Stage Tour To Showcase Technical Alchemy Of GTA's WIZARD OF OZ

FREE Oct. 23 Stage Tour to showcase technical alchemy that will take GTA patrons from Kansas to OZ

Almost anyone born before 1995 will remember when The Wizard of Oz was a much anticipated family event, when the annual network broadcast had many children bathed and in pajamas ahead of schedule and allowed to stay up late to enjoy the classic American movie. The Gainesville Theatre Alliance is preparing now to bring the classic 1939 film to the stage, and at 6pm, Oct. 23, will offer a sneak peek at HOW they are creating a talking lion, taking patrons from Kansas to Oz and making monkeys fly.

The free Stage Tour will be held at Brenau University's Hosch Theater, 429 Academy Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. GTA's community volunteer troupe, Theatre Wings, will hold a wine and cheese reception afterward for people potentially interested in helping with concessions and other student support activities.

The Gainesville Theater Alliance is an acclaimed collaboration between the University of North Georgia, Brenau University, theatre professionals, and the North Georgia community.

The show's design team will be present to discuss the methods and madness involved in the most technically difficult show GTA has ever put onstage. Guest Director Heidi Cline McKerley, will discuss her vision for the show, which while using much of the film dialog, reinterprets the journey along the Yellow Brick Road, just as the Lion King stage adaptation created a new vision from its cartoon inspiration. McKerley is an award-winning, Atlanta-based actor, director, producer, and teacher and has been featured at the Horizon, Alliance, and Aurora theaters, among others.

The Wizard of Oz opens on Nov. 6-17, and 82% of seats for the entire run of the production are already sold. While the stage tour is free, tickets for performances range from $28-$30 for adults, $26-$28 for seniors, and $18-$20 for students. There will be a free Nov. 6 Opening Night Reception following the performance, with catering by Luna's. There is also free talkback with the cast and crew following the Nov. 13 performance.

Patrons can purchase tickets and select their own seats on the GTA website, www.gainesvilleTHEATREalliance.org, or by calling the GTA Box Office from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 678.717.3624.