The Hilberry Theatre 4743 Cass Avenue, at the corner of Hancock Box Office:  313.577.2972 Open Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.hilberry.com

As summer gets underway, so does the children\'s theatre production of Oz by Patrick Shanahan, presented at the Hilberry Theatre June 20 - July 8, 2006.  The play is based upon the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.    

The play takes an imaginative trip with the character of Dot into the library of popular children\'s books author L. Frank Baum, also a character in the play, for a magical journey that tells the story of what really happened before the twister hit that led to the creation of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."  Together, the duo provides a fresh look at the inspiration behind the beloved tale, including the inventive creation of the familiar

Keara Woods as Dot (with scarecrow from Oz). *Photos by Eric Vaughn Messing

and lovable characters of The Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion and what inspired their magical journey to the wonderful Emerald City of Oz.  With the help of Baum\'s housekeeper we meet a host of familiar childhood friends including Auntie Em, Glinda the Good Witch and even the Wizard of Oz himself. This magical production includes imaginative puppetry and is sure to delight children of all ages.

Making his Detroit directorial debut, Anthony Rhine leads this talented cast which includes Bonstelle Theatre graduates Keara Woods (Flint) as Dot and Whitney Green (Livonia) as Bridgey the housekeeper, with third-year Hilberry Company member Brian Ogden (Berkley) as Baum. Designers for Oz are Patrick Field (lighting), Lex van Blommestein (scenic), Lanny Birdsell (costume), Andrea Bear (assistant costume), Neil Koivu (sound) and Alan Batkiewicz (assistant props).

Oz plays June 20-23, 27-30 and July 5-8 with all performances at 10:30 am.  Tickets are $5 for children and groups of 10 or more and $8 for adults.  For tickets and further information, please call (313) 577-2972.