L. Frank Baum’s cherished tale The Wizard of Oz, is vividly brought to life by choreographer Septime Webre in this new story ballet. Audiences can expect the classic plotline they know and love, from an on-stage twister in Kansas to the explosion of colour and fantastical costumes in Oz. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City with new music composed specially for the ballet by Matthew Pierce. With visual projections creating a cinematic feel, brilliant dancing and flying monkeys, this is where Ballet meets Broadway glitz. Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet shines in this impressive production—a joint commission with Kansas City Ballet and Colorado Ballet—that is sure to please ballet aficionados and newcomers alike.

We caught up with the production during it’s dress rehearsal on Thursday afternoon. You can catch two more showings of this performance on Saturday. Visit https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/21616 for details and tickets.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet performs the Wizard of Oz at the National Arts Centre. Photo: Jen Derbach (@JDphotos03)