Colorado Ballet Presents: The Wizard of Oz

Magic has come to Colorado Ballet! Follow the yellow brick road to this exciting premiere of The Wizard of Oz, featuring new sets, costumes and special effects – don’t miss this magical ballet!

Disclosure:  We were provided with free tickets to view the performance in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Photos by Kate Rolston.

About The Wizard Of Oz

In the spirit of innovation and collaboration, Colorado Ballet continues to reach new heights as a nationally recognized professional ballet company with its premiere of a new full-length ballet, The Wizard of Oz. Over the past two years, Colorado Ballet joined forces with two other esteemed ballet companies, Kansas City Ballet and Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, to create an all-new and incredibly popular ballet on a scale far greater than any of the companies could produce individually. This international collaboration to create a new production based on a world famous story gave three companies one innovative way to contribute to a thriving dance community and to move the art form forward.

Colorado Ballet is honored and proud to present its premiere of The Wizard of Oz at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, February 1–10, 2019. In addition to Colorado Ballet’s 10 performances of The Wizard Oz, the company will present An Evening in Oz Gala at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 5:30PM.

The world premiere of The Wizard of Oz took place in Kansas City in October 2018, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet will present their premiere in May 2019. The brainchild of acclaimed choreographer Septime Webre (presently Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet and formerly Artistic Director of Washington National Ballet), this dazzling production brings all of Oz’s favorite characters to dance down the yellow brick road—from Toto to flying monkeys, this ballet has it all. Webre’s choreography showcases the strength, athleticism and artistry of Colorado Ballet’s talented dancers.

Bringing to life one of the most beloved stories of all time through dance, Webre assembled a world renowned creative team to realize his vision. The vibrant costumes by Liz Vandal, ingenious set and lighting design by Michael Raiford and Trad Burns, and searing score by composer Matthew Pierce set the stage not only for the dancers, but for the magical puppetry of Nicholas Mahon, who created the puppets for the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Our Thoughts on The Wizard Of Oz:

We have taken Teagan to Colorado Ballet for a number of performances; most recently for Sleeping Beauty.  Heading into Denver for an afternoon at the ballet with my mom and Teagan has become somewhat of a tradition.  Teagan is our tiny dancer and she has always enjoyed watching ballerinas and dancing herself.  We started with The Nutcracker years ago but last weekend we were introduced to The Wizard of Oz performed by the amazing dancers of Colorado Ballet.  Now, I am not one to judge but honestly, The Wizard of Oz was absolutely the BEST ballet I have seen at Colorado Ballet.

Let me start by saying, this ballet was a bit different, I found it to be less traditional and stuffy.  Do not get me wrong, I adore The Nutcracker but it is quite traditional.  This performance of The Wizard of Oz was outstanding; from the music, to the costumes, to the set and the dancers.  AMAZING!

We all loved the addition of humor and modern dance – yes the Floss was even introduced into a number.  Teagan that that was so fun.  The colors on the costumes and set were pretty breathtaking.  And we will never forget that Wicked Witch riding her bike in the air.  I read that there were over 250 hand dyed shoes for The Wizard of Oz and goodness we noticed those shoes.  This was the perfect ballet for a child who is new to the ballet, it was completely entertaining and fun for all ages.

My only warnings for anyone heading to see The Wizard of Oz at Colorado Ballet is some of the special affects.  The “twister” scenes have a digital backdrop that spins – this was hard for my mom to watch and she had to keep her eyes shut during those parts.  Anyone that would get sick to their stomach easily with spinning this is a concern.  Teagan, who has super sensitive “blonde” eyes had trouble in the Emerald City scene in Act 2.  The dazzling disco balls were fantastic but really hurt her eyes.  Like I said, this ballet was full of new features and effects from some of the more traditional performances so while we loved them all, it was way more modern in terms of the set and effects.

Tickets and Information:

Tickets range from $30 to $155. Visit COLORADOBALLET.ORG or call Patron Services at 303-837-8888 ext. 2 to purchase tickets.

The performance duration is approximately 2 hours and includes one interm.ission. The lobby opens one hour before curtain, and the theater opens 30 minutes before curtain.

Located at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. 1385 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80204

Remaining Performances of The Wizard of Oz:

Friday, February 8, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
*Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY

COLORADO BALLET: AN EVENING IN OZ GALA

In addition to the  ballet, Colorado Ballet will present an enchanting evening in the Land of Oz on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 5:30 PM. Guests will enjoy cocktails along the Yellow Brick Road, a fantastical excerpt from the much anticipated premiere of The Wizard of Oz, an auction of luxury items and an opulent meal in the elegant Emerald City. The evening will close as guests click their heels together with dancing on the Ellie Stage.  This is a surefire way for the passionate ballet aficionado and/or Wizard of Oz fan to immerse themselves in what is sure to be an incredible evening full of magic!  To purchase Gala tickets or tables, please visit COLORADOBALLET.ORG/GALA.

More Upcoming Productions at Colorado Ballet:

Tour de Force | March 8 – 10, 2019
Featuring Colorado Ballet, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Wonderbound
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

Ballet MasterWorks | April 5 – 14, 2019
Featuring Carmina Burana and Serenade
Ellie Caulkins Opera House

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