RECORD STAFF

Follow the yellow brick road to watch The Whidbey Children’s Theater production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

The beloved children’s story turned children’s play opens Friday, June 28 and will run every weekend through July 14.

The show provides a unique take on the show by using the talents of local artists Kat and Kris Carlson. Together, they designed the production to take place on two mediums, the stage and the chalkboard.

“We are using the medium of chalkboard art to bring a mystical quality to our production. Kris will design the backdrop and teach the actors how to draw it through the performance. The actors will then illustrate the scenes with chalkboard art as they are happening,” said Bekah Zachritz, director of the show.

“I think stories can be told anywhere and that theater can be done anywhere,” Zachritz said. “Focusing on telling the story is a great place to put our energy. The idea of having art involved in this production was born of the idea of creating magic through simplicity.”

Zachritz has worked with Whidbey Children’s Theater teaching drama, choreographing and performing.

Performances are each Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 28 to July 14. Friday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (Saturday, July 6 begins at 2 p.m.) and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students. During family show dates, June 30 and July 13, tickets cost $8 for all ages. For tickets, call 360-221-2282. Tickets are also available at the box office one hour before the show or during regular hours Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fridays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Whidbey Children’s Theater is located at 222 Anthes Ave.