Take a trip “Down the Yellow Brick Road” May 12-13

This original family show offers charming lessons on self-confidence, friendship and courage and features a local cast.

yellowbrick road streamJourney to Oz with your favorite characters as UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center presents the family-friendly original play “Down the Yellow Brick Road” May 12-13.

“Down the Yellow Brick Road” is written by local actor/playwright Jerry Sims and adapted from L. Frank Baum’s book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” One of the center’s most ambitious original productions, this adaptation features elaborate sets, fanciful costumes, special effects and local actors. This wonderful family show offers charming lessons on self-confidence, friendship and courage, and the audience participation is guaranteed to make this a performance to remember.

Performances are set for 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 12, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 13, in the Alys Stephens Center’s Odess Theatre. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children and students. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

Join the Alys Stephens Center for a Down the Yellow Brick Road Family Fun Lunch from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, between showtimes in the Sirote Theatre. Enjoy an adult- and child-approved menu and fun activities, including face painting, art activities, photo booth area, and a meet-and-greet with cast members. The lunch is free for ASC members and their families, up to four people. Lunch is $16 for adult non-members and free for their children. Limited availability. For more information, email ASCmembership@uab.edu or reserve your place online.

The cast of “Down the Yellow Brick Road” is Ron Bourdages, Marissa Hebson, David Pohler, LaShanna R. Tripp, J. Heath Mixon, Darrel Revel, Holly Croney Dikeman, Ashlyn Bondurant, Lilly Burchfield, Gabrielle Metz and Marek Mangina. The production also features additional songs by Bourdages. Stage managed by Lauren M. Edwards.

Celebrate the story and characters of “Down the Yellow Brick Road” before they come to life on stage at Family Day, Saturday, May 5, at ArtPlay. Follow ArtPlay’s very own yellow brick road to the ArtPlay House for face painting, art activities and photos with favorite characters. Attendees can also enter to win tickets for a family of four to see the play. Family Day is free and open to the public.