The Wizard of Oz - An Immersive Take on the Beloved Tale
by Zach Theatre

Aug. 13 - Sep. 21
Wednesdays-Sundays

 

In an immersive Zach360 experience, yellow brick roads will wind through The Topfer guiding the audience’s journey to see the wonderful The Wizard of Oz. Performed in the round with interactive components, Dorothy and friends from L. Frank Baum’s classic novel comes to life this summer in a reinvention of the most beloved story of all time. 

“I'm very excited to create a new fully immersive Zach360 version of The Wizard of Oz, an experience made specifically for families and the young at heart. Inspired by our recent production of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet…, The Topfer will reconfigure again into theater in the round, where the action of the musical takes place both on stage and in the house where the audience is seated. A 1930s-style singing cowboy and cowgirl band will greet audiences with musical fun that springs out of the Western heartland,” said director Steakley. “I invite you to join us in creating the scarecrow’s cornfield, the stunning poppy field, and the parade of bubbles that accompany Glinda. And when we’re off to see the Wizard, Munchkinland turns into a boot-stompin’ hoedown to raise our spirits as we begin this adventure together. Slip on your cowboy boots and join us on the yellow brick road, ‘cause there’s no place like home.”

The Wizard of Oz includes both an adult and student cast. The adult cast includes Moira Poh as Dorothy Gale; Elise Ogden as Auntie Em; Rick Roemer as Uncle Henry/Professor/The Wizard; Raphe Gilliam as Hunk/Scarecrow; Connor Coughlin as Hickory/Tin Man; Ryan Everett Wood as Zeke/Cowardly Lion; Elora von Rosch as Miss Almira Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West; and Mariel Ardila as Glinda/Ensemble. Ian Bethany, Ryan Sytsema, Caleb Sporrer, Ben Milan-Polisar, Maggie Colleen Anderson, Jenna Napolitano, and Sophie Beck will round out the cast.

The alternating student cast includes Anais Molin, Madeleine Yang, Hadley Arndt, Ainsley Jones, Annie Curtis, Alexandra Guerrero as the Lullaby League; Kolbie Schneider, Camille Bergmann, Livie Kass, Caroline Copeland, Vivienne Robichaux, Reagan Roaquin as Lollipop Guild; Henry Walk and Rayan Jogee as Mayor; Luke Cantu Gutierrez and Wilder Vail-Gutweiler; and Riley Richichi and Lucas Edwards as Barrister. 

The Wizard of Oz is directed by Dave Steakley with musical direction by Allen Robertson and choreography by Josh Assor. The additional production team includes assistant choreographer Brooke Cox; scenic design by Stephanie Busing; costume design by Susan Branch Towne; lighting design by Benjamin Gantose; sound design by JoshuaMillican; properties design by Brady Flock; hair and makeup design by Anna Fugate-Downs; AEA production stage manager Caroline Ragland; AEA assistant stage manager Brennah Galvin; and assistant stage manager Ezra Rose. 

The Wizard of Oz, with a book and lyrics by Jim Eiler and music by Jeanne Bargy and Jim Eiler adapted from the book by Frank L. Baum. 

 

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The Wizard of Oz - An Immersive Take on the Beloved Tale
by Adapted from L. Fran Baum by Jim Eiler, Jeanne Bargy
Zach Theatre

August 13 - September 21, 2025

Wednesdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays

Topfer Stage at Zach Theatre, Austin

Click HERE for reservations and tickets

Special events in celebration of The Wizard of Oz:

• Pay What You Wish Week – Wednesday, August 13 through Sunday, August 17, 2025
• Pride Night – Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• Press Night – Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 7:30 pm ; Press may RSVP to nicole.shiro@motleycrewmedia.com
• Zachademia Night – Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• Champagne Opening – Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm
• ASL Performance – Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 2:30 pm