Two Ind. Theatres Partner In Summer Musical Plans

A partnership between two southwest Indiana theatre companies will result in a musical set for summer 2011.

Lincoln Amphitheatre and Evansville Civic Theatre are working together to produce "The Wizard of Oz."

"Lincoln Amphitheatre is very excited to enter into a partnership with Evansville Civic Theatre. Both organizations want to expand the arts in southern Indiana in a creative, affordable and family friendly way," says Rev. Jeremy King, president of Lincoln Boyhood Drama Association.

Lincoln Amphitheatre will administer the project and provide the stage, administrative staff, and marketing campaign. Evansville Civic Theatre will direct, choreograph, cast the actors and supply the creative elements for costuming and props.

"Over the past few years, I have been watching the Civic Theatre family grow, and by Lincoln opening their doors to our community theatre, it will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent in southern Indiana and to utilize one of the finest outdoor venues in the Midwest," says Christopher P. Tyner, Box Office Manager and Educational Director for Evansville Civic Theatre.

Tyner will become the Managing Artistic Director for the Evansville Civic Theatre in May, and will direct the production of "The Wizard of Oz" at Lincoln Amphitheatre.

Steampunk, a science fiction genre inspired by 19th century Victorian Era Britain and Old American West, is the direction Tyner plans to take "The Wizard of Oz" in without making changes to the movie script version.

"My goal in creating this new visualization of Oz is to entice audiences to see what can be done with the magic of theatre; that you can take something you have loved since you were a child and bring it forward to the next generation in a new and exciting way," Tyner says.

"The Wizard of Oz" will take the stage this summer at Lincoln Amphitheatre on July 21, 2011, and will run Thursday - Saturday evenings with Sunday matinees until August 7. Tickets will go on sale to the general public April 1, 2011.

For more information about the 2011 season, call 1-800-264-4ABE or visit www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com.

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