"The Wizard of Oz" opens this Saturday at the Trumpet in the Land Amphitheatre. (Trumpet in the Land)

NEW PHILADELPHIA - The cast and crew of Trumpet in the Land are inviting the community to join them for a journey over the rainbow as they perform the L. Frank Baum classic "The Wizard of Oz."

"The Wizard of Oz" is the beloved tale of a young Kansas farm girl who travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home.  Dorothy’s house has landed on, and fatally stricken, the Wicked Witch of the East. The Munchkins celebrate and hail Dorothy as their new heroine. The celebration is interrupted as the Wicked Witch of the West suddenly appears, seeking vengeance. Unable to reclaim her sister’s shoes from Dorothy’s feet, the Witch disappears in a cloud of smoke while vowing to return.  Dorothy and her dog Toto, seeking a way back home, are off to see the Wizard.  Along the way, they meet the Scarecrow, who wants a brain; the Tin Man, who longs for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who desperately needs courage.  Dorothy invites all of them to join her and Toto so they too can ask the Wizard for help.  

Director Joseph Bonamico masterfully brings to life scenes that most people know well enough to recite by heart, while Music Director Marian Vogel and Choreographer Bart Herman’s skillfully stage the production’s music and dance numbers. Technical Director Corey Zickel and his tireless staff of technicians have taken advantage of the beautiful outdoor amphitheater to recreate Munchkin Land, the Emerald City, the haunted forest and the witch’s castle. Cast members include Emily Turner as Dorothy, Phoebe Cotton as Toto, Jack Lewis as the Scarecrow, Josh Miller as the Tin Man, Bart Herman as the Lion, Emily Johnson as Glinda, Ellie Dudeck as the Wicked Witch of the West and Ty Kinter as the great and powerful Oz.      

The show opens this Saturday, July 13th, at 8:30 pm at the Trumpet in the Land Amphitheatre. Other upcoming dates include July 19th 27th and August 2nd and 10th.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for children 12 and under.  For reservations call the box office at 330-339-1132.

TRUMPET IN THE LAND