Off to See the Wizard

IFYAC brings Emerald City to the Colonial

 (Taken from www.idahofallsmagazine.com)

The Wizard of Oz, the greatest family musical of all time is touching down in Idaho Falls. Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy, and of course, Toto, the little dog, too, as the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre presents their 13th annual fall production.

This timeless classic will be presented at the Colonial Theater November 9, 10, 12, and 13, with a special matinee on November 10. Audiences of all ages will be captivated as the Colonial Theater is transformed into the magical Emerald City.  Featuring songs from the Oscar-winning movie score The Wizard of Oz showcases all of your favorites including  Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Follow the Yellow Brick Road, If I Only Had a Heart, and We’re Off to See the Wizard. 

This year’s cast features over 100 local performers, ages ranging from 6 to 62, and a twenty piece live orchestra.  Becca Herrin will be featured as Dorothy, and will be joined by community favorites Matt Babcock as Scarecrow, Byron Heath as the Tin Man, Chris Brunt as the Cowardly Lion, Carla Campbell as the Wicked Witch, and Jerry Heath as the Wizard. And of course, the journey down the yellow brick road wouldn’t be complete without munchkins, singing trees, citizens of Oz, flying monkeys, and yes, those magic ruby slippers.

For 13 years now the Idaho Falls Arts Centre has been providing quality productions for the community. Director Sandi Herrin is excited to bring her vision of The Wizard of Oz to the stage and promises all of your traditional favorite scenes, with a few innovative surprises thrown in to thrill young and old alike. Her passion for The Wizard of Oz as a production for all ages will be evident in the magic she brings to the stage. Each year IFYAC brings professional live theater experiences to the youth of our community while giving them an opportunity to mentor with experienced actors and staff.

Tickets go on sale September 10 and can be purchased by calling The Idaho Falls Arts Council at 522-0471 ext. 100.  Online purchases are available at idahofallsarts.org.  All seats are reserved. Prices are $12 for evening performances and $10 for the Saturday matinee. Pre-sale vouchers can be purchased in advance from cast members, IFYAC Board members, and at the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre booth at various community events through early fall. Production information is also available at www.ifyac.org or by calling 403-5166.

IFYAC will continue its’ tradition of the annual theme basket raffle and cameo performance giveaway. Five lucky winners will have a special on stage appearance in the Emerald City. Each winner will be escorted to the performance by limousine and receive a custom makeover from Jacana parties, specializing in imaginative and mesmerizing creative face art work. Raffle tickets will be available at the Idaho Falls Youth Arts Centre booth at various community events through early fall, and can also be purchased from cast and IFYAC board members.

So follow the yellow brick road, over the rainbow and into the Colonial Theater Nov. 9, 10, 12 and 13. We’re off to see The Wizard of Oz the most magical adventure of them all.