The Performing Arts Academy will be presenting a new adaptation of THE WIZARD OF OZ at The
Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois on Friday, April 30, Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2.
Based on the original Oz book by L. Frank Baum, THE WIZARD OF OZ features over fifty students from The Academy and is the culmination of a year of acting class and rehearsal. Over the years The Academy has produced many classic shows including BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LITTLE MERMAID, ANNIE, BYE BYE BIRDIE, and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.
This play with music tells the Oz story in a different way. Dorothy (Katie Kocan) leaves Aunt Em (Kena McCance) and Uncle Henry (Sterling Cramer) when a cyclone carries her to Oz. The Munchkins and the Good Witch of the North (Natalie Nelson) still welcome her to the Land of Oz. The Scarecrow (Tanner Karns), the Tin Man (Caleb Plattner), and the Cowardly Lion (Brock Karns) join Dorothy along the way to meet The Wizard (Ashton Hansen). And The Wicked Witch of the West (Abby Augustine) and her monkeys still try to thwart Dorothy’s journey and get back those precious shoes. However, this is not your typical WIZARD OF OZ and definitely not the 1939 movie.
Tim Holmes and Katy Redington, co-owners of The Academy, have strived to offer a new version of the story while presenting it in a way that is safe for the actors and the audience. With a steam punk theme, masks have been incorporated into the costuming. The number of actors in a scene at one time has been paired down. And the play features some original music – but not the large production numbers The Academy is used to presenting. In addition, there is limited, socially distanced seating at The Orpheum with masks being required at all times.
There will be six performances given. Dates and times are Friday, April 30 at 7:00 pm, Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 7:00 pm, and Sunday, May 2 at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Tickets prices are $12.00 for Adults, $10.00 for Youth/Students, and $15.00 in the Mezzanine level no matter what age you are. Tickets may be purchased by calling The Orpheum Theatre Box Office at 309.342.2299. Box Office hours are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Friday. Tickets must be purchased in advance. There will be NO door sales.