YOUNG ARTISTS ENSEMBLE

Presents

The Wizard of Oz

Based on the 1939 Film

THOUSAND OAKS, CA – Young Artists Ensemble presents THE WIZARD OF OZ directed by Amber Hutchison with Music Direction by Zachary Spencer and Choreography by Kate Peltola.  Performances are February 5-21, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00.  All performances are in the Theatre on the Hill at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 West Hillcrest Drive.

[NOTE:  There will be four performances with the addition of actors with special needs on one additional weekend, February 26-28, 2016.  This is part of the award-winning ConejoTheatre For Everyone, teaming up YAE kids and performers with special needs for a unique theatrical experience. A press release specifically for CTFE to follow. This release is only for the YAE production - first three weeks]

                The Wizard of Oz features 42 actors, some as young as seven years old who play The Munchkins.  The musical was originally adapted for the stage by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company to perform.  Based on the book by L. Frank Baum, the play includes Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg with Background Music by Herbert Stothart, Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard and Orchestration by Larry Wilcox.  It is based on the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. 

                As early as 1902, there have been musicals based on Baum’s novel.  In 1945 the first musical including the songs from the 1939 film was produced.  The Young Artists Ensemble version was first produced in 1987 in London.  The production includes an extra verse in the Academy Award-winning song, “Over the Rainbow” and a song cut from the final film called “The Jitterbug.” Audiences will be taken over the rainbow to follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.  This epic adventure of fleeing from a wicked witch teaches young Dorothy Gale that there’s no place like home.

                THE WIZARD OF OZ is the second production in Young Artists Ensemble’s 35^th Annual Family Theatre Season.  The season will continue conclude with ANNE OF GREEN GABLES May 6-22, 2016.  Mini-Season tickets can be purchased at a deep discount by contacting the box office at (805) 381-1246 or www.yaeonline.com.  Mini-Season tickets for both shows are $26 for adults and $22 for children, students and seniors (a 25% savings).  Individual show tickets are $19 for adults and $16 for children, students and seniors. 

Young Artists Ensemble recently received 24 nominations and six wins for their 2014 Summer Teen Production of Jesus Christ Superstar.  Winners in the Tenth Annual National Youth Arts Awards included Outstanding Production: Jesus Christ Superstar, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical: Jordan M. Schneider as Jesus of Nazareth, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical: Kyra Stevens as Mary Magdalene, Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Lighting Design: Ken Milbrett and Outstanding Youth Orchestra.

DETAILS FOR CALENDAR LISTINGS

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Based on the 1939 Film

PERFORMANCES

WHAT: THE WIZARD OF OZ – Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!  Go over the rainbow to follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.  It takes and epic adventure and fleeing from a wicked witch for young Dorothy Gale to learn that there’s no place like home.  The Wizard of Oz is also part of the award-winning Conejo Theatre for Everyone, teaming up YAE kids and performers with special needs for a unique theatrical experience. 

WHEN:

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, February 5 – 21, 2016

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm

Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00pm

CONEJO THEATRE FOR EVERYONE DATES:

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 26 – 28, 2016

Tickets for these shows are $10 general admission.

Hillcrest Center for the Arts

403 W. Hillcrest Drive

Thousand Oaks, CA

HOW: 
(805) 381-1246 or www.yaeonline.com

TICKETS: 
Single Tickets:  $19 adults, $16 children, students and seniors.

PURCHASE MINI SEASON OF TWO SHOWS FOR:  $26 adults, $22 children, students and seniors (A 25% discount!)

10% discount for groups of ten or more

OTHER: 
Free parking is always available. Accessible seating available by calling (805) 381-1246.