THE WIZARD OF OZ Comes to Philadelphia, 12/27 & 28

The greatest family musical of all time, THE WIZARD OF OZ, is touching down in Philadelphia as part of theBroadway Season for a limited engagement at the Merriam Theater on December 27 & 28. 

Tickets ranging in price from $20 to $85 are now on sale.  Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts. (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Merriam Theater box office, 250 S. Broad St. (open during performances only).  Groups of 10 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883.  Performances are:  Tuesday, Dec. 27  and Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm.

This magical production, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, is presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas.

Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow are transported “Over the Rainbow” to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest and the Emerald City. Local children from the Philadelphia area will be performing the roles of “munchkins.”  Singing timeless classics such as “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead,” the children help bring this beloved classic to the stage of their hometown as part of their continuing performing arts education.

Featuring the classic songs, as composed by Harold Arlen, “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “If  I Only Had A Brain,” along with the beloved characters, THE WIZARD OF OZ will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable evening at the theater.  For more information on the tour visit www.wizardofozontour.com

The Broadway Season is presented by the Kimmel Center and The Shubert Organization with productions at theAcademy of Music, Forrest Theatre and Merriam Theater.  Subscription packages for the Broadway Season are still available by calling 215-893-1955 or online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway1112.

In addition to THE WIZARD OF OZ, the Broadway Season includes:  HAIR (Jan. 3 – 8); MEMPHIS (Jan. 17 – 22); FELA! (Mar. 20 – 25); and WEST SIDE STORY (Mar. 27 – Apr. 8), all at the Academy of Music.  The Broadway Season will welcome the return of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award Winning Best Musical JERSEY BOYS (Dec. 6 – Jan. 14) at the Forrest Theatre.  Additional show s will include: RAIN – A Tribute To The Beatles (Jan. 31 – Feb. 5) and the premiere of a spectacular new production of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (June 5 – 10), both at theAcademy of Music.