Serenbe Playhouse Presents THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ, 5/30-8/2

The traditional saying may be 'There's No Place Like Home' but this summer Serenbe Playhouse will prove that "There's No Place Like Oz!'

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a classic story that takes readers on a journey to an incredible world full of unforgettable characters. This summer, Serenbe Playhouse will take audiences down the yellow brick road with a bold new adaptation full of heart, brains, and courage. Using innovative puppetry amidst the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee Hills, Serenbe Playhouse will breathe new life into this beloved story, inspiring audiences to look for the magic in their own backyard.

Beginning May 30th and running through August 2nd Serenbe Playhouse will present a world premiere adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Rachel Teagle, based on the classic story by L. Frank Baum. Directed by Brian Clowdus, this production will feature exclusive creations by Center for Puppetry Arts along side the acting talents of Lauren Chamblin, Brittany Ellis, Robert Lee Hindsman, Will Skelton, Allie Southwood and Alex Towers. Skylar Nicholson, who previously starred as the title character in Serenbe Playhouse's production of Alice in Wonderland will appear as the ever adventerous Dorothy. Costume Designer Jaime Bullins and Sound Designer Bobby Johnston create the world of Oz in the midst of the lush Serenbe landscape.

Proving that Oz is only as far away your imagination, this exciting and inventive take on the beloved tale will have audience members right in the middle of Dorothy's Kansas barnyard before being whisked to Oz and set down beside an actual Yellow Brick Road!

The story of Oz has long been a favorite of Brian Clowdus, director of this production and Executive/Artistic Director for Serenbe Playhouse. "The Wizard of Oz was my favorite book and movie as a child, and has kept a special place in my heart since then. Growing up in rural Alabama, very much like Dorothy, I always used my imagination as a means to escape. From day one of founding Serenbe Playhouse, I knew that OZ would be the cornerstone of our 5th Anniversary Season and it's hard to believe that we are already here! But be warned this world premiere adaptation by Rachel Teagle is a one of a kind re-telling and pays homage to the L Frank Baum classic with a bookish Dorothy who creates magic in her own backyard through the stunning visuals designed and created by Atlanta's very own Center for Puppetry Arts with organic and reclaimed materials. Oz really can be anywhere your imagination allows; and this summer it will be living in Serenbe complete with an actual yellow brick road and tornado experience! This is OZ like you have never seen it before, and never will again!"

Rachel Teagle, the adapter for this production adds this: "Working with L. Frank Baum's classic characters is like visiting old friends and I am thrilled to be a part of bringing them to life through the beautiful, unique magic of Serenbe Playhouse. But alongside these old friends is an exciting new partnership, and I have been consistently overwhelmed by the new the exuberant creativity and mind- boggling craftsmanship of the Center for Puppetry Arts has brought to this production. Puppetry really is a natural fit for this show, for Serenbe, and for the imaginative journey this classic story takes us on. Even if it's a tale you know by heart, I think our brave and smart adaptation will make you see it in a new way. In many ways, working with Serenbe and Center for Puppetry Arts is like coming home again, and there is no place like home."

Show dates and times for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are Fridays and Saturdays at 11 am, May 30th through August 2nd (no performances on July 4th and 5th.) Tickets are $15 for General Admission and $10 for Children under 13. Audiences members are encouraged to bring their own seating for this production.

The Wonderful Wiard of Oz will be performed in The Animal Village at The Inn at Serenbe, located at 10950 Hutchesons Ferry Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA 30268.