Kelrik Productions to Stage THE WIZARD OF OZ, 1/25-2/2

Follow the yellow brick road to Kelrik Productions' newest offering, THE WIZARD OF OZ, to be staged at the Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center from January 25 - February 2. You will be swept away by our celebration of the iconic 1939 MGM film. The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road and beyond with THE WIZARD OF OZ.

THE WIZARD OF OZ will feature Cassie Johnson as Dorothy. A Kelrik audience favorite, Mike Mesker, will play Professor Marvel and The Wizard of Oz. The cast will also feature Allison King (Glinda), Theresa Riforgiate (Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West), Larry Kaml (Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper), Sandy Schwarer (Aunt Em), Ed Cardoza (Hickory/Tinman), Bret Boyle (Zeke/Cowardly Lion), and Jeffery Larsen (Hunk/Scarecrow).

The ensemble includes Mya Paredes, Emma Jane Haas, Karyln Kromhout, Graciela Maldanado, Stephenee Wittlieb, Landon Echols, Issac Capp, Tara Brinkman, Brooke Andris, Alex Ascencio and Evan Camacho.

Many local children will be featured in THE WIZARD OF OZ including Tyler Hagobian, Oliver Baker-Ballantyre, Collin Santayo, Shalyee Grimm, Owen Blackwell, Phoebe Browning, Sophia Lea, Ella Gomez, Savannah McCall, Allison McCall, Ryan Tidmarsh, Kaiya Rose Hutton, Naya Pearson and Sophia Crescioli

"Our production of THE WIZARD OF OZ will be the perfect way to launch our 2014 DISCOVER Season." said Director Erik Austin. "Following our acclaimed record-breaking production of Shrek, last summer, I am happy to say that we are anticipating many sold out performances for this show as well. We are thrilled to be one of the first community groups to use Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center, a beautiful 400 seat state-of-the-art facility, which many locals didn't even realized existed. We have added many matinees and lowered our ticket prices to accommodate the families who will want to enjoy this show together and make some memories to last a lifetime!"

THE WIZARD OF OZ is adapted from the 1939 MGM film screenplay based on the novel by L. Frank Baum. The show features the music and lyrics from the MGM Motion Picture score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg and background music by Herbert Stothart. THE WIZARD OF OZ will be directed and choreographed by Erik Austin. The creative team also includes Debbie Lagamarsino (Vocal Coaching) Kenmark INC. (Scenic Design), Keith Wetzel (Costume Coordinator), Ryan Manus (Lighting Design), Debi Hernandez (Wig and Hair Design), Joe Ogren (Associate Choreographer), Sheri Hatch (Production Manager) .

Tickets for the THE WIZARD OF OZ are priced from $20 - $35 and may be purchased online at kelrikproductions.org or in person at Cheap Thrills, 563 Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Performances are Saturdays at 2PM and 7PM and Sundays at 2PM January 25 - February 2.

THE WIZARD OF OZ is made possible through the generous contributions of our Sponsors: Central Coast Family, Costume Capers, Sun N Buns Bakery and Cheap Thrills. Kelrik is also exited to give back to the community through the Kelrik Cares Program raising donations for Woods Humane Society after each performance. For more information on Kelrik Productions, visit www.kelrikproductions.org.

Kelrik Productions Mission Statement: Kelrik's mission is to provide the highest quality, innovative, participatory theatre, featuring local talent and first-rate production values. As a company, Kelrik is dedicated to the growth of our actors, theater-goers, and the artistic medium in which they all connect.