Thu 4/25-Sun 5/12
Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has had enduring popularity, reworked in many forms, most notably the 1939 musical film starring Judy Garland. Its songs, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, have become classics known to generations. Who doesn’t know “Over the Rainbow” which became Garland’s signature song and a gay anthem?
Naturally there have been stage adaptations, including John Kane’s 1987 version of London’s Royal Shakespeare Company, which used the film’s original music including the background music by Herbert Howard.
That’s the version that will be performed by the Akron-based Ohio Shakespeare Festival, starting this weekend at its winter home at Greystone Hall in downtown Akron. It’s directed by Tess Burgler with choreography by Jailyn Harris. It will feature local English/Irish folk quarter The Rude Sea as live actor/musicians.
The show runs Thursdays-Saturdays @ 8pm and Sundays @ 2pm through Sunday May 12. You can even order table-for-two onstage seating to “be totally immersed in Oz.” Get tickets here.
Akron, OH 44308