Beck Youth Theater to Close 65th Season with THE WIZARD OF OZ, 5/9-18

Beck Center for the Arts Youth Theater closes its 65th anniversary season with The Wizard of Oz on the Mackey Main Stage May 9 - May 18, 2014. Featuring 80 Beck Center students, audiences will enjoy the adventures of Dorothy, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Toto too on their journey along the yellow brick road. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets for are on sale now.

Based on the novel by L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz tells the story of Dorothy Gale who dreams of what lies beyond the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her over that rainbow to a magical land. Directed and choreographed by Sarah Clare, the cast, ranging from ages 6 to 19, will tell the story of Dorothy's creative imagination. "I am excited for our students working on this timeless story with such a classic score," remarked Associate Director of Theater Education Jonathan Kronenberger. "We have a tremendous amount of talent at Beck Center and The Wizard of Oz is the perfect vehicle for our students to showcase their training and abilities."

Adapted by John Kane with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, the familiar score in this production was originally written for the classic film of the same name. "I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our 65th anniversary season than to combine our celebration with the 75th anniversary of the film on which the musical is based," said Kronenberger. "This year brought many wonderful performances to Beck Center, and The Wizard of Oz will surely close the season with another unforgettable production."

Tickets are $10 for Children and $12 for Adults and may be purchased online at beckcenter.org or by calling 216.521.2540 x10. Beck Center is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Free onsite parking is available.

To celebrate the Youth Theater's 65th Anniversary Mitchell's Ice Cream is supplying a "Here's the Scoop" voucher, valid for a free scoop of ice cream, with each Youth Theater ticket sold this season.

This production of The Wizard of Oz is made possible by the generous support of Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council. Produced by arrangement with, and the music and dialogue furnished by TAMS-WITMARK LIBRARY, INC., 560 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that offers professional theater on two stages, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies, and gallery exhibits featuring local, regional and international artists. For more information about Beck Center, visit beckcenter.org.