Director Jacob Morris and the Expect Excellence Community Theater are thrilled to announce the famously celebrated classic tale, The Wizard of Oz. What started as a children's book written by L. Frank Baum, first published in 1900, has become one of the most enduring family films of all time. The leap from page to screen arrived a decade later as an American silent fantasy film. Eventually reaching the iconic 1939 musical film featuring Judy Garland that we all know today. 

The story follows Dorothy and her dog Toto as they embark on a journey through the magical land of Oz to find their way back to the home they were whisked away from. All along the way, they meet one vibrant character after another who helps point the pure-hearted hero closer to her goal. A simple, kind girl wanting only to find her way back to Kansas by the end, along with her new friends, learns the importance of self-reliance and that true power lies behind believing in oneself. 

The show will host a cast of 60 actors and a live “Toto'' the dog. Expect to see the munchkins, Glinda (the good witch), a scarecrow in search of a brain, a tin man in search of a heart, and a lion looking to find a bit of courage. A lesson on true friendship in which the least likely of pairs along a yellow brick road choose time and time again not to give up when hard times come their way. The cast includes a scary witch and her flying monkeys who together bring just the right amount of intrigue to the audience while captivating from above. 

Orchestra pits play a crucial role in the polished, perfected feel of the world-renowned Broadway musicals. Now, The Performing Arts Center will be using an orchestra pit for the first time, bringing this production performance to a whole new level. Orange Beach Creative Director Jessica Langston, explains that ‘The Little Mermaid’ in February 2022 was the first show to feature a live orchestra. This time, by using the orchestra pit, the musical director will be able to signal both the musicians and the vocalist. Another addition will be the introduction of new characters into the timeless tale, the jitterbugs. Stacie Brane, stage manager, happily shares this has been her favorite part. Brane elaborates, saying it's the jitterbug’s dance and tap number that makes it so special expressing, that here at E.E.C.T. we “go big or go home.” 

Almost all the costumes are hand-sewn and sets are built in part by volunteers and other theater staff. One eager volunteer and headshot photographer for the cast, Carrie Godwin, states in her opinion “The Orange Beach Performing Art Center is the most technically advanced by far in the area.” Godwin travels over two hours to be here with her daughter Loralei who will be performing for her second time on the Orange Beach stage wide-eyed states the Gulf Coast “better get ready.” Godwin explains she hasn’t seen anything like what is happening here anywhere else including “all along the East Coast.” 

Get ready to immerse yourself into the Wonderful Land of Oz singing along to a spectacular live musical theater performance for one weekend only. Langston explains that while the majority of people have probably seen the film version“ there is just something even more endearing and magical about seeing it performed live in person.” Tickets are on sale now for the show of the season that Oz and theater fans alike don’t want to miss. We’re not in Kansas anymore the E.E.C.T cast have been up to something Wonderful right here on the Gulf Coast. 

General Admission seating is $15. For more information about this event and to secure your spot, click the link below. 

Orange Beach Performing Arts Center 

23908 Canal Rd

Orange Beach, AL 36561

https://www.orangebeachal.gov/423/Performing-Arts-Center

Box office number: (251) 923 -0043