EMS Stages The Wizard of Oz, the Musical

Eighty students from grades 1-12 will come together to offer audience members a “delightful trip down the yellow brick road” at Eastern Mennonite School’s production of The Wizard of Oz, Feb. 24-27 at the school.

Joy Anderson directs this stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale with assistance from Leah Huyard. Choreography is by Suzanne Trow. A pit orchestra of EMS students and community members, under the direction of Nick Gardner, EMS band teacher, will play the iconic musical score by Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg, and Herbert Stothart. Audience members will recognize the music from the Royal Shakespeare Company, adapted from the MGM film.

The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. The show is approximately two and a half hours long, with an intermission, and is suitable for all ages.

Masks will be required of all audience members. Actors are prepared to shine even though masked, and will be well mic-ed.

Auditorium seating will be sold to capacity without restricted spaced seating on the main floor. The balcony has limited availability to allow for social distancing; seating in the balcony will be general admission (ticket information below). The school has made upgrades to ventilation to assure fresh air exchange.

Tickets
Tickets are on sale now at easternmennonite.org/tickets or by calling 540-236-6025. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the show.

All tickets are reserved seating except for general admission in the balcony where seating is spaced for social distancing.

Orchestra Center — $15, $13 senior citizen and students
Balcony and main level sides and back section — $12, $10 senior citizen and students*

*EMS students get one free ticket and pay for additional tickets; children and students from any school K-12 $10.

Show times
Thursday, February 24, open dress rehearsal (pay what you will), 7 p.m.
Friday, February 25, 7 p.m.
Saturday, February 26, 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 27, 3 p.m.
Snow dates: Saturday, March 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m.
The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

COVID and Weather Notes:
Masks are required in the building at all times. If the production is cancelled due to COVID or weather all costs will be refunded
Directions
Eastern Mennonite School is located at 801 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg. Access the auditorium from Parkwood Dr. Turn off of Route 42 onto Parkwood Dr., go past the main building and turn left into the parking lot. Watch for signs. Proceed to the large lot behind the building.