Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma to Present THE WIZARD OF OZ, 7/12-16

One of the world's most beloved movie musicals comes to life at the Civic Center Music Hall this summer in Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's production of THE WIZARD OF OZ. Running July 12 through 16 and sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, this joyous musical will feature some of Oklahoma's most talented performers in its leading roles.

Arden Walker, recently seen in Lyric's production of THE FANTASTICKS, will star as Dorothy Gale. Walker is a 2016 graduate of Oklahoma City University. Starring alongside Walker are Melissa Griffith and Renee Anderson, playing Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively. Griffith played Mrs. Banks in Lyric's 2015 production of MARY POPPINS and Gertie in OKLAHOMA!. Anderson has performed many times with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, both as a featured performer and as a member of the Pops Chorale. Anderson has also performed in Lyric's productions of XANADU (Calliope) and OLIVER!.

Jerry Jay Cranford will play the Cowardly Lion. Cranford was seen in Lyric's 2013 production of BIG RIVER as The Duke. Also among Dorothy's traveling companions are Jordan Beall as The Tin Man, and Amani Pope as the Scarecrow. Celebrated performer David Coffee, known in Oklahoma for his work in GREATER TUNA and THE WIZARD OF OZ with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and CAMELOT with North Shore Music Theatre, will play the title character. Twenty-eight children will play the Munchkins.

"This version of the musical brings all of the most iconic moments from the movie to life," said Michael Baron, producing artistic director. "From 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' to 'We're Off to See the Wizard,' audiences will reignite their sense of wonder as we bring America's own fairy tale to life."

Ashley Wells, Lyric's associate artistic director, will direct the production; Matthew Sipress will choreograph. Direct from the national tour of THE WIZARD OF OZ, Lyric is welcoming David Andrews Rogers back to Oklahoma to music direct this production. Other members of the creative team include Helena Kuukka as lighting designer and Eileen Smithheimer as sound designer. Julie Meyer will stage manage the production.

Tickets are on sale now to THE WIZARD OF OZ, and start at $30. To purchase tickets, or for further information, visit our website, LyricTheatreOKC.com, or call Lyric's box office at (405) 524-9312.

This production is sponsored by Express Employment Professionals in support of Lyric's Family Favorite series. Other corporate support is by Bank of Oklahoma, AT&T, Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores, Cox Communications, and Prosperity Bank; other season sponsors include The Chickasaw Nation and The Oklahoman. Annual support is provided by Allied Arts, the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Oklahoma Arts Council, and The Shubert Foundation.

Photo by KO Rinearson

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