There are just two weekends left to catch the family-friendly musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Woodlawn Theatre. It runs through Sunday July 29 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is the story of Dorothy Gale, who lives in Kansas and after being blown away by a twister, ends up in the magical world of Oz. Together with Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, she searches for her way home. Tickets are on sale online or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount.

After the Overture, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ begins with Madeline Gutierrez’ poignant rendition of “Over the Rainbow” and the audience is introduced to Dorothy who wishes she could escape to a nicer place. When her mean neighbor Miss Gulch threatens to take her dog Toto away, she runs away and meets Professor Marvel “The Wonders of the World” and begs him to let her come along with him in his travels. They are interrupted when a twister hits and she runs back home for shelter but once inside the house, it gets blown away by the storm. It lands in Oz and flattens the Wicked Witch of the East and Dorothy is greeted by the Glinda, the Good Witch of the North and the Munchkins “Munchkinland.” Glinda tells Dorothy that the Wizard of Oz might be able to help her return home “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” On her way to the Emerald City to speak with the Wizard, she meets the Scarecrow, who wants a brain, the Tin Man, who wants a heart and the Lion, who wants courage. Eventually the Wizard grants them their wish, which they had inside them all along and Glinda helps Dorothy return home via the ruby slippers.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a crowd pleaser as the humor and heart are well balanced and the combination of spectacular settings and quality performances by the cast makes this a show the entire family can enjoy together. Show highlights include Glinda’s grand entrance, the cast’s performance of “Follow The Yellow Brick Road” and “If I Only Had a Brain” by the Scarecrow, Dorothy and the Crows. Manny as Toto is a definite scene stealer, especially during a group scene at last Saturday’s performance when he chased the Lion’s tail. A special mention goes to Joshua Buce who plays the Lion and whose comic genius makes the role an uproarious delight to witness. He was recently seen as Lord Farquaad in ‘Shrek, the Musical,’ a similarly comic role for which he received an ATAC Globe Award.  This weekend, escape the heat and bring the kids to experience live theater at its best. This classic never goes out of style and is a must-see.