Playhouse Theatre to present ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Metro Wire Staff

The Playhouse Theatre Group of Central Wisconsin is bringing the magic of Oz to a local junior high school.

“The Wizard of Oz, Jr.” debuts Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. Additional showtimes are Friday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1 and 7 p.m. The show will be presented at Ben Franklin Jr. High.

The show’s premise is a familiar one for most: Young Dorothy Gale is swept away by a tornado from her Kansas farm to the magical land of Oz, where she encounters a host of whimsical characters—good witches, bad witches, animals that talk, scarecrows that walk—and things magical to behold. To find her way home, she must journey along the yellow brick road to see the mysterious and all-powerful wizard in Emerald City.

The production of features 85 area youngsters and is co-directed by Tori Schultz and Hannah Formella. Musical direction and choreography are being overseen by Maija Salienko and Jacob Pezewski. The children’s choir is directed by Ranee Williams with assistance from Marissa Williams and Natalie King.

Reserved seating is on sale now at www.playhousetheatergroup.com. Tickets are $15.

Ben Franklin Jr. High is located at 2000 Polk St. in Stevens Point.