‘Wizard of Oz’ on last leg of national tour

The current North American Tour of The Wizard of Oz launched at Playhouse Square in Cleveland on December 1, 2015. Now the tour is wrapping up, visiting its final cities, which include Atlanta on June 21-26, Charlotte on July 5-10 and Tampa on July 12-17.

This new production of The Wizard of Oz brings to life the classic film while also introducing a few surprises, such as new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Developed from the ever-popular MGM screenplay, the musical contains all the favorite characters and iconic moments. It also features choreography by Arlene Phillips, who’s previously been a part of Flashdance, The Sound of Music, Grease, We Will Rock You, Saturday Night Fever and Jesus Christ Superstar productions.

Cast Member Adam Vanek, who has previously performed in Les Misérables, Evita and on Norwegian Cruise Line, shared with Dance Informa reasons why people should take every opportunity to see the show this summer.

“Our production of The Wizard of Oz brings the beloved film to life on stage. You’ll recognize all of your favorite songs like ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and ‘If I Only Had a Brain,’ and also get to hear new songs written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, such as the Wicked Witch of the West’s ‘Red Shoes Blues,’” he said.

“The visually stunning set and costumes bring the world over the rainbow to life. The reimagined technical contemporary choreography adds a modern flare to the show,” he continued. “It’s a story about friendship, family, and realizing and appreciating your natural gifts and talents. All of these elements make for a show that will entertain the entire family that you shouldn’t miss!”

Vanek is also a teaching artist for Broadway Connection, an organization that coordinates local masterclasses and workshops with talented and successful Broadway artists at local dance schools and companies. When asked why student dancers would enjoy one of his Broadway Connection masterclasses, Vanek said his classes give dancers valuable expertise.

“In my BC class, dancers are given a taste of what it’s like to audition for a national tour, while given the freedom to ask questions, explore their individual characters, and put their own personality into their performance. Dancers are given choreography straight from the show and get to practice their auditions skills in a pressure-free environment,” he shared.

“I always make sure to include sections in the combination where dancers are given freedom to add their own flare to the steps via improvisation and exploration. I like to remind dancers to ‘be yourself’ and ‘the steps aren’t as important as you are.’ I like to personalize the combinations as well, so that every dancer is challenged and able to nail the steps at the same time. Keeping a positive, high energy and encouraging vibe in the studio is a guarantee in a class with me!” he added.

For more information on the North American Tour of The Wizard of Oz, visit www.wizardofozthemusical.com/ustour. For further details on Vanek and Broadway Connection, head to www.broadwayconnection.net.

By Chelsea Thomas of Dance Informa.

Photo: The Wizard of Oz cast. Photo by Daniel A. Swalec.