Kansas City Ballet Presents The Wizard of Oz

Kansas City Ballet brings The Wizard of Oz to the Muriel Kauffman Theatre at the Kauffman Center, with the run opening on Saturday, October 17. It's a production the company describes as a treat for the whole family, and the story is one most of us know by heart: Dorothy and Toto get swept up in a whirlwind and end up in a magical land, where they make three unexpected friends on their way to meet the Wizard, outwit a Wicked Witch, and find their way back home.

This isn't a stripped-down version of the tale. The production is directed by Septime Webre and is built around an original score, so you'll be hearing a new musical take on the story rather than the songs from the movie. It's also described as having inventive design and spectacular effects, which should make for a full stage to watch. The company bills it as a spellbinding treat for the whole family, and the plot—Dorothy, Toto, and a few friends on a long journey home—is a good entry point if you're bringing kids who haven't seen the story before.

There are seven performances over nine days, so you've got a few different ways to fit it in. The evening shows are Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 PM, Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 PM, Friday, October 23 at 7:30 PM, and Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 PM. If you're looking for a matinee, there's Sunday, October 18 at 1:30 PM, Saturday, October 24 at 2:00 PM, and Sunday, October 25 at 1:30 PM. Single tickets have been on sale since August 17, and subscriptions are available if you're planning to see more of the season.