Berkeley Playhouse Soars Over the Rainbow with THE WIZARD OF OZ

Berkeley Playhouse kicks off the holiday season with all-new production of the legendary family musical, The Wizard of Oz. Brimming with classic songs and Technicolor spirit, The Wizard of Oz blows its way into the Julia Morgan Theater this November. When a storm hits her family farm in Kansas, young Dorothy and her dog Toto are swept over the rainbow to a magical land where scarecrows talk, tin men sing, lions (barely) roar, and where one very wicked witch rules the skies. One of the most treasured stories of the 20th century, filled with the songs that made it an instant classic, this musical journey of finding home-and yourself-is this holiday season's must-see family event! Performances run Friday through Sunday, and select Thursday evenings, beginning November 9, 2018. Press night will be held on Saturday, November 10 at 7pm. Tickets (ranging from $20-$40) are available by calling (510) 845-8542 x351 or by visiting online at www.berkeleyplayhouse.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

"This holiday season, we really wanted to look for a musical that celebrates home and the world of one's extended family," says Berkeley Playhouse Executive Director and Producer, Kimberly Dooley. "Not only is it one of the great American musicals, it is a beautiful moment in our cultural storytelling that exclaimed that not only is 'there no place like home' - but that home is made up those we choose to surround ourselves with, not just those we are related to. The Wizard of Oz fits perfectly into our history of exploring family, and we cannot wait to share this beautiful production with families throughout the Bay Area."

Featuring a cast of nearly two-dozen actors from throughout the Bay Area, Berkeley Playhouse's production will have an extended holiday schedule, running seven weeks. Furthering efforts to make theater available for all audiences, the run of Berkeley Playhouse's The Wizard of Oz includes two low-cost preview performances (November 9 at 7pm; November 10 at 1pm), and offers two Pay What You Can performances, Thursday, December 6 and 13 at 7pm.

Founded in 2007 by professional theatre actor, director, and teacher for over 25 years, Elizabeth McKoy, Berkeley Playhouse's mission is to create theatre and programs that engage, ignite, and celebrate diverse Bay Area audiences through a thriving conservatory, a professional season, educational outreach, and a commitment to the development of new family musicals. In support of our mission, we maintain and enhance the historic Julia Morgan Theater. A commitment to community, diversity, inclusion, and empowerment is at the heart of our work.

For tickets ($22 for previews, $20-$40 for regular performances) or more information, the public may call (510) 845-8542 x351 or visit berkeleyplayhouse.org. Group rates available for 10 or more people. Ticket prices are subject to change at any time.

Photo by Ben Krantz Studio.