*GIVEAWAY CLOSED. CONGRATS TO RENEE!*
The Madison Square Garden Company will bring one of the most beloved family musicals, THE WIZARD OF OZ, to Chicago at The Chicago Theatre (175 N. State St.) from May 8 – May 20, 2018. Tickets for THE WIZARD OF OZ are on-sale now ranging from $39 - $129. Tickets are available online at www.chicagotheatre.com and are also available at The Chicago Theatre box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and Ticketmaster phone charge.
This magical production is a celebration of the classic 1939 MGM movie and will be presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas. Featuring the classic songs, composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “If I Only Had A Brain,” along with the beloved characters, THE WIZARD OF OZ will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable day at the theater. For more information visit: www.wizardofoztour.com
I recently had the opportunity to ask a few questions of both the director, Dean Sabon, and the actress playing Dorothy, Kailee Kaimann.
Mac Kid Chicago Midtown: Dean, THE WIZARD OF OZ is a beloved movie. How do you bring it to the stage and keep everything audiences love while also making it fresh and new?
Dean Sabon: I felt that it was very important to keep the stage show very similar in style to the movie since so many children are seeing it for the first time, many times with the grandparents who saw the original movie. It creates a great continuity for the family. We have added back in the Winkies number that was taken out of the movie and this is a fun, glow in the dark type of dance number that the kids love. The technical and video aspects of the show bring a new element as well as the flying that kids may not
expect.
MKCM: And Kailee, how does it feel to take on an iconic role like Dorothy and how do you make the role your own?
Kailee Kaimann: It is such an honor to be taking on this iconic role, especially since I have always idolized her as a child myself. I definitely pay homage to Judy Garland’s Dorothy because that’s what the audiences have grown up with and it’s what they hold near and dear to their hearts. I really wanted to capture the innocence and curiosity of a young girl while staying true to the time period. I find that I’ve made it my own by staying honest in every moment on stage and telling Dorothy’s story as best I can.
MKCM: What was the most complicated aspect of bringing this production to life?
DS: To keep the characters real and not make them a cartoon version or make fun of the beloved friends. And to not just make them a copy of the movie performers as well. Of course, when you have a show that is so iconic, it’s hard not to find a comparison to the original performers. I think our cast has done a great job in making the characters their own and not just a copy.
MKCM: How are THE WIZARD OF OZ fans responding to this version of the story?
DS: The best feeling is when you are in the audience and get to hear everyone say “Aw” when Murphy, our Toto walks onstage the first time. And the applause is so loud when our Dorothy finishes “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Most audiences are out of their seats during the curtain call for the first performer that comes out. They love that it’s a show that they can share with all generations of their family and create a lasting memory.
MKCM: Is this your first touring gig, Kailee? How are you enjoying life on the road?
KK: Yes, this is my first tour! I’m loving every minute of it. I’m getting to bring a beautiful show to audiences all over the U.S. (& Canada!) while getting to explore places I’ve never seen before. It’s truly a dream come true!
MKCM: What has been your favorite moment of the tour so far?
KK: A few weeks ago, we were performing in multiple cities in Florida, and we happened to have an off day in Lakeland, so almost the whole cast made a trip to Disney! It was amazing!! Definitely a highlight for me.
MKCM: What are you most looking forward to during your time in Chicago?
KK: I’ve passed through Chicago before, but I’ve never gotten to visit and explore! Besides performing at the beautiful Chicago Theatre, I’m looking forward to deep dish pizza!!
As a big fan of THE WIZARD OF OZ, I can't wait to take my family to see this show! And one lucky Mac Kid family is also going since I have a family four-pack of tickets for the Saturday, May 12, 11 AM show!
GIVEAWAY: To enter please fill out this form and tell me your fave song from THE WIZARD OF OZ. (I really love "If I Were King of the Forest"!)
Winner will be chosen via random.org at 8PM on April 25, announced and emailed at that time. Winner must respond within 24 hours or a new winner will be chosen. You must be a Macaroni Kid Subscriber to enter this giveaway. If you are not an MK subscriber and you chose to enter, you are authorizing MK to sign you up for our totally awesome FREE weekly email newsletter.
