The Wizard of Oz at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for The Wizard of Oz, July 8 - August 9. The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum with music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg. Background music by Herbert Stothart. Dance and vocal arrangements by Peter Howard. Orchestration by Larry Wilcox. Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Based upon the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. Directed and choreographed by Tor Campbell and music directed by Sharon Mason.

Audiences are invited to join The Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Dorothy… and Toto, too, as they follow the yellow brick road in search of their heart’s desires. For the first time on Metropolis’ Main Stage, L. Frank Baum’s tale comes to life in this extraordinary story of heart, friendship, courage and belonging. This adaptation contains all of the Oscar-winning songs from the movie, including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard,” all while reminding audiences that there is no place like home.

In addition to the company of professional artists, summer class students from the Metropolis School of the Performing Arts, will be a part of the Munchinkin troupe. Metropolis School of Performing Arts was awarded the Illinois Theatre Association's 2025 Award of Excellence in Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences. The school was also the recipient of the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year Award from the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with added matinee performances on Thursday, July 16 and Thursday, July 30 at 2 p.m. The performance on Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m. will be closed captioned and the performance on Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL interpreted. There will also be a sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, August 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

The Wizard of Oz Headshot Grid:

Row 1 -- Nora Wragg (Dorothy Gale); David Omari (Tin Man/Hickory); Nolan Robinson (Scarecrow/Hunk); Jake Elkins (Lion/Zeke);

Row 2 -- Genevieve Thiers (Gulch/Wicked Witch); Gabe Fries (Wizard/Prof Marvel); Danielle Spence (Glinda/Aunt Em); Joe Giovannetti (Uncle Henry/Guard);

Row 3 -- Rachel Arianna (ensemble, U/S Gulch/Wicked Witch); Andrew John Baker (ensemble, U/S Lion/Zeke); Corey Barlow (ensemble, U/S Scarecrow/Hunk); Kiana Beverly (ensemble);

Row 4 -- Ben Harmon (ensemble, U/S Wizard/Prof Marvel); Beck Hokanson (ensemble, U/S Uncle Henry/Guard); Emmett Knee (ensemble, U/S Tin Man/Hickory); Rebecca Mactaggart (ensemble, dance captain, U/S Glinda/Aunt Em);

Row 5 -- Lily Ramras (ensemble, U/S Dorothy); Gracie Scullion (ensemble); Angelena Browne (swing); Edward Nadenichek (swing)