ArtsLink would like to invite you to a performance of The Wizard of Oz by the Oglebay Institute Youth Ballet on Sunday, October 29. The show will start at 3pm at the Lincoln Theater in downtown New Martinsville.

The show includes all your favorite characters: Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Wicked Witch, and popular songs like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard.” This original production also features the song “Ease on Down the Road” from “The Wiz.”  Audiences will enjoy special effects such as fire, a melting witch, flying monkeys, and a flying house. The show is a contemporary production featuring captivating dances of original choreography.

“For our annual fall ballet, we like to present a popular story that children are familiar with,” said Oglebay Institute director of dance Cheryl Pompeo, “Kids get excited about the characters and music they know but get to see the story presented in a new and interesting way. They are introduced to the beauty of dance and observe how dance can be used as a means of self-expression and storytelling.” Pompeo added that the show is appropriate for all ages and is a “wonderful way for families to spend quality time together engaging in the arts.”

Tickets for ArtsLink members are $10 for an individual and $20 for a family (2 adults and kids under 18), for non-members $15 for individuals and $25 for a family, students are $5, and will be available at the door. Theater parties are welcome; 10% discount for groups of 10 or more, with advance reservation. Credit cards are now accepted.

Funding for this program was made possible with assistance from The City of New Martinsville Parks and Recreation Commission, West Virginia Northern Community College, WETZ/WYMJ Radio and EQT Foundation. This program is presented with financial assistance from the WV Department of Arts, Culture and History, and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the WV Commission on the Arts. Additional funding application has been made to the Harry E. and Olive T. Barth Charitable Trust, a component fund of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley. ArtsLink is committed to providing universal accessibility wherever possible. Persons with special needs may contact us at 304-455-2278 to request assistance.