The Wizard of Oz Opens The Grand Theatre’s 2011-2012 Season

The Wizard of Oz is kicking off The Grand Theatre's the 2011-2012 season and features Max Robinson, who has graced the stages of Pioneer Theater, Salt Lake Acting Company, Utah Shakespearean Festival, and last year's production of Oliver! at The Grand Theatre, as The Wizard of Oz. This beloved musical also includes a cast of 30 actors and actresses and stars husband and wife team and Weber State musical theatre alumni, Mary Anderson Bailey and J. Michael Bailey.

This production is certain to amaze and delight audiences of all ages. The Wizard of Oz is full of magical moment with pyrotechnic tricks by the Wicked Witch and video projections across three screens with the Wizard of Oz, himself. Husband and wife team Mary Anderson Bailey and J. Michael Bailey play the Wicked Witch of the West and the Cowardly Lion. Ms. Bailey is making her debut at The Grand Theatre in the role that inspired one of the most beloved musicals of the past decade, Wicked.

Based upon the Academy Award winning film, this family-friendly favorite tells the story of Dorothy Gale, who with her home is transported via tornado to the munchkin village. Along with faithful companion Toto, Dorothy begins her quest to the Emerald City to meet with the wizard in hopes of finding a way back to home and along the way meets Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion. This production features such well-known songs as If I Only Had a Brain, Yellow Brick Road, and Over the Rainbow.

Porter Williams directs and this production with Shannon Musgrave as choreographer and Kevin Mathie as musical director. Mr. Williams is making his debut as a director at The Grand Theatre with this production of The Wizard of Oz and has found the process of creating the show to be a magical experience. As a youth, he watched the film "I think the final scenes are the most uplifting part of this story - and the thing I most love. The magic is that we saw the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion grow to become the heroes they wanted to be. Within her marvelous dream, Dorothy discovers that everything she needs is right inside of her, and that is something I hope all of us take home with us," Williams reflects.

In addition to the musical production of The Wizard of Oz, The Grand Theatre is hosting a variety of special events leading up to opening night and throughout the show:

· Grand Ruby Slippers Contest Awards - www.grandrubyslippers.com, October 12, 7:30pm

· Witch's Reading List - www.heavyonthewitch.com, Now - October 15

· Wizard of Oz Sing Along - The Grand Theatre, October 17, 7pm Free

· Family Night at "The Wizard of Oz" - October 14, 7:30pm, $48/ family (2 adults + 4 children)

· Costume Contest - The Grand Theatre, October 29th 2pm matinee

The Wizard of Oz Details
Performance run: October 13-29, 2011

Performance dates:

· Thursday, October 13 (7:30pm)

· Friday, October 14 (7:30pm)

· Saturday, October 15 (2pm)

· Saturday, October 15 (7:30pm)

· Wednesday, October 19 (7:30pm)

· Thursday, October 20 (7:30pm)

· Friday, October 21 (7:30pm)

· Saturday, October 22 (2pm)

· Saturday, October 22 (7:30pm)

· Thursday, October 27 (7:30pm)

· Friday, October 28 (7:30pm)

· Saturday, October 29 (2pm)

Times: Evening performances 7:30pm Wednesday - Saturday, Saturday matinees 2:00pm

Location: The Grand Theatre, 1575 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Tickets: Prices range from $10.00 to $24.00 with discounts for groups, seniors, and students available.

Reservations: 801-957-3322 or online at www.the-grand.org

Wheelchair accessible