We're off to see another "Wizard"

Once again, children can eagerly tag along with Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Scarecrow as they follow the yellow brick road to Oz, in the stage version of "The Wizard of Oz" opening next Friday, Nov. 21 at Seattle Children's Theatre.

Based closely on the classic MGM movie "Wizard of Oz" (which was inspired by the Oz storybooks by L. Frank Baum), this theatrical edition of the evergreen story features the film's beloved songs by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, including the iconic ballad "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Fashioned originally for England's Royal Shakespeare Company, this adroit adaptation has been around a while. The 5th Avenue Theatre has presented it, as has Seattle's Civic Light Opera (now known as Seattle Musical Theatre). And it's a favorite of amateur and educational theaters.

It is one of those magical stories, though, that young folk can't get enough of — and a chestnut that's likely to bolster box office during the holidays. The SCT version, staged by artistic director Linda Hartzell, should also be notable for its cast of polished Seattle thesps — including Julie Briskman (as the Wicked Witch of the West), Todd Jefferson Moore (as the Cowardly Lion) and Kasey Nusbickel as that starry-eyed Kansas girl on a mission, Dorothy.

"The Wizard of Oz" plays Fridays-Sundays through Jan. 17 (with some variations due to the holiday season), at Seattle Children's Theatre, Seattle Center; $15-$40 (information, 206-441-3322 or www.sct.org).

Misha Berson: mberson@seattletimes.com

In this article published Nov. 14 and corrected Jan. 30, the opening date of The Wizard of Oz" at Seattle Children's Theatre was incorrect. The play opened Nov. 21.