dawson, Krystina Alabado and many others. VYT is the winner of nearly 100 National Youth Arts awards, voted "Best Star-Making Machine" and "Best Live Theater" on azcentral.com, heralded as "Best Place to Take a Bow" by Phoenix Magazine and rated one of the "Top Ten Places to Become a Future Star" by The Arizona Republic. VYT produces six main stage shows each season including two at the Herberger Theater Center. For more information, visit VYT.com or call (602) 253-8188.

Photo Credits: The Wizard of Oz photos are courtesy of VYT archives

The Cast of the Wizard of Oz
The Cast of the Wizard of Oz
The Cast of the Wizard of Oz
The Cast of the Wizard of Oz
The Cast of the Wizard of Oz