Cebu Centre for Dance presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’

CEBU, Philippines – Find yourself transported to another world and embark on a magical journey this Christmas, with Cebu Centre for Dance’s ballet adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic, “The Wizard of Oz.”

The story ballet starts with Dorothy (Gabrielle Centino) and her dog Toto, who gets swept in a tornado, into the beautiful and colorful Land of Oz. There, she meets the Munchkins and Glinda the Good Witch (Pamela Mangubat) who gives her the ruby slippers to protect her. She also tells her to seek the aid of the Wizard (Jeffrey Tapang) who lives in Emerald City to help her go back to Kansas.

As she sets off to the Emerald City following the yellow brick road, she meets the Scarecrow (Giselle Abalos) whose dearest wish is to have a brain, the Tin Man (Kaye Deloria) who longs to have a heart, and the Cowardly Lion (Chloe Capatoy) who wishes for courage. Together, they traverse the enchanted land’s yellow brick road in their quest to find the Wizard who can grant their wishes. In their journey, they encounter mystical characters such as the Wicked Witch of the West (Anna Stavri) who conjures a field of poppies, led by the Poppy Fairy (Kristina Belleza) that cause Dorothy and some of her friends to sleep. Glinda saves them by making it snow which eventually reverses the effects of the poppies.

The Dance of the Snowflakes is led by the Snow King (Joer Gallur) and Snow Queen (Honneyville Boiser).  When Dorothy and her friends arrive in the Emerald City, the Wizard declines their requests until they give him the Wicked Witch’s broomstick. They set off again to the Wicked Witch’s castle and are attacked by the Witch and her Flying Monkeys.  Dorothy defeats her by throwing a bucket of water on her which causes her to disintegrate. All’s well that ends well: Dorothy and her friends give the Wizard the Witch’s broom and he grants all their wishes.  Finally, Dorothy and Toto go back home, over the rainbow.

This well-loved classic shows the beauty of friendship, the power of determination, and that good will always prevail over evil. And lastly, most especially this Christmas, there is no place like home.

The adventure will be on December 7, 5 p.m. at SM City Cebu Cinema 1. Tickets are available for sale at Cebu Centre for Dance: P400 (orchestra and first two rows center balcony) and P200 (balcony), all free seating.  You may call the Cebu Centre for Dance studio at 416-9637 for inquiries or visit them at Tango Plaza Building in Queen’s Road near Redemptorist Church. (PR)