DM Playhouse Final Act Ensemble Presents THE WIZARD OF OZ Radio Play Today, 8/13

The Final Act Ensemble, a Playhouse troupe that performs classic and original radio plays, will present "The Wizard of Oz" at the Iowa State Fair's Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall, 12:00 PM, today, Aug.13.

Dorothy goes over the rainbow and finds adventure in the land of Oz, making friends with the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. L. Frank Baum's favorite tale is brought to life as a radio play with special sound effects, including a tornado scene that requires the entire cast, and inventive commercials presented live before your very eyes by the Des Moines Community Playhouse's Final Act Ensemble.

This version of "The Wizard of Oz" was originally presented as part of the Lux Radio program. Lux Radio Theater was a classic radio series that began broadcasting hour-long versions of Broadway plays and film adaptations in 1934.

August 13 will be full of music and fun in The Farm Bureau Pioneer Hall. The morning will begin with a musical salute to America's veterans, followed by youth and adult piano playing contests. The Final Act Ensemble's exciting "Wizard of Oz" presentation begins at noon, followed by harmonica and accordion competitions.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse's Final Act Ensemble is an established group of actors who rehearse weekly to bring live radio performances to audiences young and old across Central Iowa. Repertoire includes classic radio scripts and original pieces.

The Des Moines Community Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information on the Des Moines Community Playhouse, Final Act Ensemble, and "The Wizard of Oz," contact The Playhouse at 515-974-5359.

Nothing Compares to the 2012 Iowa State Fair, Aug. 9-19. For more information on the 2012 Iowa State Fair, call 800-545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.