'The Wizard of Oz' National Tour

Family classic comes to the Garde for two performances sponsored by Bank of America

Mar 03, 2011 11:12 AM - (New London) The greatest family musical of all time, "The Wizard of Oz," is touching down in New London as NETworks Presentations brings this national treasure to the Garde Arts Center with performances on Monday, March 28, and Tuesday, March 29, both at 7:30pm. The performances, part of the Broadway at the Garde Series, are sponsored by Bank of America.

This magical production, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company's celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, is presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas. Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow are transported "Over the Rainbow" to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest, and the Emerald City.

Featuring the classic songs by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, "Over the Rainbow," "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" and "Merry Old Land of Oz," 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 evening of family fun.

The Broadway at the Garde Series brings the finest national tours of Broadway musicals to New London. The Broadway at the Garde Series shows scheduled for the 2010-11 year include "Spring Awakening" (April 14-15) and "Beauty & The Beast" (June 10-11).
Tickets to "The Wizard of Oz" are $56 orchestra, $65 loge, $46 front balcony, $38 rear balcony and are available at the Garde Box Office, 325 State St., New London, Conn. The Garde Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two hours prior to curtain on performance days. Beginning March 21, the Garde Box Office will change its hours to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. but will continue to open two hours prior to performances. Tickets may be purchased online at www.gardearts.org or by phone during regular box office hours at (860) 444-7373, ext. 1.

CALENDAR LISTING:
WHAT: "The Wizard of Oz"
WHEN: Monday, March 28 and Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30pm.
WHERE: Garde Arts Center, 325 State Street, New London, CT
PRICES: $56 orchestra, $65 loge, $46 front balcony, $38 rear balcony
BOX OFFICE: www.gardearts.org or (860) 444-7373, ext. 1

***
About the Garde Arts Center
Now in its eighty-second season, the Garde Arts Center is southeastern Connecticut’s non-profit center for the performing arts. The Garde owns and operates the historic 1450-seat Garde Theatre and the 130-seat Oasis Room where it presents musicals, opera, orchestras, contemporary music, film, dance, and family events. Home of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, hosts performances by regional arts organizations and provides educational programs for more than 12,000 young people. Under the leadership of Steve Sigel, executive director, since 1988, the Garde has become a major catalyst for the cultural and economic revitalization of New London.

***

MEDIA INFO
For photos and interviews, please contact Jeanne Sigel, (860) 444-4430, jsigel@gardearts.org
Wizard of Oz on Tour Web site: www.wizardofozontour.com