John Kane News

Center Stage Jackson has announced its 2019-2020 Season!

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village goes over the rainbow and down the yellow brick road with The Wizard of Oz, a faithful stage adaption of the classic 1939 film. Dorothy Gale, a young farm girl, dreams of more when suddenly she and her dog Toto are swept away to the magical land of Oz. Now on a journey to get home, she comes across new friends such as the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, all hoping to meet the Wizard of Oz.

'The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages,' presented by Harlem Repertory Theater (HRT) and Yip Harburg Foundation, has been extended through January 11, 2020 due to continuing and steady audience interest. The production has played since October 8, 2016 at Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 East 123rd Street (near 2nd Ave.), Manhattan, and has previously been extended seven times.

This summer, Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents the 75-minute musical stage adaptation of the timeless 1939 MGM film The Wizard of Oz, directed by Brian Hill and choreographed by Kenny Ingram. Based on the landmark novel by L. Frank Baum and featuring music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, The Wizard of Oz promises to be the perfect outing for audiences of all ages at Chicago Shakespeare's home on Navy Pier all summer long, July 6-August 25, 2019 with performances on Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. and Thursdays-Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

The story of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" has gone through many incarnations over the years: An American fairytale, a Broadway extravaganza, one of the first technicolor MGM movie musicals, and the 1989 West End holiday musical. Now, complete with dancing Munchkins and flying monkeys, Sierra Rep is delighted to present The Wizard of Oz this summer at the Historic Fallon House Theatre in Columbia State Park. The book is by John Kane, music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. It has additional background music by Herbert Stothart. It is based on the novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum and the 1939 film version written by Noel Langley, Florence Ryerson and Edgar Allan Woolf. This production will be co-directed by Scott Viets and Jerry Lee, who previously teamed up for Holiday Jukebox and The Robber Bridegroom. The production sponsor is DSN Outdoor.

In April, Area Stage Company will present a fresh take on the Hollywood classic The Wizard of Oz. Director Giancarlo Rodaz will take audiences on an unexpected, family friendly journey throughout the land of Oz complete with all the songs and characters from the film you know and love.

The creative team has delivered a beautiful, inventive and masterful version of the classic 'The Wizard of Oz'. Visually it is pleasantly different to what we are used to, but it is very audibly familiar.

The wonderful THE WIZARD OF OZ on Hale Centre Theatre's Centre Stage is a spectacle that pays tribute to the classic movie while standing in its own ruby slippers.

The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages, presented by Harlem Repertory Theater (HRT) and the Yip Harburg Foundation, has been extended through June 8, 2019 due to continuing and steady audience interest. The production has played since October 8, 2016 at Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 East 123rd Street (near 2nd Ave.), Manhattan, and has previously been extended six times.Upcoming performances are Saturdays at 3:00 PM: December 15, 2018; January 26, February 9 & 23, March 9 & 23 and June 8, 2019.

Westport Country Playhouse announces its 2019 Family Festivities Series on selected Sundays from January through April, featuring musical productions based on classic and contemporary children's stories.  The four-show series includes musical versions of the classic, "The Wizard of Oz," and the bestselling book, "Angelina Ballerina."  Performances are at 1 and 4 p.m., and are approximately one-hour in length. Tickets, at $20 each, are now on sale.

'The Wizard of Oz: A Jazz Musical for All Ages,' presented by Harlem Repertory Theater (HRT) and Yip Harburg Foundation, has been extended through June 8, 2019 due to continuing and steady audience interest. The production has played since October 8, 2016 at Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 East 123rd Street (near 2nd Ave.), Manhattan, and has previously been extended six times.

Dorothy thinks she is lost forever when a terrifying tornado crashes through Kansas and whisks her and her dog, Toto, far away to the magical land of Oz. To get home Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City and find the wonderfully mysterious Wizard of Oz. Together with her companions - the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, whom she meets on the way - Dorothy embarks on a strange and enchanting adventure.

Another tornado heads to Gainesville as GTA sells out "The Wizard of Oz" before its Nov. 6 opening

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong opens its 37th Main Stage season with THE WIZARD OF OZ.  The show runs October 5th through the 28th with performances Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM and a special Opening Night Performance, October 5th at 7:30PM followed by a post-show talkback and reception.

Storyhouse in Chester has announced the cast for The Wizard of Oz taking place at the multi-award-winning venue this Christmas.

The Growing Stage, The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong opens its 37th Main Stage season with THE WIZARD OF OZ.  The show runs October 5th through the 28th with performances Saturday and Sunday matinees at 4:00 PM and a special Opening Night Performance, October 5th at 7:30PM followed by a post-show talkback and reception.

Dr. David DiChiera, Founder and long-time General Director of Michigan Opera Theatre (MOT), died today at his home in Detroit with his family by his side. He was 83 years old and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March, 2017.

The Growing Stage - The Children's Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong, New Jersey presents its 2018 - 2019 Main Stage Season

Denton Community Theatre is proud to present The Wizard of Oz, By L. Frank Baum, With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, Background Music by Herbert Stothart, Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard, Orchestration by Larry Wilcox, Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.  This production is directed by Mildred A. Peveto with music direction by Jett Cheek.