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VNR: Kennedy Theatre reimagines the magic of Oz

The musical is designed for young audiences.

The show reimagines the classic story and features inventive puppetry.

Everyday objects become Oz’s iconic places and characters.

Link to video and sound (details below): 

The Yellow Brick Road begins with a little imagination and things others have thrown away.

At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s , discarded materials become the world of . The musical runs October 23–31, opening the Department of Theatre & Dance’s season, Finding Home in the Extraordinary.

Directed by graduate student Jack Romans, the production draws on the resourcefulness of childhood play. Everyday objects take on new life as the Yellow Brick Road, the Emerald City and the familiar characters Dorothy and Toto meet along their journey.

“Everyone deserves quality art, and everything has the potential to become part of it. Our Land(fill) of Oz transforms discarded materials into Dorothy’s adventure, inviting audiences of all ages to wonder, reimagine, and see new possibilities in the world around them,” Romans said.

Familiar songs, inventive designs and playful storytelling invite children and adults to rediscover Oz. The production celebrates creativity and giving discarded objects a new purpose. At its heart is Dorothy’s timeless search for home, alongside companions discovering their own courage, compassion and wisdom.

The closing matinee performance on October 31 brings Halloween into Oz. Audiences are encouraged to wear costumes, especially creations made with recycled or reused materials. Festivities include a costume parade and contest before the show and photos with the cast afterward.

Ticket information 

Performances run for two weekends: October 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., October 25 at 2 p.m., October 30 at 7:30 p.m. and October 31 at 2 p.m. A pre-show chat on Saturday, October 24, begins at 6:45 p.m. The musical is recommended for ages 5 and older.

Regular tickets range from $9 for ������Ƶ Mānoa students to $25 for adults. Special October 24 pricing includes $6 ������Ƶ Mānoa student tickets and $15 adult tickets.

For tickets and details, visit .

Link to video and sound (details below): 

VIDEO BROLL: (1 minute, 3 seconds)

Rehearsals and costumes

SOUNDBITES 

Jack Romans/Director, ������Ƶ Mānoa Wizard of Oz 

(:15)

“Our production is going to be trash, quite literally and endearingly because we’re setting it in a landfill. Part of what is at the heart of this performance is that we’re taking things that are deemed unworthy of our wonder and imagination and making that the source of this wonderful world of Oz.”

(:14)

“Hopefully people can start to see themselves in it more. They see themselves in the ages that are represented on stage. Hopefully they can see themselves in a sense that we’re building these magical characters out of things that most people are throwing away in their own time or seen lying around in their own home.”

VOSOT SCRIPT

INTRO
������Ƶ Mānoa is taking audiences down the Yellow Brick Road - turning trash into theatrical magic.

VO

At Kennedy Theatre, discarded objects get a starring role in the classic musical “The Wizard of Oz.” Everyday materials become costumes and sets, inspired by the way children play and imagine. Audiences will hear familiar songs as Dorothy and her friends search for home.

SOT (Jack Romans/Director, ������Ƶ Mānoa Wizard of Oz)
“Our production is going to be trash, quite literally and endearingly because we’re setting it in a landfill. Part of what is at the heart of this performance is that we’re taking things that are deemed unworthy of our wonder and imagination and making that the source of this wonderful world of Oz.”

VO TAG
Performances run October twenty-third through Halloween. Head to Kennedy Theatre’s website for tickets and more information.