"The Wizard of Oz" at the Chicago Theatre

Take a magical trip over the Rainbow down the Yellow Brick Road through Emerald City to the Land Of Oz! "The Wizard Of Oz”, is now playing a limited engagement at The Chicago Theatre.

Friends in Oz: “The Wizard of Oz”comes to the Chicago Theater, May 8–20. More information at http://wizardofoztour.com/.Lion (Victor Legarreta), TinMan (Christopher Russell),Dorothy(Kailee Kaimann),and Scarecrow (Chris Duir) are welcomed to the Emerald City. Photo Credit: Denise S. Trupe. Photo Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations.

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.

Dorothy and Glinda: “The Wizard of Oz”comes to the Chicago Theater, May 8–20. More information at http://wizardofoztour.com/. Dorothy(Kailee Kaimann) and Glinda (Ashleigh Thompson) Photo Credit: Denise S. Trupe. Photo Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations.

Dean Sabon is the Director and previously created the national tours of “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Amy McCleary created the magical choreography and was the Director/Choreographer of the national tour of “Memphis, the Musical” and the choreographer of the national tour of “The Wedding Singer.” The team of Sobon and McCleary will take Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow “Over the Rainbow” to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest and the Emerald City.

Friends in Oz: “The Wizard of Oz”comes to the Chicago Theater, May 8–20. More information at http://wizardofoztour.com/. Dorothy(Kailee Kaimann) sings "Over the Rainbow". Photo Credit: Denise S. Trupe. Photo Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations.

Leading the cast as Dorothy is Kalie Kaimann. She previously played this role for the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. She has also performed as Bonnie in “Anything Goes,” Logainne in “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” Ulla in “The Producers,” Millie Dilmount in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Belle in “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” and Minnie Fay in “Hello Dolly!” She received a Best Featured Actress in a Musical by BroadwayWorld.com for her performance as Minnie Fay.

Friends in Oz: “The Wizard of Oz”comes to the Chicago Theater, May 8–20. More information at http://wizardofoztour.com/ Dorothy(Kailee Kaimann) and Scarecrow. Photo Credit:Denise S. Trupe. Photo Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations.

Chris Duir plays the role of Scarecrow/Hunk. For Prather Entertainment Group he played the role of Bert in “Mary Poppins” and Eugene in the national tour of “Grease.” Regional credits include “Crazy For You” (Bobby Child), “Damn Yankees” (Smokey), “The Drowsy Chaperone” (George), and “Singin’ in the Rain.” He was also a singer for “Celebrity Cruises” and “Galaxy Macau Resort.

Four Friends in Oz: “The Wizard of Oz”comes to the Chicago Theater, May 8–20. More information at http://wizardofoztour.com/.Lion (Victor Legarreta), TinMan (Christopher Russell),Dorothy(Kailee Kaimann),and Scarecrow (Chris Duir). Photo Credit:Denise S. Trupe. Photo Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations.

Christopher Russell portrays Tinman/Hickory. He performed as Avram/Perchik understudy in the national tour of “Fiddler on the Roof.” Regionally he has performed in “Funny Girl” (Eddie Ryan), “The Producers” (Leo Bloom), “The Full Monty” (Jerry Lukowski), “Lend Me A Tenor” (Max), “Steppin’ Out” (Geoffrey), “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (Freddy Benson), and “Second Chances: The Thrift Shop Musical” (Wally), for which he also composed the original score.

Lion and Dorothy: “The Wizard of Oz”comes to the Chicago Theater, May 8–20. More information at http://wizardofoztour.com/.Lion (Victor Legarreta) and Dorothy(Kailee Kaimann). Photo Credit:Denise S. Trupe. Photo Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations.

Victor Legarreta portrays the Lion/Zeke. Legarreta has performed professionally in 150 productions nationally, internationally, and on cruise ships including the recent roles of The Cop in the comedy “Shear Madness”, Public Enemy #1 in “Anything Goes,” and numerous comedies for Prather Entertainment Group. Legarreta is also a director and has written many musical revues. He previously portrayed the Cowardly Lion at the “Broadway Palm” in Fort Myers, Florida.

Toto will be played by Murphy, a white Brussels Griffon/Cairn Terrier mix with scruffy fur and an adorable underbite. Murphy was rescued on February 5th, 2016 from the ASPCA in Chandler, AZ by Lizzie Webb (music director for “THE WIZARD OF OZ” tour) and was immediately welcomed into the theatre world. He has been a trusty backstage companion, a pit orchestra puppy (sleeping at mom’s feet while she plays piano and conducts shows) and within a few months of adoption he was onstage as Willoughby in “Mary Poppins.” This will be his second time playing Toto. He even has his own hashtag! #montanamurphy

Wicked Witch “The Wizard of Oz”comes to the Chicago Theater, May8–20. More information at http://wizardofoztour.com/ Wicked Witch of the West(Emily Perzan) in Muchinland. Photo Credit:Denise S. Trupe. Photo Courtesy of Carol Fox and Associates Public Relations.

"The Wizard of Oz" is one of my favorite stories of all time (side note that could be because my name often gets mistaken for Kansas), this is actually the 3rd time seeing it live. This rendition is my all time favorite: from the casting to the special effects, it blew me away! The brilliant use of motion graphics on the backdrop added luminosity and depth to the scenery, especially during the tornado scene. It gave the audience the sense that we were really in Kansas and the Land of Oz. The costume designs were spectacular! Extensive detail that was put into every single costume. The Muchins' costumes by far were my favorite each guild was whimsical and showed off their vibrant personalities.

Plus there is Murph, the cutie-pie, as Toto! Which even if you are not the biggest "Wizard of Oz" fan you should go just to see him on stage! #montanamurphy

"The Wizard of Oz" is now playing though May 20th at the Chicago Theatre. Tickets are $39-$129. For tickets or more information call (212) 465-6000 or visit www.chicagotheatre.com.