An iconic 1939 film based on the 1900 fairy tale by Frank Baum, “The Wizard of Oz” is an imaginative story full of characters and images that have long captured our imagination. On Friday, April 17, head to the Washington Center for the Performing Arts for a new spin – quite literally, in this case – on the classic when “Wizard of Oz on Ice” takes the main stage.
Transforming the Washington Center into a Glittering Ice Rink for One Night Only
If you’ve attended one of the many concerts, comedy nights, graduation ceremonies, art shows, lectures, exhibits or community singalongs at the Washington Center, this event might be a little baffling. Can people really ice skate on the main stage?
The answer is a resounding yes, says Alex Wilfand, executive producer of this show. Wizard of Oz on Ice “is real skating,” he explains, “with plenty of flips, turns and jumps.” These acrobatics take place thanks to a surface made from massive slabs of ice carefully assembled and painstakingly joined into place. The slabs are transported between stops and reused along the tour.
For all you Winter Olympics figure skating junkies – like the 26.5 million Americans estimated to have tuned in to recent televised broadcasts – keep a well-trained eye out. This tour’s Wizard of Oz himself will be played by Shawn Sawyer, an Olympic skater who competed in the 2006 Turin, Italy games.
Fellow cast and crew members have extensive coaching experience, competed at the U.S. National Championships, toured with Cirque du Soleil and Stars on Ice and have performed in conjunction with Disney World and SeaWorld.
‘Wizard of Oz on Ice’ is a Fresh, Musical Retelling of the Beloved Classic
Oly on Ice and the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games have packed up for their respective seasons but never fear all you skating fans, because Ice Creative Entertainment is bringing their beloved, reimagined “Wizard of Oz on Ice” to downtown Olympia for one night only.
Wilfand explains that it is a reimagined retelling set on ice. “[The production] sticks to the original but gives a modern take with upbeat songs and special effects,” says Wilfand. “There’s something for everyone and even older crowds who know the story love to see it come back to life.”
This stop is part of a larger tour across the United States and Canada. They’ve performed in the Pacific Northwest before, says Wilfand, but weren’t able to stop last year and are excited for a return to our area.
“Wizard of Oz on Ice” is one of Ice Creative Entertainment’s newer shows with others including fairy tale tributes to Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan and Cinderella. Original songs were created by writers for Disney and other theme park and entertainment companies to keep audiences on the edge of their seat all night long.
Get Your Wizard of Oz on Ice Tickets Now and Don’t Let Ice Skating Magic Melt Away
Tickets for “Wizard of Oz on Ice” can be purchased online, by calling 360.753.8586 or from the Washington Center for the Performing Arts Box Office. The Box Office is open from noon until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and two hours before any ticketed event.
If whimsical, lighthearted flights of fancy are what you crave these days, the Washington Center has something for everyone. On Thursday, April 2 look for (and at!) the aptly named Naked Magicians. Then return to Oz on April 25 with the “Wicked Sing-Along.” Local host Lauren O’Neill warms up the audience who are then encouraged to sing along with the 2024 movie’s soundtrack from start to finish.
The “Wizard of Oz” has captured hearts and imaginations for nearly 130 years. It has spawned sequels, stage plays, musicals and endless Halloween costumes. Because of it we use phrases like “There’s no place like home,” “We’re not in Kansas anymore,” “Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!” and “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too.” The movie even taught us the words to “We’re off to see the wizard” and “Over the rainbow.”
Come share your love of a classic with family, friends, Auntie Em and all the munchkins in your life thanks to the Washington Center. Just look out for the occasional flying monkey.
