We're off to see the Wizard

We’re never very far from The Wizard of Oz. Its phrases resonate in our everyday language: "the Wicked Witch of the West", "the yellow brick road", "cowardly lion", "over the rainbow", "ruby slippers", "we're not in Kansas any more", and "lions, tigers, and bears - oh my" are common phrases many of us have used.

When you see the Ballet Theatre of Ohio's production of The Wizard of Oz, you will see your favorite characters - Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, the Witch - who are more endearing when they speak in the language of dance, because, of course, there are no words in ballet.

Not a single treasured detail is missing: a tornado spins the house into the sky, Dorothy wears the ruby slippers, the Wicked Witch summons her flying monkeys to capture Dorothy and her pals, and (a real) Toto runs across the stage. And Munchkins? They’ve got ’em!

Even though I wasn't supposed to, I took one photo. The sets and costumes were beautiful, colorful, and exciting. And many of the dancers, some of whom had been dancing since the age of 4, were as accomplished as any big city professional ballet.Grace loved the performance, sitting on Nana and Big Daddy's laps so she could see the stage. We weren't sure Grace would make it past the first intermission, but she did great! She even ran back down the aisle to our seats when the 2nd act was about to begin!Notice that all the ladies - Nana, Grace, and Mommy wore red shoes in honor of the occasion!Did you know Nana brought a special visitor to Ohio? Connor's Flat Stanley. Here he is!