“The Wizard of Oz” from Zoika’s Dance: There’s no place like home and no show like this!
Join Dorothy and her unforgettable friends as they dance down the yellow brick road in a fresh take on a beloved story. “The Wizard of Oz” is not only limited to classical ballet, but blends tap, hip hop, jazz, acro, modern dance and more, seamlessly together, creating this springtime family event.
More than 75 local dancers bring Emerald City to life on stage for performances at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23, and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 24, at Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine.
Sophia Budd of St. Augustine will dance the role of Dorothy Gale. Professional dancers Jenne Vermes and Alex Rubio of Noise Complaint Tap Dance Theatre will dance the roles of the Tin Man and the Lion, respectively. Jose Fuentes brings the Scarecrow to life. Katherine DeAcutis is in the role of the Wicked Witch of the West, while Emmaline Young graces the stage as Glinda.
David Buchman, a local professional artist, will bring the Wizard himself to life on stage. The cast welcomes professional tap dancers Sean Mansfield and Christie Woodson, also with Noise Complaint Tap Dance Theatre, for their roles as Uncle Henry and Aunt Em.
“Watching the dancers embrace their roles on stage brings back a nostalgic sense of wonder,” said director Zoika Garcia. “Audience members will be transported right into Emerald City where Dorothy and her friends will teach us that true friendship and teamwork help overcome any obstacle life may present.”
Garcia and the show’s sponsors are committed to making sure that local children who might not otherwise be able to attend, experience the magic of “The Wizard of Oz.” To become a sponsor and share this experience with local children, go to www.zoikasdance.com/sponsors or call 904-342-5920. Sponsorships of $250 and up will provide free tickets to local children through the production’s nonprofit partners like St Augustine Youth Services, Fostering Connections, the Betty Griffin House and Alpha-Omega Miracle Home.
Zoika’s Dance is a comprehensive dance school in St. Augustine, offering beginning to advanced classes in all major dance genres for ages 3 and older, as well as performance opportunities in downtown St. Augustine. To learn more, go to www.zoikasdance.com.
Tickets for “The Wizard of Oz” may be purchased online at www.zoikasdance.com. Tickets range in price from $23 to $38.
