Macaroni Kid was thrilled to be invited to see The Wonderful Wizard of Oz at Adventure Theatre last week. We have seen a few shows, but we were "over the rainbow" about this production. We loved that the kids could come in their pajamas, enjoy the production, and then afterwards attended the milk & cookies reception with the cast.
The cast was terrific, as usual, and came around before the show greeting the audience, Because of this interaction, once the show started the kids were able to connect more easily to the store line. The cast was in character,so my kids enjoyed talking with them and asking a few questions.
I suggest arriving about 30 - 20 minutes ahead of time, so you can get your ticket (a sticker) and seat. The theater is open seating, and you are normally let in about 10 to 15 minutes before the show begins. However, there isn't a bad seat in the theater. While we were in the second row we had friends in the last row and everyone was able to see and enjoy the show.
The show begins in Kansas with Dorothy, her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and Toto, a puppet in this production - which my kids loved. This production strays a bit from the storyline we are familiar with a bit once Dorothy arrives in Oz. She meets the good witch of the North, who gives her silver shoes instead of ruby shoes. These silver shoes will protect her as she travels down the yellow brick road.
The evil witch of the east sends her wild cat to try to get these silver shoes from Dorothy on her journey to the Emerald City. My son loved seeing the wild cat try to take the shoes from Dorothy, but Dorothy didn't even notice. He especially loved it when the cat brought back the boots instead of the silver shoes.
The Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion made the kids laugh and were nice balance to the witches and flying monkeys. Thankfully Dorothy makes it back home and all is well in the end! What a fabulous show.
After the show is over you can take photos with the cast.