The Fine Arts Center Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ, as Well as Special Oz-Related Events, Now thru 12/29

The most technically ambitious, emotionally heart-tugging musical The Fine Arts Center will have ever produced -- The Wizard of Oz -- opens tonight, Dec. 5 with a flourish of falling houses, skipping scarecrows and flying monkeys. It runs Thursdays through Sundays through Dec. 29.

This production, helmed by FAC Performing Arts Director Scott RC Levy, is based on the original London version, which borrows from both the L. Frank Baum story and the classic MGM film and includes all of the songs from the movie, plus one you probably never heard before.

Based on early ticket sales, it's already on target to be the most popular musical the Fine Arts Center has ever produced.

To honor all the Oz adoration out there, we've created a bunch of additional Oz-related stuff:

Oz Chalk Art Festival. On Tuesday (11/19), we had a free chalk-art fun on our front sidewalk that was interrupted by a visit by our Oz characters in a HOT AIR BALLOON!!!

Oz Character Brunches. On Dec. 15 and 22, we'll have special brunches at which kids can meet and get their pictures taken with the Oz gang. We'll also have Oz photo opps after each performance.

Oz Pre-Theater Dinners. Before each evening performance, enjoy such themed specialties as Ruby Slippers Sorbet and King of the Forest Short Ribs. (You groaned, but you secretly love it!)

Sing-along Matinee. After the Dec. 15 matinee, families can stick around to sing their favorite songs with the cast and orchestra.

Oz Intellectualizing. On Dec. 20, Colorado College Professor Barry Sarchett will give insights into dozens of things you probably never knew about the MGM classic film.

Santa Visits Munchkinland. On Dec. 21, Santa brings on the ho-ho-holiday fun, as Mr. Jolly himself takes wish lists from the kids, parents dig tunes from the Munchkinland Jazz Trio, and everybody gets in the spirit of the season with a dramatic tree lighting.
Photo opps and boozy nog drinks available. Donations benefit the Fine Arts Center and the El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund.

Oz Mart. At our box office, we'll be selling DVDs, Blu Rays, Life magazine collector editions, posters signed by our cast, and we'll even raffle off Dorothy's Ruby Slippers.

Here's a look at how the production breaks down by the numbers: 28 Actors, 2 Dogs, 150 Costumes, 27 Scenes, 50 Musical Numbers, 13 Munchkins, 10 Winkies (soldiers), 2 Flying Monkeys, 5 1/2 weeks of rehearsals, Hundreds of Gallons of Paint, 2 Pairs of Ruby Slippers (Each slipper has hundreds of jewels hand-glue), Over 2,000 hours to build/stitch/paint, 23 performances, Only One Oz.

To have a look at the cast or get ticket information, visit: www.csfineartscenter.org