The Wizard of Oz at Wheelock Family Theatre

Oz is that place, ten minutes before sleep, where we bind up our wounds, soak our feet, dream ourselves better, snooze poetry on our lips, and decide that mankind, for all its snide and mean and dumb, must be given another chance come down, and a hearty breakfast. - Ray Bradbury

With publication of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 1900, Baum revealed his vision for a new kind of children’s book:  thrilling adventures from a child’s point of view, showing the child’s ability to journey into the world, to solve problems, and to secure a return home. Baum acknowledged the influence of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen, which he was deliberately revising in his "wonder tales" for American readers, so as to embody the human virtues of intelligence, caring, and courage.

The Wizard of Oz, developed from the ever popular 1939 MGM screenplay, is an enchanting musical adaptation of the all time classic fantasy of children’s literature. Containing all the much-loved songs from the Oscar winning movie score including; Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and all the favorite characters and iconic moments. The Wizard of Oz has become a genuine piece of American folklore, an allegory of the American Dream where troubles melt like lemon-drops and dreams really do come true.

The Wizard of Oz at Wheelock Family Theatre

Based on the beloved novel and Classic Motion Picture, The Wizard of Oz follows the story of a young girl, Dorothy, as she finds the true meaning of “home.”

She and her best sidekick, Toto (a charming, scruffy little dog), find themselves in the magical land of Oz and encounter characters of splendor and tasks of the highest magnitude.

Audiences fall for Dorothy and her trusted companions as they battle their way to their highest desires — knowledge, love, courage and home.

Directed by Nick Vargas
Choreographed by Tiffany Lau
Music Direction by Todd Gordon

Based on the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Location: 180 The Riverway on the campus of Wheelock College in Boston’s Fenway district

Parking: Discounted parking at MASCO garage at 375 Longwood Avenue

MBTA: Fenway or Longwood on Green Riverside Line (D train); CT busses to Beth Israel

Access: The Theatre is wheelchair accessible. All performances are Open captioned. Friday ?? at 7:30 & Sunday ?? at 3:00 performances are interpreted in American Sign Language and Audio-described.

Performance recommended for adults and children 6 and up.

Wheelock Family Theatre has been recognized both locally and nationally for its commitment to accessible, multi-cultural, multi-generational productions for all families. Recognized by the Boston Theatre Critic’s Association and the Independent Reviewers of New England in 2011 for 30 years of excellence, Wheelock Family Theatre has also been hailed as a Massachusetts treasure, receiving the 2005 Commonwealth Award and a leader in access programs for people with disabilities receiving the Kennedy Center’s LEAD Award. Wheelock Family Theatre’s early commitment to diversity in Boston theatre was recognized in 2000 by Actor’s Equity Association’s with its presentation of the Rosetta LeNoire Award.

For additional information about the production, please contact:

Charles G. Baldwin 617-879-2147 cbaldwin@wheelock.edu