The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Over the Rainbow

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is a whimsical and delightful journey from a farm in Kansas to the Emerald City. Serenbe Playhouse is known for its innovative performances that connect art, nature and community, and director Brian Clowdus and playwright Rachel Teagle captivate all ages with an updated stage version of the American classic, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.
Entering The Animal Farm at The Inn at Serenbe, we were surrounded by farm animals – like Dorothy’s barnyard in Kansas! We put on green spectacles we were given to transport us to the Emerald City, and met the costumed actress playing Dorothy on our way to the stage. The audience sits along a fenced path that serves as the yellow brick road, so we’re as close as possible to the action. Even farm animals nearby on the grounds peeked over the fence to watch the production, adding to the atmosphere. Creative costumes and handcrafted puppets from the Center for Puppetry Arts (made just for this production) captured our attention and my family was mesmerized watching Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion tell their story. Puppets portray the Munchkins, the flying monkeys and the Wizard, and the Wicked Witch wears a full body puppet outfit. There are even audience participation opportunities, so be ready!
At the end of the show, my 6-year-old niece whispered, “This show was really great!  Can we watch it again?” On our drive home, we reminisced about our favorite parts of this “over the rainbow” outdoor theater experience and had great discussion about what differed in this live performance from the film we’ve watched and loved for many years.

Insider Tips: Enter the Serenbe community by The Inn at Serenbe; signs direct you to the performance area. Bring your own outdoor chairs or blankets for seating.  Arrive early, so that you have time to park, take care of restroom needs and walk to the performance area. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress for warm weather, and bring along sunscreen and insect repellent. At 8:30 p.m. July 12, The Wizard of Oz film will be screened as a drive-in movie at the Wildflower Meadow
at Serenbe.
– Marteeta Spradling