TV Preview: THE WIZARD OF OZ in San Diego

The greatest family musical of all time, THE WIZARD OF OZ, is touching down in San Diego as Broadway/San Diego ~ A Nederlander Presentation brings this National Treasure to the San Diego Civic Theatre; February 15 - 20, 2011.

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. Our cast features Kate Bristol (Dorothy Gale), Andrew Hasberlat (Hunk/Scarecrow), Beau Hutchings (Hickory/Tinman), Jesse Coleman (Zeke/Lion); with Dusty & Loki as Toto; Robert John Biedermann (Professor Marvel/The Wizard of Oz), Pat Sibley (Miss Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West), Sarah Amades (Aunt Em/ Glinda), Ryan Wagner (Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard); and an ensemble of 13.

Twelve children from San Diego's J* Company will be performing the roles of "munchkins" ~ Marissa Wolfsheimer, Megan Spector, Nathan Miller, Adira Rosen, Rebecca Penner, Jonas McMullen, Sierra Lieb, Gabriel Mayer, Sebastian Mayer and Danya Greenberg. Singing timeless classics such as "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," the local children will help bring this beloved classic to the stage of their hometown as part of their continuing performing arts education.

Director Nigel West, choreographer Leigh Constantine and set and costume designer Tim McQuillen-Wright utilize the glamour and elegance of art deco Hollywood as the visually stunning technicolor backdrop for THE WIZARD OF OZ. 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.

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, visit www.broadwaysd.com/thewizardofoz.php