Film Classic 'The Wizard Of Oz' Lands On Miami Stage

(Photo Provided By Broadway Across America)

WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE...

TRAVEL OVER THE RAINBOW TO SEE

THE WIZARD OF OZ

OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 2, 2008

AT THE Adrienne Arsht CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

OF MIAMI DADE COUNTY

One of the greatest family musicals of all time, THE WIZARD OF OZ, is touching down at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami Dade County from Tuesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 2, 2008. This magical production, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, is presented with many special effects that promise to sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas. NETworks Presentations brings this National Treasure to Miami for eight performances only."There is no better show to introduce your family to the dream of Broadway and live theater than THE WIZARD OF OZ," says Susie Krajsa, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Broadway Across America. "Over the years, THE WIZARD OF OZ has become an American icon and there are many testaments to it's longstanding place in our history. The original film is on the American Film Institutes (AFI's) top 10 movies of all time and the song "Over the Rainbow" is ranked in AFI's top 100 songs. The ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland are on view at the Smithsonian." 

"This new production is tailor made for the city of Miami," says Scott Shiller, Executive Vice President of the Adrienne Arsht Center. "From its glamorous Art Deco set design to its unforgettable costumes, it is truly wonderful to offer audiences this uplifting and whimsical performance."

The principle cast features Cassie Okenka as Dorothy Gale, Noah Aberlin as the Scarecrow, Chris Kind as the Tinman, Jason Simon as the Cowardly Lion, Pat Sibley as the Wicked Witch of the West, Robert John Beidermann as the Wizard of Oz, and Caitlin Maloney as Glinda. Toto, directed by acclaimed Broadway animal trainer Bill Berloni, will be played in alternate performances by Snickers and Princess. Rounding out the ensemble are Brian Baily, J Ryan Carroll, Lauryn Ciardullo, Robert Conte, K.C. Leiber, Tommy Martinez, Timothy McNeill, Taylor Hilt Mitchell, Lauren Patton, Jessa Rose, Sara Ruzicka, Sarah Stevens and Bruce Warren.

Joining the cast is a troupe of 12 young performers plus two alternates from Miami's Elite of Dance Empire who were chosen to perform the role of Munchkins during the Miami engagement of THE WIZARD OF OZ National Tour. Led by Artistic Director Angel FraserLogan, the 14 winning troupe members from The Elite of Dance Empire are Olivia Fuller, Olivia Lundeen, Jessie Parker, Isabella Medina, Balli Logan, Cheyenne Nussberger, Carly Girnun, Sean Stack, Janell Williams, Evan Rapaport, Astrid Trouillot, Tray Ross, Paola Guarin and Lea Leveque.

Director Nigel West, choreographer Leigh Constantine and set and costume designer Tim McQuillenWright plan to utilize the glamour and elegance of Art Deco Hollywood as the technicolor backdrop for THE WIZARD OF OZ.  Featuring the classic songs "Over the Rainbow," "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" and "If I Only Had A Brain," as composed by Harold Arlen, along with the beloved characters, THE WIZARD OF OZ should have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable evening at the theater.

For more information visit: www.wizardofozontour.com. THE WIZARD OF OZ is being produced by NETworks Presentations, LLC. For more information visit http://www.networkstours.com.

TICKETS:

Purchase tickets only from the following authorized ticket sellers at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office, Broadway Across America and Ticketmaster.

Performances are Tuesday, October 28 through Sunday, November 2, 2008 in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center with performance times Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm, Sunday evening at 7:30pm with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets start at $20.00 and are available in person at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office or by phone at 305.949.6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org. Orders for groups of 15 or more may be placed by calling the Broadway Across America at 1.800.6GROUPS (647.6877) or the Adrienne Arsht Center at 786.468.2326.

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