Last Saturday evening Jack and I took off to see the wizard - and what a wonderful wizard he was! I had debated taking him to the show. The version of The Wizard of Oz Drew and I saw last year at Cobb Energy Centre was a little scary - extremely good - but scary nonetheless! However, The Alliance Theatre's production was a completely different experience - one which clearly was geared for kids of all ages (though equally fun for adults).
While I'd read that the show was inspired by folk art, the unique costumes, diverse cast and "Southern" flair made it particularly special. I definitely did not expect for the munchkins to be rod and wall puppets instead of live actors! Everything about this show was a treat.
Jack says "I liked all of it! I liked the tornado!" (He's 4, of course he did.)
As for his favorite character, that would be Toto, who in this production was a hand puppet!
On Sunday (Oscar day) I was hoping to find the original movie on TV. No such luck, but I'm ready to watch it with both my boys now, and Jack and I can talk about the differences between the movie and the show that he saw. Although he might be afraid of those movie monkeys (I know I still am!).
Definitely introduce your children to the kind of magic only found in this Land of Oz. At only 70 minutes in length (with no intermission), the Alliance production is perfect for a family theatre outing. The show features the iconic songs "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Follow the Yellow Brick Road” from the movie score, and is filled with characters who are like childhood friends one never tires of visiting. The Wizard of Oz reminds us that no matter what you’re searching for, you don’t have to look further than your own backyard,
FAMILIES Centerstage This Saturday, March 3rd
On March 3, the Woodruff Arts Center Galleria will transform into a family fun fair with live performances, arts, crafts and music for the whole family to enjoy! Vendors include The Center for Puppetry Arts, Atlanta History Center, The Atlanta Symphony, Macaroni Kid! and much more. Besides all of the festivities of FAMILIES Centerstage, your tickets include admission to either the 1:00 pm or 4:00 pm performance of The Wizard of Oz. Tickets for FAMILIES Centerstage support the education program at the Alliance Theatre.
Tickets for FAMILIES Centerstage are available at alliancetheatre.org/familiescenterstage. Tickets for this day are $35 adult and $25 per child. The festival takes place between performances, from 2:00 to 4:00pm. Be there!
