Wizard of Oz Ballet Follows the Yellow Brick Road to Wheeling, St. Clairsville
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WHEELING -- Oglebay Institute's children's theater brings classic stories from the page to the stage through dance and theatrical performances.
This year Oglebay Institute's Youth Ballet Company presents an original adaptation of the iconic, well-loved story "The Wizard of Oz."
Shows take place for two weekends -- this weekend from Oct. 14-15 and next weekend, Oct. 21-22 -- at Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre in Wheeling. A special, one-night-only performance in St. Clairsville takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at Ohio University Eastern.
The show includes all the favorite characters: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Wicked Witch and the rest, as well as the film's popular songs like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "We're Off to See the Wizard."
This original production also features the song "Ease on Down the Road" from "The Wiz." Audiences will enjoy special effects such as fire, a melting witch, flying monkeys and a flying house.
With friends, villains and life lessons along the way, the show is a contemporary production featuring dozens of costumed dancers and captivating dances of original choreography.
"For our annual fall ballet, we like to present a popular story that children are familiar with," said Oglebay Institute director of dance Cheryl Pompeo, "Kids get excited about the characters and music they know but get to see the story presented in a new and interesting way. They are introduced to the beauty of dance and observe how dance can be used as a means of self-expression and storytelling."
Pompeo added that the show is appropriate for all ages and is a "wonderful way for families to spend quality time together engaging in the arts."
Tickets can be purchased at www.oionline.com, by calling 304-242-7700, or at the door, if available. Many shows sell out. For those buying seats at the door, the box office opens one hour before all shows and can be reached at 304-233-4257.
Since 1930, the non-profit Oglebay Institute has served as the cultural hub of Wheeling. Oglebay Institute fosters appreciation, expression and discovery by engaging people of all ages and abilities through exceptional programming in performing and visual arts, dance, history and nature. Oglebay Institute venues include Stifel Fine Arts Center, Oglebay Institute School of Dance, Towngate Theatre, Schrader Environmental Education Center, The Museums of Oglebay Institute and Terra Alta Mountain Nature Camp.