Live Arts Theater twists up the holidays with the musical The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, with music & lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, and background music by Herbert Stothart.
Directed by John Gibson, with co-director Ray Nedzel, music direction by Lance Brenner and choreography by Christine Wyatt, The Wizard of Oz is sponsored by Woodard Properties and will have 16 performances in the Gibson Theater, from November 22, 2024 through December 15, at Live Arts Theater, 123 E. Water Street, in Charlottesville.
Live Arts will host two special events: an opening night special fundraiser on Friday, November 22, 2024, for Live Arts Theater in celebration of The Wizard of Oz and honoring Gibson, and post-show audience talk-back on Thursday, December 12.
“I take a lot of inspiration from those who’ve come before – especially from those making theater here in Charlottesville, the home of one of the best audience communities anywhere,” Gibson said. “I’m also inspired by the countless creatives who’ve turned toward Oz across its 125 years. Why do we come back to it, so often, and with such fondness? Victor Fleming, who directed the 1939 film, may have said it best: ‘At its heart, the story is simple – a search for beauty and decency. The world always needs that story.’”
Live Arts invites audiences to follow the yellow brick road and pay attention to the wonderful man behind the curtain. Gibson, former Live Arts Artistic Director, brings his uniquely personal vision to L. Frank Baum’s fantastic tale about young Dorothy Gale, her dear friends, Professor Marvel and the yellow brick-laden road they travel together. Featuring the oh-so-catchy musical score from the classic film, the enchanting adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” sweeps us from the Kansas prairie way up high and over the rainbow “ … enough to make you click your glitter-dusted ruby slippers far more than three times. And to send you home with a whole lot more smarts, heart and courage,” WTTW News of Chicago’s review said.
Audiences are welcome to enjoy beverages and concessions one hour prior to the performance and at intermission.
Tickets are $35 per adult and $29 per student and senior citizens and are available through the Box Office at [email protected], by phone at 434-977-4177, extension 123, or online.
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Rebecca Barnabi
