This holiday season, Calgarians are invited to follow the Yellow Brick Road directly to the Martha Cohen Theatre in the Werklund Centre for a spectacular theatrical experience.
A Record-Breaking Production
From November 25 through January 4, Alberta Theatre Projects is presenting the 1942 stage version of The Wizard of Oz, marking the company's most ambitious undertaking in its 41-year history. Artistic director Haysam Kadri confirms this production surpasses their 2011 version in scale and spectacle.
The massive cast includes 12 core performers portraying beloved characters like Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, the Wizard, and the Wicked Witch of the West. They're joined by a youth ensemble of 10 actors aged nine to fifteen, and two canine performers—Breezie and Duncan—who alternate playing Toto across more than 60 scheduled performances.
Community Engagement and Viral Success
Public excitement has been building steadily, with tickets selling rapidly and unexpected viral moments boosting visibility. Audition tapes for the dogs playing Toto garnered over 1.5 million views online during the summer.
The production's innovative "Go Emerald" drive invited community participation, asking for donations of household items that set designer Narda McCarroll and her team transformed into elements of Oz. These creative repurposings connect Dorothy's Kansas world to the magical land of Oz, allowing donors to see their contributions reimagined on stage.
Perfect Timing for Oz Mania
Kadri explains the perfect timing of this production, noting that Wicked 2 releases the week before their opening, creating renewed interest in the Oz universe. The artistic director describes the show as "joyful and nostalgic," intended as a thank you to audiences after ATP's successful 50th anniversary season.
With its combination of classic storytelling, musical numbers, and community involvement, Alberta Theatre Projects promises a holiday experience that truly makes audiences feel they've come home.
